HC stays taking over of college ground by admn
Dehradun, September 27
The Uttarakhand High Court has stayed the taking over of the Rangers’ College ground by the Dehradun administration.

Protests near Vidhan Sabha
Dehradun, September 27
There was a flurry of activity outside the Vidhan Sabha with members of several organisations presenting memoranda to Chief Minister BC Khanduri today.

Tourism Day function a low-key affair
Dehradun, September 27
This year’s celebration with regard to World Tourism Day today remained lackluster in comparison to gala functions held in previous years, thanks to the Assembly session, which began in the city.

Dehradun, September 27
In an unprecedented show of strength, more than 10,000 workers of the Opposition Congress from all over the state, led by state party chief Yashpal Arya and other senior party leaders, tried to lay a siege to the Assembly building. They were stopped at a barricade put up by the police near the building.

The Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress had organised the siege in protest against the alleged anti-people policies and charges of corruption against the state BJP government.

Thousands of Congress workers today gathered at Parade Ground where they were briefed by the senior party leaders on today’s programme.

They later marched to the Vidhan Sabha. The Congress workers tried to break the police barricade but could not succeed. Though Congress workers broke some part of the barricade.

Arya and Leader of the Opposition Harak Singh Rawat led the protesters in the attempt to cross the barricade. The duo, who were carried by the workers on their shoulders, raised slogans against the BJP government. No other senior Congress leaders were seen near the barricade.

Senior party leaders, including Union Minister of state for Agriculture, Food Processing and Parliamentary Affairs Harish Rawat, Congress MPs Satpal Maharaj, Vijay Bahuguna and KC Singh Baba and certain party legislators took part in the protest. Also present there were party general secretary in charge Birender Singh and co-in charge Anees Ahmed.

Arya, while addressing the workers, said the state BJP government had failed miserably on all the fronts and the presence of thousands of party workers signals the fall of the BJP in the coming Assembly elections.

“This historic gherao will be the last nail in the coffin of the corrupt BJP government,” he added.

He reiterated the demand for a CBI probe against former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who had been accused of corruption in some cases during his tenure.

The party also presented a memorandum to the police officials to be forwarded to the Governor, Margaret Alva, charging the BJP government with various acts of omission and commission. In the memorandum, the party has alleged that the state BJP government has been involved in many shady deals, including spendings during the Maha Kumbh fair, allotment of 56 hydroelectric projects and the Citurgia land scam. It says Nishank was removed for the alleged charges of corruption by the party high command. The memorandum has a list of 65 scandals perpetrated allegedly by the state BJP government.

The Congress has requested the Governor to ask the Union Government to order a probe by the CBI into these scams.

Dehradun, September 27
Harak Singh Rawat, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, lost consciousness during an attempt of the Congress to lay a siege to the Assembly here today.

Rawat raised slogans against the state BJP government in the state Assembly forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings of the House for the day. Later, he went to take part in the Congress agitation. As he, along with the workers and leaders of the Congress, was marching towards the state Assembly, he lost consciousness and was given first aid. He was taken to a private hospital where his condition improved after treatment and he was discharged from the hospital.

Dehradun, September 27
The Uttarakhand High Court has stayed the taking over of the Rangers’ College ground by the Dehradun administration.

Director, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, SS Negi said responding to a writ petition filed by the FRI, the HC had stayed the taking over of the college ground by the Dehradun district administration. Earlier, it was in possession of the FRI before being forcibly taken over by the administration.

Hailing the decision, Nitin Pandey from the Citizens from Green Doon said the order had come as a respite for the residents of Dehradun.

The administration had taken over the ground as the institute had failed to renew its lease agreement that had expired in 1997. The district administration had also held that the entire amount earned by the authorities of the Rangers’ College ground in the past 14 years would be recovered from the institute. The administration had also put up a notice board on the gate of the ground claiming that the property belongs to them. 

Dehradun, September 27
There was a flurry of activity outside the Vidhan Sabha with members of several organisations presenting memoranda to Chief Minister BC Khanduri today.

Contractual employees involved in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREG) programme held a protest in front of the Uttarakhand Assembly and also presented a charter of demands to the Chief Minister.

Protesting under the banner of the MGNREG Samvidha Karamchari Union, the members raised slogans against the government and demanded that they should be given employment by the Department of Rural Development.

Similarly, the members belonging to the Pradeshik Viklang Sangathan, Uttarakhand, also presented a 12 charter demands to the Chief Minister. These include raising of pension from the present Rs 600.

The members owing allegiance to the Pantnagar University and University Farm and Labourers Union were agitating against the transfer of land to the State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand. 

Dehradun, September 27
This year’s celebration with regard to World Tourism Day today remained lackluster in comparison to gala functions held in previous years, thanks to the Assembly session, which began in the city.

Tourism Minister Madan Kaushik and Principle Secretary to Tourism Alok Jain remained busy in the state Assembly House.

Adviser to the Chief Minister Prakash Suman Dhyani was the chief guest of the function held in the building of the Government Institute of Hotel Management in the city.

Additional Secretary to the Tourism Department Nitish Jha spoke about the state of affairs of tourism in the state.

“The number of domestic tourists has increased 25 per cent over the year. Sadly, we could register only 9 per cent growth in the number of international tourists. Branding is important to get identification in the national and international market. We hope that the projects like Nirmal Ganga, water adventures in the Tehri Lake and soft loans by the ADB to the tune of Rs 88 million can pave the way to further rise of tourism in the state.”

Prakash Suman Dyani drew attention towards the pitiable condition of infrastructure in the state, saying, “If the state government provides good roads, water and electricity, then people will come forward and set up tourism-related infrastructure like hotels, resorts etc. The Chardham pilgrimage remained severely affected due to broken roads. In case we provide roads on both sides of the rivers with bridges after every small distance, then even during landslides, the pilgrimage could be resumed smoothly.”

He rued the fact that the tourists didn’t get a place to eat proper food for long distances on the way to their destinations. He suggested that the youngsters who were becoming financially independent under the Bir Chander Garhwali Scheme could be encouraged.

Students of GIHM and various other students competed in the declamation contest on the theme “Tourism Linking Cultures” which is also the theme of World Tourism of this year.

On this occasion, Deputy Directors of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Corporation AK Dwivedi and AK Singh were also present.

Meanwhile, World Tourism Day was celebrated across the region. Various events, including seminars, workshops, slogan and painting and writing competitions were held in different districts.

These events focused on the need to promote tourism in the region as a major industry.The participants discussed various shortcomings in the tourism sector and came out with suggestions to overcome them.

Pithoragarh (OC): A sanitation campaign, a paragliding show and a slide show on the Kailsah Mansarovar yatra organised by the Tourism Department marked the World Tourism Day celebrations in Pithoragarh. “Until we understand our own regions, we cannot promote the tourism culture in hills,” said Rajendra Sharma, president of the Hotel Association of Pithoragarh.

Lalit Mohan Kapri, director of the Himal Adventure and Trekking Development Society, emphasised on developing all trekking routes of the Himalayan region to attract international tourists.

Pithoragarh Superintendent of Police NA Bharne exhibited a slide show on Kailash Mansarovar yatra on the occasion.

A group of 26 students from various schools of Almora district, who are undertaking a 10-day paragliding course in the district, also participated in the programme. 

Dehradun September 27
The protected wildlife areas in the state got 27 naturalists or guides on World Tourism Day today.

While giving certificates on the completion of their one-month training programme at the Centre for Eco-tourism and Sustainable Livelihoods, Chunakhan, near Ram Nagar, Director of Eco-tourism Rajiv Bhartari said, “As a result of this training programme, Rajaji National Park will now have a nature guide service for tourists on the pattern of Corbett National Park.

The number of nature guides at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary will increase from five to 10. Rural Tourism projects such as Mountain Shepherds, Village Ways and Chhoti Haldwani will also now have better well-qualified guides.”

A Green Hiker sticker, jointly produced by the World Wildlife Fund and the Forest Department, will spread awareness about protecting environment and respecting local culture.

The two-sided sticker, that can be displayed on vehicles carrying the message “Keep Himalayas Clean”, will be given to the tourists whenever they leave any national park or wildlife sanctuary.

Rajiv Bhartari, Director, Eco-Tourism, said, “Uttarakhand has a vast network of protected areas, including six national park or six wildlife sanctuary and two conservation reserves. However, except for the Corbett National Park and the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, other protected areas do not have a system of nature guides.”

With the completion of the training programme, he said, “Rajaji National Park will get 13, Nanda Devi National Park will also get three, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary will get five, Dhanaulti Eco Park will get two and Rural Tourism Projects will get four guides.”

Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India,

the Forest Department and the WWF India gave lectures during the course. Sarath Champati, instructor, Taj Safari, also held a workshop for the youngsters. 

Dehradun, September 27
Having played an important role in the third girls’ under-18 hockey Asia Cup in which the Indian team won a bronze medal, Doon girl Shivani Bisht aims to make it to the senior national squad.

India’s hope to win a gold medal dashed as it went down fighting 3-4 to Japan in the second semifinal. However, later by beating Korea, India settled for a bronze medal in the Asia Cup.

Shivani, who returned yesterday after playing the championship that was held in Bangkok from September 16 to September 25, said: “I gave my best in the championship. Now, I want to be a part of the national team.”

Shivani will soon attend a national camp (under-21) in Bhopal for an upcoming international championship. “All players who were the part of the Asian tour have been invited to this camp,” the 17-year-old girl told The Tribune.

A student of DAV (PG) College, she said: “There was a lot to learn at the international circuit. I learnt about speed and drag flicks from foreign players.”

Shivani, a trainee of the District Sports, however, rued a lack of support from the state government. “I have represented my state at the national level several times but have never been given even a hockey stick by the government. It was only my parents’ support that encouraged me to give my best.”

She said: “Unlike other states, we don’t have a single turf in the state. During national and international competitions, we have to play on turf. Practising on grass will not solve the purpose and our state’s players are lagging behind due to this.”

Dehradun, September 27
Raja Rawat and Nitin Jayal have brought laurels to Uttarakhand by getting selected in the under-16 Indian football team that will represent in the AFC qualifier in Uzbekistan. The two boys were also part of the Indian team for the Under-16 SAF Football Championship which concluded recently in Nepal.

The All-India Football Federation announced a 23-player Under-16 team for the AFC qualifiers. India will play their first match against Kyrgyzstan on October 1. India will meet Bahrain on October 3, Uzbekistan on October 5 and Tajikistan on October 7.

Raja Rawat is a student of the local Sports Hostel located at the Parade Ground, while Nitin is a student of Maharana Pratap Sports College here.

The members of the under-16 team are Avinash Rao, Ajaipal Singh, Supratim Bhattacharya (goalkeepers), Myron Mendes, Maiban Jimmy Singh, Suman Saha, Sajid Dhot, Sarthak Golui, Rahul S., Nabin Rabha, Gurba Gagri (defenders), Alen Deory, Harmanjot Singh, Nitin Jyal, Germanpreet Singh, K. Lalramzuava, Lalrammuana, Raja Rawat, Geremsha Basumatary (midfielders), Kamalpreet Singh, Daniel Lalhimpuia, Laldantsanga, Uttam Rai (forwards). 

Dehradun, September 27
Guru Nanak Academy got the better of The Aryan School 2-1 in the Inter-council School Sub-junior Boys’ Football Tournament here today.

Naizil Thapa (18th) and Prabhash (38th) were the scorers for the winning team while Vinesh (44th) struck the lone goal for Aryan that went down fighting ultimately.

In the second match, The Heritage School beat Carman School, Dalanwala 1-0 with the help of Sarthak Bijalwan (11th).

In the last match of today, Col Brown School blanked Doon Presidency, Premnagar, 3-0. Gaurav Bhatia (9th and 39th) and Jigmit (27th) scored in the win.

Dehradun, September 27“While practising, think every point to be a winning point,” says three-time world table tennis champion and Swedish coach Eric Lindh. He was interacting with players of Summer Valley School here today.

Eric Lindh is in India for three days to impart training to the teams participating in the Indian Junior and Cadet Open International Table Tennis Championship to be held at Maharana Pratap Sports College.

The school boasts of producing national-level table tennis players under the guidance of national-level coach Prince Vipon.

Interacting with players, Lindh said: “While practising, think every point is a last point.”

He said for a player, there were always ups and downs. But one should take all obstacles in a positive manner and not feel disappointed. 

Dehradun September 27
Matches under the individual category in the All-India Inter-school IPSC Table Tennis Championship for Boys were held at Welham Boys School, Dehradun, on the second day today.

Results

Under-14 (boys)

Quarterfinal (individual): Modern School Delhi beat Raj Kumar College, 
Rajkot, 3-0

The Doon School, Dehradun, beat Delhi Public School, RK Puram, 3-0

Raj Kumar College, Rajkot, beat Doon School, Dehradun, 3-0

Delhi Public School, RK Puram, beat Modern School, Delhi, 3-0

Semifinal

Modern School, Delhi, beat The Doon School, Dehradun, 3-0

Raj Kumar College, Rajkot, beat Delhi Public School, RK Puram, 3-2

Final

Modern School, Delhi, beat Raj Kumar College, Rajkot, 3-0

Under-17 (boys)

Quarterfinal (individual)

Modern School, Delhi, beat Birla Public School 3-1

Doon School, Dehradun, beats Modern School, Delhi, 3-0

Modern School, Delhi, beat Raj Kumar College, Rajkot, 3-0

Modern School, Delhi, beat Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum, 3-0

Semifinal

Modern School, Delhi, beat Doon School, Dehradun, 3-0

Under-19 (boys)

Quarterfinal (individual)

Delhi Public School, RK Puram, beat Modern School, Delhi, 3-0

Modern School, Delhi, beat Delhi Public School, RK Puram, 3-0

Modern School, Delhi, beat Raj Kumar College, Rajkot, 3-1

Modern School, Delhi, beat Scindia School, Gwalior, 3-0

Semifinal

Delhi Public School, RK Puram, beat Modern School, Delhi, 3-1

Modern School, Delhi, beat Modern School, Delhi, 3-0

Final

Modern School, Delhi, vs Delhi Public School, RK Puram, on September 28 

Dehradun, September 27
A two-day workshop on Himalayan glaciers and climate change held at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, concluded here today with speakers expressing concern over the fast disappearing Himalayan glaciers.

Taking part in the discussions, mountaineer and Arjuna awardee Harshvanthi Bisht said she had been frequent visitors to the Gangotri glaciers for the past many decades and had been witness to enormous changes in the Gangotri region in terms of adverse impact on climate change on glaciers.

She also referred to photographs of the Gangotri glaciers and adjoining areas taken by Samuel Bourne way back in 1866 to prove her point. She said the climate change had put an adverse impact on the Gangotri glaciers, the Raktavarna glaciers and other adjoining glaciers proving detrimental to the local fauna.

Padam Shri Anil Joshi of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) said scientists and social activists must join hands to take up the challenge of the fast dissipating Himalayan glaciers. Dr PS Negi from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology elaborated on works undertaken by the institute in the Himalayan glaciers. The workshop was jointly organised by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, the Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC) and the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESC), a voluntary group with an aim to provide a platform for interaction of scientists and volunteers from different organisations working on the Himalayan glaciers and climate change. — TNS