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RS poll no cakewalk for Cong
Harish’s decision to stay with Cong a compulsion
Cong MLAs on backfoot over stalemate
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State has 600 species of birds: Dr Malavika
Dr Manav honoured
Posts on China border to be linked by road
Haridwar-Ramnagar Express hailed
Slow work on canal hassles people
‘Strict law must to combat terrorism’
1,032 units of blood donated
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RS poll no cakewalk for Cong
Dehradun, March 18 The newly floated group members are hopeful that they will get at least two Cabinet portfolios for their members and also that the Congress will not foist a candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat from outside the state. “We have extended support to the Congress at a crucial time when it was four short of simple majority, we expect the party to accommodate at least two members in the Cabinet,” said Mantri Prasad Naithani. It is believed that though the three independent MLAs are in line for Cabinet berths, the Congress will only be able to reward only two members with Cabinet berths. But that’s not all. MLA Prateek Panwar, who belongs to the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (P), too has voiced concerns at the Congress’ efforts to nominate a candidate from outside the state as member of the Rajya Sabha. “We will support Congress candidature for the Rajya Sabha if he is from Uttarakhand. We have already aired our misgivings with the Congress,” said Prateek Panwar. In the last of couple of years, both Congress and BJP preferred to nominate candidates from outside the state and Sushma Swaraj of the BJP, Satyavrat Chaturvedi and Satish Sharma of the Congress are some of the former MLAs who were nominated for the Rajya Sabha seat from Uttarakhand by their respective parties. The tendency of the national parties to foist Rajya Sabha candidates from outside is being increasingly opposed in Uttarakhand. “Both former Congress Rajya Sabha members Satish Sharma and Satyavrat Chaturvedi never bothered to visit Uttarakhand. We do not know if they even utilised the Local Area Development Fund for the state from where they were nominated,” said a senior BJP leader. |
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Harish’s decision to stay with Cong a compulsion
People in Uttarakhand have always voted for national parties. Even regional parties like the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and the Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha have failed to create a niche for themselves in the hill state’s bi-polar politics. A crafty politician Harish Rawat understood this fact and thus maintained the stand that he would not go out from the Congress under any circumstances and register his opposition within the party. From the pages of the Uttarakhand electoral history, veteran Congressman ND Tiwari way back in 1996 had carved out the Congress Tiwari from the parent Congress. But the party managed to bag the sole Garhwal parliamentary seat that too due to individual charisma of Satpal Maharaj. But the Congress Tiwari party failed to gather strength in the state and had to finally merge itself back into the Congress. Similarly, in the same year in1996, Harak Singh Rawat formed the Uttarakhand Sangharsh Morcha after parting ways from the saffron party, which he represented at that time. But the party too failed to impress upon the voters and Rawat was forced to join the BSP and ultimately he was left with no choice than to join the Congress. Most recently, Munna Singh Chauhan, another Uttarakhand politician, met the similar fate in the Assembly elections. Chauhan, who kept a clout in the Jaunsaar Bavar region of Dehradun, constituted the Uttarakhand Janwadi Party in 1993-94. Chauhan after failing to reap electoral benefits merged his party into the BJP. He again tried to revive the Janwadi party and contested recently concluded Assembly elections but failed miserably. Lt-Gen TPS Rawat (retd) had roaring electoral success after getting elected as Congress MLA shortly after the first Assembly elections in the state in 2002. He got re-elected on a Congress ticket in the second Assembly elections. Shortly thereafter, he joined the BJP as part of electoral strategy. But soon he left the saffron party and formed his Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha. After much fanfare, the Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha entered the recent Assembly poll, but his party failed to open an account and even TPS Rawat himself stood a distant third in the Lansdowne Assembly constituency. The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, the regional party whose contribution to the struggle in the formation of Uttarakhand is well-known, today stands decimated. The UKD got one Assembly seat in the elections. UKD (Progressive) faction candidate from Yamunotri Pritam Singh Panwar just managed to win the elections. The UKD had three MLAs in the last house. Its four MLAs were elected in the 2002 Assembly elections of the state. But this regional party has faced a complete rout with its mass base eroding significantly. Harish Rawat was aware of the fate of smaller political outfits in Uttarakhand and this prevented him from going to an extent of breaking the Congress and forming his own political party and has so far only resorted to pressure politics. The Reason
People in Uttarakhand have always voted for national parties. Even regional parties like the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and the Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha have failed to create a niche for themselves in the hill state’s bi-polar politics. A crafty politician Harish Rawat understood this fact and thus maintained the stand that he would not go out from the Congress under any circumstances and register his opposition within the party. |
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Cong MLAs on backfoot over stalemate
Nainital, March 18 The legislators are clearly on the backfoot on this issue and are trying to seek refuge under the excuse that the high command has asked them to keep their mouth shut. The plight of the legislators came to light in the Lake City on Saturday when the first-time Congress legislator Sarita Arya made her first public appearance after she had won the poll for the Nainital seat. Arya refused to make a categorical statement on what the developments on the Congress front were. She refused to say anything on the continuing imbroglio and the dissidence put up by the supporters of Cabinet Minister and senior party leader Harish Rawat in the face of the party high command having chosen Vijay Bahuguna as the new Chief Minister. Arya is among those legislators who have taken the oath to their office while there are still a large number of the Congress legislators camping in Delhi who are yet to do so. Responding to a flurry of questions, Arya said, “There is a difference of opinion but there is no differences in hearts in the party.” She expressed confidence that a solution would be worked out soon and the solution would be to everyone’s satisfaction. She agreed to the suggestion that the party high command had taken the views of the newly elected legislators on finalising the Chief Minister for the state but she maintained a silence when she was asked whether the high command had actually given the weightage to the views expressed by them. At the same time, she said she was a soldier of the party and would abide by the decisions of the party high command. Most of the Congress leaders are not reachable at this point of time and those who are available prefer to talk off the record. They are also keeping away from public platforms for the time being, knowing that everyone wants to know what is happening. The party leaders say, “Shooting off of our mouths can prove to be dangerous for our own political interests in the long run. It is not clear what is going to emerge out of all this.” |
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NTPC hopes for revival of scrapped Lohari Nagpala project
Dehradun, March 18 “We had spent Rs 780 crore on the Lohari Nagpala project and after spending such a hefty amount we certainly hope for its revival," Soin pointed out. He also admitted that NTPC had sought compensation after scrapping of the project but will certainly prefer for the revival of the project. Lohari Nagpala project was scrapped by the Centre two years back. The Executive Director, NTPC, Malvinder Singh Soin, said the NTPC was presently executing three hydro projects in Uttarakhand totalling to 942 MW, which includes Vishnugaad Hydro Project, Lata Tapovan Hydro Project and Rupsiabagar Khasiyabara Hydro Project. “After commissioning of Tapovan Vishnugad project proposed in 2014, Uttarakhand will be getting approximate 300 million units of free power per annum, besides other benefits like local area development, enhancement of lifestyle of bona fide and other income generations,” Soin revealed. He reminded that as per government policy, NTPC is also planning to provide power to the rural population in the radius of 5 km from the project. He said initiatives such as running vocational training, skill upgradation programme and contracts to local cooperative society have been taken up by NTPC in aid of local population. He informed that NTPC for the first time has introduced a tunnel boring machine in the Himalayan region. “More than 60 per cent of tunneling has been executed till date in the Tapovan Vishnugad project. Excavation of power house cavern, penstocks, tail race tunnel and surge shaft has been completed inspite of adverse geographical and extreme weather conditions. He also apprised that NTPC had also taken a lead to conserve the rich heritage present in Uttarakhand. NTPC has ensured rebuilding of monument brick by brick with the help of local panchayats. “A 1000-year-old temple has been rebuilt at Tapovan,” he pointed out. |
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State has 600 species of birds: Dr Malavika
But lack of knowledge among bird lovers, wildlife tourists and even local people, this aspect has not turned into a major tourist potential. This was revealed by ornithologist Dr Malavika Tiwari, while talking to TNS, after recognising more than 12 migratory bird species in the national park. Malavika pointed out that the environment in Uttarakhand provided the best habitat to birds, which are found in low terrains to snowy Himalayan belt like Kedar Nath and Dharchula. “Be it the Shivalik habitat, alpine meadows popularly known as Bugyal or the Assan barrage Dehradun, Neeldhara-Bhimgoda in Haridwar where migratory birds are found, the state has a high potential for promoting bird watching as a major tourism sector” said Dr Malavika, who currently works with the Nature Science Initiative Forum. Citing that birds are also related with the hilly culture, she added that Ghugti was a festival celebrated in the hilly regions of Garhwal which was related with birds only, which indicated the love hilly people had for this species. Currently tracking the movement, the behaviour of birds in and around Rajaji National Park, Dr Malavika is also planning to have a detailed analytical book on birds in Uttarakhand. She is now carrying out various projects in the bird habitat, apprising people about how to indentify birds, their peculiar features, sonorous voice and how they communicate. Shedding insight into Uttarakahand’s official state bird Himalayan Monal, scientifically known as Lophophorus impejanus, Malvika said Himalayan Monal secures a distinct position among pheasants due to its prominent built, brilliant plumage and strong association with local folklore. Also monal has long crest, metallic green colour and a prominent white back and rump while female birds have prominent white patch in the fore neck and a white strip on its tail. |
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Child Literature Academy founded in Haridwar
Haridwar, March 18 Keeping in mind the necessity to bring together child literatures under one banner, a unanimous decision to form the academy was taken. Head of the Child Welfare Family Dr NK Palival mooted the idea to which all participants agreed to with a view to foster children’s literature in the hilly state. Dr Ram Nivas Manav from Haryana pointed out that good literature for children was imperative for their overall growth as it had a deep impact on tender minds. Noted city-based literati Dr Vishnu Dutt Rakesh expressed happiness that child literature was being viewed as a different arena among writers and publishers. Emphasising the need for such an academy in the state, Dr Shankuntala Kalra pointed out that in hilly districts, books were the best friends of children as electricity, television and Internet facilities were still to reach these villages. She cited an example of child fortnightly ‘Bal Prahari’ which is one of the most popular magazines among children. Writers, novelists and academicians, who had excelled in child literature, were also felicitated at the conference. Many new books were also launched on the occasion. Noted child writers Dr Hari Singh Pal (Delhi), Dr Kusha Yadav (Agra), Dr Raj Kishan Saxena (Khatima), Krishan Salabh(Doon), Dr Rashtra Bandhu (Kanpur), Uday Khirola (Almora) and Darshan Asath (Patiala) participated in the conference. |
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Dr Manav honoured
Dr Manav was awarded today for his contribution to the Hindi literature. Being in this field for more than four decades, Dr Manav is an amalgamation of deep knowledge, dedication and humility. Despite having written 50 odd books with seven on child literature, Dr Manav believes that he is still a learner in this field. Currently heading the University Research Centre at Hisar, Haryana, Doctorate in Hindi literature Ram Nivas has been instrumental in helping 80 students get their M.Phil and PhD degrees in Hindi. His two research compilations and poems have found place in curriculum of Master of Arts in Kureshetra University. He has also been felicitated by various organisations for his contribution to the Hindi language. Quite impressed with the natural beauty of Uttarakhand, Dr Manav has also penned down a poetry book on the beauty of the state. Titled ‘Kavita Mey Uttaranchal’, the book has been receiving rave reviews and according to experts, it is one of the most beautiful compilations on the state by a non-Uttaranchali writer. On the need for inclining children to literature, Dr Manav opined that though children were diverting towards Internet, TV, video games and mobiles but the trend was prevalent only in urban or semi urban
areas only. “Majority of our population lives in villages and slums and have no access to such costly entertainments. Good literature has a scope here which caters to their thinking, dreams, aspirations and needs,” said Dr
Ram Nivas. His most popular books are ‘Saanjhi Roshni, ‘Bolo Mere Ram’, ‘Sahami Sahami Aag’. He has contributed to children’s literature also.
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Posts on China border to be linked by road
Pithoragarh, March18 The construction of the 75 km road from Ghatia Bagar to Lipulekha in Byans Valley is in progress. A 38 km patch of the road from Gunji to Lipulekh is near completition while a 6 km portion from Pangla to Tawaghat had been completed, said Shankar, who recently inaugurated a 60 m span steel guarder bridge at the Rongti nullah near Dharchula. According to the Director-General, problems are being on the work on a portion of this road from Garvadhar to Gunji due
to rough terrain. “Our engineers will make it worth transportable by 2014,” he stated. The BRO has airlifted heavy machinery and other equipment by a helicopter from Dharchula
to Gunji and Pithoragarh helipads. Later, the DG visited Munsiyari by a helicopter and inspected the work on 56 km road from Munsiyari to Milam in Darma Valley, linking the
China border. |
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Vedas only way to attain spiritual gains: Experts
Haridwar March 18 A total of 400 research papers were presented during the conference with experts highlighting the immense importance of the Vedas in the life and in revolutionising the thought process. Terming the Vedas the right path to gain spiritual as well as material benefits, Dr Chinmay Pandya, Chancellor of the host Dev Sanskriti University, said the path shown by the Gayatri family founder Pt Shri Ram Sharma Acharya still holds relevance in this regard. Pandya added that the teachings of the Acharya is relevant as he was of the view that the Vedas and thought revolution are the tools to attain spiritual as well as development of the society. “Happiness, spirituality and humanity are latent in every human being, but the Vedas bring them to fore and make one realise the importance as well as right way to achieve these things,” said Pandya at the concluding session of the conference. Waves International member from the United States Professor Bal Ram Singh said the Vedas are an unending flow of knowledge without any stoppage which in itself is a knowledge storehouse. Prof PC Murli Madhavan of Shankaracharya Vishwavidyalaya, Kerala, emphasized on the need of having more such conference on the Vedas in future as these bring intellectuals from across the world at one roof, where sharing of knowledge on the Vedas has been a unique experience. Urging all to imbibe Vedic teachings, Professor Mahavir Aggarwal of the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy said India has been a flag bearer of world civilization owing to the Vedas only and even the western world is now acknowledging India’s ancient Vedic knowledge. Certificates were also accorded to delegates at the concluding session with rendition of Vedic chanting by host university students with a yajna being performed at Maha Kaal temple by participating delegates. |
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Haridwar-Ramnagar Express hailed
"Today that promise stands fulfilled as the Haridwar-Ramnagar Link Express has started its services," he said. Maharaj said he had been making efforts for over the past two years to ensure that the train started its services. He has reiterated his commitment to work for the all-round development of the Garhwal region. Meanwhile, newly elected Congress MLA from Ramnagar Amrita Rawat has also expressed satisfaction with the start of the train services. "I am happy that the Railway Minister managed to introduce this service for which efforts were started by Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj," she said. The MLA promised the residents of Ramnagar that development activities that were promised by her at the time of the Assembly elections would be carried out. |
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Slow work on canal hassles people
Nainital, March 18 Heavy machinery being used in the exercise has also been damaging water supply lines in various localities. Even repeated visits to the affected areas by the District Magistrates and instructions given to the PWD and other officials have not helped much. The works are yet to be expedited. Commuters are facing many hardships in the area between Calltax and Sushila Tewari Memorial Hospital in Haldwani, where the canal is being covered. The worst affected stretch is between Judge Farm and Mukhani, an area where several residential localities are located. Similarly, works pertaining to the upgrading of water supply infrastructure has been leading to problems in Nainital. With the roads being narrow, the digging up and the laying down of pipes on Lower Mall Road and in the stretch between the mosque in Mallital and Cheene Baba temple has been causing problems to those driving on these stretches. The metalling of Upper Mall Road has also been causing traffic snarls. Asian Development Bank is aiding the upgrading of the water supply scheme under the Uttarakhand Urban Area Development Investment Programme. Director of the project Radhika Jha has asked the people facing problems to get their complaints registered on a toll free number, 18001804159, and also on the website www.uusdip.org. She said the problems being faced by the people would be looked into and their grievances would be addressed. The ADB has also roped in a local organisation to spread awareness about the works being undertaken among the common people. |
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‘Strict law must to combat terrorism’
Pithoragarh, March 18 Inaugurating the second session of the seminar, Lt-Gen Mohan Bhandari said taking recourse to human rights, the country should not relent on special legislations enacted to empower the armed forces to counter terrorism. “The internal security problems of the country can be solved only by adhering to strict political will to enact the laws made to counter the threats,” said Bhandari. Dr Rajvir Singh, a defence expert from Faizabad, said the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the country over Kashmir could only be tackled after having good relation with that country. The valedictory function of the seminar was coordinated by Dr VK Upadhyaya of Pithoragarh PG College and chaired by Prof RC Pandey, a retired Professor of Kumaon University.
— OC |
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Rao (A) win by 119 runs
Dehradun, March 18 The Rudra XI team was all out at 152 runs, thereby ensuring 119 run win for the Rao (A) team. Sandeep was the highest scorer with 31 runs. Shahil and Dipankar took 2 wickets each. In another match, Dental Classic Cricket Club won by 144 runs against RIT Cricket Club. Batting first, Dental Classic Cricket Club scored 209 runs. Piyush scored the highest runs (83). The RIT Cricket
Club team was all out for 65 runs. Sanjay and Ankit of Dental Classic Cricket Club took 5 wickets
each. |
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Annual function at Poly Kids
Dehradun, March 18 The students also performed dances on folk songs and Hindi film songs. They also staged skits. Director of the school Nandita Singh gave away certificates to kids for excelling in various competitions. |
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1,032 units of blood donated
Dehradun, March 18 Volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS) coordinated the camp wherein students in large numbers donated blood. Dehradun District Magistrate Dilip Jawalkar visited the camp and congratulated the participants for joining hands together for the noble cause.
— TNS |
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Dehradun, March 18
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Dehradun, March 18