Verification drive launched in Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 9
In the wake of an increase in crime incidents, the Haridwar police today launched a verification drive to examine the credentials of those working in the SIDCUL industrial estate and tenants.

Being carried out under the directions of SP (city)Kiran Lal Shah, the drive aimed at covering the maximum number of SIDCUL employees and tenants in the city.

SP Shaw said a verification drive was also carried out two years ago under the then SSP Sanjay Gunjiyal. It had a major impact as the crime graph had come down. It had been made mandatory that without verification, no worker would be recruited in SIDCUL factories.

He said response to this verification drive was overwhelming as the local people were also perturbed due to the increase in criminal incidents. Checking of vehicles at entry and exit points to the city was also being carried out.

Patrolling has also been increased with all SHOs directed to remain on mobile patrol on a regular basis. People have been urged to cooperate with the police by informing it about any suspected person.

District police chief Arun Mohan Joshi said the drive would help check the crime graph in the city.

BJP will win Sitarganj bypoll even against Bahuguna, says Bhatt
Party to announce name of candidate soon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Ajay Bhatt, said here today that the people of Sitarganj had given mandate to the BJP in the last Assembly elections and the party would still win the seat even if it had to fight against Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna.

Bhatt, while addressing mediapersons, said, “The people of Sitarganj will still vote for the BJP in the byelection to be held on July 8. There is no question of the BJP losing the seat. In the coming days the party will announce the name of the candidate.”

He added the comparison between TPS Rawat, the then Congress MLA who vacated his seat for BC Khanduri in 2007, and former Sitarganj MLA Kiran Mandal could not be done. “A large scale wheeling and dealing that is going on with the active role of the Chief Minister and his senior Cabinet colleagues will go down as a dark chapter in the history of Uttarakhand politics,” he said.

Bhatt said though the BJP wanted to discuss the issue of Kiran Mandal’s sudden disappearance under Rule 310 (adjournment motion) in the just concluded Assembly session, the Speaker did not accept their request.

“We wanted to raise an issue of public interest in the House but were denied permission,” he added.

The Leader of the Opposition said the BJP was in no mood to allow an easy pass to Bahuguna who today finally announced his decision to fight from the Sitarganj Assembly seat.

Bhatt said the BJP would continue to raise the issue of approval for conferring the status of private universities to the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT, Jolly Grant), Unison, Indian Management Institute and the Dehradun Institute of Technology.

“Instead of taking up the burning issues of water scarcity, the law and order situation in the state and manpower shortage in hospitals, the Chief Minister convened a Cabinet meeting twice the same day to take up the issue of private universities. What was the haste and urgency? We are still demanding an answer from the government,” he said.

Bhatt also criticised ministers belonging to the Congress for lack of preparedness during the budget session.

CM to head panel on Raj Jat Yatra
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has announced the formation of an advisory committee on Raj Jat Yatra to oversee the preparations for the next year.

Giving an assurance in the House yesterday, the Chief Minister said the committee would be headed by him would also co-opt the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and MLAs onto the panel.

The 180-km month-long yatra would pass through 19 halts and the state government is hopeful of generous assistance from the Central Government.

The Chief Minister announced that the first meeting of the committee would take place on June 16 and efforts would be made to make the yatra a success. 

Expulsion of ex-BJP MLA Rawat
Kotdwar leaders for similar action against others
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
The expulsion of former BJP MLA Shailender Rawat and three of his supporters for allegedly carrying out anti-party activities has created a storm in the Kotdwar unit of the party with leaders demanding similar action against others.

The disciplinary committee of the BJP had recommended action against the former BJP MLA against whom charges of carrying out anti-party activities were levelled, especially after the defeat of former Chief Minister BC Khanduri from Kotdwar.

His expulsion has created resentment among his supporters and office-bearers of the state unit of the party. But the party is hopeful that with time anger and protests would die down.

Joshi: Govt has failed to curb migration from hills
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, June 9
Ganesh Joshi, BJP legislator from Mussoorie, today criticised Vijay Bahuguna-led Congress government in the state saying it had failed to deliver on its election promise of curbing migrations from hills.

While speaking to mediapersons here, Joshi said on the contrary Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, son of renowned politician Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, had himself migrated to plains with his announcement to contest the Assembly byelection from the Sitarganj constituency.

Joshi said the government that was being run with the help of horse-trading had lost the confidence of the people. He added the complete government machinery was busy ensuring the victory of the Chief Minister in the Sitarganj byelection and as a result government officials were ruling the roost and ignoring the burning problems of the state.

The MLA said he had successfully raised around 24 questions concerning problems of Mussoorie town like parking, drinking water, health, tourism etc., forcefully in the Assembly to which the government had failed to give any satisfactory reply. This showed its ill-preparedness.

Joshi said when the Peyjal Minister was questioned about was the government doing anything to solve the drinking water problem in Mussoorie, the latter replied that a project had been proposed.

He added considering the lack of health facilities in the town he had also raised the issue of placing specialist medical staff such as radiologists and heart specialists at the government hospital here.

He also raised the issue of upgrading parking facilities in the town and sought an explanation on slow progress in the construction of a parking slot at Masonic Lodge. The government replied saying the work would be completed within 12 months.

Joshi also raised the issue of construction of the Purkul-Mussoorie-Hathipaon Ropeway project to which the government replied stating that it was being worked under the revenue generating project and had been forwarded to the Central government for approval.

The local MLA said the government had sated that the Tourism Department would develop tourist spots such as Jahripani Fall, Bhatta Fall and the area near the Uttar Pradesh Mining Development Corporation under the Public Private Partnership mode.

Joshi alleged that the Congress government had put on hold all development projects initiated by the previous BJP government. Local BJP leaders Anil Godiyal, Kushal Singh Rana, Vijay Ramola, Sarojini Kaintura and others were present on the occasion.

Negi asks journalists, scientists to promote awareness about ecology
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
Uttarakhand Minister for Science and Technology and Health and Family Welfare Surendra Singh Negi today called upon journalists, writers and scientists to come together and make innovations in science journalism to promote awareness about environment protection to make life better on earth.

Negi said this while inaugurating a workshop on ‘Innovations in Science Journalism to Promote Environment Awareness’ organised by the Lokhit Foundation with support from the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST).

He added environment meant everything under the sun and it was the duty of every citizen to conserve it for generations to come. “Scientific awareness about environment does not mean simply planting trees. It means capacity building of each individual to lead a better life,” he added.

The minister appreciated the efforts of the Lokhit Foundation in the field of capacity building through science communication training, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and their impact on human, soil, water, flora and fauna, livelihoods and AIDS. He hoped that the participants at the workshop would get back to their daily routines, innovating ideas that could make environment protection a way of life for themselves and their readers and TV viewers.

Over 50 participants, many of them budding print and television journalists, were exposed to the tools of innovative thinking to save the planet. Dr Rajendra Dobhal, Director General, UCOST, while appreciating the role of the foundation in promoting scientific awareness, said such workshops went a long way in promoting a tempo to find new ways to make life better for the poorest man.

“Every individual is a science journalist and a little effort can convert them into innovators. After all, most great inventions like electric bulb or telephone were not invented in sophisticated laboratories but in humble settings by thinkers and innovators,” Dobhal said, calling upon the youth to start thinking and questioning till a solution to a problem was found.

Bithi Chandramohan, Chairperson of the Lokhit Foundation, thanked the UCOST for supporting important science-related events and felt that journalists and science writers could play a big role in helping the masses in rural areas blend the rich traditional wisdom with modern science. “Even a small innovation to make the village kitchen smokeless results in better health for women, besides saving fuel,” said Bithi.

She urged the youth to come out of the mechanical thinking shells and breathe in the fresh air and innovate to make life better for the weakest.

Dr Devinder Bhasin, Principal, DAV (PG) College, Padma Shree Avdhash Kaushal and others were among those present.

Construct drinking water schemes with central funds: DM
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, June 9
District Magistrate (DM), Champawat, Sridhar Babu has ordered that new drinking water schemes be planned and constructed for the rural areas of the district with the central funds released under the border areas development projects (BADP) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. “New drinking water schemes in rural areas of the district can have money from the central funds if these are used to find water sources for the schemes,” said a Jal Sansthan engineer quoting DM’s recent orders. According to sources in the district development office in Champawat, the DM has ordered that the boundary walls, bridle ways and small roads, which hitherto have been constructed with the central funds, will now have to look for funds from other sources as the central funds will only be spent for constructing basic infrastructure for the drinking water schemes in the district.

“Of nearly Rs 5 crore released to the district under the Central government schemes, Rs 4.15 crore will be spent in Champawat subdivision while Rs 83 lakh will be used in Lohaghat subdivision this year primarily for creating infrastructure for the rural drinking water schemes,” said the District Development Officer, Champawat.

“We have not received any proposal from villages for the construction of new drinking water schemes. The district development department wants villagers to send proposals under the scheme as the shortage of drinking water in rural areas of Champawat has worsen this year with 30 per cent of them not receiving enough water to meet even the minimum requirement on a daily basis,” said a Jal Sansthan officer.

Besides constructing minor perishable works, the development agencies in the district have been using the funds granted under the BADP for erecting solar lights in remote border villages of the district.

Poachers in Corbett Park
NTCA to send fact-finding team to Uttarakhand
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
Taking strong note of reports regarding the presence of poachers in the Corbett region of Uttarakhand, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (New Delhi) has decided to send a fact-finding team to the state.

The NTCA has also written to the Uttarakhand DGP to take stern measures to put a check on poachers active in and around the Corbett region. The letter also asks the DGP to ensure cooperation between the police and the state Forest Department to arrest those causing harm to the wildlife.

Rajesh Gopal, member secretary (NTCA), New Delhi, said the team would conduct an on-the-spot assessment of reports regarding the presence of poachers in various parts of the Corbett.

The People for Animals (PFA), Uttarakhand chapter, led by Gauri Maulekhi, had repeatedly expressed concern over the rising number of poachers in various zones of Corbett. The PFA also suspects the poaching of a tigress a few days ago. The Corbett authorities, on the other hand, have been denying any such incident in the Corbett region.

However, the Corbett authorities, at a press conference recently, had announced the busting of a gang of poachers belonging to Haryana that was active in Corbett.

The PFA alleged that the Corbett authorities seem to be diverting attention from the main culprits and arresting those who might not have anything to do with the poaching cases.

74th Death Anniversary of Abbas Tayyabji
Governor orders probe into CPWD usurping freedom fighter’s house
Our correspondent

Mussoorie, June 9
Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi paid rich tributes to the great freedom fighter of his times, Abbas Tayyabji, also known as “Chhota Gandhi” and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary at a small function held at the Municipal Council boardroom here today.

The governor in his address said Tayyabji was not only a great leader but also an exponent of secular values in his life and lived by these ideals until his death in Mussoorie. Qureshi said he was saddened to know that the ‘Southwood cottage’, the house where the leader spent his later part of the life in Mussoorie, had been usurped by the CPWD. He ordered a probe into the whole matter and sought a report within three days.

The Governor said he would also persuade the state government to set up a centre for education for women from the underprivileged section in Mussoorie.

Dr S. Farooq, vice-president of the Abbas Tayyabji Trust, said it was indeed shameful that the CPWD had occupied the house where the leader had lived till his death. Besides, the grave at Landour Bazaar that was renovated by the trust had also been damaged beyond repair.

Farooq reiterated the resolve to convert Southwood estate residence of the freedom fighter, which was often visited by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, into a national trust and a museum.

The other speakers including former Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha K. Rahman Khan, Prof Dr Tahir Mahmud and Anil Nauria, all reiterated their resolve to establish a huge memorial in Mussoorie after the freedom fighter.

Secretary of the trust P. Painuly thanked all guests on the occasion and said the future generations should learn from Tayyabji’s life and try to emulate it.

Pension scheme for BHEL staff launched
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 9
The much-awaited pension scheme has been launched for the employees of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

This was informed by senior manager (HR) K S Bhandari today.

The families of 2,800 deceased workers who worked on various positions in the BHEL, Ranipur unit, Haridwar, are also entitled to the scheme. Those who took retirement after putting in 15 years of service can also avail this benefit.

Bhandari said the scheme would be implemented in all units of the BHEL in a systematic manner. A separate pension cell has also been set up at the Central Foundry Forge Plant and Heavy Electrical Engineering Limited, twin units in Ranipur.

Inder Mohan Barthwal, a senior BHEL employee, said this was a landmark decision.

Traders, locals protest rising crime graph in Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 9
In protest against the rising crime graph in Haridwar, traders and the local people took to the streets today and demanded that security be beefed up in the city.

Traders gathered at the Ranipur-Chandrachary-Bhagat Singh Chowk stretch and raised slogans against the district administration for having “failed” to take necessary steps to check the crime graph in the city.

The protesters said they were ready to cooperate with the police if it considered the idea of installing CCTV cameras at their commercial establishments, which could help identify miscreants.

Uday Ram Semwal, traders’ representative from Heera Complex, said the crime rate had increased in the past one year.

He said the Haridwar police had been entrusted with various duties like traffic management, festive bathe duty VIP duty etc simultaneously, which take a toll on their civil police working.

Tarun Gupta, a representative of cyber café traders, said they had made it mandatory for customers to show identity cards before surfing the Internet.

Local people have demanded that night patrolling be started by the police as it had become very difficult for them, especially for women, to go out of their houses when it is dark.

The protesters have also decided to meet SSP Arun Mohan Joshi in this regard.

13 lost their lives in mishaps
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
As many as 13 persons lost their lives in separate accidents in the state today.

Seven persons were killed while eight others were injured when the utility vehicle they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge near Sahiya here today. The injured were taken to the Vikasnagar Community Health Centre, from where three seriously injured have been referred to Lehman Hospital, Hurbertpur.

In another accident, three persons were killed when a vehicle on way to Tanakpur from Pithoragarh met with an accident at Sukhidang in the Tanakpur region of Champawat district.

In yet another mishap, one person was killed and three others were injured in a road mishap at Ghansali in Tehri Garhwal district.

Meanwhile, two persons swept away in the Ganga at Rishikesh today. Both were residents of Delhi and were on a visit to Rishikesh.

The Chief Minister has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the mishaps. He has prayed for the peace of the departed souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Chief Minister has also directed the District Magistrates concerned to provide relief to kin of the deceased and the injured.

Governor Aziz Qureshi has also expressed grief over the deaths in the accidents.

ASHA worker dies in mishap
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, June 9
The state-level conference of the ASHA (Accredited social health activists) workers’ association convened by the CPI (ML) at Nainital has been cancelled as one of their representative from Pithoragarh was killed in an accident here today.

Neema Nagarkoti (36), Asha worker from Pithoragarh, died when she reportedly fell from the motorcycle on which she was riding the pillion.

KK Bora, convener of the meeting from Nainital, said: “As Neema was the block-level president of the Asha workers’ association, we have cancelled the two-day state-level conference that was scheduled to begin from today.”

‘Improve services under khushiyon ki sawari’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 9
Joint Secretary, Reproductive and Child Health, Government of India, Manoj Jalani has asked the GVK EMRI to further improve the services rendered by it under the ‘khushiyon ki sawari’ for expectant mothers.

Evaluating the services of 108, Jalani said: “Khushiyon ki sawari, a to and fro van facility for expectant mothers who go for institutional deliveries, can reduce maternal mortality rate.”

Manish Tinku, state head of the 108 services, said out of the total 5,87,867 emergency calls received by 108, 1,45,039 calls pertained to pregnancy and a total of 3,190 children were born in the ambulance this year.

To further enhance the services rendered by the 108 emergency ambulances, the state government is planning to equip these ambulances with GPS under the National Rural Health Mission.