Jolt to SP as Haridwar dist chief Ahmed quits
Submits resignation letters to Mulayam Yadav, Sachan
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 26
Earlier this week only Uttarakhand Samajwadi Party president Satya Narayan Sachan had made tall claims of growing party base and unity among party leaders.

Sachan had even claimed that the party is in a formidable position to win the Haridwar Lok Sabha seat but today the party got a major jolt when its Haridwar district chief and veteran leader Saeed Ahmed quit the party.

Citing indifferent attitude of the party high command, forcible appointment of Sachan,factionism among party leaders and no concrete vision among its leaders to ensure penetration of party base in the hill state, Saeed Ahmed today quit the party after forwarding his resignation to party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and party state chief SN Sachan.

Talking to TNS Saeed Ahmed disclosed that he had held talks with national party president Mulayam Singh Yadav and other party office bearers, but none seemed interested in political affairs and party’s popularity in Uttarakhand.

“Just focusing on Uttar Pradesh seems to be Samajwadi Party’s interest and Uttarakhand is far away in their interest list. Despite Samajwadi Party winning 2004 Lok Sabha seat (Haridwar )from the hill state , the party high command failed to utilise that moment. Now, our party candidates are in a no-contest situation. Forget winning, as neither party workers nor common public has been added to the party’s ideology,” said Ahmed, who along with his supporters held a meeting to discuss future political options.

Ahmed made it clear that he has been always secular and so will only join the party which has secular credentials and looks after the causes of both hill and plain region people, minority and farmers.

When contacted Samajwadi Party state president Satya Narayan Sachan said that he has not yet received the official resignation of Haridwar district unit chief. He added that if any one has any issues with party high command, he should put these in front of the party leaders first and then should go to media.

Sachan said that the party needs unity and discipline among its activists as Lok Sabha elections are not far away, and already Mulayam Singh Yadav is being touted as third front prime ministerial candidate. Kazi Chand,a party worker,said that the party needs leaders like Vinod Barthwal and Saeed Ahmed. Ahmed should consider his decision as he has been doing so for past decade and a half, he added. Former Samajwadi Party leader Murali Manohar pointed that since the creation of separate Uttarakhand, Samajwadi Party has not been able to even win a single Assembly seat, and barring 2004 Haridwar Lok Sabha when Rajendra Singh Badi won, even in the Lok Sabha seats the party's peformance has only dipped.

Cong leadership faces dilemma over Yashpal Arya’s replacement
Yet to accept his resignation
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Although State Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya has resigned as president of the state unit of the Congress on the principle of "one man one post", the party leadership has been in a fix to find a suitable candidate to lead the party in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Arya's resignation submitted to Congress General Secretary and in charge Ambika Soni is yet to be accepted.

The party leadership is facing a dilemma on the replacement of Yashpal Arya, as two senior leaders, both ministers in the Vijay Bahuguna Cabinet, whose names had been recommended by party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, have turned down the proposal.

Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Minister Pritam Singh and Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi had been called twice by the party to discuss the state leadership in the past one year. However, both of them reportedly refused to give up their ministerial positions to become the state party president.

With the Lok Sabha elections nearing, none of the state ministers want to sacrifice their ministerial berth for leading the party in a tough electoral battle with their backs to the wall.

The party would be facing a tough anti-incumbency and displeasure of the masses on the relief and rehabilitation efforts following the mid-June natural disaster in the state.

According to party sources, it would also difficult for the party leadership to strike a balance between the Garhwal and Kumaon regions and between the two dominant castes of Brahmins and Thakurs.

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna is a Grahwali Brahmin but he won the Assembly elections from Sitarganj in the Kumaon region. Panchayati Raj Minister Pritam Singh is the hot favourite for all the candidates if he decides to take up the job. Pritam Singh, who belongs to the tribal Chakrata region, is from the Thakur community, but has no organisational experience.

Bahuguna could support him since his Chakrata area falls in the Tehri Lok Sabha seat where Saket Bahuguna, son of the Chief Minister, is likely to be a party candidate.

Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi belongs to Kotdwar town and is considered a "giant killer" after he defeated former Chief Minister BC Khanduri in the last Assembly elections.

Another senior party leader and Lok Sabha MP from Pauri Garhwal, Satpal Maharaj, could be the choice of the party leadership. He is close to the Gandhi family and in the party politics, he is close to Vijay Bahuguna. His wife Amrita Rawat is state Tourism Minister.

On the other hand, Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat would also like his own candidate as the state party chief.

He is close to both Pritam Singh and Surinder Singh Negi, but could also pitch in Almora MP Pradeep Tamta, who is a Dalit and his close confidant. Being a Thakur, Mahender Pal, a former party MP from Nainital, is also in the race. He is close to the Bahuguna-Yashpal Arya camp. Two senior party leaders, Hira Singh Bisht and Shoorveer Singh Sajwan, are also lobbying hard to get the party's nod for the post. However, it is expected that the party leadership, after deciding on the next party president, would accept Arya's resignation. "We will soon have a new state party president," said CM Vijay Bahuguna.

In a fix
Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Minister Pritam Singh and Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi had been called twice by the party to discuss the state leadership in the past one year. However, both of them reportedly refused to give up their ministerial positions to become the state party president.

Bahuguna’s announcements mere gimmick: Teerath Rawat
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 26
The announcements made by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna for the development projects in the state especially in Tehri parliamentary constituency were mere gimmick to bolster the poll prospects of his son Saket Bahguna.

This was said by BJP state president Teerath Singh Rawat during his brief visit in Mussoorie, today.

Rawat further said Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had made announcement of over 1,000 projects of which only 100 had been executed so far and that too in the Tehri parliamentary constituency from where his son Saket Bahuguna was being projected as probable candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Rawat said most of the announcements made by the CM in the past one and a half year were still biting dust and the announcement being made by the Chief Minister had sole motive of enticing the voters in their favour in panchayats and parliamentary elections.

He said the voters of the state were watching all such false announcements made by the Chief Minister very closely and would give the Congress a befitting reply in the coming elections.

Rawat said the development was happening only on papers and the government had been successful only in utilising 16 per cent of the budget last year and only 18 per cent budget had been used for development works in the current year which could result in lowering the budget allocation for the next year by the Central government.

The development work has come to standstill in the state but the Congress government has failed to form any development policy as yet. Rawat said there was a wave in favour of the BJP and it would be evident in the December 15 rally at Dehradun where a record number of people would listen to the BJP leaders including Narendra Modi.

Upset DGP Sidhu changes transfer rules for ASPs, DSPs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
The DGP, BS Sidhu, has decided to make some fundamental changes in rules for transfer and posting of DSPs and duties of ASPs. He was reportedly upset with the working of senior police officials of the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state police foundation committee, which is headed by the DGP himself.

“The changes are being made keeping in mind the problems being faced by people due to the non-registration of cases in police stations, forcing them to go to courts and after which cases are registered,” said Sidhu.

From now onwards the police headquarters will be responsible for the transfer and postings of the Circle Officer (CO), Sadar, Haridwar, the CO, Roorkee, the CO, Haldwani, the CO, Rudrapur, the CO, Kashipur, the CO, Dehradun city, the CO, Sadar, Dehradun, and the CO, Kotdwar. As of now, SSPs and SPs were mandated to change the duties of COs, who are DSP rank officers. Moreover, the postings of other DSPs will be done by the SSPs and the SPs only after approval from the DIG of the respective ranges. The ASP (City) and the ASP (Rural) have also been empowered to change the duties of constables and head constables posted in their jurisdiction. Now, they will also have the power to transfer investigation and the investigation officers (IOs) from one police station to another. However, the ASP (City) and the ASP (Rural) will have to take the approval of SSP or SP in transfer and posting of sub-inspector in their jurisdictional areas.

Hold panchayat poll on basis of 2011 Census: HC
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
In a setback to the state government, the Single Judge Bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Nainital High Court, today asked the state government to hold the Panchayat elections scheduled next month on the basis of the 2011 Census report.

Earlier, the state government had notified the panchayat constituencies on the basis of the 2001 Census report. A petition in this regard was filed by Dehradun Zila Panchayat chief Madhu Chauhan.

Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Minister Pritam Singh, while commenting on the judgment, said the state government would abide by the verdict and start the process of delimitation as per the 2011 Census.

“Through a back date order the Uttarakhand government had said that as the 2011 census for the state was not complete, it was carrying out delimitation on the basis of the 2001 census which was false. As the final census data for the state was released on May 30, 2011. To get justice, I filed a writ petition in the Nainital High Court,” said Madhu Chauhan.

Welcoming the court decision, former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said the state government had been exposed. “What was the hurry on the part of the state government to delimit panchayat segments on the 2001 census when the 2011 Census report was notified?” he asked.

Objections to reservation of seats for elections pour in
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, November 26
Objections to reservation of seats in gram, block and zila panchayats for the SCs, the STs, the OBCs and women are pouring in a large number from various districts of Kumaon. Many leaders, who wanted to contest the panchayat elections, have been affected by the new reservation arrangement.

In Pithoragarh district, more than 70 objections to the reservation of seats have been filed with the District Panchayat Raj Officer. People have alleged that some of the seats have been reserved arbitrarily. Protests have been lodged against continuous reservation of some seats for the last three terms. “We have received 50 objections to reservation of seats in the gram panchayats, 10 each to reserved seats in the block and zila panchayats in the district,” said BS Duktal, District Panchayati Raj Officer, Pithoragarh.

Senior BJP leader Prakash Pant has alleged that the ruling party has changed the reservation parameters in such a way that it gets an upper hand in the panchayat elections so as to create a positive wave for itself in the Lok Sabha elections. “The government has not reserved seats where the Congress candidates are weak. It has also tried to influence the panchayat elections by reserving seats according to the Census 2011 while the delimitation of these seats was done according to the Census 2001,” said Pant, general secretary of the Uttarakhand BJP.

In Champawat district where more than 50 objections have been received, BJP leaders have alleged that the new reservation arrangement will benefit the local Congress MLA politically. “The zila panchayat seat of Raikot Kunwar in Lohaghat subdivision has been reserved for an SC candidate only to prevent my entry into the civic body as it has been my traditional seat,” said Lalit Pandey, a BJP leader and former Chairman of the Champawat zila panchayat. Pandey has lodged his objection with the Electoral Officer of the state.

Most of the objections to reservation of seats in gram panchayats are where seats have been reserved for the third time or the seat has been reserved for a particular category of people though they do not live in the area. “The zila panchayat seats of Uprara and Gwasikot in Gangolihat subdivision of Pithoragarh district have been reserved for the third time while the Digra Muwani seat, which was expected to be reserved after being represented by a general category candidate for the last three times, maintains its status,” said Jagdish Kumar, a Congress youth leader in the district.

In Almora district where more than 70 objections have been received so far, the BJP has alleged that the seats have been reserved in the district to facilitate the victory of the Congress in the elections. “Even the post of the zila panchayat chairperson in the district is being considered for reservation in view of the chances of victory of the Congress,” said Govind Pilkhwal, a BJP leader of the district.

Malsi Deer Park to be made breeding centre
Central Zoo Authority approves layout plan
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
The Dehradun Zoological Park, popularly known as the Malsi Deer Park, will be developed as a breeding centre for wildlife species like wild dog, hyaena, pangolin and red jungle fowl.

The Central Zoo Authority approved the layout plan for the Malsi park at a meeting held recently. The plan has been recommended by an expert group of the authority on zoo designing.

Located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie highway, 8 km from Dehradun, the Malsi park has, at present, a limited number of animal exhibits, but the layout plan will ensure the inclusion of tigers, Himalayan black bear, elephants, red jungle fowls, peafowls, hornbills and other birds, monitor lizards and even gharial and mugger in the park.

The plan also suggests the appointment of a deputy conservator of forests as a full time zoo director. The deployment of an assistant conservator of forests as a full time curator (animals), a full time veterinary officer, an education officer, a biologist and the supporting staff is also part of the plan.

Hailing the decision, office-bearer of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dehradun, Rajiv Sharma said the Malsi Deer Park was one of the major tourist attractions of the Doon valley.

He expressed hope that the park would have more of fauna in the days to come. "There is no place in Dehradun except for the Malsi park where one can spend some time during the weekend. But the park needs improvement. The passage of the layout plan will certainly give a much needed boost to efforts in this direction," said Rajeev Sharma.

Interestingly, the Dehradun master plan, 2025, prepared by the civic authorities has stressed the importance of the Malsi Deer Park as the only wildlife hub within the city limits.

The authority's approval of the Malsi Deer Park layout plan comes at a time when concerns were being raised over the poor maintenance of the park.

Much needed boost
Located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie highway, 8 km from Dehradun, the Malsi park has, at present, a limited number of animal exhibits, but the layout plan will ensure the inclusion of tigers, Himalayan black bear, elephants, red jungle fowls, peafowls, hornbills and other birds, monitor lizards and even gharial and mugger in the park.

Protest march taken out by the unemployed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Expressing anguish over the non-fulfilment of their demands, a protest demonstration under the banner of BPed-MPed Unemployed Organisation was taken out here today.

Alleging the government's apathy towards the demands raised by them in the past, the protesters demanded appointment of a physical education teacher in every school.

Under Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan the teacher-student ratio should be removed and teachers should be appointed on roles of the schools management. ''A state-level merit of the physical education teachers should be drawn and the deserving candidates should be given jobs on priority. At present there are 147 government middle schools where the post of physical education teacher is lying vacant and the government is paying no heed to it,'' said the association members.

Threatening a massive demonstration, the protesters said that they would intensify their movement in case the demands are not met.

Those present in the rally include Sunder Dhauni, Rajiv Semwal, Lokesh Nautiyal, Devender Singh Kholiya along with several others.

Peyjal field staff for regularisation of their services
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Seeking the regularisation of their services, Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam field employees staged a demonstration in front of the Secretariat here today.

Under the aegis of the Jal Nigam Jal Sansthan Majdoor Union, the protesters gathered at the Parade Ground and carried out a march towards the Secretariat.

As a strong police force prevented them from proceeding further, they held a demonstration in front of the Secretariat.

Addressing the protesters, union president Pitambar Dutt Lohani said a large number of field employees were serving with the Uttarakhand Potable Water Department for long, but their services were yet to be regularised.

He threatened to intensify the agitation if their demands were not met at the earliest.

Safai karamcharis allege harassment
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Alleging harassment at the hands of Doon Valley Waste Management (DVWM), a private player hired by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation for door-to-door collection and disposal of waste, the employees submitted a memorandum to the Mukhya Nagar Adhikari.

Chairman of State Safai Karamchari Commission Bhagwat Prasad Makwana said the DVWM was not paying salaries regularly to the workers hired by them. ''Upon asking for salaries the workers are threatened with being laid off. Also they are not given the required leave when asked by them,'' he added.

''During one of the meetings the DVWM authorities had assured the association of giving the facilities such as EPF and insurance to all the employees. It was also decided that they would be paid the wages at the rate of Rs 235 per day, similar to the one given by PWD. The supervisors who were wrongfully removed from the job were also to be reinstated. However, nothing was done by the authorities,'' said Makwana.

Sniffing of glue, adhesives by minors on the rise
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 26
In order to get a kick out of it, glue, adhesive sniffing is on the increase among the minors to dangerous levels among the villages near Mussoorie that fall under the purview of the Tehri district administration, thus posing health risk and even affecting their mental health, according to social and health activists working in the area.

Dr Sunil and Venu Sanon, social activists running health camps under the Manorama Devi Birla Charitable Trust in the villages around the region in district Tehri, revealed that during the weekly medical inspection at Bhavaan village near Thatyur division on November 24, they learnt that several minors aged 11 to 16 were indulging in sniffing glue and other adhesives for the past several years.

Dr Sunil Sanon further said that he learnt of this by accident as one of the glue addict Som (name changed) aged 11, a student of government school, from Mawana village who had come to attend the camp, revealed that he had been sniffing glue since the age of seven. He also revealed that there were many more children in the village using same kind of inhalants collectively by obtaining adhesives from local dealers.

Dr Sanon said that such an addiction was getting rampant in the rural areas and demands urgent prioritisation by all concerned authorities instead off passing the buck. He also feared that with the growing construction activities in the interiors such adhesives are bound to reach every area, thus making its availability a potential risk to the minors.

''Substances like glue and solvents like nail varnish and paint thinners and adhesives release certain chemicals which are toxic fumes that affect the state of mind, health of nervous system and are of potential risk to the health and well-being of society.

He called for a multi-pronged action beginning from heath awareness at the school level, awareness about legal responsibility at the level of dealers through appropriate action if and when required by the administration in order to contain such social and health risk to the people at large.

He further said that glue sniffing induces a state of hallucination not unlike an inebriated condition, and marked by incoherent speech, the inability to maintain balance and to discern things clearly. The hallucinogenic effect generally lasts for about 15 minutes, with a severe headache and a stupor-like condition occurring afterwards, and it may be hours before one can return to normal mental faculties. The kick of it lasting a short time is the cause for the users to go in for it repeatedly.

Long-term abuse can lead to a permanent 'sniffer's skin rash,' conjunctivitis, heart, liver and kidney disorder. In extreme cases, it can incur damage to the brain and overall nervous system. Ignorant children are at the greatest risk and some are reported to have died after trying solvents for the first time, added Dr.Sanon. Some sensitive local citizens in the area have also aired their concern on this subject.

When contacted the officiating Chief Medical Officer, Tehri district, Dr VS Tolia, said that the sale of adhesives to the minors was prohibited in the state and they had little role to play in it till the time someone is reported ill and has to undergo treatment. ''It is the task of the local administration to check the menace by penalising those shops that are selling such adhesives to minors,'' said Dr VS Tolia.

The SDM, Dhanaulti ,Santosh Kumar Pandey, said that he would direct the officials to investigate the matter and if the shopkeepers are found selling such adhesives to the minors, punitive action will be taken without any delay. He also said that an awareness programme will be soon be carried out in the area.

After a quiet 6-day holiday, Sachin leaves Mussoorie
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, November 26
The batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, who arrived in Mussoorie on November 20 for a short vacation after his retirement from cricket, left for Mumbai today. He was accompanied by his wife Anjali and friend Sameer Dighe.

Sachin before leaving Mussoorie said, “I am really happy that I could spend a quiet holiday with my family as it was difficult earlier.” He added the weather was cold here but the people of Uttarakhand were friendly and warm-hearted and for him the holiday had been memorable.

He said Mussoorie was a fantastic place for someone who wanted to be with nature. He praised the people of the state and thanked them for giving him the breathing space during his short stay in Mussoorie.

Sachin along with his wife Anjali and family friend former wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe left for the Jolly Grant airport from Mussoorie around 12.10 pm. The ace cricketer during his six-day stay at his close friend’s house Bothwell Bank and also played lawn tennis and badminton at Woodstock School everyday. He also continued with physical workout at the gymnasium of Hotel Rockby at the Landour Cantonment Board. He also found time for his fans and posed for pictures and signed autographs for them gleefully.

Sachin also posed for a group photograph with the guards and other staff of Hotel Rockby. His fans were happy to meet him and have his autographs. “Sachin wished me good luck and gave his autograph on the bat that I was carrying especially for the occasion,” said one of the fans.

However, Sachin was non-committal about visiting the town again for inaugurating the proposed Winterline Carnival on December 2. District Magistrate, Dehradun, BVR Purshotam had offered Sachin to lead the Winterline Carnival in Mussoorie but there had been no response from him as yet.

The shopkeepers at Char Dukan, who did brisk business during Sachin’s stay here, were sad at his departure. They wished for his early return during Christmas and New Year celebrations. “We will be waiting for Sachin with his favorite masala chai, pancakes and Nepalese noodles when he returns for holidays here,” said the shopkeepers.

DM attends special ritual in connection with Moharram
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 26
As part of the 40-day ritual associated with Moharram festival at Baba Roshan Ali Shah Rehmatullah Allah Dargah, a special ritual is being organised these days at suburban Jwalapur.

At a special function District Magistrate, Haridwar, Nidhi Pandey, attended as chief guest, wherein she urged for communal harmony, brotherhood and peace.

District Magistrate Nidhi Pandey also offered the holy chadar at the dargah praying for world peace and brotherhood.

Nidhi also remained present during distribution of langar on the occasion. In her address she cited the Ganga-Jamuna culture and identity of the pilgrim city, which transcends boundaries of religion, caste, creed, distance and states.

From Haridwar, the message of communal brotherhood, peace, love and mutual understanding is disseminated across the world. Here Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists and other sects offer prayers, which is not the practise in other countries.

''The land of Ganga, Himalayas, shrines, mountains and saints also celebrates Eid, Deepawali, Gurpurb,Christmas and other festivals with equal fervour. Haridwar is an ideal example ,which needs to be followed by other cities and places as despite being a prominent Hindu religious pilgrim city ,here a substantial number of Muslims reside. Both communities live in peace,'' she added.

The arrival of the DM generated curiosity among the community people, especially women and girls, who were quite impressed by the address and presence of Haridwar's first women DM since creation of Uttarakhand.

Anup Jalota mesmerises audience
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 26
Bhajan maestro Anup Jalota mesmerised the audience at the ongoing 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekanand at Rama Krishan Param Hans Mission ashram, Kankhal, yesterday.

Jalota, who has to his credit a number of musical and bhajan albums, said it was the love of the audience that always motivated him.

Jalota urged the younger generation to follow the ideals of Swami Vivekanand. He said the youth should believe in hard work instead of taking to short cuts. Jalota, who was born in Nainital, said his every visit to the pilgrim city infused him with positive energy.

Earlier, he had visited Haridwar on December 20, 2011, to offer rituals at the Parad Shivalingam temple, Kankhal, to pray for the speedy recovery of his ailing wife.

On talent hunt singing shows, Jalota said no doubt such shows facilitated an easy access to fame, but in the absence of regular riyaz, devotion, concentration and passion for singing, one could not reach that height.

Meanwhile, people had come from far-flung areas to listen to their favourite singer.

Need to spread AIDS awareness stressed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Greater participation by different departments in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS and providing a conducive environment for those battling with the disease was the focus of an inter-sector workshop on HIV/AIDS organised by the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society (USACS) here today.

Calling for better coordination among departments in thwarting the spread of the disease, Dr Prashant Singh said myths about HIV/AIDS need to be cleared so that there was no discrimination against the patients.

Sanjay Bisht, Deputy Director, said the focus of the USACS was to work through NGOs among high risk groups such as sex workers and injection drug users. 

Class VII student attempts suicide

Dehradun, November 26
A student of class VII at Jawahar Nayodaya Vidayala allegedly tried to commit suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in a washroom of the school hostel on Sunday night.

His condition is stated to be critical. The Principal, his hostel mates had accused him of stealing money from their wallets, following which he went into depression. He went to one of the hostel’s washroom and hanged himself from a ceiling fan. His condition is critical. — TNS

Two students killed in mishap
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Two engineering students died in a road mishap on Chakrata road here late evening.

The police said two of the five students from Uttaranchal Institute of Technology died when the car, in which they were travelling hit a tree on Chakrata road. The incident took place outside the FRI’s gate. The car collided with a tree and the impact was such that the car was entirely damaged in the collision.

All the five inmates were rushed to the hospital, where two of them were declared brought dead. The deceased were identified as Akashdeep, son of Dinesh Kumar, and Anikait, son of Sanjeev Kumar, both residents of Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The other three injured have been identified as Ankit, Asif and Riyaz, all from Bihar.

New injury-free game tchouk gaining popularity in state
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 26
Every now and then in sporting circle we hear of injuries sustained during playing a game or emanating from the rough-tough playing stress.

But tchouk, a new sporting game, is touted as an injury-free game, owing to game rules which don't allow direct confrontation with the opposition players.

In Uttarakhand too this new game is fast gaining popularity, which can be gauged by the fact that a number of schools have opted for this game and currently a five-day National Open School Tournament is being organised at SVM School in Haridwar.

A point is scored only when, opposition team fails to catch the ball or grounds the ball, which is struck by the other side on a rebound frame.

Only three seconds are given to three players each to pass the ball to compatriot team mate and then press it in rebound frame, which the opposition has to catch. Failing to do so will result in a point earned by the other side.

A. Khelkar, an international referee of tchouk game, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, told The Tribune that noted Swedish Herman Brandtt had founded this game to ensure sportspersons don’t have to face routine injuries, like in the games of football, hockey, cricket or boxing.

“Tchouk is a mixture of hand ball (it is played with hands and same hand ball variety is used), volleyball (as the defending team must prevent ball from falling) and squash (bounce).

Player Moli Halder from West Bengal said that tchouk was fast becoming popular among girls as fear of injury is minimal owing to the game’s tackle free rules.

Fellow team mate Anwaran Mondal from 24 South Parganas pointed that with little help from government and corporate sector, Tchouk can soon become as popular as any other game like volleyball, squash or basketball.

Goa team players Swati Naik and Karishma K. pointed that in Goa it was becoming popular in her state and they can play it on the beach side, too.

Saili Hambira and Poonam Parihar from Mumbai, Maharashtra, said this game can be played both indoor and outdoor (soil and synthetic included), which is the reason why it is becoming slowly popular.

Parihar added that particularly in hill states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim etc, owing to tough geographical condition and less availability of plain land ground, tchouk can easily be played.

General secretary, Uttarakhand Tchoukball Association, Pradeep Choudhary said that they are trying to spread the game in hill districts of Pauri Garhwal,Tehri Garhwal, Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli, too, so that Uttarakhand becomes a major force in this new sport.

Sharad stars in Tapovan’s 4-2 victory
Tribune News Sevice

Dehradun, November 26
A hat-trick scored by Sharad helped Tapovan Football Club win its super league match against Dehra Eleven club 4-2 in the Drona College 70th Nemidas Memorial District Football League here today.

Sharad scored the goals in the 20th, 45th and 55th minutes. Amar also contributed a goal for Tapovan. For Dehra Eleven, Shriyansh scored both goals. In the second match, Garhwal Sporting trounced Cant Blue 3-0 with Rahul scoring two goals while Shubham netted a goal.

Ujjawal, Yukti winners in badminton tourney
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 26
Ujjawal and Yukti won the Uttarakhand Technical University Inter-College Badminton Tournament in the individual category here today.

In the team event, Dehradun Institute of Technology (DIT) boys and the Jaswant Rana College girls’ team won the final matches.

A total of 70 players from eight colleges had participated in the tournament.

In individual matches, Ujjawal Bharadwaj of DIT beat Satish Lodhi in straight sets 21-19 and 21-17 while Yukti of Jaspal Rana College beat Sulekha 21-11 and 22-20.