Don’t promote tourism at cost of environment: Glacier Lady
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
Glacier Lady Shanti Thakur has asked the state government not to promote tourism without taking environment concerns into consideration.

Addressing mediapersons in Dehradun today, Shanti Thakur who has been spearheading the Himalaya Bachao Abhiyan in the Garhwal hills for many decades asserted that the Kedarnath catastrophe had been a fallout of ignoring environment issues.

Thakur, who submitted a memorandum regarding the issue to Uttarakhand minister Yashpal Arya, said the state government should not promote pilgrimage centres as picnic spots. "Vehicular movement should not be allowed near the pilgrimage places. Only travel on foot should be allowed at least 10 km away from the Himalayan shrines," she said.

Referring to the importance of conserving the environment, Thakur said there was a need to pay attention to the fast receding glaciers. She said conservation of forests in Garhwal was the need of the hour.

She also emphasised on prompt relief for the Uttarakhand disaster victims . "A lot is yet to be done to rehabilitate the disaster-hit and the Harish Rawat government must take up the matter urgently," Thakur said. 

Tomb of freedom fighter Tayyabji to be renovated
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
Freedom fighter Abbas Tayyabji was remembered on his 161st birth anniversary here today. Addressing a gathering, Dr S Farooq, national vice-president of the Abbas Tayyabji Educational and Charitable Trust, said the tomb of Tayyabji would soon be renovated.

Members of Abbas Tayyabji Educational and Charitable Trust observe the 161st birth anniversary of Abbas Tayyabji in Dehradun on Monday. A Tribune photograph

"We are also pressuring the Central Government into declaring South Wood Estate a national monument in memory of the great freedom fighter," Dr S Farooq said.

Awdhash Kaushal, president, Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra, who presided over the function, was honoured by a shawl and a memento on the occasion. Rakesh Dhawan, who was recently elected a board of member at the 36th Triennial Congress of International Alliance of Women in London, Mamta Singh an artiste, and Dr K K Rattu were also honoured.

Dr S Farooq presented a cheque for Rs 1 lakh to former minister NS Rana for the reconstruction of Devashi Public School, Tehri. Two needy students of Uttaranchal University, Irum Zeba and Rauf Munir were given scholarships for higher studies. A kavi sammelan was also conducted by poet Inam Ramji. 

Cops clueless in property dealer's murder case
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The local police have not found any concrete lead in the case of murder of a 40-year-old property dealer, Sanjay Nagar. Sanjay was allegedly shot dead by three assailants in front of his house at Anand Gram in the Nunurkheda area that falls under Raipur police station on Friday last.

The police are yet to ascertain the motive behind Sanjay's murder .

According to police sources, they have got information that Sanjay was under stress for the last 10 days due to a murder in Delhi and now the police are trying to establish the link between the two murders.

It is to be noted that Annu, a Sanjay’s friend, was also murdered a few years ago due to a property dispute in Delhi.

Sanjay hails from Wazirabad in Delhi and was living in Dehradun with his wife for the last two years.

A police officer requesting anonymity told The Tribune that, "We are investigating the case from all possible angles and have questioned some persons. However, we have not got any concrete lead so far.”

The three assailants, who were wearing jackets and mufflers, reached Sanjay's house and called him outside. They fired gunshots at him.

The police are claiming that he was shot by 9 mm and 7.62 mm pistols. While one gunshot missed Sanjay, five bullets hit Sanjay Nagar fatally.

Four booked for power theft by UPCL
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
As part of a campaign against power pilferage, the Garhwal vigilance team of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited nabbed four consumers stealing power at Roorkee.

Similarly, the Kumaon vigilance team nabbed Ravimohan, a resident of Kitcha, for stealing power for his factory. Cases have been registered against all of them.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is reeling under a power crisis with a two-hour power cut being imposed daily.

The total availability of power yesterday stood at 33.72 million units against the total demand of 34.24 million units.

To make up for the shortage, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited had to resort to a four-hour power cut all across the state.

DGP's sanctioning power raised to Rs 3 cr
Gaurav Talwar
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The Police Department has hailed the government decision to increase the financial sanctioning power of the DGP from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 3 crore.

The DGP now will be entitled to sanction any amount up to Rs 3 crore without the permission of the government. It is worth mentioning here that till recently the DGP, who is the head of the Police Department, had to take the sanction of the government before taking decision to release any amount beyond Rs 75 lakh, which was too meagre for a large department like police.

"It is a welcome decision and will give financial independence to the Police Department to a large extent. Now, we can take a quick decision with regard to buying any equipment or spend money for the welfare of police personnel,'' said ADGP, Law and Order, Ram Singh Meena.

He added the department had to take permission from the government to sanction amounts above Rs 75 lakh, which sometimes caused inordinate delay. Notably, a couple of years back, the sanctioning power was increased to Rs 1.25 crore but after sometime it was again reduced to Rs 75 lakh.

The increase in the sanctioning power of the DGP will have no effect on the total budget of the department, which it gets from the state government annually.

The Tribune has learnt that the decision to increase the financial power of the DGP was taken by the state government on the basis of a Union Home Ministry's note.

Electric crematorium inaugurated
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The city's first green cremation system or an electric crematorium was inaugu-rated at the Lakhibagh cremation ground by Minister for Sports Dinesh Aggarwal, yesterday.

Brig KG Behl (retd) said the electric crematorium, a joint venture of ONGC, Mokshda Paryavaran and the Van Suraksha Samiti, would save almost 75 per cent of the wood used in traditional cremation. "Not only will it save environment by using less wood but also reduce pollution," he added.

Having a capacity of cremating five bodies in a day, the crematorium was made functional today. The others who were present on the occasion were Mayor Vinod Chamoli and Dr Ravi Chopra. — TNS

Shikshak sangh stages protest
Tribune News Service

Uttarakhand Cabinet minister Mantri Prasad Naithani addresses teachers under the banner of Junior High School Shikshak Sangh at the Parade ground in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

Due to several protests in the city, commuters were a hassled lot, courtesy long traffic jams throughout the day. A view of one such traffic jam at the Rajpur Road in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Abhyudaya Kotnala

Dehradun, February 3
Despite the assurances from State Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani, the teachers staged a protest demonstration against the state government over the non-acceptance of their demands, here today.

The teachers under the banner of Junior High School Shikshak Sangh have been protesting since January 20. Addressing the protesters, sangh president Jagat Singh Negi said for the past several months the state government had been giving them ‘fake’ assurances. The teachers threatened to intensify their stir and boycott the Lok Sabha elections if their demands were not met. Later, they met the Education Minister and submitted a memorandum.

“As part of their demands, the protesting teachers are demanding the creation of additional promotion chances for teachers enrolled as basic teachers at par with the administrative staff. A lot of staff members have not been promoted for the last 30 years,” they demanded.

“The transfer policy of the state government has many discrepancies based on which the transfers are made. A recognised committee should review and bring an amendment in the transfer policy so that no one suffers,” said the protesters.

North-Eastern students demand security
Tribune News Service

North-Eastern students in Dehradun on Monday protest against the murder of a 19-year-old student in Delhi . Tribune photo: Abhyudaya Kotnala

Dehradun, February 3
North-Eastern students took out a protest rally in Dehradun demanding adequate protection of their ilk in Delhi.

A 19-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh Nido Tania was killed in an assault by some hoodlums in Delhi, recently. Following this, North-Eastern students in the city, took to the streets today demanding adequate security.

The protesters started their protest from Clock Tower on the Rajpur Road before culminating it at the Parade Ground in Dehradun.

Quarrying issue to the fore again
Matra Sadan Ashram threatens agitation if illegal mining not stopped 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 3
The Matra Sadan Ashram has once again announced to resort to agitation if quarrying is not stopped in the district in next six days. Notably, the state government has recently allowed quarrying at the Ganga riverbed in Bishanpur Kundi, Shyampur and Bhogpur.

Swami Shivanand, head of Matra Sadan Ashram, said without the environmental assessment report the state government had allowed quarrying at these places.

The ashram, which is spearheading several environment-related movements such as Save Ganga and in Haridwar, said the Forest Department had failed to reply satisfactorily to their queries on the issue.

However, Forest Development Corporation manager Umesh Kumar Tripathi said they had sought objections on quarrying at Shyampur, Chidiyapur and Peeli from the residents for the past three days. "For this purpose, a special camp was organised and the people did not reject quarrying instead allowed it," he said.

He added that the corporation had carried out an environmental assessment through a private firm, Green C India Consulting Private Limited, of the area and it was found that quarrying won't cause any type of pollution. Swami Dayanand, disciple of Swami Shivanand, said he had attended one of such grievance camps but the authorities failed to give any factual and satisfactory reply to their queries.

Meanwhile, a group of local residents alleged that the quarrying mafia was illegally targeting vacant plots by showing fake documents at Bishanpur Jharda in Haridwar. Jimmy Singh, a local resident, said they had reported about it to District magistrate Dr Nidhi Pandey, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Haridwar, but no action was taken by the administration.

Haridwar to have 15 vending zones
Move to benefit street vendors, hawkers
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 3
Despite being a renowned pilgrim city, Haridwar lacks proper infrastructure and civic facilities in comparison to other big cities. With congestion on roads being a main problem in the inner and ancient markets near Har-Ki-Pauri, the civic body has decided to ease the traffic congestion by making the area free from street vendors and hawkers.

The Municipal Corporation has earmarked 15 vending zones outside the congested inner road markets where all displaced vendors and hawkers will be provided separate vending shops and other basic facilities to run their business.

Vipra Trivedi, Chief Town Officer of the MC, said soon formalities regarding these vending zones would be completed, paving the way to make Haridwar the only city in the state having such specialised vending zones.The step has been taken under the National Vendor Policy.

Vipra sought cooperation of small-scale traders, hawkers and vendors and urged them to get register themselves with the Municipal Corporation. Small Scale Traders' Association president Sanjay Chopra said this was their long-pending demand and would prove to be a masterstroke by the MC.

"Millions of people throng Haridwar every year. Separate vending zones, catering to pilgrims' various requirements, will offer good trading opportunities to street vendors," said Chopra. Notably, in the Haridwar Panchpuri zone, there are 15-20 small scale traders who will be benefited from the move.

The will help in de-congesting inner city roads and markets on special occasions such as Kanwar Fair and Kumbh Fair. Now, the district administration should also start an anti-encroachment drive as most of the traders in the upper bazaar, Moti Market, Kotwali area and nearby Ganga ghat markets of Braham Kund and Har-ki-Pauri have encroached upon a substantial portion of roads.

Kotwali police station officer Naveen Chand Juyal said as soon as they got directions from the district administration, an encroachment drive would be carried out.

CM assures Chamoli residents of providing relief within four months 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
Chief Minister Harish Rawat visited the Tharali and Pipalkoti areas in Chamoli district today. This was Rawat’s first visit outside the state capital after taking over as Chief Minister on Saturday.

Rawat gave an assurance to the residents of the disaster-torn district that they would be given compensation within the next four months.

Talking to the victims at Tharali, the Chief Minister assured them of sending a technical team to the region to ensure that disaster-proof constructions come up in the district. He said the February 5 Cabinet meeting in Dehradun would primarily focus on disaster relief. He also announced the setting up of a registrar office at Tharali. The Chief Minister also made a number of announcements at Pipalkoti.

He announced the setting up of Tehsil in the Narayanbagad and Jilasu areas.

He also announced three junior high schools in the Pokhri development block. He said a stadium would also be established at Pipalkoti.

Cabinet ministers Amrita Rawat and Indira Hridayesh and MLAs Anshuya Prasad Maikhuri and Jeet Ram accompanied the Chief Minister.

Budget a litmus test for Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
With the crucial Budget Session about to begin from February 6, all eyes are on new Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Everybody is waiting to see if he continues with the programmes and schemes of his predecessor or introduce changes that be put to test in the coming panchayat and the Lok Sabha elections.

The drafting of the Budget will test his acumen. With the model code of conduct for the panchayat elections likely to be in place from February 11, the new CM has a little time to make announcements that appeal to people and help the Congress in earning votes in the elections. The CM will have to ensure that the Budget appeals to every section of society. If Rawat does not tinker with the Budget, it would mean carrying forward policies and programmes of the former CM whom he had opposed tooth and nail.

"From the political point of view, it may be unwise not to bring changes in the Budget as it is still in the drafting stage. For a year, it would guide the government and the CM. So, the CM should view the Budget as the one that would allow him to highlight his priorities.” said RS Tolia, a former bureaucrat. 

BP.Ed, MP.Ed teachers continue strike 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The protesting BP.Ed and MP.Ed teachers continued for the fifth day their hunger strike in the absence of fulfilment of their long-pending demands.

On protest since the past 143 days, the unemployed physical education graduates, under the banner of BP.Ed and MP.Ed Prashikshit Berozgar Sangathan started indefinite hunger strike five days ago.

Addressing the gathering, Sunder Dhauni, state president of the sangathan, said that the state government had turned a blind eye towards the educated youths of the state and is meting out step-motherly treatment towards them. ''We are ready to lay our lives in case the state government does not listen and fulfill our demands,” he said.

High hopes from CM Rawat 
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 3
There are several expectations from new Chief Minister Harish Rawat. ''Rawat is expected to take notice of these long pending problems of water, road, telecommunications and creation of new administrative units in the Kumaon region,'' said Narendra Singh Rawat, an activist of public campaign for formation of western part of Ramganga river as separate district of the region.

According to Rawat, the people of Batrochkhan, Chakhutia and Bhikiasain areas are expecting removal of their poverty by formation of a separate district out of these three subdivisions. Ranikhet residents, who have also been running a campaign for a separate district, are expecting some miracles from the new CM, as he belongs to their subdivision. “The long pending demand of the residents of this subdivision is running has been from the time of Independence, but no political leader could go beyond assurances for it. This time we are expecting miracles as the present Chief Minister of the state belongs the local area,” said Ravindra Chandra Joshi, an activist in Ranikhet. Joshi also expected a change in land law patterns in the state to avoid transfer of agriculture land to commercial and industrial as, according to him, it will harm future generations of hill society. “We expect the new CM will change the land laws in the state in favour of the farming community,” said Joshi.

In disaster-hit subdivision of Dharchula and Munsiyari, some hopes have arisen as the CM opted to visit disaster-hit region in Garhwal soon after taking oath. “We are also expecting him to come to us and take stock of problems of rehabilitation and how the uprooted families are living in tents,” said Rokaya, a Congress leader in Dharchula. 

In focus

The new CM is expected to take notice of these long pending problems of water, road, telecommunications and creation of new administrative units in the Kumaon 

Revenue officials stage dharna 

Dehradun, February 3
Demanding better promotion opportunities, Sangrah Ameen (revenue officials) today staged dharna at Lansdowne Chowk, Dehradun.

The protesters sought quota for Sangrah Ameen in the recruitment in the posts of tehsildars. They also resorted to sloganeering against the state government. State president of Uttarakhand Rajasva Sangrah Ameen Sangh, Udayveer Singh Rawat led the dharna that prominently included Vinod Sharma and Virendra Singh. — TNS

22 complaints disposed of at janta darbar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 3
As part of meeting and addressing woes of complainants, the District Magistrate of Haridwar is holding janta durbar on regular basis. Today, at Roshanabad, District Magistrate Nidhi Pandey addressed 22 complaints out of 66.

For the remaining complaints, officers concerned were directed by her for speedy reddressal of their problems on merit. She stated that most of the complaints were related to old-age pension, chakbandi, forceful possession of land, deceased’s kin employment related issues apart from regular water, power, road and ration-food related problems.

“These complaints should be addressed by the concerned government department, and if in the coming days similar pending complaints are received, then the department officers concerned will be liable for explanation,” said Pandey.

Taking strong cognisance of the Social Welfare Department not distributing old- age pension as per new notifications, DM Nidhi said such laxity would not be tolerated and department officials should instantly ensure that these pensions were upgraded.

At the litigant addressal meeting Additional District Magistrate, Finance-Revenue, Alok Pandey, Deputy Collector Veer Singh Budhiyal, Chief Town Officer Vipra Trivedi and concerned government department and nodal agencies officials were present. 

Final clearance given to Lakhwad hydropower project
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The final clearance to the construction of Lakhwad multipurpose hydropower project in Uttarakhand has been given by the Union Environment and Forest Ministry. A nod has been given to transfer lease of 768.1552 hectares of forest land to the Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited. Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said the Uttarakhand Government had made all necessary arrangements for the construction of the hydropower project.

The 300 MW project will benefit Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Rupees 3,966.51 crore will be spent on it and it would generate 612.93 million units of electricity. About 33,780 hectares would be irrigated with the help of the project besides providing 78.83 million cubic meters of drinking water.The Chief Secretary said the first stage of sanction was received from the Forest Advisory Committee in November last year. After complying with the norms of the first stage, the Uttarakhand Government had sought the final clearance. The funds for the Catchment Area Treatment Plan was also deposited. Notably, before the bifurcation of UP, 768.1552 hectare of forest land in Lakhwad and Tehri Garhwal was transferred to the Irrigation Department for the multipurpose project.

NHPC plant may soon resume power generation 
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 3
The 280-MW NHPC power plant on the Dhauliganga river in Dharchula subdivision is likely to resume generation in mid-March. The plant was closed post the natural disaster in the state last year due to the accumulation of mud.

General manager of the project VK Singh said work on cleaning the reservoir was in full swing and expected to be over by mid-March.

“The power house of the plant remained under water for nearly one month post the disaster. It was very difficult to begin the cleaning work in such a situation,” said the general manager for the project VK Singh.

He said the project had incurred a lost of over Rs 300 crore. The last year's disaster not only inundated the power house and the reservoir but also destroyed other machinery at the site.

On the delay in beginning the cleaning work, the general manager said the main link road to the project reservoir was being operated by the BRO, which delayed the work. 

‘Dhari Devi temple can be restored to original site’
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 3
The Dhari Devi temple at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district, which was affected in flash floods last year, can be restored to its original site.

This was stated by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharati, who along with former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank visited the Dhari Devi Shila at Srinagar recently. They later took part in a Ganga Samagra programme near Kaliyasaud in Srinagar.

Local women, devotees of the Ganga and diety Dhari Devi also took part in the programme.

Bharati said the shila of the Dhari Devi shrine could still be restored to its original place using the dry well technique.

She cited Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya's initiative of saving the Ganga, where he fought against the efforts of the British to build a dam on the Ganga near Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri. She added when she pleaded for saving the Dhari Devi temple she was termed as anti-development. 

Cong activist: Rawat's elevation will lift morale
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 3
State president of the Rahul Gandhi Brigade, Sunit Rathore, said Harish Rawat's appointment as the new CM will help in boosting the morale of the youth in the party and ensure victory in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. He was in Mussoorie today.

Sunit Rathore said the outgoing Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had worked hard for the development of state but the morale of the party workers was at the lowest ebb due to various other reasons but Rawat's elevation has provided a new lease of life to party workers, especially the youth.

He said Harish Rawat was a seasoned soldier of the party and was well aware of the problems at the organisational level. Rathore further said he was sure that the new CM would take every worker along and work for the success of the party in the forthcoming panchayat and Lok Sabha elections. Rathore, extending the support of the Rahul Gandhi Brigade to the new Chief Minster, said every member of the organisation would work hard to strengthen the position of Harish Rawat in the state. 

Cancer awareness camp

Dehradun, February 3
To generate awareness among women students about different types of cancers , the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) held a cancer awareness camp today at the MKP Girls' College. The doctors from HIHT comprising Dr Romil Bhatkuti, Dr Meenu Gupta, cancer specialist, and Dr Anup delivered a talk on breast cancer, cervical cancer and other types of cancers that were increasingly common among women.

Dr Meenu Gupta, cancer specialist, said ''The women should not hesitate to approach their doctors in case they experience problem to get their doubts cleared. — TNS 

Educational institutes celebrate Basant Panchami 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 3
Basant Panchami, the festival that marks the beginning of spring, was celebrated a day earlier, at various schools, colleges and educational institutes.

Many private schools and institutes opted for a yellow colour dress code. Uttarakhand Punjabi Sabha organised a Shaheedi fair at Pantdeep Mela Ground, where cultural programmes were also organised.

President of the Uttarakhand Punjabi Sabha, Lalit Nayyar, said the country was above any caste or religion and, "We should pay our respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their life for the independence of this country."

Lalit Sachdeva, Shyam Sunder, DN Batra, Ravindra Madan, Subash Kapil, among other office bearers of the Uttarakhand Punjabi Sabha coordinated the entire event.

At Dev Sanskriti University, a cultural programmes was organised on the eve of Basant Panchami. A Class IV student Ahuti Pandya from Gayatri Vidyapeeth presented a classical dance, while some students presented a skit based on legendary philosopher Swami Vivekanand.

Apart from this, women activists associated with Shanti Kunj carried out a shobhayatra from Shanti Kunj Shri Ram Puram via Rani gali, Sapt Sarovar marg and Bhoopatwala.

Various tableaux depicting religion-cultural aspects were the highlight of this procession. In the debate event Shivani Singh from the host college won the first prize, while in the essay writing competition Anish Semalit of Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya was adjudged the winner. 

Days of good old mouthwatering jalebees numbered in Mussoorie
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 3
The days of savouring the swirling and utterly sweet confectionery, better known as jalebee, at one of the few remaining sweet shops, could be numbered as the owners contemplate to look for alternate business in Mussoorie.

Jai Singh churns out jalebees at Delhi Sweet Shop in Mussoorie. A Tribune photograph

Eating served hot jalebees, a sweet popular in South Asian subcontinent such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, along with Middle East, North Africa, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, has always invoked emotive response among the jalebee lovers. In Mussoorie, too, Delhi Sweet Shop near Picture Palace has been serving jalebees for the past 50 years.

Jalebees have always been the most preferred delicacy for the villagers from the Jaunpur region, who have also taken to eating jalebees along with a glass of hot milk during Dasehra or Divali festivals held annually in the town in the past.

Amit, another jalebee lover who has been savouring the dish from the hands of Jai Singh, the expert cook at Delhi Sweet Shop, since age 11, says:“I still remember the days when we used to buy jalebees for Rs 1 and eat them before the start of the Hindi movie that use to run at Picture Palace, the theatre near near the jalebee shop.”

Earlier there used to be many jalebee shops in Mussoorie which also served tea and milk and were a place for the locals to meet and chat over several tales and gossips about Mussoorie, said one of the senior residents.

Dharmender, former student of a boarding English medium school, reminiscing the days said that as students they looked forward to eating jalebees at Delhi Sweet Shop on every outing and without it the whole day would otherwise remain ''sweet less.''

Many in Mussoorie used jalebees as a remedy for headaches after placing it in boiling milk and left to stand before eating.

The sweet delicacy has also inspired many writers and the famous short story ''Jalebees” by Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, a legendary Urdu short story writer from Pakistan, is popular even today among the schoolgoing children.

Such has been the attraction towards this coiled sweetened dish among the Indians that jalebis have inspired a popular Bollywood number where one 
of the famous actresses Malika Sherawat dances on the tune “Mera Naam Jalebi Bai”.

The provenance of jalebis goes back to reference in the book titled “Hobson-Jobson'' first published in 1886 where it figures as ''jaulubee,'' that is apparently a corrupted name for Arabic ''zalabiya'' or the Perisan “zilabiya.”

It is believed that jalebee originated in West Asia and it travelled to Indian subcontinent with the Muslim traders and having immense influence on Indian food habits.

Jalebees have always been a dish for celebrations and were distributed during Independence Day, Republic Day in the past in Mussoorie, says Bharat Singh, the owner of Delhi Sweet Shop.

However, the preference and taste of the people have changed over the years and jalebees have become less attractive, especially in Mussoorie. Bharat Singh is of the view that the increased cases of diabetes have also had an adverse affect on jalebee eaters here, who prefer to stay away from it due to medical reasons.

The dwindling number of jalebee eaters and the lack of adequate staff have led to shop owners now contemplating to shut down the business and open a boutique in its place, says Bharat Singh.

“Selling jalebees is no more a lucrative business now and I am now planning to open something much more profitable at the same shop soon,” said Bharat Singh.

Indeed, it would be a sad day for the jalebee lovers when last of the shops also gives way to a boutique to be run its place in Mussoorie.

St Joseph’s Academy celebrates Founders Day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The Founders Day of the St Joseph's Academy, was celebrated with enthusiasm by the students and staff members, here today. The programme commenced with a special prayer offered for the pioneers of St Joseph's Academy and for the present torch-bearers to strive forth with dedication and hard work. It was followed by a prayer dance presented by the girls of Class VII.

A tableau presented by the students of Class VIII depicted under what circumstances Father Daniel Delaney had founded the Patrician Brothers' Society with the religious, moral and literary education of children in mind. The event proceeded with the singing of 'Breastplate of St Patrick and Hail Glorious St Patrick's,' by the school choir.

Principal Rev Brother George in his address, highlighted Bishop Delaney's efforts to foster an educated generation. The ninth edition of the school newsletter was also released during the function.

RTI: MC gave reserved shops to private players 

Mussoorie, February 3
The Municipal Council here transferred two reserved shops owned by it in Jharipani to private players by flouting all norms.

The RTI filed by a person in Mussoorie also revealed that out of the two shops one was reserved for disabled person and another was for ration shop, but instead the two shops had been transferred in the name of private individuals who were not eligible for the shops.

The RTI also revealed that MC had passed a resolution of constructing three shops of which first shop was to be reserved for a ration store, the second shop was reserved for disabled bonafide Mussoorie resident and third was reserved for a dispensary to be run by the MC. However, RTI activist Sunder (name changed) alleged that out of the three shops the two shops which were reserved for specific purpose had been transferred in the name of certain private individuals in connivance with certain MC officials.

He further alleged that there were several disabled person for self-employment but instead the shops were transferred in the name of certain individuals.

Municipal Council Executive Officer PS Rawat said the shops were reserved under special categories and there was no provision under MC Act of transferring the lease deed. He assured action would be taken against the erring officials. — TNS

Pharmacists hold protest
Tribune News Service

Unemployed diploma pharmacists stage a protest outside the Secretariat in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

Dehradun, February 3
Unemployed but trained diploma pharmacists who have been demanding employment today held a protest march and dharna outside the office of the state Congress party.

They started the march from the Parade Ground and on reaching the state Congress office, protesters raised slogans against the Congress and staged a dharna outside their office.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to Congress leader Rajinder Shah who assured them of full support.

BJP to send panel of names to high command for LS poll
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The Uttarakhand BJP is aiming to send a panel of names of candidates for finalisation by the BJP high command for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections after February 10, the president of Uttarakhand BJP Teerath Singh Rawat said on Monday.

As is the practice with the Uttarakhand BJP, the panel would comprise 2-4 names of candidates scrutinised by the state BJP and then sent to the high command for final approval.

''At this juncture we can say that the scrutiny of names is on and it would take final shape by February 10, after which the panel would be sent to the high command for final approval,'' said Teerath Singh Rawat, BJP Uttarakahnd chief.

As of now,out of the five Lok Sabha seats, the BJP has only Tehri parliamentary seat in its kitty and is aiming to retain this seat but also win the other four parliamentary seats.

''The task of finalising the names for the Lok Sabha seats won't be easy as there are several aspirants among new and old political leaders. It would be difficult to exclude some and include others. Therefore, a panel would be sent to the high command to pick from,'' added Rawat.

However, he said that on some seats where there is clarity, the state unit may give a go-ahead and only await for the official stamp of approval from the high command. 

Legal camp on Feb 6
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 3
A one-day legal awareness camp will be held here under the aegis of Uttarakhand Rajkiya Vidhik Sewa Pradhikaran on February 6.

A team of prominent lawyers will visit Bhilaru, Dhobi Ghat, Indira Colony and create awareness towards legal rights of the people.

The team will also show a documentary and distribute literature related to the legal matters and advice the people on ways to fight against any injustice.

The coordinator of the camp, Ramesh Jaiswal, speaking to media on the occasion said the team of lawyers and other experts from the High Court would speak on various issues concerning legal matters on the occasion. Ward members Rajesh Kanojia from Landour cantt and Rami Devi from Municipal Council of Mussoorie 
will assist the team during the camp. 

Annual skiing championship at Auli postponed due to lack of snow
Bad news for participants to be chosen for Asian Championship at Iran
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The drastic change in climatic conditions has come as a blow to the national junior and sub-junior Alpine Skiing Championship, scheduled to take place at Auli, as the games were postponed due to less snowfall in the area.

Organised annually by the Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI), the championship was scheduled to take place from February 5. Following the championship, a junior team for the forthcoming Asian Junior Alpine Skiing Championship, organised in Iran, was to be selected.

Speaking to The Tribune Brig SS Patwal, WGFI President, said: "The junior national championship was postponed as Auli received less snowfall this time. Most likely we will hold the championship in the first week of March, though nothing has been finalised yet."

The biggest setback due to the cancellation of the championship was for participants who would compete and be chosen for the junior team for the Asian Championship at Iran. "We will now select the team on the basis of the skiers last year's performance," said Patwal.

In the absence of sufficient snow, WGFI officials and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), tried to prepare the slopes with artificial snow created by snow-making machines, but unfavourable temperature coupled with humidity aborted the attempts in the first go.

Purchased for a whopping Rs 6.5 crore, the snow-making machine was bought during the 2011 South Asian Winter Games held at Auli. Unused since then, the machine too had developed a technical snag before it could be used.

Managing Director of the GMVN, Rajesh Kumar, said: "The machine was lying unused since the last three years. It cannot be maintained due to lack of sufficient funds. Recently, we got funds from the state government and got the machine repaired. However, the temperature in the area is quite high against the required -5 degree Celsius and therefore we cannot use it to produce artificial snow." 

Pacific XI defeat UPCL in Twenty20
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
Pacific XI defeated UPCL by three wickets in a well-contested match during the ongoing Uttarakhand Youth Twenty20 Cricket Tournament being organised at Doon Global School here today.

Batting first UPCL managed to score only 108 runs with the highest scorer being Deepak at 39 runs. In return Pacific XI scored 115 runs losing 7 wickets in the process. Ashish scored highest 20 runs. The UPCL bowlers Shubham, Rahul and Ashish were the main wicket takers.

In the other match of the day, Royal Club won by 9 wickets against Saraswati Club. Batting first, Saraswati Club scored 63 runs for the loss of all wickets. Batting next, Royal Club managed the target score with Ankit (26) and Shobit (38) scoring the highest runs.

Match summary

Batting first, UPCL managed to score only 108 runs with the highest scorer being Deepak at (39runs) . In return Pacific XI scored 115 runs losing 7 wickets in the process. Ashish scored highest 20 runs. The UPCL bowlers Shubham, Rahul and Ashish were the main wicket takers.