|
|
|
|
|
Renuka Dam oustees to get relief
Virbhadra on stone-laying spree
150 years of british summer capital |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CM to open SDM office at Salooni
Chauhan sworn in as HC Additional Judge
Selection of cong LS candidates
Delhi NGO in spot over carbon inventory scam
Prashant Bhushan’s society denies Tenancy Act violation
Insects give commuters tricky time
Preserve rich culture and traditions: CM
MC chiefs still have no power to sign cheques
Rs 4,282 cr for education: Butail
Speaker BBL Butail garlands the photo of martyr Vikram Batra, PVC, during his visit to a college named after him at Palampur on Saturday. Photo: Ravinder Sood
Shimla set to be ‘solar city’
Rs 5 crore for parking lots in Kullu
Health centre building completion demanded
Expedite restoration, officials told
Cultural programme concludes
60 examined at medical camp
A medical team examines migrant labourers in
Chamba.
State inter-polytechnic athletic meet begins
Participants during the 19th HP Inter-Polytechnic Athletics-cum-Cultural Meet on Saturday. Photo: Mahesh Chander Sharma
Punjab youth dies after taking medicine
Man, daughter die in road accident
Minister honours 200 youth
VIGNETTES
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan rally flagged off at HPAU
7 kg charas seized in Kullu, 3 arrested
All 6 murder accused sent in police remand
|
|
Renuka Dam oustees to get relief
Solan, February 23 He was addressing a public meeting at Kandaghat this evening. Criticising the boycott of the Assembly session by the BJP, he said its members' behaviour was disgraceful and they played with the expectations of the common people which was undemocratic. He said it was unfortunate that MLAs of the Opposition shirked from their responsibility and worked on political agenda. The Chief Minister said they were inquiring into the benami land transactions made during the BJP regime. All those transactions found illegal would be brought under the control of the government and structures erected on such lands would be utilised for the benefit of the public. He said his government was not against investment, but wherever norms had been flouted, he would take appropriate action. The CM said the BJP wanted to pressurise the government and he was being targeted as they were feeling the heat of ongoing inquiries into various acts of omissions and commissions. The Chief Minister announced the upgrade of the Civil Hospital, Kandaghat, to 50-bed hospital. He also announced the upgrade of Government High Schools, Kotla and Dhol ka Jubbad, to senior secondary schools and Tikkari Talanji, Papol and Bisha middle schools to high schools. GS Bali, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Transport and Technical Education, and DR Shandil, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, were among those present on the occasion.
|
|
Virbhadra on stone-laying spree
Solan, February 23 He said the present government had announced 15 colleges with a provision of Rs 5 crore for each college and more funds would be released as per the requirement. Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Lift Drinking Water Supply Scheme for the Chandi area to be constructed at a cost of Rs 21.69 crore. The scheme would benefit 15,805 residents of 201 villages of the area. He also laid the foundation stone of an ITI building, Kuthar, to be constructed for Rs 370 lakh and the Kuthar School building for Rs 161.88 lakh and PHC (level-2) building, Kuthar, to be constructed for Rs 42.48 lakh. He also launched the second phase of the Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign from Kuthar in Solan district by administering polio drops to children. He said around seven lakh kids to get polio drops in the state under the second phase of this campaign. He said India was now a polio-free country and the first case of polio was detected in Nirmand in Kullu district while the last case was reported in September 2009 at Nalagarh which involved the child of a labourer. Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a building of the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Solan, constructed at a cost of Rs 108.21 lakh, new block of the Zonal Hospital, Solan, at Rs 4.23 crore and laid the foundation stones of a seven-storey building of the Mini Secretariat at Solan to be constructed at a cost of Rs 24.47 crore and Circuit House, Solan, at Rs 7.45 crore. Wooing people
|
|
150 years of british summer capital
Shimla, February 23 Rohit, who hails from Shimla district, said it was a historical event which must be commemorated by holding a special programme. “Shimla is a historical city and has witnessed so many events which have shaped the future of the country. It is a proud moment for all us and we should celebrate,” he remarked. He suggested that the state government must associate the British government in these celebrations. Rohit said holding of such an event would help promote tourism on an international scale. “We can use the occasion for promoting Shimla on the international tourist map and attract tourists from all over the world,” he said. He said the state capital was dotted with several British time architectural masterpieces which still stand testimony to the colonial era. “There are more than 300 such priceless heritage structures in the town which attract a lot of tourists, both domestic and international,” he said. He also requested the Chief Minister to take up the issue of opening up of the office of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Shimla instead of the proposed site at Chandigarh. A branch of the Commonwealth Secretariat could also be opened in Shimla. This would give Shimla a special status.
|
|
|
CM to open SDM office at Salooni
Dalhousie, February 23 A new sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) will take charge of this sub-division. Disclosing this here today, Dalhousie MLA and former Cabinet minister Asha Kumari said the Salooni township would continue to function concurrently. The Salooni revenue sub-division consisted of about 40 panchayats spread out in the far-flung corners of Chamba district adjacent to the borderline of the state, she said, adding that it would be the seventh revenue sub-division in the district. Asha Kumari said now the Dalhousie Assembly constituency would have two revenue subdivisions with separate posts of SDMs, thereby providing facility to the people of the area. With the creation of this revenue sub-division, problems and hardships which the inhabitants of this remote area had been facing for decades would be solved and addressed at their doorstep, she hoped.
|
|
|
Chauhan sworn in as HC Additional Judge
Shimla, February 23 Registrar General AC Dogra conducted the proceedings. He read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India appointing Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan as Additional Judge of the High Court. State Lokayukta Lokeshwar Singh Panta, Chairman of the HP State Consumer Commission Surjit Singh, retired Justices Bhawani Singh, DP Sood and Surinder Singh, Advocate General Shrawan Dogra were also present.
|
|
|
Selection of cong LS candidates Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, February 23 Sources said the names of Chander Kumar, a former MP and prominent OBC leader, Raghubir Singh Bali, former vice-president of the Himachal Youth Congress and son of Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Transport and Technical Education GS Bali, and Union Minister for Culture Chandresh Kumari are doing the round for Congress ticket for the Kangra parliamentary constituency. While the candidature of Chander Kumar was being supported by Virbhadra Singh, the name of Bali has been proposed by the district body of the Congress, the District Youth Congress and the NSUI unit of Kangra. Chandresh Kumari, who is also a former MLA from Dharamsala and belongs to the Kangra royal family, has shown keenness to contest from Kangra. For the Hamirpur constituency, the names of independent MLA from Sujanpur Rajinder Rana, Minister for Industry Mukesh Agnihotri and parliamentary secretary ID Lakahnpal are being discussed. Agnihotri and Lakhanpal are keen to contest the parliamentary elections. Rana's candidature was being supported by the Chief Minister. The CM has already promoted Rana as the Congress candidate for Hamirpur in a rally in Una on February 16. However, if Rana gets the party ticket from Hamirpur, it will mean that two Rajputs, Pratibha Singh from Mandi and Rana, get party ticket in Himachal out of the four parliamentary constituencies. Since Virbhadra wants Chander Kumar, an OBC, to contest from Kangra, the Brahmin lobby may get alienated. Sources said the Congress high command had fixed discussion for decision on party candidates from Kangra and Hamirpur tomorrow. It would weigh options among OBCs, Brahmins and Rajputs before taking the final decision on party candidates. If the party decides to field Agnihotri or Lakhanpal, both Brahmins for Hamirpur, Chander Kumar is likely to be the obvious choice for Kangra. However, if Rana was selected as party candidate from Hamirpur, the high command might give a Brahmin a chance for Kangra. The Brahmin lobby has made it a point that the BJP has also selected Shanta Kumar, a Brahmin from Kangra. During the last parliamentary elections, Rajan Sushant of the BJP, a Brahmin, had defeated Chander Kumar, an OBC, from Kangra.
|
|
|
Delhi NGO in spot over carbon inventory scam
Shimla, February 23 Sources said the Development Alternative, a Delhi NGO, was awarded Rs a 4-crore contract for preparing carbon inventory in all 3,243 panchayats in the state under the BJP government's flagship carbon nutrility programme and creating environment awareness among people. Carbon inventory is an assessment of carbon footprint (emission of green house gases) based on consumption pattern of different types of energy. The project was allotted after inviting tenders in 2009 but it was not given to the lowest bidder. The Development Alternatives, which was the second lowest bidder, was given the tender after the Cabinet approval. Under the project, the NGO was required to visit the villages to prepare the carbon footprints of all pachayats by 2012, however, it managed to prepare carbon inventory of only 562 villages. It was paid a Rs 2-crore advance for the purpose, but the NGO had accomplished only 16 per cent of the work. The value of the work was not even 30 per cent of the advance money paid. The scam came to light when the NGO approached the government for the balance payment. A review of the project revealed that excess payment has already been made and the project expired without meeting the targets. The matter was brought to the notice of the Principal Secretary, Environment, who sought legal opinion on the issue. The Advocate General advised investigation in the matter and registration of a case. Sources in the government said an inquiry was marked but its fate was not known. The Environment Department has forfeited the security of the NGO amounting to Rs 20 lakh, but no action has been initiated to recover the amount of Rs 1 crore. About the scam A Delhi NGO was awarded a Rs 4-crore contract for preparing carbon inventory in all 3,243 panchayats in the state under the BJP government's flagship carbon nutrility programme. It was paid Rs 2 crore advance but the NGO had accomplished only 16 per cent of the work. |
|
Prashant Bhushan’s society denies Tenancy Act violation
Dharamsala, February 23 Earlier, the District Magistrate had issued a notice to the society stating it had violated the provisions of Section 118 of the Land Tenancy Act by not bringing up the education institute for which permission was given by the state government. The next hearing is on March 24. Prashant Bhushan, a Supreme Court lawyer and social activist, had bought a 6-hectare tea garden land in the name of the Kumad Bhushan Education Society at Kamlegarh village in Palampur. The society had earlier tried to get permission for purchasing the land during the Congress government rule from 2003 to 2007. The permission was denied. It again applied for permission during the previous (BJP) government's rule. The government asked the society to obtain essentiality certificate for buying the land from the Education Department of Himachal. Sources said the department issued an essentiality certificate to the society for opening a school on the land. The BJP government gave permission under Sections 6-A and 7-A of the Land Revenue Act and Section 118 of the Land Tenancy Act to the society. Previous Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, RS Gupta, issued a notice to the society in 2012, asking it to explain why it had not started construction on the land. The society, in its reply, said it had already started construction and sought a one-year extension from the government for completing it. After the Congress government came to power in the state, it asked the DC to find out if the society had put the land to use, verify if the land was recorded as having been under tea cultivation and whether permission to sell the land to the society had been sought by the sellers after completing all formalities. It also asked officials concerned to verify if the sellers had availed exemption from the ceiling limit under the HP ceiling on the Land Holdings Act 1972. Revenue officials informed the government that there was no violation on the points and the sellers had taken the permission from the government before selling it to the society. However, the DC sought a clarification from the government on what action should be taken on the show-cause notice issued to the society by the previous DC regarding the building's non-completion within the stipulated period of two years. Since the government had not given extension to the society for carrying out the construction, it asked the DC to proceed in the case.
|
|
Insects give commuters tricky time
Shimla, February 23 Municipal sanitation workers remain clueless about the invasion. Scientists say these aphids invade crops, feed on saps of plants and ruin them. “We have spotted aphids in old deodar trees and bushes around The Ridge. They change their host and travel long journeys in search of food at the onset of spring,” says Dr Sumeet Chakravorty, a senior scientist at Himalayan Forest Research Institute here. These pests can be controlled by sprays, he adds. As soon as one enters The Ridge from the Ritz theatre side, walkers, including tourists, are spotted criss-crossing their hands hitting and scaring away something in the air around their faces. “A heavy concentration of these insects is being spotted at The Ridge and The Mall,” said Vaamanvir Singh and Prajwal, local students. “If you keep your mouth open, these black invaders will straight end up in your throats. I had to cover my face with handkerchief,” added Umesh and Tanya, tourists from Karnataka.aOne female aphid can give birth to one lakh aphids. “It causes irritation in the eyes, but does not affect the skin or the human body for that matter,” Dr Chakravorty adds.
|
|
Preserve rich culture and traditions: CM
Shimla, February 23 The Chief Minister said despite the fact that the state had distinct cultures, tribal areas were known for its old customs, traditions and cultural heritage. He called upon the masses to create a blend of modernisation and traditions, get the latest education and adopt new technology and techniques. He said it was noteworthy that tribal areas of the state witnessed immense development and people of Kinnaur had made rapid strives in all fields, especially education, and were holding top positions for long in government and private sectors. The state topped the list among other states in education, health and investment sectors, he said, adding that about 300 schools were opened and upgraded during the past one year, while 15 government degree colleges were announced during this period. Virbhadra said the demand for providing land near Shimla for the KWSS would be considered sympathetically and he would ask the district administration to look for a suitable land if available. Outstanding achiever awards were conferred on Shashi Kala Negi, a Class XII student, who won a bronze medal in international boxing and Rani Devi, who won a bronze medal
in the National Junior Boxing Championship. Subhash Negi, Chairman, HP State Electricity Regularity Commission, Dr Subhash Negi, a former Professor at the IGMC, and Dr PC Negi, Professor and Head, Cardiology Department, IGMC, were also honoured on the occasion. HP Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi thanked the Chief Minister for being considerate towards tribal areas and its people. He said the state government had provided all assistance at war-footing to restore damaged roads, water-supply schemes, electricity and bring back life to normalcy when heavy rains and flash floods caused heavy damage in Kinnaur district last year. The CM also released a souvenir brought out by the KWSS. A colourful traditional cultural programme was also presented on the occasion. |
|
MC chiefs still have no power to sign cheques
Mandi, February 23 The MC chiefs, who met the Chief Minister thrice in this regard, say, “The Chief Minister has not only assured us of restoring our financial powers, but also directed the Urban Development Department to issue orders.” The Himachal Pradesh Elected Representatives Association (HPERA), representing nearly 50 MCs, had taken up this issue with the CM after the state government had withdrawn the powers of the MC presidents to sign cheques in February last year. The MC chiefs said, “Snatching our powers to sign cheques is not a good sign as this is the first time that MC chiefs have been elected directly and powers were given to maintain cheques and balances.” HPERA president Kul Rakesh Pant and vice-president Gagan Kashyap said, “This decision goes against the spirit of the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution, carried out by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to give more powers to urban local bodies.” Later, in May 2013, the department through a notification had restricted their powers to sign cheques of above Rs 10 lakh, but kept salary bills out of their financial purview. Interestingly, the state government through a recent notification had given powers to nagar panchayat presidents to sign cheques, but powers of MC chiefs remained restricted. "We are planning to meet the Chief Minister soon and take up this issue again with him," say HPERA office-bearers. |
|
Rs 4,282 cr for education: Butail
Palampur, February 23 Butail, who was presiding over the annual function of Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Government College here yesterday, said in North India, Himachal was the only state which had given top priority to the education sector and was spending a major amount of its budget on it. The government was worried over the increasing rate of drop-out students from government schools. The problem needed immediate redressal and teachers could play a vital role by raising the standard of education in government schools. Butail asked the teacher community to work with devotion as they could give new dimensions to this field. Much stress should be laid on quality education so that students from the hill state could get admission in medical colleges and IITs, he said. He said Rs 73 crore had been sanctioned for a new hostel complex of the college, which would be ready in the next two years. The government had also proposed a separate bypass for the college from the local gurdwara so that students were saved from frequent traffic jams in the town. Earlier, Nirmal Sood, Principal of the college, welcomed the Speaker and said his team was fully devoted to the welfare of the students of the college. Stress had been laid to create the best academic atmosphere in the college. Students had been advised to make best utilisation of library facilities provided in the college.
|
|
Shimla set to be ‘solar city’
Shimla, February 23 The corporation has proposed to go for energy audits of the SAD government complex towards reducing dependence on renewable sources of power by way of solar lighting and heating. “We have a The corporation is setting up a 15-kwp plant at the Panchayat Bhawan, Shimla, and a 20-kwp solar power plant on The Ridge. “We are setting up solar cooking systems for Himachal Pradesh University and Working Women's Hostel at Sanjauli and a micro plant to run the Lalpani sewerage treatment plant this year. We will install 5,000 solar lanterns and 2,000 home heating systems next year," he added. A decentralised waste water treatment plant at Kusumpati, waste segregation at source at Boileuganj and e-toilets on The Ridge and The Mall would be set up soon, he added. The SMC had adopted low emission strategy to claim carbon credits from top companies. "We have the Saheb society to collect garbage from door to door and segregation facility to dispose of solid waste in the city," added Tikender Panwar, Deputy Mayor. The corporation had planned energy audits of all the government buildings. Tramways had been proposed to decongest the city, encouraging eco-friendly travel. The low-emission pink taxis would be started for women from different points to the City Centre this year, said Panwar. Ropeways had been proposed at key locations that would reduce carbon footprint in the city, he added. “We will set up a new dumping site, channelise nullahs and drains and improve pathways and roads, parking lots and solid waste management for which different proposals worth Rs 29.48 crore are under consideration,” the Deputy Mayor said. The eco-friendly plan
|
|
|
Rs 5 crore for parking lots in Kullu
Kullu, February 23 He said technical clearance had been received from the Public Works Department and tenders would be floated soon. He added that clearance for a parking lot near lower Dhalpur had also been given. It was to be constructed at a cost of about Rs 90 lakh. The area in the vicinity of a river being prone to heavy floods, the proposition raises questions over the project's sustainability in the long run. Kalia said the parking lots were proposed to be built on available spaces and the
Public Works Department had worked out their technical feasibility. Rishab said a parking
lot in the Shastri Nagar area was also under consideration as there were no parking facilities between Dhalpur and Shastri Nagar. The area had a hospital, an eye clinic and numerous banks, besides other public amenities. The area residents rued that while VIPs' vehicles were never questioned for being parked on the roadside, locals had to face strict police action every now and then. They rued that the police adopted a pick-and-choose policy. Sometimes, of two vehicles standing at the same spot, only one was penalised and the other was allowed to go scot-free, they stated. |
|
|
Health centre building completion demanded
Nurpur, February 23 As per information, the foundation stone of the Rs 1.71-crore centre was laid by former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on February 18, 2011. But the construction work had been stopped a year ago. Patients and Health Department staff were expecting the new building premises to come up this year, as they were still using the old building (since 1905). Now, residents of nearby 20 villages and elected representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institutions are up in arms against the unprecedented delay in the execution of work. Local former Member of Legislative Assembly Des Raj, zila parishad members Dev Raj, Rita Devi and Ashwani Katoch said the villagers would intensify their stir in case the building was not completed on time. However, Arun Vashisht, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Indora division, said the construction got delayed due to the contractor, who was given the work. “The contractor has been asked to complete the work forthwith,” he added.
|
|
|
Expedite restoration, officials told
Bharmour, February 23 Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri has directed the officials concerned of the power board and the Public Works Department to speed up the restoration works with regard to the opening of link roads connecting the difficult villages and the power supply. He impressed upon the officials to restore transportation services and electricity supply in the far-off villages at the earliest, prior to the Chief Minister’s ensuing visit to Chamba district. |
|
|
Cultural programme concludes
Kangra, February 23 The utsav began with Saraswati Vandana. A rangoli competition, balloon bursting, needle and thread race and balance race were other activities on the day. As for Day 2, it featured group dance, group song, exhibition, cub and bulbul greetings and camp fire. RC Sharma, Principal, KV Hamirpur and Divisional Commissioner, Bharat Scout and Guides, Dharamsala, Division III and Jogeshwar Dutt, Principal, Nadaun, were present. |
|
60 examined at medical camp
Chamba, February 23 Symptoms of pneumonia were detected in children. After taking their blood samples, they were advised to come to hospital for undergoing further medical treatment. The medical camp was organised by the Red Cross Society here. Medicines were also distributed on the occasion. |
|
State inter-polytechnic athletic meet begins
Sundernagar, February 23 GS Bali, Minister for Food Civil Supply, Transport and Technical Education, was the chief guest. He declared the meet open and unfurled the tournament flag. He took the salute from contingents. He said the government was making all-out efforts to ensure that technical institutes in the state imparted quality education. Sundernagar MLA Sohan Lal Thakur, Karsog MLA Mansa Ram, along with local Congressmen and officials, were also present on the occasion.
|
|
Punjab youth dies after taking medicine
Kangra, February 23 SHO, Dehra, Dharam Pal Sharma today said Gurdev Singh of Natianwala village falling in Kapurthala district of Punjab had arrived in the temple town of Chintpurni yesterday to celebrate the birthday of his companion. The SHO said Gurdev had consumed some medicine to deal with headache and giddiness. He also had a bath with cold water at 12.30 am. When his condition deteriorated, he was rushed to hospital by Sarabjit Kaur at 2.30 am. He died in the wee hours. The police have started investigation under Section 174, CrPC. |
|
Man, daughter die in road accident
Una, February 23 The deceased had been identified as Virender Singh (56) and Shweta (23), while Virender’s wife Sunita had been referred to the PGI, Chandigarh, in a critical condition. The family, hailing from Bijhri in Hamirpur district, was going to Hoshiarpur. Virender was a JE in a government department, while Sunita worked in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur. SP Anupam Sharma said the bodies had been handed over to relatives after a postmortem examination. |
|
Minister honours 200 youth
Una, February 23 Agnihotri said though the population of Himachal was too small as compared to the rest of the country, it had a high percentage of youth doing duties in the uniformed services. He said the UPA government had made a budgetary provision of Rs 500 crore to implement the one rank, one pension scheme, which would benefit 1.67 lakh ex-servicemen, 31,288 war widows and 1,085 veer naris. He exhorted the selected youth to work honestly for the country after completing their training.
|
|
|
Treasure of Bilaspur submerged
Shriniwas Joshi Probably, the foggiest town of Himachal is Bilaspur. The sun pierces the fog mid-day when the tops of the temples drowned in the waters of the Gobind Sagar come into view (see photo). Old Bilaspur fertile land called Sandhu ka Haar having innumerable fruit trees is all gone and gone with those are the Raja’s airstrip and palaces. What is left today are the remnants of 28 temples, of which 12 have significant archaeological value. It is a rich treasure that we have left behind to be drowned in the watery grave. Several plans were prepared to trans-locate these temples in the new township. No such plan, however, could be executed for want of money or expertise. The Union Government had restored the devotional heritage in the Nagarjuna Sagar and the Narmada Valley, but they overlooked that of Bilaspur because it was the first city in the country to be submerged in the backwaters of the Bhakra which was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963. Since then the waters of the Gobind Sagar gradually started submerging old Bilaspur and with that a portion of the archaeological wealth of the state. An example of this wealth is reflected in the "Dikpalas" figures of the Ranganatha temple that were picked from the submerging temple in 1973 (see photo) and brought to the State Museum, Shimla. Ranganatha is generally accepted as Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture with serpent God Adishesha as his pillow. But Ranganatha in Bilaspur was Lord Shiva. Both Ranganatha and Nataraja have the same meaning — the "Lord of the Stage" as Ranga and Nata mean stage. Ranganatha is the name used in the South, its entrance into the old Bilaspur is shrouded in mystery. The exact identification of "Dikpalas" is not possible because of the damaged figures. "Dikpal" at the right holds a trident in his bent front hand and an obscure object, probably a flower, in his left hand. Two other hands are missing. His mount, a bull, is visible by the side of his right leg. The grace to this figure comes from his dwibhanga (flexed) posture in which he is standing. Just below the knees is a visible portion of vanamala that he is wearing. “The whole figure is arranged within an ornamental torana and the jatmukuta is enclosed by an arch which is in the stylised form of the chaitya window, a motif very much in use for the embellishment of the temple architecture in the early mediaeval period,” reads “Arts of Himachal” edited by Vishwa Chandra Ohri. The other figure of “Dikpala” is so mutilated that it cannot be detailed. The entire visual is pleasing amalgam of linear treatment in Pahari sculpture and lithe plasticity of Gupta Art. Archaeological studies reveal that this 9th century temple was rebuilt over the remains of an earlier temple because the carvings at the plinth are very close in style to the Pratihara period and the structures on the upper portion are of a later period. A life-size image of Nandi that was there in front of the temple has been shifted to the new township. The Ranganath temple was as splendorous as the Chandi Asu temple in Java, opined H Goetz. The Chandi Asu temple in Java was restored from 860 to 915 BC, but stands in utter ruins today. Some of the other temples that are now under water are those of Lord Hanuman, Dhanduti, the 7th century Shanmukheswara temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the warrior son of Lord Shiva, and the Gopal temple. The Archaeological Survey of India has been making numerous announcements that something will be done to preserve these temples but when? It is the question. We are so obsessed to preserve the British monuments in Shimla and elsewhere, but when it comes to saving our own cultural heritage, we are in a quandary.
|
|
|
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan rally flagged off at HPAU
Palampur, February 23 NSS volunteers and NCC cadets from various colleges participated in the rally. Apart from this, the National Youth Policy, 2014, was also launched. The VC said around 33 crore people in the age group of 15 to 29 years would benefit from the two programmes. He asked students to make use of all facilities provided at the campus for their overall development. — OC |
|
|
7 kg charas seized in Kullu, 3 arrested
Kullu, February 23 The SP informed mediapersons that three persons were arrested and a three-wheeler (HP-34A-7092) and a car (HP-66-3653) impounded. The police had set up a naka at Pridi and seized the three-wheeler carrying 13 bags of walnut bark. After interrogating the driver, a raid was conducted on the premises of the accused from where another 39 bags of walnut bark and the charas (cannabis) were recovered, the SP said. The accused had been carrying on the illegal trade for a long time with the connivance of some local forest and police officials. An investigation into the financial standing and assets of the accused was being done as per the provisions of the law. A case under Section 379 of the IPC and Section 20-A of the NDPS Act and Sections 41 and 42 of the Indian Forest Act had been registered. |
|
|
All 6 murder accused sent in police remand
Shimla, February 23 The body of the deceased, identified as Chitra (19), bore injury marks on the head. She was married to Subash of Nepal and had a one-and-a-half-month-old daughter. Her naked body was found near Mashobra, 10 km from here, on late Thursday night. Sources said Chitra had left for her mother’s house on Thursday. Her husband was told that Chitra had gone to meet her aunt. The aunt told the police that Chitra took off her clothes and ran on the road at midnight. |
|
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Tarlok Singh Chauhan was sworn in as Additional Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court here today. He was administered oath of office by the Acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir at the High Court. Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice Rajiv Sharma, Justice VK Sharma and Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhary were present on the occasion.
Brij Behari Lal Butail, Speaker of the HP Assembly, today said the Himachal Government had earmarked Rs 4,282 crore for the education sector in the state. The amount would be spent for the modernisation of educational institutions and strengthening other infrastructure network in the state, he said.
Sixty persons, including 13 children, living in jhuggis near Mai-Ka-Bagh in the town, were examined by a medical team during a camp held specially for migrant labourers last week.
Symptoms of pneumonia were detected in children. After taking their blood samples, they were advised to come to hospital for undergoing further medical treatment.
The four-day 19th Himachal Pradesh Inter-Polytechnic Athletic-cum-Cultural Meet started
here yesterday. Sources said around 500 students from 15 government polytechnics from all over the state would take part in the event.
GS Bali, Minister for Food Civil Supply, Transport and Technical Education, was the chief guest.
Probably, the foggiest town of Himachal is Bilaspur. The sun pierces the fog mid-day when the tops of the temples drowned in the waters of the Gobind Sagar come into view (see photo). Old Bilaspur fertile land called Sandhu ka Haar having innumerable fruit trees is all gone and gone with those are the Raja’s airstrip and palaces. What is left today are the remnants of 28 temples, of which 12 have significant archaeological value.
