Absence of written permission stalls garbage lifting work
Blame game continues as DVWM awaits DMC’s permission
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The blame game between Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) and Doon Valley Waste Management (DVWM) - the private firm that revoked its 15-year contract of door-to-door collection of garbage - has started once again.

On one hand the private company asserts that the DMC failed to give them a written permission to go-ahead with the work in 10 wards enlisted by them, authorities at the local body on the other maintain that they had already given a go-ahead to the company.

A week ago following discussions with the DMC officials, DVWM finalised 10 wards, where work would begin. The wards that were chosen by the company for door-to-door garbage collection were Arya Nagar, Jakhan, Karanpur, DL Road, Dalanwala (ward number 25, 26, 27), Clock Tower, Dhamawala and Sahastradhara.

Speaking to The Tribune, Sidharth Jain, DVWM CEO, said, “Following the assurances from the District Magistrate and acting Mukhya Nagar Adhikari BVRC Purshottam, we decided to resume the work. We are waiting for a written permission from the DMC to start the work. Until we get a written clearance, the work will not start. We have burnt our hands once and do not wish to have a similar experience again.”

He added, a fresh memorandum of understanding (MoU) needed to be signed between both the parties for the work to begin afresh.

Meanwhile when the acting Mukhya Nagar Adhikari BVRC Purshottam was contacted, he said they had asked the company to start the work.

On being asked about the written clearance, Purshottam said, “The firm never asked us for a written permission in the meetings convened previously. They have submitted the list of the wards they wish to take up in the first phase and now it is up to them when they wish to start the work.”

He added, “The work in all 60 wards of the city is being carried out by the DMC efficiently so far. It does not matter whether they (DVWM) take up the work or not.”

It may be recalled that the company hired for waste management project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), ended its contract after being operational for three years in the state capital.

According to the company, they revoked the contract after the failure of DMC to fulfil their demands and resolve the issues. Among the demands raised by the company was revision of the tipping fee from the existing Rs 350 per metric tonne to Rs 472 metric tonne. In fact it was due to the deteriorating sanitary condition of the state capital and the failure of the MNA Ashok Kumar to handle the situation, that DVWM was removed from the post and attached to the secretariat.

Rainwater enters houses of Saket Colony residents
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 19
The residents of Saket Colony are agitated as water entered their houses due to over-flooding caused by overnight rains here.

The residents lamented the fact that over-flooding of their houses has become a common feature even during light rains causing immense inconvenience to them.

The residents summoned Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi and complained about the lackadaisical approach of the concerned agencies despite repeated reminders.

Ganesh Joshi directed the concerned officials to look into matter and resolve the problem of the residents of Saket Colony within two to three days. The officials have assured that they would try to provide relief to residents as soon as possible. 

CITU rally on March 30
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
In a bid to highlight the problems being faced by the labourers, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions would be organising a rally on March 30 at the Parade Ground.

In a press conference organised here today, state general secretary Birendar Bhandari said that CITU’s general secretary Tapan Sen would address the rally.

“The major demands being raised in the rally include the minimum salary for the workers at Rs 10,000 per month. Also a demand to stop the privatisation of the public organisations, defence establishments and Central establishments would be raised in the rally,” he said.

A complete ban on the FDI in retail industry, registration of trade unions within 45 days, provision of leaves for the contractual employees as per the regular employees, provision of labour laws, direct recruitment of contractual employees in the departments and the employees working in the corporations be given the status of state government employees were other major demands, he added.

Speaking about the other demands that would be highlighted at the rally, Bhandari said: “We would also be demanding abolition of the Public Private Partnership model, disbursement of the bonus and minimum salary to the Asha workers and social and job security to the bhojan matas working in the schools under the mid-day meal scheme.”

Bhagirathi authority to regulate constructions on Ganga banks 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The Bhagirathi Valley Development Authority has been entrusted with the responsibility to regulate the construction work along the banks of the Ganga in the state.

The authority will be given all powers under the Flood Control Act that are vested with the state government. It will submit a report on habitations near the river, distance from the river, a scientific study, and regularisation of constructions within three months. A survey will be held to regulate development works from the source of the Ganga to Laksar. Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar presided over a meeting to hold discussions on these issues at the Secretariat here today.

Discussions were also held on stopping all illegal constructions along the Ganga riverbanks. It was decided to enforce the Flood Zoning Act effectively. The Chief Secretary gave directions that there should be a ban on permanent constructions being carried out along the Ganga banks in the state. He said this should be controlled in a coordinated fashion by the home, irrigation, forest and revenue departments.

Additional Chief Secretaries Rakesh Sharma and BP Pandey, Principal Secretary, Forest, M Ramaswamy, Housing Secretary DS Gabriyal, Revenue Secretary Bhaskaranand and Irrigation Secretary Ajay Pradyot were present at the occasion.

DM suspends 20 departmental heads, gives notice to 50 others 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
Taking strict action against the government officials who failed to deliver the tasks assigned to them in the wake of the general elections, District Magistrate BVRC Purshottam suspended 20 departmental heads and issued show-cause notice to 50 others.

The action came after the erring officials failed to provide details of the employees in their respective departments demanded by the Election Commission. Setting a deadline of three days for the officials to provide the information of their employees, the DM said that strict action would be taken against the defaulters and a notification sent to the EC.

“To conduct the polls successfully is a collective responsibility. If the departmental head fails to send a complete list of employees working under him than it would lead to the failure of that particular employee to cast his vote. The main aim of the list is to ensure that those employees who are placed on the election duty can exercise their vote,” he added.

In yet another meeting held today, the DM reviewed the progress of the tasks assigned to various SDMs, additional returning officers and nodal officers.

“Static teams should be deployed at the district borders for a round-the -clock vigil. Also videos should be recorded of the areas. The flying squads should keep a regular watch in the areas being visited by them so that any untoward incident be reported immediately,” said the DM. “The concerned officials should keep a track of the voter I-card issued to the voters during the special campaign launched by them in the district so that they can cast their votes without any problems. Also, the sector and zonal magistrates should conduct regular rounds of the areas coming under their jurisdiction. A complete list of the sensitive and ultra sensitive booths, based on the past elections and present circumstances, be prepared well in advance and submitted to the concerned officials,” he added.

Those present in the meeting included Alok Kumar Pandey, Sonika, Pratap Shah, Jagat Singh Chauhan and Dinesh Pothai along with several others.

Radha Mohan Singh says no rift in state BJP
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
BJP general secretary and in-charge Uttarakhand affairs Radha Mohan Singh has ruled out any dissensions amongst party rank and file in any of the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. While addressing media persons at state party's office here today, Singh said that party activists have been told to gear up with full enthusiasm to win all the five seats in the upcoming general elections. Singh claimed that change of chief minister in the state will not help in changing the Congress Party's fortunes in the Lok Sabha polls and Congress candidates will be defeated by the BJP. ''We have all seen the fallout of factional feud within the state unit of Congress and the second fallout will emerge after Lok Sabha polls when the party will lose all the five parliamentary seats,'' he claimed.

He said the change of face ahead of general elections will not lead to any change in the Congress Party's fortunes. Singh said the UPA government and the state Congress government had failed on all fronts and the voters will vote in favour of BJP across the nation.

According to Radha Mohan Singh, the replacement of chief minister will not tilt the scales in favour of Congress and further said that the voters' disenchantment with the Congress is complete across the country. After stressing that there is a wave in favour of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi , Singh said that Congress-led state government is yet to take effective measures for redressing the grievances of all those villagers who faced the brunt of natural calamity that struck in the month of June, last year. He said that the party workers have already started intense campaigning in all five constituencies and also started urging electors to vote in the favour of BJP-led NDA to power at the Centre. He also lamented that model code of conduct is being infringed by the Congress-led state government.

Radha Mohan Singh refuted that there are any dissensions after the selection of candidates and said that each and every leader of the party will work wholeheartedly for the party in the elections.

BJP state chief Tirath Singh Rawat, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Ajay Bhatt and Haridwar MLA Madan Kaushik were also present. 

Policemen sensitised on gender issues
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
A two-day workshop on “Gender Sensitisation and Crime against Women” was inaugurated for police personnel at Dehradun Police Lines here today.

Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sidhu inaugurated the workshop, in which more than 100 police personnel from across the seven districts of the Garhwal range participated.

The workshop commenced with a play by Sambhav Manch Parivaar depicting the problems faced by the policemen while dealing with the cases of crime against women and other cases. He said: “The police have a pivotal role in dealing with the cases of crime against women. Such cases should be dealt with sensitively, as generally the police are the first responders.”

He said the cases of crime against women are high in developing countries like India as compared to other developed nations, where the numbers are negligible.

During the first half of the day, senior psychologist Dr Veena Krishnan interacted with the police personnel and spoke on the psychological issues related to the cases of crime against women.

Amit Sinha, Deputy Inspector General, Garhwal Range, said the police must keep the victim updated about the ongoing investigation in such cases. Later, the experts, including Ramendri Mandrwal, Akansha Sinha and Geeta Gairola, threw light on a number of issues related to crime against women. The session would continue on Thursday and the experts from other fields would interact with the participants and share their experience. 

Satpal Maharaj calls for checking migration from hill areas in state 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
There is a need to check migration from the hill areas of the state, said senior Congress leader and Pauri Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj in a statement issued here today.

He said the state government should take steps to check migration from the hill areas. Maharaj, who is unhappy over the working of his own Congress government in which his wife is a minister, said after the disaster in June, it was decided that all those who suffered loss would be given land so that they could rebuilt their homes. But, later it was decided to give Rs 7 lakh to the affected.

He said with the money, the victims would migrate to the plains and build their houses, which would be counterproductive. He said since Uttarakhand shared its border with Nepal and China, migration of people from the border areas would not be in the national interest. Maharaj said the Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway line and the connectivity for the char-dham yatra was necessary from the defence point of view.

He said to preserve the language, culture of the hill region it was necessary to stop migration, adding that he had been raising the issue from the streets up to the Parliament. He said Congress party workers should be honoured by the state government. 

Debris strewn across Kempty Falls
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 19
The tourists and residents are irked at the accumulation of the mud and stone debris that could endanger their lives at the famous tourist destination of Kempty Falls near Mussoorie.

The residents are of the view with only few days remaining to start of the summer season, the concerned authorities have turned a blind eye to removing the debris from here despite several reminders.

The president of the traders' association, Kempty market, Sansar Chand, rued the fact that Kempty being an important tourist destination attracts a large number of people on annual basis but the apathy shown by the Tehri district administration under which the spot falls and is important source of revenue apart from providing employment to locals is baffling.

He further said that the maintenance of the Kempty Falls is with district panchayat office but it too has shown interest towards the upgradation of the facilities at the falls and the debris accumulated at the Kempty Falls was living example of it.

He also complained that Kempty Falls had turned into a big garbage dumping ground with no project of solid waste management in place as yet.

The encroachment and illegal construction of shops in the already congested market was rampant and there was none to control such activity form the side of administration, said Sansar Chand. The district Panchayat Apar Mukhya Adhikari, Tehri, Rajiv Kumar Tripathi, said the debris was from the disaster that struck two years ago in Kempty Falls. The tenders for the job have been floated and the work to clear the debris would begin within 15 days. 

Saklani elected Sadhbhavna president
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 19
Bhagwati Prasad Saklani was elected unanimously president of social organisation Sadhbhavna, in an annual meeting held at a hotel in Mussoorie yesterday.

The other executive members elected were Shashi Rawat-general secretary, Bharosi Rawat vice president, and Manzoor Ahmed treasurer.

Saklani said he would try to serve society through active participation though out the year. He added that the members from all communities would be involved in society. Harbahajn Thukral, Javed Khan, Sunil Panwar, Sandeep Agarwal, Anuj Tayal, Rafiq Ahmed and other members of the organisation were present on the occasion.

EO directs officials to open public toilets not in use
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 19
Azhar Ali, Executive Officer of Municipal Council, Mussoorie, acting on the complaints filed by residents, inspected several public toilets (lavatories) that have not been opened, despite completion of work, here today.

The executive began the inspection from a public toilet situated at Kempty taxi stand at Library Bazaar and was agitated to find it closed and not being in use without any reason. He immediately directed his subordinate to open the public toilet for use without any further delay.

He also paid a visit to other public toilets in the town and directed the officials to repair the overhead tanks and maintain such units.

When TNS contacted Azhar Ali, he said, he was receiving complaints from the residents that public toilets were shut and were not being put to use. He further said, directions have been given to upgrade the facilities of all such toilets in the town and use them for public convenience.

BJP confident of winning all five Lok Sabha seats
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, March 19
The announcement by the BJP of the candidates for all five Lok Sabha seats, especially from Tehri, in Uttarakhand has galvanised the party cadre in Mussoorie.

The party workers in Mussoorie elated over nomination of the sitting MP, Mala Raj Lakshmi Shah again from the Tehri seat, are confident of winning all five seats in the state in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 7.

Former Mussoorie Municipal Council president OP Uniyal said, “We have decided to bring the BJP to power at the Centre after the present Congress-led government showed total incompetency in handling the natural disaster that struck the state in June last year.” The Modi wave too has strengthened the resolve to win the elections, he added.

A confident Uniyal said, “The BJP will win all five seats in Uttarakhand by a huge margin this time, as people are fed up with the scam-tainted Congress-led government at the Centre.”

Suman Panwar, vice-president of the BJP Women Cell, said her party had given its approval on the works done by the sitting MP from Tehri constituency Mala Raj Lakshmi once again and the move would help in empowering women in the constituency.

She added that Mala Raj Lakshmi Shah, whohad utilised more than 90 per cent of her MPLAD funds for development, proves that she was committed towards resolving problems of the people.

Mohan Petwal, vice-president of the local unit BJP, said Mala Raj Lakshmi had proved her mettle during the natural disaster that occurred last year by reaching out to the affected people. He said the honest and the clean image of Mala Raj Lakshmi would also come handy and result in her victory during the Lok Sabha elections this year.

Anil Godiyal, another BJP leader in Mussoorie, said the Congress had already accepted defeat, as it was finding it difficult in getting leaders to contest the elections from various constituencies in the state fearing a debacle.

He reiterated the claims that the BJP would win all five Lok Sabha seats, which would also trigger the downhill road for the Congress in the state. The party workers appealed to the people to come out in large numbers and vote in favour of the BJP on May 7.

AAP leader resigns, says the party is playing into BJP hands
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The Dharampur Vidhan Sabha in charge of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today resigned from the party alleging that it was playing into the BJP hands.

Kazi Zainul Haq announced his resignation at a press conference held at Hindi Bhawan in Dehradun today.

He said Uttarakhand AAP convener Harish Arya, who is a candidate from the Almora Pithoragarh parliamentary seat, was trying to manage the party as his private party.

Haq said the election campaign committee of the AAP had office-bearers from the Kumaon region and the Garhwal division, which forms a major part of the state, had completely been ignored. He added even minorities did not have any representation in the AAP decision-making body in the state.

Haq said those linked to the land mafia had gained entry into the AAP and the grassroots workers felt they were being neglected. Haq added that several other AAP workers were in the line to submit their resignation.

Harish Rawat meets Satpal Maharaj, tries to placate him
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today took an initiative to placate disgruntled senior Congress leader and Pauri Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj. Rawat went to meet Satpal Maharaj at his New Delhi residence and had a heart-to-heart talk with him.

Pauri Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj, who was unhappy with the working of the Congress-led state government, had announced he would not contest the Lok Sabha elections this time.

Maharaj, in a statement issued to the media, had said the state government had failed to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of the natural disaster last year. He was upset with the failure of the state's Congress government to adjust his trusted party leaders in various government bodies, he added.

His refusal to contest the Lok Sabha elections has created a piquant situation for the Congress, particularly for Chief Minister Harish Rawat.

Satpal Maharaj, whose wife Amrita Rawat is a minister in the state government, was unhappy with taking away of the horticulture portfolio from her.

Following the meeting, the Chief Minister denied that there were any differences within senior party leaders and Satpal Maharaj was unhappy with him. He said all the issues raised by Satpal Maharaj, a senior Congress leader, would be looked into.

He said since he took over on February 1, his government had issued 2,603 government orders and most of these related to disaster-affected areas being represented by Satpal Maharaj.

On denial of horticulture portfolio to Amrita Rawat, the Chief Minister said he had admitted his mistake and allotment of portfolios was an internal affair of the party. It would be sorted out, he added.

He hoped that candidates for the five Lok Sabha seats would be announced after March 20.

Jobless youth will play key role in poll
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 19
The unemployed youth in the state seem to be the deciding factor in the coming parliamentary elections as out of the total number of voters in all five seats in the state every fourth person between 18 and 40 years of age is unemployed.

According to sources close to unemployed youth organisation in the state, the total number of registered youth in all 23 employment registration offices in the state is over 8 lakh, besides many others who are on the waiting list. ''The number of registered youth in the state has increased five-fold in the last 12 years of the state's existence as no mass employment was provided to these youth,'' said Lalit Mohan Bhatt, president of unemployed youths organisation in the state.

Bhatt, citing the example of Champawat district, has said that the total registered number of unemployed youths in the district, which was mere 4445 at the time of the state's formation, has risen to 19,863 at present. Almost all the unemployment registration offices in the state have witnessed the same pattern of registration in the state as no district except some areas adjoining Sidcul, could get the required employment from the government side,'' said Bhatt.

According to Bhatt, the number of unemployed youth voters is 56 per cent in the state as every second youth voter is seeking employment. These youths are organising themselves as the deciding factor in the coming elections and are likely to vote for those political forces which are vying for their employment honestly,'' said Bhatt.

Harish Chandra Durgapal, Minister of Small and Medium Industries in the Harish Rawat ministry, said that the future of the number of unemployed youths registered in various employment offices is wrongly being presented as some of the youth, who have received employment in Sidcul industries, have left their names registered despite been employed. 

Raj Lakshmi’s candidature welcomed
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, March 19
Members of the BJP Mahila Morcha from Mussoorie and Tehri were elated at the announcement of Mala Raj Lakshmi Shah from Tehri Garhwal as BJP candidate.

Meera Saklani, president, BJP Mahila Morcha, Tehri district, thanked the central committee of the party for reposing faith in Mala Raj Lakshmi Shah, the sitting MP from Tehri. Meera said the BJP had always respected women in the party and preferred to give them responsible positions.

Mala had worked tirelessly to provide relief and solace to the affected families in the constituency, following last year's natural disaster. Raj Lakshmi is known for her honesty and integrity, said Meera Saklani.

Mala was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in a bye-election and is a member of the state parliamentary board. In the bye-election, she defeated Saket Bahuguna, son of Vijay Bahuguna, of the Congress, by a margin of over 22,000 votes. 

Almora has been suffering for 5 yrs: Tamta
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 19
Ajay Tamta, BJP candidate from the reserved Lok Sabha seat of Almora, has said the area has been suffering for the last five years. Problems of the constituency were not raised in the Parliament by the sitting Congress MP, he stated.

“Disaster-hit roads in the worst-hit districts of the constituency have not been repaired. Food distribution has not reached remote villages as none of these problems were raised by the sitting MP in the Parliament in the last five years,” alleged Tamta, talking to the media after reaching Almora from Dehradun on Tuesday.

The BJP candidate said during the Congress regime of the last 10 years, the problems of the hill state, especially of the region, had increased as the Central Government had not released money for construction and repair of border roads and railway links such as that from Tanakpur to Bageshwar.

"Even the supply of LPG cylinders to this area was kept only at 30 per cent by the Union Government, which has created an utter crisis," said the BJP candidate.

Tamta said the country was set to get rid of corrupt Congress policies under the BJP rule with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. The entire nation had support in favour of the BJP, he added.

“Perturbed at the support for the BJP, several Congress stalwarts are now fleeing the party,” said Tamta.

 ‘Block-level padyatras of Cong get a positive response’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The state Congress unit today said that the block-level padyatras being organised in the state to apprise people about the works done by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre was receiving a commendable response.

State Congress General Secretary Vijay Saraswat said: “After its success in Haridwar, a padyatra will now begin in the Dharampur Assembly region of Dehradun on March 23.”

He said the padyatra would prominently cover Chandrabadni, Khalsa, Mohabbeywala and Kumaoni Mandir areas of the constituency.

He said Chief Minister Harish Rawat, state Congress president Yashpal Arya and Cabinet Minister Dinesh Agarwal would participate in the padyatra to be held in Dharampur Assembly region.

Farmers seek compensation for damaged rabi, cash crops
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, March 19
Farmers in parts of Champawat and Pithoragarh districts have demanded compensation for the rabi crops and cash crops like potato and other seasonal vegetables that were damaged due to heavy rain and a hailstorm last evening. “The downpour accompanied by a hailstorm last evening destroyed wheat, barley, peas, mustard and other vegetable crops in the Panar valley and the Simalkhet areas of the district. Most of the farmers in these areas are dependent on the cash crops for their livelihood,” said Kheema Mehta, former pramukh of the Barakot block of Champawat district.

According to information received from different parts of Pithoragarh district, hailstorm caused a heavy damage to the potato crop in Champawat district dejecting farmers who are already perturbed at the loss of crops due to continuous rain this month. “Potato sowing, which has already been delayed due to intermittent rain this year, was disrupted again due to the hailstorm,” said Pankaj Adhikari, a potato farmer in Champawat district.

The hailstorm destroyed maturing rabi and vegetable crops at Gangolihat, Didihat, Thal, Munisiyari and Berinag areas in Pithoragarh district. “We have ordered revenue sub-inspectors to assess the actual losses suffered due to the rain and the hailstorm so that the government could be requested for compensation for the affected farmers,” said HC Semwal, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh. 

Historic Jhanda mela to begin tomorrow
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The historic Jhanda fair to commemorate the arrival of Guru Ram Rai in Dehradun will begin on March 21 with the flag-hoisting ceremony outside the darbar.

Vishnu Nautiyal, manager of Shri Guru Ram Darbar Sahib, Jhanda Bazaar, told mediapersons in Dehradun today that Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Ropar in Punjab, had been selected to offer 'Darshani Gilaf', a ceremonial cover, as a mark of wish fulfilment.

Meanwhile, the darbar has buzzing with pilgrims who are coming from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for the mela. Mahant Devendra Das also blessed the devotees on the occasion.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate the pilgrims at dharamshalas and schools run by the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Management.

Students’ week begins at DBS PG College
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
After the conclusion of the students week celebrations at DAV PG College couple of days back, the similar weeklong annual celebrations kicked off at DBS PG College here today.

The rangoli and poster painting competition marked the first day of the student week with large number of college students displaying their talent and skills through their picturesque paintings.

A special kavi sammelan, cultural programme and orchestra performance would be organised in the college premises during the student week celebrations.

Students showcased their creativity and competitive streak at various competitions.

Documentary on disaster widows gets award
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
A documentary, “The ones left behind”, showcasing the plight of women widowed after the Kedarnath catastrophe has received the Special Mention Jury Award at the Chennai International Short Film Festival held recently. The Integrate Resource Relief Rescue and Rehabilitation Fund for Mountains had made the documentary.

In a presentation held here today, Kartikeya Sharma, director of the documentary, said, “The documentary records the life being led by the widows of those who died in the Kedarnath tragedy. They have not only lost their loved ones but also their only source of livelihood. Their living conditions have worsen and it is going to be very difficult for them to take care of their children in times to come.”

“The documentary was screened in the Indian Panorama section of the festival. The Integrate Resource Relief Rescue and Rehabilitation Fund for Mountains was set up after the Kedarnath disaster to help the affected individuals. The society has been involved in getting as much aid as possible for the widows. We will now expand our objective and bring about a change in the mountains, which is the need of the hour,” he added. 

IMA team win cricket tournament
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) has won the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC) Cricket Tournament after defeating Survey of India (SOI) by 4 runs at SOI stadium here today.

After winning the toss and elected to bat, the IMA scored 150 runs with the help of Sanjay’s 31 and Sumit’s 26 runs. For SOI, Surendra Gusain took 4 wickets whereas Sanjay Rawat clicked 3 wickets. In reply, the SOI got off to a good start with Satendra Rawat made brilliant 50 runs while Mohammad Tahir scored 33 runs. But the SOI team fell 4 runs short of the target and lost the match. For the IMA, Sanjay and Rohit took 2 wickets each.

The Survey General of India, Swarna Subba Rao was the chief guest on the occasion and distributed prizes to the winner and runner-up teams. Meanwhile, Sanjay from the IMA was adjudged the best batsman of the tournament for his all-round performance in the tournament.

Asian School beat UGNL by 215 runs

In a one-sided match, Asian School defeated UGNL cricket team by a margin of 215 runs in the ongoing 62nd Dehradun district cricket league played at Ordnance Factory playground here on Wednesday.

Batting first, Asian School got off to a flying start with opener Ashirwad making a brilliant 134 runs while Tanish played a blistering innings of 87 runs. Asian School scored 296 runs at the loss of 5 wickets.

In reply, the UGNL team was bowled out after making only 82 runs with Anil Dimani scored the highest 21 runs. From Asian School, Agrim bowled a fiery spell and took 6 wickets in the match. 

2 arrested in property dealer's murder case
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
The Dehradun police claimed to have made a breakthrough in the property dealer Dharampal murder case and arrested two persons in connection with the murder here today.

Ajay Rautela, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), said apart from killing Dharampal on February 11, the arrested persons were also involved in opening fire upon the 80-year-old mother of property dealer Imran, almost a month after killing Dharampal.

Acting on a tip off, the joint team of the police and Special Operation Group (SOG) raided a farm on Shimla bypass road and arrested three persons and recovered one pistol and 10 cartridges from their possession. The SSP said the arrested persons Rupesh Tyagi and Sudhir were arrested from the farmhouse.

"The arrested persons told during interrogation that property dealer Imran gave them the contract to kill Dharampal and promised to pay them Rs 7 lakh for killing him," said SSP. Later, after killing Dharampal, Imran gave them Rs 1 lakh and declined to pay the remaining amount of Rs 6 lakh, which antagonised both Rupesh and Sudhir and they decided to kill Imran, he further added.

Reportedly, on March 12, some unidentified persons went to property dealer Imran's house in Patel Nagar and fired gunshots on the mother of Imran, critically injuring her. Since then the police have been under pressure to solve the series of attacks on property dealers of Dehradun in the past 6 months. 

Haridwar police arrest 3 persons, seize arms
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
As part of the ongoing crackdown against criminals in the district, Haridwar police arrested three persons and recovered two country made pistols and bullets from their possession here today. Reportedly, the Haridwar police team led by head constable Harendra Gusain stopped three persons, namely Satendra, Rajat and Rajesh, on suspicion and during their checking the cops found arms and ammunition from them.

Meanwhile, they were taken to Ranipur police kotwali where during interrogation, they allegedly accepted carrying out a number of burglaries and loots in Haridwar city and adjoining areas. According to the police, the arrested persons have also accepted that they were involved in an attempt to rob the ATM near Sidcul on March 7. 

Saharanpur resident killed in mishap
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
A person was killed and another injured in an accident near the Asarodi police checkpoint last night.

Nivesh and Abhishek, both residents of Saharanpur, were coming towards Dehradun on a motorcycle when an unidentified vehicle hit them near the Asarodi police checkpoint.

Passersby noticed them lying on the road and informed the police and the emergency ambulance service. The 108 ambulance took them to Doon Hospital where Nivesh later died. Abhishek is still undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, Nivesh's body has been sent for a post-mortem.

Woman files complaint 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
A married woman filed a complaint with the Raipur police against her husband and in-laws for demanding dowry.

According to the complainant, her husband Deepak Rawat and in-laws used to physically assault her regularly to bring Rs 10 lakh and a car from her parents. The victim got married to Deepak at an Arya Samaj temple in 2012. Meanwhile, the police have started investigation in the matter.

Teacher held for raping 3 minor students
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 19
A retired teacher of a government school in Nainital was arrested for allegedly raping three minor students yesterday. Chandra Singh Karki, 69, was arrested from Nainital and was presently running a private school in Choukori.

Apart from rape, he was also been booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Primary investigation revealed that he had sexually assaulted three girls aged 10. Senior Superintendent of Police, Vimmi Sachdeva said some girls had complained that Karki was harassing them for a long time.

On the basis of the statements made by them, the matter was handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell. Karki was arrested from his house in Nainital.

Sources said he confessed to his crime. The police are investigating whether he was involved in assaulting more students.