BJP warns Cong of another clean sweep in Assembly poll
Tribune News Service

Dehradun/Haridwar, May 20
Buoyed by the stupendous record-breaking success of BJP in the just held General Election in Uttarakhand, BJP legislators have now warned Congress-led Uttarakhand coalition government to face the same clean sweep whenever the state Assembly elections are held.

As a party workers' meeting , assessing the election results-cum-campaign, party leaders claimed that after winning all five Lok Sabha seats, the party will regain majority in Uttarakhand Assembly, too.

Three time city legislator and state BJP vice president Madan Kaushik attributed the impressive show by BJP candidates in all five Lok Sabha seats of Pauri, Tehri, Almora, Nainital and Haridwar as a result of Narendra Modi wave and ill-governance of Congress.

Madan Kaushik said that people of the state reposed faith in BJP candidates by making them win with a minimum 90,000 plus votes victory margin ,while the maximum being 2.84 lakh.

''While on one hand BJP candidates got high vote percentage of 50 per cent plus,Congress candidates on the other side were lagging way behind in 90 per cent of the 70 Assembly segments of all five parliamentary constituencies,'' said Kaushik.

Rural segment legislator Swami Yatishwaranand said that be it rural or urban segments, voters cast votes in favour of BJP for its development -oriented policies and disciplined approach.

The saint-turned-politician said that the UPA-II tenure was marred with corruption,ill-governance and seeds of division among different communities and sects,which ultimately paved way for its debacle.

He added that in Narendra Modi both BJP and the nation had got an able Prime Minister, capable of ushering in change, development and brining “good days.”

BJP district unit has also decided to give a warm reception to Haridwar parliamentarian Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank ,after he returns from New Delhi, post BJP-led NDA Union Government formation.

Kuldeep Gupta, district unit president, said that Nishank had made history by winning Haridwar Lok Sabha seat by a record 1.77 lakh vote margin and wresting back this 
prestigious seat from Congress after a gap of a decade.''So we want to give him a grand welcome once he arrives from Delhi,''Gupta added.

BJP: Govt has no right to stay in office
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, May 20
After the debacle of 
Congress in all five parliamentary seats of Uttarakhand in the recent LS elections, the BJP has demanded the resignation of CM Harish Rawat on moral grounds.

The divisional unit of the BJP yesterday held a meeting presided over by divisional president Vikas Tiwari in which a demand in this regard was made.

Vikas Tiwari said the Congress had been outclassed by the BJP in the Uttarakhand. So on moral grounds Congress-led state government had no right to stayn in power.

“Mandate is now with the BJP as all five party candidates from Pauri, Tehri, Almora, Nainital and Haridwar have registered a record 1 lakh plus winning votes.

The Congress has lost its mandate and base not only in Uttarakhand but in the entire country,” said Tiwari, while speaking at a party workers' meeting at Devpura party office.

CM sacked Amrita to contain Satpal Maharaj’s loyalists
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Tourism Minister Amrita Rawat's sacking is an attempt by Chief Minister Harish Rawat to contain the group of Congress legislators owing allegiance to Satpal Maharaj amid threat to the stability of his government.

Satpal Maharaj, who defected to the BJP before the Lok Sabha elections, has at least four legislators loyal to him, including his wife Amrita Rawat, who did not quit the Congress with him.

After the poll debacle and threat to the stability to his government from Satpal Maharaj, the Chief Minister acted swiftly and gave posts of their choice to Congress MLAs as well as those belonging to the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF). The PDF is a group of seven legislators which is supporting the government.

During the exercise, Harish Rawat gave posts having a Cabinet minister's rank to Congress legislators Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri, Deputy Speaker, and Rajinder Bhandari, who are considered close to Satpal Maharaj. It is believed that by giving them posts Harish Rawat has tried to bring them around.

He sacked Amrita Rawat to create a vacancy and accommodated Dinesh Dhanai, an Independent legislator, in the Cabinet. Dinesh Dhanai, who was earlier appointed Chairman of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), was unhappy with the denial of a Cabinet berth to him. By removing Amrita Rawat, the Chief Minister has removed an irritant from his ministry.

Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani, who is an Independent legislator, is also considered close to Satpal Maharaj but he has not yet reacted to Amrita Rawat's sacking. Earlier, he had said there was no threat to the Harish Rawat government.

The Chief Minister denied there would be further reshuffle in the ministry.

Cong panel discusses reasons behind party's debacle in LS polls
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
The Uttarakhand Congress State Working Committee met here today to discuss reasons behind the party's debacle in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Harish Rawat and state Congress unit president Yashpal Arya.

Party leaders stressed the need to boost the morale of Congress workers. The meeting also discussed the party's strategy for the ensuing Panchayat elections.

Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana, state women's Congress president Sarojini Kainthura, former Dehradun Mayor Manorama Dobriyal Sharma and Brahmswaroop Brahmachari were present on the occasion.

Mahila morcha flays sacking of Amrita Rawat

Dehradun, May 20
President of the Uttarakhand Mahila Morcha Manju Tiwari has slammed the Congress-led state government for sacking Minister for Tourism and Culture Amrita Rawat.

"AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, during his tour of Uttarakhand, had said women would be given 50 per cent reservation in state Assemblies and the party. However, the state government has taken a retrograde step by sacking Amrita Rawat," said Manju Tiwari, while addressing a press conference here.

She alleged the government could not digest a clean sweep by the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "Under pressure from Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat, the Chief Minister was forced to sack Amrita Rawat, as the former holds her responsible for his defeat from Pauri," said Manju Tiwari. — TNS

AAP activists protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Dozens of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) activists staged a protest in support of their pending demands at the Irrigation Department office, here today. They also submitted a memorandum to the executive engineer of the Irrigation Department, Sunil Kumar, in support of their pending demands. The agitators urged the department officials to take effective steps to improve the condition of roads at Nathuwala and adjoining areas.

The agitators said the construction of roads was started four months ago, but the department failed to repair the damaged roads in the region. They said a memorandum, highlighting their demands, was submitted many times to the higher officials of the department and public representatives, but no steps were taken so far.

They also threatened to intensify their agitation if the department does not take effective steps for repairing the damaged roads.

Rajesh Bahuguna, Suresh Negi, Mayank, Sameer and Ritu Dhimri were also present.

Clean sweep by BJP has left CM insecure, says Bhatt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, said today that a clean sweep by the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections in the state has left Chief Minister Harish Rawat insecure.

“He is insecure about the tenure of his government and is afraid that it can fall any time. He has also launched a campaign to appease the disgruntled MLAs and has managed to give them ministerial berths, which will add to the financial burden of the state,” said Bhatt.

Bhatt said the focus of Harish Rawat was more on saving his government. He also flayed Harish him for sacking Minister for Tourism and Culture Amrita Rawat. “There seems to be a huge difference between the utterances of the Congress as a whole and what their state governments actually do. For long, the Congress has been in favour of giving 50 per cent reservation to women, but the party insulted its own member by sacking her,” he said.

City students excel in CBSE class X board exams

Dehradun, May 20
City students have excelled in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class X board exams, the results of which were declared today.

Seven students of The Asian School, Dehradun, scored a cent per cent (10 on 10) cumulative grade point average (CGPA) while many others scored 9 per cent and above CGPA. Meanwhile, the management and the Principal of the school have congratulated the students for their brilliant performances.

The Indian Academy School achieved a 100 per cent results in the exams. Shivam Dangwal scored 10 CGPA and topped the school while over 10 students got more than 9 CGPA.

The students of Delhi Public School, Dehradun, were on cloud nine as of the 68 students who appeared in the Class X board exams 15 scored A-1 grade and 19 A-2 grade. Akanksha Banthwan, Ayushi Chadha, Vivek Kumar Singh, Rishabh Aggarwal, and Namita Aggarwal brought laurels to the school by scoring 10 CGPA. More 34 students scored above 80 per cent marks. Principal BK Singh and Headmistress Shruti Gupta congratulated the students for their performances.

As many as 13 students of Doon International School obtained 10 CGPA, six 9.8, two 9.6, six 9.4, and 12 students obtained 9.2 CGPA. Director of Doon International School HS Mann and Principal Hema Thapliyal expressed happiness at the results. They said, "?We are glad that our children have once again shown excellent results.” — TNS

Oak Grove tops with 23 students obtaining CGPA 10 in class X
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, May 20
Schools in Mussoorie were teeming with students who had appeared in the class X board exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), after the results were announced today.

The sterling performance by the students from Oak Grove School was the talk of the town as 23 students topped with 10 CGPA grades equivalent to 95 per cent here.

Kuldeep Rawat topped Central School for Tibetans (CST) by obtaining 9.8 CGPA points.Sonali Rawat and Muskan Naithani stood second with 9.4 CGPA while Ravi Verma and Preet Pundir stood third with 9 CGPA points from CST.

Anukrit from Manav Bharti International School topped with 94 per cent while Ravinder Negi stood second with 88 per cent in the school.Nikhil Saklani topped Kendriya Vidyalaya by scoring 9.6 CGPA points while Aarti Singh stood second with 9.4 CGPA points. Anrudh Panwar, Himanshu and Ishani Jyada obtained 9.2 per cent CGPA points and stood third in the school.

Tushar topped St.Clares School by obtaining 86 per cent while Mayank Saxena stood second by obtaining 84 per cent marks in class X.

Gangotri glacier in ‘good health’ due to plenty of snow: Scientist
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, May 20
A team of scientists from the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) yesterday reached Gaumukh to set up a camp to monitor the Gangotri glacier during the melting that begins in May and ends in October.

The head of the team of scientists, Manohar Arora from the National Institute of Hydrology, Surface Water Hydrology Division, speaking to The Tribune exclusively said that the ''health of Gangotri glacier has improved manifold'' due to a good spell of snow this winter season which augurs well for the environment.

Arora said that they had been observing that the spell of snow was coming in February, unitll three years ago and leading to decrease in residency period of snow in the glacier.

However, due to western disturbances the glacier had been receiving snow in the December and January for the past two years, thus resulting in the late exposure of the main body of the glacier, which meant that the snow melted late, thus resulting in improvement in the health of the glacier.

Arora, expressing his satisfaction at the health of Gangotri glacier said that the late exposure of the glacier also meant that the fertile plains on Ganga basin would get ample water for irrigation etc in summer season this year.

Speaking on the reports about the glaciers retreating due to global warming or climate change, he said that the reports of glaciers' retreat cannot be denied but the reasons for this retreat are complex and can occur due to various reasons.

However, the acceleration in the receding glaciers that was being felt earlier, especially at the Gangotri glacier, has lessened to some extent due to the good spell of snow for the past two years much to the relief of the scientists here.

Arora said his team of scientists had been monitoring the total volume of water released during melting season from past the 15 years at a discharge site using all meteorological parameters in Gangotri glacier.

He said besides the focus was on studying the runoff delaying characteristics of Gangotri glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Indian Himalayas. For this purpose, the team of the scientists measured hourly discharge and temperature changes in hydrological characteristics of the runoff over the melting season by studying the variation in time to peak and time lag between melt generation and its emergence as runoff. The diurnal variations in discharge and temperature provide useful information on water storage and runoff characteristics of the glacier. This study is important to determine the impact of such melt water storage and delaying characteristics of glaciers on hydropower projects being planned /developed on glacier-fed streams on the rivers in the country. He also said that more study would reveal several facts that were not known to the scientists till now.

Arora, speaking on the reports of Al Nino affect that could affect the progress of monsoons, said that he had also read such reports but new observations suggest that the monsoon will hit Kerala around June 5, thus resulting in normal monsoon this year.

CM seeks Rs 4,000 cr from new govt for rehab work 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has sought an amount of Rs 4000 crore from the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government headed by Narendra Modi for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the disaster-hit areas of the state.

Talking to mediapersons here today Harish Rawat said that the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had given a sum of Rs.8000 crore for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the state after the devastating floods in June 2013. He said that as per the ground realties, the state would need a sum of Rs 4000 crore over and above Rs 8000 crore that the Central Government had sanctioned in a three-year package. He hoped that the new Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shown a lot of love towards Uttarakhand during his election campaign would be generous in helping the state. He said that he was hopeful that special attention which was given to the Himalayan states during the UPA regime would continue.

Harish Rawat, congratulating the incumbent prime minister and all the five newly elected Lok Sabha members from the state, hoped that some of the elected MPs from Uttarakhand would make it to the Union Council of Ministers.

The Uttarakhand CM wished that all the sanctioned projects during the UPA regime, including Rishikesh-Karanprayag and Tankpur-Bageshwar railway projects of the state would be speeded up and the policy of helping smaller and Himalayan states started by the previous government strengthened.

He further said that he would be meeting the new prime minister along with all the newly elected MPs to submit a memorandum of demands of the state. He expected that the new government would give excise holiday for the industry to the state 
till 2020.

Asked about the performance of his party in the Lok Sabha polls in the state where Congress lost all the five seats, Harish Rawat said that the party failed to connect with the policy and make people aware about the developmental programmes of the government.

Moreover, he admitted that there was failure of implementation of some of the ambitious schemes like food security in the country.

On his fighting Assembly election before July 31 to enter the state legislature, Harish Rawat said that due to the fast changing political situation he could not decide about choosing an Assembly segment to fight election.

He said that his first priority would remain with the start of the Char Dham Yatra and other related yatras and opening of the trekking routes which are directly linked with the livelihood of the local people.

Asked about his party's plan to fight the coming panchayat polls, the chief minister said that he would advise his own party not to contest the panchayat polls on party lines.

On taking responsibility for the poll debacle, he replied that he was solely responsible for the poll defeat of his party in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. 

Efforts on to convert dumping ground to green park
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Even as the shifting of Sahastradhara-based trenching ground would take some time, Mayor Vinod Chamoli and his team are already working on a mega project of converting the dumping ground into a green park.

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court had ordered the shifting of trenching ground after a public interest litigation was filed by a builder and area residents. The apex court had also instructed the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Green Tribunal to provide an NOC for setting up the transfer station and recycling plant-cum-landfill site at Sheeshambada. The DMC had sought 18-24 months for shifting the trenching ground.

Speaking to The Tribune, Chamoli said they would soon start working on preparing a detailed project report for the proposed green park. "The decision to set up a green park was already taken during one of the board meetings held earlier. Now that the apex court has ordered the transfer and a deadline has been set, work is on for converting the site into a green zone," said Chamoli.

Elaborating about the amenities in the proposed green park, the Mayor said it would be equipped with modern day technology including the lighting and cleaning system. "A jogging track, lush green lawns, swings for children and eating stalls would be part of the park along with several other plans," he added.

Road map for housing needs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
The Uttarakhand government has made a road map for the next 10 years to cater to the housing needs of the people of the state.

Presiding over a review meeting on Sunday evening, Chief Minister Harish Rawat directed the officials to make a work plan towards fulfilling the housing needs of the state. He said it was the priority of the government to ensure housing for weaker sections of the society.

He said services of expert institutions would be taken to ensure a work plan for developing a new township. He asked the Mussoorie Dehra Development Authority to identify vacant government land. He also sought immediate removal of encroachments from these lands.

Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, Principal Secretary SS Sandhu and MDDA vice-chairman Meenakshi Sundaram were present on the occasion.

Need to check water leakage stressed

Dehradun, May 20
The Jal Sansthan can tide over the drinking water shortage by taking effective steps to replace leaking pipelines in the capital city.

The data maintained by the Jal Sansthan clearly indicates that the demand for potable water in Dehradun is 119.90 million litre per day (MLD) against the availability of 147.25 MLD, thus having a surplus of 27.35 MLD.

However, residents of different localities here continue to face an acute shortage of potable water. The villagers, who are living in remote areas of the capital city, are the worst sufferers, as they have to travel several kilometres to get water.

Sources said the department was focusing on replacing obsolete pipelines with new ones having a high carrying capacity. Besides, several Asian Development Bank-funded projects for overcoming water scarcity in the region are yet to be implemented.

PC Kimothi, GM, Jal Sansthan, said the department had replaced obsolete pipelines in order to meet the demand of potable water in the city. — TNS

Man stabs brother over property dispute

Dehradun, May 20
A man was allegedly killed by his younger brother over a long-standing property dispute, here today morning.

Reportedly, two brothers namely, Sushil and Ashok were living together in their parental house in Aajanagar colony in Govindgarh area along with their families. They often quarreled over the ownership of the ancestral house. The fight turned fatal today morning, when Sushil stabbed his elder brother Ashok over the issue of keeping the television in his room, which was owned by their father.

He also attacked his sister-in-law Mamta and injured her. She is now being treated at Doon Hosptial.

The police have arrested Sushil. The police said the family members told them that both the brothers fought a few days back over the distribution of their mother’s jewellery and ownership of the parental house. — TNS

Periodic imposition of poll code impeding development
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
Periodic imposition of the model code of conduct in the state is impeding development activity. After the revocation of the poll code for the LS polls, Uttarakhand is again bracing up for another period of the model of conduct and this time for the three-tier panchayat elections for which notification is likely to be issued by May 27.

Since the Congress government came to power in 2012, the state has been facing a series of byelections, first triggered by the resignation of former CM Vijay Bahuguna, leading to two byelections. After the byelections came the 2014 LS polls. Soon the panchayat elections would be in the state.

In fact in the coming months of 2014 Uttarakhand would witness a series of elections. So far CM Harish Rawat, since taking over the office in February, this year has not been elected to the Uttarakhand Assembly. His hunt for a safe and winnable seat is still on. Then, as soon as the Election Commission issues a notification regarding the election of the five new MPs to the 16th Lok Sabha, the Assembly seats held by BJP leaders Ajay Tamta and Ramesh Pokhriyal from Someshwar and Doiwala Assembly segments would be deemed to have been vacated by the two MLAs, within 10 days of gaining membership of the Lok Sabha.

''The CM has to gain membership of the Uttarakhand Assembly by July. He could choose Doiwala Assembly segment for fighting his election, or ask any one of the MLAs to vacate a new seat for him. So in effect, byelections could either be held for two or one Assembly seats for which again the poll code would have to be imposed,''said Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition.

Discussion on prevention of money laundering
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
A multi-agency interactive initiative programme on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 was held here today. The chief guests, Special Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED), Karnal Singh, Director General of Vigilance, S.K. Bhagat, and Commissioner of Income Tax Department, Mohan Kumar Singhania, inaugurated programme.

Addressing the gathering, Karnal Singh focused on the global issue of money laundering. He also gave a brief of the implementation of Prevention of Money Laundering Act-2002 (PMLA-2002), and emphasis on the coordination of various law enforcement agencies under the schedule offences of PMLA-2002

While giving power-point presentation, Suresh Batra, assistant legal adviser, Chandigarh, explained the role of different law enforcement agencies in the implementation of Money Laundering Act. He stated that money laundering is a global issue, and a cognizable and non- bailable offence punishable with maximum three-year of rigorous imprisonment. He differentiated between hawala transactions and money laundering.

Director General of Vigilance SK Bhagat appreciated the programme and suggested that such kind of programmes should be organised in future also. He also assured the gathering to extend full support to investigate financial crimes. Later, the chief guests inaugurated a sub-zonal office of Enforcement Directorate at Patelnagar in Dehradun.

Kapkot villagers stay put despite lack of facilites
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, May 20
In sharp contrast to the general concept that hill villages are facing the problem of migration, villagers of remote Khati in Kapkot block of Bageshwar district continue to stay there despite lack of basic facilities in the village. The population of the village which was 90 before Independence has increased today to 380. “Not even a single family migrated from our village despite the fact that there are no facilities of road, school, electricity and health,” said Khushal Singh, a villager from the area.

For the villagers of Khati road, electricity and drinking facilities are still eluding the village as the motor road is 6 km away and electricity is still a dream of the villagers. “The population of the village is on the increase as despite these difficulties, the villagers are still depending on nature and grow cereals and vegetables enough for their own use and for sale too,” said Dhani Ram, former gram pradhan of Khati village.

Khati village is 200 km from Bageshwar district headquarters and 62 km from Bharari town, which happens to be the base camp for the tourists, who want to track to Pindari glacier. “The 56 km kutcha road from Bharai to Kharkiya is very dangerous as jeeps, plying on this road take the road at their own risk,” said the former gram pradhan.

The villagers cultivate rajma, chaulai, black gram (barley) and potato for their use and for sale in the market. “We have never believed in the assurances of the politicians, who come to our village at the time of elections and assure everything,'' said Gomati Devi, an elderly woman in the village.

According to the villagers of Khati village, the disaster that erupts in their village goes unreported every year as they have no connection with the administrative officers. “ Despite the fact that there are no doctors in the village hospital and no teachers in upgraded high schools of the village, the villagers are still willing to remain there as nature gives them sufficient to survive and sustain,” said Dhani Ram. He said that if the village could get modern facilities of road and electricity besides teachers and doctors, life would be much better.

Water shortage in Champawat, Pithoragarh areas
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 20
Most parts of Champawat and Pithoragarh are facing an acute shortage of drinking water with the drying up of their natural sources.

Water in Champawat areas is supplied through 10 natural sources. "As water generation in these sources has decreased nearly 30 per cent than the average generation capacity due to the rising temperature, we are unable to supply drinking water on a daily basis.” said CS Basnet, Jal Sansthan engineer, Champawat

He said the population in the town had trebled in the past decade while the number of water sources remained the same, leading to a water crisis in the town.

The situation is even worse in Pithoragarh where water is being supplied after every third day. The main water supply source in the town is Thuligar, which has also started drying up.

“There used to be 60 natural water sources in and around the town three decades ago. However, now only 10 are left as most of them have dried up,” said Padma Datt Pant, a senior citizen. According to Pithoragarh Jal Sansthan sources, out of 10 “bawris” left in the town, water in eight of them has been polluted and is not fit for drinking.

Too early to predict about ‘good days’, says Shahi Imam Bukhari 
Tribune News service

Shahi Imam Bukhari of Jama Masjid talks to a follower in Mussoorie on Monday. A Tribune photograph

Mussoorie, May 20
The Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, taking a dig at the election slogan of BJP ''Acchay din aaney waley hain'' (Good days will come) during his visit to Mussoorie yesterday said it was too early to say anything whether good days or bad days will come.

Shahi Imam speaking to the media persons said that every party claims the moon to the voters before elections but only time would tell whether good days or bad days have come with the electoral victory for BJP in Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking on the drubbing received by Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in these Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Bukhari said that both parties have suffered due to their own shortcomings.

The Samajwadi Party received a thumping majority during the state elections two years back but has been confined to a few seats in Lok Sabha elections held recently. On the other hand, Bahujan Samaj Party could not open its account due to its own mistakes and the two parties should introspect thoroughly on the reasons behind their loss in the elections.

He also said that during these elections such environment was created that votes were sought in the name communities that led to such mandate in the country. He consented his support to Congress and said that the the incumbent government at the Centre led by Congress lost due to its own misgivings of the past five years, resulting in outright rejection by the voters of the country.

Shahi Imam Bukhari is here to relax for a few days and would leave tomorrow.

Bureaucratic reshuffle likely
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
A bureaucratic reshuffle is expected following a poor performance of the Congress in the recent Lok Sabha poll in Uttarakhand, .

A day ago, Chief Minister sacked Satpal Maharaj’s wife and Tourism Minister Amrita Rawat.

Since taking over the reins of the state in February this year, Harish Rawat has affected minor changes at the middle level and made only one or two insignificant changes in the redistribution of responsibilities among the Principal Secretaries.

“The changes are likely to take place soon as Additional Chief Secretary BP Pande is being sent to to the Centre on deputation. The government will have to make changes at the senior level and allocate his responsibilities of the FRDC Rural Development and Home to some other senior officer of the rank of Principal Secretary. Those tipped to shoulder his responsibilities include Principal Secretary S Raju, Principal Secretary Ranbir Singh and Principal Secretary S Ramaswamy,” said a senior official.

Further, nearing retirement, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar got an extension in service for seven months in view of the Lok Sabha elections. However, to adjust a senior official a few days before his retirement, the state government appointed him Chairman of the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“The extension in service notice came afterwards. A Chief Secretary cannot hold two posts. The government will have to take a decision on the post of Chairman,” said an official.

Further, there could be another possibility in case the Chief Secretary decides to resign from his post. He could well take over as the Chairman of the commission but it could also force the government to appoint a new Chief Secretary.

“The government will then have to look for his successor and after Pande’s decision to go on a deputation to the Centre, the government will have to elevate Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma, who has been in the queue since the days of former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna,” added the official. 

Girls’ parents complain to MLA against school warden
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 20
The parents of girl students studying in Kasturaba Gandhi Residential School at Tanakpur met Lohaghat MLA Puran Singh Phartiyal today and complained against the warden of the school for maltreating their wards.

The parents said the woman warden not only maltreated girl students but also sent them to serve food to a male teacher, who misbehaves with them. "The students had informed their parents that when some of them refused to obey the warden she beat them up mercilessly," said the BJP legislator.

He added the parents told him that their wards were afraid of the warden and had refused to go to the school. The warden even forced the students to wash clothes of teachers and if they refused they were not given meal," said the MLA.

“I have instructed the District Magistrate to look into the matter. The worried parents had earlier taken up the issue with the the District Education Officer but did not get justice,” he said.

CM to visit Dharchula today
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 20
Chief Minister Harish Rawat will visit Dharchula tommorow, to take stock of relief works being done by the state government after last year’s natural disaster.

The Chief Minister will land at Dharchula at 10.50am and drive straight to the block office to meet district-level officers on the works being done for the relief of disaster-affected villagers in the area. “The Chief Minister will chair a meeting of Congress workers from 2 to 3pm and will then fly back to Dehradun on the same day,” said an official press release.

Harish Rawat’s visit to Dharchula is being seen as an attempt to find a safe seat for himself to enter the state Assembly. Dharchula Congress MLA Harish Dhami had invited him to contest from Dharchula which withstood the Narendra Modi wave in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Villagers told not to go near rivers in spate
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 20
The district administration in Pithoragarh and Champawat have issued a warning to villagers against frequent visits to Himalayan rivers as their waters level has started rising due to melting of glaciers caused by the rising temperature.

“The water level in the Sharda river, which is totally glacier fed, has increased from 4902 cusecs on April 10 this year to 6125 cusecs today,” said Jagdish Sriwastawa of Irrigation Department at Sharda canal.

Department sources said, the water level in the Kali, Dhauli and Gori rivers in the district has started rising after temperatures rose in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. “While the glaciers at Panchachuli, Sipu, Bidang and Jolingkong feed Kali and Dhauli rivers, the water level is being further added by the melting of snow at Nabhidhang, Kalpani and Gunji,” they said.

Jagadshila palanquin yatra given warm sendoff
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, May 20
Shri Vishwanath Jagadshila palanquin yatra was given a ceremonial sendoff from Radhakrishan Temple here today.

The palanquin, which was flagged off from Haridwar, arrived here early this morning and after formal prayers at the temple, devotees offered their obeisance and sought blessings on the occasion.

The yatra then moved on towards Kempty, Nainbagh and after visiting Char Dhams in the state, it will culminate at Nila Chaud in Garhwal.

The president of the doli yatra Roop Singh Bajiyala informed that the palanquin yatra had been going on for the past 15 years and had immense importance considering that it would go on the yatra route and spread the message among the pilgrims that all is well in on the yatra route.

The MC president Manmohan SIngh Mall and others gave a warm sendoff to the palanquin after offering prayers amid the beating of traditional drums in Mussoorie.

Book on Indian mammals released
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
The much-awaited second edition of Indian Mammals: A Filed Guide by Vivek Menon, chief executive officer, Wildlife Trust of India, was released in Dehradun today.

Releasing the book at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy’s director RK Goel said the book would immensely help scientists, naturalists, researchers and other stakeholders.

He said the book in particular acted as an illustrated guide to more than 400 species of mammals found in the country. “I believe this guide boasts of over 1,000 unique photos and illustrations including some of India’s hard to spot mammals, which indeed makes this book a must have for all conservationists. I am honoured that this exquisite book was launched by me,” said RK Goel, in appreciation of Indian mammals.

Dr Jagdish Kishwan, chief advisor, Wildlife Trust of India, praised Vivek Menon for his efforts in bringing out a comprehensive book on mammals. “It is a special privilege for me to witness the launch of the second edition of Indian Mammals written by my colleague and college alumnus Vivek. I am proud of the high quality field guide on mammals that he has produced,” said Dr Jagdish Kishwan.

Author Vivek Menon, echoing his thoughts, said, “This book has been the culmination of many years of hard work and I am pleased at the result in shape of the book. I thank International Fund for Animal Welfare for its support and publishing house Hachette for this impressive product.”

He said the Wildlife Trust of India had been an intrinsic part of conservation work in Uttarakhand for many years and expressed gratitude to the organisation in Dehradun for hosting the first launch of this book.

Dr PK Mathur, dean, Wildlife Institute of India, Rajaji National Park director SP Subudhi, former director SS Raisaily, senior WII scientists S Satyakumar and Pratap Singh were prominent among those present on the occasion.

Covering the rich diversity of mammal species in India, from tigers, elephants, rhinos and whales to primates, rodents and bats, Indian Mammals is a comprehensive and field-ready illustrated guide for use by all wild life enthusiasts. 

Surendar Pal: Acting in mythological serials on TV has made me humble 
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, May 20
Bollywood actor Surendra Pal, popular by his role as Prajapati Daksh in mythological television serial “Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev,” who shot to fame from his role as Dronacharya in the widely televised serial ''Mahabharata,'' said that acting in mythological serials has had a great impact on his life leading him to the path of spirituality.

Surendar Pal, who spoke to mediapersons in Mussoorie yesterday, said the impact of acting in television serial ''Mahabharata'' was such for him that he stopped drinking liquor and left ''other vices I was addicted to earlier.''

Surendar Pal who hails from Lucknow said that the impact of working in serials such as ''Mahabharata'' where he played the role of Dronacharya and now Mahdev is such that ''people, mostly ladies, come to me and touch my feet, addressing me as Prajpati Daksh and seek blessings in return, which is a humbling experience.'' He went through similar kind of experience when ''Mahabharata'' was telecast for the first time on the only channel present then, said Surendar Pal.

Speaking on the politics, he said that he was offered a ticket by Sonia Gandhi but refused to contest due to lack of time. He is also known to be close to Mulayam Singh, the leader of Samajwadi Party.

Teenage girl ends life
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 20
A 17-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance at her house at Vani Vihar here today. She was a student of class XII at SGRR Inter College.

No suicide note was found from the spot. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.