HP river tragedy instils fear in state residents
Ajay Ramola

Mussoorie, June 13
Residents residing downstream of various power projects constructed on rivers in Uttarakhand are under the fear after the recent tragic incident in Himachal Pradesh where 24 engineering students from Hyderabad were washed away in the Beas river following the release of water without warning from the Larji dam few days ago.

The residents dread that a similar incident could wreck havoc and result in loss of life and property if the water is released without any warning from these dams in a similar manner.

Eminent environmentalist and founder of Matu Jansanghatan Vimal Bhai says the incident at Larji is not only one where people have lost their lives after unexpected release of water from the dam.

He said the similar incident occurred in 2006 when the water was released from Maneri Bhali phase I hydro-electric project, where three persons were reportedly washed away in the Bhagirathi river. In another incident at the Maneri Bhali phase II during the testing of the floodgates of the dam in 2007, two youths were washed away and one of them was saved.

The risk to the lives of people persisted even in the condition of gates of dam not opening on time and the June 2013 catastrophe at the Vishnu Parayag Dam is prime example of such calamity.

The Pandukeshwar village, winter worship place for Lord Badrinath was affected badly by the June 2013 floods due to the Vishnu Prayag dam that is just 7 km upstream of the village.

During mid-June natural disaster in 2013, Pandukeshwar – the winter abode of Lord Badrianth, Lambgarh, Vinayak chatty, Govind Ghat, Pinola along with several villages, irrigated fields and the forest area was destroyed due to failure in opening the gates of the dam on time.

JVK company involved in the dam project at Srinagar had opened the gates of the dam on June 16, 2013 without giving prior information resulting in flood water levels reaching Srinagar and covering it with silt and muck damaging several government and non-government buildings beyond repair.

“Similar incidents were reported at Tehri Dam, when water was released without informing the residents living at Shiv Puri and Kaudiayala,” said Vimal Bhai.

In 2010, the water level rose to more than 830 m despite dam authorities releasing the water from spillways constructed specially for such emergencies resulting in flood like situation downstream and causing panic among the residents.

Darmyan Singh, a resident from Rishikesh, informed The Tribune that the water levels at Tehri dam lake had reached the red mark of RL 832 m causing immense loss to the people living downstream in 2010.

The dam authorities claim that Tehri dam releases water only after appropriate permission from the administration and take adequate steps to ensure safety of the people downstream.

Vimal Bhai stated that despite several incidents in the past, the Central and the state government had kept mum on the issue of calamity caused by the dams and on contrary had supported the rampant dam construction projects in the state.

He said the idea of demand-driven power generation and greed was resulting in sudden release of water in river flow across the nation claiming lives and jeopardizing livelihoods tied to river, agriculture, fishing and cattle rearing.

The environmental organisations such as MATU Jansanghatan demanded that during any construction activity of strengthening the river embankments, experts and representatives of the affected areas should be kept in safety monitoring committees. The rising water level signage’s should be clearly visible at various points on the rivers downstream.

A judicial probe should be conducted against the people, officials accused of releasing water from these dams without any prior notice or warning. He also said the Central Water Commission should release the data in public domain on water level fluctuations from existing hydro-electricity projects.

Officials of the Central Water Commission said through the monitoring set up in places like Devprayag they were releasing the alert bulletins about the discharge levels on an hourly basis, especially in monsoon, and sharing it with other concerned government agencies.

Deadly act

JVK company involved in the dam project at Srinagar had opened the gates of the dam on June 16, 2013, without giving prior information and as a result flood waters covered the town with silt and muck damaging several government and private buildings beyond repair.

Cleanliness drive fails to click after initial success
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 13
Keeping in mind the status of Haridwar as a world renowned city , a cleanliness drive was initiated two years back by Municipal Corporation.

The idea was to make the city live up to world class clean city tag and present it as a model city of Uttarakhand.

But after the initial success this drive seemed to have failed, as the city again has turned into heaps of garbage, plastic and filth.

Forget round-the-clock cleaning as well as disposal of garbage that this project envisaged,such is the laxity by civic body personnel that almost a week has passed but civic body personnel fail to clean it on time.

Municipal Corporation Mayor Mukhya Nagar Adhikari and district administrative officials try to put the onus on each other for the project not being effective.

Named ‘’Ever clean zone’’ the drive was to be carried round the clock, with initially 100 employees pitched in to make sure the city remains neat and clean day and night.

On the directions of the then District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan, the MC officials planned this project, taking a single zone one at a time.

Specific booths were made with a warden deployed to maintain register with on-field employees doing field duty.

Special garbage take-away machines which were purchased for garbage disposal are now biting the dust.

MNA Vipra Trivedi when contacted said that under ‘Ever clean zone’ cleanliness is still being maintained at core mela zone,Shiv Moorti square,bus station ,raliway station ,Tusli square but admitted it was not up to the mark comparing to the scale the project was launched.

Ward councillor Kanhaiya Khewadiya points out that may be provision of penalty should be introduced on the violators who put garbage, waste or even plastic in the open in the city.

Mayor Manoj Garg suggested that educational institutions,religious,social organisations and citizens should also generate awareness as just only the civic body could not make a city fully clean ,which is visited by more than 4-6 crore people per year.

Shiv Moorti square area resident Arun Ohri termed the drive as one of the best things initiated by the local civic body but seems to have fallen flat owing to lack of concern by officials and support of local people and tourists. 

DM temporarily bans quarrying in Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 13
With monsoon nearing, District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan has temporarily banned quarrying in the district as a precautionary measure.

The order has been issued taking into account a report submitted by the Environment Impact State Authority. The report stated that quarrying during monsoon could have a major impact on the ecology and could also lead to a flood-like situation. The ban would remain in force till the next orders.

District Superintendent of Police Sadanand Date said strict action under the Mining and Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957 would be taken against those found involved in quarrying.

He said flying squad police teams would be formed to carry out surprise checks in the quarrying-prone areas.

He directed his subordinates to ensure that no such activity takes place in their respective areas, otherwise SHOs will be accountable for it. He said although for quarrying-related works, the police department was not directly involved, they would have to ensure that illegal quarrying did not take place in their area, he added.

Radars continue to elude state
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
On June 16, Uttarakhand will be marking the first anniversary of the mid-June floods that devastated parts of the state last year. Bruised by the nature’s fury, a radar-backed weather warning system continues to elude the state, trapped as it is in the quagmire of land transfer.

After found wanting on the weather front, which compounded the tragedy in which scores of lives were lost and property worth several crores was damaged, the then Bahuguna government had pledged to put in place an advance weather warning system. But even a year after the tragedy, the ennui- trapped government continue to look for land for installing the radars.

Sources say the site selected in Tehri is awaiting clearance from the District Magistrate and falls in the forest area and may not receive clearance. Other sites too await clearance and have to fulfil the scientific criterion.

“It is as if the government has not moved an inch. When I was the Science and Technology minister in the erstwhile Vajpayee government at the Centre, I had moved a proposal for the installation of radars but two governments in the state have come and gone but nothing has been done,” said Bachi Singh Rawat, senior BJP leader.

In fact a joint inspection by the state and Central government officials was undertaken last month and stress was laid on installing the radar systems.

“We have already undertaken preliminary inspection of sites at Tehri (Sarkunda), Mussoorie and Naintial (Snow view) for installing the radars. But these sites have to be scientifically inspected and radars can only be installed, if they fulfill the scientific objectives. Moreover it is a continuous plan and futuristic plans have to be put in place all the time. The entire system would be ready only by the next season,” said Anand Sharma, Director, IMD (Dehradun).

Differently-abled serve with a smile at Lemon Tree Hotel
Parwinder sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
Staff members of Lemon Tree Hotel (LTH) serve with confidence and a beaming smile despite the fact that they are speech and hearing impaired persons. However, the disabilities do not make them less efficient than others.

Those visiting the hotel are taken aback after knowing that despite their disabilities these people are positioned in the main operating areas, including housekeeping, dining and the reception lobby.

A part of its social programme, these differently-abled persons form 10 per cent of the total staff employed in 25 hotels of The Lemon Tree Hotel Company across the country. According to the hotel’s management, LTH is the only chain where differently-abled persons are not only given equal job opportunities but also they are made to work in mainstream areas.

For 28-year-old Chatrapal, who was shunned by his own family members and relatives for being a physically challenged person, life took a happy turn after he got a job at the hotel. Chatrapal with the help of an interpreter tells his story that he was forced to leave studies after class IX after his parents having limited financial means didn’t allow him to study further.

“Since then I have been earning by doing odd jobs as people avoided giving me full-time work due to my disability. However, at this place not only was I given due respect but also a decent job profile and a dignified life. We were trained for the hospitality industry prior to our induction,” said Chatrapal, who works in the housekeeping department.

“My parents and siblings do no understand the sign language and as a result many a time it becomes difficult to communicate with them or make them understand what I am trying to convey. I wish they too could learn the sign language and understand me,” he added.

Rahul, 22, who was pursuing graduation in information technology, joined the hotel in order to provide financial support to his family. Rahul, who is the son of a retired ONGC employee, is working in the restaurant of the hotel. The confidence with which he interacts with customers and takes their orders is baffling. “It was impossible for me to get a job in the IT industry with my disability. Someone told me about Lemon Tree Hotel Company and I was selected after a few rounds of interview. We were given proper training and made to undergo practice sessions before we were sent to the Dehradun branch,” he added.

Telling about the problems faced at work, Rahul said at times coworkers did not understand what he was trying to convey. “Coworkers are not familiar with the sign language. Besides this minor issue, there is no other problem. In fact, I am treated equal to others and never do they let me feel that I have some kind of disability,” said Rahul, an expert in computers.

Divya Agha, Assistant Manager at LTH Company, gave details of the programme and said it was in 2004 that the company first hired two differently-abled persons. “Since then it has become the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to the Opportunity Deprived Indians (ODI), including poor, disabled, widows and many more who are usually shunned by employers. We have a tie up with an NGO, Sai Swayam Society, which imparts training in the sign language to the hearing impaired persons and regular staff members,” she added.

“By 2014 end we are planning to set up a hotel in Gurgaon, where 80 per cent of the staff will comprise differently-abled persons,” said Divya.

Doon DM likely to be posted as PS to Union minister Naidu
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
With the reports of District Magistrate-cum Mukhya Nagar Adhikari BVRC Purshottam due to be posted as the personal secretary to the Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaihah Naidu, the state government has sprung into action to find a replacement lest the Dehradun Municipal Corporation becomes a headless body.

It may be recalled following the removal of previous MNA Ashok Kumar, owing to his failure in tackling the deteriorating civic conditions, Purshottam was given the additional charge of MNA. This has drawn a lot of flak from the councillors and Mayor who insisted on having an officer with full-time charge.

Already under staffed, the DMC is running at the mercy of only four officials, including MNA, two Upper MNAs and a health officer. Ironically except for one upper MNA Harshvardhan Mishra, the remaining officials have been given the additional charge of DMC.

Recently the Congress councillors had staged a massive protest demonstration demanding the handling of portfolios by the officials on full-time basis. They had alleged that due to the additional charge being given to the officials from other government departments, the work is suffering at the DMC, as the officials are not present at their offices most of the time.

Speaking to The Tribune, Cabinet Minister for Urban Development Pritam Singh Panwar said that they are looking for an official who would be solely handling the portfolio of MNA. “This time we would not be giving the additional charge of MNA to any official. We understand that the work gets affected when the additional charge is given and that is why the decision to get a regular MNA has been taken,” he added.

When contacted, Principal Secretary S.S. Sandhu said that they are yet to take a decision on the officials to be short-listed for the post of MNA. “There is still time for Purushottam to relieve his post. We would be able to find a suitable replacement by that time,” he added.

A 2004 batch IAS officer, Purushottam has also served as DM of Uttarkashi and Udham Singh Nagar.

Doonite bags 443rd rank in civil services exam
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
Dehradun resident Piyush Sharma has bagged the 443rd rank in the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the results of which were declared yesterday.

This was Piyush Sharma’s first attempt. Piyush’s father, Brig B B Sharma, retired from the Army in 2011. His mother Sushma Sharma is a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya, ITBP, Dehradun . Piyush did his class 12 from St Joseph’s Academy and B.Tech and MBA from Pune before joining a reputed MNC at Gurgaon. Piyush said,” There is no short cut to success. One has to be clear of the aim and pursue it with all efforts,’’ he said.

His parents were visibly proud of his achievements. The family hails from Pauri Garhwal.

Wreath-laying ceremony at Indian Military Academy
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
A wreath laying ceremony was held at the War Memorial of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) today, to pay respect and homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country.

The officers posted at the academy along with their families and GCs laid wreaths and offered petals to the brave martyrs.

The family members of Late Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh, of 16 Cavalry, who was martyred during the terrorist attack in Sambha on September 26, was also present on the occasion. The brave officer was awarded Shaurya Chakra (Posthomous) for his heroic act.

Teachers seek timely disbursal of salaries
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
Demanding timely disbursal of salaries, the Uttarakhand Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate BVRC Purshottam here today.

Giving details of their problems, district president of the sangh, Ramashanker Sharma, said that the teachers working in the government-aided schools are having a lot of difficulties as the salaries are not being given to them on time.

“Despite having the funds and a budget, the salaries of the staff are not given to them before 15th-20th of every month. The state education and finance department does not have a positive attitude towards the government-aided schools and their staff members, thus causing widespread resentment. The staff members are facing acute financial crises due to the delay in the release of their salaries,” stated the members in the memorandum. 

Percolate rainwater at river recharge zones: Scientists
Our correspondent

Pithoragarh, June13
The scientists at the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) said the rivers in the Kumaon region were drying despite heavy snowfall in winters and heavy rains during last summers.

According to professor JS Rawat, director of the NRDMS in Almora, the overall length of river Kosi and its tributaries was over 225.6 km 45 years ago, which was only 41 km now as its tributaries had dried over the time.

“Not only Kosi, but other watershed rivers like western Ramganga, Gomati and Panar rivers are also facing crisis of their existence as no efforts have been done to percolate rain water at the recharge zone of these rivers,” said Rawat.

According to a jal sansthan official, the first stage of land water in hill region has dried due to non percolation of rain water.

“If the situation of non percolation remained the same in the coming days, the second and third-level of ground water could be depleted and hand pumps dug at 260 feet deep will not be able to give water,” said KS Khati, a jal sansthan officer.

Professor Rawat said a state river regeneration authority needs to be established, so that rain water could be percolated by mechanical and biological means at recharge zone of the rivers. 

Jabarkhet residents corner Water Dept officials to protest shortage 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, June 13
An acute water shortage in the hill town of Mussoorie and especially in the areas such as Jabarkhet led to a protest by local residents who cornered the Jal Sansthan officials demanding supply of water in Mussoorie today.

The residents from Jaberkhet reeling under acute shortage of potable water cornered Executive Engineer, Jal Santhan ,DP Pokhriyal, and raised slogans in protest here.

The residents,which included women in large numbers, alleged that the water was being distributed to people with powerful political connections while they were running from pillar to post to even get a single drop of water in Jabarkhet.

The women said that due to acute shortage of water they were forced to travel several km leaving all other works to fetch water in buckets due to the apathy of Jal Sansthan which has failed to provide them adequate supply even one time a day.

The Jabarkhet residents threatened that if they do not receive proper water supply within 24 hours, they would go on fast unto death. Amit Bhatt, Vimla Devi,Laxmi Sumitra and others were present on the occasion.

Mussoorie during peak season faces acute water shortage on annual basis but the government has shown no keenness in devising new projects such as drawing water from Yamuna to quench the thirst of the town.

Several hoteliers also said that they were forced to take services of water tankers for the supply considering the mad rush of tourists in the hill town of Mussoorie. 

People warned not to go near Dhauli, Kali rivers
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, June 13
The Dhauliganga hydroelectric project authorities today issued a warning stating that people should not go near the Dhauli and Kali rivers as due to the overflowing dam at Chirkila they could release water at any time. The decision was taken in view of the incident in Himachal Pradesh where 24 engineering students from Hyderabad were swept away after the water of a dam was released without prior information. “We have cautioned the people through the local media that they should avoid going near the Dhauli and Kali river from Tawaghat downwards as if the dam water is released it could lead to rise in the water level in the Kali as well,” said AK Singh, GM of the project.

He added though project officials blow siren at the time of releasing water from the dam, it could be heard up to some distance only. Hence, they had issued an advertisement in local papers to caution the people to refrain from going near the rivers or sending their cattle for some days till the water level in the dam decreases. “The water level in the Dhauliganga project dam that is rising due to melting of glaciers will come down after the monsoon arrives and brings down the temperature in the basin areas of the Kali and Dhauli rivers,” said AK Singh.

According to weather office sources, the firs12 days of June have been very warm as the temperature in the lower valley regions remained above 34°C compared to below 30°C during the same period last year. “The high temperature has speeded up melting of glaciers in the higher basin areas of the Dhauli river, making the dam overflow in June when most of the seasonal rivers dry up,” said AK Singh.

The overflowing Dhauli and Kali rivers could pose a danger to the people of the towns and villages of Tawaghat, Ailagar, Khotila, Dharchula, Gothi, Baluakot, Jauljibi, Tallabagar, Jhoola Ghat and Pancheshwar, which are situated near them.

Show-cause notices issued

Dehradun, June 13
Show-cause notices have been issued to 54 officials who were found missing during the ongoing three- phase training session for the panchayat elections in the state.

District Election Officer-cum-District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam said the officials had been directed to reply within 24 hours, failing which an FIR would be registered against them.

Meanwhile, addressing a gathering, Chief Education Officer SP Khali said officials on poll duty should ensure that things provided to them for the conduct of the polls were complete. — TNS

Haridwar residents protest power cuts
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 13
Local people and traders today took to streets to protest against the intermittent power cuts that have aggravated the woes of the people since the last month. A women’s delegation protested at Subash Nagar,demanding information about power cuts be given in newspapers a day before.

The protesters burned the effigies of Uttarakhand Power Corporation officials for making tall claims about regular power supply but failing to do so in reality.

They termed the declaration as power cut -free city made by ex Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna at town hall two years back as mere “popular eye-catching gimmick”.

Trader Uday Ram Semwal lashed out at Congress-led coalition government in the state as embroiled in its own interests and internal politics having no concern whatsoever for the common public.

He said people were reeling under power cuts “while Cabinet ministers and power corporation officials can’t feel our pain in their air conditioned rooms and cars”.

BJP divisional vice president of women’s cell Anamika Sharma leading a women’s delegation at Subash Nagar demanded that keeping in mind the heat wave at least for the next fortnight power cuts should not be resoted to.

“Intermittent cuts,tripping and excuses of hindrances in hydroelectric projects are being made by power corporation officials. But aren’t we paying taxes and electricity bills,” asked Anamika. Women protesters also urged Power Corporation officials to at least inform people via newspapers of the power cut if it was imperative so that they can adjust their household works according to the power cut time.

In another protest against power cuts at sub urban Jwalapur, residents cited financial loss to the traders and farmers in particular owing to frequent daily power cuts.

Fast for natural disaster victims
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, June 13
A “shradhanjali fast” will be observed at various places at Srinagar on June 15 to remember the victims of the August-September 2012 and the June 2013 catastrophes.

The fast will begin with a havan and prayer at 11 am. followed by the release of “Upeksha va chtavani patra”, which will be sent to all government organisations.

Head of Matu Jansanghatan Vimal Bhai said thousands of people were killed in the August-September 2012 and the June 2013 catastrophes in Uttarakhand.

He said the Matu Jansanghatan in association with like-minded people was organising a tributary fast at Srinagar on June 15.

He said tributes would also be paid to brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while saving others.

Members of the Vishnuprayag Bandh Aapda Sangh and the Srinagar Bandh Aapda Prabhavit Samiti, besides Puran Singh Rana, Dinesh Panwar, Ramlal, Vijaylaxmi Raturi, Chandramohan Bhatt, Alok Panwar, Chandrabhan Tiwari, Briharshraj Tadiyal and Rajendra Negi are supporting the noble cause.

Pledge to support elderly people
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
HelpAge India launched a signature campaign in different parts of the capital city on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today. Around 500 residents pledged to support elder people. The campaigners decided to create awareness among the youth to motivate them to support elderly persons.

Dr Hemlata Dhaundiyal, a member of the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, released a survey report “Elder Abuse in India 2014” prepared by HelpAge India.

She told the gathering that there were 100 million elderly people in India. The number was likely to increase to 324 million, constituting 20 per cent of the total population, by 2050. This exponential rate of increase in the number of elderly people was leading to changes in the family structure and societal attitudes.

Programme Officer Krishan Avtar, Hemant Kumar, Dr Sujeet Thakur, Gaurav Bhatt, Pankaj Devrani, and Satyaveer Negi were present.

Programme on diamonds to begin in Doon on June 30
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a non-profit institute and a world leader in gem and jewellery education, will be conducting a practical five-day programme on diamonds in Dehradun from June 30.

Diamond enthusiasts, hobbyists and connoisseurs have exciting opportunity to learn more about the cherished diamond, including the qualities that add to its value and jewellery buying tips from one of the world’s leading experts.

Students in GIA’s diamond grading lab class work with real diamonds and professional Gemological tools to uncover the fascinating world inside these gems.

The class teaches both technical and practical ways to observe and evaluate diamond quality, and the basics of the famous 4 Cs (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight), an evaluation system created by GIA.

Students also learn how the 4 Cs can affect value and about the ways in which diamond treatments can affect the appearance of a stone.

Cong: Party gained new strength with Upadhyaya’s appointment as chief
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
Sanjay Kapoor, co-in charge of Congress affairs in Uttarakhand, said today that the party had gained a new strength with the appointment of Kishore Upadhyaya as new state party president.

Sanjay Kapoor while addressing a press conference here today said Congress workers would now work with renewed vigour to regain the lost ground.

On the Congress’ rout in the recent Lok Sabha elections, he said the party had seen many ups and downs. He expressed hope of regaining the confidence of the people soon.

Sanjay Kapoor said the outgoing state party president, Yashpal Arya, had resigned keeping in mind “one man one post” principle. He said there were no differences in the party on the appointment of the new state party president.

State party unit vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana and general secretary Santosh Kashyap were also present.

Analysis of various aspects of essential oils, perfumery
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
The five-day training-cum-workshop on “Essential oils, Perfumery and Aromatherapy” organised by Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, in collaboration with Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj at FRI, concluded today.

Addressing the valedictory session, Director, FRI, Dr. P.P. Bhojvaid, emphasised the importance of such training programmes in the fast changing scenario of fragrance and flavour industry in India and the world over. Dr Bhojvaid commended the efforts of the chemistry division of FRI and FFDC for organising successfully the training-cum-workshop.

Earlier, Dr V.K. Varshney, head, chemistry division, FRI, summarised the theoretical as well practical aspects of essential oils, perfumery and aromatherapy covered during the training programme. Dr. Varshney also urged participants to come out with their opinion and remarks on the five-day event. Principal Director, FFDC, S.V. Shukla, stressed that aroma entrepreneur should fine tune themselves with changing scenario and such training-cum-workshop which is being organised jointly by FRI and FFDC since the last five years is a sincere endeavour in this context.

Dr. Mohd. Muzeeb, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, presented the techniques for evaluation of essential oils for their use in aromatherapy. The aromatherapy interventions in beauty care were presented by Malini Ohri from Splendour Beauty and Hair Centre, Dubai. Malini also gave a practical demo of aromatherapy massage.

The participants appreciated the training programmes and explained how the training-cum-workshop has been beneficial for them. The participants were distributed the certificates by Dr. P.P. Bhojvaid, Director, FRI. The session ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rakesh Kumar.

The training-cum-workshop was attended by a total of 45 Indian and overseas participants, including 19 from Republic of Rwanda and one from USA and others from different corners of the country. 

BJP leader threatens to file defamation suit against govt 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
BJP national general secretary Trivender Singh Rawat today threatened to file a defamation suit against the Uttarakhand government if it did not stop the slander campaign launched against him by leaking select portions of the Tripathi Commission entrusted to inquire into the scams that took place during the BJP government.

Addressing a press conference today, Trivender Singh Rawat said the Harish Rawat government was deliberately targeting him and leaking select portions of the report on the Rs 5 crore seeds scam, “As I had challenged Chief Minister Harish Rawat to stand from the Doiwala seat, to become member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, the chief minister has launched a vilification campaign against me. They are leaking portions of the commission report that has to be first tabled in the House. If the government continues in this fashion, I would be forced to file a defamation case against the government,” said Rawat.

He said when he was agriculture minister in the BJP government, irregularities in the distribution of seeds by private firms had come to light in 2010, “When the irregularities in the supply and distribution of seeds was brought to my notice, I instructed to the concerned officials on telephone to the then secretary agriculture to look into the matter. Taking action, the officials had immediately stopped payment to Nainital based Messer Nidhi Seed Corporation and had also ordered recovery of the amount from the officials who were found involved in the scam. But the present government is misleading the people by conveying that no action was taken on the issue,” said Rawat.

Rawat also urged the Harish Rawat government to implement the agriculture policy brought during the BJP government’s rule. “After initiating discussion at Gairsain on how to promote agriculture in the hills, the Uttarakhand government should implement the policy which was framed when I was the agriculture minister,” he said.

SP leader alleges funds wastage

Dehradun, June 13
Terming the recently held state Assembly session as a waste of public funds, Satyanarayan Sachan, state president of the Samajwadi Party, said the Congress and the BJP were having the same ideologies that were detrimental to the development of the state. Sachan alleged ever since the formation of Uttarakhand, both the parties were playing dirty politics to snatch the chair and power.

“Despite holding the Assembly session in Gairsain, the state government has refrained from calling it the state capital officially. This is perhaps the saddest part of the entire exercise on which a huge amount of public money was wasted,” he added.

“Owing to the wrong policies adopted by the successive governments, the entire state is divided into plain and hilly terrain. The SP has demanded the provision of land for the landless families where they can be relocated,” he added. — TNS

Dowry case registered
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 13
The city police registered a dowry case against three persons, here today. According to the complainant, Kamla Devi, daughter of Dev Ram, resident of Gularghati, alleged that she had been continuously harassed physically and mentally by her in-laws to bring more dowry since she was married on June 7 last year.

She named her husband Govind Lal, father-in-law Mohan Ram and mother-in-law Manju in her complaint. She alleged that her in-laws were demanding three gold rings and Rs two lakh as dowry. They even threatened her to face dire consequences, if she failed to fulfill their dowry demands.

The city police have started investigating the matter after a case was registered against them under Section 498A, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.