Ganga near danger mark
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, July 17
With plains and hill areas of Garhwal division receiving heavy rain during the past few days, the Ganga is flowing above the warning point and only one metre below the danger mark in Haridwar. The district administration has sounded a high alert in lower areas. The Met Department has forecast that the rain will continue for the next 24 hours in Uttarakhand and hence the local administration is taking all measures and has stationed rescue teams in sensitive residential areas along the Ganga.

The water level in the Ganga at the Central Water Commission measuring point at Neel Dhara was recorded at 291.85 metre yesterday. It touched the 293 metre mark today owing to continuous rain and was just one metre below the danger point of 294 metre and above the warning level of 292 metre.

District Disaster Management Officer Dr Naresh Chaudhari told The Tribune that constant monitoring of the water level in the Ganga was being done at Neel Dhara with regular updates being provided by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, which operates the Chaudhari Charan Singh Barrage at Bhimgoda and the Laljiwala Barrage on the Ganga canal.

He said the water level in the Ganga would surpass the danger mark if Haridwar too gets the same amount of rainfall as occurring in hill districts of Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Pauri of Garhwal division. “The water level in the Ganga would have surpassed the danger mark had Haridwar not recorded very low rain in the past few days. The water level in the Ganga was one metre below the danger point today. On June 17 last year when flash floods ravaged the Kedar valley, the water level in the Ganga had reached 295.80 metre at Neel Dhara,” said Chaudhari.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan has directed Irrigation Department officials to speed up the construction of safety wall, embankments and retaining wall in flood-prone areas of the district.

Irrigation Department official Purushottam Sharma said a major part of the flood safety work had been completed though at some places the work had been hampered due to lack of budget and other procedures.

Villages like Tanda Bhagmal, Rayasi, Bishanpur Kundi, Pherupur, Tanda Majada, Kangdi, Gaziavali, Sajjanpur Pili, Bada Gangdaspur, Gangdaspur and Tatwala that have suffered due to floods in the past few years have been put on high alert and alternative arrangements have been put in place.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department is discharging water from the Chaudhary Charan Singh Barrage at Bhimgoda and the Laljiwala Barrage into the Ganga canal.

Mansarovar Yatra route diverted
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, July 17
The first average rainfall of monsoon season reached an average of 60 mm in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts last night. Returning and ongoing batches of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had to be diverted from an alternative way at Tawaghat and people had to face difficulties in reaching their destination in several places across the districts, said sources.

According to information received from Pithoragarh district administration sources, the fifth batch of returning Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and ongoing ninth batch members had to be guided by ITBP men to cross the swelling nullahs at Pangla and Mangti near Tawaghat. The main route from Tawaghat to Kanchoti was blocked at Khet due to heavy debris.

According to the district disaster management office, four motor roads to several sub-divisional headquarters in the district were blocked by rain last evening on the Dharchula-Pithoragarh highway for over 8 hours. “The rains made the Kali and Saryu rivers swell, resulting in issuance of a red alert by the district administration to caution people living by these rivers,” said RS Rana, district disaster management officer.

According to information received from Champawat district, people living near Sharda Ghat in Tanakput sub-division of the district had to resort to demonstration as they found no protection walls had been erected along the river despite the Sharda river water level reaching 86,803 cusecs compared to over 83,000 cusecs a day before. “Despite the river’s water level increasing by the day, the administration could not completes the works of wall erection along the river banks and it has done no arrangements for our shelter in times of emergency,” said Meena Sagar, who was leading the demonstrating women.

Prospectus of DAV College being sold in black
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
The prospectus of DAV PG College for 2014-15 is allegedly being sold on the black market. Although the college management is claiming that over 5,000 prospectus have been sold in two days of the start of selling process, the black marketing of the same allegedly by some student leaders has raised questions over the entire process.

On the other hand, college principal Devendra Bhasin said, “I am aware of the fact that some student leaders are buying the prospectus in bulk and selling the same after pasting their publicity material on them. However, I have not received any complaint with regard to their black marketing so far.”

When asked why no check is being maintained on the sale of prospectus in bulk to one person, Bhasin said,” I will look into the matter and direct the staff not to sell more than one prospectus to one person.”

He said he would also take necessary action if the allegation of the sale of the prospectus on the black market came out to be true. He also directed students not to buy prospectus from any outsider.

Notably, student unions at the college are protesting against the admission process after the management decided to cut down the intake of students this year and admit students only on the merit basis. They even shut down the college windows as part of their protest on Tuesday.

Doon faces long power cuts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
Several areas in Dehradun faced long power cuts after thundershowers were experienced in the state capital here today. Power Department officials claimed technical snags were immediately rectified, but different colonies went without power on Wednesday night.

Power supply was disrupted for nearly four-five hours after rains lashed Dehradun. There was power tripping due to overloading while technical snags were reported in different sub-stations after rain.

Among the areas worst hit by the power cut on Wednesday evening were Suddhowala, Selaqui, Prem Nagar, Smithnagar, Garhi Cantt, Dakra, Purkul, Rajpur, GMS Road, Dharampur, Kargi, Nehru Colony, Rispana Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Race Course and Chander Nagar.

The power supply continued to be affected on Thursday. The corporation’s technical staff worked to ensure disruption-free electricity to consumers, but several areas continued to face power cuts till late on Thursday evening.

The demand of electricity was 35.87 million units against availability of 28.74 million units in the state. The state-run hydro power projects are generating 11 million units electricity per day.

Unable to cope up with the state’s power demand, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) enforced a two-hour cut on power supply to non-continuous industries in Haridwar. Four hours of rostering was done in non-continuous industries of Kumaon division of the state.

Speaking to The Tribune, Madhusudan, an official spokesman of UPCL, said the department had been procuring electricity in order to bridge the power demand-supply gap in the state. He said strict instructions had been given for swift work to overcome technical snags in order to ensure disruption-free electricity to consumers.

He said the corporation would procure 3 million units power in order to curtail gap between demand and availability of electricity in the state on Friday.

Turbines of eight hydro power projects being run by the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) have stopped generating electricity after silt was reported in Himalayan rivers and their tributaries. The corporation is continuously procuring power in order to meet the electricity demand in the state.

Inconvenience

Among the worst hit areas on Wednesday evening were Suddhowala, Selaqui, Prem Nagar, Smithnagar, Garhi Cantt, Dakra, Purkul, Rajpur, GMS Road, Dharampur, Kargi, Nehru Colony, Rispana Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Race Course and Chander Nagar.

Review officers hold rally
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
Stepping up their agitation review officers today held a rally inside the Secretariat in support of their demands. Members owing allegiance to Uttarakhand Secretariat Review officers’ Association today gathered at the Secretariat and reiterated their commitment to intensify their stir in the coming days if their demands were not met.

“We have already informed the government about our agitation in advance and in case our demands remain unfulfilled, the next course of action would be strike,” said Deepak Joshi, general secretary of the association.

The review officers are demanding filling of vacancies through promotions, pay scale upgradation and creation of 16 new departments so that the workload could be judiciously distributed.

A telling portrayal of daughters’ struggles
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
Prerna, a voluntary organisation, staged “Char Betiyan, Char Baatein”, a collection of four monologues dealing with issues of HIV-AIDS, sibling rivalry, domestic violence and rape at the workplace at Bharatkhande Hall here yesterday.

The first daughter, played by Priyanka Dhyani, talks about her mother who lost her battle to HIV AIDS, saying the treatment meted out to her by the society affected her. She exhorts people to change their mindset and behaviour. The second daughter, played by Sukanya Kimothi, is going through a turmoil at the way she is compared to her sister by her parents. She comes across as a young girl who is confused and has low self-esteem. The character of the third daughter is essayed by Monika Deshwal. This character has seen her mother suffer from domestic violence, and after her mother’s death, she is subjected to a similar treatment by her father. We are told how she is raped by her father and becomes pregnant. She decides to keep her baby.

The audience is introduced to a more empowered daughter played by Neha Bhatt. This character is raped by her boss under the effect of drugs. She then takes control of her life and hopes that her tormentor will come back to her so she that would be able to take revenge.

The message is clear: It is time to stand up for our rights and for each other.

The play was directed by Sujata Paul Maliah. The lights were ably handled by TK Aggarwal and the organising team included Suvarsha Paul, Sanjiv Maliah and Vijay Kumar. Two shows were organised by the team.

The chief guest for the first show, Harak Singh Rawat, Mukhya Nagar Adhikari, and Ramendri Mandrawal, Protection Officer, lit the inaugural lamp.

Harak Singh Rawat said he would like more people to see the play as it was relevant. Mandrawal appreciated the performance and called for empowerment of girls. She said girls should go ahead and claim their rightful place in the world.

Female base hospital coming up at Simli

Dehradun, July 17
The Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare has initiated a preliminary inquiry for establishing a female base hospital in Simli in Chamoli.

Principal Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare, has written to the directorate to undertake a preliminary survey in consonance with MCI guidelines. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has issued orders for the promotion of 12 medical officers to the rank of senior medical officers. These officers were unable to get promotion in 2013 due to incomplete appraisal reports. The department had held DPC for these officers. These senior medical officers will be able to get notional promotion benefits from July 4, 2013. — TNS

SFI workers submit memo to principal

Dehradun, July 17
The local wing of Students Federation of India submitted a memorandum to the DAV PG College principal regarding the problems faced by the college students. The problem of some B.Com and B.Sc students whose results have been withheld by the university was brought to the notice of the principal through the memorandum.

SFI leaders told the principal that DAV PG College students used to get relaxation in railway tickets once a year but the Moradabad Railway Division has stopped giving it, which should be resumed. The issue of college gender sensitisation committee was raised before the principal. He was requested to publicise the committee among students and allot separate fund for smooth functioning of the committee. — TNS

Cooks’ training programme concludes
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
The three-week 6th state-level cook training programme organised by the eco-tourism wing, Uttarakhand, concluded at the IHM here today.

Forest Minister Dinesh Aggarwal gave away certificates to the participants.

Forty seven participants attended the event. They included 29 forest employees from Bijrani, Jhirna, Khinnanauli, Sultan, Mundiapani, Halduparao and Lohanchaur forest rest houses and Kalagarh Training Centre, Corbett Tiger Reserve. Eighteen participants were from rural tourism projects – Satri, Dalar, Supi, Risal, Gonap and Dhur villages For the first time, three women participants from Lamgada and Satri villages in Tehri also attended the programme.

BJP candidate from Doiwala seeks votes
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
BJP candidate from Doiwala Trivendra Singh Rawat today appealed to the public to vote for him in the coming byelections in the state.

Addressing public meetings at Balawala, Nathuwala and Shamshergarh today, Trivendra Singh Rawat urged the people to vote intelligently.

Trivendra Singh Rawat said the people of the state were fed up with the Congress-led state government and were looking forward for a corruption-free governance. He alleged the Congress was against the creation of a separate state of Uttarakhand and had always worked against the people of this region.

Make packing material available to apple growers: Harak Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
Horticulture Minister Harak Singh Rawat has instructed the officials to provide the packing material to apple growers so that their produce might not get affected.

The decision was taken during the review meeting chaired by the minister here today. Concerned about the possibility of loss of apple produce, Rawat instructed the officials of the concerned department to start the sale of packing material by taking 50 per cent of the cost.

“The growers should get the right price for their produce. The horticulture department should start the marketing for the produce on the state level,” he said.

To promote the apple produce in the state and motivate the apple growers, the minister formed a five-member committee. The committee members have been instructed to visit the apple orchids in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir to prepare a report and submit the same to the government in a month. The report should contain the points pertaining to the improvement in quantity and quality of apple produce and involvement of the local youth in the sector.

Rawat also instructed the PWD officials to ensure the maintenance of roads so that the apple growers are able to conveniently take their produce to the mandis.

It was also decided in the meeting to increase the rates of fruit plants being prepared in the government nurseries across the state. “For the last four years the rates have remained the same. A committee would be formed which will look into the revision of prices. Also, to increase the fruit produce in the state a target of planting 25 lakh saplings has been set for this year. A special drive would be launched to plant the saplings in vacant government land in the state,” said Rawat.

Speaking about the poly-houses, Rawat said that 75 per cent grant would be given for the repair of torn plastic sheets of those poly-houses which are functional for more than five years.

Giving details about the steps being taken for the revival of tea estates in the state, Rawat said that an amount of Rs 11 crore is earmarked for boosting the tea estates. “On the national level too the high quality of tea being produced in state has been accepted. The state government is taking all possible measures to ensure the increase in production. There is a need to market the state’s produce on the national and international platform,” he said.

Those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary (Horticulture) Dr Ranvir Singh, Secretary Devender Paliwal, Additional Secretary RC Sharma, Director, Horticulture, I. A. Khan, Director, Tea Control Board, K R Joshi, and several others.

B Ed TET Association to support Congress

Dehradun, July 17
After getting assurance from the Chief Minister on fulfilment of their demands, B Ed Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Qualified Association has declared support to the Congress in the upcoming byelections for three Assembly segments slated for July 21.

Addressing a press meet, president of the association, Baldev Singh Bhandari, said, “We have been protesting in front of the Education Directorate in support of our demands for the last many months. Chief Minister Harish Rawat has now assured us he would take a decision in our interest. We have thus decided to support him and the Congress.” — TNS

Kumaon celebrates Harela festival
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, July 17
Youths were blessed with “Ji raye, jag raye, Himala chhan tak, Gangak pani chhan tak” (live long, be alert, till the snow remains in the Himalaya and water remains in the Ganga) as the Harela festival was celebrated in the Kumaon region today.

Harela, which is an agriculture festival and coincides with the sowing season in Kumaon, is celebrated on the auspicious day of Kark Sankranti when the Shravan month begins. On Harela saplings are planted and idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped as it is considered the day of their wedding. “The day starts with the celebration Lord Shiva’s marriage,” said Dr Deepak Upreti, an expert on Kumaoni culture and traditions.

According to the tradition, seven seeds are sown in a bucket nine days before the Harela day and the sprouted yellow leaves are cut after worshipping Lord Shiva on the day and Harela leaves are worn on ears by everyone. “Green Harela leaves are sent by post to those who are away from their families, as these symbolise prosperity and long life for all,” said Upreti.

Kumaoni people celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and invite their married daughters for feast and give them gifts.

According to a legend, the tradition of Harela celebration should not be discontinued as it will be inauspicious for households. “If one cannot maintain it in the house due to reasons beyond his control, grow Harela in temples collectively,” said Upreti.

Kanwariyas clash with police
Tribune News Service

Haridwar July 17
Heated arguments and minor squabbles between Kanwar mela police force and devotee Kanwariyas have become a routine during the ongoing Kanwar fair in Haridwar.

The major cause of this is the Kanwar yatra administration’s decision to allow Kanwariyas walk on the Kanwar track along the Ganga canal from Har-ki-Pauri till Roorkee.

But many Kanwariyas want to go through the National Highway 58, which leads to the arguments and sometimes the situation goes out of control as Kanwariyas try to forcibly barge on to the national highway.

Also many altercations take place due to a ban on usage of loudspeakers and musical systems on Kanwar vehicles. On entry points of Uttarakhand these musical systems are being removed by Kanwar police, which also leads to resentment among Kanwariyas.

As a precautionary measure SSP Sadanand Date had deployed Seema Suraksha Bal personnel at sensitive points on Kanwar track, particularly on those points or squares from where Kanwariyas are diverted towards Kanwar track.

The SSP inspected the Kanwar track and urged Kanwariyas to follow it.

“The Kanwar track is in good condition attached with facilities like tents,doctors,water,light and eateries. Moving on national highway is dangerous as it not only disrupts the traffic but speeding vehicles may pose danger for on-foot Kanwariyas” said the SSP.

Today, too, at Shankaracharya square, Prem Nagar ashram tri-section, Singh Dwar square, Pull Jatwada and adjacent points on Kanwar track, minor skirmishes and arguments between Kanwar force and Kawnariyas were witnessed.

The SSP during a briefing of police personnel asked them to be polite with Kanwariyas. He deployed senior police officials at such points to make sure minor skirmishes do not aggravate matters.

Circle officer, City, Chandra Mohan Singh Negi, Circle officer, Sadar, Rajesh Bhatt, and traffic inspector Virendra Dabral have been deployed at the sensitive Kanwar track stretch.

Dibogi-Sartali road not repaired for 20 years
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 17
Residents of the Jaunpur development region in Tehri district are angry at the dilapidated condition of the Dibogi-Sartali road that was constructed 20 years ago and has not been repaired since.

They allege that due to the apathy of the departments concerned they are forced to travel on the road daily putting their lives at risk.

The Irrigation Department had constructed the road as a connecting route to the Lakhwar dam 20 years ago. The Dibogi-Sartali road is also the only link between more than 12 villages in the area and the mainland.

The other reason for no work being done on the road is that the Irrigation Department had transferred it to the Jal Vidyut Nigam, resulting in files being caught in red tape and no department taking the responsibility for its reconstruction.

Mahipal Sajwan, Bachan Singh and other residents of the area say due to lack of coordination between the departments concerned the villagers have been risking their lives while travelling on this dilapidated road for the last 20 years. They demand that the construction and repair work on the road be started immediately or they will launch an agitation.

Rajiv Kumar, GM, Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, says they have received orders for the transfer of the road to the PWD within a week so that it could be repaired without any hindrance.

Ex-servicemen to support Cong in bypoll
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17
Irked over the Modi government’s failure to check the price rise, ex-servicemen have decided to support the Congress candidates in the forthcoming Assembly byelections in the state.

Addressing a press conference here today, Lt Col Ganga Singh Rawat (retd), president of the Uttarakhand Purv Sainik Avam Ardh Sainik Sangathan, said the Modi government had befooled the people of the country.

“The public had reposed faith in the BJP by electing it to power. However, within 40 days it has been exposed, as it has failed to check the price rise. The decisions of the Modi government are against the welfare of common man,” he added.

“Therefore we have decided to support the Congress candidates,” said Rawat.

SDRF deployed in hills
Tribune News Service

SDRF personnel help stranded pilgrims in the Gangotri region on Thursday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, July 17
After the Meteorological Department issued an alert that heavy rainfall is likely to lash the hills of Uttarakhand, teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been put on alert at many places in the hills.

According to police headquarters, SDRF teams, equipped with modern equipments, have been deployed at Kedarnath, Linchaili, Bhimbali, Gaurikund, Lambagad, Harshil, Haridwar and Dehradun for the help of pilgrims and local people in case of any emergency.

Notably, SDRF personnel helped around 130 stranded pilgrims at Kedarnath to reach safer places in Gaurikund today morning after weather conditions turned adverse in Kedarnath. The SDRF team stationed at Harsil is also on its way to Gangotri to rescue the stranded pilgrims. 

Mussoorie armed robbery case
Police still beating about the bush
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 17
The Mussoorie police are yet to apprehend the perpetrators in the case pertaining to an armed robbery which occurred in Mussoorie five days ago.

Four armed robbers had decamped with cash and jewellery worth several lakhs from the residence of a petrol pump owner at Bala Hissar near Wynberg Allen School on Saturday.

Residents of the town alleged that except for releasing the sketches of two robbers, the police are still groping in the dark, with no clues coming their way even five days after the crime.

Circle officer Mussoorie Jaya Baloni said they were working to solve the case diligently and had brought several suspects for further questioning, but had not received any concrete clues as yet.

Meanwhile, patience of the residents is running out as they are of the view that the police are not serious about the case.

Residents alleged that the callous approach of the police towards theft cases has risen in the past year, emboldening the criminals who flee with ease.

Police station in charge Jaimal Negi said the police were investigating the matter very minutely and hoped that the perpetrators would be caught soon.

Divine Light Trust contributes for child’s surgery
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 17
Members of Divine Light Trust gave a warm send off to a seven-month-old child for heart surgery at a function held here on Thursday. Nitin, son of Keshav, a resident of Moldhar village in Jaunpur development region of Tehri district is suffering from Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).

He will be operated upon by Dr Raja Joshib at Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, said Dr Sunil Sanon, president of the Divine Light Trust. The cost of operation is around Rs 90,000.

The Divine Light Trust has contributed Rs 65,000, while RS 25,000 would be incurred by the family of the child. ”The trust has also received Rs 15,000 by an anonymous tourist, who was present at the function today,” said Dr Sanon. Dr Venu Sanon,a member of the trust, along with SDM Mussoorie, presented the check to the parents of the child. SDM Mussoorie Ramji Saran Sharma said it was heartening to note that the surgery would be done using latest technology reducing pain that the patients had to undergo during the process earlier.

Dr Sunil Sanon said Nitin was the 61st patient who had been assisted for heart surgery by the Divine Light Trust. 

Don’t misbehave with statehood activists

Dehradun, July 17
The media in charge of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar), Manmohan Lakhera, has sought from the state government strict action against the bus conductor who misbehaved with a statehood activist recently. He said the government should ensure speedy action to address grievances of statehood activists.

He lamented that government department employees have been misbehaving with statehood activists. Lakhera demanded strict action against such staff. Lakhera said dozens of statehood activists had sacrificed their lives for creation of the state. He said the state government should ensure special privilege to statehood activists.

Statehood activist Chintan Saklani was not allowed to continue his journey to Mussoorie by the conductor of an Uttarakhand Transport Corporation bus. The conductor not only misbehaved with the statehood activist but also threw his identity card, which had been issued by the state government. Lakhera said UKD activists would stage a protest if the state government did not order a probe in the matter. — TNS

Nehrugram, Doon Challenger win
Tribune News Service

A striker dribbles the ball past a defender in a match in the Nemidas Memorial District Football League at the Pavilion Ground in Dehradun on Thursday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, July 17
Two matches were played in the ongoing Nemidas Memorial District Football League at the Pavilion Ground here today. In the first match, Nehrugram Football Club defeated Pachwadoon 4-1. Rakesh scored two goals in the 49th and 58th minutes of the match for Nehrugram. Kuldeep and Himanshu scored a goal each in the 36th and 59th minutes. Manish scored the lone goal for Pachwaddon Football Club in the 31st minute of the match.

In the second match of the day, Doon Challenger thrashed Bajrang Football Club 6-0, with Abhay striking a hat-trick. He scored the goals in the 19th, 21st and 29th minute. Nikhil, Prithvi and Deepesh scored a goal each for the winning team in the 13th, 33rd and 14th minute, respectively.