2019 deadline for Tawaghat-Tanakpur road two-laning
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, August 1
The Centre has set a deadline of 2019 for the construction of two lanes of 258.60 km Tanakpur-Tawaghat road. Various organisations in Champawat and Pithoragarh districts have prepared for a massive bandh across the towns of the highway demanding speedy construction of the road on August 2.

“In a reply to my question on construction of this road in the Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2012, the then Defence Minister had said the Union Government had set a time limit for construction of a two-laned road from Tanakpur to Tawaghat in 2019,” said Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Singh Mahra.

Mahra has this year again given a notice to the government in Rajya Sabha, seeking an answer to a question, citing significance of the road from strategic points of view. “I am again waiting for an answer to my question tabled on July 28 in the Rajya Sabha, from the present government,” said Mahra.

The government, replying to the question on construction of the road from Tanakpur to Tawaghat, had said in 2012 that due to delayed clearance of land proposals needed for construction of the road, non-availability of construction materials in time and no permission to install stone crushers on the site due to forest laws, the pace of construction has been delayed.

“I have stated that if the pace of work on construction of this road remains the same, completion of two lanes of this road up to Tawaghat and further up to Lipulekh, would be difficult even by 2030,” said the MP.

Property damaged in disaster to be repaired: CS

The reconstruction and repair work of government properties that were damaged in the natural catastrophe last year will be done in three phases.

The first state budget of over Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated to various construction agencies. This was informed by state Chief Secretary Subash Kumar in Nainital today.

The Chief Secretary, while reviewing the development works in the region, said the state government would spend over Rs 7,000 crore for the development of the state. A sum of Rs 750 crore of the first instalment of the budget has been released last month.

“A strict eye will be kept on hoarders of food grains as hoarding is a major reason for the increasing prices of essential commodities,” said the Chief Secretary.

The Chief Secretary stressed on the need of quality construction of disaster works and officers have been told to maintain quality, besides the timing of repairing or reconstruction.

Hotels in Corbett landscape under scanner for pollution
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
The Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board has decided to conduct a detailed survey of the waste disposal system in lodges, hotels and motels that have mushroomed around the tiger famous Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

There have been reports that these hotels and motels are adversely impacting the Corbett landscape.

There are over 100 hotels, motels, inns and lodges in the Corbett landscape and conservationists accuse them of rampantly violating the environment and wildlife norms. Besides resorting encroachment, there have been several instances in the past when these hotels and lodges have resorted to anti-wildlife activities like late night New Year parties and even used camp elephants.

The survey will include mapping of hotels, inns and lodges and their classification on the basis of the size and waste and the waste water disposal arrangements through data collection, including field verification.

Dr AK Singh, a senior wildife conservationist and authority on Corbett, says mushrooming of lodges in the Corbett landscape is proving to be detrimental to the wildlife in the region. “Till date, little is known about the garbage and waste water disposal mechanism in these hotels and lodges,” he says, adding that there is no doubt that a large quantity of garbage and waste water is generated in these hotels.

Interestingly, efforts are being made across the country to secure wildlife corridors, these hotels in the Corbett landscape have even resorting encroachment. Dikhuli, a corridor connecting Tiger-famous Jim Corbett National Park to the biodiversity rich Terai region, is shrinking at a rapid rate with unhindered encroachment as the main reason behind it.

Eminent zoologist Dr Hem Singh Gehlot, an alumni of the Wildlife Institute of India, who has been undertaking studies on wildlife in the Corbett park, hopes that the survey will expose these hotels, resorts and lodges for their scant respect for environment laws. “The waste disposal mechanism in most of these hotels is non-existent and they dump waste in rivers. I am hopeful that the survey will bring this fact to the public notice,” Gehlot says.

The state wildlife authorities had once even taken punitive action against these lodges and hotels after they indulged in a ‘misinformation campaign’ to lure tourists. These resorts and hotels are located around the Corbett park and often use its name to serve their ends. The owners of these resorts often mislead tourists and take them for elephant rides in the territorial divisions of Terai claiming it to be the Corbett park.

DD Misra takes over as ONGC Director (HR)
Tribune News service

Dehradun, August 1
Desh Deepak Misra has taken over as the Director (Human Resource) of India’s most valuable public sector enterprise, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). Misra, 56, took over the reins of the 33,000 plus workforce here today.

Prior to his elevation to the ONGC Board, he was the Head of Corporate Administration at ONGC headquarters, Dehradun.

He is a recipient of ONGC’s ‘Young Executive of the Year’ award. He has been instrumental in ONGC securing the ‘Earth Care Award - 2008’ for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

He piloted a number of community development programmes during his tenure at Uran plant in Raigarh district of Maharashtra and at Uttarakhand as General Manager — Head Corporate Administration, to align the aspirations of local communities with ONGC’s business.

Harish Rawat writes to Uma Bharti on power project
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has urged Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti to protect the interests of Uttarakhand in the proposed multipurpose Pancheshwar hydropower project, an Indo-Nepal joint venture.

In a letter written to Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said Pancheswar project that is proposed to be built on Mahakali river along Uttarakhand-Nepal border will affect Uttarakhand in a big way.

Hesaid a total of 60 villages of Uttarakhand will be affected due to the project. He said the Champawat district of the state will be worst affected due to the dam of the project as a total of 120 square kilometre of the area will get submerged in the process.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat demanded at least 13 per cent of the total power generated in the project free to the state. He also sought better rehabilitation package to the affected people from the Centre.

Garbage scattered all over Doon
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Just weeks after the newly appointed Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat had taken over the reins of managing the deteriorating garbage situation of the city, it has not only got out of hands but also extremely bad.

Overflowing garbage bins and scattered garbage on the roads have become a common sight in every nook and corner of the city. The stench emanating from the rain-drenched garbage is further adding misery to the situation.

While admitting to the deteriorating sanitary conditions of the city, MNA Harak Singh Rawat said that the problem has aggravated due to the shortage of sanitary workers. “After Doon Valley Waste Management shut down its operation, the load of additional 10 wards has also increased. We have limited number of workers with whom we have to cater to the entire city,” he said.

“Further, due to heavy rains it becomes difficult for the workers to visit the field and empty the bins or collect the scattered garbage. We have also pulled up the vehicle drivers to properly dump the garbage in the bins. We are hopeful that the situation would improve in the coming days,” said Rawat.

It may be mentioned here that soon after taking over as the MNA, Rawat had appointed the officials at Dehradun Municipal Corporation for conducting daily checks in the city. The officials were to conduct the check of various parts in the city and see whether the sanitation staff has cleared the garbage or not. A report was being filed on daily basis about the field visits of the staff. The officials detailed for the duties include Senior Health Inspector Dr. R.K. Singh (Monday), Town Planner A.P. Sundriyal (Tuesday), Town Planner Rachna Payal (Wednesday), Additional Town Planner Ved Prakash Badhani (Thursday), Additional Town Planner Ramesh Singh Bisht (Friday) and Additional Town Planner J.P. Raturi (Saturday).

However, the routine seems to have broken down within a fortnight of being launched. “The officials are not able to visit the areas owing to rains, especially in the morning. However, they are still filing the reports and we have narrowed down few areas which require special attention,” said Rawat.

worker’s death under mysterious circumstances
CM sanctions relief for kin
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Family members of Tarun Kumar, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances, met Chief Minister Harish Rawat and demanded a high-level probe into his death.

The family members were accompanied by Suryakant Dhasmana, a senior Congress leader.

Tarun was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a site of an under-construction building of the State Forest Department a few days back.

Dhasmana requested the Chief Minister to order a high-level probe into the matter. He requested the Chief Minister to sanction a monetary compensation to Tarun’s wife Vijay Lakshmi and offer her a government job.

The Chief Minister sanctioned a grant of Rs one lakh and offered employment in the Prantya Raksha Dal (PRD) Department to the deceased’s wife.

Father of the deceased Daya Ram, mother Mithlesh, Dinesh Kaushal and Baburam were also present.

Five diagnostic machines sealed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
A three-day inspection and licence renewal campaign of ultrasound centres and hospitals under Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act concluded here today.

The chief medical officer sealed five diagnostic machines and denied permission to a hospital for setting up an ultrasound machine without hiring a radiologist. The team was led by nodal officer Dr NS Napalchayal, nodal officer, PCPNDT Act.

He said the inspection was done at Synergy Hospital, Aastha Hospital and Dr Simran Sethi and Subharti Medical College. The hospitals had sought permission from the higher authorities for installing ultrasound machines.

The team found that radiology machines were not in use at a few clinics. They were sealed to prevent their misuse. Dr Vinod Chandra was not using the radiology machine after the death of his wife. “We sealed the machine to prevent its misuse,” said Dr NS Napalchayal.

A portable radiology machine at Dr Manju Chand’s clinic was found not in use and sealed.

The team sealed portable radiology machines at SK Memorial, Doon Nursing Home and Chandan Diagnostic. “The machines were sealed as the licences were not renewed. Dr Manoj Gupta was not granted permission to acquire a radiology machine as he did not possess the services of a radiologist,” said Dr Napalchayal.

Power generation drops due to silt in rivers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
The state-run hydropower projects are not generating electricity at its optimum level due to silt in Himalayan rivers and its tributaries.

The data revealed by Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) clearly highlighted that state-run hydropower projects have generated only 17 MW of electricity against the capacity of 800 MW.

Officials lamented that silt in Himalayan rivers and its tributaries was the major reason behind shutdown of turbines. The situation has turned worse as most of the hydropower projects are temporarily shutdown.

The latest data by UPCL officials stated that the 198 MW Kalagarh and 90 MW Maneri Bhalli-I hydroprojects have not generated a single unit of electricity.

After rain lashed the higher areas of Uttarakhand, 304 MW Maneri Bhalli-II hydropower project has also stopped generating electricity. The power generation in 240 MW Chibbro and 120 MW Khodri hydropower projects was nil.

The increasing silt in Himalayan rivers and its tributaries is the major reason for not generating electricity at the 34 MW Dhakrani, 51 MW Dhalipur and 30 MW Kulhal hydropower projects. The 144 MW Chilla hydropower project has stopped generating electricity due to flushing.

Among all hydropower projects, Khatima hydropower project is the only project that generated 17 MW of electricity in the state.

Speaking to The Tribune, Madhusudan, an official UPCL spokesman said UPCL has implemented nearly four hours of power cut in the rural areas of Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts of the state.

The small towns, including Roorkee, Kashipur, Haldwani, Sitarganj, went without power for nearly two hours. He said the department would receive 2.5 million units of electricity in order to bridge gap between the demand and availability of electricity on Saturday.

Heavy rain halts life in city
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Heavy rain will continue to lash Uttarakhand in the days to come.

According to Dehradun Met office, while there will be light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places in the state on August 2, heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places, especially in the Dehradun, Nainital, Almora and Champawat districts on August 3.

On the other hand, Joshimath experienced 10.8 mm rainfall today. Rudraprayag experienced 10 mm of rainfall, Uttarkashi experienced 10.4 mm, Karanprayag 3.2 mm of rainfall and Badrinath experienced 15 mm of rainfall.

Meanwhile, capital Dehradun today experienced heavy rains disrupting normal life. Most of the city roads witnessed waterlogging, leading to long traffic snarls and causing great inconvenience to the residents.

Centre urged to quash CSAT in exams
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
The agitated DAV College students protested at the district headquarters campus against UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) here today. The agitators have threatened to intensify agitation if the Union Government does not quash CSAT in civil services examination.

The agitators were led by student leader Swati Negi here today. The agitators expressed concern over implementation of CSAT in civil services examination. The agitators submitted a memorandum to the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, through District Magistrate, C Yadav.

Negi said that civil servant aspirants had already registered their antipathy against CSAT examination.

The agitators claimed that the second paper of the CSAT, which tests among other things logical reasoning, analytical ability, basic numeracy and English language comprehension, puts rural students and those from non-English medium school background at a disadvantage.

The agitators have threatened to intensify their agitation if the Union Government does not quash CSAT examination.

Call centre service to connect forest officials, common people
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Kumaon circle of Uttarakhand Forest Department has started a Centralised Digital Telephonic Call Centre Service “Van Mitra” for ensuring people’s participation in forests and wildlife conservation. The service is expected to bridge the widening gap between forest officials and the common people in villages.

The main objective of “Van Mitra” is to provide an interactive platform for people to protect forests and wildlife and to establish a direct relationship of the people with the frontline forest staff for their welfare and grievance redressal. The “Van Mitra” call centre service will work on the 24x7x365 format.

According to Kumaon circle forest sources, the main objectives of the “Van Mitra” call centre service are to provide an interactive platform to people for information related to forests and wildlife protection, like illegal mining, illicit felling, wildlife hunting, encroachment on reserve forests, illegal timber transport, illegal resin transport and tapping. One can call 9208008000 for registering any information or complaint related to the Forest Department.

The “Van Mitra” call centre service was inaugurated by SS Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand, recently at an auditorium of Nainital zoo. The idea and operationalisation of this “Van Mitra” call centre service is being undertaken by Param Jit Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kumaon zone. The inauguration was attended by Vivek Pande, Conservator of Forests, South Kumaon, Nainital, Dr Tejaswini Patil, Director, Nainital Zoo and other forest officers of Kumaon zone.

Revenue staff seek promotions
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
A minor scuffle broke out between police personnel and protesting District Collectorate revenue staff members, who were protesting outside the Secretariat here today.

The protesters staged a sit-out dharna outside the Secretariat. The demonstrators, gathered under the banner of the Uttarakhand Rajsva Sangrah Ameen Sangh, were demanding fulfillment of their long-pending demands related to the promotions.

Urging Chief Minister Harish Rawat to take an immediate action, the protesters threatened to intensify their stir in case their demands were not met.

Symposium at St George’s College
Stress on preventing child sexual abuse in schools
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
Taking a cue from the recent child rape case that occurred in the school at Bangalaru, a symposium was organised for the school principals from around the region to create awareness towards the burning issue of child sexual abuse in the schools at St George’s College in Mussoorie today.

The eminent child psychologist and educator Ravindran said that the symposium was being held in Mussoorie to train and make aware the school principals, teachers and other employees of the schools towards the problem of sexual offences against children.

He said that it was important to train teachers, parents and employees of the school in such a way that the students have courage to stand up to any issue of sexual offences against them and an environment should be created that students come out and report against such issues without fear.

Dr. Ravindran stressed on the fact that the schools should adhere to strict recruitment regime before hiring any staff in the school and cross-check their background thoroughly to determine whether such staff is not involved in any sexual offences in the previous institute.

He further said that a study has revealed that around 53% Indian children are affected by child sexual abuse in the country and it was critical to make parents and teachers aware about such fact. He also said that generally it has been noted that the close relatives were the major child sexual abusers. Hence a mechanism was needed to make parents aware of such facts to prevent the crimes against children. The schools should hire staff for attitude not knowledge, said Dr Ravindran.

He said that the schools should promote no-touch policy as much as possible and try to reduce the number of people allowed to touch kids.

Another guest speaker Dr Nikhil said that the responsibility of parents was equivalent to that of schools. He said that the parents presently had less time for the children, thus reducing the confidence to report such matters immediately. He also said that there was need to create among the parents awareness about 10 live skills propagated by World Health Organisation to educate children at home about such issues.

He also said that the schools should not hide such matters as this could cause lot of problems especially after introduction of Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSA) in the country.

The American guest speaker professor Hardings said that the child sexual abuse was a global issue and it required global solution and it was important to educate administrators, educators and parents towards addressing them on proper human behaviour. He said that the problem was psychological and firm commitment from parents, teachers and administrators was required.

More than 20 school principals participated in the symposium organised by the Institute of Counsellors Training Research and Consultancy in association with St George’s College.

The Principal of the St George’s College, Brother Tommy Varghese, said that the objective of the symposium was to create awareness among the principals towards child sexual abuse and hoped that they would have gained immensely during their stay here.

Rally against female foeticide
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
The activists of Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan took out an awareness rally in order to create awareness masses on female foeticide and violence against women here today.

An awareness rally was jointly flagged off by former chairperson of State Women’s Commission and president of BJP Mahanagar Cell Neelam Sehgal in a function held at Parade Ground here today. The rally passed through Paras wedding point, Saharanpur chowk, Dhamawala chowk, Paltan Bazaar, Clock Tower, Rajpur road and culminated at Mangla Devi.

The patron of Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan, Arunima Bharti expressed concern over deteriorating sex ratio in the country. She said that awareness is the only solution for improving sex ratio in different states of the country.

Bharti said that collective efforts are needed to eradicate social evils from our society. She stressed that laws should be made stringent to prevent violence against women in society.

CBI probes charges against MC ex-chief
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
A team from the CBI headed by DSP Akhil Kaushik investigating alleged graft charges on the directions of the High Court paid a visit to Company Garden and questioned the members of the garden welfare association in Mussoorie today.

The CBI is investigating the charges levelled by a citizen of Mussoorie Vinod Thapliyal through a PIL filed in High Court last year in the matter of increasing entry ticket and construction of food court by the previous municipal council president OP Uniyal and the ward members in office back then.

The member of the company garden welfare association Virendar Rana said that the team of the CBI had questioned its members in the matter of alleged irregularities in construction of a food court at the garden premises and the increase in the entry ticket.

The CBI DSP Akhil Kaushik speaking to media persons said that they had come to determine the rates of entry ticket being taken by the welfare association managing the company garden.

MIS students enthral audience on founder’s day
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
The 30th founder’s day of Mussoorie International School (MIS) was celebrated with fervour and gaiety here yesterday.

Students participated in a havan ceremony and planted saplings to mark the occasion. An alumnae homecoming was also organised where former students highlighted the role of the institute in shaping their future.

Science and art exhibition was held in the academic building where students showcased their talent in front of the invited guests.

Later, about 150 students mesmerised audience through a scintillating instrumental extravaganza. This was followed by student singing Michael Jackson’s “We are the world” that reverberated with its message of peace and harmony among the audience.

A variety of programmes were conducted by over 300 students to mark the occasion. Dr Chona, chairperson of the MIS, congratulated the principal on completing 30 successful years and said high standards of education and learning should remain the catalyst of growth and progress in the school.

Shantanu Prakash, trustee of the school, said it was heartening to see alumnae crediting Mussoorie International School for their success and recalling their stay in the school fondly.

Megha Sharma, an alumnus of the 2001 batch, expressed joy to have had opportunity to walk down the memory lane by visiting the school. She organised a fashion show on the occasion.

Swati Paliawal, another former student, said, “The phase of life I spent in the nurturing environment of the school has made me responsible, self-disciplined, confident and resilient.”

The school also launched a set of memorabilia which included MIS mugs, Bags, sweat shirts and Tshirts for students and alumni of the school.

“Glorious 30” an alumnae Magazine that covered stories of 30 alumnae spread across the globe was also released on the occasion.

Principal Priya Peter read the annual report and highlighted the achievements of the school in the current year.

She said MIS had been true to its values and ethos due to which it stands tall today and is ready to take this journey forward for another 100 years.

Eligible Education Department officer denied promotion
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
An employee with the Education Department who is about to retire has accused the authorities of denying him promotion to the post of chief administrative officer, Dehradun.

Rishidev Rayal, a senior administrative officer in the chief education office, Dehradun, alleged the post of chief administrative officer was created through a GO 472/XXIV-3/13/04(05)/2005 on June 27, 2013, under the SCERT (State Council for Education Research and Training).

Rayal alleged being the senior most, he applied for it on June 5, 2014, at the office of the Director (Primary Education). However, instead of acting on it, officials kept the matter in abeyance for 20 days. “When I enquired about the case, I was told by the Director (Primary Education) that the said post could not be filled in the absence of guidelines, which are yet to be framed,” he alleged.

Rayal alleged he was being denied promotion due to dubious reasons that could affect his pension structure post retirement.

He said similar posts were created in the PWD, which acted promptly and its promoted senior-most accountants to the position. However, the post was still lying vacant in their department.

On the other hand, a senior official in the department, on the condition of anonymity, said no guidelines had been framed for the post so far. “We are helpless in filling the post in the absence of guidelines,” the official added.

UP govt blamed for Saharanpur riots
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Various gurdwara committees in Dehradun have joined hands to help the victims of the recent Saharanpur riots. They have formed a 21-member committee to assess the extent of loss caused due to the riots.

The committee members demanded the dismissal of the Akhilesh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government for its failure to control the riots. Rajender Singh, head of Guru Singh Sabha, said at a meeting held here yesterday that the Uttar Pradesh government instead of controlling the riots turned a blind eye towards these, resulting in loss of lives and property.

“The committee members will visit riot affected places in Saharanpur and meet the victims. A report will be prepared and on its basis the victims will be given a monetary help from the relief funds collected through contributions by various gurdwaras,” he added.

Harbhajan Singh, Gurmeet Singh Duggal, Devender Pal Singh, Sewa Singh Matharu, Satnam Singh, Satpal Singh, and Om Prakash Singh were present at the meeting.

Fervour, gaiety mark Naag Panchami celebrations
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
Naag Panchami, the festival of snakes, was celebrated with fervour and gaiety at Naag temple on the Hathipaon Road, 6 km from Mussoorie, today.

Devotees worshipped Lord Naag Raj and offered milk, fruits and sweets at the temple.

Members of the temple committee claimed more than 10,000 persons had already visited the temple.

He said the Naag temple was more than 200 years old. According to the myth, villagers, some hundred years back, saw a cow shedding milk at one of the stones around the area. The stone since then is revered as Nag Devta. A bhandara and havan was organised by the Nag Devta Mandir Committee for the devotees.

A Bhagwat katha also came to end where Acharya Parsuram wished peace and prosperity for all devotees.

Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi, MC president Manmohan Singh Mall, former MC president OP Uniyal, former Mussoorie MLA Jot Singh Gunsola and several other dignitaries sought blessings of the serpent lord on the occasion.

IOC plans business expansion

Dehradun, August 1
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has decided to go in for a major expansion in Uttarakhand.

At present, the IOC has two plants, one in Haridwar and the other in Haldwani, which have an LPG storage capacity of 5,000 MT each.

The IOC has now decided to open two new plants in Dehradun and Kotdwar each. Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, while presiding over a joint meeting of state and IOC officials at the Secretariat here today, directed the district administration to earmark land in Dehradun, Nainital and Haridwar and complete the identification process within one week to facilitate the setting up of new plants.

IOC officials said Uttarakhand required 16,000 MT of LPG per month. However, the total LPG production at the Haldwani and Haridwar stood at 10,000 MT. Thus, to make up for the shortage, LPG was taken from the Karnal plant of the IOC.

They said besides increasing the capacity of the Haridwar and Haldwani plants, they would also set up new plants in Dehradun and Kotdwar. Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies, Radha Raturi and Additional Secretary, Food, Ravinath Raman also attended the meeting. — TNS

Non-teaching staff of SGRR College protest

Dehradun, August 1
The non-teaching staff of Shri Guru Ram Rai College staged a dharna on the college campus here today demanding better pay and perks.

Led by Bhagwan Singh, president the Shri Guru Ram Rai College Non-Teaching Employees’ Association, the agitating employees alleged their demand for pay and perks on a par with the non-teaching employees of government colleges was pending for long. They are also demanding health smart card facility and leave travel allowance.

The employees also opposed the biometric attendance system in the college. They have threatened to intensify their stir if the demands are not addressed.— TNS

Parents’ colleague arrested for raping 14-year-old
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
The police, on a complaint by a couple employed at a cottage near Woodstock School, today arrested their fellow employee for allegedly raping their 14-year-old daughter in Mussoorie.

According to the police, the mother of the girl lodged a complaint against Sumer, 37, that he had allegedly raped her minor daughter repeatedly for two months and threatened her with dire consequences if she reported the matter to anyone.

The girl did not tell anyone about the crime out of fear but the matter came to light when she complained of stomachache last night. The parents suspecting foul play questioned her and she then revealed the crime to them.

Mussoorie police station in charge JS Negi said the accused was arrested and a case registered against him. He added the girl had been sent for a medical examination.

The residents of the town have demanded strict punishment for the accused who worked as a driver in the same cottage and was known to the girl’s family.

3 statehood agitators hurt in scuffle with police
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
Three women were injured in a scuffle between protesting statehood agitators and the police outside the District Magistrate’s office here today.

The statehood agitators, who gathered under the banner of the Uttarakhand Rajya Senani Manch, were demanding pension and government jobs for their family members. They also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Harish Rawat through District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav. The injured statehood agitators have been identified as Vimla Rawat, Laxmi Rawat and Savitri Devi. They were taken to Doon Hospital and were discharged after they were given first-aid. RK Sharma, Prem Singh Negi, Pushpa Rawat, Beena Bhatt, Satyender Naungai, Kirti Rawat, Sushil Chandola, and Kamla Bhatt took part in the protest.

RIMC drub Seven Oaks 7-2
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
An inter-school sub-area football tournament began at Mahendra Ground here today. It was inaugurated by Maj Gen KD Singh, Sub-Area Commander.

In the first match, the RIMC team smashed Seven Oaks School 7-2 goals. In the second match, Doon Valley won over Gorkha Military School.

Earlier, members of the Gorkha Sudhar Sabha presented a cultural programme during the inauguration ceremony.

Scholars Home, Army School emerge winners

Two matches each were played under junior and senior categories in CBSE Sarvodya Inter-School Football Tournament that began at Scholars Home here today.

Under junior category, Scholars Home defeated Jim Pioneer, Premnagar 1-0, and Welham Boys defeated Olympus High School 4-0.

The Army School defeated Jim Pioneer 3-0 and Olympus High School won 1-0 against Foothill Academy under senior category.

4 killed as car rolls into gorge
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 1
Four persons were reported dead while two others were injured when the driver of an Alto car lost control over the vehicle. The vehicle fell into a deep gorge near Dhanaulti on the Mussoorie-Tehri road, around 35 km from Mussoorie last night.

According to sources, six persons from Chalchala village in Tehri district were on a visit to Surkhanda Devi Temple on the Mussoorie-Tehri Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car plunged into a deep gorge near Dhanaulti. The owner had acquired the car recently.

The deceased have been identified as Swaroop Singh, Bhag Singh, Madan Singh and Gambhir Singh. The injured Jagat Singh and Uday Singh have been referred to higher medical centre in Mussoorie where they are undergoing treatment.

MLA Mussoorie Ganesh Joshi paid a visit to the village and expressed his grief over the incident.

Joshi, speaking to mediapersons on his return from Chalchala village in Mussoorie, claimed the vehicle owner, who had recently won in the Kshetra Panchayat elections, had acquired the car that fell into the gorge as a gift for his support to the Block Pramukh candidate. He said the deceased have left behind young siblings and he would try to provide them some sort of relief in the days to come.

Two chain snatchers arrested
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 1
The city police arrested two chain snatchers here today. The police have recovered a snatched gold chain from their possession. Police sent both the accused to jail after the police registered a case.

According to information, Priya Mukherjee, along with her mother, was returning home today when two bike-borne miscreants snatched her chain. The control room was informed about it after the incident.

A team of city police cordoned off the entire area and searched for the miscreants. The team arrested both accused at Mohanpur power house while they were trying to flee from the spot. On searching, the police recovered a snatched chain from their possession.

The accused were identified as Jogendra Singh, resident of Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, and Lalit Negi, resident of Karanprayag.

Both accused were sent to jail by the police after a case was registered.