IMA objects to clauses in Clinical Establishment Act
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Going by the charter of suggestions submitted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA-Uttarakhand chapter) to the Uttarakhand government keen implementing the Central Clinical Establishment Act, it is unlikely that the private doctors will allow the government of Uttarakhand to put in place minimum clinical standards for setting up of clinics in the interest of patients.

In the first place, the IMA has washed it’s hands off the stabilisation clause in the Central Act and wants it to be replaced by first aid. “The doctors function in standalone clinics and can provide first aid treatment but cannot provide full treatment to stabilise the patients of another speciality. It is wrong to force a patient to take emergency treatment from an unrelated speciality doctor,” said Dr DD Choudhury, who has submitted the suggestions on behalf of the IMA.

However, this clause in the Central Clinical Establishment Act states that a patient must be stabilised in case of an emergency before being transferred to another medical establishment. On the other hand the government doctors are all for implementing this clause. “The government should enforce this clause to empower the patients,” said Dr BC Ramola, former president of Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS).

The major grouse of the association continues to be the fee structure. The IMA wants the free structure as suggested in the Central Act to be reduced for fresh registrations and is also opposing the right to fix professional fee by the state and its enforcement agencies.

“Single fee should be levied when various categories are combined under one roof. Single fee should be charged when an establishment has several branches of collection centres,” said Dr Choudhury.

Fixing of professional fee and displaying fee for consultation etc is also a big no for the IMA.

The association is also averse to the clause in the Central Act calling for trained para-medical staff to be recruited and wants all old staff to continue as such and those working for over six months to be certified by employing doctors as trained.

The Uttarakhand government is likely to examine these suggestions for drafting of rules and regulations for the implementation of the Central Act. 

Facelift for camp offices of IAS officers
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
The Uttarakhand Government has formalised the arrangements to hold camp offices from the homes of IAS officers of the rank of additional chief secretary, principal secretary, secretary and additional secretaries by sanctioning furniture to be furnished at these camp offices.

In a circular, the department of secretariat has sanctioned equipping these camp offices with furniture comprising office tables, 10 chairs, cupboards, book shelves and ACs.

Unlike other IAS postings, only the collector functions from this premises as it also doubles up as the camp office where he meets the public as well as VIPs on various issues. This continues to be an institutional arrangement, though the other rank IAS officers while carrying out public work from home are known to use the ante-rooms located either in the front or the back of their of premises for meeting the people after office hours,” said an official.

The camp has been a much abused concept dating back to the British Raj when officers used to actually camp in villages for days on end till the work was completed. Over the years, the practice has acquired newer dimensions, with the government now ensuring that the officials put in extra hours and also work from home.

To give ear to the problems of the people, from time to time, the CMs of the day have resorted to issuing orders to the officers to hold camps in the remote areas of the state. But the veracity of the claims of success of these orders is always in doubt due to the disinterest shown by the officers in moving out of Dehradun.

However, there has been a downside to the camp facility as well, as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh found out recently. To his chagrin, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav found several IAS officers shunning the offices located in the Secretariat, forcing the CM to deliver the bitter dose of immediate transfer of some of these officers.

Only time will tell if this camp office facility will become a boon or a burden in Uttarakhand.

 janmashtami celebrations
Doon has festivity written all over
Tribune News Service

Children dressed as Radha and Krishna during the Janmashtami celebrations in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

Dehradun, August 18
The birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated with fervour in the state capital today. Donning a festive look, several temples of the city housed the idols of Krishna and Radha decked in all the finery and ornaments. Raas-Leela was also organised in several temples. Long queues of pilgrims were seen waiting outside the temples to pay obeisance to the deities.

Those places that were thronged by the devotees of Lord Krishna included Geeta Bhavan, Ram-Seeta Mandir, Shri Kalika Mata Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Shri Ganga Mandir, Prithvinath Mahadev Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Shyam Sunder Mandir, Adarhs Mandir and Tapkeshwar Mandir. 

  CM to inaugurate Human Rights Commission building

Dehradun, August 18
Chief Minister Harish Rawat will inaugurate the newly constructed office of the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission at a function tomorrow.

 Book on Garhwali song released

Dehradun, August 18
A book entitled Gatha Ek Geet Ki (The inside story of Nauchami Narena) was released by Leeladhar Jagudi, Charu Chandra Chandola, Chandramohan Jyoti, and Ved Uniyal at a function held here today. 

Author of book Manu Panwar said the book covered various aspects of famous Garhwali song “Nauchami Narena”. — TNS

 Power lines damaged in rains
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
The distribution and transmission lines of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited were damaged in the torrent rains that lashed the state last weekend. Department officials claimed that strict instructions were given to technical staff to rectify snags and repair damaged infrastructure to ensure smooth electricity to consumers.

Several areas of Dehradun went without power as testing of lines and work for repairing damaged lines were carried out by the corporation staff. The power supply was resumed to most of the areas except in those colonies, where testing of lines continued till late in the evening.

While speaking to The Tribune, an official spokesman of UPCL, Madhusudan, said the rain and lightning damaged distribution system.

Department officials said electricity poles were washed away and transmission lines were damaged in Maldevta and other localities in Dehradun during rain. The technical staff carried out repairing work for ensuring disruption free electricity to consumers.

UPCL has been continuously procuring electricity in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the state.

 Rajnath Singh: India can attain super power status
Addresses IAS trainees at LBS Academy
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 18
Rajnath Singh, Home Minister, Government of India, inaugurated the eighth mid career training programme, phase-III, for IAS officers held on the main campus of the LBS Academy today.

MLA Ganesh Joshi presents a memorandum to Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Mussoorie on Monday. A tribune photograph

According to sources, Rajnath Singh, addressing the IAS trainees from phase 2 and 3 at Sampoornanand Hall today, said that India could attain the status of super power only if every section of society, including the common man, politicians and bureaucrats, work together towards achieving the goal diligently.

He said that the politicians and bureaucrats by working together with utmost integrity could help India in attaining ‘’jagad guru’’ status in the near future.

Rajnath Singh, addressing around 200 IAS trainees, stressed on working towards the development of the country with integrity and correcting the system in such a way that the fruits of development reached the common man with ease.

Later, the Cabinet minister offered floral tributes at the statue of Vallabh Bhai Patel and Lal Bahadur Shastri as a mark of respect to the great leaders of the country. A photo session with the IAS trainees was also held on the occasion.

Rajnath Singh also met the local BJP workers where MLA, Mussoorie, Ganesh Joshi, demanded increase in the compensation amount given to the disaster victims in the state. Rajnath Singh in his response said that

the state governments should formulate the guidelines and the Centre apart from sending the grant had no say in it. Therefore, the matter should be raised at the state government level. Rajnath Singh reached Mussoorie yesterday evening and extended his stay a day considering the pleasant weather of the hill town of Mussoorie. He will be leaving the town early morning tomorrow. BJP local unit president Roop Singh Kathait, BJP leaders Amit Bhatt, Vijay Ramola, Mohan Petwal and others also met Rajnath Singh on the occasion.

 ‘Centre committed to help state in rehab process’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre was committed to extend all possible help to Uttarakhand for the ongoing rehabilitation process in the state. During his meeting with Chief Minister Harish Rawat and state officials at the Bijapur guest house here today, Rajnath said the natural catastrophe in mid-June last year resulted in widespread damage throughout the state.

He pledged all possible help from the Centre in strengthening state’s internal security, modernising the police force and ensuring robust jail security in the state.

On the issue of the revenue police in the state, the Home Minister said the functioning of the revenue police in Uttarakhand was unique and the Centre would help in modernising it for better functioning.

To ensure flawless Char Dham Yatra in the coming years, Rajnath directed senior officials to prepare a plan for the yatra route so that it does not get affected even in the case of emergency. He assured the state government of taking up some of their issues, which were raised in the meeting, with the Environment Ministry.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Harish Rawat apprised the Union Home Minister of the pending proposals of the state with the Union government and demanded timely clearance of pending matters. He urged the Centre to extend help in rehabilitating 400 villages, which were destroyed in the natural disaster last year.

During the meeting, Disaster Management secretary Bhaskaranand gave a presentation on the steps taken by the state government for rehabilitation.

Cabinet Ministers, including Pritam Singh and Dinesh Agarwal, Chief Secretary Subash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Kumar and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

 CM orders satellite mapping of rivers, rivulets
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has announced that in view of the changing weather pattern and increased incidents of cloudburst as seen in the past week, the state government would undertake satellite as well as physical mapping of the rivers and rivulets even at the village level, basically to know the houses built in the way of such rivulets.

Addressing mediapersons here today Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that out of nearly 12 incidents of cloudburst, he was in the know of the fact that at six such places, the natural course of the village rivulets was blocked by the construction of houses causing death and destruction during heavy rains and cloudburst.

He said that gram panchayats would be involved in the whole exercise and would warn and encourage the people living in such places to shift. He also announced that the old traditional system of “pankatta” (the way for rain water) would be restored in the villages. “ We are involving the rural development department and also finding ways to get this done through Manrega scheme.

On the issue of disaster preparedness, he said that at least two policemen in each police station, SSB personnel and PRD jawan would be provided basic disaster management training in the coming year.

Regarding the start of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra from today, Chief minister Rawat said that all necessary arrangements have been made for the yatra that takes place every 12 years. On the issue of directions of the Union Government for computerisation of the food security scheme, Harish Rawat said that the state government acted as per the Food Security Act. 

  Artistes enthral audience on Janmashtami

Haridwar, August 18
Janmashtami was celebrated with religious fervour today. “Raslila” was a major attraction of the festival here and was performed by students and artistes at Siddhashram, Arya Nagar.

Schoolchildren enthralled audience with skits based on Mahabharata, Ramayana and love of Radha and Krishna at Shri Rameshwaram temple in Vikas colony.

A royal procession taken out by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) devotees, including foreigners, was a major attraction yesterday.

A “Mahaabhishek” of Lord Krishna was conducted at the Shubharambh banquet hall. This includes midnight celebrations with chanting of hymns, bhajans and pushing the palanquin of Radha and Lord Krishna by devotees.

All temples, including Tulsi Manas Mandir, Bhoopatwala, Radha Krishna temple, Kankhal, Radha Krishna temple Yadav Dharamshala near Prem Nagar ashram bridge, Tripura deity temple, Rajeshwari temple, Radha Krishan temple old Ranipur Tibdi bypass, Har Milap ashram and Railway station Janmashtami fair, were thronged by devotees. — TNS

 Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra begins
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Amid chants of shlokas and sounds of traditional instruments, Dhol Damau and Bhankori, the 280-km-long journey marking return of Goddess Nanda to Mount Kailash, called Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, started on a high note from Nauti village here today.

On the first day of the yatra that would make an overnight halt at Eda Bandhani, located at a distance of 10 km, hundreds of pilgrims participated in the yatra. After the night halt, the yatra would return to Nauti, called Nanda Dham, before starting the main journey till Hemkund on August 20.

Raising slogans of ‘Jai Maa Nanda’, nearly 5,000 people participated in the special two-hour-long ceremony held at the Nanda Devi Temple before the beginning of the yatra. The entry of the four-horned ram drew a huge response from the public who rushed to seek his blessings.

Among those present included Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Indira Hridyesh and Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanay.

The Governor said the yatra was directly linked with people’s aspirations and had great historical and spiritual value. The Governor appreciated the efforts of the state government for the provision of infrastructural facilities at all the 20 resting points on the yatra route. This year, the yatra is considered to be special as it is being held for the first time since the formation of the state in 2000. The yatra, held once in 12 years, was originally slated for 2012. Due to astronomical reasons, it was postponed to next year when it was again cancelled due to the disaster.

The usually sleepy hamlet of Nauti, having 165 villages and a population from 1,200 villages, came alive with the presence of a large number of pilgrims. Extending hospitality to the visitors, every household is providing accommodation to 10-12 persons. “Two dozen relatives are staying at our home during this festival. During the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, our relatives come and it becomes a family get-together. The women help in kitchen and other work. It is a family gathering and we are thankful to our deity for providing a chance to our family members to come here and celebrate the festival together,” said 70-year-old Mayasi.

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Organising Committee secretary Bhuwan Nautiyal said five halts, including Wan, Geroli Patal, Patar Nachoniya, Sila Samundra and Chandniya Ghat, in extremely remote locations are a major challenge during the yatra.

 Doctors deployed for yatra
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
The Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare has deployed 14 allopathic general duty medical officers (GDMOs) and 12 specialists on duty for the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra that took off today.

The 12 specialists have been deployed in all key health facilities located on the yatra route while the 14 GDMOs will be in the ambulances also deployed for the yatra.

“Around nine departmental ambulances, seven 108 ambulance with advance life support system are on the move and GDMOs would be put in charge of these ambulances,” said Dr GS Joshi, Director, Medical Health and Family Welfare.

These doctors would be on duty for a period of four days or a week, depending on the requirement and would be relieved by another team of doctors to be deployed by the concerned Chief Medical officers (CMOs). One each physician from Doon Hospital and Coronation Hospital have also been deployed on yatra duty. A“There are bound to be difficulties in the coming days due to the deployment of doctors but for the moment only one doctor each from the hospitals in Dehradun have been deployed,” said Joshi.

 Four-horned ‘ram’ leads Raj Jaat Yatra
Pilgrims use bamboo umbrella to protect deity
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Even though the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is scheduled to be held once every 12 years, its conduct depends on the birth of the four-horned Ram called “Chausingha Khaddu” or “Mainda”, in the local dialect, who leads the arduous three-week long yatra.

Usually black in colour, Ram plays a prominent role in the yatra that depicts the return of Nanda Devi to her husband’s home in Kailash after spending time at her parent’s house. The announcement for the yatra is made on the day of Basant Panchami following which the birth of Ram is awaited.

Underlying the importance of “Khaddu”, Rakesh Kunwar, president of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat committee, said: “The yatra cannot take place without the “Khaddu”. In fact, in 1964 the yatra was cancelled in the absence of Chausingha Khadu’s birth. It was then held in 1968. The four-horned animal is considered as brother of Nanda Devi who will escort her till Mount Kailash after crossing Homkund.”

“To ensure the birth of ram, special prayers are held before the yatra. Besides being four horned, Ram has to be born in the Chandpur region only. There is no name given to the animal after the birth. Special care is taken of Ram as it arrives at the village of Raj Kunwars two to three days before beginning of the yatra. The one leading the yatra this year is five-and-a-half month old and belongs to Bharat Singh Chowdhary from Ladoli village. The other condition for the ram is that it should be physically fit to face the challenges of the 280-km-long journey. The tradition of inclusion of the Chausingha “Khaddu”, deemed to be the escort of Nanda Devi till Mount Kailash is believed to be as old as 1,000 years,” he added.

Decked with gold ornaments, flowers and vermilion, the Ram gets special treatment from the day of his birth. Prior to the yatra, the ram, fitted with special pockets, is loaded with all kinds of goods, fruits, money and eatables, as a mark of dowry being given to the Devi as she leaves her mother’s home. Upon reaching Homkund, the ram is left on its own to cover the onward journey to Mount Kailash. Nautiyals, Kunwars and pilgrims on the yatra do not turn back to see where it is going.

“It is believed that if anyone looks back to see the Devi or Ram, she will continue to miss her mother’s home and would not adjust well at her in-laws house. Though nobody has ever followed the “Khaddu”, it is a belief that it will reach Mount Kailash with the Devi,” said the president.

Another prominent ritual of the yatra is “Chattoli” or bamboo umbrella that is carried by pilgrims and Kunwars to protect the deity. While the commoners carry a simple Chattoli made from bamboo, priests and members of the royal family carry the one made out of silver and gold. “The main Chattoli covers the gold idol of the deity. Upon reaching Homkund, the main Chattoli is distributed amongst pilgrims while the idol is immersed in the holy Kund,” said Kunwar.

Incidentally, Nauti, the place from where the yatra begins, does not have any temple dedicated to Nanda Devi. According to the legend, King Shalipaal grounded the yantra of Nanda Devi at Nauti village in the 9th century. Once the yatra reaches Wan, prayers are offered at the famous temple of Latoo Devta, who is believed to be the brother of Nanda Devi. 

 Life paralysed in Pithoragarh as roads closed due to landslides
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 18
Life in villages on the Indo-China border has been paralysed as the motor road to border town of Munsiyari is still closed due to landslides at seven places on the road between Nachni and Munsiyari.

Pithoragarh District Magistrate HC Semwal, who visited the closed spots today, said as seven places between Nachni and Munsiyari had been identified as most sensitive from the point of view landslides during monsoon months, he had decided to request the government to make an aerial survey of these places.

“We have also requested the government to divert Ramganga river from the areas which fall towards Bageshwar district for reconstruction work at the sensitive places,” said the DM.

Meanwhile, the disaster administration in the district today rescued an injured teacher working in Namik village. It took him to Pithoragarh hospital by helicopter as the teacher was injured when a boulder fell on him as he was going to school on Saturday. The teacher is recovering in district hospital.

In the incidents in Berinag, Didihat and Devalthal areas of the district, four families became homeless as their kuchcha houses collapsed as a result of heavy rains in these parts last evening.

“The family of widow Mohini Devi of Borasangar village of Berinag sub-division was saved as the woman immediately came out with her children on seeing cracks in her house,” said a source from the disaster management office.

The villagers of lower and upper parts of Darma valley are facing shortage of daily need goods as the original route to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, which eventually links this area with the mainstream, is yet to be linked after a month’s time has passed.

“The pilgrims’ batches are being taken from an alternative third route as the second route from Pangla to Rung is also closed,” said a district administration source.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders from Munsiyari block have requested the Chief Minister to appoint an able officer during the monsoon months in landslide-sensitive Munsiyari and Dharchula areas and not to transfer the doctors deputed at the hospitals situated in these blocks.

“We have also requested the Chief Minister, who is also a local MLA, to order the PWD to depute extra capacity machinery on the sensitive points for the roads could not remain closed for a long time,” said Narendra Singh Rawat, Block Pramukh of Munsiyari block.

Out of order

* Four families rendered homeless as their kuchcha houses collapse due to heavy rain.

* Villagers of lower and upper parts of Darma valley face shortage of goods as the original route to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is yet to be linked.

* State government urged to divert Ramganga river from areas which fall towards Bageshwar district for reconstruction work. 

 Char Dham Yatra remains suspended 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Incessant rain has triggered landslides and mudslides along the Char Dham Yatra route. The Char Dham Yatra is temporarily suspended as moderate to heavy rains continue to lash different parts of the state.

Among the worst-affected areas in terms of blockage of route are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri, Pithoragarh and Champawat.

The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rain or thunder storm at different places in the state. The trend of danger mark in the Himalayan rivers is falling, despite most of rivers flowing near danger mark.

Pilgrimage to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath is affected due to landslides and mudslides at different locations in Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts, respectively.

The Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway (NH-109) is blocked ahead of Devprayag in Rudraprayag district. The Guptkashi-Kalimath and Mayali-Guptkashi routes are blocked due to landslides along the Char Dham Yatra route.

Incessant rain has triggered landslides and mudslides in Rudraprayag district. The route is open for small four-wheelers till Sonprayag. The vehicular traffic is disrupted at Kavilta on the Guptkashi-Kalimath route and Chaingad on the Myali-Guptkashi route in Rudraprayag district.

The vehicular flow of traffic on the Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway (NH-108) is restricted ahead of Sukhitop and the Rishikesh-Yamunotri national highway (NH-94) is blocked ahead of Jankichatti due to landslides along the Char Dham Yatra route. The Uttarkashi-Lambgaon-Srinagar route is blocked at Peepalgadera due to a landslide.

The Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway (NH-58) is opened in Chamoli district. A total of 28 vehicular routes are blocked due to landslides and mudslides in Chamoli district while 15 routes each are blocked in Tehri and Champawat district. A total of 10 and eight routes are blocked in Nainital and Bageshwar districts, respectively. Officials of the district administration said several routes were blocked as rain triggered landslides and mudslides at different areas in the district.

The state meteorological department has forecasted light to moderate rain or thunder storm at many places in Uttarakhand. Heavy rain would occur at isolated places, especially in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Pauri, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Champawat districts. The higher areas of different districts would remain cloudy.

Meanwhile, the district administration officials said the Border Roads Organisation and Public Works Department staff have been working round the clock to clear debris from the middle of the road to ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic along the Char Dham Yatra route.

 Relief for disaster victims sought
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
The state unit of the Communist party of India (Marxists) has sought an immediate financial assistance for rain-hit people of the state.

CPI (M) state secretary Vijay Rawat said an immediate financial assistance must be given to rain-hit people and the government should take steps for their rehabilitation. He expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Pauri cloudburst incident.

Party’s district secretary Surendra Singh Sajwan sought proper survey in Dehradun to assess the damage caused by the Bandal and Rispana rivers in the district. He accused the district administration of taking little measures to check floods caused by these rivers during rain. 

 No respite from calamity for villagers in Saklana Patti
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 18
There is no respite for the villagers of Saklana Patti in districtn Tehri from disaster as five houses were razed to the ground due to heavy rains in Ragad village today.

Apart from this three shops were also damaged due to fresh landslide in the village. According to the Kumalta police station in charge, the double floor house of Kripal Singh caved in completely and was razed to the ground at Ragad village.

The houses of Dhan Singh,Veer Singh,Jaipal Singh and Trepan Singh also caved in due to fresh spell of rains here.

Three bridges near Dagadla Tok, Sera Gaon and Ragad Gaon along with one hanging bridge were washed away due to the rise in the level of the water in the rivulets here.

The Lal Pul(red bridge) that connects the region with the outside world has also suffered immense damage forcing the residents to live in the grip of fear here.

When contacted the district administration officials said that they have sent a team to assess the damage and have alerted the residents to take shelter at safe places.

 1,000 villagers rescued in joint operation
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 18
More than 1,000 people from Haridwar district have been rescued in the past three days in the joint rescue operation being undertaken by National Disaster Response Force, Provincial Armed Constabulary and Uttarakhand Police wings of SDRF-Jal Police.

NDRF jawans rescue villagers from flood-affected villages in Khanpur in Haridwar on Monday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar Gaur

Due to heavy rainfall in upper and lower reaches of Garhwal division, Ganga is in spate since August 15. Bairagi camp, Dummanpuri, Sherpur Bela, Mandabela, Ballawala, Jogawala, Chandrapuri and a dozen-odd villages have been inundated.

A joint operation by NDRF, PAC and Uttarakhand police saved lives of hundreds of people, who were rescued and shifted to safer places by personnel of this joint team.

As per District Disaster Management officer Dr Naresh Chaudhari, from village Dummanpuri 250, Kalasiya 300, Sherpur Bela 300 and 200 plus people from Balawala, Jogiwala and Chandrapuri have been rescued and shifted to safer places.

He added that village representatives had been directed to keep a tab on the river water level and ensure villagers migrate to safer places earmarked by the administration in case heavy rain continues.

Khanpur police station officer in charge Kamal Mohan Bhandari said police station personnel Pramod Kumar, Nand Kishore, Santosh, Mohammed Aziz, Charan Singh, Nitesh, Pawan, Sanjay, Kishan and Chandan are also assisting NDRF-PAC personnel in rescue-relief operations at several villages falling in Khanpur block.

 Jaunpur villagers seek road link, submit memo
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 18
The residents of around 10-12 villages in Jaunpur development regionm of district Tehri met MP, Tehri, Mala Raj Lakshmi, and demanded road connectivity during her visit in Mussoorie today.

The villagers from Jaunpur development region, presenting a memorandum to the MP, Tehri, lamented the fact that they have been deprived of basic amenities due to the absence of the road connectivity since Independence of the country, resulting in immense inconvenience to them.

The villagers from Kolti,Mawana,Khatta pani etc met the MP at Lal Tibba and said that the school children and the terminally sick persons had to undergo a harrowing experience on daily basis and were forced to tread on foot due to the lack of road to their villages.

MP Raj Lakshmi also visited the bottleneck area for the construction of the road near butcherkhana in Mussoorie.

Speaking to media persons, she assured the villagers that she would try to resolve the issue by raising it at all levels in the government soon. Mala Raj Lakshmi also demanded clarification from the state government over the amount spent in the name of providing relief to the disaster-affected victims so far.

“The state government was demanding more funds from the Centre but was not interested in providing details of the amount spent so far on the disaster works done so far,” said MP, Tehri, Mala Raj Lakshmi.

 Statehood activist Indramani remembered
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
A remembrance ceremony was held to pay tributes to statehood activist, Indramani Badooni to mark his 15th death anniversary, here today. Activists of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal gathered at Clock Tower and paid floral tribute to his statue.

They said every section of the society should follow footprints of Badooni. Later, activists gathered at the party office to pay tributes to him.

The speakers said Badooni played very pivotal role during statehood rule. They said he worked for upliftment of weaker section of the society. Prominent among those present were Kishan Mehta, Jaiprakash Upadhayay, Omi Uniyal, Nathi Lal Semwal, Veerandra Singh Bisht, Asha Sharma, Kailash Joshi, Uttam Rawat, Rajendra Pradhan and Anil Dobhal..

In another remembrance ceremony, Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee state president Kishore Upadhayay paid floral tribute to him. He said Badoni played pivotal role for creation of Uttarakhand.

He said every section of society should come forward for the development of the state.

Plea to declare Badooni death anniversary as Sanskriti Divas

Dheerandra Pratap, vice president of Uttarakhand Rajya Nirman Andolankari Samman Parishad, has urged the state government to declare the death anniversary of statehood activist Indramani Badooni as Sanskriti Divas. He said that Badooni played a pivotal role during statehood agitation.

In a press note issued by Pratap, he said that Badooni had worked for uplift of weaker sections of society.

He expressed concern that most of statehood activists are waiting for government recognition. Pratap said that state government should take effective steps to sanction pension benefits to statehood activists.

 Janmashtami celebrated at Aryan School
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Krishna Janmashtmi was celebrated in the Aryan School at Mussoorie with fervour and gaiety today. Initially, a dance based on Krishan Vandna- “Koyal kuke, bol bol gaye,” was performed followed by bhajans sung by singers, enthralling the audiences. ‘Parshad’ was offered and distributed after the function.

Vice Chairman of the school, Sunny Gupta, Principal of the school B. Dasgupta and house parents along with children were present to witness the function.

 Speech & hearing impaired urge govt to look into their woes 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 18
Speech and hearing impaired people hailing from Haridwar have urged the government to look into their woes and issues related with them. Under the Social Awareness Forum, they gathered today at Chandracharya square where they felicitated newly appointed state president Sandeep Arora.

Arora said they were in no way less to normal people and so they did not need sympathy but love, respect and morale boost from the society.

Sandeep Arora said he would try to live up to the expectations of the forum members and work as a bridge between governments and these people.He cited more reservation for them in government services, social sector,discount in railway fare and respect for them in the society.

Soon, the forum will announce its presidents at the district-level. For this, screening of the candidates is being done by the state president in consultation with the senior forum members.

Neha Saini, Raj Kumar, Kittu Katyan, Geeta Joshi,Geeta Juyal, Montu, Rajat Kumar, Deepak Joshi and Atula Rathore were among others present at the occasion.

 Govt committed to maintain dignity of primary teachers: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Chief Minister Harish Rawat held a meeting with members of the Primary Teachers Union, Junior High School Teachers Union and officials from the State Education Department and said the state government was dedicated to protect the interests of primary teachers.

Rawat said possible ways would be devised to fulfil the reasonable demands raised by teachers in the past.

The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to maintain dignity of primary teachers. “To improve the quality of education in the state is on priority of the government. A drop in the exam results of students is a matter of concern. A plan has to be devised to improve this,” he added.

“Officials concerned along with teachers must be made answerable, attendance of teachers must be ensured and strict action must be taken against proxy teachers. The image of the Education Department and the state government has been maligned because of a handful careless teachers and officials with vested interests,” said Rawat. A discussion on the points raised by representatives of primary teachers’ union as well as junior high school teachers’ union were discussed in the meeting.

The CM directed the Additional Chief Secretary to prepare a report on concessions that could be given on demands and present it to him within a week.

In response to the demand of ACP IN 10-20-30, the CM said a study should be done on arrangements made by other states to make a note of the financial cost the government will have to bear. The CM has also directed the Education Department to provide adequate facilities to teachers felicitated with national or state awards. Present in the meeting were Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani, secretary in charge MC Joshi, director CS Gwal, Nirmala Mehar, Digvijay Singh Chauhan and Prem Singh Gusain from Primary teachers’ Union.

  BJP to honour parents having girl child

Dehradun, August 18
In a novel step to improve sex ratio in the state, BJP women activists have decided to felicitate parents of the girl child in a meeting held here today. The women activists will hold various series of seminars to create awareness among masses on September 3.

Senior party leader Sushilla Balooni said party activists will visit different villages of the state on September 2 to felicitate parents of the girl child. The activists have decided to hold seminars in Dehradun, Almora, Kashipur, Haldwani and Haridwar on September 3. — TNS

  BSP team visits areas hit by landslides

Dehradun, August 18
A delegation of BSP leaders visited the disaster- affected Kathbangla area where seven people died after a landslide and demanded a compensation package from the state government for the affected families.

Speaking to the people, the leaders said that they would request the state government for the early release of the compensation for the loss of property and lives in the disaster that claimed seven lives and flattened three houses.

Those who were part of the delegation included BSP state general secretary Dr Rajesh Pal, district president Mairam Singh Kohli and district general secretary Ramesh Kumar. — TNS

 Ganesh Joshi distributes relief to disaster hit
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 18
MLA, Mussoorie, Ganesh Joshi, distributed ration, clothes and other relief material to the disaster-affected persons at Chifon Court in Mussoorie today.

Around eight houses were damaged completely and seven partially at Chifon Court following falling of mud and debris triggered by heavy rains in Mussoorie yesterday.

Ganesh Joshi extending help in the form of relief material to the disaster-affected families said that it was sad that individuals in the town were doing that which was to be done by the state government. He demanded an increase rise in the compensation amount from the state government.

 Man kills wife in Shastri Nagar
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
A husband allegedly killed his wife by brutally beating her inside his house at Shastri Nagar in the Vasant Vihar police station area here this afternoon. The accused, Ramesh, has been absconding since then and the police have launched a manhunt to nab him.

Reportedly, arguments over some personal issue between Ramesh and his wife, Uma, led to a fight between them on Monday afternoon, after which, Ramesh allegedly beat her and banged her head repeatedly on a wall of the house till she died. Even the neighbours and landlords tried to mediate and pacify them, but Ramesh did not listen to anybody and continued beating Uma.

After getting information about the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun Ajay Rautela and SP City Ajay Singh reached the spot for investigation. The neighbours told the officers that Ramesh used to beat her wife often. Meanwhile, after gathering information about Ramesh from the neighbours, police carried out the panchnama and sent the body for postmortem.ARamesh used to live in a rented accommodation with her wife and three children.

 UWS shooters shine
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
Shooters from Unison World School brought laurels for the school, winning as many as 38 medals in various categories in the 13th state shooting championship organised at the Jaspal Rana Shooting Range from August 12 to 17.

Almost 30 girl shooters from Unison World School participated in .177 Air Rifle/Air Pistol and .22 Open Sight Air rifle events. In individual events, Mallika Kanodia, Sarmistha Agarwal, Meenakshi Yadav, Reshu Baliyan, Simakshi Agarwal and Ayushu Bhadu won the individual medals.

In the team events, three teams from Unison World School participated in the Air Pistol Youth women category and won all the three positions. In the sub-junior category, the silver medal was bagged by Samreen Lehri, Priyansha Bhalla and Parnika Bhalla of the school. In addition to these laurels, Shubhdayini Jandev and Swetlana Saraswat won the bronze for the team in Open Sight Air Rifle.

The school won a total of 38 medals — 15 gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze. The girls also qualified for the All India Inter-School Shooting Competition and Pre–National competition.

Young shooters from The Aryan School won medals in various categories, with Vibhor Setia winning the gold medal in the 10-metre open site air rifle shooting event. Shriyam Agarwal and Mohit Agarwal won the silver and bronze medals respectively in the junior category. Vishwajeet Keshan won the bronze in the sub-sub-junior category while in the team event category, Vibhor Setia, Shriyam Agarwal and Mohit Agarwal won the gold in the junior men category.

 RIMC beat Maa Anadmayee school in football
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 18
The 1st Selaqui Invitational All India Boys Inter-School Football Tournament kicked off at Selaqui International School football ground here today with 14 school teams participating in the tournament.

Players in action during the Inter-School Boys Football Tournament in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

In the inaugural match, Rashtriya Indian Military Academy (RIMC) defeated Maa Anadmayee Memorial School 1-0 with Tomthian scoring the winning goal at the 18th minute of the match. In the second match of the day, KV ONGC trounced host Selaqui International Junior School team 6-0 with Sushant scoring a hattrick and scoring goals at the 3rd, 7th and 13th minutes. Pranav, Rahul and Shubham also scored a goal each in the match for the winning team.

The match between Wynberg Allen and KV Birpur ended in a 2-2 draw with Sharif and Abdul scoring one goal each at the 15th and 30th minutes, respectively, for Wynber Allen School. For KV Birpur, Vishwas scored two goals at the 18th and 25th minutes in the match. In the last match of the day, the Doon School defeated KV IMA 3-1 with Aditya scoring two goals at the 20th and 35th minutes of the match and Nikhil scoring one goal at the 8th minute for the Doon School. Rohit scored the lone goal for KV IMA at the 40th minute.

Seven-a-side football results

The Asian School and Kasiga School entered in the finals of the ongoing 2nd Summer Valley, seven-a–side, Invitation Football Cup after winning their semifinal matches played at Sumer Valley Football Ground here today.

In the first semifinal match, The Asian School defeated Aryan School 3-2 with Vanish scored two goals in the 10th and 18th minute, while Abhigyan scored one goal in the 28th minute of the game for The Asian School. For Aryan School, Himanshu and Rohan scored one goal each in the 12th and 17th minute respectively.

Kasiga School defeated Colonel Brown 1-0 in the second semifinal match played today with Hong scored the winning goal in the 29th minute for Kasiga School.