Village markets in Dharchula deserted post-flash floods
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, August 24
Village markets in Dharchula and Munsiyari, , which were affected in flash floods last year, wear a deserted look in absence of customers as these remain cut off either due to frequent landslides.

Local markets at Sobla, Tizam, Kanchoti, Khet, Chirkila, Tawaghat, Ailagar, Dobat, Khotila and Gothi in Dharchula subdivision and Madkot, Sera, Dummar, and Basantkot in Munsiyari subdivision are no longer visited by customers as after the natural disaster last year people have started visiting other markets for purchase of daily need items. “People from nearby villages used to shop for daily need goods in these markets but after last year’s flash floods no one comes here. The government has done nothing to revive these markets after the disaster,” says Jagat Singh Martolia, a social activist and convener of the newly formed Uttarakhand Jan Morcha.

Martolia says the deserted condition of these markets speaks about the government’’s indifferent attitude towards reconstruction activities post-disaster. “These village markets, which were frequented by people before the disaster, give an impression that residents of nearby villagers have left their homes, and thus stopped coming to these markets. The government has done nothing to keep these markets alive,” he adds.

He says though the area falls in Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s constituency, it has received no attention with regard to construction of safety walls along local rivulets, revival of depleted natural resources and deserted villages. The government claims of reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the state after the disaster are hollow talks. “These markets and nearby villages need protection from continuous landslides in the area so that villagers could cultivate their fields and live in their native places and thus give business to the markets,” adds Martolia.

Parodi residents demand relief announced last year
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 24
Irked at the delay in distribution of compensation announced by the state government last year, residents of disaster-hit Parodi village in Tehri district met the District Magistrate (DM) yesterday and demanded immediate redress of the issue.

A delegation of villagers apprised District Magistrate Jugal Kishore Pant of the damage caused in Parodi village due to the natural disaster last year in which 16 families were rendered homeless.

The state government had announced compensation to the affected persons with much fanfare, but only a partial sum had been paid.

Upendar Lekhwar, whose house was damaged completely in the cloudburst, said the head of his family was given a compensation of Rs 2 lakh after the announcement made by former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna last year. However, other family members living separately in the same house were left out.

Later, the state government announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation to other family members, but the administration due to its callous attitude had failed to distribute the amount so far, said Lekhwar.

The residents said the government had also announced additional Rs 5 lakh for the construction of houses, but the amount was also awaited. They contacted the SDM, Dhanaulti, in this regard, but to no avail.

The affected villagers presented a memorandum to the DM and said they would resort to agitation if their demands were not met soon. The Tehri DM assured the villagers of looking into the matter on priority.

DM apprised of situation

• A delegation of villagers apprised District Magistrate Jugal Kishore Pant of the damage caused in Parodi village due to the natural disaster last year in which 16 families were rendered homeless.
• The state government had announced compensation to the affected persons with much fanfare, but only a partial sum had been paid.

Neelam Mansingh for drama clubs in schools, colleges
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, a renowned theatre artiste, has stressed on opening of more theatre-cum-drama clubs at schools and colleges in the country and gave valuable tips to students to improve their drama skills. She was speaking during the concluding session of a two-day theatre workshop at The Doon School here today.

She said upgrading basic infrastructure in schools and colleges would help in improving the status of drama and theatre groups in the country.

When asked about what steps the government should take in this regard, she said improving infrastructure and sanctioning more funds to drams or theatre clubs were the only solution. She stressed on the need of bridging a gap between sponsors and drama clubs.

Neelam, a recipient of Padma Shree award in 2011, said: “Rehearsals make a play perfect.” However, she lamented that poor funding and perks kept youths at bay.

“Those who participate in drama clubs or act in theatre groups are self motivated. Inculcating drama techniques at a young age among the youths is one of the solutions to keep drama alive in the hearts and minds of people,” she said.

On enquiring that youngsters were opting for more commercial films than art films, she said both had advantages and disadvantages.

“Youngsters are still very keen in joining drama or theatre club of their respective universities. But, the government should take serious steps to improve infrastructure in order to enroll more number of students in theatre clubs,” she added.

HC acquits 3 cops accused of killing statehood agitator
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
The Nainital High Court has acquitted two Sub Inspectors, Anil Kumar Manral and Ramesh Chandra Chaudhary, and constable Bhopal Singh, who were allegedly accused of killing Deepak Walia, a statehood agitator, in 1994.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the single Bench of Justice Sarvesh Kumar Gupta yesterday acquitted the three policemen due to lack of evidence in the chargesheet filed by the CBI.

On October 3, 1994, when the statehood movement was at its peak, a large number of agitators had gathered at Jogiwala Chowk demanding a separate state of Uttarakhand. The police fired at the agitators, resulting in Deepak Walia’s death.

The government recommended a CBI probe in the matter. The investigating agency found two Sub Inspectors and a constable guilty of killing Deepak. It filed a chargesheet against them. On the basis of the chargesheet, a lower court had held the three policemen guilty of unintentional murder. However, the policemen challenged the order of the lower court in the Nainital High Court and after several hearings were acquitted.

Meanwhile, Dhirendra Pratap, president of the Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Parishad, today asserted that they would soon meet Chief Minister Harish Rawat in connection with the high court decision. Pratap said while he had full respect for the court decision, it was unfortunate that the CBI failed to collect evidence in the matter.

Land sought for memorial to 1857 revolt martyrs of Ajnala
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 24
The CPI (ML) has asked the Central Government for land for the construction of a memorial to martyrs, who laid down their lives during the freedom movement in 1857. Dr Ashish Mittal, secretary of the CPI-ML Uttarakhand-Uttar Pradesh Committee, said 282 soldiers, who had revolted against the British rule in 1857, were shot dead by the British and their bodies were dumped in a well and covered with mud at Ajnala in Punjab.

On the basis of a research by noted historian Surendra Kochar, local residents and members of the Gurdwara Shaheedganj Shaheedan Wala Khu Committee dug up the place and found bones, medals and coins belonging to the martyred soldiers.

“Now, we want to give solace to the souls of these martyrs by immersing their mortal remains in the Ganga and other rivers of the country. We request the Union government to provide land for the construction of a war memorial to these brave soldiers, who ignited the first flame of the independence movement that continued for around 90 years,” said Mittal, who was in Haridwar yesterday to immerse their mortal remains in the Ganga.

CPI-ML leaders rued that while the Union government was providing thousands of acres to corporates for setting up industries, it seemed least interested towards martyrs. They said they had written to the Centre in this regard but had not got any reply till date.

“This is a sad part of the new vibrant India. We don’t respect our martyrs who were the harbingers of the freedom movement. We are inviting investment by foreign companies but don’t have sentiments to honour and salute our freedom fighters and brave soldiers of 1857 mutiny,” said Mittal.

Nod to stone crushers at Tehri village opposed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Residents of Maletha village in Tehri district yesterday held a protest in front of the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). They were opposing the decision of the state government to clear the proposal for setting up five stone crushers in their area.

The protesters were led by Dr Anil Joshi, noted environmentalist and founder of HESCO. They submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, DS Negi, to be forwarded to the Chief Minister, stating that the decision to allow setting up of five stone crushers and one hot mixing plant would pave way for destruction of the environment in the village, which was the birthplace of Madho Singh Bhandari.

“The government wants to destroy irrigated fields in Maletha village, devalue nearby village land and pollute the Alaknanda by approving the establishment of stone crushers,” Joshi said. He also questioned the ground on which the government took this decision.

It is to be noted that local villagers have been protesting against the government decision since August 13. They have threatened to intensify their stir if it does not review its decision in the interest of the local villagers and the environment.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate told The Tribune that, “The district administration has played no role in the decision to allow stone crushers at Maletha village. I have told the protesters that the memorandum of their demands will be forwarded to the Chief Minister’s office.”

Students perform at Edwards Choir Fest
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 24
Six choir groups from Welham Girls School, Mussoorie International School, CJM Hampton Court, Grace Academy, Welham Boys School and Wynberg-Allen School displayed their music talent in the second LO Edwards Memorial Choir Festival held at Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie today.

The event began with a musical welcome note by a 60-member Wynberg- Allen School choir. The musical note was delivered in two languages, English and Hindi. It was originally written by the school’s music teacher, David Lal, who is well known internationally for his musical works.

The performing schools came up with hymns, Indian folk and traditional music. A variety of musical instruments were played by students and teachers.

Bobby Cash, eminent western music singer, enthralled the house with his guitar playing and country singing that included popular numbers like “Cowboy at Heart”, “Stake of My Heart”, “Coward of the Country”, “Gamblers”, “Country Roads” and popular Hindi duet “Jab Koi Baat Bigadh Jaye”.

Principal L Tindale thanked the participating choirs for their enthusiastic performances.

The choir festival is organised every year in the memory of late LO Edwards, former principal, who was known for his service to the school. LO Edwards was a great musical enthusiast. He always encouraged students to pursue music in different forms, genres and languages.

‘Government committed to strong Lokayukta’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
The state government is committed to a strong Lokayukta, said Surendra Kumar, state spokesperson of the Congress, here on Friday. In a press note issued here, the Congress spokesperson refuted the charges levelled by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Pauri Garhwal parliamentarian BC Khanduri that the state government was not interested in appointing Lokayukta in the state.

He said it takes time to come up with an effective Lokayukta institution. The spokesperson added that the Lokayukta Act brought by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Khanduri had many anomalies and was against the provisions of the Constitution.

Surendra accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to portray a poor image of Uttarakhand among tourists by criticising the efforts of the state government towards the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra.

He said Khanduri must clarify about corruption cases and scams that took place when he was the Chief Minister of the state.

POLITICAL DIARY
Bahuguna camp overworking to regain lost ground
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Though Chief Minister Harish Rawat has consolidated his position after an emphatic victory in the Assembly byelections on three seats in the state, the Congress faction led by former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna is in no mood to let him have a free run as far as the government and the party organisation are concerned.

This is for the second time in the past one month that six legislators owing allegiance to Vijay Bahuguna camped in the National Capital. They met senior central party leaders, including general secretary in charge of Uttarakhand affairs Ambika Soni, and complained to them against the Chief Minister’s style of functioning. Bahuguna is apparently is repaying Harish Rawat the treatment he got when he was Chief Minister.

The Congress delegation reportedly told the Central leaders that its group had not been properly represented in the state Council of Ministers. It argued that after the victory in the byelections, the state government was much more stable and secure and there was a need to strengthen the party by giving more representation to its legislators than depending on the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), a conglomerate of seven legislators—three from the BSP, three Independents and the lone Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD).

Of the seven PDF legislators, five are ministers in the Harish Rawat-led government. The Bahuguna group demanded that dependence on the PDF should be reduced by dropping some ministers belonging to it and party legislators belonging to their camp be given preference.

Till now, Harish Rawat has resisted any attempt to force him to drop ministers belonging to the PDF. However, he has announced that the alliance with the PDF would continue. Any concession given to the Bahuguna camp would give more oxygen to the dissidents.

The Vijay Bahuguna camp has deployed senior minister Harak Singh Rawat to launch an attack on Harish Rawat. Earlier, he had raised the issue of illegal mining on riverbeds in the state with the knowledge of the Chief Minister’s office, which forced Harish Rawat to rush back from AIIMS in New Delhi last month.

This time, Harak Singh Rawat has gone public against a proposal of the Chief Minister to ban foreign jaunts of ministers and bureaucrats to curb expenditure. Harak Singh claimed that such moves would not bear any results and there is ample corruption in the state as officials were allegedly involved in corrupt practices even in works done under MPLADs.

The next battle in the Congress will be about the formation of the state Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) by new party president Kishore Upadhyay, a protégé of Harish Rawat. The Bahuguna camp, which is likely to be sidelined in the new PCC, will take all chances to assert itself.

No free run for Harish Rawat

• The Vijay Bahuguna camp met senior central party leaders, including general secretary in charge of Uttarakhand affairs Ambika Soni, and complained to them against the Chief Minister’s style of functioning.
• The Congress delegation said the state government was much more stable and secure and there was a need to strengthen the party by giving more representation to its legislators than depending on the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), a conglomerate of seven legislators—three from the BSP, three Independents and the lone Uttarakhand Kranti Dal.

Mussoorie town echoes with Radhe, Krishna chants
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 24
The hill town of Mussoorie reverberated with chants of ‘Krishna, Krishna, Radhe, Radhe’ as the annual Krishna palanquin was taken around under the aegis of the Sanatan Dharma Mandir Sabha here today.

The procession began after the initiation ceremony from the Sanatan Dharm temple at Landour Bazaar at 2 pm. The kirtan mandali sang and danced in praise of Lord Krishna. A tableau depicting the life of Krishna, especially his childhood, added colour to the procession. A brass band also provided musical element. Children dressed in the attire of various gods transformed Mall Road into a fair.

Devotees from nearby villages and the town thronged roadsides in a large number to seek the blessings and catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. Later an aarti was held at Picture Palace. Manmohan Singh Mall, president of the Municipal Council, offered prayers along with other devotees. The procession ended at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple at Library Bazaar.

Cultural week: Colourful rangoli designs attract visitors
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 24
A colourful decorative theme based Rangoli designs impressed visitors at a Rangoli event in Mahila Vidyalya Sati Kund, Kankhal, today. The event was a part of the Cultural Week being organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad.

In the junior group, Meenakshi Kumari Priyanka, Shivani and Swati were adjudged winners, followed by Ritika, Aarti, Sonika and Vanya while in the senior category, Meena, Nagma, Bhanu, Sonam were adjudged winners followed by Bhiwani, Ashu, Nisha and Arju and Meenaxi, Astha, Sunayan, Soni who bagged second and third positions, respectively.

Bharat Vikas Parishad president JK Moga said Rangoli was an ancient and cultural art of Indian civilisation and it was important to apprise younger generation about the art.

Sangeeta Gupta, Madhu Thapliyal, Krishna Sharma, Sweety Bajan, Rashmi, Kamla Joshi, Sunita Joshi, Rekha Mohan, Neha Malik, Mamta Bansal and Chandra Rekha of the organising committee were present at the occasion.

CM orders land database creation in all districts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has given orders for he creation of a land database in each district in the state as part of a land reforms initiative. The Chief Minister, while addressing a press conference in Dehradun yesterday, said the database of land would be prepared in every district.

“The database will have every detail of the available land in every district,” he said. He added the database would help in identification of both revenue and forest land in villages.

He said directions had also been given for the preparation of a plan for land management. Lack of proper land management was affecting development schemes in villages.

Rawat said district magistrates had been directed to speedily allot 180 square metre land free of cost to every below poverty line family. He added the state was working in the direction of the National Land Records Modernisation Programme and had received funds from the Centre.

He said the state government would provide all food and other logistic support once the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat yatra proceeds onwards from Bedni Bugyal. Congress spokesman Surendra Kumar was also present at the news conference.

19 donated vehicles head for rain-hit areas
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Chief Minister Harish Rawat flagged off 19 Mahindra Balero vehicles, which have been donated by the Mahindra group to the state Disaster Management department, from the Bijapur guest house here today.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Mahindra group for donating vehicles and said the company had been in the forefront in helping the state government during the natural disaster last year.

Talking about the recent cloudburst incidents in some parts of the state, the Chief Minister asserted that efforts were being made on a war footing and work was going on round-the-clock to restore connectivity in the rain-hit villages, which were cut off from other parts of the state following cloudbursts.

Appreciating the company for giving a proposal to the government for helping in the state’s development, Rawat suggested to the company officials that they get involved in maintenance and taking care of Sati Kund in Haridwar in the wake of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh. Senior company official Rajeev Dubey assured him of all possible help to the state government in this regard.

Laloor water pumping project nears completion
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 24
After hiccups, the much-awaited Laloor drinking water pumping project envisaged with the objective of catering to the water requirement of around 19 villages under Laloor Patti of Jaunpur development block in Tehri district is on the verge of completion.

Peyjal Nigam JE MS Panwar, main supervisor Vishal and contractor Shyam Singh tested the supply line from the intake well at the banks of the Yamuna to the main pumping station at Nainbagh, intermediate pumping station (Ist) near Kulana Tok and the water storage tank (2nd) at Bhutgaon Devidhar today.

Officials claimed the project will start functioning within a month and will begin uninterrupted water supply to villages Nainagaon, Marod, Bhutgaon, Matli, Munog, Khadaksari, Devan, Jakhdar, Myani, Birod etc.

Executive Engineer Pey Jal Nigam said all the five tanks were functioning properly under the project and the water supply would resume after a month.

He said following that, sub-committees would be made in the beneficiary village and they will be assigned the task of supplying water to each household here.

He said around 6 lakh litre water will be supplied through this project.

Italians in Haridwar to learn yoga, ayurveda
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 24
The healthy art of yoga and natural curing medical practice of ayurveda is fast gaining popularity in foreign countries. Drawn by these two healthy systems, a group of 24 Italian nationals are currently learning yoga and the ayurvedic therapy in Haridwar.

These spiritually inclined Italians, who are staying at Dev Sanskriti University, are also carrying out a research on yoga, vedanta and ayurveda.

From doing yoga asanas early in the morning to taking part in hawan and later learning concepts of ayurveda, these Italians term this as one of the best experiences.

Like Dr Boni ,who is president of the Centre for Bhakti Vedanta in Italy, who has been visiting India for the past two years told The Tribune that to know yoga and ayurveda its imperative to visit India, particularly Uttarakhand.

He added that knowing about his experience more Italians were now inclined towards yoga and ayurveda and as a result he had arrived with a delegation from Italy this time.

“Italians now realise that allopathic or any other form of health treatment is not as good as the combination of ayurveda and yoga. These are the simplest forms of practices to attain good health and they have no side effects,” said Dr Boni.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between Dev Sanskriti University and the Centre of Bhakti Vedanta, Italy, by Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr Chinmaya Pandya, and Dr Boni, yesterday.

Dr Chinmaya Pandya said Dev Sanskriti University had in the recent past signed an MoU with many foreign universities and study centres and it was a sign that the western world was acknowledging the ancient arts of yoga and ayurveda and the vedanta philosophy.

“The world is looking towards India not only as a developing economic superpower but also as a superpower in spirituality, yoga, and ayurveda. It’s a matter of pride for us to give foreigners deep knowledge and teach them intricacies of yoga and ayurveda,” said Dr Pranav Pandya, spiritual ideologue of Shantikunj, who has been to the USA and Europe in this context.

Pritam visits cloudburst-hit Saklana Pati
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 24
Urban Development Minister Pritam Panwar yesterday visited Saklana Pati, which witnessed devastation due to heavy rains and a cloudburst on August 15, to assess the scale of damage.

Panwar visited Dhaulagiri, Kumalta, Kathuki, Anad Chowk, Lambkandey, Manjgaon and Sitapur villages and inspected areas affected by heavy rains.

BJP Thatyur block pramukh Kunwar Singh demanded increase in compensation amount from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh considering immense damage caused to the houses in the villages. He said the villagers who had been rendered homeless should be provided pre-fabricated houses as a temporary relief.

Several residents told Panwar that no government official had visited villages in remote areas that had suffered extensive damage due to heavy rains recently.

BJP mandal secretary Rakesh Uniyal demanded that Saklana Pati be declared disaster hit and the construction of safety walls along the Saung and Badal rivulets be started without delay. He also demanded immediate distribution of relief material to the affected villagers.

Panwar said the state government was sensitive to the issues of the disaster-affected people and would spare no efforts in providing them relief. He directed SDM, Dhanaulti, Devanand Sharma, BDO Veer Singh Rana and Naib Tehsildar Manjit Singh Gill to prepare a damage assessment report after a detailed survey so that compensation could be provided to the affected people.

‘Need to study poverty for its eradication’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
A workshop on “Poverty, hunger, food security and nutrition: From concepts to measurement” was organised by the Department of Agricultural Economics of College of Agriculture of Pant University in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIRR), Mumbai, here yesterday.

Dr B Kumar, Dean, College of Agribusiness Management of Pant Unversity, was the chief guest of the inaugural session of the workshop while Dr YV Singh, Officiating Dean, College of Agriculture, presided over the session.

Dr Vijay Laxmi Pandey from IGIDR and Bharti Kulkarni from the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, were also present on the dais, besides Dr ML Sharma, Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, and Dr Anil Kumar, professor of the department.

Dr B Kumar in his address said poverty was a multidimensional subject and when 70 per cent of the population reels under poverty, it could be said that a crisis had arisen. He added students of all subjects, including business management, needed to study poverty to understand the problem and find its solution. Dr YV Singh, in his presidential address, said time was right for us to switch over to breeding nutrition-rich varieties of different foodgrains and other crops so that healthy food could be produced.

He advocated adoption of precision farming and polyhouse cultivation for more production with optimum use of inputs. Dr Vijay Laxmi Pandey and Bharti Kulkarni appreciated the workshop being organised at a university which was known as the harbinger of green revolution.

They said the issue of the workshop was very important and must be understood by students so that they could work on the eradication of poverty in their career ahead. Dr Anil Kumar proposed a vote of thanks. Technical sessions, besides a question-answer session were held later.

Govt to address issues of Gorkhas: CM

Dehradun, August 24
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has assured the Gorkha community that the state government will take effective steps to address its grievances. He said the government would effectively work on a proposal prepared by leaders of the community for their welfare.

SBI donates ambulance to Shantikunj

Dehradun/Haridwar, August 24
The State Bank of India donated an ambulance to Shantikunj administration here today. The ambulance will be stationed at Shantikunj based Birth Centenary Hospital, which provides medical aid to Shantikunj devotees, volunteers and public.

5 kg of polythene bags seized at Paltan Bazaar
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
To realize its mission of ‘polythene free doon’, the U Turn Foundation organisation organised an anti-polythene bag drive at Paltan Bazaar here today. Shops and hawkers were inspected for polythene bags and more than 5 kg of prohibited material was seized.

More than 200 cloth bags were distributed among shoppers and an awareness drive against littering at marketplaces was also held. People appreciated the efforts of young green crusaders and pledged to adopt cleanliness habits and take the message forward.

“In our recent campaigns we have witnessed positive signs of a decline in the use of polythene bags as more customers are seen with jute or cloth bags. There are numerous shops in Dehradun that don’t use polythene bags. We are thankful to the youth of Green Force for staying in the forefront of grass-roots activism and devoting their spare time for environment preservation activities,” said Hemant Nav Kumar, president, U Turn Foundation.

To safeguard deteriorating environmental health and beauty of Dehradun, the U Turn Foundation had launched ‘Preserve Green Doon’ in 2010. To meet this objective, Green Force, the youth voluntary wing of the organisation, has organised more than 125 anti-polythene bag campaigns throughout Dehradun and distributed more than 10000 cloth bags. Based on the foundation’s relentless efforts for polythene ban, Harak Singh Rawat, Mukhya Nagar Adhikari, had last month authorized it to seize polythene bags in Dehradun. Since then Green Force has impounded more than 20 kg of polythene bags from Nehru Gram, Nehru Colony, Dharampur, Neshville Road and Paltan Bazaar.

Phd chamber seeks better power supply to industries
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
The PHD Chamber of Commerce has sought better power supply to industries in Uttarakhand. Sharad Jaipuria, president of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, told mediapersons at a press conference held here yesterday that he had come to know that industries in the state were receiving just 16 per cent of the required power, which was hampering production.

He said besides tapping its hydropower potential, the state must look for alternative sources of electricity.

Jaipuria said the state needed to have all weather roads and better air and road connectivity to boost industrial development. “The state has immense potential in the horticulture sector. The industry is ready to extend assistance in the agro processing sector,” he added. He said the chamber had been actively working in the state to promote tourism, medium industries, infrastructure and the agriculture sector.

Social welfare employees hold protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Demanding removal of social welfare officer Avtaar Singh for allegedly misbehaving with a staff member, members at the district social welfare office continued with their protest on the second day here on Friday.

The protesters said there had been several instances in the past when Singh had misbehaved with the staff members. Despite a number of complaints lodged with the senior officers of the department about the misbehaviour, no action has been taken against the erring officer, leading to widespread resentment among the staff members. The protesters said unless the officer was removed from his post, they would not call off their strike.

Those who were part of the demonstration included SS Bisht, Asharam, Ashok Rawat, Darampal, Gambhir Rawat, SS Pundhir, Kuldeep Chauhan, Sabbal Lal and Gaggan Thapa.

Paralegal volunteers appointed in Bageshwar
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 24
The legal assistance authority at the district level is going to undertake decentralisation by appointing paralegal volunteers to run legal service centres at the village level. This will help villagers get their legal rights at no cost, said Bageshwar district judge GK Sharma today.

The district judge, who appointed 65 legal volunteers for Bageshwar district, said they were appointed on the advice of the State Legal Cell authority and would be given training on legal procedures.

“We have asked the authorities to facilitate applications for these volunteers through the offices of the BDO or the SDM,” said the judge.

According to sources, legal assistance offices at the village level could be opened at panchayat ghars or Jan Milan Kendras in every village.

Genesis Global win football tourney
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 24
Genesis Global School won the Directors Cup Football Tournament defeating defending champion Welham Boys School in the final match played at the Maa Aanadmayee Memorial School (MAMS) football ground here today.

Both teams scored three goals each during the normal time. However, in the tiebreaker, the Genesis team won by one goal. Inonito scored three goals while Goto scored twice for Genesis in the tiebreaker.

Earlier, in the semifinal matches, Welham Boys School defeated DAV Public School 6-5 in a tiebreaker while in the second semifinal match Genesis Global School trounced Doon International School 2-1. Rahul and Gumli socred one goal each for the winning team.

St. Joseph’s Academy, Summer Valley in semis

The host St. Joseph’s Academy ‘A’, Summer Valley School, Wynberg Allen School and Nirmala School entered semifinals after winning their quarterfinal matches in the ongoing Keogh Memorial Football Tournament at St. Joseph’s Academy here on Sunday.

Earlier, St. Joseph Academy ‘B’, Maharshi Vidya Mandir, Nirmala School, Doon Presidency School, Moravian School, Seven Oak School, North Point School and Summer Valley School won their pre- quarterfinal matches.

Twenty teams from Dehradun and surrounding areas are participating in the tournament.

Sports convention in Haridwar on Aug 29

A national sports convention will be organised by the Physical and Sports Department of Gurukul Kangri University on August 29.

Delegates from across the country will take part in the convention.

Physical and Sports Department director, Gurukul Kangri University, Dr RK S Dagar said this would be the fifth national-level convention being organised by the department.

Convention organising committee members Dr Ajay Malik and Dr Shiv Kumar Chauhan will be the coordinators for the convention.

Eye camp from Sept 21

Dehradun, August 24
Doon Sikh Welfare Society will organise a free eye camp in Dehradun from September 17 to 21. Addressing mediapersons here today, Doon Sikh Welfare Society president KS Chawla said the camp would be held at Guru Nanak Niwas, Subhash Road.

He said patients will be admitted on September 17. He said renowned eye surgeons Dr RN Singh and Dr Amit Singh would be rendering their services at the camp.

He appealed to the people of Dehradun to avail the benefits of the camp. He said the society from time to time had been carrying out charitable activities. Camp coordinator Surjit Singh said Doon Sikh Welfare Society had been conducting free eye camps on a regular basis. He said over 3,000 cataract operations had taken place in these camps in the past few years. — TNS