MC to slap service charges on Central Govt offices in Doon
Move aims at bailing out civic body
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
In a major decision aimed to bail out the cash-strapped Dehradun Municipal Corporation, the civic body will slap service charges on the Central Government offices in the city.

The charges would be levied on the basis of ‘land usage’ by the offices. The decision was taken during the recently held working committee meeting of the DMC. While the civic body has already sent notices to some of the institutes, remaining ones would have to cough up the charges soon. It may be mentioned here that in its order passed in 2009, the Supreme Court had stated that the Central Government offices, across India, would pay the respective civic body for the services such as electricity, garbage disposal, water, being used by them.

Some of the Central Government institutes that have already been assessed are the Accountant-General office at Seema Dwar (Rs 1.92 crore), Archaeological Survey of India (Rs 1.50 crore), properties belonging to the Forest Research Institute at Rangers Ground, Convent Road and Ballupur (Rs 8.62 crore), Central Public Works Department (Rs 6.74 crore), Survey of India (Rs 14.73 crore) and Advanced Training Institute for Electronic and Process Instrumentation (Rs 1 crore).

However, following the objections raised by the Institutions regarding the heavily assessed amount, it was decided by committee members that instead of the entire area, only the site being used including office buildings, under-construction area, parking space and auditorium would be covered under the assessment. The rates would be 75 per cent, 50 per cent and 33 per cent of the property tax and based on the services being used.

Justifying the move, Mayor Vinod Chamoli said, “A majority of the Central Government institutes are spread in large areas that are often lying unused owing to various reasons. Only those areas that physically under use would be assessed for the service charge to avoid any confusion. Also, the quality of construction of building would be considered while evaluating the charges.”

Later, cases pertaining to property taxes and property mutation were discussed by the committee members. Among the 20 cases related to property mutation (change of title ownership), a case pertaining to the sale of property using forged documents was discussed. In the case, the property belonging to a resident of Lucknow was sold by the tenants using forged power of attorney. Mayor Vinod Chamoli advised both the parties to file a case in the court.

Meanwhile, in yet another landmark decision, the internal committee of the civic body has proposed that the house tax would be imposed on the basis of self-assessment undertaken by the residents themselves on the basis of the rental rates fixed by the collectorate. Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat said the proposal would be sent to the board for final approval.

Already assessed Centre Govt institutes

Accountant-General office at Seema Dwar (Rs 1.92 crore), Archaeological Survey of India (Rs 1.50 crore), properties belonging to the Forest Research Institute at Rangers Ground, Convent Road and Ballupur (Rs 8.62 crore), Central Public Works Department (Rs 6.74 crore), Survey of India (Rs 14.73 crore) and Advanced Training Institute for Electronic and Process Instrumentation (Rs 1 crore).

Hamid Ansari arrives in Doon today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari will arrive at Jolly Grant Airport tomorrow on a two-day visit to Dehradun and Mussoorie. On his arrival at the airport, he will reach Mussoorie by an IAF helicopter. He will reach Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration and inaugurate the 89th foundation course. He will depart from Mussoorie by helicopter at 2.45 pm and reach GTC helipad, Dehradun, at 3.05 pm from where he will go to Raj Bhawan.

On September 3, he will visit the Indian Military Academy and interact with Gentlemen Cadets and Faculty. He will also visit Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy at Forest Research Institute and interact with probationers and faculty of the Forest Academy. He will fly back to New Delhi by an IAF special aircraft at 5.10 pm on September 3.

Security beefed up for Ansari’s visit

Security has been beefed up in Dehradun ahead of the two-day visit of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who will arrive here tomorrow.

The Vice-President is scheduled to visit Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, to address IAS probationers on Tuesday. He is expected to visit the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Forest Research Institute (FRI) on Wednesday.

A massive security blanket has been thrown over the city in the view of the Vice-President’s visit. Over 1,000 security personnel have been deployed for the same. Notably, almost 16 Superintendent of Police (SPs), 18 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySPs) and 31 inspector rank officers have been deployed for the security of Hamid Ansari.

Besides, 134 male sub-inspectors, nine lady sub-inspectors, 62 head constables, 11 lady head constables, 447 constables, seven platoons of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), quick response force and fire tenders would be deployed on Tuesday.

A senior district police official who is familiar with the security preparations told The Tribune that the cavalcade of the Vice-President will have around 65 vehicles. Though the Vice-President is scheduled to fly directly to Mussorrie from the Jolly Grant Airport, the administration has reserved a fleet of vehicles at the airport, JTC helipad and at Polo Ground, Mussoorie.

The Dehradun police conducted the security rehearsal on the eve of the Vice-President visit and security has been tightened on the inter-state and inter-district borders and all vehicles entering the city are being frisked thoroughly.

CM’s direction on repair of damaged roads
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
To review the repair work being carried out on the roads in the state, Chief Minister Harish Rawat held a meeting and instructed the officials to complete the patchwork of all roads by the end of September.

Giving a deadline of five days to prepare a plan for carrying out the repair work, Rawat said that metal crush barriers must be placed near the roads prone to accidents.

While inspecting the roads being constructed and maintained by Public Works Department, the Chief Minister asked for monthly report by PWD regarding the money being spent every month and estimated requirement for the coming months. The CM also directed the officials to keep the level of roads higher than the river water level in the plains and also widen the roads of the district.

“The time after monsoons is very crucial for the task of construction and repair of roads. Thus this time should be carefully utilised. The patchwork of the state roads must be carried out qualitatively in the month of September. Special attention must be given to ensure water flow while constructing roads. Wherever required, metal crush barriers must be installed in the hilly regions to avoid accidents. The maintenance of roads must be improvised. Wherever road repair or flood control management is required, PWD must be approached,” he added.

“In order to avoid flooding of roads in case of rise of river water, a German technique is being used on the Kashipur-Thakurdwara route. If it is successful, the technique would also be used in other regions,” said the CM.

“The delay in construction of roads leads to increase in cost of the project. The deadlines must be taken seriously and also the quality must be maintained. Executive engineers must be employed in PWD according to the workload. If the need arises, an executive engineer must be appointed for border districts,” he added further.

Those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary SS Sandhu, Secretary Bhaskaranand, Additional Secretary Arvind Hayanki and several others.

Badrigaad-Banchaura road damaged from 18 months

Mussoorie: The Badrigaad-Bancaura road that is lying damaged since the past 18 months

due to the apathy of PWD has irked the residents of Bistaunsi, zila panchayat in Jaunpur development region of district Tehri, who are still awaiting the repair work on it yet.

The Badrigaad- Banchaura road is the lifeline for the villagers as it connects them to important towns such as Mussoorie, Vikasnagar and the district of Uttarkashi.

Amarendar Bisht, ZP member from the region, said that all the appeals to repair the road have fallen on deaf ears of the concerned department.

He further said that the road has been completely damaged near Sandul village, forcing the villagers to use the small path which is also in dilapidated state, thus causing immense inconvenience on frequent basis.

Amrendar Bisht further said that the tendering process for the road was done on several occasions but the PWD citing lack of funds as the main reason is yet to start the repair work on the road.

He further said that around Rs 3.5 crore were allocated under the disaster fund to the region but not even 15 per cent of the amount has been allocated for the area which, was really unfortunate. He warned that if the repair work on the road is not begun soon, the residents of the region would be forced to take to the street.

Meanwhile, senior officials in PWD, when contacted, said that the work could only begin after they receive the budget for the construction work here.

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra
Adequate arrangements done for safety of pilgrims: Harish Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Admitting that the ongoing Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra has been a challenge for the administration as well the state government, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said sufficient arrangements have been made for the safety of pilgrims.

Addressing a gathering during an informal meeting with Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, Rawat said it was a difficult task to make arrangements for thousands of devotees participating in the pilgrimage under the current circumstances. “The number of pilgrims participating in the yatra is much higher than expected. On the routes beyond Vaan that are dangerous, the movement of pilgrims has been controlled. Even devotees have respected the government’s decision and are returning on their own,” he added. Expressing his despair for not being able to attend the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra owing to bad weather, Rawat said plans were being made to utilise the infrastructure created at an investment of Rs 100-125 crore.

“The state government is making a documentary on the yatra. The publicity of the yatra is important to spread a message to the people all over the world that post disaster, the state is safe for tourism. The natural beauty of the state is as vivid and beautiful as the culture of the state. Vedni and Hem Kunt are exquisite locations and thus, ensuring the safety of environment in mind, trekkers can be given permission,” he added.

Interacting with the CM, Oberoi said he and his family had a very close association with the state and always been pulled towards its culture.

Docs pull political strings to make changes in transfer list
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Unwilling to move to the hills, political connections came to the rescue of 26 Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) who allegedly used the good offices of the Uttarakhand Health Minister to redraw the transfer list in the nick of time.

Out of the 82 promotional transfers carried out by the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare on August 14, around 26 allopathic doctors who figured in the first last were to be transferred to health facilities where there is dearth of doctors. But unwilling to serve in the hills, these doctors are believed to have pulled political strings, leading to last-minute changes made in the transfer list. Today they are happily serving in places where they have stayed put for the last five to seven years.

“The list that was first prepared miraculously changed overnight. Around nine senior doctors who were first posted out of Dehradun to the hills managed to get themselves posted back to the health facilities in Dehradun district. If you have a willing minister who is ready to give in to the unjustified demands of the doctors and even bend the rules, the people residing in the hills are bound to feel the pinch,” said a senior official in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Among the senior medical officers Dr Vinita Sayana, who had been serving in Dehradun for more than five years and was picked up for probable transfer to Chamoli according to the first list, allegedly prevailed upon the minister to alter it and is now serving in Doiwala PHC. Similarly, Dr Archana Pande who was serving in CMO office, Dehradun, for several years and figured in the first list for transfer to Chamoli, allegedly went through the similar exercise and now continues to serve in Dehradun. So do others who had the ways and the means to do so.

In the last few years, this last minute changes in transfer list of government doctors has become a norm much to the discomfort of the people residing in the hills, who continue to be poorly served.

Govt to help industrialists in state: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has assured representatives of Himalayan Chambers of Commerce and Industries that the state government would extend all possible help to industrialists in the hill state.

He has asked industrialists to identify a sector so that the government could develop the state in the same direction.

The CM said the policies to ensure hilly regions’ industrial development must be developed and strengthened.

The government shall make all possible efforts to motivate industrialists of medium and small industries. The CM also ensured that a joint meeting of MSME industrialists would be held with senior officials of the state government.

Himalayan Chambers of Commerce and Industries president VK Lahoti and secretary RC Binjola were present at the meeting.

Later, Rawat met representatives of Tehri Visthapit Panchayat (TVP) and heard their problems. He took note of problems being faced by them and ensured a speedy solution. The CM held a telephonic discussion with the District Magistrate and MDDA vice-chairman and directed them to hold an investigation on certain points. Members representing the TVP were Shivanand Pandey and Panchu Chauhan among others.

The CM also met representatives from Education Centre of Australia headed by Ashish Jain. Jain said, “Our organisation is keen on working in the field of education in the state. We are touring the state for the same. A lot of established colleges in the state can be improvised and empowered.”

The CM said the state government would support all organisations working for the improvement of higher education in the state. He also emphasised on the need of establishing knowledge centre in the state so that youngsters get better educational opportunities.

Present from Education Centre of Australia were Andrew Holloway from University of Tasmania, CEO ECA Global Rupesh Singh, MD ECA Global MS Frenendo Scremojino and media coordinator Rajeev Jain.

Saints attend function in memory of Chandracharya Bhagwan
Tribune News Service

Dehradun/Haridwar, September 1
Saints from varied sections of society today gathered to attend the celebration of a function associated with the revered 15th century renowned saint Shri Chandracharya Bhagwan in Haridwar today. Celebrations commenced today under aegis of Shri Pancahayti Akhada Naya Udasin.

A royal procession was carried out in the inner city periphery from Chandracharya square, named after the saint itself.

With lighting of lamps, religious rites and traditional aarti, saints in large numbers got together at Chandracharya square.

Yog guru Swami Ramdev, who has been taking part in Shri Chandracharya birth celebrations for many years, lighted the traditional lamp.

Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Hari Chetanand Maharaj, Braham Swarup Brahamchari, among others were present at the occasion.

Saints said Shri Chandra Bhagwan was an incarnation of Lord Shiva and worked to unite people of the country as a single unit.

Mahant Bhagat Ram said that both Hindus and Muslims were followers of Shri Chandra Bhagwan, who made a deep impact in creating a secular and unified India.

“The Sarv Dharma concept was preached by Shri Chandrs Bhagwan and his life and ideals are for all of us to follow,” said Braham Swarup Brahamchari, head of the Jai Ram ashram.

The royal procession drew people in large numbers. Sanskrit school students and revered saints were part of the procession.

Starting from Chandracharya square, the procession passed from Rishikul square, Devpura square, Shiv Moorti, Lalta Rao bridge and Tulsi square before coming to a halt at Bada Akhada Udasin,Raj Ghat,Kankhal.

Power outages in Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Several areas of Dehradun faced power cuts after rain lashed Dehradun today. The technical staff of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) carried repair work in the affected areas for ensuring disruption-free electricity to consumers.

The gap between demand and availability of electricity has widened due to lower electricity generation in the state-run hydropower projects. Technical snags were developed in different substations after rain lashed Dehradun.

The Kashipur-Moradabad 400 KV line was tripped at Moradabad for nearly half-an-hour on Monday. The corporation received 13.05 million units against 16 million units from central pool which had further widened gap between the demand and supply of electricity in the state.

The demand of electricity was 33.65 million units against the availability of 32.75 million units in state. The state-run hydropower projects are generating 17.80 million units of electricity per day.

Speaking to The Tribune, Madhusudan, an official spokesman of UPCL said the department had been procuring electricity in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply of electricity in the state.

He said stern instructions were given to the staff to work swiftly and overcome technical snags in order to ensure disruption-free electricity to consumers.

He informed that corporation would procure 2.5 million units of electricity in order to curtail a gap between demand and availability of electricity on Tuesday.

Among the worst-affected areas were Rajpur Road, Prem Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Selaqui, Garhi Cantt, Dakra, GMS road, Dharampur, Kargi, Nehru Colony, Rispana Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Race Course, Chander Nagar etc.

The electricity generation in 198 MW Kalagarh and 42 MW Khatima hydropower projects was nil. UPCL implemented two hours of power cut in different areas of the state in order to meet with the demand of electricity in the state.

Museum for statehood agitators shortly
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Surendra Kumar, media in-charge of Uttarakhand CM, said that the state government would construct a museum dedicated to statehood agitators soon. He said that periodicals, news articles, photos etc. would be displayed in the museum.

Addressing media persons here today, Surendra Kumar said that the state government had recently taken a decision to call special doctors from different parts of country to the state in order to provide best and round the clock medical assistance to those villagers who are living in the higher areas of the state.

He said that a number of mobile health vans would be introduced in the higher areas of the state.

Kumar said that stern instructions were given to officials to expedite development works in the higher areas of the state. He said that the state government had reconstructed damaged roads, constructed health posts, adequate supply of potable water and electricity was made enroute to Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra.

Kumar told that a high-level probe was ordered by Chief Minister Harish Rawat into Sharda incident. He said that strict instructions were already given to district magistrates to carry out rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. He said that monetary compensation would be given to disaster-hit victims of the state.

Councillors submit memo against encroachments
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Demanding the removal of encroachments from various areas in the city, a delegation of councillors submitted a memorandum to Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat here today.

Led by Leader of the Opposition Neenu Sehgal, the delegation gave a two-month time to the Mukhya Nagar Adhikari to remove encroachments.

Addressing protesters, Sehgal said while the Dehradun Municipal Corporation had always made tall claims on removing encroachments, nothing has been done on the ground level. “Due to political pressure, officials are avoiding to take any action against defaulters,” he added.

Those who were part of the delegation included Anju Bisht, Meera Kathaith, Anita Singh, Saroj Panwar, Daya Joshi, Roashan Bala, Sushil Gupta, Sharda Gupta, Ramesh Butala and Bhupender Kathaith along with several others.

DGP launches CPUs in Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 1
After successful operation in Dehradun, City Patrol Units were today launched in Haridwar by Director General of Police BS Sidhu at Police Lines, Roshanabad. In the initial phase, a total of 7 patrol mobile bike-borne CPU personnel have been deployed in the city periphery aided with a backup patrolling jeep.

Equipped with high performance bikes, pistols, pepper spray, walkie-talkies, hand-held video recorder camera and attired in a special uniform, CPU personnel are trained in a professional way.

Launching the CPUs, DGP BS Sidhu assured that in the coming time CPU personnel will be equipped with helmet-borne video recorder cameras so that pillion CPU personnel do not have to capture the live footages with hand-held cameras and then can also assist fellow personnel in issuance of challan and nabbing violators.

The DGP added that a whole professional set-up for training is also being dwelt upon so that CPUs become complete professional units, with an aim to control traffic violations.

“Primary task of CPUs is to implement, enforce and regulate traffic but these units will also carry out secondary work of assisting the regular police in cases of theft, eve teasing, accidents and nabbing criminals .Professional, polite but strictly enforcing traffic law on wheels ably describes CPUs,” said Sidhu.

Coordinator of the City Patrol Units IPS Nivedita Kukreti said that CPUs had brought a drastic change in the traffic system of Dehradun, with two-wheeler riders now wearing helmets on regular basis, people parking in right lanes and parking lots.

Senior Superintendent of Haridwar Police Dr Sadanand Datte urged local residents to cooperate with the CPUs, as in the past opposition by some people, particularly hailing from political parties, trader fraternity and media personnel, was seen when police initiated levying of penalty on traffic violators.

PAC Commandant Arun Mohan Joshi said that with the introduction of CPUs, traffic violations will decline and city traffic will get smooth. Principal ATC Neeru Garg, SP City Surjeet Singh Pawar, Circle Officers Chandra Mohan Singh Negi, Rajesh Bhatt, SHO Mahendra Singh Negi, Ritesh Shah, SI Jai Singh Chauhan, Diwakar and other police officials were present on the the occasion.

CM forms panel to probe into canal breach incident
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has formed a committee to find out main reasons behind breaking of safety wall of the Sharda canal at Khatima after water was released from barrage at Banbassa in US Nagar district yesterday.

The Secretary of the Irrigation Department, Dr Umakant Panwar, will inquire into the matter and submit a report to the state government at the earliest.

Rawat explained the incident to Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Minister Shivpal Yadav telephonically.

Rawat has announced to give a monetary compensation of Rs one lakh to family members of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

He instructed officials concerned to expedite rescue, relief and maintenance works in the affected areas of the district. He announced to give monetary compensation to the disaster-hit victims.

The rescue and relief operations were carried on the second consecutive day today by the district administration in the affected areas the over-flooded Sharda river wrecked in Khatima and adjoining areas in the district.

Managing Director of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), GP Patel, along with Director (operations) Purushottam Singh and Executive Director (civil) Arvind Kumar, General Manager VK Saxena and General Manager (Ganga valley) visited Sharda power house today.

He instructed technical staff to expedite the relief, rescue and maintenance works in the affected areas.

Patel has also formed a committee to find out main reasons behind the incident. The committee would be headed by Director (operations) Purushottam Singh.

He said Rs 1 lakh and other benefits would be given to family members of the deceased, Shadi Lal, who lost his life in the incident. Patel said electricity supply would be resumed in the affected areas by Tuesday morning. The district administration carried out rescue and relief works in the affected areas. The boarding and lodging arrangements were made for victims by the administration.

Managing Director of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited, SS Yadav said strict instructions were given to technical staff to ensure resumption of electricity in the affected areas.

Ration cards not given to beneficiaries, alleges former BJP MLA
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
The BJP activists protested at district headquarter campus today. The agitators have threatened to intensify their agitation if the district administration does not take effective steps to address their grievances regarding issuance of ration cards.

The agitators were led by former MLA Trivendra Singh Rawat, who gathered at the district headquarter campus, today. The agitators shouted anti-department slogans.

The agitators lamented that ration cards were not distributed to beneficiaries by the department. They said that many anomalies were reported while making new ration cards but the department has not taken any steps to correct the anomalies.

They said that residents who are living in Raipur and adjoining areas were among major sufferers due to delay in distributing ration cards to them.

The agitators have threatened to intensify the agitation if the department does not take effective steps to address the grievances.

Cantt MLA Harbans Kapoor, Dhan Singh Rawat, Usha Lakhera, Deepak Sharma, DS Rawat, Vijay Uniyal, Sushilla Kothari, Madhu Gairola, and many more were present.

canal breach at Khatima
UP, state officials blame each other for mess
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 1
Officials of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have started blaming each other over canal breach at Khatima in US Nagar district last night. One employee was killed while 17 houses were damaged in the incident.

“The incident took place last night due to excessive silt in the Sharda feeder channel which provides water to a power house. Excessive silt led to overflow of water and damaged the power house,” said a power house official.

Officials deputed at Banbassa barrage, managed by the UP Irrigation Department, said they had closed the channel head immediately after getting information about the incident. They blamed chowkidars of the power house for giving delayed information.

The officials said even after informing the barrage officials, the channel was flooded for almost two hours. “Despite information, Banbassa barrage officials did not close the water channel immediately,” said RK Sharma, SDO (production), Lohia head power house.

Meanwhile, officials of the UP Irrigation Department said excessive silt had choked the channel for the past eight months and the state government officials did nothing in this regard.

Saklana Patti neglected while distributing relief, say villagers
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 1
Ranvir Singh, in charge of the disaster management committee, along with the District Magistrate, Tehri, yesterday visited the disaster-affected region of Saklana Patti to assess the situation.

The duo directed the officials concerned to make a detailed report of the damage incurred here and send it to the government for further action.

The villagers expressed disgust at the neglect shown towards distributing relief to the disaster-affected persons.

Villages, including Hatwal Gaon, Lamkandey, Sitapur and Maroda, had witnessed unprecedented damage to livestock and property during the heavy rains recently.

The affected villagers said the district administration granted Rs 1 lakh as the compensation amount instead of Rs 2 lakh that was earlier decided.

The villagers said the compensation amount should be given according to the new norms.

The two officials assured the villagers of look into the matter on priority.

Ajay Bhatt castigates Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
The Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly Ajay Bhatt has taken a strong exception to the manner in which the Chief Minister Harish Rawat has been making allegations against the BJP for trying to destabilise the Congress government.

Every day, the chief minister comes up with newer allegations. “He should substantiate these allegations and not resort to speculation. In my view, the chief minister should concentrate on the day-to-day governance of the state,” he said.

Of late the chief minister’s focus has been levelling charges against the BJP and a business group for showing keen interest in toppling the government.

He also criticised the Rawat government for making inadequate preparations for the ongoing Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. “The yatra is on it’s last leg and has fully exposed the government’s failure to make adequate preparations. Much of the time has been spent by the government in trying to bring the MLAs around who have been demanding more say in the government,” he said.

Minister opposes govt’s move to hire teachers from other states
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Former Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Matbar Singh Kandari has opposed the state government’s decision to hire teachers from outside the state. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Kandari has demanded that the government should give opportunity to the state’s youth instead of hiring teachers from other states.

He said the government was deliberating upon hiring teachers from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for appointing them in state government schools, which, according to him, would isolate the educated youth of Uttarakhand, who had been protesting on roads and seeking employment in the schools for last many years.

“There are thousands of educated unemployed teachers with all the required educational qualifications and the government is thinking to hire teachers from outside,” he added.

He also demanded that the state government must appoint Basic Teachers Certificate (BTC) holders, Shiksha Mitra and Shiksha Badhu’s, who have been agitating for last many years to seek jobs.

Rain predicted in state for next two days
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
The State Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in different districts, while higher reaches of the state witnessed moderate rainfall and thundershowers for the next two days.

The rain or thunderstorms (20-40 mm) would occur particularly in Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Dodi Tal, Satopanth, Dudhatoli and Hemkunt Sahib in the state.

The rain lashed Dehradun on Monday morning but the city witnessed a sunny afternoon. The higher reaches of the state witnessed rains today and several cases of landslides and mudslides were reported along Char Dham Yatra route.

The incessant rains triggered landslides and mudslides along Char Dham Yatra route. The Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway (NH-58) is opened for small four-wheelers, but 18 routes were blocked in Chamoli district.

The vehicular flow on Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway (NH-109) is permitted till Sonprayag, and nine routes were blocked in Rudraprayag district.

The Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway (NH-108) is opened for vehicular traffic, while Rishikesh-Yamunotri national highway (NH-94) is blocked due to landslide at Jankichatti. The vehicular flow of traffic is disrupted on seven routes in Uttarkashi district.

The incessant rains threw normal life out of gear in the hill areas of the state. Most of the Himalayan rivers and tributaries like Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Mandakini, etc are flowing near the danger mark level.

Meanwhile, Met Department has forecast heavy rain at isolated places, especially in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts.

Governor reviews preparations for Sanskrit conference
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi today reviewed the preparations for the world Sanskrit conference which will be held here from September 26 to 28.Preparations for the meet are at their climax.

A meeting of officials concerned was called today by the Governor to review the preparations.

Describing the forthcoming world Sanskrit conference as a milestone for the promotion of Sanskrit language, the Governor said that it would evoke interest in the language among the young generation and they will be able to benefit from the treasure house of knowledge in the great epics and other literary works.

The Governor has been monitoring the preparations for this event since long.

Another meeting for the conference will be held this week itself. All officials present at today’s meeting were told by the governor that all hurdles in the arrangements should be overcome by coordination. If needed, guidance can be taken from him, the governor said.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary S Raju, Secretary to the governor Arun Dhaundiyal, Sanskrit University VC Professor Mahavir Aggarwal, Dr Nidhi Pandey, Additional Secretary (Sanskrit education) VP Raturi, Finance Controller (Raj Bhawan) Poonam Sobti, Director (Culture) Beena Bhatt and Additional Secretary, Toursim, AK Dwivedi.

Anniversary of Shaheed Sthal firing
20 yrs on, role of many yet to be acknowledged
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 1
The renovated structure at Shaheed Sthal near Jhoola Ghar is bustling with activity as preparations for the 20th anniversary of police firing on protesters demanding the separate state of Uttarakhand on September 2, 1994 are on in Mussoorie. However, 20 years on, many statehood agitators are yet to be identified.

Hari Singh Gunsola, who was the photographer on the fateful day and had witnessed the carnage through his camera, is dejected as his role by way of the pictures that became a proof of the tyranny unleashed by the then Mulayam Singh Government in Uttar Pradesh is yet to be acknowledged.

“It is because of my pictures that many statehood agitators were able to prove their role in the movement and are now working as government servants in the state,” said Hari Singh, still waiting to be recognised for his role in the movement.

For some statehood agitators who have been given recognition, it has apparently come too little, too late. Late Devendar Mittal, who actively participated in the movement and was booked under National Security Act, was recognised for his contribution after his death recently.

Late Kalam Singh Rawat spent time in various jails in the country for several months and is yet to receive any recognition.

His family members are still awaiting recognition in the form of a government job or some other form of recognition despite several reminders to the government. Umed Singh Rawat, a student leader back then, was picked up by the police and sent to jail from Shaheed Sthal at Jhoola Ghar. He is fending for his family by working at a liquor shop for a pittance and has come in for consideration for a government job recently, but it seems too late, as he finds himself no longer eligible for any government job now.

Anil Godiyal, member of Rajya Andolankari Samman Parishad, said the main reason for the delay is that the officials who are managing the whole process had no role in the movement, hence there was lack of sensitivity towards the agitators. “Most of the present public representatives, including several chief ministers of the new state, had no direct role in the movement, hence the urgency is lacking,” added Anil Godiyal.

Jaiprakash Uttarakhandi, convener of Uttarakhand Andolankari Manch in Mussoorie, says the work of granting pension and government jobs to some statehood agitators was done during Narain Dutt Tiwari’s stint as Chief Minister, but since then, the process has not gathered momentum under subsequent governments, be they those of BJP or Congress.

Uttarakhandi said the agitators are not only saddened at not receiving recognition for their role in the movement, but are also dejected at the fact that the dreams and the aspirations for which the new state was carved out remain unfulfilled.

Social activist V Dobhal from Mussoorie is of the view that it is wrong to say that nothing has been done for the statehood agitators as many have received pensions and others are working in the government. Every citizen of the state played a role in the movement and it is difficult for the government to provide jobs to all, said V Dobhal. He believes there is a need for an iconic leader who can put the state on the path of development so that such voices of resentment take a backseat in the state.

Shaheed Sthal to be inaugurated today
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 1
Chief Minister Harish Rawat will inaugurate the renovated site of Shaheed Sthal on September 2 to mark the 20th anniversary of police firing that took place in 1994 in which six persons along with a policeman had lost their lives.

The local residents who were irked at no progress on the announcements made by the Chief Minister during his visit to Mussoorie on June 6 are hoping that the development will start after his second visit in the town.

The visit has gained significance as the residents are ready to question the Chief Minister on no progress being made in most of the announcements made by him on his previous visit to the town.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat, on June 6, had announced several development projects namely starting vocational courses at MPG College, housing project for the poor and the project of drawing potable water from the Yamuna river to meet the demand of the town.

Residents alleged that the construction of town hall, creating Mussoorie and Naintal into wifi-zone, setting up of doppler radar and projects of sports stadium have not been materialised despite several announcements earlier.

The Chief Minister had also proposed creating a tourism circuit in and around Mussoorie by joining important places such as Tehri dam, Lakhamandal etc. In addition to this, he had also directed the officials to develop Mossy fall, Jharipani fall and Bhatta fall.

He had also directed the officials to work towards conserving water through rainwater harvesting in order to meet the acute water shortage in the town.

When contacted, the senior Congress leader-cum- member of the Uttarakhand tourism development board, Sandeep Sahni, said the work on creating wifi-zone in Mussoorie was in progress and for the rest of the projects the Chief Minister would himself divulge during his visit.

Residents wait

• Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s visit has gained significance as the residents are ready to question him regarding no progress being made in most of the announcements made by him on his previous visit to the town
• The Chief Minister, on June 6, had announced several development projects namely starting vocational courses at MPG College, housing project for the poor and the project of drawing potable water from the Yamuna river to meet the demand of the town
• Residents allege that the construction of town hall, creating Mussoorie and Naintal into wifi-zone, setting up of doppler radar and projects of sports stadium have not been materialised despite several announcements earlier.

Welham cagers shine on day one of basketball tourney
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
The All-India Indian Public Schools Conference (IPSC) Under-14 (Girls) Basketball Tournament kicked off at the indoor basketball court of Welham Girls School here today. 15 top school teams from the country are participating in the tournament.

In the inaugural match, Welham Girls School defeated Scindia Kanya Vidhayala Gwalior 56-6 with Hunar from Welham scored maximum 14 points for her team. In a one-sided encounter, Pinegrove School, Solan, won its match against Punjab Public School, Nabha, by a margin of 36-4 with Jannat scored the highest 11 points in the match.

DPS RK Puram, Delhi, also won its match against Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls School, Jaipur, 29-5. Sarah from DPS scored 10 points in the match. Modern School defeated Mayo College Girls School 25-4 with Manya scored the highest 8 points for Modern School.

DAV School win basketball tournament
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 1
Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) School, Jagjeetpur, won basketball tournamnet under girls and boys category in the Youth Under 16 District Basketball Championship that concluded here today.

The tournamnet was held at DAV school’s basketball ground. DAV girls team won comfortably by 19-16 margin against DPA, Haridwar.

DAV’s Deeksha Chopra scored 10 goals.

In boys event, DAV boys defeated Police Modern School in a lop sided final match with a huge 51-15 margin. Vaibhav Chaudhari of DAV scored 18 goals and was declared as the top scorer.

PC Purohit, principal of DAV School, congratulated the teams of players as well as the coaching staff for putting a spectacular performance in the championship. Coach Sanjay Chauhan said hard work put in by team players and support from the school management made DAV team achieve its goal.

Assistant coach Shivam Ahuja said strict physical training was another major reason for the dual success.

Coordinator Simran said the state-level under -16 basketball championship would be held at DAV school from September 30.

State win 75 medals in martial art meet
Tribune News service

Dehradun, September 1
The state martial art players won over 75 medals in the Inter-State Martial Art Championship, which concluded here today. Young participants from Uttarakhand won 38 gold, 13 silver and 27 bronze medals in different categories.

In the final match, Uttarakhand team defeated Uttar Pradesh team and clinched the overall title.

The players from Lucent International School, Dehradun, won 20 gold medals out of the total 38 medals.

Players like Naman Saini, Madhur Kothari, Ayusha Raj, Keshav Kumar, Shikhar Kothari, Vasant Bansal, Joytsana Nautiyal, Harsh Raj, Manish Kumar and many others won gold medals for the state. Earlier, Uttarakhand defeated Bihar to enter the finals, while Uttar Pradesh trounced Haryana.

Professor Riyaz Ahmed was the chief guest during the closing ceremony and distributed awards to the winners.

Cambrian Hall, Grace Academy register wins in soccer
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Cambrian Hall and Grace Academy have won their matches in the ongoing 16th Colonel Shashi Memorial Inter-School Soccer Tournament today at Gorkha Military School. In the first match, Cambrian Hall defeated Doon International School 1-0 with Ashwani scored the winning goal in the 41st minute of the match for Cambrian Hall.

On the other hand, Grace Academy registered a 1-0 win over Moravian Institute School with Ayush scored the lone goal of the match in the 42nd minute for the winning team.

Bala Hisaar Academy beat Doon Cambridge
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
A DDCSA Seniors Football Tournament was kicked off at St. Joseph’s Academy here today with two inaugural matches being played on the first day at the school soccer ground. In the first match, Bala Hisaar Academy defeated Doon Cambridge School 2-0 with Aditya from Bala Hisaar scoring both goals in the match.

The second match between Touch Wood School and Presidential International School ended in a 1-1 draw with Shashank Bisht scoring the goal for Touch Wood School at the 15th minute of the match and Tenzin scoring the equaliser for Touch Wood at the 20th minute of the match. Despite numerous attempts, no player from both teams was able to strike another goal.

Artistes pay homage to Khatima martyrs in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 1
Regional artistes paid homage to the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during the movement for formation of a separate state of Uttarakhand in Khatima on September 1, 20 years ago, by offering floral tributes in a meeting held at Mussoorie, today.

Folk singers and other artistes said one of the objective of forming Uttarakhand state was to keep the regional languages alive and maintain an unique identity, but unfortunately that dream of the martyrs was yet to be achieved.

They said the responsibility of bringing the state on the path of development fell on the shoulders of every individual of the state and all concern should pledge towards reaching that goal.

Regional artistes Pradeep Bhandari, Jitendar Panwar, Padam Gusain, Hema Negi Karasi, Sandeep Rana, Anil Godiyal, Prenra, Manisha and others were present on the occasion.

Prestigious fellowship for Doon lad
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Shashank Harivyashi, an alumnus of Carmen School, Dalanwala, has secured the prestigious Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher Fellowship at TU Graz, Austria, in computational physics.

The Marie Curie programme is sponsored by the European Commission to promote scientific research. It is to be noted that Shashank Harivyashi is alumnus of Carmen School and The Doon International School, and he completed his masters in nanotechnology at the Amity University in Noida.

Shashank is son of Sunil Harivyashi, an official of Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha and grandson of first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami.

Uttarakhand PCS recruits congratulated
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
Chandresh Kumar Yadav, District Magistrate of Dehradun, yesterday congratulated those aspirants who cleared the Uttarakhand PCS examination. He said hard work and constant efforts lead to meeting of set goals.

Addressing a gathering at a function organised by Prayag IAS Academy here, Yadav congratulated the aspirants.

Speaking on the occasion, RA Khan, director of Prayag IAS Academy hoped that the officers would work with honesty and dedication.

Among other present on the occasion were Nitin Bisht, Anil Pant, Gaurav, Brij Mohan, Hussain Ahmed.

Workshop on parenting organised

Dehradun, September 1
A workshop on ‘parenting’ was organised at Sai Grace Academy International here yesterday. Students, parents and people from nearby villages participated in the workshop to know the intricacies of the children-parent relationship.

Soumya Beniwal, chairman of the Sevabhav Foundation, said parents should develop a friendly relation with their children and must help them to follow their passions in life.

During the workshop, parents asked the experts numerous questions regarding parenting to which they were given satisfactory answers.

Director of the school Samarjeet Singh said parents should give quality time to their children. — TNS

Audit staff union to meet on Sept 7
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
To discuss the long-pending demands of audit employees pertaining to revision of salaries, the Uttarakhand Finance and Audit Union would be holding a meeting of September 7.

Giving the details, state general secretary Harishchandra Dabral said that the state government had been neglecting the demands of the audit employees since a long time.

“Despite several reminders nothing has been done to resolve the issues by the state government. Even though the salaries of several other government employees have been revised, but nothing has been done for the audit employees. Decision on the future course of action for the demands would be taken during the meeting,” he said.

Foundation day of 15 Garhwal Rifles
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1
A function was organised to commemorate the 35th foundation day of 15 Garhwal Rifles here yesterday. The gathering paid tribute to martyrs who made supreme sacrifice of their lives for the motherland.

The chief guest for the function was Brig Jagmohan Rawat. He said Uttarakhand is known for sending youths to Indian defence forces. He said the unit earned several distinctions in various fields.

The gathering felicitated Bhimeshwari Sahi, mother of martyr, Kirti Chakra awardee, Dinesh Sahi.

Subedar Major Tirath Singh Rawat shed light on Regiment Soldier Board, Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Nigam Limited, Employees Contributory Health Scheme and pension-related matters. He responded to grievances of soldiers.