J-K floods have proved that Himalayas are unpredictable
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 7
The recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir have once again proved the unpredictable nature of Himalayas, thus highlighting the need to tread cautiously before starting any mega projects on the rivers here.

According to eminent environmentalist and head of Matu Jansanghatan, Vimal Bhai, the swell in the Jhelum and the Tawi in Jammu and Kashmir is enough to prove that Himalayas are unpredictable and could result in devastation if not treated with utmost respect and understanding.

Vimal said successive governments often see rivers as a source of revenue generation without taking into consideration the unpredictable raw force of nature that has often resulted in unprecedented devastation and loss of life, besides loss to financial exchequer.

The construction of power projects without considering the nature of mountains could result in further devastation, but various governments are not ready to learn lessons from the recent natural disasters be it in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand or any other Himalayan state.

He said the grant of 
Rs 15.95 crore to Nepal by India for starting the Pancheshwar Dam project during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be seen in this light. The Pancheshwar power project is nothing but the start of a new danger in an already dilapidated and precarious Himalayas, says Vimal.

The Panchehwar Project, if understood in relation to the Tehri dam project, would drown a big area of central Himalayas leaving behind unanswered problems of displaced people and irreparable damage to the environment because of large scale felling of trees that could result in floods, landslides similar to the scale of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

The rampant use of explosives will also weaken the Himalayas, he added.

He hoped that the government should learn lessons from the recent Jammu and Kashmir natural calamity and not try to play with the unpredictable Himalayas by initiating projects that were detrimental to the environment.

CM failed to give govt status to private college: Mahar
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 7
Pithoragarh MLA Mayukh Singh Mahar today fired another salvo at Chief Minister Harish Rawat saying the state government had failed to declare a private engineering college in the district as a government college. Mahar said though the Chief Minister had tried to contact him on the issue, he had decided not to listen to him till his demands were met.

“Though the Chief Minister has made several phone calls to me, I have decided not to contact him till the problems of my constituency are addressed properly,” said Mahar while talking to mediapersons at his residence here today.

The Congress MLA, considered close to the Chief Minister, has accused the state government of neglecting his constituency with regard to a drinking water scheme, a base hospital, a proposed artificial lake near the town, and on the issue of declaring a private engineering college as government owned.

He has threatened that if his demands are not met before October, he would sit on a dharna at Gandhi Chowk in Pithoragarh town. “The communication from the Chief Minister is not directed at solving the problems of my constituency. Rather, it involves an emotional appeal to save the chair of the Chief Minister,” said Mahar when asked what the Chief Minister told him.

In his letter written to the Chief Minister, Mahar has alleged that the former broke the promise of sanctioning money for the Aanwala Ghat lift drinking water scheme meant for Pithoragarh town. He did not release the budget for the construction of a base hospital in Pithoragarh town even though he had selected a new site for it. The Chief Minister also did not grant the government status to a private engineering college running in the district for the last three years, he added.

“Former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and his successor, present Chief Minister Harish Rawat, has made tall promises of approval for all these schemes which are now being neglected,” said Mahar.

BJP leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari today said in Pithoragarh town that if Mahar had the guts, he should come out of the Congress fold and fight as a public leader for which the BJP would cooperate with him.

Tributes paid to martyrs on Phillora Day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Veteran soldiers of the 5/9 Gorkha Rifles paid tributes to martyrs at a function held to commemorate Phillora Day here today.

The veterans recalled that brave soldiers of the 5/9 Gorkha Rifles won the battle of Phillora in the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Col AK Chatterji presided over the ceremony. He said it was a matter of pride for the battalion that 30 soldiers sacrificed their lives while 86 were injured in the battle of Phillora.

Chatterji said 5/9 Gorkha Rifles was raised on January 1, 1963, at the Birpur cantonment in Dehradun.

After paying homage to the soldiers, who fell in the line of duty, the veterans vowed to continue with their spirit in future. They recalled their golden moments and raised patriotic slogans at the function.

The veterans said the Indian Army would dealt with intruders strictly. They recalled that during the war with Pakistan fought at Phillora in Pakistan in 1965, the intrepid soldiers of the battalion laid siege on Phillora.

The battle of Phillora was one of the largest Patton tank battles fought during the India-Pakistan War of 1965. It was the first major engagement between the two nations in the Sialkot sector of Pakistan.

The ‘Phillora Battle of Honour’ was instituted to recognise the outstanding bravery of soldiers of the battalion and is commemorated as ‘Phillora Day’.

Honorary Captain Bharat Singh Thapa, Col AK Kapila, Col Vijay Singh Khattri, Subedar Gopal Singh, Subedar Hari Singh Khattri, Havaldar Bhagwan Singh, Subedar Major Karan Bahadur Roka, Subedar Suresh Bahuguna, Subedar Shyam Bahadur Thapa, and ex-servicemen along with their families of the Dehradun Chapter of the 5/9 Gorkha Rifles were present at the function.

Forest Dept to clear garbage from Nanda Devi yatra route
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Forest Minister Dinesh Agarwal today said the state Forest Department would be assisting the administration in disposal of garbage lying on the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra route and also the camping sites of bugyals.

In a statement issued here today, the minister congratulated the people for making the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra a grand success. He said it was due to cooperation of the local people and the government staff that the yatra ended on a right note.

He added after last year’s disaster, the successful completion of the yatra had sent a right signal to tourists in other parts of the country and the world.

Agarwal said he had directed officials of the Forest Department to promptly work for disposal of the garbage that was scattered at a number of places on the yatra route.

He added garbage littered at the camping sites of bugyals would also be cleared. The minister said the state government was committed to taking forward the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra concludes

Dehradun, September 7
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra after covering an ardous trek of 280 km over three weeks ended today as the pilgrims reached the final halt, Nauti in Chamoli district.

The yatra that began from Nauti on August 29, had 20 halts on its way. Held once in 12 years, the yatra was postponed last year due to flash floods. Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanai said the yatra would open new doors of development in the state by attracting tourists and pilgrims.

“Besides boosting religious tourism, the yatra will also promote adventure tourism because of the difficult trek that the pilgrims traverse. The yatra has given an international mileage to the state. The next yatra will be conducted in a much better manner and will have more facilities for the pilgrims,” he added. — TNS

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra
Almora MP seeks White Paper on expenses
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
BJP MP from Almora Ajay Tamta yesterday criticised the state government for making poor arrangements for the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra and demanded a White Paper on funds sanctioned and expenses for the yatra.

“The pilgrims were left to fend for themselves as there were hardly any lodging and food arrangements on the ground made for them. The situation became worse as the pilgrims proceeded from Nauchamiya Patar to Shila Samundar. There was no electricity and water on the entire route,” said Tamta, who was also a part of the pilgrimage.

He asked the government to share information on the number of pilgrims who managed to return safely. “Six pilgrims had died during the yatra in 2000. According to information, one death has been reported so far this year, but the way arrangements were made anything could have happened,” he said.

Tamta also called upon the government to release information on the number of pilgrims who returned safely after completing the pilgrimage.

Sanskrit best mode of moral-based education
Tribune News Service

Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University Prof Mahavir Aggarwal felicitates meritorious Sanskrit students at the Press Club in Haridwar on Sunday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar Gaur

Haridwar, September 7
Sanskrit students are in no way inferior to Hindi or English medium students. They are superior when it comes to moral-based education, spiritual knowledge, respecting elders, culture and Vedic knowledge.

Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University Prof Mahavir Aggarwal stated this while presiding over a felicitation function of the meritorious Sanskrit students in Haridwar here today.

Mahavir said Sanskrit was the second official language of Uttarakhand and other states should do the same so that the ancient language was given its due recognition. He added the hill state was a hub of Sanskrit literature.

Mayor Manoj Garg said Haridwar was a centre of learning for Sanskrit language. Dev Vani Paropkar Mission coordinator Ishwar Suyal said they had been organising Sanskrit programmes and competitions for students on a regular basis.

Shiv Charan Nautiyal, a Sanskrit student, said with changing times Sanskrit education should be linked with employment and professional approach.

Pankaj Upreti, former students’ union leader of Shri Bhagwan Das Sanskrit Maha Vidhyalaya, said the state government should announce concession for Sanskrit students in fees, books and transport fare.

Sanskrit students were also felicitated on the occasion. Rohit Joshi (Nirdhan Niketan School), Gauri Rathore (Uttarakhand Sanskrti Vishwavidhyalaya) and Sakshi Sharma (Anandmayi Vidhyalaya) were given awards in the debate competition. Sanjeev Badoni and Purushottam Nautiyal (Nirdhan Niketan School) and Anil Bhatt (Rishikul Vidyapeeth) were given awards in the sholka recitation competition.

Village women educated on legal rights, laws
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
As many as 90 women from villages of the Sahaspur block in Dehradun district participated in a two-day legal awareness programme that concluded at the Sahaspur block auditorium today.

The training was imparted by Pragati trainers, a voluntary group, and supported by the National Commission for Women. Anganwadi and Asha workers, and elected women representatives also participated in the training programme.

The District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Secretary, Civil Judge (Sr Div) Dharmendra Kumar Singh inaugurated the programme. He talked about the provision of free legal aid provided by the DLSA for the needy. Krishna Khatri from the National Commission for Women was also present.

Krishna Khatri explained the functions of the state and national commissions for women and motivated women to become bold and independent and fight for their rights. She stressed on having practical knowledge of law. The programme was anchored by Rekha Dhyani, who introduced the women on the importance of legal literacy. The training included games and sessions on various laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act, sexual harassment of women at workplace, Domestic Violence Act, rape laws, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, PCPNDT Act, Right To Information, and Right To Property.

The training sessions were taken by master trainers Rekha Pundir, Damini Bhargava, Narendra Tripathi, AK Sharma, advocate Kabir Shally, Pushpa Bisht, Dolly and trainee Sheen.

The legal awareness programme saw women being exuberant to know about their rights and related laws. Asha of Selaqui enquired on her rights of alimony from her former husband while another woman from Lakshmipur complained about irregularities in the panchayat elections. A participant, Saeeda Parveen, gave a suggestion that “it is equally important that boys are trained on women-related laws such as sexual harassment”.

The training was concluded by Dr AS Ramachandra, professor of Political Theory and Constitutional Law, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, and Rajiv Puri, a social worker. 

Governor’s greetings on Onam

Dehradun, September 7
Governor Aziz Qureshi has greeted people on the occasion of Onam, which is symbolic of joy, prosperity and well being.

The Governor said all festivals, which are celebrated according to the calendar of seasons, showed how our happiness was linked to nature and the environment. They also remind us of our responsibility towards the conservation of the environment.

He said we should celebrate all festivals as they were symbolic of our rich and varied heritage and national integration. — TNS

Kamleshwari Mishra’s book of poems released
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
‘Chulhe Ki Dharti’, a book of poems penned by Kamleshwari Mishra, was released at a function organised by the Navbhivyakti Sahityik Evam Sanskritik Sanstha here yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, renowned author Dr Shiv Prasad Bhardwaj said the poems in the book carried the essence of the state. “The present times are difficult for every person. The poetess through her motivational poems speaks about winning, losing, happiness and despair,” he added.

Dr Hriday Narayan Tripathi, Dr Rama Prasad Dhobal, Bharti Pandey, Uma Joshi, Pallavi Painyuli, Saurabh Mishra, Ashish Mishra, Bhavna Mishra, Uma Gupta, and Rakesh Baluni were present on the occasion.

Political Diary
Close relatives rise up against Harish Rawat
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Harish Rawat has established himself as an astute politician by dislodging Vijay Bahuguna as Chief Minister before the Lok Sabha elections this year. He has also defeated the BJP in the byelections in the three Assembly seat and emerged as one of the strongest Congress regional leaders. However, he is now facing problems at home.

Besides his political detractors belonging to the Vijay Bahuguna and Satpal Maharaj groups in the Uttarakhand Congress, Harish Rawat faced a threat from his close relatives this week.

One of Harish Rawat’s close relatives Mayukh Mahar, who is a Congress legislator from Pithoragarh town, came out openly against him and blamed him for trying to finish his political career.

He said most of the developmental projects in his home constituency of Pithoragarh, including important the water supply scheme and the construction of a base hospital, had been stalled by the Harish Rawat government. He said the Chief Minister had made up his mind to replace him in Pithoragarh.

Interestingly, Harish Rawat’s political career reveals that he had always preferred to bring in his relatives as political leaders. His wife Renuka Rawat also belongs to a political family of Kumaon.

Most of his close political aides, namely Mahendra Singh Mahra, Rajya Sabha MP, Govind Singh Kunjwal, Mayukh Mahar and former legislator Ranjit Rawat, are his relatives.

However, fissures have surfaced between Harish Rawat and his relatives in the last seven months.

Mahar is reportedly linked with Ranjit Rawat, former legislator from the Salt area in Almora.

Ranjit Rawat is also a close relative of the Chief Minister and wields power in the Harish Rawat government.

Harish Dhami, another Harish Rawat’s loyalist and former legislator from Dharchula in Pithoragarh, has made rapid progress. He is considered to be closest to the Chief Minister and wields influence in mining activities in Haridwar.

On the other hand, Mayukh Mahar has lost favour of Harish Rawat after the latter took over as Chief Minister in February. Most of the developmental projects in his home constituency were stalled.

Harish Dhami is the new political star of Pithoragarh district.

Mayukh Mahar in a letter to Harish Rawat had threatened to take extreme steps if the state government continues to ignore his constituency. The internecine war within the family will add to the political woes of the Chief Minister, who would be under fire from his detractors in the Congress in the coming days. 

Revolt in the family

• One of Harish Rawat's close relatives Mayukh Mahar, who is a Congress legislator from Pithoragarh town, came out openly against him and blamed him for trying to finish his political career.
• Harish Rawat's political career reveals that he had always preferred to bring in his relatives as political leaders. His wife Renuka Rawat also belongs to a political family of Kumaon.
• Most of Harish Rawat’s close political aides, namely Mahendra Singh Mahra, Rajya Sabha MP, Govind Singh Kunjwal, Mayukh Mahar and former legislator Ranjit Rawat, are his relatives.
• Fissures have surfaced between Harish Rawat and his relatives in the last seven months.

Preservation of environment a collective duty, says ADM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
A sapling plantation drive was carried out by the Nagrik Suraksha Sangathan and Nathuawala gram panchayat at Donali Chowk in Raipur today. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Pratap Shah was the chief guest at the function.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said safeguarding the environment and maintaining eco-balance was the collective responsibility of all citizens. The ADM instructed the department concerned to maintain proper roads in the area. Instructions were given for the construction of a bathroom at the Government Girls Inter College.

The chief warden of the Sangathan, Chandragupta Vikram, said, “People should plant at least one sapling every year on their birthday. This would help largely towards the expansion of green belt,” he added.

Harshmani Bijalwan, Satish Aggarwal, Rajesh Sharma, Yogender Aggarwal, Umeshwar Rawat, Deepak Aggarwal, Shashi Rawat and Chamal Lal along with several others were present on the occasion.

BKU activists cut water supply to UP from Khatima
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, September 7
Activists of the Bharatiya Kishan Union (BKU) held a protest against the UP Irrigation Department at the Tumaria and Nanak Sagar dams today and stopped the flow of the canal water at Khatima to 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The UP Irrigation Department manages the water canal head works in the Terai region of Uttarakhand. The BKU activists said until water from these dams was made available to farmers of Uttarakhand, they would not let the water flow to Uttar Pradesh districts.

The farmers alleged that due to the lackadaisical approach of Uttarakhand political leaders, the issue of distribution of irrigation properties, situated in Uttarakhand was pending in court. “We will not tolerate the diversion of irrigation water to Uttar Pradesh districts,” said Ravindra Singh Rana, a BKU leader.

The protesting farmers also reached the Nanak Sagar Dam near Sitarganj in Udham Singh Nagar district and stopped the release of surplus water from it. They said local villagers were suffering due to the release of water for which the UP Government had given no compensation so far.

Local MLA Prem Singh Rana, who supported the protest, promised the BKU workers that he would raise the issue in the state Assembly. “Since the issue of distribution of irrigation properties between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand is pending in court, we are not in a position to release surplus water from the dam which has a capacity of 697.5 cusecs,” said OP Sharma, a UP irrigation engineer.

MLA seeks more officials at nyaya panchayat
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 7
MLA, Mussoorie, Ganesh Joshi, today demanded more administrative officials in the Sarona nyaya panchayat falling under the Mussoorie Assembly segment.

Joshi said villagers from the region had expressed concern that considering the difficult geographical terrain of the Sarona nyaya panchayat more administrative officials were needed for effective administration.

Joshi also raised doubts over the working of Lekhpals (revenue officials) and said the government had lost control over them.

Mussoorie BJP honours mothers of baby girls
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 7
The Mussoorie BJP women’s cell felicitated women who had given birth to baby girls and created awareness against female foeticide at a function held here yesterday.

Vandana Bisht, district president of the BJP women’s cell, presented shawls to such women who had given birth to baby girls.

Bisht asked women to combat female foeticide and urged mediapersons, doctors, non-government organisations, self-help groups and members of all sections of society to join hands and fight against the menace.

Sunita Jadwan, Rukmani Thapli, Mira Jadwan, Rijwana, Rashina, Hina, Uma, Zarina, Neha Kaintura, Seema Rana, Babita, Gita, Shalu, Babita Rana, Rakhee, and Deepak Rauntela on the occasion.

Send to Centre proposals for 4 smart cities
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 7
Nainital Member of Parliament and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari has said that the state government should go ahead and send proposals to the Union Government for the development of four of its emerging cities as smart cities with full civic and infrastructural facilities.

While talking to mediapersons here yesterday, the Nainital Member of Parliament stated that four emerging cities — Dhanachuli, Pithoragarh, Gairsain in Kumaon and Barkot in Garhwal— were fit to be developed into smart cities.

“Benefits under the scheme of the Prime Minister could be availed if the state government sends proposals to the Centre,” said Koshiyari.

Asked as to what impression he had as far as the reported mistrust between Chief Minister Harish Rawat and some of his Members of Legislative Assembly was concerned, he said Chief Minister Harish Rawat was still recovering from the injuries that he sustained during the helicopter mishap and was unable to run the Chief Minister’s office properly.

“Harish Rawat should instead pay attention to his health and take complete rest to recover fully,” said Koshiyari.

Telecom towers to be sealed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has released a list of illegal telecom towers that will be sealed in the coming days.

The list includes towers belonging to RS Payal (Rajeshwar Nagar), Jitendra Grover (Saket Colony), Manager Reliance (Gujrada Maan Singh), Kapil (Rajeshwar Nagar), KD Kulshrestra (Rajeshwar Nagar), Jagdish Kohli (East Patel Nagar), Rajesh Kapoor (Tyagi Road), Rajesh Bakshi (Tyagi Road), Deepak Sharan (Bhandari Baag), Jaswant Singh (Ashok Vihar), Reliance Tower (Chuna Bhatta Raipur), Manager Vodafone (Astha Enclave, Phase-2), Manager 
Airtel (Astha Enclave, Phase-2 ), M/s Quipo Telecom infrastructure Ltd (Mehuwala, Shimla Bypass), Manager Airtel (C/O Sohanlal, Gorakhpur) and Col RP Nautiyal (retd) (Bell Road).

MoU on trauma care signed

Dehradun, September 7
To strengthen trauma care in India, GVK EMRI, a leading integrated emergency services provider worldwide, has signed an MoU with the National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI), Australia. The MoU was signed by Dr GVK Reddy, chairman GVK EMRI and Prof Russel Gruen, director, NTRI, in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot.

Manish Tinku, state head, GVK EMRI 108, Uttarakhand, said this was a proud moment for the GVK EMRI family and this partnership would definitely enhance our services. He said the GVK EMRI was determined to carry on the good work. — TNS

Novel penned by DIG released
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Director General of Police BS Sidhu released the novel titled ‘Itti Si Baat’ written by IPS officer and DIG Satish Shuklaat at the Dehradun police lines at Race Course here today. Shukla is posted at the police headquarters as DIG, crime and law and order.

The DGP congratulated the DIG for pursuing his passion of writing and finding time to write the novel. He praised Shukla’s family for encouraging him to carry on writing and supporting him throughout.

Talking about the book published by Binsar Publication, the DIG said it is an account of two close friends and depicts family, social and personal relationships in a rural background.

Humorous writing skills had been used in the novel to evoke laughter, he added. A collection of short stories by Shukla titled ‘Aur Ladki Jeet Gayi’ was released by the Governor last year.

During the function, Director, Vigilance, SK Bhagat, ADGP Anil Raturi, retired DGP AB Lal, retired Chief Secretary Indu Kumar Pandey, IAS officer Usha Shukla and many other senior officers were present.

Ajay Bhatt asks CM to resign on moral grounds
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Minister Harish Rawat on moral grounds.

He criticised the Congress-led state government on development issues and accused it of being insensitive towards disaster-hit persons of the state.

Bhatt said the state government had not taken effective steps to address the grievances of villagers, who had faced the brunt of the natural disaster last year. He added the Chief Minister was trying damage control by giving political posts and perks to rebel party MLAs.

He said the level of corruption had increased manifold during the Congress rule in Uttarakhand. The state was lacking development activities due to lack of coordination among Congress MLAs. Bhatt lambasted the state government for allegedly supporting the land and mining mafia.

He said villagers in higher reaches were forced to traverse several kilometers to fulfil basic needs though one year had passed since the natural disaster hit the state.

He expressed concern at the decision of the state government to curtail monetary compensation for disaster-hit persons of the state. Bhatt asked it to take effective and timely steps to address the grievances of the disaster-hit persons. 

Discipline must for trainers of Scouts, Guides
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 7
Discipline is imperative not only for Scouts and Guides volunteers but also for those who train them. This was stated by Gauri Shankar Sharma, coordinator for the week-long Scouts and Guides Trainer’s training camp at Shantikunj here today.

Scouts Masters and Guides Captains from all seven districts of Garhwal division ie., Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Tehri and Rudraprayag are taking part in the training camp.

Gauri Shankar hoisted the national flag and said discipline, hard work, honesty and dedication were essential traits for achieving long term success.

He cited examples of various successful persons and achievers in society and said they all would tell one thing that hard work and discipline had played a pivotal role in their lives.

Training camp organizational coordinators Narendra Shah and Poornima Pandey said Scouts Masters and Guides Captains were being given additional training to enhance and update their skills. “To inculcate unity, discipline, and integrity among students and developing the spirit of freedom among them was the prime objective of the Scouts and Guides movement and such training camps,” said Pandey.

Camp trainers Genda Lal Chaurasia, and Asha Solanki were present at the inaugural function.

Discussion organised on bureaucrat Raghav Chandra’s book on wildlife
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
Bureaucrat Raghav Chandra, who has authored “Scent of A Game”, a book on wildlife, has said by penning the book, he had tried to further the cause of tiger conservation in the country.

Taking part in a discussion on the book organised by the Doon Library and Research Centre in Dehradun yesterday, Raghav Chandra dwelt at length on issues of hunting, poaching and nefarious designs of the wildlife mafia, which had brought tigers on the brink of extinction.

Senior Uttarakhand IFS officer Rajeev Bharatari recalled some of his experiences as forester with tigers. He mentioned the arrest of notorious tiger poacher Dariya while he was posted in Jim Corbett National Park.

Another senior IFS officer Jairaj appreciated Raghav Chandra for penning the book. He pointed out that Jim Corbett had long back predicted that India could lose its tigers in the years to come if it did not take preventive measures.

Doon Library and Research Centre chairman Dr BK Joshi said the organisation had been organising such discussions on books that deal with issues like conservation and society.

Bureaucrat Sanjeev Chopta and educationist Dhirendra Sharma were present on the occasion.

Cheaper flights to high valleys till Sept end
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, September 7
The concessional helicopter service from Dharchula to high valleys of Drama, Byans and Johar will continue till the last week of September. An order to this effect will reach the district administration soon, former Dharchula MLA Harish Dhami said here.

According to Dhami, he had apprised the Chief Minister about the resentment brewing among the tribal population of these higher valleys on the withdrawal of concession in fare and limiting of the period of service. “The Chief Minister has agreed that the concession in fares will continue till the last week of September. By the last week of September, all religious programmes of the people of the Darma, Byans and Johar valleys will conclude and road connectivity will be restored for general transport,” said Dhami.

The concessional helicopter service being operated by private helicopter companies was flagged off by the Chief Minister to transport people of high Darma, Byans and Johar valleys as due to bad conditions of roads and track routes, they were not in a position to take part in the annual worship programmes being organised at temples situated at high Himalayan villages.

“The Chief Minister has also agreed to lower the cost of helicopter travel from Rs 5,600 for one-way trip to the Kuti, Gunji and Grbiyang valleys to Rs 1,135 till the period the service continues,” claimed Dhami. 

CBI probe sought against Vikas Nagar MLA
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 7
Sanjay Chopra, chairman of the Jwalapur Agriculture Production Committee and veteran Congress leader, has sought a CBI probe against Nav Prabhat for his alleged involvement in two major scams during his tenure as state Forest Minister. Nav Prabhat had recently levelled allegations against Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat recently.

Chopra told mediapersons at the state guest house at Damkoti today that present Vikas Nagar legislator Nav Prabhat was involved in two scams relating to the jatropha plant and cane procurement when he was Forest and Urban Development Minister in the Narayan Dutt Tiwari-led Congress government in the state.

“During Nav Prabhat’s tenure as Forest Minister, scams related with jatropha fuel and cane procurement had surfaced. He should first come out of clean on his involvement in these scams. Chief Minister Harish Rawat should initiate a probe into these scams,” said Chopra.

On factionalism in the Congress in the state, Chopra added some differences arose owing to varied interests, but the party leaders should resolve these at the party forum and not speak through the media.

Meanwhile, BJP parliamentarian from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said the Congress was a sinking ship in Uttarakhand and people were fed up with the state government.

Nishank added Congress legislator Nav Prabhat did not have faith in Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat while the Chief Minister Harish Rawat was facing lack of trust from other legislators, namely Mayuk Mahar and Shaila Rani Rawat. “How can this government claim to be having public trust when the party legislators don’t place their trust in the Chief Minister or Cabinet ministers?” remarked Nishank.

Technical audit of UJVNL sought
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
VK Kanjjalia, general secretary of the Central Board of Irrigation an Power, today stressed on the need for technical audit of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL). He assured UJVNL Managing Director GP Patel the best possible assistance in the audit.

He said the introduction of new techniques would prove useful for generating maximum electricity from limited sources. Kanjjalia said reading material would be provided to UJVNL for technical audit.

The delegation comprising four members of Central Board of Irrigation & Power shared valuable tips for improving power generation through state-run hydro-power projects during a one-day visit to the UJVNL campus today.

GP Patel apprised the delegation of losses incurred at the Khatima hydropower project due to flooding in the Sharda river in Udham Singh Nagar district. Director (Projects) Sandeep Singhal and Director (Operation) Purushottam Singh were among those present.

World Scholar’s Cup concludes
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
The two-day regional round of World Scholar’s Cup concluded at Unison World School here today. The day began with the most popular event, Scholar’s Bowl, which was a community event with multiple choice questions in six subjects – literature, science, social studies, arts, special area and history.

This was followed by a debate competition where the best debaters from eight schools were shortlisted. Notably, eight speakers supported the motion while four opposed it. In the end, young participants presented scholars and talent shows. They also presented a cultural programme comprising instrumental music, songs, dances and poems.

In the senior division, Indirapuram Public School bagged the first and second positions while St. Jude School, Dehradun stood third. In the junior division, The Doon School won the first and third positions while Indirapuram Public School bagged the second position.

Woman commits suicide
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
A 23-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree at Chambroli village in Rajpur police station area here today.

The deceased, identified as Sageeta Uniyal, left for the jungle to collect grass for livestock on Saturday evening. The family panicked after she did not return at night. Her body was found hanging by a tree in the forest on Sunday morning.

Upon receiving information from local villagers who spotted the body, police reached the spot. They carried out the panchnama after bringing her body down from 
the tree. The body was sent for postmortem.

According to Rajpur police, Sangeeta got married to Dinesh Uniyal about 16 months back. “We are investigating the case from all angles and questioning the family members too to know whether she was reeling under any mental stress,” said Rajendra Shah, in charge, Rajpur police station.

While the police have not received any written complaint from the parents of the deceased, they are said to have started investigations in the case.

St Thomas eves trounce Cambrian Hall
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
On the second day of the ongoing 10th Gardener Silver Jubilee Inter-School Girls Basketball Tournament at Gardener Multipurpose Floodlit Auditorium at St Thomas College here today, hosts St Thomas College thrashed Cambrian Hall School 34-4, with Vidhushi from the host team scoring 8 points. In another match, The Aryan School registered an easy win over Kendriya Vidyalaya 19-12, with Ayushi from the winning school scoring 6 points for her team.

Wynberg Allen School started its campaign in the tournament on a winning note, defeating Moravian Institute 25-8. Shreya from Wynberg Allen pitched in with 6 points.

On Saturday, Grace Academy defeated hosts St Thomas College 42-37 in the inaugural match with Aradhana scoring 12 points for Grace Academy and Vaishali scoring 20 points for St Thomas College. The Doon International School defeated Moravian Institute 26-8, with Mehak from the winning team scoring 8 points. St Joseph Academy won its match against Carmen School Dalanwala 32-13, with Shrishti from St Joseph School scoring 20 points.

JA Boys pip Wills Club
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 7
The super league stage of the Nemidas District Football League kicked off at Pavilion Ground here today.

JA Boys won the inaugural match after defeating Wills Youth Club by 2-1.

For JA Boys, Deepesh scored the first goal in the 10th minute of the match, while Tushar doubled the lead after striking a goal in the 61st minute.

On other hand, Prakash scored the lone goal for Wills Youth in the 5th minute of the match.

Indian Public School beat Doon International

The Indian Public School defeated Doon International School 1-0 in the ongoing 16th Colonel Shashi Memorial Inter-School Soccer Tournament at Gorkha Military School here today. Shanky scored the winning goal for Indian Public School in the 41st minute of the match.

In the second match of the day, Seven Oaks School thrashed Cambrian Hall School 3-1. For Seven Oaks, Naveen scored the first goal in the 20th minute of the match while Rahul and Manish scored goals in the 24th and 35th minutes respectively. For Cambrian Hall, Rajeev found the net in the 4th minute.

Woodstock win basketball tourney
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 7
Woodstock School emerged winners in the 2nd Inter-School Invitational Basketball Tournament held at Wynberg Allen school in Mussoorie today.

In a closely contested final between Wynberg-Allen and Woodstock School Mussoorie, Woodstock School won 37-26.

L Tindale, principal, Wynberg-Allen School, awarded mementoes and the winning trophy to the finalists and runners-up. He congratulated the winning team for their excellent performance and thanked Wynberg-Allen coach Akash Negi for organising the tournament.

Doon International, The Asian School, Central School for Tibetans, Tibetan Homes, Woodstock and Wynberg-Allen participated in the tournament.