Killing of youth by robbers
Villagers block Haridwar road against police inaction
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Residents of Balawala village once again blocked the Dehradun-Haridwar National Highway against the failure of the Dehradun police to arrest robbers, who killed a youth, within the 36-hour deadline given by the Chief Minister.

The protesters, mainly residents of Balawala village, demanded a CBI inquiry into the case or immediate arrest of five robbers who killed 22-year-old Ankit Thapliyal and injured four others when they struck the house of Surendra Thapliyal in the wee hours last Wednesday.

The blockade continued for more than seven hours, causing inconvenience to commuters. A traffic jam up to several kilometres was witnessed on the main highway and the police had to struggle to divert traffic to other routes. However, the protesters relented and lifted the blockade after Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Pratap Singh Saha and SP, City, Ajay Singh assured them of solving the case in a week.

“We lifted the blockade only after the administration assured us that the robbers will be arrested within a week. If the culprits are not arrested within a week, we will request the government for a CBI probe into the case,” Moolchand, former village head, told The Tribune.

It is to be noted that five armed robbers broke into the house of Surendra Thapliyal at Balawala village after breaking a window grill in the wee hours last Wednesday. They entered the bedroom where Surendra and his wife were sleeping. The robbers pointed guns at them and started beating them. At this their son, Ankit Thapliyal, their tenant and Surendra’s mother-in-law also woke up and ran towards the living room.

Meanwhile, after finding that all family members have woken up, the robbers started beating everybody. Ankit resisted the robbers and they shot him dead with a double-barrel gun.

The incident had triggered panic in Balawala and nearby villages, leading to widespread protests against the police and the administration. The villagers had blocked the national highway on September 11 but relented after an assurance from the Chief Minister that the culprits would be caught within 36 hours. Senior police officials have said they will crack the case and arrest the robbers in 3 days.

J&K students meet Governor
Tribune News Service

Governor Aziz Qureshi with students from Jammu and Kashmir at Raj Bhavan in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, September 14
A team of 23 students from various schools of Akhnoor in Jammu district led by Major Bhawani Singh met Governor Aziz Qureshi at Raj Bhavan here today. The students were on a tour to Dehradun under then Operation Sadbhavana of the Indian Army.

The Governor spoke on terrorism and separatism and asked students to express their opinion on the same. He said Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and any force which would try to challenge the peace of the country by spreading terror and hatred would be defeated, if we all remain united.

He said the youth should take the responsibility of evoking and strengthening the feeling of unity among people of the country. The students said Jammu and Kashmir wanted peace.

The Governor expressed sympathy and grief at the present situation of the J&K state. He expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army and para-military personnel for their service rendered in rescue and relief operations. He said they were the pride and soul of India.

He said the Operation Sadbhavana of the Indian Army was very important for the unity of the country. The students were aware of the cultural heritage of India because of the Army, he said. He added students should undertake a tour from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and to know the diverse culture, cuisine, apparel, language and lifestyles of the country.

The J&K students have been touring various places around Dehradun since September 8 as part of their Uttarakhand tour. They presented a memento to the Governor.

Poetry book released
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
A book of poems ‘Jeevan ek Samanvay’ penned by poetess Deepika Chamoli was unveiled at Songsten Library of Himalayan Studies, Kulhaan, Sahastradhara road here today.

Padma Shri Anil Joshi, an environmentalist, was the chief guest on the occasion.

He said a genuine literary work had a capability to spark a revolution.

He said poems had always inspired society and played a crucial role in its betterment.

Defence Research Development Organisation’s Joint Director RP Tyagi and principal Khempo of Tibatiyan College were also present on the occasion.

Poet Sanjeev Sharma conducted the programme.

VHP activists distribute relief kits to villagers

Dehradun, September 14
Activists of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) distributed relief kits to villagers who had faced the brunt of natural calamity in August. The activists visited the Bandal valley, Sarkhet, Dholagiri, Kyara, Chamroli, Phulaet, Maldevta, and adjoining villages here today.

The relief kit comprising blankets, eatables, utensils etc. were distributed to disaster-hit villagers of the district.

The activists have demanded the state government to take timely and effective steps for redressing grievances of disaster-hit victims. Amit Tomar, Sharad Arya, Beerandra Singh, Samay Sharma, Darshan Lal, Preetam, Giriraj, Dinesh, Naman and Vikas were also present. — TNS

Sheba adjudged Miss fresher 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Sheba Khan and Anirudh were adjudged Miss Fresher and Mr Fresher, respectively, at a freshers’ party organised at Law College here today. The theme of the party was ‘Royal’ and the venue was decorated like a royal palace.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting a lamp, followed by Ganesh Vandana, which made the entire atmosphere devotional. College students presented various colourful performances, including a Rajasthani folk dance, wearing traditional clothes. A performance by the college band was the main attraction of the day. It was followed by a Punjabi bhangra performance by Tarun and Sahiba that enthralled the audiences.

In his address, Principal of the college Dr Rajesh Bahuguna said the well organised freshers’ party would prove to be a milestone in bridging the gap between the students. Chancellor of the university Jitendra Joshi praised the students for their various performances and said cultural programmes were an important medium to unveil their creative talent.

Guru Singh Sabha mourns deaths in J&K
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Members of the Kendriya Shri Guru Singh Sabha organised a condolence meeting here today for those who lost their lives in the flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir. They observed a two-minute silence.

Harpal Singh Sethi, vice-chairman of the Kendriya Shri Guru Singh Sabha, applauded the efforts of the Shrimoni Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, for sending food material for the flood victims.

Avtar Singh Makkar, Ranjeet Singh, Amarjeet Singh Bhasin, Jasbeer Singh, Balbeer Singh, Tapnish Singh, Gurjeet Singh, and Kuljeet Singh were present on the occasion. 

Dam oustees threaten to start agitation
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
The Tehri dam oustees have demanded from the state government to take effective and timely steps to address their grievances. They expressed concern that the memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted to the officials of the Tehri hydro power project many times, but their demands were still pending.

They have threatened to start agitation if the state government does not take effective steps to fulfill their year-long pending demands.

While chairing a meeting of the Tehri dam oustees under the banner of Tehri Vishthapit Panchyat here today, Surendra Dutt Painyuli said the state government should give government jobs to one of the family members of the dam oustees. Free electricity and potable water should be given to family members and allotment of agricultural land to the oustees.

Shivanand Pandey, convener, Tehri Vishthapit Panchyat, demanded to give the responsibility of rehabilitation to another bureaucrat. He said the state government should reserve minimum 30 per cent seats for their children in Tehri Engineering Institute.Brijmohan Gairola, Dheerandra Saklani, Veerandra Panwar, Yogesh Sakhlani, Kavindra Panwar, Ganesh Uniyal, Mohan Singh Panwar, Jai Krishan Rana, Bharat Singh Dhanai, and Munni Nautiyal were also present.

The demands

• Government jobs to a family member of dam oustees
• Free electricity and potable water
• Allotment of agricultural land to them.

Attempt to unite UKD factions
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News service

Dehradun, September 14
A political development which remained largely unnoticed in Uttarakhand is another attempt to unify the warring factions of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) that played a stellar role in the statehood agitation.

Interestingly, over the years since the creation of Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000, the UKD, which spearheaded the agitation for carving out a separate hill state from Uttar Pradesh, has been going downhill losing support of the people gradually.

Perhaps, it is only a regional political party in the country that successfully led the agitation for a separate state, but later failed to emerge as a cohesive political outfit to gain the confidence of the people to get the mandate to sit in the state legislature.

After nearly 14 years of the formation of Uttarakhand, the UKD is on the political fringe facing a crisis of survival. In the first ever state Assembly elections held in February 2002, the UKD as a political outfit failed to get the support of the public and won only four of the 70 Assembly seats in the state. Even in hill districts, which it claims to represent, it failed to make an impression. Since then, there has been a constant downfall for the UKD.

In the second state Assembly elections in February 2007, threee UKD candidates, namely Diwakar Bhatt, Om Gopal and Pushpesh Tripathi, got elected. Diwakar Bhatt and Om Gopal chose to support the BJP-led government and the former was made a Cabinet minister.

The opportunistic stand of Diwakar Bhatt, who was a leading light of the statehood agitation and a self styled ‘field marshal’, further eroded the popular base of the party. The depleting popularity of the party was reflected in the third Assembly elections in January 2012.

In the present state Assembly, the UKD has only one member, Pritam Singh Panwar, who is a Cabinet minister in the Congress-led state government. He is the only UKD legislator to get elected from the Yamunotri Assembly seat in the last state Assembly elections.

Since its formation, the UKD has seen many splits and divisions and at present it is believed that there are at least five factions in the party. At a meeting at Chamoli, leaders of four factions of the UKD came together to sort out their differences.

Political analysts are of a view that an immature leadership, lack of clarity on various issues, lack of funds and overambitious senior leaders were some of the reasons for the political decline of the UKD.

Shivananda Chamoli, a senior party leader-cum- convener of the unification committee, is optimistic about unity among various factions. However, leaders of other factions are skeptical about the success of such a unity move. The problem with various UKD factions is that they have failed to attract youths who could give a new direction to the party.

Party failed to attract youths

• Since its formation on November 9, 2000, the UKD has seen many splits and divisions and at present it is believed that there are at least five factions in the party. At a meeting at Chamoli, leaders of four factions of the UKD came together to sort out their differences.
• n Political analysts are of a view that an immature leadership, lack of clarity on various issues, lack of funds and overambitious senior leaders were some of the reasons for the political decline of the UKD.

Clean Ganga plan biggest achievement: Amit Shah 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 14
The formation of the Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry, the decision to make the Ganga pollution free and envisaging a comprehensive plan to restore its sanctity and purity are the major achievements of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

BJP national president Amit Shah said this while addressing a gathering at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, today. Shah praised Ramdev and said he was born to protect people from evil forces. Shah also cited other major priorities of the NDA government such as the conservation of the Himalayas, a cleanliness drive in schools, setting up of model cities, rail connectivity to the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand.

Shah said the UPA government in its first Cabinet meeting in 2004 had abrogated the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which was passed by the previous NDA government in 2002. “In comparison, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government formed a special investigation team (SIT) on black money in its first Cabinet meeting.

“These two steps indicate the difference in the working of both parties. They facilitated corruption, we will eradicate it, “he stated.

Shah praised Ramdev and said he had made the art of yoga and ayurveda popular.

“Baba has popularised the yoga and the ayruveda around the world. His contribution to popularising Hindi and preservation of other Indian languages, which are on the verge of extinction, is commendable. As a language activist, I want to work with Ramdev in whatever capacity I can,” Shah said.

“Ramdev was targeted by the previous UPA goverment at Ramleela Ground in New Delhi in June 2012. The Congress forgot that when a saint takes a pledge, spiritual powers bless him. Ramdev played a pivotal role in bringing a regime change at the Centre.” 

BJP chief inaugurates Sewa Sadan 
Tribune News Service

BJP national president Amit Shah, along with Ramdev, performs a yajna at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar on Sunday; and (below) Amit Shah addresses saints. Tribune photos: Rameshwar Gaur

Haridwar, September 14
BJP national president Amit Shah along with yoga guru Ramdev inaugurated the Sewa Sadan building at Patanjali Yogpeeth Phase-II here today. The Sewa Sadan Housing Society will cater to the needs of people and families who have been working for Patanjali Yogpeeth.

Shah praised hard work, vision and efforts of Ramdev and his close aide Acharya Balkrishan. He visited Yoga Gram, Aurangabad, Acharya Kulam and Patanjali Herbal Food Park.

Shah said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Baba Vishwanath temple along the Ganga in Varanasi he visibly looked satisfied.

“Acharya Balkrishan was right. Narendra Modi had vowed to remove corrupt governance of the Congress and bring back the BJP to power at the Centre. Similarly, Ramdev had pledged to remove the Congress from power,” said Shah.

The BJP national president arrived here early this morning. A large number of police personnel were deployed for his security. A special yajna was performed before the inauguration of the Sewa Sadan residential building.

Ramdev said helping people in need was a noble cause. He announced Rs 1 crore for flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir. He praised Shah for being instrumental in the success of the BJP and Narendra Modi and said when Uttarakhand was hit by the natural disaster last year, the Congress-led UPA government failed to carry out proper rescue and relief operations. It was the Army that saved people stranded in Uttarakhand hills due to the natural disaster. Even this year the Army was working day and night to ensure proper rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Haridwar parliamentarian Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt, BJP state president Teerath Singh Rawat, BJP legislators Madan Kaushik, Swami Yatishwaranand, Aadesh Chauhan, Sanjay Gupta, former minister Prakash Pant and a large number of saints were present on the occasion.

Samiti demands reconstruction of damaged infrastructure
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
President of the Aapda Sangarsh Samiti Badrinath Dr Jamna Prasad Rewani has demanded from the state government to reconstruct the damaged infrastructure in the disaster-rvaged areas of the state.

He expressed concern over the worst condition of basic infrastructure in the higher areas of the state.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Rewani demanded that the state government should take effective steps to reconstruct damaged roads between Lambagad and Badrinath in Chamoli district.

He said the government should hire another nodal agency for the reconstruction of damaged roads in the district.

“The government should expedite in development related works in the higher areas of the state,” Rewani said.

He threatened that the samiti members would intensify agitation if the state government does not accede to their demands.

Visheshwar Prasad Naithani, vice-chairman of the samiti, lamented that the memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted to the officials many times, but the state government was yet to take effective steps to address their grievances.

A Dhyani, Mukesh, Radha Krishan Bhatt and many more were present on the occasion. 

MAD volunteers visit Raphel Home
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Making a Difference (MAD), a group of student activists, organised an entertainment programme at Raphel Home here today. They were carrying balloons and they thoroughly entertained special children.

They also took part in an awareness campaign against the use of polythene bags in the Ashirwaad Enclave area.

The students interacted with the Dehradun residents and distributed self-made paper bags among them.

The MAD volunteers requested everyone to desist from using polythene bags to conserve the environment.

Pratyuesh Kala, Rajat Panwar, Prashant Panwar, Aquib Umar, Shardul Singh Rana, and others took part in the programme.

‘Disaster-hit families to be shifted to safe places’
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 14
The Divisional Commissioner, Kumaon, has promised to shift all 44 families affected in Balianala landslide to safe places at Durgapur this month as the Uttarakhand High Court has taken cognisance of the situation caused by heavy rain.

The commissioner, along with other officials concerned, was asked to appear before the Uttarakhand High Court in connection with a petition filed on the resettlement of disaster-affected families of Balianala and asked to solve the pending issue at the earliest.

Meanwhile, heavy rain at Munsiyari and Dharchula subdivisions in Pithoragarh district triggered landslides at Naya Basti, Ringulia and Gori Chhal and disrupted traffic movement from Thal to Munsiyari for over 12 hours. “We had to close the road to Munsiyari at Hararia and Ratigar due to heavy debris on the road,” said SS Jarait, a PWD engineer.

The road to Madkot, Baram, Bangapani and Munisyari from Pithoragarh town via Jauljibi will be opened after BRO personnel remove debris and make way for vehicles, he said.

Meanwhile, panic gripped residents of Syari hamlet of Gargua village in Dharchula subdivision after they suspected that a sliding road could fall on their village.

U’khand Police trounce Dehra Eleven
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
The Uttarakhand Police Football team thrashed Dehra Eleven 5-1 in the ongoing super stage of the Nemidas District Football League at Pavilion Ground here today.

For Uttarakhand Police, Amit netted the first goal in the 7th minute followed by strikes in the 11th and 21st minutes by Sishir and Anoop, respectively.

In the second half, Beer Singh scored a goal in the 41st minute, while Deepak scored one goal in the 52nd minute of the match.

On the other hand, Vinod scored the lone goal for Dehra Eleven in the 65th minute. In the second match of the day, Vijay Cant defeated JA Boys by 3-2 score. Ashish struck twice in the match for Vijay Cant in the 60th and 70th minute of the match while Deepesh scored a goal in the 24th minute of the match.

For JA Boys, Kamal scored the goal in the 15th minute, whereas Diwakar scored the goal in the 62nd minute. 

Morning Star win football tourney
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 14
Morning Star B team lifted the coveted 19th Jeet Rauthan Memorial Six-a-Side Football trophy by defeating Mussoorie Public School by a margin of 2-0 in the final match held at Survey grounds here today.

Arpan and Mayur scored the winning goals leading the team to victory in the final match.

Dhruv lal from Mussoorie Public School was declared player of the tournament. Mohit from Tehri-Raika Dharmandal Club was declared best goal keeper of the tournament.

The winning teams were given cash prize on the occasion.

Former Mandi Parishad vice-president Upendar Thapli was the chief guest on the occasion. He presented trophy to the winning team.

Ward members of the MC Ramesh Bhandari, Beena Panwar, Jasvir Kaur, Praveen Panwar, Dhirendar and Lalit Verma were present on the occasion. 

Judo player Savita Gurung honoured 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Chief Minister Harish Rawat today felicitated judo player Savita Gurung for securing the third position in the Asian Judo Championship at Taipei City recently. She was presented a scooty on behalf of the Education and Sports Development Association.

Harish Rawat said Savita Gurung had brought laurels to the state by bagging the third position in the championship. He also expressed gratitude towards the association and said other organisations must come forward to sponsor women players. He congratulated Savita’s coach Satish Sharma.

Savita Gurung thanked her coach, former Mayor Manaorama Sharma Dobriyal and the Education and Sports Development Association for her success.

Media in-charge to the Chief Minister Surendra Kumar and Joint Secretary Jeetendra Negi were also present on the occasion.

Rishab, Beena win chess championship for deaf

Dehradun, September 14
The second Uttarakhand State-Level Chess Championship for the Deaf was organised at Shri Niwas Wedding Point here today. In the men’s category, Rishabh Maheshwari from Roorkee bagged the first position while Sandeep Arora from Haridwar and Manish Sharma from Dehradun won the second and third positions, respectively.

On the other hand, players from Dehradun dominated the women’s category matches and won all three positions. Beena Rana won the first position while Jyoti Singh and Radhika Chauhan bagged the second and third positions, respectively.

It is to be noted that the winners were given a reward of Rs 1,200 while the first and second runners-up were given Rs 700 and Rs 500 rewards, respectively.

Over 80 players from across the state in both men and women categories participated in the championship organised under the aegis of the Uttarakhand Sports Society for The Deaf.— TNS

Move to transfer highway works to NHAI opposed
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, September14
Social activists and leaders of various political parties in the district have opposed the move of the state government to hand over the Tanakpur to Pithoragarh highway to the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) from the Boarder Roads Organisation (BRO). These leaders had last month blocked the highway against alleged irregularities committed by the BRO. “We have not demanded handing over the highway works to the PWD or any other organisation. We were only demanding an investigation into negligence on the part of the BRO in construction and maintenance of the road,” said Bhagwan Singh Rawat, convener of the Pithoragarh Jan Morcha that spearheaded the bandh last month.

Rawat said his morcha was in favour of the BRO handling the highway rather than transferring it to some state agency. “To demand an investigation into irregularities does not mean that we want caretakers of the highway to be changed,” he added.

The Pithoragarh Jan Morcha leader said he would mobilise people again and organise a bandh against the state government if it did not hand over the road to the PWD or some other agency instead of the BRO.

Meanwhile, an organisation of daily wage labourers working on the Tanakpur-Pithoragarh highway have handed over a memorandum to MP Ajay Tamta demanding that the highway should not to be handed over to any other agency as this would mean loss of jobs for them. “The BRO is providing employment to to over 1,500 locals, who reside along the highway,” said Het Ram Bhatt, a daily wage labourer working on the road.

Meanwhile, Ajay Tamta said he would raise the issue in Parliament and meet the minister concerned to stop the transfer the maintenance of the road from the BRO. “Our strategic interests will also suffer if the highway being operated by the BRO since 1962 gets transferred to other agency,” said the MP.

According to social activists in Champawat and Pithoragarh districts, last month they protested against the lackluster attitude of the BRO in maintaining the road at the time of disasters but did not demand the handing over its maintenance work to some other agency. “We will oppose the move of the state government to hand over the construction and maintenance of the highway from 52 km to 202 km from the Tanakpur side to the NHAI or any other state agency,” said Rawat.

Protest over road control

• The Pithoragarh Jan Morcha has threatened to mobilise people again and organise a bandh against the state government if it did not hand over the road to the PWD or some other agency instead of the NHAI.
• An organisation of daily wage labourers working on the Tanakpur-Pithoragarh highway have handed over a memorandum to MP Ajay Tamta demanding that the highway should not to be handed over to any other agency as this would mean loss of jobs for them.

CM visits bus mishap victims
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Chief Minister Harish Rawat visited Srinagar in Garhwal and met Juyalgarh bus accident victims at the base hospital here today.

The Chief Minister gave direction for the best medical treatment to the injured people. He said there should be no dearth of medicines for the victims.

He said in case a victim was referred to a higher centre, the state government would bear all expenses. He held that he had directed the Police, Transport and Revenue Department to work jointly towards checking the frequent incidents of road accidents in hills.

Uttarakhand state Congress president Kishore Upadhayay, Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani and Srinagar Garhwal MLA Ganesh Godiyal were present.

Naithani tells Scouts to prepare for disasters
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani has called upon Scouts and Guides in the state to enhance their preparedness so that their services could utilised in case of emergency.

Speaking at a meeting of the Uttarakhand Bharat Scouts and Guides in Dehradun today, Naithani said it was important that the Scouts and Guides remained prepared so that their services could be utilised efficiently in case of any natural disaster.

Naithani urged them to give their best performance in the Jaipur jamboree to be held early next year. He also asked them to chalk out their yearly programmes in advance.

The minister presented a badge of honour to Uttarakhand Bharat Scouts and Guides State Headquarters Commissioner Rajeev Sharma and treasurer Dr Daljeet Kaur for their valuable contribution.

CS Gwal, Chief Commissioner, Uttarakhand Bharat Scouts and Guides, referred to the activities undertaken by them in the past a few years in the state. He said the scouts and guides did an excellent work during the last year’s rain disaster.

Narendra Sah coordinate the programme, which was attended by a large number of scouts and guides. 

Work on Kishau power project to begin soon 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
The construction of the Kishau multi-purpose project (MPP) along the Uttarakhand-Himachal border will start soon.

At a meeting chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Mishra in New Delhi yeserday, hurdles in the way of the construction of the project were removed. The Centre will bear 90 per cent cost of its construction.

Significantly, the demand of the Himachal Pradesh Government that Uttarakhand should give 50 per cent of the enhanced power generation through downstream hydropower projects has been rejected. Now, Uttarakhand has to give only 25 per cent of the income from power generation in downstream projects. The Centre has directed both states to form a joint venture in a month so that the construction of the project could be started.

Notably, the 660-MW Kishau Multi Purpose Project (MPP) has been taken up by the Central government as a national project as it would benefit five states, including Uttarakhand. It is proposed to be built on the Tons river, a major tributary of the Yamuna on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

About 1,324 million cubic metre (MCM) water will be stored in the reservoir for irrigation. It will irrigate 97,076 hectares of land and provide 617 MCM of drinking water. It will fulfill the water benefit needs of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

Membership drive by UKD (Airy) 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
The UKD (Airy) started its membership campaign in the state today. At a programme held in Dehradun, UKD (Airy) president Kashi Singh Airy said the campaign aimed to bring in more people into the party fold. He added the party targeted to induct at least one lakh new members in the state in next three months.

Airy welcomed social worker Surendra Singh Rawat along with his supporters into the party.

UKD (Airy) state general secretary Jaiprakash Upadhyay said the people of the state had high hopes from the party and they were committed to fulfilling their aspirations.

Uttarakhand Dehradun Mahanagar president Virendra Singh Bisht said the campaign aimed at bringing in every section of society into the party fold. A large number of party workers were present on the occasion. 

Hindi Divas celebrated in Mussoorie
Rich tributes paid to poet Chandra Kunwar Bartwal on his 68th death anniversary
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 14
Litterateurs, residents and students of Mussoorie paid rich tributes to legendary Himalayan poet Chandra Kunwar Bartwal on his 68th death anniversary during a symposium held under the aegis of the Chandra Kunwar Bartwal Research Organisation and the Hills, a social organisation, at Brentwood Hotel in Mussoorie today.

Six luminaries from the state were also felicitated for their contribution to society. The day is also celebrated as Hindi Divas. Eminent Garhwali folk singer Narendar Singh Negi, along with 102-year-old educationist SP Bahuguna, received citation and an award for their contribution to society. Raju Gusain, an eminent journalist, Dr Sunil Sanon, a medical activist, a renowned astrologer Jaikishan Shah and the director of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Colonel Ajay Kothiyal, were honored on the occasion.

Subedar Tejpal Singh Negi received the award on behalf of Col Ajay Kothiyal as he was busy in saving lives in Jammu and Kashmir.

The event was inaugurated by Rajesh Kunwar, representative of the Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani, along with former Mussoorie MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, MC president Manmohan Singh Mall, former MC president OP Uniyal, by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

Students from Saraswati Vidyamandir recited poems written by Chandra Kunwar Bartwal on the occasion. Yogembar Singh Bartwal, secretary of the Chandra Kunwar Bartwal Research Organisation, Shoorvir Bhandari, in-charge of the organisation in Mussoorie said Chandra Kunwar Bartwal always kept nature and mountains as the central theme of his poems. The poet through his poems was able to sketch a lively picture of the culture, tradition and life of the hill areas.

The speakers said the poet was able to depict the hard work of the women from the hills through his poems. Shoorvir Bhandari said Bartwal was a man who loved nature and humanity and could be compared with famous poets like John Milton and William Wordsworth.

Chandra Kunwar Bartwal was born on August 20, 1919, at Malkoti village near Talla Nagpur, now in Chamoli district. Bartwal, diagnosed with tuberculosis early in his life, died at the young age of 28. In his short life span, Bartwal wrote many poems. He composed poems on cremation grounds and the ripening of the berry, popularly known as ‘kafal’. His poem “Kafal Pako Kafal Pako’ is popular even today,” said Bhandari.

Narendar Singh Negi thanked the organisation for honouring him on the day and said the poets from the state like Chandra Kunwar Bartwal have done an exemplary work in literature but the state government and society had completely forgotten the legend. He said the poems written by Chandra Kunwar Bartwal should be included in the textbooks in schools. Earlier, members of the organisation paid tributes to the poet by garlanding his statue at Mussoorie Girls’ Inter-College today.

Saraswati Vidya Mandir students win Hindi debate
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 14
Students of Saraswati Vidya Mandir were declared the overall champion in the inter-school Hindi debate “Who is Responsible for Crime Against Women: Government or Society”. The competition was held under the aegis of the Sadhbhavna, a social organisation, on the municipal council office premises in Mussoorie yesterday.

The runner-up trophy went to Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School. Samiksha Bhatt from Saraswati Vidya Mandir was adjudged the best speaker while Vivek Kumar from Rama Devi Inter-College and Shivani Dangwal from CJM Hampton Court School stood second and third, respectively. Former Mussoorie MLA Jot Singh Gunsola inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp.

Students of 15 schools presented their views on the topic. Some of the speakers said crime against women had risen despite effective laws. Several speakers blamed the patriarchal society for the rise in the crime against women. Some students sought more proactive role of the government and batted for strict punishment to the culprits. The debate stretched over five hours, which irked MC president Manmohan Singh Mall who said long sessions became grueling for the participants as well as the audience.

Chief guest Harbhajan SIngh, IG and Director of ITBP Academy, gave away prizes to the winners. The judges for the event were Surendar Pundir, Dr Virendar Bartwal and Dr Pramod Bharti.

Slum dwellers to have property rights, says MLA 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Rajkumar, Rajpur Road MLA and chairperson of the Slum Development Board, said the state government had decided to give property rights to slum dwellers.

He said various plans were in the pipeline for the improvement of basic facilities like road, potable water, electricity and medical facilities in the slums of the capital. He was speaking during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Valmiki Parishad here today.

He said the state government was committed to improve basic infrastructure in the slums of Dehradun. “The state government has launched various plans for the uplift 
of weaker sections,” he said.

Rajkumar assured the gathering that concrete measures would be taken by the state government to improve social and economical status of weaker sections. Shrawan Kumar, Laxmi Narayan, Om Prakash, Shankar Charan, ML Bahuguna, Manoj Mishra, Rajesh Chowdhury, Ashok Sharma, Anand Thapliyal were present during the function. 

Kishore Upadhyay assures slum dwellers of property rights 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
State Congress president Kishore Upadhyay today assured slum dwellers that they will be given property rights in the state.

Addressing a convention of the Uttarakhand Congress Committee (labour cell) in Dehradun today, Kishore Upadhyay said the Congress in its 2012 Assembly elections manifesto had promised to give ownership rights to the slum dwellers and the party stood by its commitment.

Upadhyay said the party had always worked for the downtrodden. “The UPA government at the Centre had launched a number of schemes for the benefit of the 
poor. The state government is sensitive towards the needs of the poor and was committed to their welfare.”

State Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana assured slum dwellers that their 
rights would be protected under all circumstances. “I will personally lead a delegation of slum dwellers and apprise the Chief Minister of their problems,” he added.

Dhasmana also recalled the efforts made by him in 1996 when the administration, the civic body municipality and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority had jointly started a campaign to remove slums from the city. “I had opposed the drive and the authorities had to stop harassment of slum dwellers,” he said.

Uttarakhand Congress Committee (labour cell) president J P Sharma coordinated the programme. Mamata Gurung, Kunwar Singh Yadav, councillors Vinay Kohli, Ganga Chettri and Mukesh Bangwal were present at the meeting.

Almora MP opposes Pancheshwar Dam

Pithoragarh, September 14
Former Almora MP Pradeep Tamta has opposed the move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to construct the long-proposed Pancheswar dam on the Nepal border adjoining Champawat and Pithoragarh districts saying instead of big dams, roads and railway lines should be constructed in hill areas to boost development.

He told mediapersons at Tanakpur on the conclusion of his two-day visit to Kumaon today that if the talks on the dam fructify, the construction of the Tanakpur to Jauljibi road along the Kali river, which was approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, would get stalled. “Besides, the efforts to construct a rail line from Tanakpur to Bageshwar, along the Kali and Saryu rivers, which was declared a national project by the UPA government, will also get stalled,” said Tamta.

He expressed apprehension that the Pancheswar dam that was first proposed in 1970 would become a victim of political instability in Nepal. “Moreover, the time of the construction of the dam, which will take a long tome, will affect the people living along the river in both districts,” said the former MP. — OC

US-India military exercise from September 17

Dehradun, September 14
As a part of the ongoing India-US defence cooperation, a combined military training exercise “Yudh Abhyas- 2014” is slated to be held at Chaubattia from September 17 to 30. The exercise will be organised under the guidance of Garud Division and Surya Command.

“The troops of the Indian Army will interact with their US counterparts. The exercise “Yudh Abhyas” is the 10th such exercise in the series of combined military training. — TNS

UKD (P) seeks repair of damaged roads
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Members of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar) yesterday staged a dharna at Pandit Deendayal Park in Dehradun demanding prompt restoration of roads damaged in the natural disaster last year.

Led by president Trivendra Singh Panwar, the UKD (P) workers alleged though the natural disaster occurred nearly 15 months ago, the condition of damaged roads was still pathetic. He said the state government had completely failed to repair these roads.

UKD (P) leader Manmohan Lakhera said the poor condition of roads was forcing pilgrims from other states to abandon the Char Dham Yatra, thus affecting the livelihood of local shopkeepers.

Shashi Bhushan Bhatt and Latafat Hussain participated in the dharna.

Rs 1,037 crore projects earmarked for Ardh Kumbh fair
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 14
About Rs 1,037 crore development projects have been earmarked for the Ardh Kumbh fair to be held in Haridwar. As many as 37 government departments and nodal agencies have been designated to complete these works before December 2015.

This was stated by state Urban Development Minister Preetam Singh Panwar at a review meeting held at Vidhan Bhawan yesterday.

Pawar said providing ample parking space should be on priority for which the Municipal Corporation and the district administration should ensure enough parking lots.

The minister said the civic body be given the task to construct parking spaces, which was earlier being done by the Irrigation Department and the Tourism Department.

He said stress would be given to illuminate the mela area with lights so that pilgrims, devotees, tourists and local people do not face problem during nights.

The Municipal Corporation falling in Haridwar, Municipal committee in Rishikesh mela zone and the Haridwar Development Authority will install these lights and ensure its maintenance in the outer core mela zone area.

Haridwar District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan has been given the responsibility of formation of the administrative structure of the Kumbh mela administration.

The minister said development works and projects for the Ardh Kumbh fair should be of permanent nature. This will ensure that maximum use of the Ardh Kumbh budget was done and development of twin pilgrim cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh was done on a mass scale, said Pawar.

Pendiyan sought more technical and financial powers for the chief mela administration officer for better implementation of the Ardh Kumbh fair duties.

On this, the minister ordered formation of a technical cell that will ensure payment after assessing the technical aspect of the work done by the department or the nodal agency.

Farm produce market at Nainbagh demanded

Mussoorie, September 14
The demand for setting up an agriculture produce market at Nainbagh in the Jaunpur development region is gaining momentum.

Due to the absence of such a market in the region, farmers are forced to sell their produce in Vikas Nagar and Dehradun, which is not only time consuming but also an expensive exercise. The farmers also confront middlemen who buy their produce at a lower price and sell it at high rates in other markets of the state.

Amrendar Bisht, Zila Panchayat member from the Bisthaunsi panchayat area, said he had met Agriculture Minster Harak Singh Rawat in Dehradun recently and apprised him of the need to develop an agriculture produce market at Nainbagh. — TNS

Guv greetings on Hindi Divas
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 14
Governor Aziz Qureshi has greeted people of the state and the country on the occasion of Hindi Divas. He said we should be proud of our national language and make efforts to maintain its respect.

He said Hindi played a significant role in maintaining national unity.

The Governor supported the Vishal Hindi Signature Campaign being run by an NGO for encouraging the use of Hindi language. Members of the campaign under the leadership of MLA Raj Kumar met the Governor.