State to prepare list of disaster-hit villages
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
The Uttarakhand Government will prepare a list of disaster-hit villages that needed to be shifted on priority to safer places in the state. Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who presided over a meeting of the Pauri, Narendranagar, Pratapnagar and Gangotri Assembly regions in Dehradun, directed the officials concerned to come up with a list of villages that are prone to disasters and needed to be shifted on priority.

He asked the officials concerned to provide compensation to houses that show a visible sign of damage and are not fit for living.

He directed the Forest Department to undertake speedy conduct of works linked to the transfer of forest land for the affected families.

The Chief Minister asked the District Magistrate to identify places for storing food grains that can be used at the time of emergencies. He said store houses could be taken on lease from villagers.

Referring to the Pauri Assembly region, the Chief Minister asked for an early completion of tenders for the Kolapatal drinking water scheme. He also directed for a speedy conduct of works for the construction of a mini stadium at Bahera and Lwali areas.

Reviewing the works of the Narendranagar Assembly region, the Chief Minister asked the officials concerned to take up the matter with the Centre towards setting up of a school in the region.

He also directed for giving financial help towards recruitment of 21 teachers in the Narendranagar Degree College. He directed for an early completion of the Muni-ki-reti- Narendranagar-Kunjapuri ropeway.

For the Pratapnagar Assembly region, the Chief Minister directed for setting up of a Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidhyalaya. He called for preparing a work plan for developing Semnagraja Dham.

For the Gangotri Assembly region, Harish Rawat directed for preparing a proposal towards creating an Idgah Maidan in the Masjid Mohalla locality of Uttarkashi.

Pauri MLA Sundarlal Mandarwal, Narendranagar MLA Subodh Uniyal, Pratapnagar MLA Vikram Singh Negi and Gangotri MLA Vijaypal Sajwan along with Chief Aecretary Subhash Kumar were present at the meeting.

CM issues directions

• Forest Department asked to undertake speedy conduct of works linked to the transfer of forest land for the affected families
• District Magistrate told to identify places for storing food grains that can be used at the time of emergencies

AAP rues irregularities in PWD works
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
Workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today staged a demonstration at the district headquarters, Dehradun, alleging large-scale irregularities in Public Works Department (PWD) works.

Led by district convener Sanjay Bhatt, the AAP workers alleged that PWD officials were resorting to large-scale irregularities in name of beautification of crossings.

They said no proper procedure had been adopted by the PWD towards allotting works linked to beautification of crossings. Demanding a probe into the alleged PWD regularities, the workers pledged to continue with their agitation till PWD’s wrongdoings were completely exposed. 

Kumbh Mela: 5 industrial firms to beautify Rodi Belwala land 
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 20
In view of the Ardh Kumbh fair scheduled to be held in the early part of 2016, beautification of Kumbh mela land is being undertaken. On one hand, this is expected to attract pilgrims and tourists, and on the other, it is likely to lead to removal of encroachments.

With Chief Minister Harish Rawat releasing Rs 100 crore early this week as the first instalment for Ardh Kumbh fair, development works and projects related to the fair have gained momentum.

The district administration is not only relying on this funding but also it is engaging the corporate sector as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

In a pilot project towards beautifying and renovating Kumbh mela land area of Rodi Belwala, the land has been given to five companies based in the integrated industrial estate of SIDCUL in Haridwar.

ITC, Cello, Havel, Accums and ABB had shown interest in developing this Kumbh mela land, which was granted permission by District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan.

Talking to TNS, Pendiyan said after the Rodi Belwala project shapes up, more such other land and work would be assigned to the corporate sector.

A proposal in this regard was dwelled on by administrative officials and the firms’ representatives yesterday at CCR tower.

“The five companies will be handed out the Roidi Belwala mela land in pieces, which they will develop on their own. As soon as Uttarakhand government gives its nod, the project work will start and similar other land will be given to other industrial firms,” said Pendiyan.

A society will be formed which is expected to take care of maintenance, security, cleanliness and other management aspects. This society will comprise people from government, administrative and non-government sectors and representatives of the related industrial firms.

Chief Development Officer Ranjana said a proposal had been sent to the Chief Minister’s office and after it’s approved in a day or two, work on this project is likely to begin from September 26.

“Khoj Ley Himalayas” expedition flagged off
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
State Urban Development Minister Pritam Panwar and Congress MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan jointly flagged off the Delhi-Gangotri-Nelong valley motorcycle expedition, “Khoj Ley Himalaya”, here today.

The expedition is jointly organised by the Hotel Association Uttarakashi, Uttarakhand Tourism Department, Fifth Garhwal Rifles, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force and Uttarakashi Municipality.

Panwar said for an adventure tourist, Uttarakhand was certainly a delight. “Such expeditions help in showcasing the natural beauty of the state,” he said, adding that, “The mid-June disaster has adversely affected tourism in the state and such events were urgently needed to promote tourism,” Panwar observed. The expedition will conclude in a week.

Missing girl from Jwalapur found in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 20
A girl in her 20’s reported to be missing from Jwalapur a couple of days ago was found by Mussoorie police from Camel’s Back Road here late last evening. The police, after bringing the girl to Mussoorie police station and completing all formalities, have handed over the girl to her parents.

The police station in charge SS Kholia said some locals noticed that a girl was walking on Camel’s Back Road in a confused state of mind. They informed the police about it. The police rushed to the spot and found the girl. He further said the girl was duped by a youth from Jwalapur who had fled, leaving her on her own in Mussoorie. 

Make ‘Hamara pedh, hamara dhan’ scheme lucrative: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has said that ‘Hamara pedh, hamara dhan’ scheme should be made more lucrative. The scheme has been launched to connect with the rural population.

The Chief Minister said common people must be made a part of the ‘Hamara pedh, hamara dhan’ scheme. “The scheme should be made more attractive and Rs 300 for each tree must be provided with a stipulated time frame for tree upkeep limited to 3 years,” he added.

He said development work must be carried out keeping forest conservation in mind. there were limited resources and these should be developed through innovative schemes. The rainwater harvesting scheme must be made more effective and more reservoirs should be created in cost-effective ways, he added.

“Pollution-free nature zones needed to be set up in the state. Tourism also needs to be connected to this. Forest department’s guest houses had to be improved to boost tourism. Tourism activities had to be encouraged,” he said.

He added that every DFO must give shape to water conservation schemes. The water bodies to be made amongst forests must be planned in a manner that they are accessible to wildlife. If the rain water conservation scheme was successful, it would help increase the water level of rivers in nearby areas. Drains should be made on the side of roads near the forests so that the water could be diverted into it.

He also held that a scheme should be prepared at the earliest to protect farms from wild animals.

Policies should be devised to protect fields from animals such as wild boars, nilgais and monkeys. Boundary walls should be constructed on borders of fields and villages adjoining forests. Three-year plans should be made for this. A rehabilitation programme for Rajaji Park, Corbett Park and other affected areas should be planned at the earliest. The CM ordered the officials of the forest department to carry out the repair and construction work in the forest land on their own. This would ensure smooth movement.

World Bank to assist U’khand in health sector
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
The World Bank will assist the Uttarakhand Government in organising surgical camps. This was stated by state Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi here today. “The World Bank has already committed itself to providing 121 million dollars for surgical camps that will be organised in the state. Besides, the bank will provide surgeons. 

Beginning in November or December, the exercise will begin on pilot basis in Tehri, Almora and Bageshwar districts. By 2015, we hope to fill all districts where posts of surgeon are still lying vacant. The assistance by the World Bank will be provided as loan and be sanctioned through the Centre,” said Negi, who was speaking at the third anniversary of the Kushiyon Ki Sawari drop back scheme.

The minister said the government was looking to strengthen the reach of mobile clinics so that entire 95 blocks are covered, “Chief Minister Harish Rawat has already agreed to provide 13 mobile vans from the Chief Minister’s Fund. We have approached Hans Foundation to provide 25 ambulances to bear the operational cost of manning these clinics. Our target is to reach 55 remote blocks of the state so that villagers have facilities of a lady doctor and diagnostics,” said Negi.

On the issue of boycott call given by members of Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS) tomorrow as a mark of protest for not implementing the Direct Assured Career Progression (DACP), Negi said, “A draft proposal has already been given to the Department of Finance and it is being looked into.”

On the implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act, Negi said to reach an agreement, the government was holding talks with members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). “I have been told that Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan during his meeting with IMA office-bearers have been assured of bringing certain amendments in the Act. It is a central Act and we will accordingly act upon,” he said.

Negi said the drop back scheme for mothers, Kushiyon Ki Swari, would be further strengthened with the addition of 15 more vans. As of now, around 111 vans are being run to drop back mothers after their deliveries and the scheme is also engaged in the school health programme.

UKD (P) resents reappointment of teachers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
Resenting reappointment of retired teachers in government schools, workers of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar) protested at the Garhwal commissioner’s office here today.

Led by state president Trivendra Singh Panwar, UKD (P) workers gathered at Garhwal commissioner office and staged a massive demonstration.

The protesters alleged that youth were searching for jobs and there was no justification towards reappointing retired teachers.

The protesters issued an appeal to retired teachers not to hurt employment prospects of unemployed qualified youth. Latafat Hussain, Manmohan Lakhera, Nagenra Raturi, Surendra Pokhriyal were present.

Body found in car
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
The body of a 26-year-old person was found inside his car in the crowded Selaqui market today. The deceased was identified as Nitesh Kumar of Hisar in Haryana. According to the police, they got information from the local people that the body of a young person was lying inside one car. 

The police reached the spot and carried out the panchnama and sent the body for postmortem. Notably, there was an injury mark on the chest of the deceased. 

Maharaj welcomes new Kailash Mansarovar route

Dehradun, September 20
Senior BJP leader from Uttarakhand Satpal Maharaj has welcomed opening of alternate route to Kailash Mansarovar from Nathula in Sikkim.

Satpal Maharaj said the new route has come as a big respite for aged and children, who can now easily complete the Kailash Mansarovar yatra. He said there were many among the aged who want to go for pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar but failed due to tough terrain of the traditional route. — TNS

MP Ed members climb overhead water tank
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
The agitated members of MP Ed and BP Ed Trained Association climbed atop the overhead water tank at Race Course here today in support of their one-point demand of appointment in government schools.

Demanding appointment in the government, nine protesters, including three women, climbed atop the water tank near Bannu School at Race Course on Saturday morning. According to Nehru Colony police station in charge, Praveen Koshyari, ‘’they are not ready to come down until their demand is met and we have communicated their demand to the government.”

It is to be noted that a couple of days back, few ex-servicemen associated with UPNL also climbed atop a water tank in support of their demands. Before them, Siksha Mitra also climbed atop a overhead water tank. 

‘Rainwater harvesting can prevent crisis’
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 20
Noted environmentalist Anupam Mishra, who is also director of the New Delhi-based Gandhi Peace Foundation, has stressed on the rainwater harvesting system to mitigate water crisis.

At a seminar, Anupam lamented that rainwater harvesting had not been given due emphasis both by governments and pro-environment agencies.

He said the usage of the technique was imperative in today’s world.

Pointing out the apathetic attitude of the Central and state governments and commoners towards environment conservation and storing water, Mishra said mass awareness needed to check further exploitation of natural resources.

Terming the ambitious project of interlinking major rivers as not conducive, Anupam said if river courses were disturbed then it might have negative impact like disappearance of the Saraswati river.

Constable held in UP dacoity case
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 20
An Uttarakhand police constable, Pramod, posted at Rudrapur Kotwali, has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police for his alleged involvement in a case of Rs 2 crore robbery from a jewellery showroom in Bulandshahar.

The Uttar Pradesh police have also arrested the father and brother of Satish, presently in Haldwani jail, in the matter. The police said the robbery was actually planned in the Haldwani jail by Satish and another person ‘Tao.’

It is to be noted that the robbery took place on September 11. The Uttar Pradesh police on the basis of CCTV footage alleged that the constables seen inside the jewellery shop were from the Uttarakhand police who had taken a prisoner Manish Verma from Haldwani to Aligarh, for a court hearing, in connection with another jewellery loot case. The police claimed that the man who was seen wearing a helmet in the CCTV footage was actually Manish Verma, presently lodged in Haldwani jail in connection with another case of loot committed in 2010.

Three Uttarakhand police constables were under a cloud of suspicion and interrogated by the police. But only Pramod has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the case.

Ministerial strike hits work in Champawat, Pithoragarh
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 20
Villagers coming from remote areas of Champawat and Pithoragarh districts to get some essential certificates made are returning disappointed from the district headquarters office due to a pen-down strike by ministerial workers.

People from Dharchula Didihat, Gangolihat, Berinag and Munsiyari sub-divisions of Pithoragarh and Tamli and Pati blocks of Champawat district have headed for the district headquarters since the last week expecting an end to the strike. “Works relating to distribution of Chief Minister’s relief fund, arms licence income and permanent residence certificates are not commencing as the employees concerned have gone on strike,” said PS Denia, president of Ministerial Workers Association in Pithoragarh.

In Champawat district, villagers arriving to get permanent resident certificates made from interior villages of the district are returning empty-handed as proper work in the District Magistrate’s offices is not being done. 

HINDI DEBATE
St Joseph’s Academy win overall trophy 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 20
St Joseph’s Academy went on to clinch the overall trophy in the Bro Aloysius memorial inter-school Hindi debate competition organised at the Nirmala Inter-College at Barlowganj near Mussoorie on Saturday.

As many as 11 schools from around the region deliberated on the topic “Population is a bane or boon for development of the country”.

The overall trophy was won by St Joseph’s Academy while Nirmala Inter-College was declared runners up.

The best speaker trophy was jointly shared by St George College and Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School.

Nirmala Inter-College Principal Bro Antony distributed prizes and citation at the end.