‘Green UP’ forum to focus on ozone layer
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The ozone layer or ozone shield refers to a fragile shield of gas layer that protects the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiations by absorbing most of them. Development of mankind has seen discovery, development and abundant use of chemicals. The gases produced by some of these chemicals have over the years depleted this natural cover provided by nature to mankind.

The Department of Health, Safety & Environment in University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) has joined a global campaign to deal with the challenge. Under the leadership of head of department Dr Nihal Siddiqui, it has launched a forum called “Green UP”.

The objective of this forum is to spread awareness about the value of the ozone layer to mankind and to educate the public at large for it to understand what preventive measures need to be taken in order to counter the depletion of this layer.

The Green UP is a club working to spreading sensitivity pertaining to the ozone layer through multifarious platforms of interface with the society like social networking websites. Volunteers have also leveraged their efforts via the radio communication platform by sharing requisite information on “Radio Khushi FM – 90.4” channel.

Keeping in view the serious nature of threat posed to the existence of mankind due to depletion of the ozone layer, the United Nations established a dedicated programme called United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) almost 30 years ago in 1985. The objective of UNEP is to bring together nations and take necessary steps to ensure that emission of harmful gases which deplete the ozone layer is reduced. Two landmark summits have taken place since the inception of UNEP — First was the framework convention for protection of ozone layer in Vienna in 1985 and the second was the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987. Since the Montreal Protocol was agreed upon on September 16, the day is globally observed as the ‘World Ozone Day'.

Ozone Day was also observed on the UPES campus, where extempore debates, poster presentation, idea tank and documentary contests were conducted with active participation of not only students of UPES but also other institutes, including Central University Pondicherry, Uttaranchal University, Doon College of Engineering and Baba Farid Institute of Technology.

It was stated that owing to the combined efforts of 197 nations that have ratified the Montreal Protocol and are working to ensure reduction in depletion of the ozone layer over the past many years, the ozone layer is well on track to recovery. According to an assessment by 300 scientists, it would have recovered well in the next few decades. He further said that were it not for the Montreal Protocol and associated agreements, the atmospheric levels of ozone-depleting substances would have increased 10-fold by 2050. The Montreal Protocol will have prevented two million cases of skin cancer annually by 2030 and would have averted large scale damage to human eyes and immune systems apart from protecting wildlife and agriculture in this time period, it was stated.

Pitching in

• Using eco-friendly products
• Saving energy: Electronic appliances emit CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) even when not in use, so one would be well-advised to unplug electronics when these are not in use
• Preferring to walk and as far as possible, avoiding using vehicles. Measures like using public transport instead of one's own private vehicle or carpooling help too
• Preferring energy-efficient appliances like fluorescent bulbs
• Planting trees: These absorb UV rays and protect the environment
• Replacing old refrigerators and air conditioners as these are major contributors of CFCs
• Avoiding use of insecticides and pesticides.

POLITICAL DIARY
Pulling political strings over Mansarovar yatra route
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The recent agreement between India and China to reopen an alternate route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nathu La pass in the North East during the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has again given a handle to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat to take on the BJP. The decision has infuriated passions in Uttarakhand.

After the Indo-China War of 1962, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was resumed in 1987 following a visit of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China. The yatra was allowed from Lipulekh pass in Pithoragarh district. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), a state government undertaking, has been the nodal agency for conducting the yatra every year. The yatra used to pass through Byans valley and used to generate employment in the villages on the Indo-China border.

The pilgrims have to travel on foot for more than 60 kilometres on a rugged and difficult Himalayan terrain. Only physically fit pilgrims were allowed to undertake the tough pilgrimage. However, the decision to allow alternate pilgrimage from the North East has inflamed passions. An impression is being given in Uttarakhand that the decision is injustice with the state as the route passing through Nathu La, which is 56 km from Gangtok in Sikkim, is completely motorable.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat criticised the decision and said that as per religious scriptures and tradition, the Pithoragarh route is the most desirable. Many protest demonstrations were held across Kumaon region, which is supposed to be affected the most as the yatra passes through that region.

Protesting against the decision, Congress workers burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

State BJP leaders are in a fix. They apparently found themselves in a no-win situation, as the Congress orchestrated a campaign against the move. The party has blamed the Chief Minister of unnecessarily raking up the issue as the Pithoragarh route would continue.

Leaders infuriated over decision

• Chief Minister Harish Rawat criticised the decision and said that as per religious scriptures and tradition, the Pithoragarh route is the most desirable. Many protest demonstrations were held across Kumaon region, which is supposed to be affected the most as the yatra passes through that region.
• State BJP leaders are in a fix. They apparently found themselves in a no-win situation, as the Congress orchestrated a campaign against the move.
• The BJP has blamed the Chief Minister of unnecessarily raking up the issue as the Pithoragarh route would continue.

Selaqui murder case solved: Police
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The Dehradun police claimed to have solved the Selaqui murder case within 24 hours by arresting suspected culprits from Panchkula last night. Reportedly, 26-year-old Nitesh Kumar, a resident of Hisar in Haryana, was found murdered inside his car in the crowded Selaqui market in broad daylight last afternoon. He used to live there along with his four friends in a rented accommodation.

“On Saturday afternoon, two of the flat partners of Nitesh namely Anuj and Kashish reached Sahaspur police station and told the officials that on Friday late night four known persons broke into their flat and held them at gun point. The four accused were identified as Anoop, Sonu, Seetu and Kalia, who according to them belong to Haryana,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Rautela.

The four reached Dehradun for taking back their money from Nitesh and Anuj, which they allegedly took for investing in cricket betting from them. During the heated arguments, one of the culprits, Sonu, stabbed Nitesh to death and kidnapped Chirag, brother of Anuj, and decamped with Rs 1.5 lakh from there. While leaving from there, they asked Anuj to arrange Rs 5 lakh to free his brother, claims Rautela.

Meanwhile, a special team led by inspector Yashpal Singh Bisht, which laid a trap with the help of Anuj, who was getting constant phone calls from the captors for the money. The police were tracking their locations through mobile surveillance as well.

According to the police, the kidnappers called Anuj near Zirakpur bridge on the Chandigarh-Ambala Highway for ransom. Yesterday at 11.35 pm, a SUV came near the bridge to take the money. The police team in mufti nabbed Sonu, one of the culprits who allegedly stabbed Nitesh. The police also recovered a foreign made pistol from him.

On the information of Sonu, the police also recovered Chirag from Sector 20 in Panchkula and arrested two more accused Piyush Pandit and Gopal. On the other hand, the second police team arrested another accused Anoop from his house in Hisar. Notably, Sonu has a criminal past in Haryana and there are a number of cases registered against him at different police stations in Haryana.

“Both Nitesh and Anuj used to invest money in cricket betting in Delhi and Haryana and they took money from Seetu and few others for investing but ran away to Dehradun. On the tip-off Piysuh Pandit, Seetu and other accomplices reached Dehradun to take revenge and settle the case with Nitesh and Anuj,” the police said.

BS Sidhu, Director General of Police, has announced a cash reward of Rs 20,000 for the police team, which cracked the case in a single day.

DGP rejects land grab charges by UP-cadre IPS officer, wife
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
An Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer and his wife have accused DGP BS Sidhu of misusing his power to allegedly grab land and illegally felling trees. The DGP has been maintaining that he has not done anything wrong in the matter and has blamed forest officials for trying to frame him.

Posted in Lucknow as Inspector General of Police (IG) Civil Defence, Amitabh Thakur and his wife Nutan Thakur have blamed Sidhu of misusing his position for illegally grabbing forest reserve land in Veer Girwali in Rajpur and then cutting sal trees without permission.

Addressing a press conference, Nutan Thakur, wife of IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, said, “We have carried out an investigation in our individual capacity and found out that the allegations levelled against BS Sidhu regarding his alleged involvement in illegal purchase of reserve forest land and felling of sal trees are true. We also visited the controversial land and spoke to the locals before reaching any conclusion.”

He even misused his power to file wrong FIRs against Forest Department officials who revealed the illegality surrounding the land, claims Amitabh Thakur. Both also raised questions over the alleged harassment of inspector Nirvikar by the police department for carrying out impartial investigation in the landgrabbing case as an investigation officer.

On the question of why they had come all the way from Lucknow to raise the issue, Nutan said, “I am a social activist and have been working for the cause of bringing in transparency in public governance. After knowing about the case, we decided to hold our own inquiry in the matter, and read all the documents pertaining to the issue.”

“We have requested the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to take strict action against the DGP and transfer all the cases associated with the matter to the CBI if required. The case against forest officials and Inspector Nirvikar should be taken away from the police department and must be investigated by an independent agency,” it was stated.

The issue of alleged illegal grabbing of forest reserve land involving Sidhu is in the National Green Tribunal and there have been a few hearings.

Corbett on alert as poachers on the prowl
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
An alert has been sounded at the Corbett National Park in Uttarakand as a precautionary measure against any possible movement of poachers in the vulnerable southern boundary of tiger reserve that shares boundary with Uttar Pradesh. The alert will be in place till October 31.

Closed for monsoons these days, security arrangements at the Corbett National Park have been strengthened after reports of some possible movement of poachers was expected near the Corbett. Confirming this, Corbett warden Satish Upadhyaya said the park would be on alert till October 31 as part of precautionary measures against the possible poaching activity in the vulnerable southern region of the park.

“During monsoons, security is stepped up taking into account vulnerability of the park during this period. The park has been put on alert till October 31 is due to the fact that certain poachers in recent days are out on bail and their getting involved in any wildlife misadventure cannot be ruled out,” pointed out Updhayaya.

The Corbett Park is usually opened for visitors in mid October. A highly protected area of Uttarakhand due to its high presence of tigers, the Corbett Park has been frequently witnessing acts of illegal felling and poaching in recent times.

The security in the protected areas of the state certainly becomes a challenging task during days of festival like Dasehra and Divali, which are approaching.

The park is packed to capacity, particularly in December and January. Spread over 521 sq km, the park is home to 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The park is known for good presence of tigers that is a major tourist attraction.

Dehradun fashion week opens
Tribune News Service

A model walks the ramp during the Dehradun fashion week. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, September 21
Dehradun Fashion Week & Lifestyle Show, 2014, presented by Kamal Jewellers in association with Solitaire Hotel commenced here yesterday. It is for the third year in succession that Sinmit Communications is hosting the event. The show stopper for the day was Miss Uttarakhand 2013 Khyati Sharma.

The shows for day one were choreographed by renowned stylist and choreographers Ajay Bisht, Prateek Lambi and Kapil, who have been choreographers for world renowned fashion shows over the years.

Some prominent and established names that exhibited their talent in the three-day extravaganza were IAFT, Amritraj Bora, Niket Mishra and Deepi Arora.

The fashion show was declared open by a soothing rich collection by Amritraj Bora who displayed western dress and ethnic wear. He is an accomplished designer and was the official designer for the finale gown at Miss Earth 2012, Miss World and Miss Heritage World for Femina Miss India.

Deepi Arora created magic on stage with smooth transition from subtle beauty to ravishing festivities. The girls walked the ramp displaying wedding festival from the beginning till the final day. This Muzaffarnagar-based designer created verve on stage with his scintillating collection.

Nikent Mishra has also been an official designer of Miss Delhi Show 2007, Mrs Gladrags 2008, Mrs Globe International Contestant 2008 and the prestigious Dar London Hair Stylist Show. He has designed outfits for Femina Miss India contestants and Grasim Mr India contestant who went on to win the crown of the Best Dressed Man. His clients include Urvashi Rautela, Nargis Fakri, Sushmita Sen, Tanushree Dutta and Sakshi Gulati.

Over 40 models from Dehradun and Delhi walked the ramp on Day 1 of the Dehradun Fashion Week.

3 injured in brawl over price of mineral water
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 21
A dispute over the price of mineral water bottle around midnight at a shop near Bhatta village on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Highway resulted into a brawl where a shopkeeper along with two locals received critical injuries. They have been admitted to Max Hospital, Dehradun.

Locals alleged that among six tourists involved in the brawl, two persons were from the Uttarakhand Police, who after assaulting the shopkeeper and his aides at Bhatta, fled from there.

The agitating villagers from Bhatta blocked traffic on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road for several hours at night and this morning causing inconvenience to tourists and locals.

Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi and Municipal Council president Manmohan Singh Mall reached the dharna site and demanded immediate arrest of those who had caused injuries to the shopkeepers.

The traffic jam was removed after intervention of city SSP Ajay Rautela and Mussoorie SDM Ramji Saran, who assured thorough investigation and action. The police have registered a case against unidentified persons and begun investigation. However, some tourists who were caught in the traffic jam near Bhatta did raise the issue of overpricing by shopkeepers on cold drink bottles on a regular basis.

A tourist said whenever he came to Mussoorie, he was often charged Rs 5 to 10 more than the market price on mineral water and cold drink bottles at shops in the town. He said the administration should ensure that the market price is charged from tourists. The SSP termed it a petty dispute and urged both tourists and locals to show restraint while dealing with each other.

Plantation drive marks Nirmal Ganga campaign
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 21
The third phase of the ‘Nirmal Ganga Drive’ was launched in Uttarkashi today with a mass plantation-cum-awareness drive. Operated by Haridwar-based Shantikunj Global Gayatri Family, the drive was launched two years ago with the sole aim of generating awareness and restoring sanctity and purity of the river from Gaumukh-Gangotri to Ganga Sagar in its 2,525 km river course.

Amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, Dr Pranav Pandya, Gayatri family president, flagged off an ‘Amrit Kalash’ mass awareness drive.

In his address, Pandya said, “The holy river is a blessing for the India and we should make sure that the purity and sanctity of the sacred river is maintained.”

“Ensuring that the river is conserved and preserved, we need to generate mass awareness drive from its inception at Gangotri-Gaumukh in the Garhwal Himalayas till Ganga Sagar in West Bengal. Gayatri family’s thousands of activists will go home to home to generate awareness in this regard,” Pandya said.

Kedar Prasad Dueby, who has been associated with the Nirmal Ganga Drive for past two years, said under this drive, a survey of the river had been done.

“Amrit Kalash chariot procession is being undertaken with dozens of volunteers on foot accompanying it .A mass plantation drive will also be done in this phase with more than 300 teams formed to carry out the campaign, Ganga Pragya Mandal,” Kedar added.

“A divine chariot is beautifully decorated with an idol of Lord Shiva with Ganga flowing through his locks, conveying the message pertaining to the plight of the river in today’s time,” he said.

Village women educated on legal rights, laws
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
A two-day legal awareness programme concluded at the Vikasnagar block auditorium here today. As many as 80 women, including elected women representatives, Asha and Anganwadi workers and housewives from different villages of the Vikasnagar block participated in the legal awareness programme being supported by the National Commission for Women.

Tara Devi, Block Pramukh of Sahaspur, inaugurated the programme and addressed the gathering on the importance of legal awareness for women.

The training was anchored by Rekha Dhyani, who introduced women with legal topics and trainers. The trainings were given on free legal aid, sexual harassment at workplace, PCPNDT Act, Right to Information Act, labour laws, child marriage, dowry, property rights for women, role of legal literacy in panchayats etc.

Krishna Khatri, member of the State Women Commission, explained the role of the state and the National Women Commission. The village women were educated on the functioning of gram panchayat and gram sabha.

The training was given by master trainers Rekha Pundir, Damini Mamgain, Narendra Tripathi, CS Negi, advocates Kabir Shelly, Omar Khan, Dolly Joshi and trainee Sheen Mudgil.

The two-day workshop saw women querying about their day-to-day issues. Shabnam, block member, Vikasnagar, queried whether free legal aid could be used to fight against the unavailability of ration cards to the poor.

‘Terrorism, corruption major global problems’
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 21
In the Indian culture, different religions, communities and sects have mingled easily. For centuries, the world has been drawn to India owing to its diversified culture and spirituality, among other things. While since Independence, terrorism and corruption have majorly impacted India’s growth, for eradication of both, not only strict legal set-up but also a drastic change in mindset is required.

This was stated by Satpal Maharaj, founder of Manav Uthan Sewa Samiti, here at a communal harmony convention at Prem Nagar Ashram in Haridwar today.

Addressing 50,000 devotees, Satpal Maharaj, citing global terrorism, particularly the ‘jehad’, said stringent laws are only one solution but a long-term solution will have to be spiritual.

The founder of Manav Uthan Sewa Samiti said, “The path of wisdom, truth and non-violence shown by saints such as Mahatma Gandhi needs to be incorporated as all bad thoughts, wrong deeds and actions emanate from the mind.”

“Cleansing and purifying our thoughts will lead to pure action. Thus, social or human evils will not resurface. The solution lies in coming close to God, spirituality, creative work and in meditation,” he stated.

Vibhu Rawat, son of Satpal Maharaj, also delivered an address at the convention. Urging youths to ignite their inner spirituality, Vibhu said India can become a strong nation not only with technical prowess but also with spiritual superiority.

Among others present on the occasion were former state Cabinet minister Amrita Rawat, Suyash, Aradhya and Mahatma Hari Santoshanand.

Shoppers sensitised towards shunning littering habits
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The U Turn Foundation organised an anti-polythene and anti-littering drive at Araghar vegetable market today. The aim of the campaign was to sensitise shoppers in vegetable market to say no to polythene bags and promote anti-littering habits. The NGO has been working to save the fragile environment of the Dehradun valley from harmful effects of polythene bags.

The message of polythene hazards was put forward by members of Green Force to shoppers and shopkeepers. The campaign was coordinated by Green Force members Anchal Bisht, Deepanjli Sharma, Nidhi Aswal, Akansha Mishra, Yahspal Bisht and Arpan Singh.

To accomplish their mission of a clean city, U Turn Foundation initiated a “Carry your Bag” campaign in 2011. The objective of the campaign is to motivate citizens of Dehradun to use cloth or jute bags for shopping and say no to polythene. So far, the NGO has organised more than 150 anti-polythene campaigns throughout Dehradun and distributed more than 10,000 bags. Volunteers of U Turn Foundation are going to shops, door to door, vegetable markets and shopping complexes with an aim to sensitise local public about the harm that polythene was inflicting on the fragile environment of Dehradun.

Ankit Thapliyal murder & robbery case
Balawala residents allege police inaction, submit memorandum to Harish Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
Local residents of Balawala village submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through his media in charge Surendra Kumar at the Bijapur guest house today. The residents demanded action in the Balawala robbery in which 22-year-old Ankit Thapliyal was killed on September 11.

They met the Chief Minister's media coordinator, Jasbeer Singh, who assured the residents that police are investigating the matter with sincerity and the culprits would be arrested soon.

Local residents, mainly belonging to Vivek Vihar, where the robbers struck, demanded that barbed wire fencing should be done on the sides of Dulhani river and a separate police post should be established in Balawala for people's security.

The Chief Minister's media coordinator assured the residents that a survey for the putting the wire fencing in place will be undertaken at the earliest and space for the new police post will be looked for. In the delegation, Madan Singh Negi, Rajeshwari Rawat, Gopal Singh, Mohan Singh Negi, Subash Nautiyal and others were present.

Set up conservation ministry for Himalayan states: UPP
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The Uttarakhand Parivartan Party (UPP) today released “Dehradun Declaration” seeking sincere mitigation measures to check adverse effects being faced by Himalayan states due to climate change. The declaration prominently calls for setting up of a Himalayan conservation ministry for addressing environment issues of the Himalayan region.

Releasing the “Dehradun Declaration” document, UPP leader and green activist Suresh Nautiyal said while Himalayan states were suffering the most due to climate change, there was an urgent need to find mitigating solution to counter this challenge both at regional and national levels.

Nautiyal said it was important to set up a Himalayan conservation ministry so as to ensure that conservation issues get ample priority in the policies and programmes at the Centre. He said efforts must be undertaken for plantation of broad leaf trees in hills to ensure conservation of fast depleting water sources.

UPP leader Prabhat Dhyani said the UPP was committed to resolving the issue of environment conservation in Himalayas. He said Himalayan states were suffering the worst due to ill effects of climate change. Kuldeep Madhwal and Vijay Bhatt were other prominent participant to the deliberations.

The “Dehradun declaration” document called for sanctioning of small hydropower project. It calls for a prompt afforestration drive where felling of trees have been done in the recent times. Participation of locals in conservation works and check on over-exploitation of natural resources had been included in the “Dehradun Declaration”.

Guv for ‘Rashtramata’ status for cow
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi has announced to extend full support for cow conservation campaign and giving cow status of “Rashtramata”. He said cow was the symbol of faith and devotion for crores of people of the nation. The Governor said those involved in cow slaughter and violation of beliefs, feelings or laws related to the protection of cows had no right to be called Indian citizens.

Expressing his views in a “Gauwardhan Janjagran” rally organised by Bharatiya Gau Kranti Manch, held here today, the Governor strongly opposed slaughter of cows in the country. He said he had been making efforts to stop slaughter of cows for the past five decades.

Spiritual leader Gopalmani presented “Dhenu Manas Granth” written by him to the Governor during the function. The organisers submitted a memorandum highlighting their demands, including a separate ministry for cow and complete banning of cow slaughter, to the Governor during the rally.

The participants took out a rally which commenced from the Parade Ground and passed through Kanak Chowk, Ashley Hall, Gandhi Park, Clock Tower, Dilaram Bazar and culminated at Parade Ground.

The gathering has decided to create awareness among residents to take steps to stop slaughter of cows. The next rally is slated to take place in Shimla on October 2.

Kulam School students win yoga championship
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 21
Swami Ramdev-run Acharya Kulam School registered its supremacy in yoga as it won the championship in both boys’ and girls’ category. The championship was organised by the Indian Yoga Federation at Ved Prakash Pathak Public School, Naujheel, Mathura. Acharya Kulam students Anushkha Gupta in the girls’ section and Hitesh Soni in the boys’ category were star performers for their team. Prerna, Soumya, Anushka, Nimiti, Divyanshi, Mohan and Hitesh Soni excelled in the 10-15 age group yoga events of the championship.

Expressing happiness over the performance of the yoga students, Acharya Bala Krishan welcoming the students at Patanjali Yogpeeth,16 km from Haridwar city, said that if people include yoga art in their daily life, every challenge would be exciting as apart from mental health physical well being was also attained through yoga asanas. Acharya Bala Krishan advocated for yoga to be practiced by everyone, be it child, teenager, youth, or senior citizen.

Principal of Acharya Kulam, Subrat Kumar, director Sacchidanand and administrative officer Kunal Singh also extended their wishes to yoga achievers. Meanwhile, under the aegis of State Badminton Association, a three-daybadminton meet began today at the City Sports complex, Devpura. More than 12 teams are participating in the tournament. The qualifying events were played today while from tomorrow pre-quarterfinal matches will begin.

Forest Dept to demarcate areas for extraction of ‘yarsa gumba’
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 21
To avoid tussles between various factions of villagers on extracting “Yarsa gumba”, a herb found in higher Himalayan regions, the Forest Department has decided to demarcate areas involved in extraction of the herb. The extraction begins in March every year and continues for about four months.

A meeting in this regard was held between officials of the Forest Department and villagers at Dharchula today. Officials of the Forest Department said every demarcated area would be handed over to separate villages for the extraction of “Yarsa gumba” and the allocation be duly notified by the state government.

“We have decided to finish the demarcation work by end of this month,” said MS Semia, SDO, Forests, who represented the Forest Department in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by forest sarpanches, forest officers and local administrative officers.

The meeting was of the opinion that foreigners, especially from Nepal, who intrude into these meadows during the extracting months, should be banned from extracting the herb as they become a cause of violent tussles between villagers.

Summer Valley School wins quiz contest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 21
The host Summer Valley School bagged the first position in the Inter-School Quiz Competition ‘Quintessence’ organised on the occasion of 20th Founders’ Day Celebrations of the school yesterday. Welham Girls School got the second position while Doon International School bagged the third spot in the quiz competition.

Notably, 21 schools from across the state participated in the quiz with six teams qualified for the stage round on the basis of preliminary round points. Welhams Girls Schools, RIMC, St Joseph Academy, Doon International School, Hilton School and Summer Valley School qualified for the stage round.

The quiz was divided into 11 rounds which comprised sports, fastest finger first, audio-visual, art and literature and many others. The participating teams left no stone unturned to win the top spot and bag the exciting prizes worth Rs 1 lakh. Each member of the winning team was awarded a laptop. Members of the first runner-up team received cameras each while members of the second runner- up team received pen drives.

AB Lal, former Director General of Police, was the chief guest.

Tanakpur residents seek stoppage of mining
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 21
After Maletha villagers succeeded in ousting stone crushers voicing environmental concerns, villagers from Khetkhegera in Tanakpur subdivision of Champawat district have decided to oppose the mining in their area. “We have decide to oppose the mining lease because if mining activities continue at this point, entire village will come under the danger of landslide from the hill top near the lease site,” said Urmila Chand, a Zila Panchayat member from the area.

The villagers today gathered at the office of Sub Divisional Magistrate and handed over a memorandum after demonstration. “We have decided to continue our agitation until the lease is cancelled,” said Chand.

They have taken inspiration from the agitation that was started by Maletha villagers in Tehri Garhwal district recently and said if the residents of Maletha can successfully oust the stone crushers from near their village, the state government can also evaluate these mining sites from the environmental point of view.