Ganga canal cleaning work intensified
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 26
With a few days left for winding up of the Ganga canal closure, the civic body and the Irrigation Department have intensified the cleaning work being done over the past fortnight in Haridwar.

The Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has pitched in with 12-odd JCB machines, earth removers and trolleys to clean the 160-year-old Ganga canal. MN Singh, Sub Divisional Officer, UP Irrigation Department, said every year the canal was closed to clean it of accumulated silt, sand, mud and for maintenance of Ganga ghats.

Mishra added that in the coming days, water flow will be restored in the Ganga canal from Bhagirathi bindu-Bhimgoda barrage point, adjacent to Neel Dhara. Thus, the remainder of the work is being done on a war footing. Be it adjacent Ganga Ghats of Brahma Kund, Har-ki-Pauri, Damkoti twin bridges, Rishikul-Gobind Ghat, Pul Jatwada or Kankhal small canal, JCB machines and trucks can be seen on canal sites, with labourers removing and collecting garbage, filth, plastic and other material stuck on the Ganga ghats.

Teerth Maryada Raksha Samiti president Sanjay Chopra has alleged cleaning of garbage in the canal is being done at snail’s pace. He said despite more than a fortnight having elapsed since the canal’s course was blocked, barring a few sites, not much cleaning work has been carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. Uttarakhand statehood fighter and founder of Uttarakhand Kranti Manch, JP Pandey, has demanded handing over of affairs of Ganga canal in Haridwar and Roorkee to the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department.

Pandey alleged blatant violation of the accord signed between Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh government regarding the disputed properties in 2000 when a separate state of Uttarakhand was created. “UP is getting adequate supply of potable and irrigation water from Ganga canal that starts from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The head of the canal is in Uttarakhand, as per the clauses in the Uttarakhand Reorganisation Bill 2000. The powers of controlling the property should be vested in the state where it is situated,” said Pandey.

Uttarakhand Irrigation Department Sub Divisional Officer Purushottam said they had no powers to control or manage the canal stretch, that falls in Uttarakhand.

No end to traffic jams in Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
The tall claims of the administration and the traffic police of being fully prepared to deal with the rising vehicular pressure on city roads were belied yesterday evening. The Rajpur Road in the Jakhan area remained blocked for more than two hours following a brief spell of rainfall.

Commuters travelling towards Mussoorie diversion took hours to pass a small stretch in front of a shopping mall due to a traffic jam caused by heavy vehicles and rainfall further added to their woes.

The vehicles were moving at a snail’s pace and the efforts of the city patrol unit to streamline traffic could not bring respite to people stranded in the jam.

“The traffic condition in the Jakhan area is deteriorating due to a heavy influx of vehicles towards the Rajpur area. The problem has worsened over the last one year after the construction of the shopping mall in the area,” said Vipin Thapa, a local resident.

“During weekends, the traffic congestion is more and we try to avoid taking that route,” said Mudit Pathak, another resident.

In order to streamline the traffic movement in front of the mall, the Mussorrie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) had installed plastic road dividers to segregate the traffic going towards the mall and the vehicle going towards Mussoorie diversion. But, this too has not solved the problem.

On the other hand, SP, traffic, Pradeep Rai, said the plastic road dividers had helped in streamlining the traffic condition and the traffic movement was more disciplined in front of the mall.

He said Saturday’s traffic jam was due to rainfall.

He said steps would be taken to make sure that commuters do not face inconvenience while travelling through Jakhan area.

Commercial activities hurting pristine charm of Landour Cantt
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 26
The Landour Cantonment area, known for its beauty during the British Raj and having gained popularity as a tourist destination, could be heading for a disaster. Old-timers are sad that the Landour Cantonment area, that falls in the A1 category of the Defence Act, is also heading the Mussoorie way, with increased commercial activity without the capacity of the area being taken into consideration.

Ganesh Saili, author of the books “Doon Across the ages”, “Icing on Landour Cake” and “Mussoorie Medley”, is of the view that the area that was known to have clung to the pretensions of leisure and contemplation is heading the Mussoorie way and succumbing to the perceived economic gains.

The influx of tourists is more during back-to-back holidays and weekends as the crowds from nearby towns also make it a point to reach here.

This ill-managed tourism has given rise to nuisance associated with main Mussoorie town. The road from Anupam Chowk to Char Dukan is marked by increase in traffic and erratic parking on the already narrow road, said Saili.

Mushrooming of guest houses in the residential complexes has created a problem of parking, resulting in frequent traffic jams, said a resident.

The increase in number of tourists does not match the carrying capacity of Landour Cantonment area. Residents have begun facing acute water shortage due to increased tourism activity.

Char Dukan area used to be a shed during the British Raj and is bustling with increased economic activity now. The food is good but exorbitantly priced. One Maggi noodles bowl costs around Rs 50, which is sheer fleecing, said a tourist.

The employees operating at the new parking area constructed by the Landour Cantonment Board charge Rs 50 per hour from one car, said a commuter here.

The littered empty beer bottles near St Paul’s Church at Char Dukan also tell the tale of changing nature of tourists visiting the area, lamented a resident.

The increased vehicular movement poses threat to the birds and other animals that frequent the forest.

The road from Char Dukan to Lal Tibba needs repair, but the Landour Cantonment Board, that runs the daily state of affairs, is yet to take appropriate action, said residents.

The local small business community refutes all the charges of fleecing the tourists. It is of the view that the cost of transporting the goods from Mussoorie to Char Dukan or elsewhere is much more, hence the increase in prices. They opine that most of the residents complaining about the increase in traffic and number of tourists are those who do not depend on such activity but have different economic options in Delhi or elsewhere.

One positive aspect in the Landour Cantonment area is the return of the Japanese binoculars at Lal Tibba, from where one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

P Ajit Reddy, CEO, Landour Cantonment Board, said he was not aware of any fleecing going on in the area and would look into the matter. He said the tenders had been floated and work on the dilapidated roads would begin soon.

BJP’s poll victory sign of its growing popularity: Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Uttarakhand BJP president Teerath Singh Rawat today said the success of the party in the Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra amply proved the growing popularity of the BJP in the country.

Rawat, who was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day convention of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) at Roorkie today, said the party’s appeal among the Indian electorate had increased manifold ever since the BJP government came to power at the Centre.

He said the Jan Dhan Yojana started by the BJP government was financially empowering the poor and the underprivileged. He said similarly, the Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan had started a new revolution in the country and highlighted the importance of general cleanliness in the city.

He held that the youth were the key force behind the country’s development. He called for them to play a significant role in the betterment of Uttarakhand. He said inflation had come down significantly ever since the BJP government came to power at the Centre.

Earlier, state BJYM president Saurabh Thapliyal said more youth in Uttarakhand were joining the BJYM. He said it was the aim of Uttarakhand BJYM to ensure BJP’s electoral success in the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand.

Manoj Jakhmola, Rajpal Singh, Arvind Gautam and Saurabh Gupta were prominent BJYM Uttarakhand leaders who addressed the gathering on the occasion. BJYM workers from across the state are attending the two-day convention.

Party high command to decide on PDF ministers, says CM
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has again stonewalled the demand of his rival camp to drop some of the ministers belonging to the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) so as to make room for more Congress legislators in the ministry. Rawat has said the PDF had given valuable support in forming the government in 2012 and any decision about them would be taken by the party high command.

The Chief Minister recently met party president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Ambika Soni in Delhi and discussed the matter with them.

Rawat indicated that senior Congress leaders would be given various positions in boards, corporations, commissions and other government bodies. Probably, the party high command has allowed him to go ahead on the issue.

The Chief Minister has been under pressure from the rival group headed by Vijay Bahuguna to give more representation to the legislators owing allegiance to him in the ministry.

Bahuguna has been demanding that there should be a reshuffle in the ministry, since the Congress is placed comfortably in the state Assembly after winning three seats in the byelections held in July.

Besides pressure from the Bahuguna group, even Congress leaders belonging to the Harish Rawat faction are annoyed with the performance of the PDF ministers.

They have been complaining that the PDF ministers are not honouring them and proving to be counter productive for the ruling Congress party.

On the issue of the attitude of the PDF ministers and the resentment prevailing among Congress leaders, Rawat said he would look into the matter and advised the PDF ministers to listen to the grievances of party workers.

On giving posts to Congress leaders, he said the party organisation would be consulted on the issue.

Ball in court of party high command

• The Chief Minister has been under pressure from the rival group headed by Vijay Bahuguna to give more representation to the legislators owing allegiance to him in the ministry.
• Bahuguna has been demanding that there should be a reshuffle in the ministry, since the Congress is placed comfortably in the state Assembly after winning three seats in the byelections held in July.
• Besides pressure from the Bahuguna group, even Congress leaders belonging to the Harish Rawat faction are annoyed with the performance of the PDF ministers

Hazare aide demands check on illegal mining; to meet Pranab
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, a founder member of India Against Corruption and close associate of Anna Hazare, has said a delegation will meet President Pranab Mukherjee and demand a CBI probe into illegal mining on riverbeds going on in Uttarakhand.

Qasmi told mediapersons here today that despite a ban on mining on riverbeds the mining mafia was active in the state.

He said that Congress-led state government should take stringent action against the land, and mining mafias.

He said a delegation of their organisation had met Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi and requested him to intervene so that a tab could be kept on illegal mining. “Migratory birds have stopped coming to the Asan conservation reserve and the Dakpatthar barrage due to continuous illegal mining on the riverbeds in the Yamuna valley,” he added. Qasmi said the state government should take effective measures to stop illegal mining to conserve the environment.

Bharmacharya Dayanand, a disciple of Swami Shivanand of Matri Sadan, said those involved in illegal mining had hired criminals to kill his guru, who has been campaigning against illegal mining in Haridwar.

He lamented that SSP, Haridwar, Sadanand Datte, was transferred before he could disclose the names of those involved in illegal mining. He said the government should recommend a CBI probe into the matter.

Dayanand said illegal mining had an adverse impact on the environment and hence needs to be checked.

adarsh nagar multiple murders
Harmeet killed family members, say police
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
The police have given the clean chit to the mother of Adarsh Nagar murder case accused Harmeet Singh. Harmeet is accused of killing four of his family members, including his father, at their house in the Adarsh Nagar locality on Chakrata Road on Diwali night.

Anita, mother of Harmeet Singh, who is in jail, was questioned by the police but did not find her involved in the crime and hence gave her the clean chit.

SP (City) Ajay Rai said, “We questioned her on the request of other aggrieved family members. We can say that she was not involved in the killings. The investigation in the case has confirmed that Harmeet Singh committed the crime.”

Anita, who resides in Saharanpur with her younger son Paras, was picked by the Dehradun police on Saturday for questioning. She was let off after the police did not find any substantial evidence of her alleged role in the killings. Anita was the first wife of Jai Singh, whom Harmeet killed, and was staying with her younger son in Saharanpur for the last 8 years.

Later, Jai Singh married Kulwant Kaur, who was among those who were stabbed to death on Diwali night. Jai Singh had two sons from his first marriage. One of them is Harmeet and the other is Paras.

Police say that Harmeet committed multiple murders on Diwali night. “After killing his father, stepmother, stepsister and three-year-old nephew, Harmeet sat beside the bodies for more than 6 hours, clearly showing that he was mentally disturbed,” said the SP.

"Our investigation has revealed that Harmeet was upset over alleged step-motherly treatment being given to him. He has been carrying this feeling for the last many months, and hence planned to kill his father and other family members," he said.

Mussoorie MLA cleans Tapkeshwar temple area
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Ganesh Joshi, Mussoorie MLA, along with his supporters cleaned the Tapkeshwar temple area here today.

Residents participated in the drive under the banner of Bihari Mahasabha. Satinder Singh, president of the mahasabha, said the cleanliness drive was launched ahead of the Chhat Puja.

He said everybody’s contribution was vital for making our city neat and clean.

Vishnu Gupta, Devendra Pal Singh, Anil Saini, Acharya Vipin Joshi, Narendra Singh, Lallan Singh, DK Singh and many more were present during the drive.

Pollution level rises on Diwali
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
The pledge by local residents to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali went in vain as crackers were burst recklessly in a number of residential areas in Dehradun.

The Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB), recorded the air pollution at Clock Tower at 218.12 respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and at Nehru Colony 333.69 respirable suspended particulate matter.

Notably, 100 RSPM is the standard level and anything above that is considered dangerous for human beings.

Gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are emitted by crackers.

Regarding noise pollution on the Diwali night, 72.33 decibels were recorded at Clock Tower, 72.78 decibels at Saharanpur Chowk, 64.38 decibels at Nehru Colony, 64.16 decibels at posh Race Course, 69.59 decibels at Prince Chowk, 63.69 decibels at Vasant Vihar, 74.81 decibels near Inter State Bus Terminus and 65.10 decibels was recorded near Gandhi Park.

The noise pollution limit in residential areas is 55 decibel and in silent zones 45 decibel.

Haridwar SSP appeals for peace on Moharram
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 26
SSP, Haridwar, Sweety Aggarwal, is holding meetings with villagers to ensure peaceful passing of Moharram. Sweety has directed SP (rural) Parmendra Dobhal and Circle Officer, Mangalore, JB Pandey to hold meetings in sensitive areas with representatives of people and residents belonging to different sects and communities as a precautionary measure.

Sweety discussed at length with police officers and local representatives at the police post, Landaura, the tense situation that developed during a Moharram procession in the area last year.

She urged the people to exercise restraint and mutual communal harmony. She said besides a heavy deployment of police force, eminent senior residents belonging to all communities were being requested to ensure a peaceful Moharram.

It was decided that barricading along sensitive routes from where the Moharram processions pass would be done, besides a limit would be put on the number of people accompanying the procession.

The use of loudspeakers would be monitored as it had come to light that many incidents between local villagers and those taking part in the processions had arisen due to excessive use of loudspeakers.

The SSP directed Station House Officer, Landaura, JS Pundir and post in charge Vidhya Dutt Joshi to monitor the Moharram processions. The district police chief said carrying of any weapon, ammunition, iron rods or sticks was banned. He directed senior officers to accompany the procession and deploy police personnel in civic.

Sansthan urges jobs for differently-abled
Tribune News Service

Members of the Parvatiya Viklang Sewa Sansthan falicitate a handicaped person at a programme in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, October 26
GS Pahwa, patron of the Parvatiya Viklang Sewa Sansthan, said here today differently-abled persons had proved their worth in every field. He added working round the clock with dedication helped them in achieving the target.

Pahwa while addressing a gathering at a function organised by the Parvartiya Viklang Sewa Sansthan said the sansthan had been working to create awareness among differently-abled persons about beneficiary schemes introduced by the state government. Twelve differently abled persons were felicitated at the function.

He added a large number of differently-abled persons were becoming self dependent due to such schemes.

He said people should create employment opportunities for them instead of showing sympathy.

Later, they distributed blankets to the poor and the needy along with the members of the sansthan.

Gulshan Bahri, Mahant Kedar Puri, Mohan Das, Deedar Singh, Gulzar Singh, Sewa Singh, Vishwanath Kohli, and others were present.

Fate of 240 weddings at sealed marriage halls uncertain
Tribune news service

Dehradun, October 26
Uncertainty looms large on the fate of nearly 240 weddings which were scheduled to take place at marriage halls sealed by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) as part of its drive against encroachment and illegal constructions.

The MDDA has sealed around 80 wedding points till now and served notice to several others. Till December the bookings were made for 240 weddings. MR Kaushal, manager of the Sriniwas Wedding Point, said the government departments were bent upon closing wedding points in the state capital. “With the number of community halls being very less in the city, it will be very difficult, especially for the middle class, to arrange venues for weddings. Besides, it becomes difficult to book a wedding place at a short notice,” he added.

“The wedding points owners are paying various taxes, including luxury tax, house tax, service tax, but they are still facing the ire of the state government. Every effort is taken to ensure that there are no traffic jams outside the wedding points, but merely closing the wedding points for the same is no excuse by the government,” he added.

Indian traders in Tibet to return by Oct 31
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, October 26
The 26 tribal traders still camping at the Taklakot mandi in Tibet have started preparations for returning to India before the October 31 deadline. They have worth Rs 30 lakh of goods yet to be sold.

The last batch of traders will start returning via Lipulekh Pass on October 29 and all of them will return by October 31.

“The journey through Lipulekh Pass has become easy as the Chinese authorities have cleared snow dumps on the way,” said Daulat Singh Raypa, leader of the traders who spoke over the phone to this correspondent from the Taklakot mandi in Tibet.

He added the Indian traders who were still to sell goods worth Rs 30 lakh to their Tibetan clients, would have either to hand over these to friendly businessmen or have to hire a godown at Taklakot to store them. “As far as the Indian side of the trade route is concerned, the way to Gunji from Lipulekh Pass has not even been cleared for horses till date,” Said Raypa.

A trade assistant, PS kutiyal, said goods imported from Tibet would be stored at Gunji, the Indian mart for the trade, and after some time these would be taken to lower valleys where the tribal traders migrate during the winter. The actual trade of the Tibetan goods would start thereafter.

106 papers on science, spirituality presented
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 26
As many as 106 research papers were presented on the concluding day of a national seminar on Ancient and Spiritual Sciences at the Dev Sanskriti University here today.

Addressing the gathering, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Dr Mahavir Aggarwal said in ancient Sanskrit scriptures, spirituality and scientific knowledge are in abundance and learning Sanskrit would lead to better understanding of these twin aspects.

Noted scientist, Padmashree Dr Vijay Pandurung Bhatkar, who is credited with making a super computer, said the Indian civilisation is the only one that catered to scientific aspects from the spiritual standpoint of view.

Dr Bhatkar responded to queries of the participating scholars. He urged the Centre to ensure teaching of science and spirituality in every school and college in the country.

Prof HC Verma from Physics Department of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Shri Ram Verma, Dr Ram Jay Sundar, Dr Ram Kalp Tiwari, Prof Ajeet Kambhavi, Dr Subash Chandra, Dr Kamlesh Kumar Sharma, Prof Ramesh Gupta and Dr Shambhavi Mishra, head of Scientific–Spirituality Department, DSU, also spoke on the second day of the seminar.

Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti University Sharad Paridhi shed light on various topics related to the seminar topics. He thanked the participants for their contributions. Ajay Bharadwaj and Gopal Sharma coordinated the seminar’s sessions.

UK college students arrive at Unison World School
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
As part of the International Student Exchange Programme, a delegation of 13 students and two members of the staff from St. Francis’ College of England arrived at Unison World School here today.

A group of students from St Francis’ College, England, arrive for an international student exchange programme at Unison World School in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph

The delegation of students and staff was cordially received at the airport by school Principal Veena Singh and Head of Department of International Curriculum Meenakshi Bajaj. A traditional welcome was given to the foreign delegation at the school. The students of St. Francis’ College are accompanied by Pamela Wilkinson, Deputy Headmistress, and Caroline White, who is the Head of Boarding.

According to a press note issued by Unison World School, “Student International Exchange Programmes promote mutual understanding between nations through cultural and educational exchanges. They strengthen inter-cultural understanding between students from different nations and enable them to communicate and relate to others.”

Students’ union poll at PG College in Nov
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 26
The students’ union election at the local PG College will be conducted in the first week of November. The college authorities have already completed the admission process.

According to the college authorities, the election committee would hold a meeting with student leaders on October 27 and thereafter decide the date of election.

“We have made preparations for the election and issued identity cards to new students. The district and police authorities have also been apprised about the election as without their help it will be difficult for the college authorities to conduct the election,” said RD Pangti, Principal of the college.

Meanwhile, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) and the All India Student Association (AISA) and independent candidates have started campaigning for the election. “We have assured the students that their problems will be raised during the campaigning,” said BS Bohra, NSUI leader.

Ameens threaten to intensify stir
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Protesting members of the Rajsva Sangrah Ameen Sangh today threatened to intensify their agitation as the state government had failed to fulfil its demands.

Over the years, the state government has increased the salaries of various other government employees, but nothing has been done for the ameens working in the Revenue department, it was stated. “While being under the rule of the UP government, the ameens were being promoted to the post of Naib Tehsildar. However, since 2009, there have been no promotions, thus lowering the morale of employees,” said Virender Singh Sajwan, general secretary of the Sangh.

Kashipur MLA gets U’khand Punjabi Ratna Award
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Govind Singh Kunjwal, Vidhan Sabha Speaker, today urged everyone to contribute to the betterment of society. He said efforts by all were needed for the overall development of the state.

Kunjwal while addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Sanjhji Chatt Vikas Samiti here said everyone should make efforts to eradicate social evils from society.

He gave away the Uttarakhand Punjabi Ratna Award to Kashipur legislator HS Cheema, Poonam Sehgal, wife of late DS Sethi, social activist GS Chaddha, Neelam Sharma, journalist Neeraj Kohli, MP Singh, DS Bindra, Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Jagat Singh, Dilraj Kaur, Leader of the Opposition in the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun Neenu Sehgal, JS Bhasin, Devika Sharma, and others.

Rajkumar, Rajpur MLA, said the Congress-led state government was committed to the uplift of weaker sections of society. He added the state government had launched several beneficiary schemes for improving the social, and economic status of weaker sections of society.

DS Mann, Vijay Bagga, Anuranjan Bakshi, Amarjeet Singh, DK Sahni, Pawan Gujral, Puja, Preetam Singh, and Sanjay Sehgal were present.

Bhai Dooj celebrated in Kumaon in traditional way
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 26
Traditional local festivals were organised at different places in the Kumaon region on the occasion of “Bhai Dooj” as sisters applied flattened rice with self-produced grains on the foreheads of their brothers.

According to sources, of 20 places where Bagwal (stone throwing ceremony) used to be traditionally organised on the occasion of Bhai Dooj in the Kumaon region, it was organised only at Patia, near Almora town. “The fairs, which have replaced the traditional Bagwal in the region, are now losing appeal as people from the area hardly participate in them,” said Dinesh Pandey, a journalist based at Champawat district headquarters.

Besides Bagwal at Patia village and fairs at other places, Bhai Dooj was celebrated with fervour and sisters waited for their brothers and wished them long life and prosperity. “Our protection and prosperity lies in the prosperity and wellness of our brothers,” said a sister who was returning after meeting her brothers at Lohaghat town.

Meanwhile, Rita Gahtori, Tilu Rauteli Award winner social worker from Lohaghat, applied smashed rice grains on the foreheads of the children of the sweeper colony and gave them gifts. She said it was lightening of hearts and souls that was the real objective of Diwali and Bhai Dooj. “I have adopted over 24 children belonging to the Dalit community of sweepers and have pledged to give them some happiness,” said Rita.

Leopard kills farmer in Raiwala area
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
A leopard killed a villager in the Raiwala area of Dehradun a few days ago.

Kashi Ram Nautiyal (50) was working in his fields near forests when he was attacked by a prowling leopard. The animal mauled Nautiyal and took his body to the forest. The incident happened around 5.30 pm on Friday when the victim was cutting his crops. The leopard was hiding in the Rajaji National Park forests and suddenly attacked the farmer and took his body to the forest. The victim was alone and could not get any help.

But when Nautiyal did not return home, his family members and villagers started searching for him and finally found his mauled body in the Rajaji National Park forest area.

The agitated villagers staged a protest and sought prompt action from the park authorities.

Meanwhile, Rajaji National Park Motichur range officer Mahendra Giri said the park authorities were maintaining a strict vigil in the park’s forest areas that lie in the close proximity to human settlements like Raiwala and other villagers.

According to the Uttarakhand Wildlife authorities, during the past 12 years, leopards had killed over 200 persons and injured 400 in Uttarakhand.

Two students drown in canal
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, October 26
A pall of gloom descended on Khatima town when the bodies of two 15-year-old students of a public school, who had been missing for the last four days, were recovered from Sukhi canal, near Sharda diversion channel, at the Lohiahead powerhouse near Khatima town today.

“The youths, Neeraj and Himanshu (both aged 15) had gone to wash Neeraj’s trousers, may have slipped into the canal. It is evident from the investigation that when Himanshu saw Neeraj drowning in the river he tried to save him and was himself washed away,” said Devendra Singh Digari, a police officer at Khatima police station.

According to family sources, Neeraj and Himanshu had gone to market with two of their friends to purchase material for a school project. When they did not return from the market, their families started searching for them. The shirt and the slippers of Himanshu Chand were recovered from the bank of the canal. “It is clear that Neeraj had tried to save his drowning friend Himanshu, who had slipped into the canal while washing his trousers,” said the police officer.

Temporary bridge to be built for border trade

A temporary bridge will be erected at Jauljibi town on the Nepal border in the district to facilitate organising of a week-long trade fair from November 14. The decision has been taken after the Nepal authorities did not construct a suspension bridge that it was bound to do according to an agreement, sources in the Pithoragarh district administration said.

HC Semwal, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh, said here today that the work of erecting a temporary bridge by using wood and stones would start in two days from now and would be completed before November 10. “The bridge is necessary as people from Nepal are vital for the trade traditionally,” he added.

The suspension bridge on the Kali river, which forms the border between the two countries, was washed away during the natural disaster last year. It could not be rebuilt as according to an agreement between the two neighbouring countries Nepal was to erect the bridge at Jauljibi while the Indian government would construct another bridge over the river. “This is second year when the trade will be organised using a temporary bridge,” said the sources.

Pramod Kumar, SDM, Dharchula, has been assigned the work of erection of the temporary bridge over the Kali at Jauljibi. He has been directed to complete the work before the start of the week-long trade.

The border trade gives an opportunity to locals to sell their products to their clients from neighbouring Nepal.

sports
Parnika wins chess title
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
A chess competition was organised by the Doon Chess Club at Doon Club here today. Chess players from various schools of the city participated in different age categories in the tournament. In the under-9 age category, Parnika Garg bagged the first position while Eklavya Anand came second and Kartika Dang stood third.

Avyam Nanda emerged victorious in the under-12 category while Vinayak Sharman and Aarav Nanda were second and third respectively. In the under-16 age category, Shruti Kakar bagged the first position while Ridhima Ahluwalia came second and Manvi Bansa stood third.

Chess players from various schools such as Welham Girls School, Convent of Jesus and Mary, St Joseph Academy, Delhi Public School and other schools of the city participated in the competition.

Tanush Academy defeat Doon Striker
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
Two nail-biting matches were played on the inaugural day of the Nazar Khan Memorial 3rd Youth Cup Cricket Tournament that kicked off at the Rangers College ground here today. In the first match, Tanush Cricket Academy (TCA) defeated Doon Striker Cricket Club by 40 runs.

Batting first, Tanush Cricket Academy showcased a brilliant batting performance and scored 193 runs in 30 overs, with Vineet scoring 48 runs for TCA and Tanush Gusai and Amit Lara contributing 37 and 38 runs respectively. In reply, Doon Striker Cricket Club could not stand the bowling firepower of TCA and were bowled out for 153. Ayush Jugran scored 40 runs for Doon Striker.

On the second match of the day, Asian School trounced Khalsa Cricket Academy by 5 wickets. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Khalsa Cricket Academy scored 163 runs in 30 overs, with Gaurav scoring 32 runs and Rakesh scoring 30 for Khalsa Cricket Academy.

Asian School easily chased down the target in 26 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Sagar scored 32 runs for Asian School while Pawan and Rahul contributed 30 runs each for their team.

Sports event in memory of Kesari Chandra
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 26
A sports competition would be organised in Dehradun from November 1 to celebrate the 95th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Kesari Chandra. Sportspersons from across the state will participate in the sports competition, which will be inaugurated at the Pavilion Ground on November 1.

President of the Kesari Chandra Youth Committee, Jaiveer Singh Chauhan, told mediapersons here yesterday the sports competition would be held over two days and would conclude on November 2. He added Kesari Chandra played an important role in the country’s freedom struggle. “We are trying to pay tribute to him by organising the sports event on his birth anniversary,” he said.

The sports competition would kick off at Pavilion Ground with kabadi matches. Members of the committee would pay floral tributes in front of his statue at Gandhi Park on November 1. The competition will have events like kabadi, and athletics.