Ganga continues to remain polluted
Canal blocking an exercise in futility; no repairs, no cleaning
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar October 31
The annual Ganga canal closure being done since the last 100 years from Haridwar in Uttarakhand has now become a routine exercise carried out by irrigation department of Uttar Pradesh.

Neither the canal bed was cleaned this year nor was Ganga ghats maintenance done, as was claimed by UP irrigation department. This is when the normal canal closure tenure of a fortnight was extended further by a week.

Major portions of the Ganga canal, which were damaged in monsoons have also not been reconstructed either.This exposed the claims made by UP irrigation department of the necessity to close Ganga canal during festive season of Dasehra-Deepawali annually for maintenance-cleaning of the Ganga canal.

Heaps of garbage, filth, wooden twigs, sand and polythene can still be seen on the Ganga ghats, which put questions on this annual closure exercise by Uttar Pradesh irrigation department, which still controls the operation of this 500 km long canal built in 1854.

When contacted Subdivisional Officer, irrigation department, Uttar Pradesh, MK Singh, cited lack of funds availability this financial year, which was the main reason for low maintenance level of the canal.

Singh though cited VIP ghat, Damkoti stretch, some other ghats and Kankhal-Dadubagh small canal stretch where maintenance work was done this time.

“Due to lack of funds our department couldn’t execute on a large scale renovation, maintenance, construction and cleaning work. Still, as soon as the budget is released we will ensure maintenance work is carried out at the Ganga canal,” said MK Singh.

Local pro-Ganga organisations, political outfits, teerth purohits, pundits and seers have questioned the working of UP irrigation department, saying that if they did not have the sufficient budget, then why did they extend the Ganga canal water supply closure further beyond the festive season of Deepawali ?

Teerth Maryada Raksha Samiti, a local religious outfit, has demanded from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat to ensure Ganga canal operation and management is given to Uttarakhand irrigation department, by taking this matter with the Uttar Pradesh state government.

“Every year during Dasehra, Ganga canal is closed by UP irrigation department in the name of cleanliness and maintenance. We locals know what they do. This is just an exercise to benefit quarrying mafia and show their dominance to people of Uttarakhand,” said Sanjay Chopra, founder of the samiti. Ganga Sabha representative Anshul Shri Kunj termed the canal closure as the one hurting the religious sentiments of the devotees ,pilgrims and local people, who cannot perform religious rituals at the sacred Ganga at sanctorum of Braham Kund, Har-ki-Pauri, and adjacent Ganga ghats during the festive season.

SDO, Irrigation Department, Uttarakhand government, Purushottam, said that as per the Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand Reorganisation Bill 2000, as the Ganga canal head falls in Uttarakhand, only maintenance work can be done by UP but prior to the consent of Uttarakhand government. But Ganga canal closure is done without seeking prior permission from Uttarakhand government. Even VIP Ganga ghat is illegally occupied by UP irrigation department, added Purushottam.

Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat projects assessed
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 31
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi serious over clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat projects, today the permanent parliamentary committee of Water Resources Ministry visited Haridwar, where it inspected the progress related with these twin projects.

Parliamentary committee members gave necessary directives to officials of various departments related with the ambitious cleaning project and stated that water is a natural and national resource, conservation of which is duty of every citizen.

Water resources committee chairman parliamentarian Hukum Singh made it clear that no sewer or untreated water should be allowed to pour into the mainstream of the holy Ganga.

Committee members sternly warned officials to ensure that no untreated water or affluent passes into the holy river from industries, based in cities and towns through which Ganga river flows.

They stressed on treatment of polluted water and making it viable for agricultural purposes. On the cleanliness drive initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hukum Singh said that representatives of village civic-panchayat bodies be included actively in this drive.

Singh said that without support and mass participation of village representatives and common folk, no such drive can achieve desired results.

“Ensure mass participation and planned expenditure of budget for this cleanliness drive. The government is quite serious over this project and mass participation can ensure achieving of the target,” stated Singh, who chaired a meeting of officials at a city hotel at Bhoopatwala.

On the natural disaster that affected Uttarakhand last year, Hukum Singh said that natural disasters’ impact can be lessened with prior planning and learning lessons from the past.

Parliamentary committee members present during the meeting comprised parliamentarians Murali Manohar Manglani, Rita Jakhlani, Satya Bhama, Sant Kumar Sharma and Siddhant Mahapatra.

Garbage dumped by Almora civic body pollutes water, air
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, October 31
Residents of eight villages near Almora town are protesting against the dumping of garbage by the Almora Nagar Palika Parishad near their homes and cattle grazing grounds. They say the dumped garbage is not only affecting the environment around their villages but also polluting natural water sources being used by them.

Villagers say garbage dumped by the Almora civic body at Phalseema is polluting water from natural sources being used by residents of Tatik, Tana, Rithakhal, Golna, Kararia and Bakh villages. Pet animals are dying after consuming this toxic litter. “A putrid smell emanates from the dumps. It has become difficult to live in our villages,” adds Kishan Singh Bisht, a resident of Phalseema village.

Besides these villages, people living in upper localities are facing problems as the Nagar Palika Parishad workers burn garbage, causing air pollution. “Every day, we are exposed to an unbearable stench as our locality is situated near the dumping ground,” says Ravindra Singh, a resident of NDT locality in Almora.

Villagers say they will start an agitation if the civic body continues to dump garbage near their villages. “If we want to live in the area, we will have to fight against the civic body to stop it from dumping garbage near our villages,” said Kailas Singh Bisht, another resident.

Tributes paid to Sardar Patel, Indira across state
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
People paid tributes to two great leaders of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi, across the state today.

Congress workers held a Sadhbhavana-cum-Sankalp rally to mark the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi and birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Dehradun.

The party activists paid floral tributes to both leaders and urged everyone to contribute for the development of the nation.

Addressing a gathering at Rajeev Bhawan here, Kishore Upadhayay, state president of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, urged everyone to follow footprints of Indira Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Recalling efforts of Gandhi, Upadhayay said she had taken various steps for the uplift of the weaker and minority class of the society. He said Indira played a pivotal role in uniting the party through her hard work, determination and discipline.

Later, party activists took out a ‘Sadhbhawna-cum-Sankalp’ rally to pay tributes to leaders. The rally commenced from Rajeev Bhawan and passed through Ashley Hall, Clock Tower, Panchyati Mandir Chowk, Doon Hospital Chowk and culminated at statehood martyrs’ memorial. The party activists raised slogans in support of Indira Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Cabinet Minister Dinesh Agarwal, MLAs Heera Singh Bisht and Rajkumar, State president of Congress women cell Sarojini Kaintura, Lal Chand Sharma, Meena Rawat, Girija Sharma, Prakash Negi and others were present on the occasion.

National Unity Day observed

An oath-taking ceremony was organised to mark National Unity Day on the District Collectorate premises. District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav along with staff members participated in the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav said the day was celebrated to the mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

“We should try to follow the path of sincerity shown by the leader and dutifully fulfil the responsibilities assigned to us,” he said.

Later a ‘Run for Unity’ was organised from the Parade Ground. As many as 80 persons participated in the run that went through Kanak Chowk, Rajpur Road, Clock Tower, Darshan Lal Chowk, Budha Chowk, Lansdowne Chowk before culminating at the Parade Ground.

Those present on the occasion included SK Sarki, Pawan Lal, HC Bharma, Puja Yadav and Anjali Uniyal and others.

Sardar Bhagwan Institute students run for unity

Students and staff of the Sardar Bhagwan Singh Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research orgainsed ‘a run for unity’ to observe Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at Balawala in Dehraudn. The event began with students, NCC cadets and staff taking a pledge for unity, integrity and security of the nation.

Thereafter, run for unity was flagged off by Brig PPS Pahwa, Additional Director of the institute. As many as 1,100 students and staff members participated in the run, that was conducted on Mianwala-Gularghati Road.

The Dolphin (PG) Institute observed the National Unity Day today. All the students, faculty and staff members participated in it. The programme started with ‘run for unity’ in which faculty members, staff members and students participated actively. This was followed by a pledge both in English and Hindi. Chairman of Dolphin Institute Arvind Gupta, principal Dr Shailja Pant, Director Dr Arun Kumar and others were present.

Asian School students take part in cross country

The students and the staff of The Asian School observed ‘Unity Day’ with great fervour and discipline here. A number of events were held on the occasion. In the run For unity, a cross-country event, a large number of boarders and day scholars participated. Subsequently, the students and staff assembled for the celebrations.

The programme began with a march past by contingents of the four houses. The programme included paying of floral tributes to the leader by principal AK Das, choir rendering of a hymn and speech by the head girl Sunia Shamshi.

The principal gave away prizes to the winners of the cross-country. The students and staff members took a solemn pledge to remain united under all circumstances. The programme came to a close with the vote of thanks proposed by the head boy which was followed by the national anthem.

Manch recalls Patel’s contibutions to nation

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vichar Manch also paid tributes to the Iron Man of India.

Jeevan Singh, president of the manch, said Patel had contributed immensely to the overall development of the nation. He added it was our duty to follow in his footsteps. Manoj Patel, Raj Kumar Tyagi, AL Katariya, Pratap Rana, Kamlesh Rana, and Ramesh Yadav were present.

BJYM activists vow to work for state’s growth

Activists of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) took out a ‘Run for Unity’here.

The party activists vowed to push the state and the country on the path of development. After flagging off the “Run for Unity” at a function held at the BJP Mahanagar office here, former BJP state president BS Chufal requested party activists to contribute for the development of the nation.

He said Patel played a pivotal role in the overall development of the nation. Chufal said Patel had worked for the uplift of weaker and backward class of society. He said it was the duty of every individual to contribute for the development of the nation.

Later, party activists held a run for unity that passed through Globe Chowk, Gandhi Park, Clock Tower, Panchayati Mandir, Budda Chowk and culminated at Mahanagar office.

Expressing his views, Saurabh Thapliyal, state president of the BJYM said youth could play a pivotal role in the development of the nation.

He said the youth should come forward to create awareness among villagers about the importance of cleanliness drive.

FRI employees take oath to maintain unity

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) also observed National Unity Day here.

Director FRI Dr PP Bhojvaid garlanded the statue of Sardar Patel at the convocation hall of the institute. He administered oath for the national unity to all employees.

A run for unity was organised on the occasion where FRI staff and other students of FRI University participated.

Uttaranchal University also organised the ‘Run for Unity’ race today. Students enthusiastically participated in the Run for Unity. Uttaranchal University Vice-Chancellor Prof SC Joshi highlighted Sardar Patel’s nationalistic perspectives and legal acumen.

Remembrance ceremony at UJVNL

A remembrance ceremony was held to pay tributes to Sardar Patel on the premises of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) here.

Addressing the gathering, UJVNL managing director GP Patel said Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in the overall development of the nation. He said she introduced various beneficiary schemes for the uplift of the weaker sections of society.

Recalling Sardar Patel’s contributions, he said he had immensely contributed during the Indian freedom movement. He requested the staff to contribute to the development of the nation.

Director (projects) Sandeep Singhal, Director (Finance) CP Madan, Director (Human Resources) SK Chopra and others were present on the occasion.

Pledge to conserve nation’s integrity
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 31
A pledge to conserve and work for the integrity of the country was taken on the occasion of 139th birth anniversary of first Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel here today.

At Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar parliamentarian Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank took part in the unity race that commenced from Dayanand Stadium.

In his address, Nishank, a former Uttarakhand chief minister, said due to Herculean efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, 522-odd states, majority of princely ones, were unified under the Indian Tricolour.

“If Patel wouldn’t have been post-Independence, then India would have surely got divided into many parts. Initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give the message of unity on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is commendable and despite differences today all are taking part in this unity run,”said Nishank.

Vice Chancellor, Gurukul Kangri University, Dr Surendra Kumar, said that PM Modi had associated October 2 ,birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, with cleanliness drive, and now today October 31, birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Patel, is aligned with the unity of India.

Unity run race coordinator Professor Mukesh Ranjan Verma said that both politically and geographically ,Sardar Patel had made vital contribution pre and post Independence.

Mayor Haridwar Manoj Garg, Vimal Kumar, Pankaj Sehgal, Gurukul Pharmacy chairperson Dr Raj Kumar Rawat, Dr RKS Dagar, Dr Rajendra Aggarwal, Dr DK Maheswari, Dr RC Dubey, Prof AK Chopra, Prof VK Singh, Nalneesh Vig, Prof Ambuj Sharma, Prof Satya Dev Nigmalankar, Pradeep Joshi, Braham Pal Singh Chauhan, Satya Prasad Bhatt and Dr Ajay Malik among others were present at the occasion.

Congress activists also paid tributes to Patel and recalled his immense contribution to paving the way for a resurrected India. Unification of 500-odd semi-autonomous princely dynasties in one single democratic Indian setup by Sardar Patel was lauded. Congress workers as well as social activists remembered the pivotal role and stature of Sardar Patel, hailed as the Iron Man of India.

Indira remembered as one of India’s greatest leaders
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 31
Local residents and Congress leaders paid tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 30th death anniversary today. They remembered her as one of the greatest leaders of India. Several functions were organised across Haridwar district by various organisations to commemorate the occasion and Indira’s vital contributions to the nation.

District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan offered flowers to a portrait of the late leader at the district collectorate’s office at Roshanabad here.

A programme was held at the City Congress office at Birla Ghat wherein veteran Congress leaders who had worked with Indira, narrated their experiences. The Congress leaders and activists, led by former legislator Ambrish Kumar, later held a march.

Speakers recalled Indira’s regular visit’s to Haridwar in 70s. Ambrish referred to Indira as the iron lady of India and said the whole world accepted her courage and vision as was evident during the war with Pakistan in 1971 when she strategically liberated Bangladesh from Pakistan.

He added that her decision to nationalise banks made India withstand the repercussions of the global economic meltdown a few years ago. “Indira also didn’t bow to Chinese tactical pressure and formed Sikkim as a separate state of India despite China claiming it as its territory,” he said.

City Congress unit president OP Chauhan said Indira never compromised with development and her slogan “Dur drishti, pakka irada” (Farsightedness, strong commitment) was still applicable. “Indira Gandhi had a fondness for Haridwar and whenever she faced trouble or political tribulations she used to visit her spiritual guru Maa Anandmayi,” he said.

Congress organisational secretary BS Tejiyan said Indira remained Prime Minister for 15 years and her ‘garibi hatao’ slogan made her the undisputed leader of the masses and the party again came to power with a clear majority.

State women cell chief Ishwari Devi said Indira showed to the world the dexterity and acumen of women in politics. She urged party workers to follow in the footsteps of Indira Gandhi, Elisabeth Domitien, Margaret Thatcher, Julio Gillard, and Angela Merkel.

Students, ITBP jawans take plege of unity
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 31
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was also observed in Mussoorie today. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary celebrations began with the flagging off of a run for unity race by Mussoorie Municipal Council president Manmohan Singh Mall. Schoolchildren and local residents participated in the race that began from Anupam Chowk in Landour Bazaar ended at Gandhi Chowk.

The principal, Oak Grove School, Sandeep Trivedi, administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge to the students. Later, Anwesha Trivedi, Piyush Dev, Harsit Chandana, Ravi Raj, Manunay Kumar and Abhishek Ranjan, students from Oak Grove, shed light on the life and achievements of Sardar Patel.

Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans also participated in run for unity race and senior officials administered the unity pledge to the present gathering on the occasion. The Congress-supported MC president Manmohan Singh Mall remembered Indira Gandhi and paidhomage at Congress Bhavan near Jhoola Ghar. He also said the BJP was hijacking Congress leaders and using the occasion for its own vested interests.

Meanwhile, local historians said both Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi had were fond of Mussoorie and often visited the hill station.

BJP training camp from November 4
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 31
The state unit of the BJP is going to organise a three-day training camp for its legislatures and party officials in Almora from November 4.

“The training camp will emphasise on strengthening the party ideology among officials and elected representatives,” said Prakash Pant, general secretary of the BJP.

According to the party general secretary, the camp will be addressed by national general secretary of party (organisation) Ram Lal, his deputy Shiv prakash and Uttarakhand in charge of the party Shyam Zazu.

The three-day conclave of party officials and legislatures will initiate removing the differences among party officials and will work towards making the party a single entity from ideology and mission points of view to work towards winning the 2017 Assembly elections in the state.

Candidates allege harassment by NIT
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
Candidates who had appeared for the PhD entrance examination for Economics conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar (Pauri), are alleging harassment at the hands of the institute in conducting the entrance test on October 27 this year when the faculty member concerned had already put in his resignation. The institute authorities have denied these allegations, saying everything was done bearing the rules and regulations of the institute in mind and in the interest of the students.

On October 27, when three candidates reached the institute campus in Srinagar, according to Peeyush Sharma, a candidate, “We were shocked to be told that there would be no written test as the institute did not have suitable faculty for supervising PhD programmes in economics and no test would be taken as they were not able to prepare the question paper. But after we protested, within 15 minutes, they came up with a question paper, which we later attempted,” said Sharma, an aggrieved student.

Associate Dean (academics) Dr SR Dey refuted the claims and said at the time when the programme was first advertised in September, the faculty member for PhD Economics was working in the institution. In October, he submitted his resignation, which is being processed and he would be leaving in the coming months, but technically, the faculty member is part of the institution.

“In the interest of the students, we had even put out a note on this issue while zeroing in on the candidates for the written test. On the day of the entrance examination, in the interest of the students, the issue was discussed, but the candidates took it otherwise. The test was conducted after the Director of the institute said technically, the faculty member’s resignation had not been accepted, so the test had to be conducted, but the information was given to the students,” said Dey.

Dey said that based on the entrance test, one candidate selected has been called for an interview tomorrow. “We would again inform him about the faculty member’s exit, but the post would be filled during the next recruitment,” said Dey.

Peeyush and Jagriti candidates allege that the conduct of the institute was in violation of the UGC (grievance redressal) regulation 2012. “The institute authorities should have published correct information when they had first published the advertisement and they should not have kept us in the dark about the position as far as the faculty is concerned,” he said.

Indo-China border trade concludes
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 31
The Indo-China border trade from the Lipulekh Pass concluded today as the last batch of Indian traders reached the territory from the Chinese mart of Taklakot today.

“Last batch of 14 traders reached Gunji today after crossing the 16,500-feet high Lipulekh Pass. The trade has been continuing since 1992 and gets going for five months beginning from June every year,” said a trade officer. According to information received from the officer, a total of 174 Indian traders, including 104 trade assistants, went to Tibet this year to commence the border trade. Rest of the traders reached the Indian territory a few days back. “We had asked the traders to take care of the track route between the Lipulekh Pass and Gunji as the track route remained slippery, despite removing snow,” said Pramod Kumar, trade officer and SDM from Dharchula.

The traders said they suffered losses this year as their stocks of sugar candy and jaggery could not be sold due to less clientele.

Rajpur Nature Festival from today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
The two-day Rajpur Nature Festival will begin here from tomorrow.

A performance by Robert Cres, an Austrian violinist, will be the highlight of the festival. According to Rajiv Bhartari, Chief Conservator of Forests Eco tourism, Cres had studied western classical violin in Austria after which he worked as a college teacher in Austria and has been a performing artist in Europe and South America.

The Indian classical music attracted the violinist to such an extent that he started studying classical again.

He became a disciple of Sukhdev Mishra and Fayaz Ali Khan in Benares. In the past few years, he has been trying to find a way to combine those different worlds performing with various musicians in India and Austria.

Since last year, he has been a part of the Banjara Quartet in Goa playing gipsy jazz music.

Cine star Tom Alter along with other dignitaries will attend the two-day festival.

Cleanliness drive ahead of festival

Ahead of the Rajpur Nature Festival, the Uttarakhand Forest Department and Rajpur Community Initiative (RCI) jointly launched a cleanliness drive in the Upper Rajpur area on Thursday to emphasise the importance of waste management. The effort was support by local NGO Waster Warriors and 30 schoolchildren.

Notably, a contingent of 11 staff members of the Mussoorie Forest division led by officials, including Dheeraj Pandey Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mussoorie, and Anup Gusain, Range Officer, worked diligently to segregate and collect plastic glasses and other forms of non-degradable waste on the two-km-long forest road leading to the Sura Devi temple.

The schoolchildren and RCI members enthusiastically participated in the drive. The RCI members said the conservation of river catchments and eco-tourism are inconceivable if the verdant Himalayan slopes and valleys are cluttered with non-degradable waste. They said the RCI was going to make sustained efforts to make Old Rajpur clean and green.

Nakronda villagers protest police failure to arrest murder accused
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
Residents of Nakronda village in Balawala here accompanied by political and social activists held a protest march against the failure of the police to arrest two absconding accused in a robbery and murder case.

The police led by SP City Ajay Singh tried to stop the protesters at Parade Ground but they were adamant on marching towards the police headquarters. However, they were stopped near Abhishek Tower. Later, a delegation of 11 protesters met senior police officials, who reportedly told it that the Uttar Pradesh police were on the lookout for absconding Sajid Pehalwan and Akram.

BJP leader Ravindra Jugran and DAV PG College Students’ Union president Paras Goyal, who led the protesters, said the police must intensify efforts to arrest the absconding culprits, who had been on the run for 52 days after committing the crime.

Six robbers had broken into the house of Surendra Thapliyal at Nakronda village in Balawala on September 10. They thrashed Thapliyal’s family members and shot dead his 21-year-old son when the latter resisted them. The incident had led to widespread protests. The police had so far arrested four accused.

Indiresh hospital, Russian state to work on medical tourism
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
Envisaging interest in joint collaboration with Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, a three-member delegation from Kostroma, Russia, today held discussions with Mahant Devender Das and officials of the institute on medical tourism and student exchange programme.

The three-member team of Russian dignitaries visited Shri Darbar Sahib and expressed interest in joint collaboration with Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital for Medical Tourism and students and faculty exchange programmes between Kostroma University and educational institutions run by Sri Guru Ram Rai education mission.

They said Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Uttarakhand, was a far better option for Russians for Medical Tourism as compared to Goa, which was very costly. The delegation comprised of Prof Alexander Magnitsky, Prof of Economics at State Technological University, Kostroma, Dr Elena Magrit, General Practitioner, Deputy Chief Physician at Medical Centre, MICT, Kostroma, Russia, and Julia Lansford, a language interpreter. The delegation also admired the wall paintings at Darbar Sahib. 

CMO, Roorkee, summoned by child rights commission
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has issued orders to the Chief Medical officer (CMO) of Roorkee hospitals for failing to provide adequate treatment and follow norms while undertaking medical examination of the minor who was brutally gang-raped in Bhagwanpur.

Commission chairman Ajay Setia has asked the CMO to appear before the commission on November 5 and explain why adequate precautions were not taken while undertaking the medical examination of the minor.

Acting on reports published in vernacular newspapers, the commission had issued a letter on October 20 to respond to the allegations but the Chief Medical officer failed to respond.

Workshop for forest officers begins at FRI
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
A two-day workshop on the national working plan for forest officers sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change started at Forest Research Institute (FRI), here yesterday.

Inaugurating the workshop, FRI Director PP Bhojvaid disclosed that the Union Environment Ministry had framed a new plan for scientific management of forests as per present day requirement in the context of changing world environmental scenario. “In Indian context, forest departments are responsible for overall management and governance of the forests and thus implementation of the national working plan,” he said.

He said the workshop provided a suitable frame for IFS officers to exchange experience and discuss various different approaches for the assessment of the new national working plan to ensure conservation and safety of the forests and environment.

More than 30 IFS officers from across the country representing Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Nagaland, Manipur, Punjab, Jharkhand, HP, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra are attending the workshop.

SIT members apprised of land frauds
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
A one-day training workshop was organised at the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office for newly set up Special Investigating Team (SIT) to deal with land-related crimes in the Garhwal region here yesterday.

The training workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Garhwal Range, Sanjay Gunjyal, in the presence of SSP Ajay Rautela and SP City Ajay Singh.

The Special Investigating Team was set up at range level in the first week of this month on the directions of Chief Minister Harish Rawat to launch a crackdown on the rising cases of land-related matters in Garhwal region. Similar SIT has been set up at Kumaon range as well.

While addressing Special Investigating Team members during the workshop, DIG Sanjay Gunjyal said, “The training programme is organised to apprise the Special Investigating Team members of land-related frauds like forged land registries, cases of illegal encroachments on private properties and sale and purchase of illegal lands, which police regularly deals with.”

He said the rising cases of land-related crimes was a challenge in front of the district police forces and now I am sure that the SIT, which is a specialised force, will be able to crackdown on land-related matters. I would personally monitor the progress in the investigations of the cases, added Gunjyal.

Moreover, experts from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Revenue Department, SEBI and registrar division of the district administration also addressed the Special Investigating Team members and informed them about the intricacies involved in land-related frauds. Nayab Tehsildar Surever Singh Rana told them about land and revenue records while Zuben Mehta, Assistant Managing Director SEBI, threw light on money laundering matters.

Notably, 21 police personnel, including one inspector and two sub-inspector rank officers, have been deputed in the SIT, which have started looking into the land-related matters in seven districts of Garhwal region. The frauds on lands belonging to government, panchayat, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes will be looked by the Special Investigating Team.

Police medical camp for challenged

Dehradun, October 31
On the directions of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Garhwal Range, Sanjay Gunjyal, Uttarkashi police conducted a five-day medical camp for the physically challenged and visually impaired people at different places of the hill district from October 26 to October 30. The camp was organised in association with National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH).

The camps were organised in Chinyalisaud, Malla, Jyanasu, Badkot and Burnygad. Poor people who are suffering from hearing impairment, visual impairment or any other disability were distributed wheelchairs, hearing aid machines, eyeglasses etc.

It is to be noted that the police stations and beat in charge personnel were told to identify and make a list of poor people who are suffering from any disability. Notably, district police have organised 15 such camps in association with NIVH in the district in which over 4000 poor people have taken benefits. — TNS

Rodi Belwala area to be beautified
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 31
District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan yesterday took a meeting regarding beautification of Rodi Belwala area, which falls under Kumbh mela prohibited area.

Various suggestions, inputs and ideas were discussed in length by the DM with representatives of Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority,

Municipal Corporation, Indian Institute of Technology, SIDCUL-based industries delegates and NGOs.

It was decided that prior to Ardh Kumbh mela in 2016, Rodi Belwala will be developed as a model multi entertainment park.

DM Pendiyan stressed on mutual collaboration between HDA, MC, IIT and SIDCUL to cooperate in developing this mela land into multi-entertainment park, which will become a major attraction for the people coming to Haridwar as well as for local people.

Representatives from IIT gave a power point presentation in which open theatre, decorative lights, lined flowers, murals, distinctive advertising hoardings spots and illuminated water lights were suggested for the Rodi Belwala park.

Guv’s Cup sailing regatta opens at Nainital
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 31
Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi today inaugurated the Governor’s Gold Cup Sailing Regatta 2014 at Nainital Boat House Club.

In his address, he said Regatta would help in establishing Nainital as an international tourist destination on the world tourism map.

He said the fact that a large number of tourists came to Uttarakhand every year proved that the state had great potential as a religious, spiritual and adventure tourism destination.

The Governor said participation from various parts of the country and abroad in this sailing regatta organised in the lake city of Nainital augured well for adventure tourism in the state. The Regatta, he said, would prove to be a milestone in promotion of Uttarakhand’s tourism. He said it had been his effort that this event, which had not been held for many years, should be revived. He said it would now be held every year and it is hoped that more people from across the world participate in it.

Describing the reopening of the Regatta as a historic moment, he said due to the natural disaster that occurred in the state last year, the arrival of tourists had been affected. These kinds of events would definitely help attract more tourists, he said. He said Nainital had a glorious history. The Boat House Club and Yacht Club were unique features of the city.

The Governor stressed the need for more efforts to encourage water sports in Nainital. He also released the souvenir prepared for the Governor’s Gold Cup Sailing Regatta 2014.

Oak Grove School overall athletics champ
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 31
Host Oak Grove School was declared the overall champion on the concluding day of the inter-school athletics meet held on the school campus in Mussoorie today.

Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School was runnerup while Manav Bharti School stood third.

Oak Grove School made a clean sweep in the athletics meet by winning all trophies in the junior boys and girls, and senior boys and girls categories.

The Oak Grove athletes, namely Sania in the junior division and Komal in the senior division, were declared the best athletes while Nikhil and Shivam were declared individual champions in the junior and senior boys categories.

Local MLA Ganesh Joshi, who was the chief guest, gave away citations and awards to the winners. Seven schools participated in the event organised by the Mussoorie Schools Sports Association (MSSA).

Former student of Wynberg Allen School Manoranjan Tripathi, dean of Guru Nanak fifth Centenary School ND Sawhney, principal of Oak Grove School Sandeep Tripathi, secretary of the MSSA Lalit Verma, Manuj Agarwal, Parvind Rawat, BJP leader Mohan Petwal and others were present on the occasion.