DMC approaches HC on Pacific Hills apartments issue
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
In what could be perceived as a battle between the Mukhya Nagar Adhikari and district administration, after having failed to get the required documents regarding measurement of the disputed site of Pacific Hills Apartments, the Dehradun Municipal Corporation has now approached the Nainital High Court.

A wall being built by the DMC at the Pacific Hills apartments in Dehradun. A tribune photograph

It may be noted that during 2013 on the instructions of the High Court the district administration had conducted the ground survey of the disputed land. The then Sub Divisional Magistrate Mohan Singh Bernia had taken the measurements of the construction site to check illegal encroachments, if any. Thereafter, in its report submitted with the High Court, the district administration while giving a clean chit 
to the builders had submitted a report stating that there was no encroachment. The construction was being carried out since then.

However, a few days back, the DMC came to know about their land being encroached by the builders. Despite repeated requests the district administration failed to produce the measurement report taken in 2013. Irked by the lackadaisical attitude of the administration, MNA Harak Singh Rawat approached the HC with a rejoinder seeking the release of documents at the earliest.

Confirming the incident, Rawat while admitting that he suspects the involvement of some officials said: “We had no option but to approach the High Court for seeking the measurement report. Despite repeated requests, the officials at the district administration are not giving us the reports. Once we got to know about the encroachment we conducted a fresh survey of the site and found almost one and half bighas of DMC land being encroached by the builders,” he said.

Lambasting the district administration officials, Rawat said that if they had taken the correct measurements, why had they not disclosed the details yet. Meanwhile, Mayor Vinod Chamoli has written to Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Urban Development Secretary, seeking their intervention in the issue. “An enquiry should be ordered at the earliest regarding the involvement of the officials in the case. A high level committee should be formed to look into the matter,” he added. 

 UKD (Airy) holds protest at Vidhan Sabha
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
The first day of the winter Legislate Assembly session was not only stormy inside but was also outside its campus as activists of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Airy) protested here today to register their antipathy against Congress-led state government.

Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Airy) workers jostle with the police during a protest demonstration in front of the state Assembly in Dehradun on Monday. A Tribune photograph

The agitators had skirmishes with deployed police personnel, who tried to stop them to protest near Vidhan Sabha. However, it went off peacefully without any untoward incident reported during the protest.

The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Airy) activists gathered at the party office today morning. The agitators took out a protest rally that passed through Gandhi Road, CMI Chowk, Araghar Chowk, Dharampur Chowk and Haridwar road.

The protestors sat on dharna at barricades placed at Rispana bridge on Haridwar road as they were not allowed to protest near Vidhan Sabha campus. They had verbal confrontation with police personnel and shouted anti-state government slogans amid tight security of police personnel.

Expressing his views, KS Airy, central president, UKD (Airy), has said that the state government should take effective steps to build infrastructure in Garsain in order to develop it as state’s capital.

He expressed his concern over the frequent migration of villagers from higher areas to plains of the state and other states of the country. Airy said that the state government should instruct officials to expedite development works, especially in disaster-hit areas of the state. The agitators submitted a memorandum for Chief Minister Harish Rawat.

The agitators demanded that the state government should take steps to fill vacant posts in government departments, renovate health centres and schools, improve law and order, give government jobs to unemployed youths of the state, reservation to statehood activists, overcome problem of potable water in higher areas of state etc.

The agitators lamented that the condition of basic infrastructure which includes road, potable water pipelines, health centres etc was worst.

Pushpesh Tripathi, Dr NS Jantwal, Harish Pathak, BD Raturi, JP Upadhayay, Lalit Bisht, BS Bisht, Rinki Semwal, Dharmendra Kaithat, Kailash Joshi and others were present. 

Major demands

The state government should take steps to fill vacant posts in government departments, renovate health centres and schools, improve law and order, give government jobs to unemployed youths of the state, reservation to statehood activists, overcome problem of potable water in higher areas of state

 UKD (P) members stage dharna 
Tribune News Service

Members of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar) stage a dharna in support of their demands at Clock Tower in Dehradun on Monday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, November 24
Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar) members today staged a dharna at the statue of the late Indermani Badoni, father of statehood movement at Clock Tower, Dehradun.

Addressing the gathering, UKD (P) president Trivendra Panwar said both the national parties, the BJP and Congress, have cheated the people of the state and worked for their individual interests. He said the core issues of health and education infrastructure are still in a shambles.

UKD (P) media in-charge Manmohan Lakhera said migration was continuing from hills as there were little employment opportunities. He said corruption had taken over in the state.

“Corruption is rampant in the state and the ruling Congress government in the state was only promoting corruption,’’ Lakhera said.

 assembly in session
Speaker appoints committee to probe Karim Ansari issue
Tribune News Service

Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal

Sarvat Karim Ansari

Dehradun, November 24
Terming the sting operation aired by a television news channel purportedly showing a BSP MLA who is also a member of Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), which is part of the Congress-led coalition government in Uttarakhand, engaged in talks to buy Congress MLAs as sensitive, Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal today conceded to the Opposition demand of holding a Vidhan Sabha-level inquiry into the incident.

Giving the ruling from the chair in the afternoon, after the end of the discussion carried under rule 58 of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly rule book in which the Opposition members participated and BSP MLA Sarvat Karim Ansari, who was allegedly engaged in the talks to buy MLAs was allowed to present his position in the House, Speaker Kunjwal said: “The reports emanating in the media posed a challenge to the parliamentary practices. Nevertheless, the issue is of sensitive nature. It, therefore, becomes pertinent to initiate an inquiry which will be set up at my level. At the same time, in order that the doctrine of natural justice is upheld, the MLA in question too would be heard,” he said.

On the persistent inquires by the Opposition BJP about the time frame for the inquiry, the Speaker said: “The inquiry would be done at my level. Very soon the time frame would be announced and the report would be tabled in the House,” he said.

Earlier before initiating the discussion under rule 58, Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt submitted the CD of the sting operation to the Speaker. Spearheading the discussion under rule 58, Bhatt demanded that an inquiry be set up as the names of four other ministers who are part of the government had also surfaced in the sting operation. “It would have been better, if the Chief Minister had ordered a probe into the incident as the person in question is holding a Cabinet rank,” he said.

The demand to sack the MLA was also raised by senior BJP MLA Harbans Khurana and Teerath Singh Rawat.

However, in his submission BSP MLA Sarvat Karim Ansari said that the allegations levelled against him were false. “I was trapped by the TV news channel. I also demand a CBI inquiry so that the truth is out. I was made a scapegoat. I do not want the other MLAs to suffer the same fate. After the inquiry, if found guilty, the Speaker should dismiss me,” he said.

Later there was a heated discussion between the Opposition and the treasury benches after the Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt demanded that Ansari be asked to abstain from the proceedings of the House and the treasury benches charged the Opposition for forcing the Speaker to give a decision without initiating an inquiry.

This led the CM and the leader of the House Harish Rawat to intervene.

 Three Bills tabled on first day of winter’s House session
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
On the first day of the winter session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, the Uttarakhand government tabled three Bills, including the Uttarakhand Lok Ayukta (2014) Amendment Bill that ends the 180 days limit of constituting the Lokayukat in the state, Uttarakhand State Mineral Development Board Bill, Uttarakhand State Infrastructure Development Board Bill and the 121st Amendment Bill that has been passed by both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh tabled the Bills as soon as the House convened at 3 pm.

Meanwhile, after the Opposition stalled the proceedings of the House in the morning, hectic parleys were held between the government and the Opposition members to break the deadlock. The discussions were held in the chamber of the Speaker and the impasse was broken after the Speaker allowed the Opposition to hold discussion on the sting operation issue involving an MLA under rule 58.

The government also managed to approve the business for the House for November 25, November 26 and November 27. According to the listed business for tomorrow the government will bring the supplementary budget tomorrow.

Tomorrow the Kisan Morcha of the Uttarakhand BJP plans to lay siege of the Uttarakhand Assembly.

Setting the tone for the things to follow tomorrow, the BJP MLAs had carried placards condemning the Uttarakhand government for failing to protect the interests of the farmers, which they displayed during the time when the House proceedings remained stalled. 

Discussions

* After the Opposition stalled the proceedings of the House in the morning, hectic parleys were held between the government and the Opposition members to break the deadlock

* The discussions were held in the chamber of the Speaker and the impasse was broken after the Speaker allowed the Opposition to hold discussion on the sting operation issue involving an MLA under rule 58

 BJP stalls House, seeks MLA’s sacking for wheeler-dealing
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly was repeatedly adjourned on the first day of the winter session here today as the BJP stormed the well of the House demanding a high-level inquiry into and a discussion in the House on a sting operation telecast by a TV news channel purportedly showing a BSP legislator, who is holding a Cabinet rank post, engaged in talks to lure MLAs to destabilse the Harish Rawat government.

As soon as the House convened in the morning, Ajay Bhatt, the Leader of the Opposition, was up on his feet and he requested Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal to take note of the TV report. “It is an issue of propriety as an MLA has been shown engaged in corrupt practices, fixing deals for luring MLAs and appointment of officials. We demand a probe by a sitting judge into the incident that has sullied the image of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister should sack the MLA, who is part of his government,” said Bhatt.

However, the Speaker remained unmoved and refused to allow a discussion on the matter saying the Opposition should first submit proof. “If you have proof, please submit it to me in my chamber. Nothing can be done just on the basis of a report emanating from the media,” said Kunjwal.

Kunjwal’s response angered the BJP legislators, who raised slogans demanding a discussion and then stormed the well of the House, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the Assembly four times. As a result, the question hour could not take place.

Later Bhatt told mediapersons that it was a serious issue. The MLA, who is also part of the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), had named several Cabinet ministers. “We want a discussion on the issue so that the truth could emerge. The MLA, who is a member of the PDF, has created a rift among other members who are already calling for his resignation. The Chief Minister should sack him,” said Bhatt.

 Cong condemns BJP behaviour in House

Dehradun, November 24
Anshul Shrikunj, spokesman for the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, has condemned the irresponsible behaviour of BJP legislators on the first day of the Vidhan Sabha session. He said the BJP legislators should contribute to the development of the state by actively participating in the House proceeding.

In a press note issued here today, Shrikunj said the BJP legislators should support the Congress-led state government for ensuring improvement in the education, health, disaster management and industry sectors.

He added CM Harish Rawat had taken various beneficiary steps for the development of the state. — TNS

 Traffic snarls haunt Doon as Assembly session begins
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
Heavy traffic congestion was reported at Rispana Bridge, Haridwar bypass, Dharampur, Araghar and Nehru Colony crossing due to strict traffic regulations on the first day of the Legislative Assembly session here today.

Police barricaded the Haridwar road, Haridwar bypass, Shastri Nagar, Uttaranchal complex Defence colony road and Defence colony road to avert protesters from reaching the Assembly complex, putting residents at the receiving end. The situation worsened during office hours as Haridwar road remained chocked for nearly an hour in the morning and evening. The traffic was diverted from Dharampur, Ring Road, Rispana Bridge, Shastri Nagar and Haridwar bypass to avoid traffic congestion near Vidhan Sabha.

The police had made elaborated traffic plan on different routes in order to ensure smooth traffic movement in the city. Additional police force was deployed at important junctions of the city, but traffic congestion was witnessed at the Defence Colony Road, Araghar, Dharampur, Haridwar Road, Survey Chowk, Clock Tower, EC Road, Doon Hospital crossing and other inter-crossings of the city. SSP, Dehradun, Ajay Rautela, said additional traffic police were deployed at various crossing to resolve traffic problems.

He said additional police force was deployed inside and outside the Legislative Assembly. He informed that three superintendents, seven circle officers, 22 station house officers, 38 inspectors, four woman inspectors, seven head constables, 158 constables, 47 woman constables, and six company of the provincial armed constabulary (PAC) had been deployed near the Vidhan Sabha.

Rautela said the in-charges of police stations were directed to deploy adequate police forces at various crossings to smoothen traffic to spare commuters facing unwanted inconveniences due to rush hours.

 Young magician casts a spell on yoga guru Ramdev
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 24
While Swami Ramdev has been casting a spell via yoga worldwide, it was a different occasion today as a young magician impressed the yoga guru by her highly skilled magical acts.

The occasion was a daring open act by 22-year-old young magician Anchal Kumawat at Rishikul ground yesterday evening, wherein she performed daring and breathtaking stunts.

Ramdev along with Patanjali Ayurvedic Universtiy Acharya Balrishan, Maha Mandaleshwar Kali Peethaddeshwar Swami Kailashanand Brahamchari, Uttarakhand Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi, Mayor Manoj Garg and a 1,000-odd local people witnessed Anchal’s magical stunts.

Anchal, who was tied with 100 locks and a 100 ft chain, came through safely from a 20 ft high fire flame,as everyone present in the audience sat silently in awe.

Later Ramdev met Anchal and asked her she in such a young age braved such a huge fire flame and unlocked the chain and 100 locks.

A smiling Anchal said that for magicians it was an art and whether it was one or 100 locks.

Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi said on the one hand Ramdev via his yoga asanas cures millions, on the other Anchal through her fine magic art casts a spell on millions, as she is quite young.

Anchal also urged the audience present to save girl children as they are in no way less in comparison to boys. The young magician also gave a message of cleanliness as spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the stage.

Ramdev added that girls like Anchal are making the country proud in various fields and said that “it is high time discrimination gets diminished from our society”. The young magician also proposed a magician academy in India,as there is no such institution where people can learn this art or magicians can hone their skills.

Anchal’s father Girdhari Kumawat, an engineer by profession, said that his daughter began performing magic shows at the tender age of 5 and has to her credit a whopping 8,500 stage shows across the country. She was accorded National Child Award by the Government of India.

 Villagers’ work on road spurs MLA into action
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, November 24
In a unique way to attract government attention towards their need for a road in their area, a group of villagers of Champawat district has voluntarily constructed half of the road themselves. This forced the local MLA Himesh Kharakwal to direct the Public Works Department (PWD) to build the road.

Residents of Tilon village have been demanding a road from their village till the district headquarters, but government officials and the local administration have not paid heed to their demand.

The villagers then decided to construct the road themselves. “We have decided that every villager will work voluntarily for two hours daily for the construction of the road,” said Harish Pandey, a resident of Tilon village.

When the MLA came to know about the voluntary construction of road by the villagers, he ordered the PWD to build a cemented road. On the direction of the MLA, the PWD has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for the work.

“We believe the MLA’s efforts have borne fruit as district administration officers along with PWD engineers have visited the area. They have said the road now will get extended up to the Maneswar locality of the district headquarters,” said Pandey.

Jal Sansthan faces financial crunch

The state is facing a drinking water crisis as the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan has been facing shortage of funds.

The department is spending a huge amount to provide water to its consumers in the hilly areas, but is unable to charge the consumers.

The state government has fixed Rs 155.20 per month bill in the hilly areas which is less than the cost being spent to supply water.

As per the sources in Haldwani, the cost of availing per kl water in plain regions remains between Rs 1.5 and Rs 5 and it increases up to Rs 38 per kl in some hill regions.

“The sansthan spends Rs 38 for per kilo litre of drinking water being provided to consumers of Pauri, while it remains Rs 32 per kilo litre in Pithoragarh district where most of the drinking water projects are lift based,” said DC Dimri, Chief Director General of Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan.

According to the sources, the revenue losses incurred by the department from hill regions are adjusted from the revenue earned from the plains, including Haldwani, Kashipur, Haridwar and Dehradun as hill regions give water revenue much less than the actual cost.

“Due to losses, we are facing a financial crunch and could not take up repair of hand pumps in some areas,” added DC Dimri. 

 550 take part in yoga contest
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 24
A national yoga competition at Prem Nagar ashram concluded here today. About 550 yoga participants hailing from nine states competed in various age categories from 5-40 years.

In the 5-8 years age category Amit Chikara and Ayush Singh Rawat were adjudged joint winners, while Harshit came second and the third place was also jointly given to Sajid Ansari and Kartik.

In 8-12 years category Divyanshu Mohan from host Uttarakhand bagged the gold medal followed by Arthav Gupta (Uttarakhand) and Vedenya (Delhi).

In 12-15 years category Bhuvnesh (Uttarakhand) and Abhishek(Haryana) bagged gold and silver medals, while in 15-18 years Vikki and Yashwant, both from Uttarakhand, bagged first and second spots.

In 18-21 years’ category Kaushal and Shubham Tomar from Delhi came first and second while in 21-25 years category Kripal Arya (Haryana) and Devendra (Punjab) bagged the first two spots. In 30-35 years category Subash (Haryana) and Satguru (Punjab) shared top two positions, respectively.

In above 40 years category, Ghanshyam and Naresh Nadda, both from Uttarakhand, won gold and silver medals, respectively. In girls category Saumya (Uttarakhand), Gayatri (Delhi), Vishvachi (Uttarakhand), Gayatri Arya (Uttarakhand), Anushkha Gupta (Uttarakhand), Santoshini (Chattisgarh), Chitra Lala (Chattisgarh), Shashi Rawat (Uttar Pradesh), Priyanka (Uttarakhand), Ayushi (Delhi), Sonali, Rajani ,Nigar Bano (Delhi), Sudesh Rani (Uttarakhand), Geeta (Delhi), Alisha (Delhi), Meenakshi, Raj Kaur(Delhi) were adjudged winners in various age categories.

 Nullah near Gujranwala Bhawan bane of Ganga
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 24
A nullah is flowing into the Ganga in Haridwar despite the ambitious plan of the Central government and claims of the state government and the local administration of cleaning the river. About a kilometre from Har-ki-Pauri, a big nullah passing through several ashrams, dharamshalas, hotels and lodges is polluting the Ganga. The stink from the nulllah, near famous Gujranwala Bhawan, has made life difficult for local residents, pilgrims and tourists.

A social organisation, Rashtriya Sewak Manch, has taken up the issue with the district administration and the Ganga Pollution Control Board. Chandra Mohan Kaushik, founder of the Rashtriya Sewak Manch, said crores of rupees were spent on cleaning the Ganga four years ago, but the nullah escaped the attention of the authorities concerned.

“The Ganga is getting polluted day by day, as a large numbers of nullahs flowing into it. In Haridwar alone, more than 12 nullahs are flowing into the river, but Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, the local legislator, Mayor Manoj Garg, ward councillors, the District Magistrate or Ganga Pollution Control Board officials are not taking remedial steps,” said Kaushik.

Teerth purohit Anshul Shri Kunj said while a Rs 755 crore budget was allocated for the Mahakumbh in 2010 and a budget of Rs 1,100 crore had been estimated for Ardh Kumbh, 2016. “We will raise the issue effectively to ensure all such polluted and toxic nullahs are tapped. We will also generate awareness among local people, pilgrims, ashram inmates, owners of dharamshalas, hotels, and lodges to ensure that no waste, plastic, filth or sewage flows into the Ganga.

Meanwhile, the Mayor said it was the duty of the Ganga Pollution Control Board to tap nullahs, he would look into the matter to ensure the work was done befor the Ardh Kumbh.

 Youths hold dharna, seek jobs at local hotel
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 24
Youths from Siya, Kempty and several other villages, staged a dharna and gathered at a five-star hotel near Mussoorie here today. They raised slogans against the hotel management and demanded employment for the locals. They also pointed the issue of faulty sewage system that was polluting drinking water sources near their villages in Kempty.

Vijendar Panwar, president of the youth Congress in Dhanaulti, alleged that

the management of JW Marriot Hotel had assured the local villagers that the youths from the region would be provided jobs as soon as the hotel becomes functional, but to no avail.

He said due to the faulty sewage system of the hotel the drinking water sources in the region were being polluted, posing health risk for the villagers.

Chandreshekhar Joshi, General Manager, JW Marriot Hotel, reached at the hotel gate with Kempty police.

He said the hotel was committed to hire local talent from Mussoorie.

“In fact 65 per cent of our workforce is from Mussoorie and the nearby areas. We are working towards increasing the workforce number. As a professional organisation, our robust recruitment process ensures that the selection of candidates is based on merit. We have already initiated a conversation with the Gram Panchayat of Siya village to send us a list of eligible candidates along with their resumes,” he added.

He said there was a problem in the sewage system that had been rectified and the water was being recycled and used again.

Youth Congress workers namely Jagat Panwar, Sameer Panwar, Chain Singh, Surendar Panwar, Suraj Panwar, Mahendar Panwar, Sanjay Panwar and many others were present during the dharna. 

 Sherwood School accused of causing death of student
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24
The SSP, Noida, Dr Preetinder Singh, today told The Tribune that the post-mortem of 14-year-old Shaan Prajapati was conducted in Noida. The post-mortem was conducted after Shaan’s mother, Neena Shreshtha, filed a complaint with the Noida police against the authorities of Sherwood School in Nainital for causing death to his son due to negligence.

“A zero FIR was registered in Noida. It has been transferred to the Nainital police, which is now investigating the case,” said Preetinder.

The SSP said the boy was declared dead at Max Hospital in Noida. Sources said he died on November 14.

“They were taking him to Apollo Hospital in Delhi and instead brought him to Max Hospital in Noida, where he was declared dead. The boy’s post-mortem was done at Max Hospital in Noida and its report has been given to the Nainital police,” he said, adding that he was not aware of the contents of the post-mortem report.

 Timely treatment can help challenged children, says doctor
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 24
Timely treatment and morale boosting of hearing and speech impaired children can make them hear and speak as other normal children. This was stated by Dr AK Lehri of Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, here today while addressing a workshop of speech and hearing impaired special children in SIDCUL.

Dr AK Lehri said that speech therapy can do wonders for speech impaired children while with the latest hearing equipments aided with consistent care by parents and teachers, these children can speak and hear once again. He said that the earlier one gives such treatment to these children, the chances of their getting cured increase.

Members of the Vak and Shravan Badhit Jan Kalyan Samiti,which organised the workshop, urged parents of these special children to treat them with care and opt for treatment at an earlier stage.

President of the Vak and Shravan Badhit Jan Kalyan Samiti Chandra Bhan Dhangar said that the government and corporates should come forward and provide financial assistance for treatment of these special children as it is quite costly. A memorandum has also been forwarded to Uttarkahnd Chief Minister Harish Rawat in this regard.

Social activist Telu Ram said that CM Harish Rawat has shown concern for these special children and expressed desire to meet these children.

Hearing and Speech Impaired Association state president Sandeep Arora urged parents of these special children to take utmost care and boost the morale of their children.

A group of special children also presented cultural programmes and showed the skills they attained after undergoing speech therapy and usage of hearing equipments provided by Roorkee based Saurya Clinic.

BJP membership drive in full swing in Kumaon
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, November 24
To meet the target of 40,000 members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Nainital district, the district has been divided into nine zones for which the membership in charges at the district, sub-division and block levels have been appointed.

This was informed by BJP general secretary and in charge of the BJP membership drive, Prakash Pant, here today.

According to the party general secretary, the party will complete its membership drive in March, 2015, by enrolling 11 lakh members in the state, which is its set target.

“We are focusing on youth as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is highly popular among this section of society,” Pant said.

The party general secretary said the online membership drive of the party was catching the eyes of youths from all over the state.

 Global ‘Worship to Wash’ summit from Nov 28
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 24
Saint Swami Chidanand Muni has started a sanitation and hygiene awareness movement after following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cleanliness drive.

A three-day global ‘Worship to Wash’ summit is being organised at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Pauri Garhwal from November 28 onwards, in collaboration with the Global Interfaith Wash Alliance.

United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also supporting the cause with several NGO, foundations, religious gurus and corporate industries. The aim of the drive is to provide access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene.

Discussion on ways to prevent various diseases, deaths due to impure potable water and unhygienic condition will be dwelled upon during the summit. Swami Chidanand said more than 61 million people in India were suffering due to contaminated water. “The summit will be attended by eminent religious leaders and experts. Discussion will be held to ensure adequate facilities are provided for sanitation and clean water,” said Chidanand.

 Biodiversity conference from today
Tribune news service

Dehradun, November 24
Representatives from China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, besides host India will take part in a three-day international workshop, “Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing in the Hindu Kush Himalaya”, that begins in Dehradun tomorrow.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in association with the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board and the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development is organising the workshop.

Addressing a press conference in Dehradun today, Rakesh Shah, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, said Chief Minister Harish Rawat would inaugurate the workshop in presence of Forests Minister Dinesh Agarwal. He added Hem Pandey, Chairman of the National Biodiversity Board, and the Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Forests and Climate Change, along with Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests SS Sharma would be present at the inaugural session of the workshop. 

 Two agitating yoga teachers admitted to hospital
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
The city police have forcefully admitted two agitating yoga teachers to district hospital here today. The agitators were identified as Kavita and Parvatti.

They were admitted to hospital as their physical condition had turned worse. The agitated yoga teachers had decided to continue with agitation till their demands were fulfilled by the state government.

Expressing his views to agitated yoga teachers, who gathered at the Raipur bus stand, Vijaypal Singh, an agitator, said a memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted to the officials many times, but the state government was yet to take steps to address their grievances.

He said the yoga teachers had agitated many times in the past, but their demands were still pending.

 Guv for scientific solutions to forestry challenges
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi today emphasised on the need for scientific solutions to problems of forestry.

Addressing the inaugural session of 13th silvicultural conference that started at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, today, he said the present day forestry challenges can only be redressed through scientific solutions. Qureshi in particular called upon creating forestry-based livelihood opportunities in the hills to check migration of people from rural to urban areas. He advocated for cultivation of walnut, almond and other fruit trees in the mountains to strengthen earnings of the villagers.

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Director General Dr Ashwani Kumar, in his key note address suggested on use of information technology, remote sensing and biotechnology in the works of forest management and also enhancement of forest productivity. He Informed the audience that trees like eucalyptus and casuarinas that have salt tolerance are being produced at Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, which will now be able to grow on saline lands. He stressed the need for more frequent silvicultural conferences.

Dr GS Goraya, Deputy Director General (Research), ICFRE, gave an account of the changes in themes of silvicultural conferences over the period from its start in 1918 to the last conference in 2006. He raised the issue of relevance of classical silviculture in the present times when forests are managed on multiple uses. Dr PP Bhojvaid, Director, FRI, Dehradun, stressed on the need for reorienting training to address contemporary forestry issues. He also advocated for greater research to meet forestry challenges.

Earlier, two minutes silence was also observed to pay tributes to about 1500 foresters of various ranks who have laid down their lives so far in the country for the cause of forestry.

Senior forest officers from Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, MP, Karnataka and Rajasthan discussed about the state of silviculture in the country and suggested modifications in forestry practice and research.

The five-day event is being attended by professional foresters, researchers, industry representatives, NGOs, environmentalists, retired forest officials and scientists, progressive farmers, artisans, MDs of many state forest corporations, directors of all institutes under ICFRE, Director General, Forest Survey of India.

 Governor inaugurates Balika Mahotsav at Kalsi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi today inaugurated the two-day Balika Mahotsav and health camp organised by the Uttarakhand State Child Welfare Council at Eklavya Adarsh School in Kalsi of Dehradun district.

The Governor congratulated the principal, teachers and students of the school and promised that he would give all possible help to maintain its standard. He said children must work together to maintain the glory and unity of the country.

He appreciated efforts made by the Child Welfare Council to make girls students and young rural women aware of the evil practices like female foeticide, dowry and gender discrimination.

He said more such programmes should be organised so that girls could learn to express themselves and become confident.

The Governor was welcomed with great fanfare at the Yamuna bridge before reaching Kalsi by local people led by former minister Narayan Singh Rana, former MLA Munna Singh Chauhan on the beats of Dhol –Dhamau.

The Governor said this was the genuine hospitality of the people of Uttarakhand. He expressed great regret at the murder of a tourist couple and said we all must resolve that such incidents do not take place in the future.

The Governor gave away prizes to students who won the various contests organised at the school today.

Senior vice-chairman of the council, SC Dobhal threw light on the aims of Balika Mahotsav and presented information about various programmes before the Governor. Council’s general secretary BK Dobhal, Eklavya School Principal Dr GC Badoni, council’s joint secretary KP Bhatt, teachers Sudha Painuli, Arvind Hatwal, Madhu Berry and several other eminent people were present on the occasion.

The governor appreciated the manner in which Ankita Tomar, a student, conducted the programme and wished her all the best for her future.

Girl students from various schools of Kalsi block along with their teachers participated in the programmes. On the second day of this programme, a health camp will be organised for girl students. 

 Roorkee college clinch football title
Tribune News Service

GOLDEN MOMENT: The team of College of Engineering Roorkee with the winners trophy of the Uttaranchal Technical University Football Tournament at Roorkee on Monday. Tribune photo: RAMESHWAR GAUR

Haridwar, November 24
The College of Engineering Roorkee (COER) has clinched the coveted Uttarakhand Technical University Football Tournament held at the sports stadium.

Seventeen teams from the state participated in the championship. COER defeated Tehri Hydro Development Corporation 2-0. Both teams were goalless in the first half, but in the second half COER midfield channelled several goal opportunities to forward strikers, who converted two of them into goals.

Handing over the championship trophy, COER director Dr VK Jain said it was a matter of pride that besides education, students were taking part in sports. Jain said there was a need to organise more such events as they inculcate team spirit and harmony among the students.

Dean Student Welfare Dr VK Singh, while handing out medals and certificates to winners and runners-up, exhorted students to take part in sporting activities.

 Aryan School win in basketball
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
Aryan School thrashed Woodstock School 14-11 during the inaugural match of the District U-15 Basketball Championship for boys and girls being organised by the District Basketball Association at Doon International School.

REWARD OF VICTORY: Students of The Aryan School, who won medals during the 4th District Rifle Shooting Championship held at the Jaspal Rana shooting range, near Dehradun, on Monday. A Tribune photograph

In the first match of girls’ section, Aryan School defeated Woodstock school, 3-2, 2-5, 2-2, 7-2. The highest scorer was Kunchuk (8 points) from Aryan School and Deasyl (4 points) from Woodstock School.

In yet another match of the girls’ section, Doon International School beat Hopetown Girls School 23-10. The score in the four quarters stood at 4-2, 2-3, 7-2 and 10-3. The highest scorer was Antima (21 points) for Doon International School and Bhavya (4 points) for Hopetown Girls School.

In the first match of the boys’ section, host Doon International School defeated Woodstock School (1st quarter 16-5, 2nd quarter 11-7, 3rd quarter 7-10, 4th quarter 6-8), the final score being 40-30 points.

For winners, Saif was adjudged the highest scorer with 15 points and Dipnair scored 13 points for Woodstock School.

In the other match, The Asian School beat St Mary’s School 43-16. The highest scorer was Shaksham (12 points) for Asian School and Rajdeep (6 points) for St Mary’s School. In the third match of the day, Hilton’s School beat DAV Public School 36-11.

The championship would conclude on November 28. As many as 28 matches would be played on the league-cum-knock-out basis in both boys and girls categories. 

 Aryan school reap rich haul of medals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 24
The shooters of The Aryan School won three gold and silver medals each and a bronze medal in the 10m range in the 4th District Rifle Shooting Championship that concluded at the Jaspal Rana shooting range here on Monday.

Narayan Singh Rana, a Dronacharya awardee, gave away medals to the winners.

Under the mens’ category, Anil Kavi (national shooter), who is the coach of Aryan School, won the gold medal. Besides, gold medals were won by Raghav Singhal, Yash Yadav and Arnav Kumar, while Ayush Singh, Bhavmangalam and Prabhjot Singh bagged silver medals and Adarsh Keshri won bronze medal.

Asian School win CBSE cricket champ

The Asian School won the CBSE Sahodaya Cricket Tournament here on Sunday. They defeated Scholar’s Home School by 10 wickets in a final match played at Kasiga School.

After losing the toss and put into bat first, Scholar’s Home School put up a dismal batting performance and the team was all out for 23 runs.

For The Asian School, Akshit Miyan remained the star bowler, taking six wickets in the innings. In reply, The Asian School chased the small target easily and won the match without losing any wicket.

Madan Jeet Juneja, vice-president, The Asian School, was the chief guest on the occasion. AK Das, principal, The Asian School, was the guest of honour. Ramesh Batta, chairman of Kasiga School, was also present.

The man of the match award was given to Akshit Miyan of The Asian School. He was adjudged the best bowler of the tournament.

Ashirwaad Royal was declared the best batsman and Saiyam Arora won the man of the series award.