Indian Tourism -Dehradun

Dehradun is the well-known hill station and a capital city of the Uttarakhand State of north India. This striking capital is situated in the Garhwal region and it is just 255 km away from New Delhi. Dehradun has been selected as one of the Counter attractions of the NCR (National Capital Region). It is also the alternative centre of expansion to help the relocation/migration and populace bang in the Delhi.

This hill station is notorious for its usual resources, services such as publishing, and for its impressive learning organizations like Indian Military Academy, Forest Research Institute and boarding schools. These educational centers are highly reputed throughout the nation. Some more national foundations such as Survey of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Wildlife Institute of India.

Dehradun is situated on the peak of the Himalaya Ranges. The Doon Valley is located between two mightiest rivers of India. These rivers are the Ganges which is on the east portion and Yamuna which is on the west side. The charming scenery and enjoyable weather of Dehradun is also attracting visitors. The nature beauty is like a gateway to the adjacent areas. This astonishing city is properly linked and in close to well-liked Himalayan tourist spots for example Nainital, Mussoorie and Auli. The Hindu holy cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar beside the Himalayan pilgrimage tour of Char Dham is another best and nearest places of Dehradun.

Dehradun is the headquarter and capital of Uttarakhand and it is also having nickname as Doon Valley. According to history of Dehradun sources say this place is blessed by many holly spirits such as Lord Ram and Laxman. The sources explained that Dronacharya, the legend guru of Kauravas and Pandavas was also born in this place. Proof of such period is available as the ancient temples and idols are still located in the city. 

Today Dehradun is turned as most popular tourist spot and people are visiting this city throughout the world. Some of the famed holiday spots of Dehradun are Tapkeshwar temple, Kalanga monument, Malsi Deer Park, Chandrabani, Laxman Siddh, Forest Research Institute, Guchhupani, Tapovan, Wadia Institute and Santala Devi temple. The other attractions in Dehradun are nature beauty, events and sports, museums, sanctuary and educations centers. The close hills are renowned for its scenery and temples. The sanctuary for bird and animal lovers is also best place of Dehradun to visit. The sporty activities such as trekking, rafting and rock climbing is also available to tourists. Reaching Dehradun will also help the tourist to visit nearby hill stations like Dakpathar, Ssahssradhara, Mussoorie, Chakrata and Lahkhamondal. The world-known temples Tapkeshwar and Santala Devi are also easily accessible and local transport is available to reach these holy places. The amusement parks are ready for fun and food with astonishing view of deep valleys.

Dehradun is all time visiting spot, though the best period to reach this hill station is September to October and March to April. 

Transportation services for reaching Dehradun:

By Air- the Dehradun Jolly Grand Airport is having continued services and flights from different pats of the country. The direct flights every week from Delhi is easy source for visitors to reach Dehradun. The airport is just 25 km away from the valley of Dehradun.

By Rail- the Dehradun railway station is well-known and best way to reach this hill station. This station is connected with many broad gage rails throughout the country and people can use the available trains to reach the spot. The major services are available from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi and Lucknow. Some of the best trains of Dehradun are Mussoorie Express, Shatabdi, Doon Express and Jan Shatabdi.

By Road- This hill station is properly connected through road with all parts of the country. Luxury and deluxe coach buses are accessible from Delhi and some more states of India. The semi-deluxe and deluxe buses are running from Shimla and Mussoorie regularly so users will get lots of sources to reach the destination in lesser time then any other hill station of India. The luxury bus services offered by UPSRTC are also good way to reach Dehradun. Those who love to go through road can hire the taxi or can move by their own vehicles. The average distance of Dehradun from Delhi is about 255 km, Risikesh about 42 km, Haridwar about 54 km, Agra about 382 km, Yamunotri about 279 km, Nainital about 297 km, Shimla about 221 km and Kedarnath about 270 km.

Top images from around the globe

Photos: Top images from around the globe

Top images from around the globe

Photos: Top images from around the globe

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Fair and Festival at Dehradun on Shivratri

Tapkeshwar Mandir Dehradun

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva and the fair and festival held here during Shivratri is highly auspicious. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Mela date is February 20. The temple is around 6 km from Dehradun city center and is located in Ghari area. The Mahashivratri day in phalgun month attracts thousands of devotees.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located on the banks of a river and the highlight of the temple is that water falls drop by drop atom the Shivling in the temple from a rock crevice.

During Mahashivratri there is night long jagran at the temple. Special pujas and bhajans are held on the occasion.

Tapkeshwar Mandir Dehradun

The Tapkeshwar temple is situated in the Garhi Cantonment area around 6.5 kms from the Dehradun city. Tapkeshwar is a heavenly place along a seasonal rivulet in the dense forest valley where a large number of devotees throng mainly during the Shivratri. Tapkeswar Mahadev temple is the auspicious place where the guru Drona of Pandavas and Kauravas, meditated to gain further knowledge. The water or moisture collects from the hills and trees and flows down as droplets onto the shivling, hence the name (Tapkeshwar). Thousands and thousands of people flock to this place to see the special marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati.

Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun

The main Entrance of the Tapkeswar Shiv Temple in Dehradun with shops all around from where you can take parshaad. The stairs take you down to the main mandir entrance gate.

'Greed-based mining root of scandals'

PANAJI: A need-based and not greed-based approach should be adopted towards mining, saidDr V Bahuguna, director general of the Indian council of forestry research & education, Dehradun, recently.

He made the statement while referring to the illegal mining scandals in the country. Bahuguna was speaking at a conference on 'mining for sustainability', While stating that "very good mining infrastructure was needed for a country's progress," Bahuguna also said that "sizeable area needs to be retained under forest in view of climate change".

He faulted the industry for adopting an unscientific approach to mining. "Despite being such an important activity, why is mining not clean, clear and sustainable?" he questioned.

Bahuguna attributed the growing public attention mining was drawing to this fact. Expressing the need to develop a symbiotic relationship between economic needs and conservation, he observed that factors such as food security and rainfall depend on forest resources.

Bahuguna was of the view that futuristic mining practices such as underground mining done inSweden should be adopted in India too.

Referring to the poor compliance of environmental laws by mining companies, Dr R N Patra, chairman of Indian Rare Earths Ltd, felt that "corruption happens when the legal framework is not implemented properly".

Elaborating, Patra said companies calculate the trade-off between loss occurred through compliance (with regulations) and the gain achieved through non-compliance.

K P Nyati, CEO, Sustainable Mining Initiative, said, "Compliance with rules and regulations is the basis for foundation of sustainability."

He wondered whether scientific mining practices would be possible when 83% of mines in the country are below 40 hectares and hence operated by small mining companies.

Varanasi-Dehradun Exp to resumed

DEHRADUN: The train nos. 14265/14266 Varanasi-Dehradun Express, which remained cancelled since December 20 till now, resumed its run from Saturday. The train 14265 starts running from Varanasi from Saturday. In return direction, train no. 14266 starts running fromDehradun from Sunday. All mail/express/passenger trains which were cancelled/partially cancelled during foggy weather, have been restored except train nos. 14115/14116 Allahabad-Haridwar Express which will remain cancelled till further notice.
In order to make it convenient for passengers, Lucknow division of NER has opened computerised reservation centres at post offices.

A lesson for devotees and pilgrims to learn

Ganga Ghat, Haridwar

Haridwar, February 5
While millions throng Haridwar to take a dip in the holy Ganga, many of them leave behind waste material at Ganga ghats, not even thinking what wrong they are doing.

Though Ganga Sabha and other agencies maintain these ghats, the devotees, pilgrims and tourists should themselves realise the importance of the sanctity of these ghats.

Despite several cleaning drives and projects being carried out, the responsibility of the citizens to keep the ghats clean is imperative. A physically handicapped man, who selflessly is seen cleaning Ganga ghats on his own, is giving one such message, far from media limelight.

This man, despite being disabled, cleans the Ganga ghats with his legs and also manages to do it with his affected hands.

But when one asks his name and about his social service, this man doesn’t reveal but goes on doing his job. He points out that he does not want any media coverage, nor is he doing it for any firm but he himself realises that the ghats of the holy Ganga, which is worshipped by billions, needs to be cleaned so that the pilgrims get a clean ghat to take the holy dip.

Though he accepts that people wash clothes and use detergents, soaps, shampoos, which should not be done as these affect the sanctity of the ghats and impurifies the holy Ganga water, he makes sure that he is the first one to carry out the cleaning job before he asks others.

Seeing the commitment of this man, many people also make sure that they clean the ghats and remove the litter and plastic material. Many people are seen not using soaps while bathing.

Teerth purohits and hawkers who see this man doing the voluntary work on a regular basis are all praise for him and say that slowly but in a silent and effective way he is conveying the message, and many point out that it is not only about having a budget for cleaning the Ganga. Strong will and awareness will do much more than that.

Medical students awarded degrees

Dignitaries at the first convocation of the Himalayan
Institute Hospital Trust near Dehradun. 

Dehradun, February 5
A total of 63 medical students of different streams were awarded degrees on the first convocation ceremony of the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) here yesterday.

The chief guest on the occasion was Dr C Rangarajan, chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He inaugurated the event by lighting up the ceremonial lamp. Accompanying him was the Vice Chancellor of the HIHT, Dr Vijay Dhasmana.

Addressing the students on the occasion, Dr Rangarajan advised them to work hard for achieving their goals in life. He said, “The profession of a doctor is very respectful and dignified.” Terming the students as nation builders, Dr Rangarajan appealed to the students to work hard for the betterment of society and the nation. The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr Dhasmana.

Youths arrested for theft

A gang of thieves nabbed by the Dehradun police.

Dehradun, February 5

The state police yesterday arrested two youths from Sahastradhara and Dehradun, who were involved in number of thefts in the region. Acting on a tip off, the Uttarakhand police intercepted the youths from the Sahastradhara road.

The youths, who were on a motorcycle, tried to flee from the spot but were apprehended by the police. On interrogation, the two were identified as Gaurav Chowdhary, a resident of Bagpat in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohit Kumar, a resident of Meerut. The two confessed of having committing number of thefts in Dehradun.

Shops on Chakrata Road unsafe for occupants

The demolished buildings on Chakrata Road in Dehradun.

Dehradun, February 5
The partly demolished commercial buildings on Chakrata Road have become perilous for the safety of those who live in them, or run shops, or even pass by the road. The bricks have become loosened and parts of the structure are hanging in the air on higher storeys.

It has become dangerous to walk near the shops as at any point of time the hanging concrete pieces can fall on the passersby and cause extreme injuries, something which happened just a day before when two persons got injured and as rickshaw got completely crushed.

The authorities seem nonchalant about the glaring realities and are sitting mum about them.

The side space of the road dug up to lay sewerage lines has added to the peril as poor children who come to collect debris or passersby can fall in them at night when it gets dark.

Despite the prevailing scary situation, the shopkeepers have begun business from the remnants of their shops, and in some cases begun living on the upper storeys where they used to live earlier. Manoj Uniyal, who runs Sagar CD shop on the first floor and has a house on the second floor, said: “There is very little verandah space left outside the rooms of my house, and it has become unsafe to even walk over that. I have a seven-year-old boy and old parents. I am quite worried about them. A little carelessness on their part can prove costly.”

The concrete debris lying below the broken buildings has made it more dangerous. Any one falling from even the first storey will get badly hurt on the debris.

Many buildings have become too small at the front to run any proper shop. In such places, people have opened up small tea-shops, cigarette or paan corners etc, whilst those who were left with slightly bigger spaces have set up some of their old stock like medicines, paints and electronic items.

Shalini, who owns a big electronic shop, said : “Now and then loosely-held bricks keep falling from the upper storeys but we cannot sit at home any more as the shops provided in the new shopping complex do not have proper water and electricity connections. Customers do not go there. After waiting for almost 45 days when the first demolition took place, we have come back to our shops.”

The customers hardly go in the new shopping complex where barring three or four shops, the rest are closed. The construction activity is still going on there because of which the place is still dirty and dusty.

The renowned Kumar Sweets, however, has opened its shop and is having a few customers every day. Owner Ramesh Verma said: “It will take three to four months for the shopkeepers to start their business from here. Water connections have been provided but transformers for electricity connections for all are yet to be set up. I am taking five KW from a nearby transformer and using a generator, though earlier I had a connection of 20 KW. The shopkeepers are demanding permission to use their old meter connections.

No health facility in remote Nainital areas

Nainital, February 5
The residents of the remote Okhalkanda region of Nainital continue to face an acute paucity of health services. Despite tall claims of the government with regard to the appointment of doctors and improving the health facilities in the areas, nothing has materialised on the ground.

With the result, the people of this region have to cover long distances to reach Haldwani, Nainital and Champawat to get some medical attention. There is widespread resentment amongst the people against

the prevailing state of affairs in the region. Reports suggest that the government hospital in Joshyuda village has been functioning without a doctor for several years. Built during the Bristish era, the condition of the hospital has gone from bad to worse.

Similarly, the posts of doctor in the Primary Health Centres at Dholigaon, Dalkanya, Khanasyu, Patlot, Nai and Gauniyaron have been lying vacant for several years. There are about 40,000 people in the area who have been deprived of medical assistance. All this in the face of the government that has been making tall claims with regard to improving health facilities in the remote areas of the hilly terrain in the state. The people have expressed hope that the new government would look into the issue after assuming office.

ND Tiwari an enigma in Uttarakhand

ONE person who came back to limelight during the poll campaign after a political hibernation in the state is Narayan Dutt Tiwari. The octogenarian hogged lots of publicity all the while.

From getting three ticket for persons of his choice (including one for his nephew Manish Tiwari from the Gadarpur seat) from the Congress high command, the grand old man of Uttarakhand politics was all over the place in the media, be it the print or the electronic medium.

There was lots of news for mediapersons as Tiwari never disappointed them by his acts and words. The first major news was his campaigning for his friend-turned-foe to being a friend again Indira Hridayesh. Hridayesh was a Cabinet Minister in the Tiwari government from 2002 to 2007 and contested the current poll from her traditional Haldwani seat. Tiwari not only held a media briefing in her favour but also participated in a road show in her favour. He went to the Muslim-dominated area of Vanbhoolpura seeking votes for her.

He gave a story to the mediapersons when he said he rued not having been able to become the Prime Minister in 1991. At that time he was one of the top contenders for the post after the demise of Rajiv Gandhi but he had lost the Lok Sabha poll held after Rajiv’s assassination. PV Narasimha Rao had been chosen the Prime Minister.

Sometime later during the campaign he sent the Congress into a disarray when he said he would not mind becoming the Chief Minister once again for a spell of two years.

People are yet to comprehend what he had meant when asked in Gadarpur about who would win the poll. He had said, ”Jai Maa Kali” and had gone to make the traditional invocation sound of Bengalis. Incidentally, an independent candidate with a nickname of Kali was also contesting from the seat against Tiwari’s nephew Manish Tiwari.

No matter, what Tiwari continues to be an enigma in Uttarakhand.

During a visit to his native area of Padampuri on the day of polling, some journalists came across an old man who narrated a story that during his young days, boys were asked to fetch wooden blocks brought down by gushing waters of local streams. The old man says, “I had a friend who could not swim. Same was the case with me. My friend had made an arrangement with other boys who were good swimmers that they would extract the blocks from the stream and we would carry them up half the distance to the village only to split the booty equally later. This friend was none other than ND Tiwari. You can imagine how good a manager he was even as a child.”

Political gossip on rise

With the votes having been cast and results awaited in the first week of March, the people of the area have enough time for political gossip and speculation. This is precisely what the people are doing these days. For those who have contested the poll, the wait is a bit too long but for those who just played the part of the voter or the supporter, there is enough time to indulge in gossip and analyse the polling that took place from various angles.

The question foremost on the mind of the people is that who will form the government. The second scenario being analysed is whether there will be a party securing a simple of two-thirds majority.

The third obvious question is who will be the Chief Minister. While in case of the BJP it is expected to be Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri as it was in the name of his “clean” image that the party had gone out seeking votes in the state.

But in case of the Congress forming the government, there are several claimants and choices available at hand. Speculation is rife whether it will be the Hardwar Lok Sabha member Harish Rawat who will eventually be the Chief Minister or will it be someone else.

This brings the people yet another point to ponder whether Congress president Sonia Gandhi will want a bypoll in Hardwar as making Rawat the Chief Minister will also mean one Lok Sabha member less in Parliament at a time when the graph of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is not looking too good.

It is amid all this that people are spending their time particularly in places like Nainital where it is an off-season in context of tourism-related activity which is the mainstay of the majority of the people of the town.

Koshiyari hai majboori

There is a question among the young BJP workers with regards to former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. These youngsters are perplexed over the party giving so much importance to Koshiyari despite the fact that he has played the role of a “destabiliser” every time someone other than him from the party was in the driving seat.

The youngsters point out that be it the case of Nityanand Swami, Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri and later Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Koshiyari has had a role to play in the removal of every single one of them.

When the curiosity of the young brigade from the party was aired to a senior party functionary, he evaded the issue while joking, “Our slogan for the poll ‘Khanduri hai zaroori’ should have had a rider. It should have read Khanduri hai zaroori aur Koshiyari hai mazboori.”

There is a sentiment among a section of BJP workers that Koshiyari supporters were annoyed when the slogan “Khanduri hai zaroorie” was coined. “Did that mean that Koshiyari and others were gair zaroori (unimportant)?” they asked.

Anti-encroachment drive to make Urs fair memorable

Local traders oppose the anti-encroachment drive near Piran Kaliyar shrine in Roorkee.

Haridwar, February 2
With the holy Urs at Sabir Pak Dargah in Piran Kaliyar witnessing influx of devotees from around the country and foreign shores, too, the district administration today carried out an anti-encroachment drive to make sure the congested paths leading to the holy shrine be made spacious.

As the Urs is held annually, and in view of the encroachment near the shrine and millions of devotees paying obeisance at the holy shrine, the administration carried out an anti-encroachment drive removing the encroachers who had illegally encroached on government land and market.

Heavy deployment of police personnel was done from administration side in view of the traders’ resentment. As it turned out there was a major protest from the affected trader community, which termed the administrative action as uncalled for.

Traders also alleged that the police was harassing them by evicting them at a time when the holy Urs was reaching at its peak time. They were also of the view that they were in no way hampering the Urs preparations and were just only trading.

This created a ruckus as shops got closed and to prevent any clash, additional force was called on. Superintendent of rural police Roshan Lal Sharma and circle office Kamlesh Upadhyay carried out the anti- encroachment drive and also urged traders to abide by the law as it was only for the smooth conduct of the holy fair that the administration was carrying out the drive.

Traders also apprised City Magistrate Savin Bansal of their woes and urged him to make sure the encroachment drive gets stopped.

Meanwhile, in view of providing better convenience to the pilgrims, from Railway Department special arrangements have been done.

Now 14 trains will be making their stoppage for 2 minutes each till February 10 at Roorkee railway station. Station superintendent KS Gunjyal said that if the rush of the pilgrims increases, then from higher authorities of the department permission will be sought to operate special trains during this Urs tenure.

Notably organised in memory of renowned Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kaliyari, this Urs is the 743rd one and draws devotees from around the world.

64 proxy votes in Uttarakhand which included votes of NRIs

Dehradun, February 1
A total of 64 individuals exercised their franchise through proxy votes, which included votes of NRIs, who participated in the Assembly polls that concluded on January 31.

Along with the option of postal ballots, the Election Commission had given the option of proxy vote to the service voters comprising defence personnel who could depute their close relatives to cast their votes.

For the first time NRIs, too, were given the option to vote but only 7 NRIs managed to exercise their franchise.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakahnd electoral office revised the the total voting percentage of the state and pegged it at 67 per cent in the state with Udham Singh Nagar district at 76.65 per cent, Haridwar at 74.80 per cent, Uttarkashi at 66.3 per cent, Bageshwar 61.8 per cent, Nainital 68.06 per cent, Almora 55.5 per cent, Chamoli 61.02 per cent, Rudraprayag 63.24 per cent, New Tehri 58.9 per cent, Dehradun 66.63 per cent, Pauri 58.06 per cent, Pithoragarh 62.28 per cent and Champawat 60.67 per cent.

On the other hand, a total number of 85 EVMs were replaced due to faulty operation in the state on the date of polling.

Poor poll planning blamed for low turnout in hill areas

Nainital, February 1
Lack of proper planning on the part of the elections authorities had an adverse impact on polling in some parts of the state. The election authorities failed to analyse the distinct climatic, geographical and topographical features of the state and issued instructions that prevented voters from exercising their right to franchise.

Observers say a large number of people in towns like Nainital migrate to plains or go on a vacation in January due to severe cold conditions there. This has been the yardstick for holding elections for decades. This time also a large number of local residents had gone out of the town with their families and could not cast vote in the Assembly elections. The low voter turnout in Nainital is a testimony to this fact.

Second, restrictions on the movement of even private vehicles in the areas where the elections were being held led to a lot of hardship to common people. It also prevented a large number of people from casting vote.

This correspondent came across people who were not able to reach polling booths in Nainital because they lived in Haldwani and Bhawali during the winter. Though they had valid voter cards they chose not to go out to vote as they suspected the police may not allow them to travel by their vehicles to reach polling booths.

A similar order for the closure of markets, including eating joints, also caused hardships to the people who usually had their meals outside.

The poor planning resulting from lack of proper knowledge about the topography of the state also impacted polling. For example, though some booths were located within a radius of 2 km, they were inaccessible as the voters had to travel tough terrain to reach there.

One such case is of Dabhar village in Betalghat. Reports said barely 10 per cent of the total voters cast vote in Dabhar village as they could not travel 2 km of tough terrain to reach the polling booth.

Highest percentage of voting in Pithoragarh seat

Pithoragarh, February 1
District Election Officer R Rajesh Kumar today released the final figures of voting recorded in all four seats of Pithoragarh district.

According to the figures released by the poll officer, out of a total of 3,07,009 voters in the four Assembly seats of the district, 1,95,262 cast their votes, which has been calculated at 63.59 per cent.

“The number of male voters in all four seats is 1,51,702 and that of female is 1,55,307. Of these, 96,896 male and 99,096 female voters cast their votes,” said the poll officer.

Dharchula witnessed 66.7 per cent voting, Didihat 63.8 per cent, Pithoragarh 67.19 per cent and Gangolihat 57.93 per cent. The highest percentage of voting has been recorded in the Pithoragarh seat followed by Dharchula where out of a total of 70,035 voters, 46,956 cast their votes.

In Didihat, out of a total of 69,251 voters, 44,443 voters cast their votes. “The lowest voting has been recorded at the Chama polling booth while the Kiroli polling booth has witnessed the highest voting,” said the election officer.

In Gangolihat, out of a total of 84,799 voters, 48,304 cast their votes.

“The Devrari Pant polling booth witnessed the highest voting while the lowest voting has been recorded at the Bungli polling booth,” he said.

The Namik polling booth, Dharchula, witnessed zero polling while only one person cast vote at the Silingia polling booth,” said to the poll officer. 

SC notice to Forest Ministry on power projects

Dehradun, January 31

The Supreme Court of India issued notice to Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and National Hydro Power Corporation on two hydroelectric projects named Kotli-Bhel 1A (195Mega Watt) and Kotli-Bhel 2 (520 MW).

The Supreme court verdict follows Sept 14, 2010, National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA) decision to dismiss the appeal against the environment clearance of these two projects filed by Vimalbhai, Rajendra Singh Negi, Trilok Singh Rawat of Matu Jansangthan, an NGO working against construction of big dams in the Uttarakhand region.

Subsequently, NEAA order was challenged in Supreme Court by Matu Jansangthan and Dr Bharat Jhunjhunwala.

Hearing the appeal against the order of NEAA, the Supreme Court Bench of Justice DK Jain and Justice Anil R Dave issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forest and National Hydro Power Corporation.

Interestingly, despite various environmental and social issues which remain standing unanswered, a very significant cultural area is also under the threat of submergence in these two projects. These dams are proposed on Bhagirathiganga and Ganga.

Kotli-Bhel 1A (195Mega Watt) is proposed on Bhagirathiganga. The making of a 17-km-long reservoir would amputate Ganga from its last free stretch near the holy confluence of Alaknandaganga and Bhagirathiganga, known as Deoprayag. After Deoprayag, it flows as Ganga. This proposed project is just after the two big reservoirs of Tehri dam and Koteshwer dam. The area is also very much landslide prone. It is important here to note that in 2010 monsoon, the office of project proponent NHPC itself collapsed, which was nearly half a km from the proposed dam site.

Further, another proposed Kotli-Bhel 2 hydroelectric project (520 MW) consists of a 32-km-long reservoir which will submerge the holy Deoprayag. The reservoir is supposed to stretch till the Bhagirathiganga and the Alaknandaganga. This is how a triangular reservoir will come up around the Deoprayag. The old Badrinath Marg for pilgrims will also get submerged in the process.

“We will fight the battle both on ground and at the Hon'ble court to obey our duty towards our national river Ganga and its inhabitants,” asserted Vimalbhai, convener, Matu Jansangthan.

Senior advocates Raj Panjwani with Anitah Shenoy, Ritwik Dutta and Rahul Choudhary represented the petitioners before the court.

Ex-Army man's body recovered from canal

Dehradun, January 31

The body of an ex-Army man was recovered from a canal at Basant Vihar area here today, the police said. The body of Ranjit Singh (65) was found in the canal by some children playing in the area, they said.

Singh's family told the police that he had left home on Sunday evening for attending a marriage party. The police has registered a case in the matter.

Son, nephew nabbed for murder

The Kotwali police have arrested the son and nephew of Avtar Singh (65) at the Chukhan area of Dehradun on Tuesday for his murder.

Bablu alias Naresh (30) and Manish (30) stabbed the deceased to death on Monday night. According to Kotwali SI Rajkumar, “Bablu, the son, stabbed his father Avtar following a dispute over property. His cousin Manish helped him in the crime. Police have arrested both of them in the early hours of Tuesday.”

Meanwhile, retired Army personnel Ranjit Singh (65) from Ambiwala was found dead at the Vasant Vihar tea estate on Tuesday morning.

According to police, Singh went to attend a cocktail party at a friend’s place on Sunday night and did not return to his residence on Monday. Locals found his body at the tea estate and informed police.

Man stabs father to death for property

Dehradun, January 31

Naresh Kumar, resident of Indira Colony, Chukkuwala, killed his father Avtar Kumar by stabbing him with the help of his nephew Manish Kumar on Monday night. Avtar Kumar bled to death while being taken to a local hospital. It was just few days ago when Avtar Kumar had sold off a property for Rs 1.5 lakh and Naresh was demanding his share in the amount.

Avtar refused to that saying that since he lived separately from the family with his wife and two children, he would not be given any share.

At this, enraged Naresh stabbed his father to death. The police arrested the accused.

Fuel thieves active in Mussoorie

Mussoorie, January 31
Residents of Mussoorie are facing a peculiar problem of fuel theft from their vehicles these days and the police is yet to apprehend anyone despite several complaints. The fuel thieves, who had been active in the area for the past several days, broke the lock of the tank of a JCB machine parked at the PWD guest house here and stole diesel from it.

According to PWD officials, the caretaker of the guest house this morning found the lock of the fuel tank of the JCB broken and around 80 litres of diesel stolen.

JCB driver Rakesh was informed about the incident and he filed a written complaint at the local police station. Rakesh said the JCB machine had been requisitioned for election duty and was parked at the PWD guest house for the past few days. He added the thieves had earlier stolen diesel from the JCB machine a few days ago. Though he had informed the police, no action was initiated, resulting in the present incident.

Residents of Indra Colony said though several cases of theft of drain covers from public lavatories had been reported in the media, the police was yet to take action. The police said investigation into the incident was on.

Poor detection of TB cases posing problems

Dehradun, January 31
Detection of fresh Tuberculosis cases continues to derail the State Tuberculosis programme. As a result, the state’s goal of complete eradication of TB still remains unattainable.

Medical experts say since the start of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) programme in 2004 the focus on detecting fresh cases has not been properly pursued. In all, there have been 13,800 cases of tuberculosis positive cases in the state for the year ending 2011.

Since the start of the RNTCP in 2004, the Uttarakhand government has achieved 85 per cent success in treating patients. But at the same it has failed to detect fresh cases whose number may be as high. Lack of manpower is hindering the tabulation of the state-specific data.

The State Tuberculosis Control Society in Uttarakhand says in a population of one lakh, the incidence of TB cases may be around 260 patients per year.

As of now, Dehradun has the highest number of tuberculosis (positive) cases in the state followed by Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Pauri Garhwal. Though there are equal number of men and women suffering from TB, the latter seem to recover faster from the disease with regular medicines.

“Women patients take the treatment seriously, though they may be under a great deal of stress while going through pregnancies and other related ailments. TB strikes when the body’s immunity is down,” said Dr Ajit Gairola, State TB programme officer.

It was only recently that the government launched a programme to take on the challenge of MDR-TB and DOTS Plus was the answer. MDR-TB is more difficult and costly to treat. Diagnosing MDR-TB cases is complex and the RNTCP has developed guidelines based on those of the WHO.

DGP given emotional farewell

Dehradun, January 31
Officers of the Uttarakhand Police bid an emotional farewell to DGP Aloke B. Lal at a dinner organised at the Police Officers’ Mess in Dehradun today. Lal retired after nearly 37 years of distinguished service.

DGP J S Pande praised Lal for his extraordinary professional capabilities as well as his talent in painting, photography and music. DIG Deepam Seth made an audio-visual presentation to showcase Lal’s meritorious services. It was a special treat to view some of Lal’s fine photographs and paintings too in the same presentation.

The officers, who spoke on the occasion, repeatedly referred to Lal’s affable nature and his leadership style and ability to get the best out of his colleagues without hard words and the aggressive style associated with the police.

The speakers said Lal’s leadership style was influenced by his love for sports. He has the ability to accept defeat and not pass the blame on to a junior officer. For this reason he was always loved and respected by his fellow officers and men.

There was a moving reference to the help he extended to the families of police martyrs who needed help for medical treatment.

Lal spoke about his long association with the police force. He recalled how on several occasions with little or no resources he managed to achieve astounding successes. He also recalled how his fellow cricket teammates in different places of posting were instrumental in providing to him credible intelligence inputs, leading to many successful operations.

The outgoing DGP stressed the need for reforms in the police. He reminded his former colleagues that the people expected police officers to serve them with a sense of dignity and respect. He exhorted them to adopt innovative methods to overcome lack of resources. The farewell function was attended by several serving and former officers.

Birdwatching event on World Wetlands Day

Schoolchildren watch migratory birds at Asan Barrage during
 the World Wetlands Day celebrations on Thursday.

Dehradun, February 2

As part of the World Wetlands Day celebrations, WWF-India today organised a birdwatching expedition event at Asan Barrage, Dehradun, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Forest Department, keeping in mind this year’s theme of ‘Responsible tourism supports wetlands and people.’

Every year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated the world over to mark the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, called Ramsar Convention, on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general, and the Ramsar Convention in particular have been taken since 1997 by government agencies, NGOs and groups of citizens at all levels of the community.

This year, highlighting the theme of ‘Responsible tourism supports wetlands and people,’ WWF-India organised a birdwatching expedition at Asan Barrage for children from five Dehradun-based schools and Doon University, led by Dr. Rashid Raza, WWF-India, and Dr. Dhananjay Mohan, Wildlife Institute of India (WII). This was intended to help them identify birds and to understand how they are dependent on wetlands for survival. Following this, the children were encouraged to paint their thoughts, views and opinions on white banners erected between trees, which were displayed later at the barrage for visitors to see.

A flock of Brahminy ducks at Asan Barrage

From WWF-India, Dr. Harish Kumar, Head, Terai Arc Landscape Programme, Dehradun, spoke about the significance of the theme considering that Uttarakhand is a popular tourist destination and how a more ‘responsible’ kind of tourism can make all the difference.

Pankaj Chandan, Head, High Altitude Wetlands Conservation Programme, India, elucidated the conservation work being done under the programme and how bird migration depends on the good health of these wetlands.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF)-Garhwal, D. V. S. Khati, Uttarakhand Forest Department, released the WWF-India poster on ‘High Altitude Wetlands of Uttarakhand’ and sent out a plea to everybody to take on the responsibility of protecting their wetlands in order to secure water and other natural resources for future generations.

A poster being released on World Wetlands Day celebrations
 organised by WWF India at Dehradun on Thursday.

In addition, Ragini Letitia Singh, Senior Communications Officer, WWF-India, talked about the Green Hiker campaign and showed a short animation film on the same. Green Hiker aims to build awareness about responsible tourism among tourists, tour and travel operators and service providers that will enhance the visitor experience while safeguarding the natural beauty and resources of the state.

The World Wetlands Day celebration was coordinated by the WWF-India Dehradun Programme Office through Dr. Jatinder Kaur, Coordinator and the team comprising Pushpiner Singh, Prashant Taryal, Prashant Gaur.

Forest ministry’s relief for Mussoorie residents

Mussoorie, February 2
The residents of the hill town of Mussoorie, who have been agitating against the existing guidelines under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, for the diversion of private forest land for construction of residential building, got relief from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF), Government of India, which announced easing of norms for constructing residential houses in Mussoorie.

The MOEF had issued the new guidelines about modifying the paragraph no 4.5 of the Forest Conservation Act on the basis of recommendation of forest advisory committee on February 24, 2011, but the departments here had been sitting on it for some time now due to unknown reasons.

The Tribune, after accessing the letter issued by MOEF, found that the ministry by relaxing the norms had allowed the construction of residential or dwelling houses in private forest land in Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) in Uttarakhand, subject to fulfillment of conditions laid down by the concerned departments.

The MOEF in its letter further stated that the construction activity for residential purpose in private forest area shall be allowed only for domestic purpose and shall not be extended to any institutional building or commercial development. In addition to that the constructional activity shall be restricted to a maximum of 250 Sq.m of built up area in this case plinth level.

The letter issued by MOEF further states that the new guidelines have been issued to alleviate the hardships of homestead owners for constructing and completing their bonafide residential buildings.

The permission has been provided, subject to the fact that tree felling should be minimal and sufficient soil conservation measures should be taken.

The ministry also cleared that the clearance from MDDA and other agencies should be obtained while constructing their dwellings.

Earlier guidelines issued by the MOEF that stated “the Central Government will not entertain any proposal for diversion of forest land for construction of residential or dwelling house” had stalled construction activity and created a housing problem in the town.

With these new guidelines residents of the town have heaved a sigh of relief and said that they have waited for a long time for such relaxation and with this relaxation in construction, they will be able to extend their dwelling areas considering the increase in the number of their family members in the past several years.

Irish dance, skit mark founder’s day celebrations

Students give a performance during the founder’s day
 celebrations of St Joseph’s Academy in Dehradun on Wednesday.

Dehradun, February 2

St Joseph’s Academy celebrated it founders’ day here today. The congregation of Patrician Brothers was founded in 1808 by Bishop Daniel Delany in Tullow, Ireland, with an aim to enlighten youth and work for the welfare of the underprivileged.

To mark the occasion, class IX students put up a special assembly to throw light on the glorious years of the Patrician Brothers and their selfless service to humanity. The chief guest on the occasion was Superior Bro. Sebastian. The programme started with the lighting of the inaugural lamp by Bro. Sebastian and Bro. AJ George.

Gunraj Singh led a devotional prayer, which was followed by a hymn sung by the choir. The students presented a skit on the travails of Bishop Daniel Delany’s life and his exemplary service. An Irish dance and a soul stirring song mesmerised the audience.

The assembly ended with an inspiring speech by Principal Bro. AJ George who spoke about the congregation in Ireland and citing the example of Bishop Daniel Delany’s life.

St Thomas College triumph

Dehradun, February 2
St Thomas College defeated Hilton’s School by eight wickets in a match in the Dehradun Inter-Council Schools Cricket Tournament under way at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy here today.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Hilton’s team was all out for 44 runs in 12.2 overs. Aswin the top scorer with 14 runs . Shivang took three wickets for 2 runs while Rishab and Deepak took two wickets each.

In reply, St Thomas College scored 46 runs at the loss of two wickets, winning the match by eight wickets. Opener Vishal remained unbeaten on 17 runs.

Doon Combined victorious

Dehradun, February 2

In a match in the 60th District Cricket League here today, Doon Combined defeated New Indian Star by 176 runs.

Batting first, Doon Combined scored 273 runs losing 5 wickets. Vaibhav scored the highest runs (106) followed by Kamal who scored 89 runs.

However, New Indian Star could only score 97 runs losing all wickets in the process. Ravi of New Indian Star scored 39 runs. Nishant and Manish took 3 wickets each for Doon Combined.

In another match, Diamond Cricket won by 126 runs against DCA. Batting first, Diamond Cricket scored 196 runs. DCA scored 70 runs losing all wickets.  

Arrangements for counting of votes begin

Nainital, February 2
The election authorities in Uttarakhand have started making arrangements for the counting of the votes polling for which had taken place on January 30.

Chief Election Officer Radha Raturi has asked all district election officers (DEOs) to make elaborate preparations for the day when the counting is scheduled to take place on March 6.

In a videoconferencing session with the DEOs held this morning, Raturi, with the help of a power point presentation, discussed about the preventive measures that are required to be taken with regard to the counting of the votes for the 70 Assembly seats.

She laid particular stress on the data entry operations that are to be carried out by officials of the Network Information Services (NIS) and those entrusted with the polling duties at the district level.

She underlined that all arrangements be made well on time. She said the personnel who were supposed to be enrolled for the counting of votes needed to be trained for the purpose well on time. Besides this, the computers and printers that were to be used for the counting of votes and the declaration of results must be in proper working order, she said.

All the DEOs have been asked to start making arrangements for the preparation of various data bases and other documents that are required for the counting procedures as per the directions of the Election Commission of India.

The data base pertaining to the electronic voting machines are to be prepared. The DEOs have also been asked to get booklets prepared with regard to the details of the polling that took place in various constituencies in their respective districts. The booklets are to be prepared on a priority basis as they are to serve as referral points on several occasions.