At A Glance: June 6

Teacher on census duty dies

A school teacher, engaged in census work in a remote village of Uttarakhand, has died, official sources said on Thursday. Narendra Lal died of some illness in Irani villageon Wednesday night, they said. He had returned to work after a long medical leave. Irani is a remote village of Chamoli district and one has to trek 35 km to reach there.

School principal charred to death

A government school principal has been charred to death while trying to douse fire in jungles at Ravainkhal area of Bageshwar district, official sources on Thursday. The incident took place when Jaman Singh, principal of Asano Inter College at Kapkot area, went to douse the blaze in the nearby jungles on Wednesday and came in its grip. Later, villagers accompanying him informed the officials about the incident, who rushed to the spot and sent the body for postmortem.

Transferred

Uttarakhand government on Wednesday transfered eight IPS officials, including police heads of five districts, to further tone up dminstration. Superintendent of Police (SP) Rudraprayag Nilesh Anand Bharne has been made the new SP of Pithoragarh. Bharne would replace Puran Singh Rawat, who has now been made the commandar of Indian Reserve Battalion (Haridwar), a government spokesman said. Bharne would be replaced by Sweety Agrawal, who was awaiting posting since the Kumbh mela was over in April. Ajay Mohan Joshi has been made new SP of Uttarkashi district in place of Mukhtar Mohsin, who would now hold the charge of Bageshwar district. Dileep Kunwar, who was till now holding responsibility of SP Bageshwar, has now been shifted to police headquarters here. 40th Battalion PAC Commander Ajay Rautela has now been made SSP of Udhamsingh Nagar. Rautela would replace G.N. Goswami, who has been transferred to police headquarters here

Rewards for excellence

6th pay commission benefits extended to Sanskrit Varsity:

Uttarakhand cabinet has decided to extend benefits of Sixth pay commission to the employees of Sanskrit University. Briefing newspersons after the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Chief Secretary N S Napalchyal said benefits of sixth pay commission would be extended to the teaching as well as non-teaching staff of Haridwar-based Sanskrit University with retrospective effect from Jan one, 2006. The cabinet also decided to lower VAT on plywood and fibrewood made from trees like Eucalyptus and Poplar as well as timber wood to 4 percent from the existing 12.5 per cent, Napalchyal said. He said the state cabinet also gave its nod to hike the fee of government-run Engineering Colleges and Polytechnic institutes. While fee for course of B.Tech has been increased to Rs 25,000 per annum from Rs 15,000, students pursuing M.Tech would now have to pay Rs 30,000 per annum in place of Rs 20,000, Napalchyal said. The fee in Polytechnic institutes have now increased to Rs 12,900 per annum from Rs 3500.

UOU join hands with Tata Motors

UOU (Uttarakhand Open University) entered into an agreement with Tata Motors to train youths in automobile sector. Under the agreement, the youth opting for 'Certificate course for technical excellence' at the university will get job training at Tata Motors plant at Pantnagar, a release issued by the university said. The agreement was signed by Registrar of University Dr B R Pant and Tata Motors Pantnagar plant head P K Chaube at a function at the University's Haldwani campus. The six-month certificate course has been prepared in a way that 30 per cent of the training would be of theoretical nature while the remaining 70 per cent practical, it said. Initially, Tata Motors would impart training to 600 youth and the trained youths would be able to work in any company of automobile sector, besides Tata Motors.

Kailash Mansarovar yatra begins

The annual pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar began with first batch of 49 members reaching Almora after leaving New Delhi on Tuesday morning, official sources said today. The batch, which includes eight women pilgrims, was flagged off by Surendra Singh Jeena, chairman of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency for yatra arrangement in New Delhi, said Ashok Joshi, general manager (tourism) KMVN. Later, the batch reached Almora in the evening, he added. The batch started its journey to base camp of Dharchula onJune 2, Joshi said.

The motor road upto Mangti, from where 70 km long trek for 5334-meter high Lipu-Lekh pass starts, is being cleared of mild landslides that hit the area recently, said an official of ITBP, which takes charge of yatra after Gunji camp. He said the ITBP has not only deputed a team of three doctors for medical check up but also deployed 45 member disaster mitigation team at disaster-prone areas.

The 644-km long pilgrimage passes through five camps that include Gala (2018 mt), Bundi (2740 mt), Gunji (3300 mt), Kalapani (3370 mt) and Nabhidhang (3370 mt) before crossing Lipu-Lekh pass. The yatra concludes in Tibet where the pilgrims take holy dip in the Mansarovar lake and undertake parikrama of Mount Kailash.

The driving force

Kumbh followed by Char Dham Yatra is proving to be a boon for the state's economy:

P.S. Chauhan

With the onset of June, when all the schools and colleges are closed in the neighbouring states and mercury is soaring high, the pilgrims and tourists from all parts are making a beeline to numerous destinations in Uttarakhand. True, state's salubrious climate and spiritual ambience in the backdrop of pristine natural beauty lure one and all. The yatra season, which generally starts from Baisakhi and lasts upto Diwali, is the mainstay of the economy of the state. The yatra season is at its peak these days and the entire state is abuzz with activities, with all sections of society, including the transportors, the hoteliers, the drivers and the shopkeepers, making hay while Sun shines. The number of pilgrims turning up for the Chardham yatra, which stated on May 16, is unexpectedly high. Ram Surat Nautiyal, the vice president of the Char Dham Vikas Parishad, says that from May 16 to May 31, more than 3 lacs pilgrims have visited the holy shrines. "If the present trend continues, it is expected that nearly 10 lakh pilgrims will visit the shrines by the end of June," says Nautiyal. It is expected that this year more than 15 lakhs pilgrims would come for darshan at the four most revered dhams of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri to seek release from the bondage of sin and suffering.

The yatra season comes as a double blessing. On the one hand, the lakhs of pilgrims are having a feel of the divine and of the scenic beauty, while, on the other hand, the state's economy is earning a handsome revenue. On an average, if a pilgrim visits Badrinath, he spends about Rs.3,000 and if he makes a detour to all the four holy temples, his average expenditure is Rs.6,000. On the modest estimate the yatra has contributed about Rs.150 crores to the state economy within two weeks and provided employment to thousands of locals. "It is mainly due to the Char Dham Yatra that even after the Kumbh the markets at Haridwar and Rishikesh continue to have a boom time," says Kailash Keshwani, the president of Haridwar District Vyapar Mandal.

With Hemkund Sahib yatra, which started on June 1, the number of the pilgrims coming to the state has further swelled up. Lakhs of the Sikhs from all over the globe pay visit to this holy place every year. Nestled at the height of 4320 meters in the Himalayas, the holy place, where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, is believed to have undertaken meditation in his former life. The beauty and glory of the holy Gurudwara is further enhanced by the crystal clear water of the nearby lake, called Lokpal Hemkund Sahib Lake and the Laxman Temple. The holy place can be reached from Govind Ghat on route to Badrinath. The 29 km. journey from Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib is tough, but an exciting one for the adventurous devotees. The manager of the Govind Ghat Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee, Sardar Ajeet Singh says that though the yatra to Hemkund Sahib has began, the administration has not made adequate arrangements for drinking water, electricity and medical aid.

If you are adventurous and want to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of nature, the Valley of Flowers, which opens for the tourists from June 5, is the best destination for you. From Govind Ghat to Ghaghanria is the common route for Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. From Ghaghanria, you can trek in one direction to Hemkund Sahib or to the famed Valley of Flowers in another direction. The Valley of Flowers, called by the locals Fairy Land, is highly enchanting and mystical playground of nature. From October to May it remains covered under thick layer of snow, while from June to September the entire valley gets charged with aroma of multi-hued flowers. This paradise of flowers, which spreads over 87.50 sq.kms., was first introduced to the world as the Valley of Flowers by Frank S. Smith, a naturalist, botanist and mountaineer, who camped here for many weeks in the monsoon of 1937. The valley was notified as a national park in 1982 and is now a world heritage site.

Shrikant Chandola, the additional chief conservator of forests of the state says that besides its rich wealth of flowers of more than 500 species and medicinal plants, the valley is home to rare species of fauna, such as snow leopard, the Himalayan bear, the musk deer, blue sheep and several colourful butterflies. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and do not want to scale high peaks, you should hurry up for the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park which are going to be closed in mid June. Besides these famed destinations, there are several lesser known spots, such as Poornagiri temple, Jageshwar, PanchKedars and the Panch Badris, which are also attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists. Uttarakhand, as its popular name 'Dev Bhoomi' suggests, is the mythical abode of gods and if you want to listen to the whispers of the divine in the midst of nature's majesty, it offers several ideal destinations for you at this time of the season.

On his own terms

Anjali Nauriyal

He calls himself a silent film maker. That's because he'd rather approach issues and try to make a difference silently rather than being on your face. Jayprakash Panwar is MD, Channel Mountain Communication (CMC), a media production company, working essentially in the hills on hill-specific issues. JP, fondly called so by his friends and loved ones, was born in a mountain village Punar situated in the salubrious environs of Rudraprayag Garhwal. "Ever since I was in school, I have been nurturing my creative bent of mind by dabbling in anything creative. And living in the hills acquainted me first hand with a variety of issues hampering the progress of the mountains and its people," he recalls.

It was not surprising then that he sought to combine his day to day knowledge of the problems of the hills, with his creative zest, and before long a film maker was born. After completion of Master’s in Anthropology, JP began working with community development organizations and learnt to make a strong case about developmental, anthropological and communicational issues that are close to his heart.

"I made sure I remained active as a freelance journalist and photographer," he pronounces adding, "And then went on to launch a media production company in 2003. Thereafter I began making a number of audio-visual and other multi -media projects for government, non-governmental organizations and corporate sectors. Through CMC, I am endeavouring to restore, preserve and document land, people, ecology and environment, history and culture in the digital age. Since its establishment, CMC has been engaged in audio-visual and print production at the state and national level."

Soon he became a well-established name in the hills. His efforts were soon recognised and appreciated and he went on to bag the prestigious Ford Foundation International Media Scholarship for his substantial contribution towards the developmental of communication sector in the hills. "The award provided me an opportunity to study further. So I did another master's degree in New Media Arts from the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australia in 2007 and also completed a short course in filmmaking from the University of Melbourne," informs JP, who then went on to make 70 documentary films, short films, advertisement films, visual reports, television programs and music videos and even produced and directed 52 radio programmes. All along he also contributed to 15 books, magazines, newsletters and reports as a writer and editor. JP's latest creative endeavour is his book titled 'New Media Society' published by the prestigious German publisher (VDM, Germany).

Another pet project with JP is My Film. Presently, he is the initiator of "Filming World Campaign - My Film" which is an unending documentary series that helps students, individuals and organizations to make their own films. He elaborates, "My Film is an unending documentary series. It is a mission of filming our beautiful world. Any professional with or without any background of filmmaking, can participate. This campaign runs solely by self-contribution of members of 'My Film Club (MFC)' or donors who support our philosophy. In this campaign, all participating 'My Film Makers - MFM' choose common subjects of their interest and start filmmaking. They together learn scripting, story boarding, production design, production management, cinematography, narration, sound and music composition, editing and final screen output."

In other words he quips, "My Film is an ambitious mission of filming world's passion, people, places, perspectives, process and perceptions. This idea is sustained through contributions by aspirants and well wishers. All aspects of filmmaking including travel, transportation, communication, accommodation, food, equipments and editing are well taken care of by us. The 48 stories (24 minutes each) of My Film documentary series will be broadcast on reputed television channels."

Sports meet

Last week 10th state P.A.C. sports tournament was organized at the 40th PAC battalion headquarters at Haridwar. All PAC battalions of the state and the Indian Reserve Batallion (IRB) took part in the event.

Inaugurating the three-day event, Ajay Kumar, the inspector general of the state P.A.C. said that such sports competitions helped in developing the spirit of comradeship among the jawans, besides keeping them physically fit. The secretary of the Uttarakhand Police Sports Control Board and D.I.G. of the state P.A.C., Alok Sharma said that such sports tournaments are ideal platforms for sports talent hunt. In Volleyball, the IRB Nainital trounced the 40th PAC battalion by 3-2, while in basketball the 40th PAC battalion clinched the trophy after humbling the 46th PAC battalion in a highly contested match by 61- 58. In handball, the 46th PAC battalion bagged the championship by routing the IRB, Haridwar by 38-25, whereas in Kabaddi 31st PAC battalion came out with flying colours by defeating the 40th PAC battalion by 47-33. The inspector general (Garhwal range), M.A. Ganpati awarded trophies to the winner teams. The event was organized under the over-all supervision of Ajay Rautela, the commandant of the 40th PAC batallion.

Demand for Industrial Package

Reiterating the demand for extension of the Concessional Industrial Package (CIP), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said the Centre should extend the excise exemptions till 2013 if not 2020. "If the Centre is finding it tough to extend the package till 2020, then it should extend till 2013 only to both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh," Nishank told in an interview. The Concessional Industrial Package announced by the Centre in 2003 provides for IT and excise duty exemption for industrial units set up in the state, besides other sops. The package expired on March 31 this year. The CM has been facing criticism from the Congress that his demand for extension of the package till 2020 was not practical. Nishank also expressed fears that the expiry of the package would affect Rs 30,000 crore-worth of industrial investments that are in the pipeline. Nishank claimed that nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh youths of the state would also lose the opportunity of getting employment in case the package was not extended. Though he is not very optimistic about extension of package in view of the Centre's indifferent attitude, he said he would continue to push the case. "I have again talked to the Prime Minister requesting him to sympathetically consider our demand," Nishank said, adding that he and his Himachal Pradesh counterpart have sent a joint letter to the Centre on the issue. Considering the fact that Centre has already extended the package for the North-Eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir till 2017, Nishank said his government is also exploring legal options for getting the package extended. The Chief Minister said he was making a report card about the performance of his MLAs and council of ministers. In this regard, he said he undertakes a periodic review of the performance. To a question about the Cabinet reshuffle, he said he was satisfied with the performance of his ministers.

On the lone Rajya Sabha seat falling vacant in June, Nishank said a decision in this regard would be taken by the party.

At A Glance: May 30

Dehradun records 39.4 degree celsius

Sultry conditions continued in Uttarakhand with the state capital recording a maximum temperature of 39.4 degree celsius on May 26. The maximum temperature of the day was measured at 39.4 degrees, three degrees above normal, the Met office said. The minimum temperature continued to hover around 24 degrees, it said. There will be no respite from heat in the near future. However, some parts of the state might receive thunderstorm or scattered rainfall in next couple of days.

30 injured in bus accident

Thirty people were injured when a bus in which they were travelling overturned at Pauri district on May 25, police said. The incident took place at Rikhanikhal area in the district, about 150 km from Dehradun, when the driver of the bus, which was en route to Kotdwar from Talwari, lost control over the vehicle, they said. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where seven of them are stated to be serious, police said.

SDM booked

Uttarakhand Vigilance department has booked a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and arrested Peshkar (assistant) in a case of corruption in Nainital district, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a four-member vigilance team led by Inspector Anand Singh Gosain laid a trap and caught Narendra Kumar Dixit red-handed taking Rs 22,000 as bribe from the complainant Lalit Mohan, said DSP Vigilance (Kumaon region) R.P. Sharma. Dixit is Peshkar (assistant) of Koshakotoli tehsil SDM Ravneet Cheema and was taking bribe for transferring the land in Mohan's name, he said. After being arrested, Dixit alleged that he was taking bribe on behalf of the SDM, Sharma said, adding, when the vigilance officials did not believe him, he repeated his allegations before Cheema also. Later, a case under Anti-Corruption Act was lodged against the SDM and her assistant, Sharma said.

Nothing funny about it

Puppetry spreads awareness in protecting forests

By A Correspondent

The Principal Conservator of Forests in Uttarakhand has directed his department to organise a series of puppet shows to be staged by range forest officers at various villages to spread mass awareness on the need to save jungles and prevent forest fires. Every year, forest fires take place in Uttarakhand, turning hundreds of hectares of green forestland into ashes. The puppet shows are primarily held in villages, which skirt the forest areas. One such show was staged at Barhani village and the response was overwhelming, particularly from the children. "This is the season of forest fire. During this season, the forests are more prone to fire. At present we have huge forest areas and to save them from catching fire, we need support and cooperation of the locals. To make them aware, we should inform them about the significance of forests and prevent forest fire," said Parag Madhukar, Divisional Forest Officer, Terai Central Range. "So keeping this in mind, the Forest Department is organising puppet shows to spread the message of protecting forests," he added. The villagers on their part have initiated the initiatives taken by the forest department.

"This puppet show organised by the Forest Department has been quite useful since in our village, we have very less knowledge about the benefits of forests, limited mode of information and very few people know about the forest essentials," said Kamal Kishore Bhatt, a resident of Barhani. "So, I feel this is a significant and an appreciating step initiated by the Forest Department," he added. This awareness programme through puppets would continue for one more month.

The changing face of Haridwar and Roorkee

Over the years twin cities have come a long way. Karthik Reddy traces their success march

I went to engineering school at Roorkee (pronounced Rude-key for the uninitiated). "Oh, you go to Rourkela" crooned the slightly more knowledgeable Madras aunties who were told that I was studying Engineering at Roorkee. I politely turned on my charm and mentioned that this was not the REC but the Univ of Roorkee in 'Northern' UP, 30km south of Haridwar (In my mind, I liked to think of UP as north and south unlike east and west as the world tried to educate me. I was vindicated when Uttarakhand was born). "Ohhh! Have you been to Haridwar then?" was the next question. I would reply in the affirmative, having accompanied the band of Brahmin boys (handful of south Indian classmates at Roorkee) to a thread-changing ritual one nippy morning in March. The water was freezing and the 1.3 second full-body dip seemed a tad too long. The more adventurous dive of jumping off one of the less intimidating foot bridges also ensued and was surprisingly less daunting.

All these happy memories rushed by as the Innova hurtled along the road adjacent to the erstwhile University of Roorkee, which is now IIT-Roorkee. Through the better part of the 90s, Roorkee and Haridwar had singular claims to fame, or perhaps two. Roorkee had its University and its Cantonment area -- the entire town's population of approximately 50,000 people largely served these two ecosystems. Haridwar is one of the oldest known towns and one of the holiest places for Hindus. It has always been a fluid mating of the Ganga with its seekers - Nagas, spiritual persons, religious persons, Hari (Lord Shiva - father to Ganga) worshippers, sinners, etc. And along with the annual celebrations of festivals, add the manic frenzies of the Ardh Kumbh and the Kumbh (earlier this year) and Haridwar has calendars filled with an influx of above constituents. With increased connectivity -- trains, cheaper flights and increased population of sinners -- from even more remote corners of India, the crowds keep surging in with infrastructure failing to keep pace. To illustrate, at a post-dinner chat with the housekeeper of the ashram where we were staying, we were getting a post-Kumbh review.

He spoke of the immense rivers of humans that flowed through every pedestrian space in Haridwar, just in case we hadn’t known that already. This flood of humans is so heavy that automobiles are banned from entering large sections of the town. Every Mahamandaleshwar was allowed one car. However, a fleet of vehicles belonging to Pilot Baba abused his political equity (huge support from sword-brandishing Nagas) to bring his cars close to Har ki Pauri. An accident on one of the weaker approach bridges saw one of his six cars kill a woman pilgrim and mayhem ensued with angry crowds swelling on the bridge until one railing gave way. What was reported initially as few deaths supposedly ran into several dozens as one discovered later from the recovered bodies downstream. Just for the record, the police were in denial of any more than the official number and everything was hushed, desi ishtyle. For the curious, the story’s predictable – Pilot Baba appeared and testified two weeks later that he didn’t know the driver of the car and it was not even his car that caused the accident. Are we going to be ready for the next Kumbh?

Gateway to prosperity

When BHEL set up a facility at nearby village of Ranipur, in 1964, a new wave of post-independence development was ushered into the region. BHEL currently employs over 8,000 people across two facilities. Less than 10 years into statehood, industry-friendly policies are set to dramatically alter the storylines for these two towns of Uttarakhand. What's being adopted as a strategy to attract investments into new states like Uttarakhand has been the tax-holiday scheme. With excise and income taxes on operations from these locations being exempt for 10 and 5 years, respectively, new capacities for manufacturing have shifted rapidly to these states. Hero Honda's most recent expansion (plant originally started production in 2008) has taken employment to over 3,500 as per a project manager in a nearby factory. It’s also considered one of the greenest auto plants in the country and brings with itself 100 ancillary manufacturers around it. Average age of workers in this plant is estimated to be in the mid-twenties. Brittania, India Glycols, Century Textiles, Bajaj Asahi Glass, M&M, Atlas Cycles, MAXX Mobile and Tata Motors have all made large investments into the region.

Roorkee's geographic proximity to Delhi and its installed base of education infrastructure and resources, thanks to one of the oldest colleges in the country is enabling a surge of technical and vocational and specialized instruction in and around the town. With the power of this fortuitous combination, the region is not likely to see any slowdown of investment and influx of immigrants. Don’t forget Baba Ramdev’s campus and the surround effect that it alone may have.

In one of the most ambitious capacity expansions that I’ve come across in my humble career, we visited the old and the new facilities of a company in the mobile space. The promoter proudly showed his new facility, 10 times larger than his old and even with enhanced automation, one that’s likely to see a five-fold increase in workforce in Phase I and perhaps a twenty-fold increase in Phase II. He’s planning to build dormatories for all the single men and women in their twenties who’re likely to flock to the employment opportunity being created out of nowhere. Even now, just within his much smaller existing production center, we’re told that labor comes from the hills, the plains and everywhere in between. The GM of the plant said that he has seen 5-10 fold increases in rents in Haridwar over the last 4-5 years. There’s a gradual but assertive new image being built on the back of these investments into the state.

Surprisingly, despite all this, even the in-city traffic yet seemed relatively light on the highway that runs through the heart of Roorkee and Haridwar. Maybe it's explained by the summer holidays at IIT and the quiet aftermath of the Maha Kumbh. I don't think this situation will prevail for too long. Such a large scale of imminent industrial and service activity in the swathes of land between these two towns could break the back of this small hill state.

The pressures of migration into the state combined with the shortage of roads and housing and other infrastructure will hurt. The bodies governing Uttarakhand must realize that they have created a Naya Dwar (new door) into their new state. For this door to open to a road of prosperity, they need to create a Nayi Kee, one that can change the face of a 50km stretch from the south of Roorkee to north of Haridwar.

Woods under fire

Despite tall claims by administration, fires continue to reduce state's forests to ashes, year after year

P.S. Chauhan

With temperature soaring high, the forest officials are having tough times, as the raging infernos are wreaking havoc in the forests of the state. Each summer the forest fires devastate vast tracts of forests in the state which has two third of its geographical area under forest cover. Flora and fauna are the most precious natural resources of the state and it is really tragic that the state forests are so vulnerable to these wildfires. The forest sources say that this year so far 1,544 hectares of forests, including reserved forests, community forests and private forests have been destroyed in 746 incidents wildfire. Last year, more than 4,000 hectares of forests were charred in 1583 incidents of wildfires which also took 13 human lives. In the last five years, 12,294 hectares of forests have been gutted by wildfires.

The wildfires, which reduce the lush green forests into vast stretches of black stumps, also cause irreparable loss to bio-diversity, including wildlife and avifauna. Besides claiming human lives and property worth lakhs of rupees. These fires also cause huge damage to the ecology of the region. "Due to these wildfires water level goes down in the forests, resulting in the shortage of water and fodder for the wildlife," says Dr. B.D. Joshi, professor of environmental sciences in Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar.

The director of the Rajaji National Park, S.S. Rasailly says that natural fires are very rare and most of the incidents of fires which engulf forests are manmade. In summer season, when temperature shoots up and humidity is low, the dry leaves and twigs, scattered in the forests, easily catch a spark and winds fan out fires rapidly. Fires are sometimes caused by the human beings unintentionally, for example, by a burning butt of a bidi or cigarrete thrown in the forests by a passer-by. Sometimes, however fires are caused intentionally, for example, by the village folk on the fringes of the forests, who burn grass in their fields, believing that vegetation, such as grass and fodder for their cattle, will grow better in the burnt fields. Sometimes, the Van Gujjars also burn dry leaves, branches and trunks of trees to scare away the wild animals.

The principal chief conservator of forests in the state, Dr. R.B.S. Rawat claims that they have a network of firelines which have been put in place with the help of Van Panchayats or forest communities. "The local communities are being increasingly involved in fire fighting measures. We have formed forest fire defence committees and also conducted awareness programmes in all the forest divisions, but still a lot needs to be done," says Dr. Rawat. This year, puppet shows and Nukkad Nataks are also being staged to create awareness among the village folk about protecting the forests from wildfires.

The chief conservator of forests (environment), K.S. Samant admits that there is some resource crunch, including that of personnel and equipments, but the forest department, with assistance from the central and the state governments, is doing its best to minimize the loss caused by wildfires. "We have set up 33 master control rooms and 1151 crew stations, equipped with all the facilities, to combat wildfires. Computer technology is also being used during this season," says Samant. The forest department is also using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technique under the Uttarakhand Space Application Centre. With the help of this technique, the information of breaking out of fires in remote areas will be readily available and disaster management steps will be initiated at the earliest. Moreover, the use of satellite will keep watch on fires caused with bad intentions and the culprits will be brought to book. The Forest Survey of India (FSI), this year has also launched SMS Alert Service to facilitate control forest fires in the country, including Uttarakhand. For this service a software has been prepared which will function with the help of a satellite. "When fire breaks out in any part of the country, its information will be passed to the Tatkal Seva Kendra of the FSI at Dehradun, which in turn will at once pass on this information through SMS to the concerned forest officer of the area," says K.S. Vaypayee, the deputy director of the FSI.

Rajendra Aggarwal, the state representative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), says that the forest department needs to be given additional resources to tackle the crisis, particularly in the forests of the remote areas which can be reached only on foot due to difficult terrain. The experts also suggest that considering the vital importance of the forests, along with their bio-diversity, a forest protection force, should be raised. "Also there is need to be realized that forests are national assets and every person needs to be sensitized and given training to save the forests," says Rakesh Sharma Rakesh, a noted lover of nature.

Rendezvous with Ruskin

While Ruskin Bond celebrates his birthday today (May 19), Sudhakar Misra, a longtime acquaintance, shares with HP anecdotes about the celebrated author

Wait till I bid farewell to my eternal friends, said Ruskin and moved away, leaving me all curious and jealous. Unable to prolong my anxiety anymore, I peeped into his room. What I saw ensured me why he is a maestro of imagination and subtle humour. He was lighting a candle in front of an old picture of Laurel & Hardy. Acknowledging my presence and stoned look, he introduced me to his 'Gurus' praising them for being an inspiration, a constant source of entertainment and icons of his optimism.

Accompanying him to Wymberg Allen, a school in our vicinity to get Rocky, the son of Ruskin's house help Prem, admitted, assured me that he had learnt his lessons from the icon well. Being aware of Rocky's minimal exposure to numbers, I was a little jittery. Ms. Ducket, the lady principal, confirmed the child's inability to subtract. But Ruskin immediately intervened mentioning the kid to be an epitome of optimism and a positive soul. "Isn't he brilliant at adding, ma'am?" asked Ruskin to which all of us got a hearty laugh and Rocky, his admission.

Moments spent with Ruskin have always brought forward the myriad personality traits he possesses. Our small chit-chats at his main gate while I left his place became a religious habit. I remember a day 25 years ago, when he insisted on staying in bed besides Dolly, Rocky's younger sister, then six months old, who was suffering from fever. I had never seen him so adamant of` not getting up and could not help but ask, to which he sheepishly replied, "Dolly has been leaking of late and I am all soaked. I don't want to stand at the gate and let Mussoorie get a misconception." Such amusement in adversities only Ruskin can exhibit!

On his birthday today, I salute his humour, humility and innocence, qualities that make him who he is. Happy birthday, Ruskin!

(Sudhakar Misra is a resident of 14/1, Balbir Road)

Beauty with a cause

Recently-crowned Miss India Manasvi Mamgain, who was here last week, has associated herself with two causes, the People for Animals and Gyanuday Programme for children of Sapera Basti, an initiative of Doon School for the underprivileged kids

Though she has been dubbed by the media as a Mumbai girl, Manasvi Mamgain, winner of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2010, says that she is essentially an Uttarakhandi girl. "I may have studied in Chandigarh and Delhi and may be in Mumbai for work, but I belong to Uttarakhand. I am first and foremost an Indian and then an Uttarakhandi," she underlines.

Manasvi was crowned at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai last week. The event was judged by writer Chetan Bhagat, actor Kunal Kapoor, Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, actress Shilpa Shetty, director Anurag Basu, fashion designer Ritu Beri and tennis player Sania Mirza Malik.

Interacting with the media, she admits that she is proud of her home town Nainital. "I have fantastic memories of Nainital where I spent many happy days with my cousins and relatives," she reveals. So what is it about Uttarakhand that she likes the best? "Well, the air, nature and freshness in women here are what I love. I will put in a word with the organisers to hold a regional round here. The women here are amazing. They have a slim figure and amazing skin. I, too, have got my hair quality and petite form from the soil of Uttarakhand," she smiles.

Did she always want to be part of the world of glamour? "Yes, I always wanted to be an actor and join films. That's why I trained in as many as five dance forms since the age of five. Ever since I saw Aishwarya Rai win a beauty contest, I have dreamt of becoming Miss India. Next step will now surely be films. But before that, it's preparation for the world pageant. For that I am working on the smallest of details such as diction, walk, etc. They are tough. They watch you from day one," she states.

The newly-crowned beauty states that women's issues are what she would like to address in the near future, especially issues related to Uttarakhandi women. "Women here suffer a lot. They are suppressed a lot. My own parents were separated and I know the hardships that my mom has faced in bringing me up single-handedly. I am a proud Indian and I feel that the best way to empower women is to educate them, so that they can stand on their feet and fight oppression. I am proud to be ambassador for two NGOs working for education," says Manasvi.

While in Doon Manasvi associated herself with two causes -the People for Animals (PFA) and Doon School's Gyanuday programme for children of Sapera Basti. "With PFA I have begun an association that I hope will go a long way. Personally I am an animal lover and would want to devote myself wholeheartedly to their well being," she avers. Manasvi made it a point to visit Sapera Basti where students of Doon School have adopted children of snake charmers in order to steer them on the path of education. Amrit Burret, Teacher In-charge of Doon School's social programme, states, "This will be their first generation going to school. And Manasvi by her support has given a real boost to this endeavour."

It was no wonder that Manasvi won some very important sub-titles at the contest - a total of five including Beauty with a Cause, Beauty with a Golden Heart apart from Best Skin, Catwalk and Natural Beauty. Social causes have caught her attention since childhood, she informs. Indeed her USP that that helped her clinch the title was her concern for others to a great extent. "My Indianness - modernity clubbed with tradition is my USP - I think my USP," says Manasvi, who has a special word for her Mom, "It's her dream that I am fulfilling actually. She has pushed me to go out there and do things. That's what has given me the real confidence in life."

At maa's feet

Femina Miss India-2010 world seeks Ganga's blessing before Miss World pageant

P.S. Chauhan

Manasvi Mamgai, Femina Miss India World 2010, may be popularly known as a Delhite or a Mumbai based girl, but she regards herself an Uttarakhandi by heart. Her mother hails from Nainital and Manasvi spent many memorable days of her life here. Besides winning the prestigious Miss India crown, the glamour girl has many other claims to fame. She appeared in Elite Model Look India-2006, Miss Tourism International-2009. She also did ads for Lifestyle, Wagon-R and Woodland. After winning the prestigious title, Manasvi Mamgai was on a brief sojourn of the state. Taking a detour from her destination, Dehradun, she came to Haridwar to take the blessings of the Maa Ganga. As her entourage reached Haridwar, there was great excitement in the city and people gathered at the V.I.P. Ghat and Hari-ki-Pauri to have a glimpse of the damsel. Wearing dark goggles, she was clad in sky blue jeans and same colour top. Haridwar Plus engaged her as she spoke on Uttarakhand, her plans and more…

Rapport with Uttarakhand…

I may have got my education in Chandigarh and reside in Mumbai but I really belong to Uttarakhand. It is a land unspoiled nature and beautiful people. I have also imbibed a part of this beauty and majesty. I owe my stately height and perfect skin to the state.

Your inspiration…

I have learnt a lot from Ashwariya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta and my mother. The latter has always been a true friend, a philosopher and a guide. After being separated from my father, my mother brought me up single-handed. It has been the cherished desire of my mother that I should win top laurels in beauty contests. So I took up modelling and started taking part in beauty pageants. By winning Miss India World-2010, I have vindicated her trust in me.

On Ganga…

The Ganga is the soul of India. She fulfils the desires of one and all. I have come here to seek the blessings of the Maa Ganga so that I may make my country proud by winning the coveted title. No Indian beauty has won this title for the last nine years. With the blessings of the Ganga I hope to break this jinx. But increasing level of pollution in the Ganga is a matter of concern. We must work to make her pure and clean. I shall remain actively associated with movements such as the Ganga Sparsh Abhiyaan.

On future plans…

Like many other super models and winners of beauty contests, my ultimate goal is to carve a niche in the Bollywood. However, at present my entire attention is to do well in Miss World Pageant.

On state's women

Uttarakhand is a state of talented women. I want that every women in the state must be educated that would enable her to lead a dignified and liberal life. Education is the key of prosperity.

Badrinath shrine reopens after six months

Portals of the Badrinath temple situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand reopened on Thursday after remaining closed for six months due to heavy snow. Devotees from far and near assembled at the temple to take part in the day-long opening rituals and witnessed the opening of doors that they consider auspicious. A notable event is the viewing the Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame of an oil lamp) placed inside the temple when the doors are closed in November. Sans any one feeding the oil and arranging the wick, Hindus believe that it is a divine miracle this flame continues to be lit for six long months.

"Today (Thursday), when the door opened, the Akhand Jyoti was lit and burning as ever. The most pious and important thing is to see the Akhand Jyoti . Those who visit today and watch this are blessed with good fortune in life," said Krishan Kant, a priest. "I have come here to visit this holy shrine. It has a special place in the Hindu faith. The almighty fulfills everybody's wishes. God Badri stays here and whenever I come here, I gain peace of mind and contentment," said Arun Soni, a devotee. For centuries, the Namboodris (Hindu Brahmins from Kerala) have been the official priests at Badrinath Dham and only the head priest can touch the temple deity. Located on the banks of River Alaknanda, this ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Earlier, on Tuesday, nearly after six-months of winter break, portals of Kedarnath shrine, an abode of Lord Shiva nestling in Garhwal Himalayas. Amid chanting of vedic hymns and shalokas, the chief priest of the temple threw open the doors of the temple at 7 a.m. as scores of pilgrims had darshan of Shiva Lingam at Kedar temple situated in the hilly Rudraprayag district.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was among the first ones to have darshan of the temple. The portals of Badrinath shrine opened for public on Wednesday.

On Sunday (May 16), the Chardham yatra comprising pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri was kicked off with the reopening of portals of both Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines.

Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines are situated at a height of 3200 meter and 3615 meter, respectively, in Uttarkashi district, while Badrinath is located in Chamoli district at a height of 3133 meter. Kedarnath in Rudraprayag district is at a height of 3584 meter. The Chardham yatra is considered as the backbone of the thriving religious tourism in the state which attracts nearly 15-16 lakh pilgrims every year from country and abroad. The state government has taken various steps for smooth conduct of yatra and directed all the departments concerned to work in tandem during the period.

Yoga can help me see 22nd century: Ramdev

If he has his ways, Yoga guru Ramdev claims he can live for at least 150 years! Ramdev said he would live for "150-200 years" with the help of Yoga and "had there not been pollution in air, water, and adulterated food, I could live for a longer life for at least 400 years". The yoga guru, who recently announced to launch a political party to 'cleanse' the system, told reporters that he himself would not contest the polls, but "the new party will shake the political scenario." Several issues like name of the party will be decided later, may be in next two years, he said, adding some parties have already held talks with him and even invited him to join them. "Our aim is to transform villages and I will try to spend maximum time there and get more number of people enrolled in the movement. My endeavour is to meet over 50 crore people," Ramdev said. Two lakh members of Patanjali Yog Peeth from Haridwar had began the 'Bharat Swabhiman' yatra in 600 villages besides one crore members were taking up classes at district-levels, he said, adding some top leaders from Muslim community too had expressed their wish to be part of the campaign.

Nation-wide tour

Swami Ramdev said he would embark upon a nation-wide two-year-long tour commencing this September to meet over 50 crore people as a part of his 'Bharat Swabhiman' campaign.

The movement with the slogan 'Bharat Bachavo Aur Bharat Banavo' intends to eradicate corruption, crime, poverty from India and thus transform it into a world power.

No mantra is bigger than mantra of ‘love’

Swami Someshwarananda Giri, Niranjani Akhara

Love all alike; the animate and the inanimate, says the Veda. We have no right to kill even the smallest of beings like an ant on this earth. If we do not show violence towards anything or anybody, even the wildest of animals will reciprocate our love. This love alone can unite all the religious differences of the world. Hinduism is the ‘sanatan dharma’, the eternal religion but off late many differences have cropped up with the wrong interpretation of the word ‘religion’. It is unfortunate that many religionists label the Hindus as those people who wear certain religious symbols and follow rituals, thus making it a ‘janjati’(a caste). Even Mughal King Babar had commented in his writings, ‘Hindu tum nek ho par ek nahi ho’ which means ‘O Hindu, you are noble but are not united.’ He further adds, ‘Devi key aradhak ho par ahankari ho’ (you are worshipper of the goddess but are egoistic).

How can there be a difference in religion, point the Vedas. We all are the children of one God and love is our primal nature, only the duties have been divided and diversified so different castes and creeds have come. The ‘one’ wanted to become ‘many’ and hence this creation arose. The source of all creation is just one supreme power. Soul is one. Hiranyakashyap could visualise God even in the blazing pillar.

Hence a real Hindu does not see God only in an idol, but in every being. ‘Laukik darshan’ (seeing God only in image) is cowardliness. The most pathetic state arises when some people say, “Hindu dharma is in danger. One must save it!” That which is eternal can never be endangered. It will take only 5 minutes to transform this whole earth into heaven if mankind has learnt the meaning of true religion. One needs to exercise this philosophy 24 x 7 that outer forms of religion may be different followed by different sects but the bottom line is the same and that is – Love abides all. Parteeti ko tyag kar hi prapti ki aur jaya ja sakta hai (Shunning the outer form alone can make us reach our destination). If we continue to be entangled in the outer forms and symbols, the essence of religion will always elude from us. When oneness will come in our thoughts, we shall develop love for each being existing on earth.

At A Glance: May 23

Man, daughter killed in road accident in Uttarakhand

A man and his daughter were killed and two others of the family injured when a car in which they were travelling fell into a gorge in Chamoli district on Tuesday. The incident took place early morning when the car was going to Karanprayag from Haldwani and suddenly it skidded off the road and fell into the gorge, the sources said. A man and his daughter were killed on the spot while two others of the family injured, they said. Injured have been admitted to a government hospital in Karanprayag, the sources added.

2 pilgrims die of heart attack

Two elderly pilgrims allegedly died of heart attack when they were on their way to shrine of Yamunotri in the district, police said on Tuesday. Sohan Lal Soni (80), a resident of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, and Ramkishan (90), a resident of Varanasi, complained of severe chest pain at Janakipatti area while they were trekking to Yamunotri temple on Monday. Before they could be provided any medical help, they died. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, police said. The portals of Yamunotri temple, situated at a height of 3615 meter in Garhwal Himalayas were reopened on the auspicious occasion of Akshya Tritiya on May 16.

2 poachers held near Corbett park

Two persons were arrested near Corbett sanctuary in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district for possessing leopard skin. Police said the duo was coming from Champawat district and going to Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district to sell it off. "When we were checking some suspected vehicles at the intersection, our informers told us that two people were standing with leopard skin and waiting for a bus to Moradabad," said Arvind Choudhary, a police officer. "We arrested both of them at the Ambedkar Park. We have seized skin of two leopards from them," he added. "One skin is around three months old and it has been peeled off very nicely and has been well preserved. So, it seems that this has been done by a skilled worker," added Prakash Arya, Sub-Divisional Officer, Ramnagar forest. Besides Corbett National Park, leopards are found in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Two girls drown in Ganga

Two teenaged girls were washed away last week in the Ganga at Bhagirathipuram in New Tehri. The incident took place when the girls, both named Madhu and aged 16, went to the Dharm ghat of the river to drink water and suddenly one of them fell into the river. Seeing her drowning, another girl jumped into the river to rescue her and both of them were swept away in the fast currents of the water. On being informed, divers of the police department launched a search operation but failed to recover their bodies.

Retired judge to probe scandals

Retired High Court Judge Shambhunath Srivastav would head the commission set up to probe more than 50 scandals which surfaced during the previous N.D. Tiwari-led Congress government in Uttarakhand. The state government has decided to appoint Justice (retd) Srivastav as chairman of the commission. Justice (retd) Srivastav would probe 52 scandals unearthed during the tenure of Tiwari government and his term would be of one year from the date of appointment. The post of the chairman of the commission was lying vacant since the death of Justice (retd) R.A. Sharma last year. The commission was set up in September 2007 by the then B.C. Khanduri government to probe 56 scandals swirling around the previous Congress government as this was the main poll plank of the BJP during the electioneering in the run-up to the 2007 assembly elections. Justice (retd) Sharma had completed the inquiry into four cases and submitted their report to the government for action before his death.

Uttarakhand to have a Tribal Advisory Council

Uttarakhand will have a Tribal Advisory Council to look after the socio-economic development of the scheduled tribes in the state. A proposal of Tribal Affairs Ministry in this regard was cleared by the Union Cabinet in New Delhi for the benefit of members of the scheduled tribe community in the state. The scheduled tribe community notified in the state will now have a forum to discuss and review issues relating to their welfare and development and recommend specific action to the state government. According to 2001 Census, the scheduled tribes' population in Uttarakhand constitute 3.01 per cent of the total population of of 84,89,394. Five communities have been notified as scheduled tribes in the state as per the provisions in the Constitution.

Hydro power project under environ scrutiny

The government has warned Alakananda Hydro Power Company Limited (AHPCL) of closure of its project in Uttarakhand for its failure to comply with environmental norms at the site. "After examination of the monitoring report of the Srinagar Hydro Electric Project, we found that the work for the catchment area treatment is yet to be started by the forest division. Similarly, afforestation and green belt work at the site is yet to be commenced," an environment ministry official said. The ministry has also taken serious note of the fact that a firm assigned to formulate plans for the stability of slopes on the reservoir periphery through engineering and biological measures had not submitted the report to it. The official pointed out that while the company is wanting on various environmental compliances, the site inspection report has shown that construction work of the project is going on a fast pace and it is likely to be commissioned within next two years. AHPCL is implementing the 320 MW project over Alaknanda river in Srinagar under an agreement signed with governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in February 2006. Taking serious view in the matter, the ministry warned the project promoter that if the work on environmental compliances does not progress pari passu (in consonance) with construction work, the same would be stopped. It has asked the AHPCL to file a detailed time schedule of construction vis-a-vis environmental compliances within two weeks in the matter or face action.

Mining at Mahendrapur

Despite widespread knowledge that uncontrolled mining can lead to disastrous results, mining activities in Uttarakhand are on the rise. A case in point is the mining that is going on unabated on River Song at Mahendrapur. Situated at a distance of about half-an-hour from Doon city, Mahendrapur is a picturesque area surrounded by mountains. It is a beautiful weekend getaway that is under threat today. Here a free hand seems to have been given by the government to carry out stone and gravel mining. That itself is ruining the fabric of this verdant area. What is worse is that illegal mining, too, seems to be robbing the area of its intrinsic wealth. When The Times of Doon visited the area, local residents showed pits that had been dug up at various spots on the river bed.

For the past number of days, local residents have been witness to mining for gravel and boulders on this river bed. They have raised their voices and met with many government officials. Villagers reveal that they can see the very topography of the area change in front of their eyes. The river bed has been loosened to such an extent that the river is bound to lose its course. Ultimately the sufferers will be no one but the local people living in the adjoining areas.

A visit to the area reveals a shocking picture. The place is crowded with huge trucks many emitting black smoke when loaded and on their way out, while the labourers are busy digging furiously. What is being chiefly objected to by locals is the fact that instead of chugaan (picking stones, boulders and gravel), there is indiscriminate khanan (digging up) going on extensively. On the condition of anonymity, a villager says, "It seems the permission is only for Tehri region. Yet the trucks trespass into Doon at any time of the day to collect their booty. There are no representatives of the government present to ensure that no violation is being done. There is no security or police personnel present to monitor the activity at the sites. Mining has brought in many labourers here who have set up their hutments here. They are using the forest wood for cooking."

Another local person informs that the area is being plundered mercilessly over the years and many trees too have been cut. "Cutting of trees is a regular activity here. This area was a leopard-infested zone. But now our wildlife is disappearing."

An important concern with the villagers here is the gradual drying up of the river. A resident of the area avers, "The river is shriveling up. It is also changing its courses and the water is flowing all directionless. That day is not far when the villagers will not get any water from this river. This digging can lead to severe water shortage." Prakash Singh Panawr, Van Panchayat Sarpanch, Bharwa Village, reveals that the villages that would ultimately bear the brunt of this callous plundering in the region include Katal, Jhoti, Dubda, Dubdi, Mahendrapur, apart from many others.

Local villagers, keep mum for fear of being harassed by the mafia. Farid (name changed) says mining has increased in the past few weeks.

"I go for walks often and I have seen trucks filling in boulders from just about anywhere. The river is being depleted fast," he states.

Ganga Sparsh Abhiyan

The entire world today recognizes Uttarakhand because of the Char Dham Yatra and Kumbh Mela. The successful holding of the recently-concluded Kumbh Mela was a feather in the cap of the state government. Two major events took place during the Kumbh this year - the release of the 'Vishwa Hindu Dharma Kosh' and the start of the Ganga Sparsh Abhiyan.

These were the words of former Deputy Prime Minister and senior BJP leader L.K. Advani in Gangotri recently. He was speaking at the launch of the State Government's Nirmal Ganga-Sparsh Ganga Programme.

Advani further said that he had finally fulfilled his ardent desire to visit Gangotri. He praised the Chief Minister, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, for launching the programme in right earnestness. He also showered praise on Nishank for smooth conduct of the Kumbh. He said that he had asked the CM to get a scientific count done to ascertain the number of people that participated in Kumbh. As per the count conducted by ISRO, this time the number as on 14 April at the main Shahi Snan had turned out to be 1.62 crores.

Nishank reiterated that the state government was dedicated to restoring the purity of the Ganga. He added that the state cabinet keeping in mind the sacredness attached to the holy river has appealed to the Centre to declare the Ganga as world heritage. He outlined seven main objectives under the Sparsh Ganga Campaign. They are making the river polythene free; not allowing disposal of waste into the Ganga; segregating waste into bio and non-biodegradable categories; turning bio-degradable waste into compost; recycling of non-biodegradable waste; using waste as a resource and properly managing it. This aim would be accomplished only if this work is taken up with sincerity, he asserted. He stated that students working on this programme had walked long distances to collect as many as 150 bags of waste. Apart from students, Mahila Mangal Dals, NSS volunteers and NGOs have all become part of the campaign.

Present on the occasion were former Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Uma Bharti , Gopal Rawat, Zila Panchayat President Narayan Singh Chauhan, Vice-Chairman of the Char Dham Development Board Surat Ram Nautiyal, BJP State President Vishan Singh Chufal, former MP T.P.S. Rawat, Swami Chidanand, Naresh Bansal and many others.

Against all odds

State’s first paraplegic rafter now becomes the first quad biker

P.S. Chauhan

With indomitable willpower, courage and determination all obstacles can be transcend. The same has been proved by Varun Jain, when he became the first paraplegic quad biker to cover 135 kms. In 2006 Varun was paralyzed in an accident and doctors told him that he would not be able to move his legs in future and will need help from others for the rest of his life. But Varun was determined to prove them wrong. He underwent rigorous physiotherapy and was able to move the upper parts of his body. Later, he obtained B.B.A. and M.B.A. degrees and worked for some time with Hero Honda at Haridwar. But he gave up his job and started assisting his sister in launching her apparel brand, Kylee-Fashion, which is now a successful venture in Rishikesh.

Encouraged by his parents, Varun used to read books about adventure sports. And as Rishikesh is a good spot for white water rafting and kayaking, so Varun decided to give it a try. Well, his efforts were vindicated when he braved foamy tides on 14 kms. stretch of the Ganga at Rishikesh on April 22 last year. Which made him first paraplegic in the country to accomplish this feat. His heroic achievement was recorded in the Limca Book of Records.

This time Varun added one more feather to his cap by covering 135 kms. terrain from Rishikesh to Mussoorie via Chamba and Dhanau on his quad bike. On May 16, he was flagged off at Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh, by local M.L.A., Prem Chand Aggarwal and facing all the rigors of the hilly terrain, he reached Mussoorie at 5 p.m., same day. He was received by Harbans Kapoor, the Speaker of the state assembly. "Varun is the role model not only for all the physically challenged but also for entire humanity. He has proved that with right attitude, grit and determination nothing is impossible. He may be a paraplegic, but he is a real hero," said Kapoor on congratulating the great achiever.

Varun told Haridwar Plus that the society should change its perception towards the physically challenged persons. "Disability is more of a psychological state than a physical one," says Varun. To create awareness among the physically challenged about what all they can do, he has also launched an N.G.O., Breaking Barriers Foundation. He spreads the message that physical disability is not the end of life, but the beginning of a new life. A life where doing great things may be difficult but not impossible.

Hopes watered down with current problems

P.S. Chauhan

It is really shocking that Uttarakhand from where rivers like the Ganga and the Yamuna originate is reeling under severe shortage of water and electricity. Like entire state, Haridwar is also facing water and electricity crisis. Perforced irate citizens are venting their rage by holding protests, demonstrations and burning the effigies of the officials of water and electricity supply departments, almost every day.

Haridwar city, with a permanent population of 2.5 lakh, requires about 70 mld water every day. The executive engineer of the Jal Sansthan in the city, Subodh Kumar says that there are 50 tubewells and 9 overhead water tanks of the Jal Sansthan, besides 16 tubewells. Also boring of six infiltration wells and construction 10 overhead water tanks have been done by the Nigam. "During normal days, we can cope with the demand of water but during summer season the problem arises," admits Subodh Kumar. One more reason of the problem is that so far some tubewells and overhead water tanks, constructed under the JNNURM scheme of the centre and also from the Kumbh budget have not become functional and in some parts of the city even pipelines have not yet been laid. The problem is further aggravated as there are only six generator sets for all the tubewells and if electricity supply is disrupted, water supply system also collapses. "The cost of one generator set is Rs.15 lakh and its maintenance cost is also high. It is impossible to maintain generator set for all the tubewells," says Subodh Kumar. The water supply department has only six mobile water tanks to supply water in the areas hit by scarcity of water.

"Water crisis is the result of gross mismanagement," says Ambrish Kumar, former M.L.A. from the city. Most of the time the pressure of water is so low that you cannot have water from taps without using motors. Poor people who cannot afford these power pumps suffer the most. "No body knows when would water supply be available. Sometimes we have to keep awake for the whole night, waiting for the water supply to resume," complains Nisha, a housewife, Hanuman Garhi, Kankhal. Long queues of women and children at the hand pumps and mobile water tanks is a common sight in the city as well.

The situation on the electricity front tells the same sorry tale. The sources in the state power corporation say that the state generates 11.55 million units of hydro electricity per day and gets 10.45 million units as its share from the central pool. Out of this two million units are being paid back to Gujarat and Delhi from where the state borrowed electricity during recent months. As against this availability of electricity, the requirement in the state is of 27.13 million units per day. The gap between demand and supply of electricity increases manifold during summer.

Anil Verma, the executive engineer of the electricity supply department at Haridwar says that there is power cut in the city from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and in the industrial area from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., but the duration of roasting may also be increased, depending on supply of electricity. "The time of roasting is much more than what is claimed by the officials of the electricity department. In most of the localities of the city it varies from 8 to 10 hours a day. Besides the prescribed time of roasting, no body knows when electricity supply may break down due to technical faults," says Naeem Qureshi, a social activist of Kassaban Mohalla, Jwalapur.

Harendra Garg, the chief commercial officer of