Gaajna, Pratapnagar residents demand rehab package as promised by Govt

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 19 June 2009:

It is a tale of betrayal for the people of Pratapnagar (Tehri Garhwal) and Gaajna (Uttarakashi) regions. Post the Tehri dam construction, the government went on to make empty promises for the people of these 118 villages, promising better facilities.

But the ideas remained on paper.

“Kuch ni Kartu… Hamaru Nuksan Hoi Gayi (I am jobless, we have suffered losses),” said Shanti Devi, 35, a resident of Pratapnagar (Tehri Garhwal), through an interpreter. She is among the dozens from these regions, on indefinite Dharna near Assembly since 9 June demanding implementation of the economic package announced by the government.

According to government data, there are about 2500 families in Gaajna region, while the number stands at 13000 families for Pratapnagar region.

‘For us, Oorja Pradesh is a myth,” said Jabra Devi Rana, President of ‘Tehri Bandh Prabhavit Sangarsh Samiti’ and a resident of Gaajna region. “Tehri dam may be producing electricity, but 100 out of the 118 villages in these two regions, remain in darkness.”

Though not directly displaced by the Tehri dam, the villagers complain that it has added to their financial woes. “Earlier a Jeep ride (there are no government buses in these two regions) to Rishikesh (a distance of more than 150 kms) from Gaajna/ Pratapnagar would cost us Rs 80. Now, the roundabout journey costs us Rs 180 for a one way ride,” rued Jayantilal, a social worker from the region.

According to Jayantilal, plying government buses there is not feasible. “It is risky even to travel in private jeeps.”

Showing documents, Jayantilal, said that on 26 February, 2009, in a decision taken by Director, Tehri Dam (Rehabilitation) and DM Tehri, for the loss caused to the people of these regions on account of escalation of travel fare, each family was to be paid Rs 1.25 lakhs.

“An ITI centre and a 50-bed hospital were also promised to be set up in our area,” said Jayantilal. “But these promises were not kept.”

Interestingly, in May, 2006, DMs of Uttarakashi and Tehri had promised to introduce subsidise ticket fares in government owned buses. “Forget subsidy, there are no government buses in Gaajna and Pratapnagar,” explained Jayantilal, who is adamant on continuing the agitation, till the release of the package.

“We need the package, because our wheat crops were destroyed this year due to drought.”

He pointed out that the state government makes a profit from Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd, so it must pay the already announced package from it. “Annually, 12 percent (120 crores) profit from the dam goes to the government,” he claimed.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1357

205 HIV+ fresh cases detected in 5 ½ months

Government plans another ART centre in Kumaon

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 18 June 2009: In view of the hardship faced by HIV positive patients, who come to Doon Hospital’s Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre from far-off places, the Government has proposed to start another ATR Centre at Sobhan Singh Base Hospital, Haldwani.

According to sources in Uttarakhand State Aids Control Society (USACS), if everything goes as per plan, the new centre would come up in five months time.

Presently, Uttarakhand’s only ART Centre operates from Doon Hospital, where HIV + and Aids patients are given free drugs. To facilitate affordable treatment for poor patients, USACS has tied up Doon Hospital’s ART Centre with Kargi-based (3 km distance from Doon Hospital) Hope Community Care Centre, where HIV+ patients are provided free shelter, medicines and food.

Since 1 January, 2009, as many as 205 HIV+ fresh cases have been detected from all over the state. Of the case detected till this year, the maximum were from Doon Hospital ICTC (50) and Jolly Grant Hospital (24). The total number of cases since 2002 stands at 2027 HIV+ cases.

Talking to Garhwal Post, Manisha Raturi, Assistant Director, Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), said that as of now, there were 45 ICTCs spread all over the state. The maximum numbers of ICTCs were located in Dehradun District (8) while the least number was in Bageshwar District (2).

ICTCs in Dehradun District are at CHC Sahiya, Doon Women’s Hospital, Doon Hospital, Herbertpur Christian Hospital, Jolly Grant Hospital, Himalaya Institute Hospital, Landour Community Hospital (Mussoorie) and SPS Govt Hospital (Rishikesh).

“These ICTCs are manned by a counsellor and a lab technician. Here, anyone with doubts can come and undergo free HIV tests,” said Raturi, adding that at present there were two vacancies for counsellors, ‘which would be filled soon’. Recently, at Jakholi (Rudprayag), a new ICTC has also been set up.

However, once tested positive, poor patients, who cannot afford private medical treatment, are forced to come to the ART Centre based at Doon Hospital for free medicines. “This would change once the new ART centre comes up in Kumaon Region (Haldwani),” disclosed Raturi.

According to Lawrence Singh, Project Coordinator of Hope Community Care Centre (an NGO), there ‘are six patients at our centre’. “Most of them are from Kumaon region,” he said, adding that their monthly average number of patients stands around 200 HIV + patients.

Among other facilities, the 10-beded Care Centre has an in-house full time doctor apart from three nurses, 4 outreach workers and a cook. “Everyday, we bring the patients to Doon Hospital’s ART Centre for daily check up by van,” he said, pointing out that at regular intervals, the patients are also made to undergo CD4 tests (to find out the number of white blood cells).

“Treatment at ART centre begins once CD4 counts fall below 250 (the figure for a normal person stands at 500-1000),” said Lawrence, stating that entire cost for the treatment of the patients at the Care Centre ‘is borne by USACS’.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1345

Is all well with Ukhand’s Hydro Power policy?

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 14 June 2009: With frequent power cuts due to an increasing demand-supply gap, the phrase ‘Urja Pradesh’ (Energy State) seems a misnomer for Uttarakhand.

As the power scenario goes on the way from bad to worse in the state, allegations of corruption and double-dealing with regard to handing over hydel-power generation to private players are flying thick in the Power Department.

A case of bungling that has emerged from the cupboard of the department pertains to construction of a 63MW Hydro-Power project on the Tons River in Uttarakashi. The project was officially sanctioned to Krishna Knitwear Technology Limited (KKTL), a Mumbai headquartered company, reportedly in the year 2006.

The said company specialises in manufacturing cotton yarn, polyester yarn, knitted fabrics and garments.

According to official sources, as per the new Hydro-power policy announced by the government in 2008, a company with no prior expertise in the proposed undertaking (hydro-power project in this instance), can be permitted to carry out the project.

“The foremost priority is that a company should be technologically and financially sound,” said a source on condition of anonymity.

However, the twist in the tale is that this very company, even till this month, is yet to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for its proposed Hydro-power project in Uttarakashi, to the government.

Reports now say that KKTL has transferred the project deal to a reputed CD/DVD storage device company, which mainly markets movies at affordable cost, without the knowledge of the powers that be.

Although sources in Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL) say that, as per the new Hydro-power policy, projects can be transferred from one private player to another, there is a rider. “An incomplete project can be taken over by another only after the original lessee submits a DPR, followed by governmental approval for the new company,” said a source, who did not wish to be named, explaining that a change of ownership between two private players without submitting DPR is illegal.

In this case, the DPR filing deadline for KKTL is said to be by August, 2009. It is, however, not known why there has been so much delay in filing the DPR, when hundreds of villages remain in darkness in the state.

Those in the know say that despite having a single window clearance facility, (which operates on paper) the delay is caused on account of many NoCs required from over two dozen State and Central departments.

Meanwhile, with regard to the fate of the KKTL’s Tons River project, government sources are now contemplating issuing a legal notice. ‘We cannot take any action until the deadline passes,” said a government functionary, adding that a fine of Rs 74,000 would be levied per day on the erring private company after the expiry of the deadline.

There is more to this power conundrum than meets the eye. At a time when people are facing power cuts umpteen times, the state government strangely seems to be sporting a devil-may-care attitude.

When Garhwal Post contacted Dharendra Tayal, Director KKTL, he said, “We will submit the Detailed Project Report on time (by August, 2009).”

When he was asked whether it was the first time KKTL (it formed its subsidiary called Tayal Energy Ltd) was getting into the Energy Sector, Dharendra Tayal evaded saying he was in a meeting.

Surprisingly, in an interview to a financial daily, published on 21 July, 2006, Saurabh Kumar Tayal, Chairman of KSL Realty and Infrastructure (another arm of KKTL) had promised to complete the Mori-Hanol Project in Uttarkashi by 2009!

Repeated calls to the office of Yogendra Prasad, Chairman, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam, went unanswered.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=1317

Eco-Style

Work minus stress at UJVNL’s green campus

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 13 June 2009: Known for harnessing water to generate power, the sprawling five–acre campus of the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL) near Ballupur Chowk is a shift to its choice of traditional renewable energy sources. Since 2003, the campus’ pathways are being lit up every night by 36 solar street lamps!

This, however, is not just the only 'green' feature here. Here and there in the campus are various species of tall trees: 142 mango, 80 litchi, 63 guava, banana and Sagwan. “This year, we are planning to plant 50 Neem trees inside the campus,” said Vinay Mishra, Manager (Administration & Security), adding that plans were afoot to request some of the 250 employees working, here, to take responsibility for each sapling.

Said to be the brainchild of the founding CMD of UJVNL, the litter free and rich green cover at the campus not only provides a stress free environment for the 250 senior level employees, but is also a preferred choice for winged visitors all through the year. At many places, water bowls have been put in place to let avian members get a respite from the scorching temperature.

“Their numbers increase during winter,” added Vinay.

Situated just a stone's throw away from the chaotic traffic at Ballupur Chowk, the UJVNL Campus came into being at a place where there previously stood an orchard. “It was then known as Maharani Bagh -- a litchi and mango orchard,” said Mishra, recalling that during the construction of the building in 2003, for every tree cut, they planted four more. This rule is still followed here.

As a result, the scenic place, which is sometimes also used for official get togethers and farewell parties, has a positive impact on the work culture. “We never feel burnt out as the atmosphere always remains cool and calm,” feels BCK Mishra, Director (Operations).While there is a planned growth of trees in the front portion of the campus, there is thick growth of vegetation on the left side, where there are innumerable fruit trees and also home to many wild creatures.

Due to the abundance of fruit bearing trees, UJVNL, interestingly, also earns some money. “Every year, we invite bids for fruit plucking and maintenance of trees,” informed Vinay, pointing out that, on an average, they earn around Rs 20,000 and above, varying from season to season.

Though the shady cover is a convenient place for yoga and meditation classes, nothing of the sort has happened, as yet. Nevertheless, the green campus, which is better maintained than the State Forest Headquarters, is a welcome change for any state owned entity in the city. But, are other government owned institutions ready to replicate the UJVNL campus experiment?

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=1309

Are sandalwood trees safe in Rangers’ College?

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 10 June: Rangers’ College, the city centre of FRI’s Shatabdi Van Vigyan Kendra (near Parade Ground), apart from being used as a place to provide training to farmers/ election officials, is also known for its rich and green biodiversity.

A quick stroll inside the 13-acre campus gives one a first hand glimpse of more than a hundred odd foreign species of trees from Myanmar, Africa, China, Honduras, Argentina, Brazil, etc. But the most notable among this foreign lot is Santalum album, the Indian Sandalwood tree.

Half-a-dozen sandalwood trees still stand inside the campus at various places, which have regenerated naturally through seeds from bird droppings. However, an originally planted sandalwood tree (diameter about a metre), whose age could not be known, also stands majestically at the far end of the main building. It is surrounded with iron fencing.

“We are cautious about sandalwood trees and have taken all precautions,” said JS Rana, a worker who looks after the premises. Notably, apart from two security guards, there is also additional security cover provided by two stray dogs – Lalu and Julie.

“These stray dogs have taken shelter inside the campus and always remain ready to pounce on any intruder in the night,” said another worker.

It is worth noting that the Santalum Album variety of sandalwood trees are regarded as of prime kind and is known to yield enough essential oils.

Significantly, because of its importance, anti-socials had also targeted it some years ago. “Four years ago, two sandalwood trees on the west side of the campus were felled, but they did not succeed due to timely intervention of the security guard,” said an employee.Bureaucratic complacency, however, has failed to take appropriate measures regarding a dried sandalwood tree, which has been standing for many years. “It dried up about 9-10 years ago, but as we are not authorised to cut it, it has remained like this,” said another worker at Rangers’ College.

It may be recalled that a few months ago, a watchman had to lose his life after he accosted sandalwood smugglers.

When contacted, Dr S Biswas, Head, Botany Division (FRI) acknowledged that protecting these precious trees was a difficult task. “No sandalwood tree is safe anywhere,” he told Garhwal Post.

Aesthetically, nonetheless, the most beautiful tree inside Rangers’ College is the Podocarpus Gracilior, a tree native to Uganda and Kenya. Densely covered with leaves, elongated and short shaped, the tree is a treat for the eyes from a distance. “It is more than 100 years old,” added Biswas, pointing out that all the 100 plus trees originally planted inside the campus during the 1880’s still survive.

A few trees, however, have given in to natural decay, and perished. There is also an old rubber tree, a huge branch of which had fallen due to a storm, two years ago. “This tree cannot be used for commercial purposes,” stated Biswas.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1290

Ganga is at par with National Flag: MC Mehta

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 4 June 2009: Mahesh Chander Mehta has to his credit more than 100 cases devoted to environmental protection in India. (A Google search of his name would generate 668,000 web pages!).

Beginning with his PIL (public Interest Litigation) on Taj Mahal Pollution case (1996), which resulted in the apex court banning use of coal/ coke in 200 factories surrounding the wonderful monument, he hasn’t looked back.

On World Environment Day (5th June), Mehta, winner of Ramon Magasaysay Award for public service (1997), is getting readied to launch a three-volume book (To be published by Prakriti Publications -- cost Rs 3000) detailing about his personal battles/ hardships encountered in his 30 famous cases including behind the scene stories.

During his short visit to Dehradun, he spoke to Garhwal Post and shared his concerns on environmental issues. Some excerpts.

What is special about your forthcoming book?

In my book I have recounted my personal experiences, which I faced during my court battles on environmental issues. I have tried to answer the politics/allegations/threats surrounding those cases. In all the three volumes, which mainly deal with Human Rights and Environment, I covered details about 30 cases only.

Sometime back, you went on record to say that India is not a poor country? Please elaborate

I still stand by what I had said that India is not a poor country. Provided, we Indians learn to manage our natural resources properly.

Take for instance the problem of drinking water crisis in different parts of India. Recently, from media, I came to know that some people in Bhopal were even willing to donate blood for drinking water.

What we need to do is conserve water and keep rivers clean from chemicals. Ironically, we completely neglected the upkeep of lakes, rivers and ground water resources in the country.

You are also known to be against construction of dams? How true?

This is untrue. I am not against construction of dams provided they are small and based on the Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity. But what is happening in Uttarakhand is that in the name of run-of the river damming, river water is being diverted in some projects in Uttarkashi.

What we must understand that Ganga, which has been elevated to the status of a National River, supports 450 million Indians.

A different section of environmental activists, after the stoppage of construction work on hydel power dam (Maneri Bhali) by the government have cited loss of employment/development in the state? Your reaction

Development should always be looked at from a wider perspective. Say for instance if majority gains but it also causes loss to a section of the minority in the process, the former should be given more importance.

If employment is an argument, the government can also take suitable steps by hiring unemployed youths for afforestation activities/ cultivation of fruit trees in the hills backed by a planned marketing strategy.

With regard to Uttarakhand’s power requirements, apart from Hydel power, the government could also tap solar and wind energy for meeting its energy needs. Unfortunately, instead of subsidising solar based implements like solar cooker/ solar lamps, the state government chooses to provide subsidized LPG cylinders to the poor, which is a lopsided policy.

Do you think the status of a National River would help protect Ganga?

Its status, legally, has definitely gone up after being categorised as a National River. Now, it is up to us how we treat her. Legally, Ganga’s status, now, is at par with our national flag. As we cannot disfigure the national flag, in the like manner, the same is also true of Ganga.

Unfortunately, in the name of tradition, we are also adding up pollution in the Ganga by throwing in wastes. This should be stopped.

But MC Mehta Vs Union of India (Ganga pollution case, 1987) only deals with management of industrial wastes and not wastes caused as a result of tradition followed by Hindus?Despite any apex guidelines on the latter aspect in this case, appropriate authorities viz District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate can take action under Section 133 of CrPC. But unfortunately, there is no political will.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1291