नैनीताल: बस दुर्घटना में 13 की मौत

Jun 20, देहरादून। उत्तराखंड के नैनीताल जिले में शुक्रवार सुबह एक बस के खाई में गिर जाने से 13 यात्रियों की मौत हो गई और दस घायल हो गए।
नैनीताल थाने से प्राप्त जानकारी के अनुसार शुक्रवार सुबह हल्द्वानी से रानीखेत जा रही कुमाऊं मोटर यूनियन की बस वीर भट्टी जोलीकूट के पास संतुलन बिगड़ जाने से गहरी खाई में गिर गई, जिससे दस लोगों की घटनास्थल पर ही मौत हो गई और दस घायल हो गए। पुलिस ने बताया कि घायलों को अस्पताल पहुंचाया दिया गया है और बचाव कार्य अभी जारी है।
Source: http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/mishap/5_23_4560538.html

ग्लेशियर टूटने से सात यात्रियों की मौत

Jun 24, देहरादून। हेमकुंड साहिब से मत्था टेक कर वापस लौट रहे सिख तीर्थ यात्रियों पर ग्लेशियर टूटने से सात की मौत हो गई और कम से कम आठ यात्री घायल हो गए, जिनकी हालत गंभीर बताई गई है। सेना तथा आईटीबीपी के साथ स्थानीय प्रशासन बचाव एवं राहत कार्य में जुटा है।
सीमांत तहसील जोशीमठ की एस डी एम निधि यादव से मिली जानकारी के अनुसार गत सांय 4320 मीटर ऊंचाई पर स्थित हेमकुंड साहिब गुरुद्वारे से मत्था टेक कर लौट रहे पंजाब के तीर्थ यात्रियों के झुंड पर गुरुद्वारे से लगभग एक किमी नीचे लगभग चार हजार मीटर की ऊंचाई पर अचानक ग्लेशियर के टूट पड़ने से कम से कम छह लोगों की घटनास्थल पर ही मौत हो गई जबकि लगभग एक दर्जन यात्री घायल हो गए। घायलों में से एक यात्री ने मंगलवार की सुबह जोशीमठ हैलीपैड पर अस्पताल पहुंचने से पहले ही दम तोड़ दिया। दो घायलों को जोशीमठ स्थित सेना के अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया है, जबकि पांच को हैलीकाप्टर से देहरादून के जौलीग्रांट स्थित हिमालयन अस्पताल भेजा गया।
निधि के अनुसार जोशीमठ तक इस हादसे की सूचना मिलते ही वह सेना, पुलिस तथा आईटीबीपी के दल के साथ गत सांय ही घांघरिया के लिए रवाना हो गई थी। रात को ही जोशीमठ से डाक्टरों तथा राज्य में आपातकालीन बचाव सेवा देने वाली संस्था ईएमआरआई की टीमें भी भेज दी गई थी। मगर रात होने के कारण बचाव अभियान पूरा नहीं चल सका।
निधि ने बताया कि मंगलवार सुबह छह बजे ही सेना तथा आईटीबीपी के दो हैलीकाप्टरों को बचाव एवं राहत कार्य में लगा दिया गया था। उन्होंने बताया कि आज प्रात: सभी घायलों तथा शवों को हैलीकाप्टरा ें से जोशीमठ लाया जा चुका है। जबकि बर्फ में और लोगों के दबे होने की आशंका में बचाव दल ग्लेशियर की बर्फ खंगाल रहे हैं। उन्होंनें कहा कि पूछताछ से लगता है कि अब वहां कोई शव नहीं है।
इस हादसे की सूचना राज्य प्रशासन ने पंजाब सरकार को दे दी है। इस यात्रा सीजन में यह दूसरा ग्लेशियर दुर्घटना है। इससे पहले मई में गौगुख के निकट ग्लेशियर टूटने से एक साधु की मौत हो गई थी तथा नौ अन्य घायल हो गए थे।

Source:http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/mishap/5_23_4572271.html

Prof Agarwal on save-Ganga fast

Retired IIT Kanpur Professor Dr GD Agarwal, 76 years, is sitting on a fast-unto-death since 13 June 2008 to save the Ganga from the aggressive onslaught of strings of dams and hydel projects in Uttarakhand.
On 21 June 2008, the Uttarakhand government had to forcibly disrupt the peaceful and non-violent agitation of Prof Agarwal, forcing the unflinching crusader to move to the nation's capital to continue his agitation.
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, BC Khanduri, had said on June 17, that he was ready to stop the construction of hydel projects on the Bhagirathi river if the power needs of the state were fulfilled by the Centre. Possibly it was this assurance of Chief Minister Khanduri that had instigated those with vested interest in hydel projects to lobby against the growing influence of Prof Agarwal's non-violent protest.
The Uttarakhand state government had earlier planned a series of hydel projects between Uttar kashi and Gangotri. Khanduri, however, made it clear that the decision on stopping the construction of the 600-MW Lohari Nagpala project would be taken by the Centre since it was being constructed by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), a central government undertaking and India's largest power generation company. Other major dams being built on the river include Pala Maneri (480 MW), Bhairon Ghati (381 MW) and Jad Ganga (200 MW).
"The contentious issue is 600 MW (4X150) Loharinag - Pala dam being built by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), a central government undertaking, the country's largest power generation company. Ganga will be put into 26 and 17 km long tunnels leading to its disappearance from its natural course through the stretch. The construction is going on in full steam. The resultant destruction of the fragile and unique ecosystem will have far reaching consequences. Not only this, all this is done in earthquake zone 5 and terrain full of sedimentary rocks. No imagination is required to realize what one earthquake would to the entire region.
Siltation is another problem. Ganga and all other Himalayan rivers carry lots of silt along which will now settle in the reservoirs created by the dams reducing the electricity generation capacity. Repeated closing of Nathpa-Jhakri Dam on Satluj in Himachal Pradesh 4 years after its commission is a fine example" explained Environmental scientist Neeraj Doshi, who has moved back from USA recently to strengthen people's movements.
"In the name of 'development' and 'economic growth' in India, rural and urban poor have been the worst hit, facing displacement and dispossession at an unprecedented scale" said Dr Sandeep Pandey, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (2002) and convener of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM). "Not only the state has overlooked the environmental cost of such hydel projects, but also the issues of livelihood and quality of life of those living in areas adjoining the Ganga and those who will be displaced by these projects has been appallingly ignored by the state" added Dr Pandey while strongly endorsing the fast of Dr Agarwal.
The privatization of water, use of agriculture lands as special economic zone for rapid industrialization, heavy displacement of poor people with 'development projects' which put them at grave risk of infectious diseases, are certainly not going to help India in its development goals.
With the fast-unto-death entering 11th day on Monday, 23 June 2008, 76 years old Dr GD Agarwal's commitment to save the Ganga, the environment and the rights of the most under-represented people in the development discourses, hopefully will be able to influence the Indian government to listen to the people, for a change.

source: http://www.centralchronicle.com/20080625/2506321.htm

2 power projects off in Uttarakhand

June 20, 2008, The Uttarakhand government today decided to stave off the construction of two major hydel projects on the Bhagirathi river in the wake of the fast-unto-death by G D Agrawal, an environmentalist spearheading the "save Bhagirathi" campaign.
The decision to put off the construction of the 480-Mw Pala Maneri and 400-Mw Bhairon Ghati projects was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister B C Khanduri, a state government official said.
The indefinite fast by Agrawal since June 13 has put considerable pressure on the BJP government with the Sangh Parivar outfits also lending their full support.
However, the state government has made it clear that the decision on stopping the construction of the 600-Mw Lohari Nagpala project would be taken by the Centre since it was being constructed by the state-run NTPC.
Both the Pala Maneri and Bhairon Ghati projects were allotted to the state-owned Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL), which recently commissioned the 304-Mw Maneri Bhali-II. An investment of nearly Rs 5,200 crore was proposed in these two projects.
A UJVNL official described the move as a big setback to the company, saying it would jeopardize the government's initiative to become self-reliant in power.

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=326620&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

Two BJP leaders held in dehradun for gangrape

Two BJP leaders held for gangrape

Statesman News Service DEHRADUN, June 23: Following the arrests of two local BJP leaders today, other links to the state secretariat are being speculated in connection with the gang rape case, which has rocked the capital. The chief minister has also issued stern orders to the SSP Dehradun to speed up the investigation process and book the culprits irrespective of their post and status. Nineteen-year-old Kavita (name changed) was reportedly raped by people working in the Uttarakhand secretariat in connivance with her cousin. Kavita, who was working for an NGO, was taken to the secretariat by her cousin who had promised her a job there. She was then driven by car to a resort where she was raped by five people, two of whom were introduced to her as officers. The hapless girl was threatened not to tell police and then abandoned. Kavita stayed silent about the incident for almost two months but finally she and her family members decided to report the matter to the police. This disclosure shocked the capital and the police immediately started investigations. After the arrest of the two BJP leaders, some officers and employees of the secretariat are suspected as the police is still on the lookout for the driver of the car and two other men charged with rape. SSP Amit Sinha said he was not ready to divulge any information in this regard but that the case would be worked out soon. The IG Garhwal Ashok Kumar said the police is working on different lines and did not rule out the possibility of political rivalry.Using this opportunity, the Congress has also taken to the streets on this issue.

Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=209636

Heavy rains claim 10 lives in Uttarakhand

Heavy rains claim 10 lives in Uttarakhand

Dehra Dun (PTI) At least 10 people, including two Hemkund pilgrims, were killed in heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand that have also disrupted the Gangotri yatra.

Two pilgrims returning from Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district died when landslides hit Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway yesterday, police said on Friday.

They have been identified as Amarjit Singh and Sona Singh from Muktsar area of Punjab.
In another incident, three persons were killed when their car fell into the Ganga river at Pali Pani area after a portion of the road caved in on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway.

Three members of a family were among four killed when a heavy boulder fell on their car yesterday near Kaladhungi area in Kumoan region.

One person identified as Rais was washed away in the Kolhu river on Haridwar-Bijnor Highway.
Heavy rains continued to lash Uttarakhand today, triggering landslides at several places.

Hundreds of pilgrims were stranded at the Gangotri shrine after landslides hit Sukhitop area on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri Highway last evening. Efforts are on to clear the debris.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806201340.htm

Hanumangarhi

Hanumangarhi, also known as Hanuman Garh, is located at an altitude 1,951 m (6,401 ft). The temple complex is about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from the Tallital (South End) bus stop.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, the vanara god of the Ramayana, and he is depicted tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita in his heart. Hanuman Garhi is also known for its spectacular views of the setting sun.
Source: www.wikipedia.org

Sattal (सात ताल),Khurpa Tal & Naukuchia Tal

Sattal, literally Seven Lakes, is at a distance of about 23 km (14 mi) from Nainital in the Lower Himalayan Range at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,495 ft). It is a cluster of small interconnected lakes in the midst of an old oak forest. On approaching Sattal, the first lake encountered is the Nal-Damyanti Lake; next it is the Panna or Garude lake; and finally there is a cluster of three lakes: Ram, Laxman, and Sita lakes.

Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes in the Lower Himalayan Range situated in the wild near the Bhimtal town of the Nainital lake district in the Uttarakhand state of India.

These lakes sit at an altitude of 1370 metres below lush orchards of the Mehragaon valley.In Hindi, Sattal means seven lakes. These group of lakes are amongst dense forest set against the backdrop of oak and pine trees and have algal green water. Sattal is one of a few unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is one of the best places for "living outdoors" in India. The dense forest cover discourages human population except for a few shops at Sattal.

Khurpa Tal, literally Trowel Lake, is an attractive lake about 10 km (6 mi) by road (or a 5 km (3 mi) hike) from Nainital at an altitude of 1,635 m (5,364 ft). It is popular with anglers and is surrounded by terraced fields (or farms), from which it presumably gets its name.

Naukuchia Tal, literally, Nine-Cornered Lake, is 26 km (16 mi) from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal at an altitude of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). The lake is almost 1 km (1 mi) long, 0.5 km (0.3 mi) wide and approximately 40 m (131 ft) deep. It is the deepest of the lakes in the greater Naintal area. According to legend, if one takes in all nine corners in one glimpse, one can disappear in a cloud of smoke

source: www.wikipedia.org

Bhimtal Lake

Bhimtal Lake is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India. There is an island at the centre of the lake. It is the largest lake in the only real lake district of India. It a perennial lake which not only supports a large variety of aquatic life but is a winter stopover for Trans Himalayan birds. The town though ancient was never prominent because of nearby Nainital which was the summer capital of erstwhile United Province of India and contained all the amenities to be found in any European town. But over time Nainital became crowded and ugly and the lake so polluted that people do not drink directly from it.

Bhimtal Lake is named after the second Pandava brother Bhima in the Mahābhārata who was known for his prodigious strength. The lake, which is larger than Naini Lake, is approximately 22 km (14 mi) from Nainital at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,495 ft). There is an island in the lake with a popular restaurant on it. There is also a 17th century temple complex, the Bhimeshwar, alongside a 40 ft (12 m) high dam at one end of the lake.
source: www.rediff.com

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a town and tourist destination in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, India. It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2286 meters (7500 feet). On the recommendation of the Cattle Plague Commission, the Institute then known as the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory had its genesis on December 9, 1889 at Pune and later relocated to Mukteshwar in 1893 to facilitate segregation and quarantine of highly contagious organisms. Later it was developed into the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which later moved its headquarters to Izzatnagar. Still Mukteshwar serves as the hill campus of IVRI, including various facilities such as an experimental goat farm.
Because of the hilly topography, agriculture in the area consists chiefly of potato fields and fruit orchards on terraces cut into the hillsides.
Mukteshwar is rich in scenic beauty, with magnificent views of the Indian Himalayas including India's second-highest peak, Nanda Devi. There is also a Renewable Park developed by The Energy and Resources Institute TERI. The renewable park is using solar electricity for most of its electricity needs. Recently, the town has experienced some construction activity and townships have begun to mushroom in and around Mukteshwar. Many people are buying holiday homes here to escape large chaotic cities. Coordinates: 29°30′N 79°42′E / 29.5, 79.7.
source: www.wikipedia.org

Outside Nainital, The Jim Corbett National Park

The Jim Corbett National Park (29°32′N 78°56′E / 29.533, 78.933) in the Nainital district is India's oldest national park. The park, which is 63 km (39 mi) west by north-west of Nainital, contains a wide variety of wild life including elephant, tiger, chital, Sambar Deer, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew (White-toothed shrew), flying fox (pteropus, megabat), Indian Pangolin, and nearly .

Jim Corbett National Park—named after the hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment—is the oldest national park in India. The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park acts as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative.

The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park's ecological balance.
source: www.wikipedia.org

Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy's Seat (Tiffin = light meal eaten during the day). This terraced hill top (2,292 m (7,520 ft)) on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km (2 mi) hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy's Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet, by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.

The High Court of Uttarakhand formerly known as The Old Secretariat.

Gurney House is the former residence, of Jim Corbett, is located on Ayarpatta Hill. The house is now a museum of Corbett memorabilia. The surrounding hillside is rich with deodar, oak, pine and

source: www.wikipedia.org

In and around Nainital

The Naina Devi Temple was destroyed by the landslip of 1880 and later rebuilt. It is located on the northern shore of Naini Lake. The presiding deity of the temple is Maa Naina Devi represented by two Netras or eyes. Flanking Naina Devi are the deities of Mata Kali and Lord Ganesha.

The church of St. John in the Wilderness was established in 1844 and is located on the north end of town (Mallital), about half a mile north-west of the Naina Devi temple. The church was so named by Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta, who, after falling ill during a visit to Nainital in 1844 to lay the foundation of the church, was obliged to sleep in an unfinished house on the edge of the forest. (See excerpt from Josiah Bateman on the Literary references to Nainital page.)

A brass plaque on the altar is inscribed with names of the victims of the Landslip of 1880.

Governor’s House also known Raj Bhavan and formerly, Government House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style (also called "domestic Gothic") by the architect F.W. Stevens. Originally built as the summer residence of the governor of the North West Province, it later became the summer residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces. Currently, Raj Bhavan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for visiting state guests. The complex consists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool, and golf links. Obtaining prior permission is must for visiting.

Snow View is situated at an altitude of 2,270 m (7,448 ft) and located atop the Sher-ka-danda Ridge (north by north-east of the town centre), is easily reachable by cable car. On a clear day, it offers spectacular views of the snowbound high Himalaya, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot. The best time of the year for viewing the mountains is late October and November. (See excerpts from Joseph Fayrer on the Literary references to Nainital page.)

Naina Peak also known as China or Cheena Peak. Naina peak is the highest peak in the town, with an altitude of 2,615 m (8,579 ft). and at a walking distance of 6 km (4 mi) from the north end of the town (Mallital). From atop the peak, one can not only see a broad swath of the snow clad high Himalaya, but also obtain a panoramic view of Nainital town itself. The summit is an invigorating hike from Nainital town; in addition, for the less energetic visitors, ponies can be hired in Mallital or on Snow View.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Nainital in Mythology

It is believed that Nainital figures in some ancient myths of India. In the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, hinting at the story of three sages (or rishis), Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who, upon finding no water in Nainital, dug a large hole at the location of the present day lake (sarovar = lake) and filled it with water from the holy lake Manasarovar in Tibet. According to lore, a dip in Naini Lake, "the lesser Manasarovar," earns merit equal to a dip in the great lake.
It is also believed that Naini Lake is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, or religious sites where parts of the charred body of Sati (Parvati) fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where Sati's eyes (or Nain) fell, came to be called Nain-tal or [lake of the eye.] The goddess Shakti is worshipped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake.

source: www.wikipedia.org

About Nainital

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas.

Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."

Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C (81 °F); minimum temperature 10 °C (50 °F), during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a minimum of −3 °C (27 °F).

Source: www.wikipedia.com

मनेरी भाली फेज-1और फेज-2 में फ्लेशिंग

Jun 13, 01:13 am, देहरादून। नदियों में बढ़ रही गाद से विद्युत परियोजनाओं को बचाने के लिए जल विद्युत निगम ने मनेरी भाली फेज-1 तथा फेज-2 में आज फ्लेशिंग कार्य किया, जिससे इन दोनों परियोजनाओं में करीब आठ घंटे उत्पादन ठप रहा।

भागीरथी नदी पानी के साथ अधिक गाद के लिए अपनी पहचान रखती है। जल विद्युत निगम के एमडी आरपी थपलियाल के अनुसार भागीरथी नदी पर स्थित मनेरी भाली फेज-1 तथा फेज-2 परियोजनाओं की सुरक्षा के लिए इन में फ्लेशिंग करना जरूरी था। फेज-1 में फ्लेशिंग के लिए सुबह दस बजे से उत्पादन बंद किया गया। शाम करीब पांच बजे इस परियोजना में उत्पादन फिर शुरू हो गया था। उन्होंने बताया कि फेज-2 में सुबह ग्यारह बजे से उत्पादन ठप हुआ। इस परियोजना में अभी गाद आने के कारण उत्पादन शुरू नहीं किया जा सका। उन्होंने बताया कि आज ही फेज-2 में भी उत्पादन शुरू कर दिया जाएगा। श्री थपलियाल ने बताया कि मनेरी भाली फेज-1 में अभी 90 मेगावाट विद्युत उत्पादन हो रहा है, जबकि फेज-2 में इस समय करीब ढाई सौ मेगावाट उत्पादन हो रहा है। इन दोनों परियोजनाओं की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से उठाए गए इस कदम से करीब आठ घंटे से अधिक उत्पादन बंद रहा। उन्होंने बताया कि जल विद्युत निगम की अन्य किसी इकाई में अभी फ्लेशिंग करने की स्थिति नहीं आई है।

Source: Jagaran.com

Uttarakhand hit by unemployment

Dehradun, 12 Feb 2007 There are more than 4.5 lakh unemployed youth in Uttarakhand. The number of registered unemployed youth stands at 31.97 per cent.

The number of jobs created in the past five years has barely crossed 4 per cent of the total number of registered unemployed youth.

The creation of Uttarakhand held out many promises people in the state say the promises remain unfulfilled.

“I have four sons who work outside the State, we both live alone. The creation of Uttaranchal has changed nothing for us,” says Jagadeshwari Bahuguna, a retired schoolteacher.

Twenty-five-year-old Jitendar thought his diploma in electric engineering would be his ticket to a successful career in Uttarakhand.

But he works relentlessly in a makeshift shop in his village saving every rupee he can to migrate to the plains where he hopes his prospects of a career will be better.

“Though it is a small state and there were endless opportunities for creating jobs there is nothing for you. Everyone is migrating to the plains and I too will do the same,” Jitender said.

The Congress party insists it has created employment opportunities for the youth.

“The BJP should not talk about unemployment in the State, when they were in power industries were closed down we have given the youth job opportunities by setting up many industries, easy loan schemes and all,” spokesperson for the Congress Party Surendar Agarwal said.

But the Opposition says they have just not done enough.

“Whenever the Assembly was in session we raised this question, but the ruling party paid no heed,” the BJP’s Matbar Singh Kandari said.

Employment opportunities for the states youth are a major issue in every party’s election manifesto in this Assembly election.
Source: http://www.ndtv.com