Uttarakhand govt should be sacked: Congress

Alleging that the life of Swami Nigamanand could not be saved due to negligence of the Uttarakhand government, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Harak Singh Rawat on Saturday demanded the state government should be sacked.

"Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' should resign on moral grounds or else his government should be sacked," Rawat said here.

Pokhriyal tried his best to persuade Baba Ramdev to call off his fast but never tried to contact and talk with Swami Nigamananda, seer of Matri Sadan ashram in Haridwar, who was on fast since February 19, he alleged.

"The state government will have to answer the people of the state about the death of Swami Nigamanand," he said.

"Our party will meet Governor Margaret Alva to handover a memorandum demanding sacking of the state government," Rawat said.

A day-long fast will be observed by Congressmen at Gandhi Park here on Sunday and a protest will be held at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh on June 22. A rally has also been scheduled for June 22 in Roorkie, he said.

More helicopter services to ferry pilgrims soon: Uttarakhand CM Nishank

Dehradun, May 8: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who flagged off the new air service for the four Dhams-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines in the hill state, has said that more such services by private operators would be initiated soon.


Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Nishank said: "We are in the process of making helipads in 25 places which are some of the most beautiful locations on earth. Our mission is also to help people see the world's most striking locations. The Chardham Yatra has begun and we have made adequate arrangements for the same."

He said this was the first effort to connect all the four dhams with air service and would prove a boon for the people, especially the elders, who are otherwise unable to undertake the arduous journey.

Rakesh Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prabhatam Group, a helicopter operating company said that the aerial services would be made available to pilgrims on government decided rates.

"The speciality of our service is that pilgrims can plan their trips according to their convenience. This facility is also regularly available at Kedarnath. The pilgrims would be taken their desired holy places on rates fixed by the state government. All other service operators would also have to comply by these rates and provide the facilities," he added.

The helicopter would be regularly flying at altitudes of 23,000 feet and ferry six passengers at a time across different religious sites.

Over the years the demand for helicopter services by pilgrims have witnessed a rise enabling the state government and operators to strengthen the air services.

Every year millions of the devotees from across the world throng the revered worship sites in the state like, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Yamunotri and Gangotri.

ani

Uttarakhand: Water level continues to rise in dams

New Delhi, Sep 21: 150 people were dead due to the cloudburst, flood, and landslide in Uttarakhand and water level in the Tehri dam continued to raise upto danger level on Sep 21.

In a memorandum to PM Manmohan Singh, a BJP party delegation demanded that Uttarakhand should be declared as disaster-struck region and a package of Rs 5,000 crore should be given to flood hit state.

Congress president, Sonia Gandhi reached Jolly Grant airport near Dehradun on Sep 21 to investigate the situation in flood affected districts in the state.

Uttarakhand CM Ramesh Pokhriyal also visited Tehri, Haridwar, Nainital and Almora region for an aerial survey on Sep 20.

However, Pokhriyal has already announced relief of one lakh rupees to families of those who lost their lives.

Uttarakhand govt suspends 83 teachers

STAFF WRITER 19:16 HRS IST

Dehra Dun, Jun 5 (PTI) The Uttarakhand government has suspended 83 teachers for remaining out of the schools on unauthorised leave for long time, official sources said today.

Teachers suspended were posted in schools in districts of Paudi, Chamoli, Dehra Dun, Tehri, Haridwar, Rudraprayag and Uttarakashi, the sources said.

The erring teachers were served repeated notices but they did not reply to them, the sources added.

Missing links on Haridwar stretch to be ready by Jan

NEW DELHI:
NEW DELHI: The nightmare faced by commuters using the Delhi-Haridwar stretch of NH-58 will soon become a thing of the past. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is claiming to make this stretch the key link to Uttarakhand and the Chinese border smoother by January when the holy city hosts the Kumbh Mela. Officials maintain that work on almost 23km of missing paved road between Meerut and Muzaffarnagar would be completed ahead of the largest religious congregation.

The project, however, has already been delayed by over seven months as work to widen 78km of the road to four lanes which started in March 2006 was targeted to be completed by March last. While work has been completed on a major part of this stretch, the bituminous road is missing on certain portions and it takes commuters almost six hours to cover 190km between Delhi and Haridwar. Uttarakhand PWD engineer-in-chief Lalit Mohan said the agency has written to the Centre to expedite the completion of the project and also to widen the stretch between Muzaffarnagar and Dehradun to four lane to meet increasing traffic demand.

"We expect the major traffic flow to be from Delhi side and so the remaining work needs to be completed. On our part, we have started paving the 29km from Haridwar towards Roorkee,'' Mohan said.

NHAI officials said though widening of the stretch between Muzaffarnagar and Dehradun has been cleared and bids have been invited, the work has not yet been awarded. "We have replaced the cash contractor for the stretch where there was no progress in the past months. Though it was awarded to NCC-Maytas joint venture, work halted after the Satyam controversy. Now, Gayatri Infrastructure has taken up the work,'' a senior NHAI official.

However, this does not seem to be the end of crisis for NHAI to complete the project. Officials admit they are stilling waiting to acquire about 3.5km stretch near Khatauli. "Only a few hundred metres have been handed over to us. We are still waiting for the large chunk to be acquired. We have even taken up the case with the chief minister. If UP government doesn't get that land for us, we can do nothing,'' said an official associated with land acquisition for NHAI projects.

TOI

Gangotri

Gangotri
Location : Uttarakhand
Altitude : 3042 mts.
Climate : Summer - Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter - Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero
Best Season : April to November

Gangotri - The Eternal Gift of Bhagirath's Penance
Be it man's urge to placate the Gods above or to quench his desire for adventure, Gangotri is an ideal location. Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for.

Location
Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttarakhand and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi. The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.

Mythological Legend
According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva's consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi.
Unique Pilgrimage Attraction

Submerged Shivling
The natural rock Shivling, submerged in the river, is an amazing sight reinforcing the power of the divine. According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganaga in his matted locks. The shivling is visible in the early winters when the water level goes down. The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.

Mythological Mystery
According to mythology, Goddess Ganga- the daughter of heaven, manigested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimise the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

A long the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at a height of 3042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims throng the sacred temple between May and October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode.

Gangotri Temple
The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. High structure made of white granite.

Nandanvan Tapovan
An arduous trek along the Gangotri Glacier leads to scenic Nandanvan - the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks, that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak. A trek across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier leads to Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of the Shivling Peak.

Uttarkashi (99 kms.)
An important pilgrimage centre, situated at an elevation of 1,150 mts. above sea level on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Some of the important temples worth visiting are - Vishwanath temple, Ekadash Rudra temple, Gyaneshwar temple and Kuteti Devi Temple. Nearby is the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Every year, during the 'Magh Mela' people visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the image of their village deity.

Kedar Tal (18 kms.)
An enhancing lake, 4425 mts. above sea level against the splendid backdrop of mighty Thalaiyasagar peak. Accessible through a rough mountain trail, it is the base camp for trekking to surrounding peaks. The trek to Kedartal needs a local guide.

Gaumukh( 18 kms.)
The snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims trek upto the sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water.

Dayara Bugyal (93 kms.)
A breathtakingly beautiful meadow, situated at a height of 3,048 mts. above sea level. A motorable road connects Bhatwari (27 kms. from Uttarkashi) with Raithal village, from where follows a 6 kms. long trek to Dayara. The famous Sheshnag Temple enroute is an attraction of the trek. From Dayara, one can also trek down to Dodi Tal (30 kms.). During winters, Dayara provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq.kms.

Nachiketa Tal (131 kms.)
A pleasant trek through lush green forests leads to this peaceful retreat. A small temple along the lake and lovely surroundings are an attraction.

New Tehri (173 kms.)
Lying at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers is the former capital of Tehri Garhwal principality. It is the site of a giant hydel project.

Narendranagar (239 kms.)
The new capital of erstwhile Tehri state, offers a magnificent view of the Ganga valley of Rishikesh and the plains of Har

Accessibility
Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun 226 kms.

Rail
Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road
Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.

Source: http://www.pilgrimage-india.com/chardham/gangotri.html

Haridwar District PIN Codes and Zip Codes

Location PINCode / ZIPCode
• Adm Block(bhel) 249403
• Adm Block(bhel) 249403
• Aithal 247663
• Aithal 247663
• Ambuwala 249404
• Arya Nagar 249407
• Aurangabad 249402
• Badshahpur 247663
• Bahadrabad 249402
• Bahdarpur Jatt 249404
• Belra 247667
• Bhagwanpur 247661
• Bhalswagaj 247663
• Bharapur Bhori 247667
• Bhel Hsg-ii 249403
• Bhikampur 247671
• Bhimgoda 249401
• Bijholi 247666
• Brahmpur Khanpur 247671
• Chandpuri 247663
• Chudiala 247661
• Dabki Kalan 247663
• Dandera Khwaspur 247667
• Dandhera 247666
• Daulatpur 249402
• Dhanauri 247667
• Dhanpura 249404
• Gandhi Road 249408
• Ganesh Vatika 247667
• Ganeshpur 247667
• Garhmirpur 249402
• Gordhanpur 247663
• Gurkul Narsan 247670
• Gurukul Kangri 249404
• Gurukul Pharmecy 249404
• Hallumajra 247661
• Harchadpur Nizampur 247670
• Haridwar Mdg 249401
• Harjoli Jatt 247670
• Harki Pauri 249401
• Ibrahimpur 249402
• Ibrahimpur Mashi 247661
• Imalikhera 247667
• Iqbalpur 247663
• Jhabrera 247665
• Jwalapur Lsg 249407
• Jwalapur Town 249407
• Kankhal Lsg 249408
• Khanpur 247663
• Khera Jatt 247670
• Kheri Mubarakpur 247663
• Khubbanpur 247661
• Kota Muradnagar 247667
• Laksar Lsg 247663
• Landhaura 247664
• Libberheri 247656
• Lokoshed Laksar 247663
• Maharajpur Kalan 247671
• Majhaul 247665
• Makdoompur 247665
• Manakpur Adampur 247663
• Manglour Town Lsg 247656
• Manu Bas 247667
• Marghoobpur 247667
• Mewar Kalan 247667
• Milap Nagar 247666
• Missarpur 249408
• Mohd. Pur Buzurg 247663
• Mohmadpur Fall 247670
• Munda Khera Kalan 247663
• Mundlana 247656
• Nagla Salaru 247670
• Nalhera Anantpur 247663
• Niranjanpur 247671
• Paniyala 247667
• Piran Kaliyar 247667
• Podowali 247671
• Prahaledpur 247663
• Raisi 247671
• Rajupur 247670
• Ramayan Bhawan 249410
• Ramnagar 247667
• Ransura 247670
• Rishikul Vidhyapeeth 249401
• Rohalki 249402
• Roorkee Cantt 247667
• Roorkee City 247667
• Roorkee Ho 247667
• Roorkee Kutchery 247667
• Roorkee University 247667
• Roshnabad Kutchery 249403
• Sadhubela Bhupatwala 249410
• Salempur Mehdood 249402
• Salempur Rajputana 247667
• Saliyar 247667
• Sapper Bazar 247667
• Saptsarovar 249410
• Sarai 249404
• Sector_iii Bhel 249403
• Sector-ii Bhel 249403
• Shahpur Shitlakhera 247663
• Shanti Nagar 247667
• Shantikunj Edso 249411
• Sherpur Ehelmau 247665
• Shivalik Nagar 249403
• Shyampur 249408
• Sikandarpur Bainswal 247661
• Sikroda 247661
• Sohelpur Sikroda 247667
• Srichandi 247661
• Subhashgarh 247663
• Tansipur 247656
• Tikola Kalan 247670
• Toda Banhera 247656
• Toda Kalyanpur 247664
• Training Battalian 247667

Soruce: Soruce; http://www.whereincity.com/india/pincode/uttarakhand/

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

Statistics of Uttarkhand State

Statistics State symbols
State animal - Musk Deer
State bird - Monal
State tree - Rhododendron
State flower - Brahma Kamal
Total Geographical area: 51,125 km²
Hill Area: 92.57%
Plain Area: 7.43%
Area Covered By Forest: 63%
Location
Longitude 77° 34' 27" East to 81° 02' 22" E
Latitude 28° 53' 24" North to 31° 27' 50" N
Total Population: 8,479,562 (2001 Census)
Male to Female Ratio: 1000 : 964
Male: % 50.9
Female: % 49.1
Literacy Rate: 72%
Villages: 15620
Cities and Urban Areas: 81
Railway Stations:
Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Lalkuan, Kathgodam, Ramnagar, Roorkee, Tanakpur, Laksar
Airports: Jolly Grant, Pantnagar, Nainisain, Gauchar (Helipad)
Major Peaks: (height in metres above sea level) Nanda Devi (7816), Kamet (7756), Badrinath (7140), Chaukhamba (7138), Trishul (7120), Dunagiri (7066), Panchchuli (6910), Nanda Kot (6861), Gangotri (6614), Gauri Parvat (6590) Major Passes Mana La (5450), Niti La (5070), Lipu Lekh pass (5122), Lumpia Dhura (5650)
Industry
Tourism, Hydroelectric Power, Dairy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, Sugar, Manufacturing, and other small scale industries.
Famous Temples in Uttarakhand
Bheem Shankar Mahadev Mandir (Shringar View), KashipurRudreshwar Mahadev Temple near Sanara, Golu Devta Temple, Nanda Devi Mandir, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Bhoomiya Devta Temple, Badri Kedar, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedar Temple near Masi, Bheem Shankar (Moteshwar)Mahadev, (Kashipur), Purnagiri(Tanakpur), Jageswar(Almora), Devidhura temple(barahi mata) Champawat
Festivals
Uttarani, Nanda Devi Mela, Holi, Diwali, Dasara, Kandali, Hilljatra, Bikhoti, Bagwal, Harela, Ghugutee, Khirsu Gwarh (Mela) Events Sardotsav, Basantotsav, Nanda Devi Raj Jat, Chipla Kedar Jaat, Kedarnath Yatra, Badrinath Yatra, Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela, Ramleela, Uttarakhand Mahotsav (Dehradun), Mahashivatri Fair at Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple
Trade Centers
Haldwani, Rudrapur, Roorkee, Tanakpur, Dehradun, Haridwar, Kotdwara, Rishikesh, Kashipur
source: wikipedia.org