News Analysis India

Tag: Uttarakhand

  • Security beefed up at Yogi Adityanath’s native village in Uttarakhand after Atiq Ahmed murder

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Security has been beefed up for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s family members in Uttarakhand’s Panchur village following the murder of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed on April 15.

    Ahmed, against whom over 160 criminal cases were registered under various sections, had supporters associated with him in Uttarakhand as well.

    According to information received, patrolling and police vigil has been increased in Panchur village of Yamkeshwar block of Pauri district of the state. Apart from this, instructions have also been given to tighten the security of VIPs or VVIPs of all types of security categories in the state.

    ALSO READ | ‘They were a threat to UP earlier, now UP is a threat to them’: CM Yogi on gangsters in state

    Senior Superintendent of Police in Pauri Shweta Choubey told The New Indian Express, “Special vigilance is being taken for the safety of family members of UP CM Yogi Adityanath. Yamkeshwar police station police have been asked to conduct special patrolling and security surveillance in his village. Besides, a police circle officer from Srinagar has also been asked to monitor security in UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s village.”

    CM Yogi’s 85-year-old mother Savitri Devi and several family members live in Panchur village. Yogi Adityanath’s father passed away in April 2020 and due to the COVID-19 epidemic, he could not go to his ancestral home at that time. He visited the village in May 2022 and stayed with the family overnight, something he hadn’t done in 30 years.

    DEHRADUN: Security has been beefed up for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s family members in Uttarakhand’s Panchur village following the murder of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed on April 15.

    Ahmed, against whom over 160 criminal cases were registered under various sections, had supporters associated with him in Uttarakhand as well.

    According to information received, patrolling and police vigil has been increased in Panchur village of Yamkeshwar block of Pauri district of the state. Apart from this, instructions have also been given to tighten the security of VIPs or VVIPs of all types of security categories in the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | ‘They were a threat to UP earlier, now UP is a threat to them’: CM Yogi on gangsters in state

    Senior Superintendent of Police in Pauri Shweta Choubey told The New Indian Express, “Special vigilance is being taken for the safety of family members of UP CM Yogi Adityanath. Yamkeshwar police station police have been asked to conduct special patrolling and security surveillance in his village. Besides, a police circle officer from Srinagar has also been asked to monitor security in UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s village.”

    CM Yogi’s 85-year-old mother Savitri Devi and several family members live in Panchur village. Yogi Adityanath’s father passed away in April 2020 and due to the COVID-19 epidemic, he could not go to his ancestral home at that time. He visited the village in May 2022 and stayed with the family overnight, something he hadn’t done in 30 years.

  • Top court ends tug-of-war: Singhal back as U’khand head of forest force, but due to retire shortly

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: In Uttarakhand, now is the season of forest fires. However, in the forest department, the battle of egos has gained priority over battling the fire.

    The fight for the post of department chief, which was embroiled in a court battle, has come to an end on Wednesday.

    The High Court ordered the removal of Vinod Singhal from the post of head of forest force (HoFF) 15 days ago. However, he is back as HoFF armed with a Supreme Court order.

    Rajiv Bhartari, who replaced him, has been sent back to the post of chairman of the Biodiversity Board.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, state Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said, “It was a better and amicable solution under which this path was chosen with coordination of the court order and the executive”. Whereas both Vinod Singhal and Rajiv Bhartri refused to speak anything on the current ‘tug of war.’

    Interestingly, both the senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) 1986 batch Rajiv Bhartari and 1987 batch Vinod Singhal are due to retire by the end of this month.

    On the order of the High Court, Rajiv Bhartari took charge as state forest chief on April 4, replacing Vinod Singhal, despite Mahavir Jayanti being a gazetted holiday.  Upset with the High Court order, Vinod Singhal approached the Supreme Court and got a big relief on Monday against the High Court’s decision. The apex court has ordered to restore the status quo.

    Amid speculation over who will retire as HoFF, with a total of 11 days left and only eight working days left, the government finally succeeded in pacifying the two ‘big foresters’, and an amicable solution was reached that both IFS officers would get the benefit of the PCCF post.

    On Monday, Rajiv Bhartari disposed of his normal functioning as chief conservator of forests (HOF). After the Supreme Court ruled in Singhal’s favour, it was believed that Vinod Kumar Singhal would take over the chair again on Tuesday after getting instructions from the government, but this did not happen and on Wednesday, the government duly completed the proceedings of giving charge to Singhal.

    It may be recalled that the State government had reshuffled the heads of the two departments on November 25, 2021. Rajiv Bhartari was transferred from the post of Principal Conservator of Forests to the post of Chairman of Biodiversity Board. In his place, Vinod Kumar Singhal was appointed principal conservator of forests. Since then, the fight between the two forest officials over the HOFF chair has continued. 

    DEHRADUN: In Uttarakhand, now is the season of forest fires. However, in the forest department, the battle of egos has gained priority over battling the fire.

    The fight for the post of department chief, which was embroiled in a court battle, has come to an end on Wednesday.

    The High Court ordered the removal of Vinod Singhal from the post of head of forest force (HoFF) 15 days ago. However, he is back as HoFF armed with a Supreme Court order.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Rajiv Bhartari, who replaced him, has been sent back to the post of chairman of the Biodiversity Board.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, state Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said, “It was a better and amicable solution under which this path was chosen with coordination of the court order and the executive”. Whereas both Vinod Singhal and Rajiv Bhartri refused to speak anything on the current ‘tug of war.’

    Interestingly, both the senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) 1986 batch Rajiv Bhartari and 1987 batch Vinod Singhal are due to retire by the end of this month.

    On the order of the High Court, Rajiv Bhartari took charge as state forest chief on April 4, replacing Vinod Singhal, despite Mahavir Jayanti being a gazetted holiday.  Upset with the High Court order, Vinod Singhal approached the Supreme Court and got a big relief on Monday against the High Court’s decision. The apex court has ordered to restore the status quo.

    Amid speculation over who will retire as HoFF, with a total of 11 days left and only eight working days left, the government finally succeeded in pacifying the two ‘big foresters’, and an amicable solution was reached that both IFS officers would get the benefit of the PCCF post.

    On Monday, Rajiv Bhartari disposed of his normal functioning as chief conservator of forests (HOF). After the Supreme Court ruled in Singhal’s favour, it was believed that Vinod Kumar Singhal would take over the chair again on Tuesday after getting instructions from the government, but this did not happen and on Wednesday, the government duly completed the proceedings of giving charge to Singhal.

    It may be recalled that the State government had reshuffled the heads of the two departments on November 25, 2021. Rajiv Bhartari was transferred from the post of Principal Conservator of Forests to the post of Chairman of Biodiversity Board. In his place, Vinod Kumar Singhal was appointed principal conservator of forests. Since then, the fight between the two forest officials over the HOFF chair has continued.
     

  • Uttarakhand to follow updated NCERT pattern, removes chapters on Mughal history

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The history of Mughal rulers has become ‘history’ for children of Uttarakhand as the state government decides to remove chapters on Mughals from their textbooks. 

    ‘How Islam emerged and what was the Contribution of the Mughal rulers in the history of India’ will no longer be part of Uttarakhand’s curriculum.

    According to the information received, “The NCERT pattern is applicable to Uttarakhand government schools. The change in the pattern of NCERT will be implemented for the upcoming academic session 2023-24. Chapters on ‘Rise of Islam’, ‘Clash of Cultures’, ‘Industrial Revolution’, ‘Beginning of Time’ will be removed from the syllabus of the Class 11 textbook.

    “The move has been taken by NCERT academicians and experts and will definitely prove effective in terms of the changing picture,” state Director General of Education Banshidhar Tiwari told the TNIE.

    BJP state spokesperson Virendra Bisht said, “CM Dhami is also focusing on teaching what is inspirational for children. “Children behave according to what is being taught to them in schools.” 

    “Mughals can neither be an inspiration nor a source of inspiration. Therefore, the removal of the Mughal period chapter is a welcome step,” he added. 

    Meanwhile, Congress state spokesperson Garima Dasuoni took a dig at the government’s decision, “Debating on whose history has disappeared and whose has been kept is meaningless. The only thing that matters is that after 2014, India has become ‘independent’. History is being written in a new way. In such a situation, who will be glorified in this history and who will be made secondary, it will be decided by the one who is in power, which is exactly what the BJP is doing”. 

    DEHRADUN: The history of Mughal rulers has become ‘history’ for children of Uttarakhand as the state government decides to remove chapters on Mughals from their textbooks. 

    ‘How Islam emerged and what was the Contribution of the Mughal rulers in the history of India’ will no longer be part of Uttarakhand’s curriculum.

    According to the information received, “The NCERT pattern is applicable to Uttarakhand government schools. The change in the pattern of NCERT will be implemented for the upcoming academic session 2023-24. Chapters on ‘Rise of Islam’, ‘Clash of Cultures’, ‘Industrial Revolution’, ‘Beginning of Time’ will be removed from the syllabus of the Class 11 textbook.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The move has been taken by NCERT academicians and experts and will definitely prove effective in terms of the changing picture,” state Director General of Education Banshidhar Tiwari told the TNIE.

    BJP state spokesperson Virendra Bisht said, “CM Dhami is also focusing on teaching what is inspirational for children. “Children behave according to what is being taught to them in schools.” 

    “Mughals can neither be an inspiration nor a source of inspiration. Therefore, the removal of the Mughal period chapter is a welcome step,” he added. 

    Meanwhile, Congress state spokesperson Garima Dasuoni took a dig at the government’s decision, “Debating on whose history has disappeared and whose has been kept is meaningless. The only thing that matters is that after 2014, India has become ‘independent’. History is being written in a new way. In such a situation, who will be glorified in this history and who will be made secondary, it will be decided by the one who is in power, which is exactly what the BJP is doing”. 

  • Encouraging rise in number of snow leopards in Uttarakhand’s Gangotri National Park

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The encouraging increase in the population of snow leopards in Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand has created a wave of happiness among park officials. Apart from Uttarakhand, this species of leopard is found only in the forest areas of Sikkim and Ladakh.

    Spread over 2390 sq. kilometres, Gangotri National Park is estimated to have between 35 and 40 snow leopards. The figure was jointly arrived at by park authorities and experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The previous estimate in 2019-20 only indicated a figure in single digits, said Gangotri National Park Deputy Director Rang Nath Pandey.

    Pandey told The New Indian Express, “We only ‘estimate’ the number of snow leopards once in four years. Earlier we did not even have baseline data. We have prepared this data with the help of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). WII has estimated the number of snow leopards to be between 35 and 40, which was assessed with the help of trap cameras.”

    Pandey also said, “The frequent sightings of leopards, and the capture of their photographs on their mobiles by tourists in the park, is an indication of an increase in their population. Estimating snow leopards is also a complex process, calculated once in four years between inaccessible areas and difficult terrains, which was done in 2019-20, now it will be done in 2024-25.”

    In winter, the park administration installs trap cameras here for the purpose of monitoring and researching wildlife. Footage from these cameras is used to study the behaviour and breeding habits of wildlife.

    Deputy Director Pandey noted that three other species of bear — the Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear and Sloth Bear — are also found in Uttarakhand.

    Last year too, the park administration had installed a total of 40 trap cameras in Kedartal, Gomukh Track, Karchha, Chorgarh, Tirpani and Nilpani in Nelang Valley and Bhaironghati, Gartang Gali in the park area. Recently, a team of park administration pulled out trap cameras installed in Chorgarh in Nelang Valley, out of which one trap camera shows a snow leopard roaming while the other has captured the picture.

    A team from the Wildlife Institute of India has also installed 65 cameras in the Nelang Valley to monitor and research wildlife activities.

    DEHRADUN: The encouraging increase in the population of snow leopards in Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand has created a wave of happiness among park officials. Apart from Uttarakhand, this species of leopard is found only in the forest areas of Sikkim and Ladakh.

    Spread over 2390 sq. kilometres, Gangotri National Park is estimated to have between 35 and 40 snow leopards. The figure was jointly arrived at by park authorities and experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The previous estimate in 2019-20 only indicated a figure in single digits, said Gangotri National Park Deputy Director Rang Nath Pandey.

    Pandey told The New Indian Express, “We only ‘estimate’ the number of snow leopards once in four years. Earlier we did not even have baseline data. We have prepared this data with the help of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). WII has estimated the number of snow leopards to be between 35 and 40, which was assessed with the help of trap cameras.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Pandey also said, “The frequent sightings of leopards, and the capture of their photographs on their mobiles by tourists in the park, is an indication of an increase in their population. Estimating snow leopards is also a complex process, calculated once in four years between inaccessible areas and difficult terrains, which was done in 2019-20, now it will be done in 2024-25.”

    In winter, the park administration installs trap cameras here for the purpose of monitoring and researching wildlife. Footage from these cameras is used to study the behaviour and breeding habits of wildlife.

    Deputy Director Pandey noted that three other species of bear — the Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear and Sloth Bear — are also found in Uttarakhand.

    Last year too, the park administration had installed a total of 40 trap cameras in Kedartal, Gomukh Track, Karchha, Chorgarh, Tirpani and Nilpani in Nelang Valley and Bhaironghati, Gartang Gali in the park area. Recently, a team of park administration pulled out trap cameras installed in Chorgarh in Nelang Valley, out of which one trap camera shows a snow leopard roaming while the other has captured the picture.

    A team from the Wildlife Institute of India has also installed 65 cameras in the Nelang Valley to monitor and research wildlife activities.

  • Joshimath disaster-hit people get ultimatum from hotel owners to vacate rooms by March 31

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Hundreds of families, who were rendered homeless in the land-submerged disaster in Joshimath earlier this year, are once again facing the crisis of homelessness.

    The affected people, who were shifted to hotels by the administration due to cracks in houses, have now been asked by hotel owners to vacate their hotel rooms by March 31. The number of such affected families in various hotels and dharamshalas in Joshimath municipality area is 181, with a total of 694 members.

    According to the information received, the affected people have been told by the hotel owners, in view of the forthcoming Yatra season for Chardham Yatra, to vacate the hotel rooms within the next two days. 

    District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana told The New Indian Express, “By March 31, orders were received to shift the disaster-affected people to hotels. The government has been written to keep the affected in hotels till April 30. Even after March 31, no disaster-affected person will be excluded from hotels. If a hotel owner is asking the affected people to leave the hotel, it will be investigated”.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Joshimath SDM Kumkum Joshi said, “The government has been informed about this and a solution will be found soon to ensure that the affected people do not face any problem nor the hotel business is affected by it”.

    “In the first week of January, people were displaced in hotels, dharamshalas and rented houses after the land submergence increased in Joshimath. In hotels, the government is paying a rent of Rs 950 for a room. Those who are living in rented houses are being given five thousand rupees. There are 694 members of 181 families staying in various hotels, dharamshalas in Joshimath Municipality area. Arrangements have also been made for their food and drink,” said SDM Joshi.

    Hotel owner Govind Singh says, “There are 10 rooms in his hotel. Two of these rooms have been given to the disaster-affected. The administration had asked to keep affected till March. Now they need rooms for the Chardham Yatra. Many times large groups of pilgrims come. In such a situation, if the disaster-affected people are kept here, they will not be able to provide rooms to the pilgrims.

    DEHRADUN: Hundreds of families, who were rendered homeless in the land-submerged disaster in Joshimath earlier this year, are once again facing the crisis of homelessness.

    The affected people, who were shifted to hotels by the administration due to cracks in houses, have now been asked by hotel owners to vacate their hotel rooms by March 31. The number of such affected families in various hotels and dharamshalas in Joshimath municipality area is 181, with a total of 694 members.

    According to the information received, the affected people have been told by the hotel owners, in view of the forthcoming Yatra season for Chardham Yatra, to vacate the hotel rooms within the next two days. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana told The New Indian Express, “By March 31, orders were received to shift the disaster-affected people to hotels. The government has been written to keep the affected in hotels till April 30. Even after March 31, no disaster-affected person will be excluded from hotels. If a hotel owner is asking the affected people to leave the hotel, it will be investigated”.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Joshimath SDM Kumkum Joshi said, “The government has been informed about this and a solution will be found soon to ensure that the affected people do not face any problem nor the hotel business is affected by it”.

    “In the first week of January, people were displaced in hotels, dharamshalas and rented houses after the land submergence increased in Joshimath. In hotels, the government is paying a rent of Rs 950 for a room. Those who are living in rented houses are being given five thousand rupees. There are 694 members of 181 families staying in various hotels, dharamshalas in Joshimath Municipality area. Arrangements have also been made for their food and drink,” said SDM Joshi.

    Hotel owner Govind Singh says, “There are 10 rooms in his hotel. Two of these rooms have been given to the disaster-affected. The administration had asked to keep affected till March. Now they need rooms for the Chardham Yatra. Many times large groups of pilgrims come. In such a situation, if the disaster-affected people are kept here, they will not be able to provide rooms to the pilgrims.

  • Pandemic preparedness on agenda in meeting of G-20 science advisors in Uttarakhand

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand hosted the first meeting of the G20-Chief Science Advisor Roundtable (G20-CSAR) at Ramnagar, which saw in-depth discussions on science and technology issues of common interest.

    “Under the theme ‘Opportunities in Health’ for better disease control and pandemic preparedness, we discussed the plan for a flexible, adaptive and timely response to the pandemic,” said Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Professor Ajay Sood at a media briefing on Wednesday evening on the sidelines of the three-day G-20 meeting.

    “Integrated disease surveillance mechanisms for humans, livestock and wildlife, R&D roadmap for diseases of health importance, and investments in analytics such as disease modeling and data standards were discussed in detail at the summit,” he said.

    Sharing the achievements of the discussions at the summit, Sood said, “Under the theme of coordinating global efforts to expand scholarly access to scientific knowledge, we discussed that access should be free, immediate and universal. The high subscription and article processing fees levied by magazines should be reduced.”

    ALSO READ | Gandhinagar all decked up to host G-20 meet on disaster risk reduction

    “The repository should be reduced. There should be an open access mandate to establish interoperable inter-linking of national repositories with archives and to make knowledge production of public funded scientific research widely available,” he added.

    Sharing the gist of the brainstorming sessions of the summit, Sood further said, “Another theme was on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in science and technology. The participating countries also shared their work in advancing access to under-represented, disadvantaged, marginalized, minority as well as tribal communities in the larger scientific enterprise.”

    “The fourth session discussed the need for an institutional mechanism for an inclusive, sustainable and action-oriented global science and technology policy dialogue. It was agreed that scientific advisors play an important role in shaping policy choices by providing evidence-driven science advice and, in the spirit of collaboration and dialogue, it is the responsibility of the chief science consultants to collaborate and engage in international dialogue to address cross-border issues affecting the entire scientific enterprise so that science and technology can benefit all,” he said.

    Expressing happiness over the achievement in vaccination, Sood said, “The success in administering 220 crore vaccines in record time during the Corona period is a living example of India’s S&T power.”

    Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary and Naman Upadhyay, Under Secretary at the G20 Secretariat, were also present.

    The meeting was attended by 51 delegates from 18 countries, of which 18 delegates are from India, four from Russia, one from Nigeria, two from France, two from Italy, two from USA, one from Korea, five from United Kingdom, one from Japan, one from Spain, four from South Africa, one from Australia, one from Netherlands, two from Canada, three from Saudi Arabia, one from Brazil, two from China and three from the EU.

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand hosted the first meeting of the G20-Chief Science Advisor Roundtable (G20-CSAR) at Ramnagar, which saw in-depth discussions on science and technology issues of common interest.

    “Under the theme ‘Opportunities in Health’ for better disease control and pandemic preparedness, we discussed the plan for a flexible, adaptive and timely response to the pandemic,” said Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Professor Ajay Sood at a media briefing on Wednesday evening on the sidelines of the three-day G-20 meeting.

    “Integrated disease surveillance mechanisms for humans, livestock and wildlife, R&D roadmap for diseases of health importance, and investments in analytics such as disease modeling and data standards were discussed in detail at the summit,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Sharing the achievements of the discussions at the summit, Sood said, “Under the theme of coordinating global efforts to expand scholarly access to scientific knowledge, we discussed that access should be free, immediate and universal. The high subscription and article processing fees levied by magazines should be reduced.”

    ALSO READ | Gandhinagar all decked up to host G-20 meet on disaster risk reduction

    “The repository should be reduced. There should be an open access mandate to establish interoperable inter-linking of national repositories with archives and to make knowledge production of public funded scientific research widely available,” he added.

    Sharing the gist of the brainstorming sessions of the summit, Sood further said, “Another theme was on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in science and technology. The participating countries also shared their work in advancing access to under-represented, disadvantaged, marginalized, minority as well as tribal communities in the larger scientific enterprise.”

    “The fourth session discussed the need for an institutional mechanism for an inclusive, sustainable and action-oriented global science and technology policy dialogue. It was agreed that scientific advisors play an important role in shaping policy choices by providing evidence-driven science advice and, in the spirit of collaboration and dialogue, it is the responsibility of the chief science consultants to collaborate and engage in international dialogue to address cross-border issues affecting the entire scientific enterprise so that science and technology can benefit all,” he said.

    Expressing happiness over the achievement in vaccination, Sood said, “The success in administering 220 crore vaccines in record time during the Corona period is a living example of India’s S&T power.”

    Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary and Naman Upadhyay, Under Secretary at the G20 Secretariat, were also present.

    The meeting was attended by 51 delegates from 18 countries, of which 18 delegates are from India, four from Russia, one from Nigeria, two from France, two from Italy, two from USA, one from Korea, five from United Kingdom, one from Japan, one from Spain, four from South Africa, one from Australia, one from Netherlands, two from Canada, three from Saudi Arabia, one from Brazil, two from China and three from the EU.

  • Bad weather: 350 goats struck dead by lightning in Uttarkashi

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: As many as 350 goats were struck dead by lightning in Dunda block of Uttarkashi on Saturday night, even as farmers in the upper areas of Uttarakhand and cattle rearers are facing the vagaries of nature aggravated by climate change. 

    Around 350 goats were struck dead by lightning in a forest at Mathanau Tok near Khattukhal village in Dunda development block of Uttarkashi. Shepherds in the Barsu region take their goats to the hilly areas for grazing when the summer starts. On Saturday, villagers Ram Bhagat Singh, Pratham Singh and Sanjeev Rawat were on their way to the forest with their 1200 sheep and goats when the tragedy struck.

    Tehsildar Dunda Pratap Singh Chauhan said information about the death of goats due to lightning has been received and he has informed the district administration and veterinary department about the matter.

    Dunda Village Pradhan Sunita Negi told The New Indian Express, “Sanjeev Rawat, a pastoralist of village Bharsu in Bhatwadi block, has the highest number of 188 goats killed in this natural disaster”. 

    “Although the cattle owners insure their cattle, in cases like lightning strikes, the government gives compensation by adopting a humane approach. Our demand from the government will be that the affected cattle rearers should be given proper compensation”, added Sunita Negi.

    Already rains in hilly areas have caused heavy damage to fruits grown by the farmers.

    Former BJP district convenor Jagmohan Singh Rawat, who demanded proper compensation from the chief minister, said, “Such incidents often happen to cattle rearers, but they do not get proper compensation”. The villagers also informed Bhatwadi block chief Vinita Rawat about the damage. At the same time, there was heavy hailstorm in Dhanolti late in the evening, due to which fruit crops suffered damages.

    DEHRADUN: As many as 350 goats were struck dead by lightning in Dunda block of Uttarkashi on Saturday night, even as farmers in the upper areas of Uttarakhand and cattle rearers are facing the vagaries of nature aggravated by climate change. 

    Around 350 goats were struck dead by lightning in a forest at Mathanau Tok near Khattukhal village in Dunda development block of Uttarkashi. Shepherds in the Barsu region take their goats to the hilly areas for grazing when the summer starts. On Saturday, villagers Ram Bhagat Singh, Pratham Singh and Sanjeev Rawat were on their way to the forest with their 1200 sheep and goats when the tragedy struck.

    Tehsildar Dunda Pratap Singh Chauhan said information about the death of goats due to lightning has been received and he has informed the district administration and veterinary department about the matter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Dunda Village Pradhan Sunita Negi told The New Indian Express, “Sanjeev Rawat, a pastoralist of village Bharsu in Bhatwadi block, has the highest number of 188 goats killed in this natural disaster”. 

    “Although the cattle owners insure their cattle, in cases like lightning strikes, the government gives compensation by adopting a humane approach. Our demand from the government will be that the affected cattle rearers should be given proper compensation”, added Sunita Negi.

    Already rains in hilly areas have caused heavy damage to fruits grown by the farmers.

    Former BJP district convenor Jagmohan Singh Rawat, who demanded proper compensation from the chief minister, said, “Such incidents often happen to cattle rearers, but they do not get proper compensation”. The villagers also informed Bhatwadi block chief Vinita Rawat about the damage. At the same time, there was heavy hailstorm in Dhanolti late in the evening, due to which fruit crops suffered damages.

  • Joshimath: Government releases compensation policy for disaster-hit people, damaged buildings 

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has issued a compensation policy for buildings damaged in the Joshimath land submergence disaster. After the approval of the Governor, Secretary of Disaster Management Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha issued the government order.

    According to a government order issued on Wednesday, the compensation rates will be calculated on the basis of the rates of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the plinth area. Joshimath’s cost index will also be added to it. Compensation will be given by making slabs for commercial buildings. Three options have been given for permanent rehabilitation.

    According to information received from the state disaster management department, “The government has issued a compensation policy for the damaged buildings of Joshimath. The compensation for residential buildings has been fixed at Rs 31,201 per square metre to Rs 36,527 per square metre. For commercial buildings, the rates have been fixed at Rs 39,182 per square metre to Rs 46,099 per square metre.

    The compensation for the land will be decided after the report of the technical institutes. It will be placed in the next cabinet meeting for approval.

    Compensation for commercial buildings will be given after deducting the amount of depreciation of the affected building from the cost of the affected building based on the rates fixed in five slabs. Apart from this, five slabs have been fixed for compensation for shops and other commercial establishments. (hotels,dhabas, etc.)

    The government has already given three options for residential buildings.

    Option 1: Disaster-affected land building owners, whose residential buildings are not habitable based on the report of technical institutions, will be compensated at the rate fixed for the residential building. If the land is also declared unsafe, then it will also be compensated according to the rates fixed in the future.

    Option 2: If disaster-affected people whose buildings and land will be declared unsafe, if they demand land for a residential building while receiving building compensation, the maximum area to build a house for the affected person is 75 square meters. If the price of the unprotected land of the affected family is higher than the allotted land, compensation will be given separately by the government after adjustment.

    Option 3: The disaster-affected person can demand a residential building constructed relative to his land and building. Houses will be built by the state government on land up to a maximum area of 50 square meters. Apart from this, 25 square meters of land will be given for cow shelter and other work. Apartfrom this, separate compensation will be given if there is land.

    DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has issued a compensation policy for buildings damaged in the Joshimath land submergence disaster. After the approval of the Governor, Secretary of Disaster Management Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha issued the government order.

    According to a government order issued on Wednesday, the compensation rates will be calculated on the basis of the rates of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the plinth area. Joshimath’s cost index will also be added to it. Compensation will be given by making slabs for commercial buildings. Three options have been given for permanent rehabilitation.

    According to information received from the state disaster management department, “The government has issued a compensation policy for the damaged buildings of Joshimath. The compensation for residential buildings has been fixed at Rs 31,201 per square metre to Rs 36,527 per square metre. For commercial buildings, the rates have been fixed at Rs 39,182 per square metre to Rs 46,099 per square metre.

    The compensation for the land will be decided after the report of the technical institutes. It will be placed in the next cabinet meeting for approval.

    Compensation for commercial buildings will be given after deducting the amount of depreciation of the affected building from the cost of the affected building based on the rates fixed in five slabs. Apart from this, five slabs have been fixed for compensation for shops and other commercial establishments. (hotels,
    dhabas, etc.)

    The government has already given three options for residential buildings.

    Option 1: Disaster-affected land building owners, whose residential buildings are not habitable based on the report of technical institutions, will be compensated at the rate fixed for the residential building. If the land is also declared unsafe, then it will also be compensated according to the rates fixed in the future.

    Option 2: If disaster-affected people whose buildings and land will be declared unsafe, if they demand land for a residential building while receiving building compensation, the maximum area to build a house for the affected person is 75 square meters. If the price of the unprotected land of the affected family is higher than the allotted land, compensation will be given separately by the government after adjustment.

    Option 3: The disaster-affected person can demand a residential building constructed relative to his land and building. Houses will be built by the state government on land up to a maximum area of 50 square meters. Apart from this, 25 square meters of land will be given for cow shelter and other work. Apart
    from this, separate compensation will be given if there is land.

  • Joshimath: State government offers flexible rehabilitation plans for disaster-affected people

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Nearly a month after the natural calamity of land submergence that damaged over 800 houses and commercial establishments in the ancient city of Joshimath, the government has proposed three options for rehabilitation and displacement of disaster-affected people.

    The state government has prepared a plan for the disaster-affected people with the option of one-time settlement in lieu of damage to land and buildings, as well as the option of house and land instead of land. On the suggestions of the committee formed at the district level, the High Powered Committee (HPC) headed by Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan has given its in-principle consent on all three options. The disaster-affected can choose any one of these options.

    The three options were approved after discussing the proposals made by District Magistrate Chamoli Himanshu Khurana at a meeting of the HPC chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan at the state secretariat on Monday. Giving details of the meeting, Secretary Disaster Management Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha said, “Joshimath disaster affected people can choose any one of the three options themselves”, adding, “Compensation for land will be decided on the basis of circle rate, the decision on new circle rate will be taken in the next cabinet meeting”.

    “Compensation for buildings will be given as per the prescribed standards of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), large hotels will be given full compensation, while small shops and hotels (dhabas) will be given two options. 

    As a first option, small shopkeepers and dhaba operators will be able to take full compensation simultaneously. Dr Sinha said.  As a second option, a shop will be allotted in 15 square meters at the displaced site.  

    “After receiving the final report of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), it will be decided how many buildings will be removed and how many will be retrofitted,” added Dr Sinha.

    SETTLEMENT OPTIONS:

    Option One: First of all, disaster-affected people have been given the option of a one-time settlement. Under this, the affected land building owners will be paid full financial assistance for the damaged building and land within one time under the prescribed standards as compensation. Before payment, the registry of the affected land, and the building will be in favour of the state government.

    Option Two: 100 square meters of land for construction of houses, compensation will be given to the affected land building owners for the construction of houses in terms of the affected land.

    Option Three: Under this option, a duplex building will be constructed in a maximum area of 75 square meters at the identified place for the rehabilitation of the affected. If the residential building or land of the disaster-affected person is more than this, then they will be paid the remaining amount in return.

    Congress workers burn BJP president Mahendra Bhatt’s effigy

    BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt’s statement calling the Joshimath agitators “Maoists and agents of China” triggered outrage from Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and Congress workers who burnt an effigy of Bhatt. Condemning Bhatt’s statement,  Samiti president Atul Satti demanded, “Bhatt should publicly apologise to the residents of Joshimath”.

    DEHRADUN: Nearly a month after the natural calamity of land submergence that damaged over 800 houses and commercial establishments in the ancient city of Joshimath, the government has proposed three options for rehabilitation and displacement of disaster-affected people.

    The state government has prepared a plan for the disaster-affected people with the option of one-time settlement in lieu of damage to land and buildings, as well as the option of house and land instead of land. On the suggestions of the committee formed at the district level, the High Powered Committee (HPC) headed by Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan has given its in-principle consent on all three options. The disaster-affected can choose any one of these options.

    The three options were approved after discussing the proposals made by District Magistrate Chamoli Himanshu Khurana at a meeting of the HPC chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan at the state secretariat on Monday. Giving details of the meeting, Secretary Disaster Management Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha said, “Joshimath disaster affected people can choose any one of the three options themselves”, adding, “Compensation for land will be decided on the basis of circle rate, the decision on new circle rate will be taken in the next cabinet meeting”.

    “Compensation for buildings will be given as per the prescribed standards of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), large hotels will be given full compensation, while small shops and hotels (dhabas) will be given two options. 

    As a first option, small shopkeepers and dhaba operators will be able to take full compensation simultaneously. Dr Sinha said.  As a second option, a shop will be allotted in 15 square meters at the displaced site.  

    “After receiving the final report of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), it will be decided how many buildings will be removed and how many will be retrofitted,” added Dr Sinha.

    SETTLEMENT OPTIONS:

    Option One: First of all, disaster-affected people have been given the option of a one-time settlement. Under this, the affected land building owners will be paid full financial assistance for the damaged building and land within one time under the prescribed standards as compensation. Before payment, the registry of the affected land, and the building will be in favour of the state government.

    Option Two: 100 square meters of land for construction of houses, compensation will be given to the affected land building owners for the construction of houses in terms of the affected land.

    Option Three: Under this option, a duplex building will be constructed in a maximum area of 75 square meters at the identified place for the rehabilitation of the affected. If the residential building or land of the disaster-affected person is more than this, then they will be paid the remaining amount in return.

    Congress workers burn BJP president Mahendra Bhatt’s effigy

    BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt’s statement calling the Joshimath agitators “Maoists and agents of China” triggered outrage from Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and Congress workers who burnt an effigy of Bhatt. Condemning Bhatt’s statement,  Samiti president Atul Satti demanded, “Bhatt should publicly apologise to the residents of Joshimath”.

  • Uttarakhand tableau wins top prize in R-Day parade

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Even as unease continues in the state due to the sinking of land in Joshimath, Uttarakhand got a reason to cheer on Monday. The state’s tableau bagged the top spot for the first time at the Republic Day Parade this year. The tableaux of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh stood second and third, respectively.

    The Army’s Punjab Regiment Centre contingent was declared the best marching contingent among the three services, while the Indian Air Force won the first spot in the online public poll conducted by MyGov. From among Central Armed Police Forces(CAPF) and other auxiliary forces, the Central Reserve Police Force was named as the best marching contingent.

    The Uttarakhand tableau, titled Manaskhand, depicted the proposed Manaskhand corridor project that will link all major temples of the Kumaon region and develop them along the lines of the Char Dham in the Garhwal region. It showcased the famous Jageshwar Temple, besides other elements like the rich wildlife of the state. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh had also created their presentations with a religious theme.

    Maharashtra presented the three-and-a-half Shaktipeeths of Adishakti the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur, Sri Kshetra Tuljapur of Tuljabhavani, Renukadevi of Mahur, and Saptshringi Devi of Vani. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcased the three-day Deepotsava celebrated in Ayodhya.

    Congratulating the people of the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tweeted, “This achievement is a proud moment for all of us. Garhwal has been described as Kedarkhand and Kumaon as ‘Manaskhand’ in the Skanda Purana.

    Jageshwar Temple too has a lot of religious belief.” Gujarat won the first spot in an online public poll conducted by MyGov, for its tableau on green energy. The second spot went to Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra. “Three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the performance of marching contingents from three Services, marching contingents from Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces and tableaux” said the ministry of defence.

    Online poll was conducted for citizens to vote from January 25 to 28 on MyGov webpage. The ministry of tribal affairs tableau on ‘Eklavya model residential schools’ bagged the top position in the panel of judges section among ministries and departments. The home ministry’s presentation on CAPFs clinched the top spot in the popular choice category. A special prize went to Central Public Works Department on biodiversity conservation.

    Online poll was conducted for citizens to voteOnline poll was conducted for citizens to vote from January 25 to 28 on MyGov webpage. The ministry of tribal affairs tableau on ‘Eklavya model residential schools’ bagged the top position in the panel of judges section among ministries and departments. The home ministry’s presentation on CAPFs clinched the top spot in the popular choice category. A special prize went to Central Public Works Department on biodiversity conservation.  

    NEW DELHI:  Even as unease continues in the state due to the sinking of land in Joshimath, Uttarakhand got a reason to cheer on Monday. The state’s tableau bagged the top spot for the first time at the Republic Day Parade this year. The tableaux of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh stood second and third, respectively.

    The Army’s Punjab Regiment Centre contingent was declared the best marching contingent among the three services, while the Indian Air Force won the first spot in the online public poll conducted by MyGov. From among Central Armed Police Forces(CAPF) and other auxiliary forces, the Central Reserve Police Force was named as the best marching contingent.

    The Uttarakhand tableau, titled Manaskhand, depicted the proposed Manaskhand corridor project that will link all major temples of the Kumaon region and develop them along the lines of the Char Dham in the Garhwal region. It showcased the famous Jageshwar Temple, besides other elements like the rich wildlife of the state. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh had also created their presentations with a religious theme.

    Maharashtra presented the three-and-a-half Shaktipeeths of Adishakti the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur, Sri Kshetra Tuljapur of Tuljabhavani, Renukadevi of Mahur, and Saptshringi Devi of Vani. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcased the three-day Deepotsava celebrated in Ayodhya.

    Congratulating the people of the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tweeted, “This achievement is a proud moment for all of us. Garhwal has been described as Kedarkhand and Kumaon as ‘Manaskhand’ in the Skanda Purana.

    Jageshwar Temple too has a lot of religious belief.” Gujarat won the first spot in an online public poll conducted by MyGov, for its tableau on green energy. The second spot went to Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra. “Three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the performance of marching contingents from three Services, marching contingents from Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces and tableaux” said the ministry of defence.

    Online poll was conducted for citizens to vote from January 25 to 28 on MyGov webpage. The ministry of tribal affairs tableau on ‘Eklavya model residential schools’ bagged the top position in the panel of judges section among ministries and departments. The home ministry’s presentation on CAPFs clinched the top spot in the popular choice category. A special prize went to Central Public Works Department on biodiversity conservation.

    Online poll was conducted for citizens to vote
    Online poll was conducted for citizens to vote from January 25 to 28 on MyGov webpage. The ministry of tribal affairs tableau on ‘Eklavya model residential schools’ bagged the top position in the panel of judges section among ministries and departments. The home ministry’s presentation on CAPFs clinched the top spot in the popular choice category. A special prize went to Central Public Works Department on biodiversity conservation.