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Mera-Gaon, Swachh-Gaon Campaign arrives in Mana village

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili
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Mana/Chamoli,  ‘Mera-Gaon,Swachh-Gaon‘ a cleanliness campaign which started in Kandara Village in Chamoli, has today traveled far and wide. Making its way slowly from village to village in Chamoli,  spearheaded by Engineer Bhuwan Singh Rawat, it has now found place in the hearts of the hill-folks of Mana village.

The Campaign came to town, when there were locals and tourists celebrating the annual Jaith Puja Fair. Speaking to those gathered, Bhuwan Rawat reiterated, “We should not be dependent on the State Government for all our needs, we should rise above this mentality. Without spending a penny we too can be part of the cleanliness drive and serve our country well.”

Women and children of the village turned out in in large numbers wearing their traditional attire to pledge their support to the campaign. The cleanliness campaign laid stress on how one could recycle and reuse oil canisters as dustbins to collect garbage in public spaces.  The reuse of plastic cold-drink bottles for making bird-baths was taught to the eager audience who found it  a doable alternate.

For his contribution to making our hills clean and green, Engineer Bhuwan Singh Rawat was felicitated by the village elders and an oath was taken by those present to ensure that they too would do their bit in cleaning not only to their homes but also their surroundings.

Travelling to Heaven amongst National Geographic finalist

By
Lucky Singh/Tania Saili
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0

Rishikesh. National Geographic Magazine yet again threw a challenge, like in the past, to photographers across the globe. The ‘Travel Photographer of the Year 2018’ Contest set no limits as to age, gender or number of pictures a contestant deemed fit to submit.

It took more than just sheer luck for one of the ten pictures selected for the final round that has come from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This spiritual town, has made it onto the International map for more reasons than one. A place that has come to be associated with spirituality, yoga and now for this one stunning picture which has brought new found fame not only to its 19 year old photographer Trikansh Sharma who is pursuing his Graduation in Computer Application but also his passion of being an ace photographer from his home-town Rishikesh.

The photograph has been chosen as the final 10 as part of the ‘Travel Photographer of the Year 2018‘ contest held by the National Geographic Magazine. Speaking about his picture a happy Trikansh tells us, “I braved Rishikesh’s wintery mornings for days on end, armed with my Canon-1300D Camera and a 8-55mm lens, setting up base on the banks of the Ganges, to capture this picture.”

Aptly captioned “Travelling to Heaven, the picture chosen is that of a lone cyclist, who, as luck who have it, happened to ride across the town’s trademark Ram Jhulla on a wintery morning while making his way to the other end of town. Wrapped in mist, the bridge seems to have no end.

This image, chosen by the magazine for Travel Photographer of the Year is one amongst ten. Others range from wild-horses in Iceland to futuristic cities across the planet. Soon the winner will win a hefty cash-prize as well as the coveted title of ‘2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year.‘

Increase in the amount of compensation on damage to humans by wild animals

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newspost
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Dehradun, the compensation amount pertaining to damage caused by wild animals to the humans has been increased in the State. This decision was taken in the meeting of Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister. Compensation amount has been increased from Rs. 3 lakh to 5 lakh if killed by wild animals, whereas for seriously injured, the compensation amount has been increased from 50 thousand to Rs. 2 lakh. In principle agreement was expressed on the people displaced from the parks and settled at other places be given land rights, the proposal for this will be brought in the cabinet.

Chief Minister said that participation of locals should be ensured in the management of forests. The support of villagers is essential for conservation of forests. Work on concept of green tourism should be done, so that forests are conserved and local villagers also gets livelihood. Permission has been granted to Elephant Safari in the buffer zone of the Corbett and Ramnagar forest division. It was also decided that 100 percent revenue from the tourism in Rajaji Tiger Reserve will be deposited in the fund of Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation. Some part of this will be used for community activities.

Chief Minister said that the meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board held once a year will be held every six months. Detailed reports should also be attached with the points presented in the meeting. If any case is concerned with the public, before presenting it in the board meeting, it should be studied that what are the possible benefits and disadvantages of it.

No permit for angling in the buffer zone in reserve forest and tiger reserve would be given. Chief Minister instructed that information about the mountain climbing teams, which are given permission by the forest department, should also be given to the police as well. So that in case of any exigency, the trapped climbers can be rescued.

Forest Minister Dr. Harak Singh Rawat stressed the need for early completion of necessary formalities on the Kandi road. He said that this is a very important route for connectivity of Garhwal with Kumaon. With its construction, the direct connection route from Garhwal to Kumaon would be there, which will reduce the travel time by approximately 3 hours. On his directions in the meeting, Wildlife Institute of India presented the feasibility survey done on the proposed Kandi road. On his suggestion, it was decided to constitute an executive committee in connection with the Kandi route.

Arvind Nigam: Farming with a difference

By
Tania Saili
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25 year old Arvind Nigam, a colleague and a former student in a 11-month course conducted at People’s Science Institute has changed the way hill-folks in the remote Revati Valley of Bageshwar District, farm today.

When many talk about migration from the hills to the plains, here is a endearing story of Arvind Nigam, a young post-graduate from Sidhi District in Madhya Pradesh who left his roots to set up home in the mountains of Uttarakhand. He has done wonders when it comes to traditional farming.

Over the phone, Arvind tells us, “I choose the hills as I love being amongst the hills and its folks. Farming here is an uphill task and I was inspired to use my BSc. education as well as PSI training in bringing about a positive change in the lives of the hill-folks.”

For the two years now, the young boy has worked hard to convince the folks here to adapt his idea of alternate farming i.e. sowing wheat, vegetables, corn, paddy saplings in a straight line, at regular intervals to increase production. An idea, that two monsoons later has begun to bear fruit. Today, this model has been replicated in the eight villages of Badeth, Shama, Shelisama, Seeri, Ulanidhar, Kaflani, Leeti and Badi Paniyal hamlets, which are home to some six hundred families.

Initially, 28-year-old Bimla Devi of Burmola in Badeth was apprehensive about Arvind’s techniques. She says: “We weren’t really convinced about his new techniques of farming. Arvind bhaiya tried hard to convince us to try planting saplings in a row, on a small patch of land. Result? We have increased our produce by 5-7 kg without recourse to urea.”

Today, Arvind thanks Khashti Koranga of the Women Help Group and Bhagwat Singh Koranga, President of Revati Valley Mahasangh who welcomed him and his unique idea with open-arms which has led to a revolution in farming in the area.

“Not only do they produce enough to eat well, 90% of the extra produce is sent to the main market in Bageshwar where this organic food is mopped up in a few hours. This makes women financially independent,” Arvind adds.

Talking about his prodigy, Ravi Chopra of People’s Science Institute speaks with pride, “Arvind’s work on mobilizing local villages for Gram Swaraj and promoting low external input, is truly inspiring.”

It is hoped that many more ‘Arvinds’ will find their true calling in the hills of Uttarakhand to bring their skill and expertise. This is, at present, the only way forward in striking a body blow to the ugly monster of migration.

Ministers to participate in Walk for Yoga on June 16

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newspost
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Dehradun, In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister for public awareness about International Yoga Day on Wednesday, it was decided that members of cabinet will be included in the Walk for Yoga. On June 16, 2018, all the ministers will gather at the Secretariat in the evening at 4 pm. At 4.30 pm, they will participate in the Run for Yoga from Gandhi Park to Deendayal Upadhyaya Park.

Under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, it was decided in a meeting held in the secretariat on Thursday that at 7 am on June 17, all police officers led by DGP Anil Raturi, will participate in the Walk for Yoga from Police Headquarters to Kanak Chowk to Clock Tower.

In the sequence, at 7 am on June 18, all the officers and staff of the secretariat, under the leadership of Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, will participate in the Walk For Yoga from secretariat to Clock Tower to Parade Ground. On this day, the team of women officers and employees from Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi will join the Walk for Yoga from secretariat to GMVN office at 7 am.

Almora: Organisation Green Hills to the Rescue

By
Tania Saili
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Green Hills, a four year old, Almora-based organisation has been working relentlessly in the field of environment conservation and sustainable development while focusing on waste management in the hill-town, with reject, reduce, reuse and recycle being their motto.

With a core group of three members and over 50 unofficial team-mates, Green Hills believes that, “until a solution isn’t found to dispose off garbage there is no use taking it from one place to other and dumping it at a new place.”

Working under their motto, the organisation involved students and upraised them about the sad state of affairs. With young, passionate blood coming on-board, rallies and door to door campaigns were held to create awareness.

“With financial support from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation we started a pilot project on plastic waste and its use in road construction this May. We all know that Plastic waste is a real challenge in present times. Its a threat to soil, marine creatures, human health, and natural drainage in mountains,” Vasudha Pant, Secretary, Green Hills tells us.

Since September last year, plastic waste is being religiously collected from all 11 wards of Almora and its adjoining villages of Sikuda, Golnakaradiya and Dugalkhola. “A team of 6 waste collectors and one team supervisor has managed to collect over 7 tonnes of waste plastic that is primarily packaging material.”  On a pre-decided day, once a week, waste collectors reach out to people for plastic waste collection which is stored in a room allotted by the Almora Municipality.

With support from the Public Works Department in Almora, who agreed to take on the pilot project despite limitations, under the guidance of Engineer Manoj Kumar Pande, waste plastic is today being used post-shredding on re-doing a short stretch on the Pilkha-Patiya Road, with 700 m stretch already been re-done. Plans are afoot to make the total length of the road i.e. 2 km with plastic shredded waste which is spread over preheated gravel and then bitumen is added to this mixture.

Inspired, Engineers of the Pradha Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna in Almora have also taken fancy to the idea of carrying plastic-shredded waste from the hills and using it for road construction on a trial basis. If this is a success story, then not only will it help in reducing, recycling and reusing plastic waste but in turn make our hills green and clean.

Director Shri Narayan Singh expresses gratitude for support for his movie

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newspost
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Film Director Shri Narayan Singh met the Chief Minister at his residence on Wednesday. Narayan Singh expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the support of the state government for the shooting of the movie “Batti Gul Meter Chalu”. Movie “Batti Gul Meter Chalu” is scheduled to be released on August 31, 2018. He said that, “there is lot of talent in Uttarakhand and the need is to provide them opportunities.”

Chief Minister said, “Uttarakhand’s environment and scenic beauty are favourable for film shooting. After the completion of All Weather Road, with the good connectivity in the state, opportunities for film shooting in the state will increase” further adding, “Uttarakhand government is making efforts for the promotion of the films in the state. All the people from the film industry will be extended full support by the state government for shooting films in the state.”

Chief Minister said that in order to promote films, the state government has  tax-exempted film shoots in the Uttarakhand. In order to promote tourism, state government has envisaged “13 Districts 13 New Destinations”. In every district, one destination would be selected and developed. On this occasion Producer Nitin Chandrachur, Rati Shankar Tripathi, Sumit Adlakha and Parmod Rana were present.

Long road to recovery: Gangotri National Park

By
Tania Saili
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0

“High value and low tourism has been beneficial for the Gangotri National Park which has regenerated and rejuvenated its depleting flora and fauna since restricted entry into the park was put in place since 2007-2008, “ states the States Chief Wildlife Warden, DVS Khati.

The impact of limited entry into the Gangotri National Park has begun to yield results. With the placing of a limit of 150 people per day from 2007 onwards, the park is on the mend. Gangotri National Park lies at an altitude of around 11,000 feet in an area spread over 2,390 square km, which makes it the third largest National park in India. And the results of conservation, in an area where things looked bleak, grim and even desperate just a decade or so ago, have begun to yield results.

The Park is home to two beautiful varied valleys: the Gaumukh and the Jadh Ganga eco-systems. Its wildlife is rich, varied and exotic. It was not always so. At least not in 2007 when this fragile Himalayan belt  was subjected to the free-for-all footfall of thousands of visitors, tourists, trekkers and Kanwars. Once restrictions were put in place, positive results are there for all to see.

Some twenty-camera traps cover the area. Those put up by the Wildlife Institute reveal photos of “The Snow leopard-that famed phantom of the mountains – with her three cubs in tow; then there’s the Bharal or the Blue Sheep; the skittish Tibetan sand fox, the reclusive Himalayan brown bear; the rare and endangered Argali Sheep as also for the first time, a Eurasian Lynx too!” says the Wildlife Waden DVS Khati to Newpost, adding: “If the cameras are to be believed, it’s a new record for the area!”

Restrictions have been placed on random walk-ins, as also on mountaineering expeditions to some peaks in the area. Only a dozen expeditions a year are permitted. The results speak for themselves. Touring the inner recesses of the remote park, Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh was delighted to see the herds of Blue Sheep from such close quarters: “Its heartening to see these normally shy creatures flourishing in our valleys again. What more proof does one want than reported sightings of a snow leopard with her three cubs? If you leave nature alone, it heals itself to become whole again.”

Air Force seeks permission for firing range near Munsiyari

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newspost
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The central command of Indian Air Force has requested the state government to grant permission for a firing range near Munsiyari. The range will be used for target practice from air to land. The air force officials thanked the Chief Minister for his support to re-activate air strips at Dharasu, Gauchar and Pithoragarh. Chief Minister said that, “Uttarakhand is strategically important and the state government is ready to provide all kind of support to the air force.”

The officials of the central command of the Air Force held a meeting with Chief Minister at the Secretariat. Wing Commander Ashutosh Mishra giving details of the project said that, “joint survey with local administrative officers has been carried out. The area is away from populated area. Only low intensity bombs are used for target practice where only light and smoke are used. There is no harm to the environment or dangers of landslides. All security norms have been complied with.”  The area would be used three weeks in a year.

Further on, Exercises would be carried out only after the notification and clearance of the  State Government.  The onus would be on the Air Force to collect bombshells used during the exercises. The Chief Minister said that a proposal should be sent to the state government, after which permission can be granted post examining the proposal .

First batch of pilgrims set off on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

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newspost
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Haldwani, Using a computer-draw system some fifteen hundred pilgrims have been shortlisted from three thousand seven hundred and thirty four applicants for the ardous world famous Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage this year.

The first batch of pilgrims were flagged off by Union minister of state for External Affairs VK Singh from New Delhi yesterday who counselled pilgrims to, “remain physically fit and establish communion with nature.” 

The first batch of pilgrims includes 59 pilgrims out which 42 are men and 17 women pilgrims who belong to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab. The batch arrived in Haldwani today i.e 12th June and will carry on from here to Almora and then reach Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet via Lipulekh. The duration of the Yatra via Lipulekh is 24 days for each batch including three days in Delhi for preparatory work.

The yatra route through Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand requires some trekking, and costs around Rs 1.6 lakh per person.The team was welcomed in Haldwani with the traditional choliya dance and served traditional Kumaoni delicacies including Rhododendron juice.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will end on 8th of September and as many as 18 batches of 60 pilgrims will undertake the pilgrimage this year.

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