Landour limps along

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January 10, 2020

on the job — Pic Courtesy: Pushpa Padiyar

Something is better than nothing, as the cliché goes.

Fifteen labourers have been manually clearing the ice and snow from the road beyond the Landour Gurudwara since 9 o’clock. Stationed at various spots in the Cantonment like the Mullingar climb, Char Dukan, Sister Bazaar and Circular Road the motley crew is working with spades and rakes to shovel away the slabs of ice that have been the bane of those living in Landour Cantonment. In the changed situation, they can at least get home on foot.

Speaking to Executive Office, Landour Cantonment, Abhishekh Rathore (who generously took time off from a meeting to update us) assured folks living here: “We have done all that was required within limited time and resources. We had asked for a JCB which was denied to us.”

Pushpa Padiyar, Ward Member, Landour Cantonment overseeing road clearing in her area assures me, “This is not a one-day feat. This team of labourers will be on the job until all the roads are operable again.”

As the day progressed with the sun out in all its glory, a few vehicles did manage to ply with snow-chains . That in turn made the task of cutting the ice easier.

Instead of waiting for help to arrive, communities in the vicinity from elderly people along with the young came together to clear by-lanes with whatever limited implements they could get their hands on.

For local residents like Durgesh Raturi, “This road clearing today seems more like too little too late, as the sun has been doing most of the job. Yet, I am tempted to say that the fact that I see more people venturing out now post the road clearing without slipping or sliding and hurting themselves is good to see.”

Yet, to those who live in those pretty homes on the Circular Road or the Upper Chakkar in the Cantonment, they will remain isolated in snow and ice for second day in a row. There is no where else to go, for this place is home.

No: 1 Cantonment? Landour Cantonment? Really?

By

Tania Saili

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January 9, 2020

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Mussoorie Snowfall — Pic Courtesy: Ganesh Saili

Landour, Perhaps this is the only time, Landour residents wished they too were a part of the Mussoorie Municipality and not the Cantonment.

Reason? This season’s third, the year’s second heaviest snowfall, and guess what? The entire Cantonment’s Board Members including its Executive Officer seem to be hibernating.

While four JCBs are working as if in a war zone, clearing up the snow off the roads, sprinkling lime and salt to minimize ice formation within Mussoorie Municipality limits. Our Landour Cantonment beginning at the ramp of Mullingar remains inaccessible just like its members, with their mobiles switched off!

Of course, you can see some, if not all our members very active on social media sharing pictures and videos of snowfall but Newspost calls to our esteemed members were of no avail. Their mobiles are either out of range or switched off. The Cantonment Office’s landline has been engaged since morning. Where do we go from here?

Given the present scenario, senior citizens who love to live in Landour even when it is snow bound, wonder if anyone is thinking of those marooned on top of the hill incase of an emergency!

Mercifully, mobile networks are still working and that gives some of us hope. Internationally famed actor Victor Banerjee says: ‘As it snowed heavily all night and there was no electricity I pondered what would happen to us, two old fogies and the only ones in residence on the north face, in case of an emergency. But that’s what makes my life more exciting. We shall wait for a meltdown.”

The local administration in town is most helpful in wanting to help but reminds us: “No one from the Landour Cantonment has asked for any help or aid,” SDM Mussoorie Varun Choudhary tells me.

Fortunately a lone JCB has promised to jump the line of jurisdiction and is valiantly trying to open the narrow roads leading to Chardukan.

With the Cantonment Board elections just weeks away, we the residents of Landour will be casting our vote one more time. Soon our narrow lanes will be crawling with more candidates than voters.

Hopefully this time around we will elect those who will be available when the citizenry need them most.

Following current trend, 80 lakh pilgrims to visit Greater Chardham in 2023

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newspost

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January 8, 2020

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Dehradun: Social Development for Communities Foundation released a report titled ‘”Analyzing The Tourist Pattern in Chardham Region Of Uttarakhand.” Abhiti Mishra, a student of Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore prepared the report under the guidance of Ashutosh Kandwal, Co-Founder of SDC.

Based on the available data from government sources, the report analyses the patterns of pilgrims coming to Uttarakhand with particular reference to the Chardhams of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri along with the towns of Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and Uttarkashi.

Using a regression model, the report predicts the number of tourists that will likely visit the state during the five year period from 2019 to 2023. The report also examines the dip in tourism after the flash foods of 2013 and the recovery hence.

The report concludes that the Chardham region including Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and Uttarkashi will amass 16.36% of the total tourist arrivals to Uttarakhand in 2021. More than 55 lakh tourists will visit Chardham in 2020 and the number is predicted to reach 80 lakhs by 2023.

In 2012, a whooping 55.3 lakh visitors visited Chardham, but from 2012 to 2014 there was a 93% decline in the number, with an all-time low of just 8.4 lakh tourists, in 2014. From 2016 to 2018 there has been phenomenal growth in tourist numbers of about 70%.

Ashutosh Kandwal said that the report can help government agencies, policy-makers and district authorities to better plan and accommodate the increasing number of tourists in the area and to manage the waste generated by them. In recent years the huge influx of tourists in such an ecologically sensitive zone has raised questions about the sustainability and environmental impacts from the tourism industry. Unscientific and unplanned disposal of trash has also emerged as a major concern, Kandwal added.

SDC Foundation will be sharing its findings with the government authorities. It has advocated that detailed studies need to be conducted to increase the preparedness of Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra.

Mussoorie gears up for yet another weather alert

By

Tania Saili

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January 7, 2020

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Snowfilled Mussoorie — Pic Courtesy: Ganesh Saili

Mussoorie: The Met Department predicts more rain and snowfall in the hills over the next few days. The local administration has swung into action, wanting no repeat of the 4^th of January mayhem, when Mussoorie ground to a halt.

With lessons learnt, officials are on their toes, no longer wanting to be caught off guard. Priorities include regulating the flow of exponential increase in traffic. Four JCBs have been placed at crucial road junctions to ensure that roads in and out of town remain open. Abandoned vehicles are being removed and although there is no umbrella ban on those entering town for now, a few regulations have been put in place.

Talking to Newspost, SDM Varun Choudhary who has been personally taking stock of operations assures citizenry: “We have made a stock of all available medicines, ambulances have been readied in case of need. Police barriers have been put up at regular intervals. Food packets have been stocked up in isolated places like Baataghat. It suffered most with tourists stranded for hours on end this 4^th of January.”

SDM, Mussoorie also has a word of advice for tourists and locals travelling to Mussoorie over the next few days: “If you are a tourist make sure you carry your prior hotel booking receipt. If a resident, keep your aadhar card or driver license ready for checking so that you can make your way into town. Those without either will be turned back.”

Dr. Prabhanjan, a doctor from Gopalganj, visiting Mussoorie opines: ‘A few breath analyser kits would do the magic and reduce drunks behind wheels,’ and many agree with him.

How prepared the local machinery is? How co-operative locals and tourists will be in making this round of snowfall hassle free? The results will be out in the next forty-eight hours.

PEN-India dedicates calendar to ‘Uttarakhandi women’

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newspost

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January 6, 2020

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Doiwala- PEN-INDIA foundation dedicated it’s second annual calendar, ” Baramasa 2020″ to the empowered women of Uttarakhand. The calendar was inaugurated by Premchand Agarwal, Speaker of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.

The calendar carries a brief description of the empowered women of Uttarakhand along with their photos. From the likes of “The great warrior, Jiya Rani’ along with “Rani Karnawati” and freedom fighter ‘Nishani Devi Shah,’ social activist ‘Tinchari Mai,’ famous writer ‘Gaura Pant Shivani,’ woman tree ‘Prabha Devi Semwal,’ folk singer Basanti Bist, social worker Mata Shree Mangala, renowned coach Hansa Manral Sharma, Bollywood actress Himani Shivpuri, entrepreneur Tara Takuli and lieutenant commander Vartika Joshi, are part of this year’s calendar.

Shri Premchand Agarwal appreciated the presentation of these empowered women in the annual calendar and stated, “this will give an opportunity to the students and youth to learn about these women and feel motivated.”

Mr Anoop Rawat, founder and chairperson of PEN-INDIA foundation said that the foundation is determined to provide free and quality education to the underprivileged children of the society. The education provided is mostly activity based.

Mr Santosh Budakoti, co-founder and Director of the Foundation said the content of this calendar was prepared by the help of historians and media personalities. The aim of this calendar is to make people aware about state women who contributed towards the nation and hillstate.

SDM Rishikesh, Shri Premlaal Shah, Inspector Shri Ritesh Shah, OSD Shri Tajendra Negi were present at the occasion.

Cashing in on water skiing possibilities in Uttarakashi

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Tania Saili

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January 6, 2020

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Uttarkashi, In an earnest attempt to bring employment opportunities closer to home, District Magistrate Uttarakashi conducted its first Foundation Course in Water skiing for the youth of the district.

The seven day technical training for water adventure sports kicked off on the scenic Chinyalisaur, Tehri Lake, aided by Prakash Khatri, District Tourism Officer, District Tourism Development Council under the aegis of District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan.

At the inauguration, DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan said, “there are immense possibilities of adventure water sports in the district. The objective of conducting this course is to make the youth aware of adventure sports and motivate them for self-employment, as well as to instil self-confidence and leadership potential in the local youth.”

Course Instructor Praveen Rangar was full of praise for the enthusiasm with which young children between 13-19 year olds were taking part in the event, “Despite inclement weather and the water being cold, these children are all gung-ho. They are taking in the nuances of water skiing and keeping us on our toes.”

What is heartening to see is there are more young girls than their male counter parts participating in the course. 13 girls compared to 7 boys, these young girls are breaking the traditional homemaker image and leaving no stones unturned to beat the boys at their game.

17-year-old Amisha from Chungibadeti convinced her parents to participate in the seven-day training, for she believes, “There is excellent scope in water sports, and that too close to home. In case of any disaster, we can put our training to use and save lives and also make a lucrative career in adventure water sports.”

Trained and guided by the best course instructors that the State has to offer Praveen Rangad, Naveen Negi, Arvind Raturi, Shivani Gusain, Monica Dabral, Monica Negi, Chief Instructor Virendra Nautiyal are working round the clock to ensure that these young minds take like fish to water, and rule the waves.

Snowfall has two sides

By

Tania Saili

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January 5, 2020

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Day after Mussoorie witnessed the 2020’s first snowfall one awoke to the sound of spade, shovels, rake shattering the icy remains of the frozen snow. The road was being cleared up.

The black ice and slippery slope was dangerous to walk on, leave alone trying to take a vehicle across. Spade, shovels, rake, axe and umpteen packets of salt (bought with pooled in funds) did not even make a dent on the unforgiving snow.

The Mullingar community had come together to cut a path through the sheet of white so that men of a bereaved family might be able to walk to Big Bend enroute to Rishikesh. Of course old men, women and children had to perforce stay back at home.

The muddled Municipality and its members along with the Cantonment ward members (who are no strangers to the peril of snowfall and its consequences) did not seem to know if they were coming or going.

The list of machines that have broken down at time of dire need has always been longer than their rolling stock. One hardly knows that they exist and at the best of times, there is little that one can expect of them.

SDM Mussoorie, Varun Choudhary informed Newspost “Local administration is mobilizing multiple resources and man power from the police to the Public Works Department. Focus is on the Battaghaat area where three JCBs are working on clearing the Mussoorie Dehradun bypass and another JCB is making its way from Dehradun. That will help clear the Mall road.”

All the roads that were jammed around the hill-station are slowly being opened, thanks to the untiring efforts being put by officials here.

DM Dehradun C Ravi Shankar felt there had been short falls despite the weather alert, but he was confident that these would be addressed on priority. “Absolutely whatever these short comings are, they will be addressed and you will see the result. Two ADMs have been working on war footing, under open skies overseeing that the bypass is being cleared. There will be positive changes and we will address any shortcomings soon.”

While tourists throw snowballs at each other as they walk leisurely through the hill-station enjoying the remains of the day, the local residents have to struggle to cope with the aftermath. This they do with resilience and a smile. Often this means taking things literally into their freezing hands. It’s back to shovels, pick, rake and ice axes to clear the remains of the day before.

Mussoorie covered under a white mantle

By

Tania Saili

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January 4, 2020

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Since morning, Heavy hailstorm and sleet swept Mussoorie. Within a few hours, the hill-station and its surrounding areas were covered under a thick blanket of white mantle which progressed to get thicker as the day went by.

Visitors from in and around Dehradun made a beeline to the hill-station to enjoy the year’s first white mantle and that too on a weekend. For sister’s Manavi and Janaki from New Delhi, in town for New Year celebrations, the white bonanza was icing on the cake, “It has been worth the wait. We feel lucky to have witnessed the year’s first snowfall.”

Tea shops and maggi points made good business as the sudden dip in temperature meant a healthy turn out of tourists. Trudging through sleet, snow balling, skidding, sliding and making artistic snowman along the roadside meant the fun had just started.

Though, all roads leading to the hill-station were jammed with weekend rush hour, yet most of the occupants could be seen enjoying their fill of the snow from where they were stranded. Music, dance, singing and walking through the hail and sleet made for perfect selfies in the weather.

If the Meteorological Department is anything to go by, then the next four days will witness heavy snowfall and hail in places above 2000, 2500 mtrs in Uttarakhand.

With six inches of white mantel in place when this story was filed and no sign of respite, one can confirm that this is not only the first but the heaviest snowfall so far, that the town has witnessed this season.

Icy winter’s march across town could also bring its share of problems for residents, who could be seen preparing for the long haul. “Food, milk, filling buckets of water incase the water pipes burst, candle and match sticks, tinder wood, fuel and other basic necessities are being readied incase the snow lasts longer than what the weather apps show,” chips in long time resident Ravinder Singh.

Administration ensures a safe New Year Eve

By

Tania Saili

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December 30, 2019

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Mussoorie, As New Year Eve approaches, Uttarakhand Mitr Police, firm but polite, has arrived in the hill station in strength. They are here to ensure that celebrations for the 2020 do not get out of hand.

Tourists arrived early to enjoy the five-day Mussoorie Carnival Festival that ended on a pleasant note. Some have made their way to the hill-station to get away from the fog laced plains of northern India. Others enjoy the vista of blue skies and a toasty winter sun, while many more shall be making there way here closer to New Year’s Eve.

Hotels in town, big and small are wooing tourists of all age groups, planning a getaway from home and abroad. Lip-smacking cuisine, year-end discounts and celebrations galore have been lined up for the D-Day.

Sandeep Sahni, Director, Brentwood Hotel and Resorts, adds, “There is 80% booking in most of the hotels in town. We are looking forward to getting maximum visitors over the next two days or so.”

The fact the there might be rain, followed possibly by snow is a prediction from the Meteorological Department. This will only add to a last minute rush.

SSP Dehradun, Arun Mohan Joshi has assured residents that there will be enough police force in place to tackle any situation that might arise. The unending flow of traffic and tourists is going to be handled efficiently. “All is being taken care of with utmost priority. Uninterrupted flow of traffic, to minimise traffic jams and alternate parking space in Mussoorie is going to be our main priority over the next two days.”

With an additional force of 15 Sub Inspectors, 50 male Constables along with 15-20 lady constables; two Platoons of Provincial Armed Constabulary and a Circle Officer has been stationed in town to ensure that ‘all goes well, as 2019 comes to an end in the ‘Queen of Hills.’ Here’s wishing all our readers a great year ahead in 2020! Peace and good will to all.

Superbikes make a grand entry into Mussoorie

By

Tania Saili

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December 29, 2019

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You could hear them miles before they made their grand entry. 40 odd super bikes from in and around Dehradun rode into Mussoorie today afternoon.

District Magistrate, Dehradun, flagged of the super bike riders, aged between 25-45 year olds on Kawasaki Ninja 1000cc. Driving for over fifty kilometers via Hathi Paon, Library and then onto Picture Palace, the super bikes ended their ride, lined-up in all their glory, infront on Garhwal Terrace.

The rev of the machine and the continuous flow of riders into town made an interesting sight. Excited young men and women made a beeline to take selfies with the colourful mean-machines. While some youngsters, much to everyone’s delight, were seen negotiating with the riders for a ride around town.

The riders were in town to promote Mussoorie’s magnificent Winterline and in turn the 5 day Mussoorie Winter Carnival, wooing visitors and locals alike. Parmesh Sharma, from Dehradun spoke to Newspost about his experience, “Felt so happy that I could contribute to Mussoorie’s Carnival and do our bit. Mussoorie has given me 15 best years of my life. Driving through scenic parts of Mussoorie and culminating the ride with the magical winterline in the backdrop, is awesome.” Young pillion rider Siddhant Pundir who rode with his father, an enthusiastic biker who has known these roads like the back of his hand, had this to say, “today was the best ride that I could ever have in my life. It is something that I would want everyone to experience once in a lifetime. It was simply outstanding.”

The camaraderie of fellow riders as they threw on their helmet, slapped on the leather, and their boots revving their mean-machines through town was more about the journey than the destination, for this wolf pack who returned home with lots of memories and their mission accomplished.

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