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Dehradun latest Plastic Bank comes up at Indian Council of Agriculture Research

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Dehradun, As a part of the Swachhta Pakhwada drive, Dehradun based ICAR-IISWC joined hands with CSIR-IIP and Gati Foundation to establish a Plastic Bank in their campus.

Gati Foundation is working with Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) to create a supply chain of plastic waste. IIP is recycling plastic waste to fuel with the help of a plant that is installed inside the campus of IIP.

During the program Anoop Nautiyal, Founder Chairperson, Gati Foundation graced the occasion as Chief Guest. “We are really happy to establishPlastic Bank at IISWC and are really hopeful that this is a big step towards addressing the massive problem of plastic waste in our cities,” said Nautiyal. He also informed that till now Gati Foundation has been able to provide more than 1000 kgs of plastic waste to IIP from the five, community-driven plastic banks in the city.

Dr. Sanat, Senior Scientist, CSIR-IIP informed the gathering about the technology of converting plastic into fuel and thereby converting waste into wealth. He was accompanied by Dr. Atul Ranjan, Senior Scientist, CSIR-IIP.

On this occasion, Dr. P.R. Ojasvi, Director IISWC stated that the institute will collect the plastic from the campus for its further supply to IIP through Gati Foundation. He also asked the scientists to evolve some biological technique to decompose the single use plastic.

Dr. Bankey Bihari, Head, HRD&SS Division and Dr Harsh Mehta, Head Plant Science Division from IISWC were also present in the program. At the end of the program, a formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr Indu Rawat, Scientist and Nodal Officer, Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. From Gati Foundation Pyare Lal, Anushka Martolia and Rishabh Shrivastava were also present in the program.

Snowfall snarls traffic this weekend

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Tania Saili
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Dehradun: Kilometers on end. Inching bumper to bumper. Cars of all shapes and size, thrown in with a few hundred bikes and scooties have choked the Mussoorie-Dhanolti bypass, even before the season’s first snowfall settled.

It started yesterday morning. As the first flake danced to the ground, vehicles snaked their way to Dhanolti and Mussoorie from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana. Arriving in droves, as little as one year olds to people in their late seventies came to town, to get a feel of the ‘Real Thing!

Cars of all shapes and size, choke the Mussoorie-Dhanolti bypass,

For shopkeepers big and small, from Dehradun to Mussoorie and even Dhanolti meant good business. The local administration stepped in for the safety of visitors by diverting traffic at various entry points. Though the strategy of limiting entry worked well yet, led to tipping point as the vehicles kept pouring into town, late into the night.

Mussoorie SHO Vidhya Bhushan Negi has had a busy weekend. Talking to Newspost he said: “Due to snow, traffic was diverted from the Jaypee bend to Mussoorie to ease traffic snarls along the Dhanolti-bypass. Police force has been deployed at important landmarks such as Battaghaat, Lal Tibaa, Library Chowk, Barlowganj. Tehri and Dehradun police are working in sync and diverting traffic time to time to ensure there is no untoward incident,” he added.

As for local residents, the enthusiasm of tourists to take their vehicles along with them has caused, “pure mayhem. Rental bikes and scooties are rage of the day, tourists refuse to walk and enjoy themselves,” Smarty Singh from Landour Bazaar tells me, as he sorts out, yet another traffic jam on the sharp incline.

 The waltz of the snowflakes is once in a lifetime experience, but it comes with its own share of peril for those who refuse to dance in harmony with it.

Trail of memories: Apoorwa D Karnatic

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Tania Saili
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Poem, Poet
The poet at an Open Mic reciting her poem

Nainital, 22-year-old Poet, Apoorwa D Karnatic has roots in Mukteshwar, Nainital. It is here, her home in the hills, that Apoorwa found her true calling, poetry.

A final year Mass Communication student from Galgotia University, Apoorwa captured her feeling in words and composed her first poem in 2007 when she lost her Grandmother.

“Whenever I feel a strong connect with an event or an issue, I put pen to paper and string words together. At times, all it takes is half an hour to express myself in words,” Apoorwa tells me over the phone. For years now, the young talent has been composing poetry on issues faced by the hill-state and its folks.

poem, poet
The poet with her strength, her family

Kahani Palayan Ki, HitMyarPahad recited by Apoorwa at an Open Mic organised by Poem & Kahaniya was  appreciated by the audience. It gives a glimpse into the written magic that the poet weaves about her home state and has an instant connect with the audience. Apoorwa talks about important, need of the hour topics such as Responsible Tourism ” adds Raman Shelly who happened to hear the young poet at the gig.

 

Apoorwa’s annual summer visit to her home in the hills made her empathise with the hardships of hill folk. She has seen how despite adversities, these brave people, do not give it up, instead “they keep moving forward with a certain resilience and a smile on their face.” Her next compilation, ‘Happy Pahadan’ to be released in the coming January 2020, is about that.

In the near future, once her final year is behind her, Apoorwa plans to continue her illustrious poetry career but take up pertinent issues on ground too.

Hygiene and sanitation amongst womenfolk is what I want to address Apoorwa shares with us. It is here, amongst her people, that her heart and mind reside and finds her true inspiration to weave magic with words.

Strategy to curb e-waste in Dehradun: Gati Foundation

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Dehradun, city based environmental action and advocacy group, Gati Foundation, conducted an extensive study on e-waste management in Dehradun. The study focused on: e-waste management practices at authorised mobile dealers/centers; citizens’ awareness on e-waste management and informal sector of e-waste recycling in the city.

The study visited 14 authorised mobile centers of one of the largest mobile companies in India; conducted an online interview with over 130 people; and interacted with city-based informal recyclers. The research team visited authorised mobile centers at Rajpur Road, Jakhan, Dilaram, Ballupur and GMS road in the city.

The findings of the study revealed shocking facts and figures: authorised mobile dealers in the city are openly flouting the legal norms enshrined under the E-waste Management Rules 2016 notified by the Government of India (GoI).  94% of the mobile dealers do not have a separate dustbin for e-waste disposal as mentioned under rule 7(1). 88% of the mobile dealers are not aware of the E-waste (Management) Rules 2016, which governs the entire domain of e-waste management in the country. 63% of the mobile dealers are not even aware of the term ‘e-waste’.

As per rule 5(1)(d), it is mandatory for mobile dealers and brand owners to roll out buyback scheme or deposit refund scheme in order to manage the e-waste. Surprisingly, not even a single mobile dealer is aware of the buyback scheme or does not have a system for managing the deposit refund scheme.

“E-waste rules pose a strict liability on brand owners, dealers and recyclers engaged in e-waste management. The mobile dealers are found to be openly flouting the rules. It is a grave danger to the environment as the informal ecosystem has the potential of causing serious pollution to soil, water and air. Companies must facilitate a complete solution to manage the e-waste getting generated in our cities post their product usage,” says Anoop Nautiyal, Founder of Gati Foundation.

The second part of the study focussed on the citizen survey. 90% of the citizens are not aware of any registered e-waste recycler in the city. 9 out of 10 respondents agreed that companies must take responsibility for  e-waste generated post-consumer use of their products. 50% of the citizens are disposing of e-waste by selling it to a local Kabadiwala. 8 out of 10 respondents say that they prefer buying a new phone instead of buying a second hand or refurbished device.

“The infrastructure to handle electronic waste in the city is in a critical state right now. Role of companies is crucial here as they can help in executing pan-city e-waste awareness and collection drives which can help in curbing the problem. State agencies can be mobilised to act against the illegal units engaged in dismantling of e-waste inside the city, causing environmental pollution“, said Rishabh Shrivastava, Lead – Public Policy and Communications, Gati Foundation.

The study also highlighted that a large number of illegal units in the city are engaged in unscientific dismantling or recycling of the e-waste, contaminating the soil and water bodies in the region. Most of the e-waste from these illegal units is being transported and dumped in neighbouring cities of Uttar Pradesh like Saharanpur and Moradabad. Based on the findings of the study, Foundation has sent a legal submission to mobile companies and is working to implement strategies to curb the problem of e-waste in Dehradun.

Dream in Colours: Doon wall painting competition

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Tania Saili
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Doon wall painting, an artist's vision of what he sees

Dehradun, In an attempt to reach out to the citizens of Dehradun, the Dehradun Smart City Limited (DSCL) is holding Doon Wall Painting Competition, 2019.

The theme for the inaugural edition of the competition is completely in sync with Uttarakhand showcasing the hill-state’s Heritage, Culture and Wildlife.

The online registration process is already in place and close to three-dozen artists have already taken keen interest in the Doon Wall Painting Competition from the hill state.

The Coordination Team at DSCL has made it easy to reach out and provide additional information apart from answering queries of interested candidates.

An artist writing with paint on dehradun’s wall

Talented artist Mukesh Negi who has been bringing alive the walls of Rishikesh with his murals for years now, recently filled the online registration form, tells us, “it will definitely be a wonderful experience working shoulder to shoulder with artists from various walks of life. I am looking forward to now putting paint to the drab walls of our state capital.”

 

A dedicated 30 feet wall  is the canvas for willing artists, with no fixed time limit. Thus far a dozen painters, young men and women, aged between 18-30, armed with their pallets, colour and brushes have set about showcasing their talent at Darshan Lal Chowk and the Yamuna Colony.

Talking to Newspost, Ganesh Pandey, DEO said, “enthusiastic candidates are filling forms and we are overwhelmed by the response. The Best Wall Painting will be judged by a Committee comprising of senior officials from the Dehradun Smart City Limited and be felicitated on 26th of January, 2020.”

While the winner walks away with 75,000/- as First prize, 2nd prize is for 50,000/- and the 3rd prize for 25,000/- . But there is something for everyone, as all participants will receive a certificate of appreciation for bringing Dehradun’s listless walls to life again.

Those interested can register online before 13th December 2019:

Doon Wall Painting Competition 2019 Google forms

Conquering Everest’s of the Mind: Prakash Chand

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Tania Saili
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Giving it his all. 32-year-old Prakash Chand, an Executive Engineer with the Oil and Natural Gas Commission from New Delhi, is on a mission.

He is training atop the pristine, untouched range of Panchachuli, in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. What makes his training at -10 degrees, atop high altitude Himalaya peaks even more fascinating is the fact that Prakash is 100% visually impaired.

Being differently-abled has not kept the young lad from enjoying adventure sports like para-gliding and para-sailing, so why should mountaineering, be an exception? He asks me.

Looking for an operator or trainer to fulfil his ambitious dream was nothing short of an uphill task. With constant rejection for years, Prakash chanced upon Yogesh Garbiyal and Sheetal, both seasoned mountaineers, who have been trying to make Darma & Vyas Valley a hub for mountaineering training.

Sheetal leading anchored Prakash during ascent

The duo took him under their wing and Prakash has just put behind him, 10 days training which involved use of mountaineering equipment and gears, carrying 10-15 kg load in -10 degrees. 7-8 hours of trekking on steep, snow terrain and gaining altitude.

About his student, Yogesh says, “He is a quick learner and understood the use of mountaineering gears in three days time, which is nothing short of a miracle.”

Speaking about his trainers, Prakash finds the perfect combination between the two, “While Yogesh Garbiyal is seasoned and mature, Sheetal is a hard task master, but a true motivator. I am sure I will hone my skills under their abled hands.”

Prakash’s itinerary for the next two years is in place. Multi-phased training sessions will demonstrate how his body responds to higher altitude, by testing his physical and mental ability to the limit.

Prakash is hopeful that Indian Mountaineering Foundation and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering will make an exception and take his training upward.

Like any mountaineers ultimate dream, Prakash Chand wishes to unfurl the tri-colour atop Mount Everest, in 2022.

Doonite Puneet Gandhi conferred the “REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship”

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Tania Saili
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Doonite Puneet Gandhi has been conferred with the REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship (RGKF) instituted by International-Confederation-Of-NGO in partnership with United-Nations at a recently held event in New Delhi.

Puneet received the fellowship for his work “Project Innovation”. A Project which worked on adopting rural schools for enhancing their education system. In partnership with international organisation, ‘Project Innovation’ provided international interns who stayed on campus and conducted various activities including teaching, meditation and foreign languages too.

The three-day congregation celebrated inclusivity, egalitarianism and extraordinary in ordinary, a must attend ceremony for all Karmaveer award recipients and REX Karmaveer Global Fellows as everyone is a learner, teacher, mentor and mentee.

In the words of Jeroninio Almeida, “I believe that everyone is a hero, a leader, a volunteer, a teacher and a champion of change. All we need to do is acknowledge and understand this and then help others to also understand the same. That’s all it takes to be a hero, a leader, a volunteer, a teacher and a champion of change.”

The award recipients for this year came from countries including Iran, Mexico, France, UK, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, USA, Singapore, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and many more.

Founder Jeroninio Almeida added, “Ours is not just an award it’s a responsibility for being more and doing more by learning more. It’s a long journey and the fellowship is just the beginning. That’s how we designed our award culture and ethos. That’s what makes the REX Karmaveer very different from all other awards

Speaking to Newspost Puneet said, “The award means something more than just  recognition.  To me, it is a constant reminder that what this world needs and what can be done.  This award is not the end of the goal, but rather a motivation for me to give my best in the future, too.“

Indian Army gets 306 new officers and the IMA, its underpass

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Tania Saili
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Representational Image

Dehradun, The Indian Military Academy, Dehradun held its 145th Regular Course Passing out Parade today morning. 306 Gentlemen Cadets along with 71 Foreign Cadets from friendly countries marched out as officers of the Army from the Academy.

Under a cloud speckled winter sky, with the magnificent Chetwode building in the background, 306 Gentlemen Cadets including 71 foreign cadet from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Tajakistan, Mauritus, Srilanka and Nepal took part in the Passing Out Parade, held in the Drill Square. Reviewing Officer at the Parade, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood witness to this gallant show of heraldry and spoke about the courage and discipline in the army.

Also present were excited parents, wardens and guardians, some who had made their way from foreign shores to witness the three-hour programme. Parade inspection, sword of honour, piping and the oath ceremony, were memories captured on mobiles and cameras forever by cadets and their parents. The memorable moment when cadets cross the Chetwode threshold or antim pagh with rose petals being showered on them from choppers, as they become officers of the Army, was a sight to behold.

Taking into account, the NH74 being shut to regular traffic during the bi-annual Passing out Parade at the Indian Military Academy, causing difficulties to the man on the road,  the Defence Minister sanctioned two underground passes at a cost of 33 crores which will  connect the North, South and Centre Building, a move welcomed by all.

For decades now the Indian Military Academy has kept alive the glorious tradition of sending out the best men into the army. Joining this long queue of alumni are 306 gentlemen cadet, now officers of the army.  For these young men it was never a glamorous vocation, but one that required raw courage and commitment and one that they worked hard for.

First RUCO Express flagged off for IIP bio-diesel plant

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Dehradun, Biodiesel will be made from used-cooking-oil. A Plant installed at the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, will do just that. The first Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) Express was flagged off for the plant installed at IIP. Dr. Pankaj Pandey, State Secretary and Food Safety Commissioner; Dr. Anjan Ray, Director Indian Institute of Petroleum and Anoop Nautiyal, Founder Chairperson Gati Foundation jointly flagged off RUCO Express carrying 300 liters of used cooking oil.

Commissioner of Food Safety, Dr. Pankaj Pandey said, “every time edible oil is used, the more dangerous it becomes for health. It  poses risk to serious diseases like cancer, heart problems, acidity etc.”  An appeal was made to  hotels, restaurants and other food business operators not to use cooking oil more than three times, post which it should be handed over for biodiesel production at IIP.

Director of Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dr. Anjan Ray added, “bio-diesel, as well as jet fuel, can be made from used cooking oil. IIP intends to set up a bio-diesel plant in atleast 10 percent of the country’s villages.” Elaborating, “Not only can people be saved from harmful edible oil,on the other hand, biodiesel imports in the country can also be reduced.” Dr. Anjan Ray also confirmed that Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, would buy used cooking oil at Rs. 20 per liter.

Dr. Neeraj Atrey, Principal Scientist at IIP demonstrated the process of making bio-diesel from used cooking oil, telling us that a plant for making biodiesel from 50 ltrs of used cooking oil could be fixed into a truck as well.

Anoop Nautiyal Founder of  Gati Foundation said that every person uses about one and a half liters of edible oil in a month. In the year 2017, a total of 2,300 crore tonnes were used in the country and by 2030 it is expected to reach 3,400 tonnes per year.

Sunkissed hills for those who want to soak in the sun

By
Tania Saili
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Mussoorie, Come winter and the plains of India are under a thick blanket of fog and smog, with no sight or sign of sun for weeks on end.

But the hills tell a different tale. Weeks post the snowfall abated, the hills of Uttarakhand are basking in sunshine and clear blue skies, even in the depth of winter.

At 7500 feet, Mussoorie is snug as a bug in a rug, blanketed in warm sunshine, with ice-clouds highlighting the blue skies every now and then. Across the town, local residents enjoy the warmth of the bonanza winter sun playing carrom, reading newspaper, discussing politics or work,  yet many who visit the hill-station, find themselves pleasantly surprised with the sun shining brightly, for they came looking for snow.

For Suraj Godiyal and his group of friends, disappointment is apparent, “we saw visuals of snowfall in Dhanolti and Surkhanda shared a week back, we came together expecting snow in Mussoorie too. We are quite disappointed.” Sudhir Thapliyal, a tourist from Nagpur, chips in,“I did expect Mussoorie to be colder, but the sun here is toasty and warm. We find it difficult to walk around without sunglasses or a hat to avoid the bright glare of the sun.’

If we were to believe the State Met Department, cloud cover and haze might continue in Uttarakhand over the next few days. Minimum and maximum temperature will remain close to normal. Pantnagar was the warmest city at 22.9 celsius, with Mukteshwar being the coldest at 4.5 celsius.

Mussoorie residents do feel that there has been a quantum change in the weather patterns of the hills which is apparent through the four seasons. But they add, no complaints here! Enjoy the bright, clear days as long as they last and then plan your winter vacation once the weather turns for the worse.

Oddly enough this weather pattern might continue over the next another couple of days, before rain and snowfall in the interiors of the the hill-state around the 12th and 13th of December will bring the mercury plummeting.

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