Forest nurseries, plantations, GIS, IT and other issues discussed in two day forest Officers Conference

Feb 16, 2017

Two days forest Officers Conference was held at Bilaspur on 15th and 16th February 2017 in which officers of the Himachal Pradesh Forest department participated.

Issues related to Forest nurseries, plantations, GIS and IT, introduction of tendering systems in forestry works, problems of lantana and pine needles were discussed during two days conference. Sh. Tarun Kapoor Pr Sec Forests told during the conference that Forest Department is one of the oldest department and holds maximum land in the state and therefore, expectations from the department is maximum. He told that besides routine works, the forest officers are required to do the innovative works by which community can be helped and employment to locals be generated. While informing to the media it was told that during two days conference strong emphasis was given to the forest nurseries. Species selection is important and tall plants are required to be raised in the nurseries, so that survival percentage of the plants in the field can be increased. As per Pr Secretary works done by the Forest department in Himachal not only affects the ecology of the state but also there in impact in whole of the northern India as most of the rivers originate from the state or water flows to the other states though the state.

During the two days presentations were given by the officers, which include the presentations by Sh K.S. Thakur on the tall plantations and by Sh. Anil Vaidya on plantation norms. Sh V.R.R. Singh gave the presentation on the eradication of the lantana and its utilization besides the utilization of the pine needles. Sh S.D. Sharma Nodal Officer gave the presentations on FCA issues. Issues regarding shift from traditional plantations to the modern plantations were discussed. It was also discussed how the community or private participation can be increased in the forestry sector. During the conference it was also told that forest department is also working in the eco tourism activities and it is proposed that besides Eco Tourism sites, five parks near towns will also be developed. This will not only generate the employments to the locals but also educate the people regarding ecology and environment and recreational activities. Lantena and pine needles is a big problem in the forests of lower Himachal. Lantena eradication and use of pine needles were also discussed during the conference. How the private industries can be involved in the eradication works of the lantana, was also discussed in the meeting. Use of the pine needles was also discussed in the industries. It was decided that maximum use of the needles be done as fuel.

Sh Tarun Kapoor told that such type of meeting/ conferences are required to be held regularly and decided that every three months there will be such face to face meetings and every month video conference will be held because this can help to know about the different problems faced at the field and policy related matters can be discussed with the field officers or the executing officers.

Sh Anil Joshi Conservator of Forests, Bilaspur Circle thanked all the participants for participating in the conference.

Sh Tarun Kapoor, Pr Secretary Forests Himachal Pradesh chaired the two days conference. Sh S.S. Negi Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Sh S.K. Sharma Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Life) and Sh. Vineet Kumar Additional Pr Chief Conservator of Forests (Admin), Sh. V.R.R. Singh APCCF were also present during the two days conference besides other senior officers of the department. Chief Conservators, Conservators and one or two DFOs from all the Territorial and Wild life circles were present in the conference, besides the Senior Forest Officers from the headquarters.

Amidst wild animals, without electricity, phone or clock, an old woman lives alone in Great Himalayan National Park

Feb 16, 2017

SHIMLA- Have you ever thought of living your entire life in wild, without electricity and electronics, and even a clock? How about the Great National Himalayan Park that is recognized by UNESCO for its incredibly rich bio-diversity? The 754 square kilometer National Park houses 31 mammal species including leopards, the Himalayan black and brown bear, and the ghost cat – snow leopards. There are over 300 bird species, reptiles, hundreds of insect species amid rich Himalayan flora and fauna. It sounds more like a Hollywood adventure movie. Is it possible to live in such a harmony with nature?

indian-woman-living-in-forest-alone — Photo: GHNP

There is no habitation for miles as all natives were removed to a separate buffer –zone when the area was declared as a National Park. However, there was a woman, who refused to depart from the nature. She has been sharing the forest with wild animals for decades now.

woman-lives-in-himalayan-national-park — Photo: IANS

So it’s not entirely true that there is no habitation inside the park. An 83-years-old lady, Chatri Devi, still lives in her clay-house, all alone. She doesn’t have electricity or a phone. She doesn’t even possess a clock and calculate time by following sun. This seclusion, complete isolation and wild animals do not scare her at all.

“Leopards and black bears do come near to my house, even with their cubs, but they never attacked me as I am not their prey. Why should I be afraid of them? They go on their way (pointing towards a thick forest adjoining her house),”

Chatri Devi says.

It’s not that she doesn’t have a family or is bound to live here. Rather, she has a big family comprising of three married sons, their wives, and nine grandchildren, who live in a village outside the park. It takes about one and half hour walk uphill to reach her from their place.

great-himalayan-national-park — Photo: GHNP

The only reason for her to choose this life in the park is that she loves it as she has a strong emotional attachment to the house she had build with her husband decades ago and small-piece of farmland where the couple grew wheat, barely, potato, corn and rajmah. She is the only one person who refused to relocate when the the area was declared as the GHNP in 1999.
Her death is the only way to separate her from the house, she said.

When asked if she ever gets bored, she replies,

These birds and animals are also part of my family. Every winter ‘jujuranas’ or western tragopans and gorals descend here. So I ejoy watching them.

These days, as she is very old now, one of the family members come to visit her everyday after taking that hours long uphill walk to ensure she is doing fine and returns by evening.

She makes a remarkable example of complete harmony with nature and its creature, away from modernised and way far complex, stressful urban life.

About The Himalayan National Park

Top Image: IANS

Story/Courtesy: HimachalWatcher

Himachal Pradesh Governor launches campaign against drug addiction

Feb 16, 2017

The Governor said drug trade had increased fivefold in states like Manipur, Mizoram and Punjab during past one year.

Stating that drugs distort society and lead to heinous crimes, Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday called for an “all out war” against the menace in the state. Inaugurating the campaign against drug addiction organised by Shimla Press Club in Shimla, he said the state should be made “drug free” as it was ruinous for people, especially for youth and society at large.

The Governor said drug trade had increased fivefold in states like Manipur, Mizoram and Punjab during past one year as assessed from the seizures made by the investigation agencies and the quantity of drugs which escaped the lenses of investigating agencies was much more. He said drugs not only affected the physical and mental health of the addict but also incapacitated them, led to an increase in crime and called upon the media to aggressively participate in the campaigns against drug abuse to eradicate the “social evil”.

He said the use of intoxicants not only negatively impacted the wellbeing of the individuals, but also distorted society and led to heinous crime, poor health, poor performance in education. Devvrat said a mass campaign against drug abuse was the need of the hour. The Governor announced rupees grant of Rs one lakh to the Press Club Shimla for organising the campaign against drugs.

By: PTI

‘Govt. to formulate a policy for outsource employees’

Feb 16, 2017

Shimla – Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while presiding over a function organized by the Outsource Employees Federation here today said that the state government was well aware of the problems of outsourced employees and assured that certainly a policy would be formulated for them. Chief Minster said that their demand was genuine and would be taken care of sympathetically soon. Outsourcing was done for carrying out the policies and programmes of the government for a limited period initially, but it was not fair, to keep them outsourced for rest of their lives, he said.

Himachal: Eighty students run anti-tobacco campaign, set world record

Feb 15, 2017

Students of the Moginand Senior Secondary School in Himachal Pradesh have set a world record by flying 7,730 paper planes in one minute. The planes were inscribed with an anti-tobacco message.

This record was set by eighty students of the Scout and Guide Unite of the school as part of a campaign against drugs.
The drive against drugs which was started on November 14, 2016 came to an end today.

“This is part of a community development project to shun tobacco which started on November 14 last year. Eighty boys and girls have set a world record by flying 7730 paper planes with a message on it to create awareness amongst youth against the drug,” said Sanjeev Atri, organizer of the drive and a teacher at the school.

The event was recorded live by the Golden Book Award Record of the United States.

The record was previously held by the students of Maria International School of New Zealand, where 87 students had flown 3,622 paper planes in a minute.

“These students of Moginand Senior Secondary School have broken an old record of Maria international School of New Zealand where 87 children had a record of flying 3622 paper planes in one minute,” said Alok Kumar, a representative of the Golden Book Award.

During the course of the campaign over 7,500 paintings and messages were conceptualized by the students.

“It is important for young generation to stay away from drug. We are doing a campaign against drug menace and today I am very happy that we have set a world record to send a message against drugs,” said Abhijeet, a participant in the campaign.

BMW hit-and-run: Clear-cut murder, alleges Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh

Feb 14, 2017

Virbhadra said it was only after the police was informed about the true facts that the investigations were taken-up in a right prospective as before ‘they tried to completely cover-up the case’.

Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Monday termed the death of Akansh Sen, nephew of his wife Pratibha Singh as a ‘clear-cut’ murder case. “The boy was innocent. He was killed in a planned manner. He had no role in the brawl which had taken place between two groups. He had gone to negotiate and get one of his friends released… who was detained by the rival group,” he said.

Claiming that Sen was a well-behaved boy who was brilliant in academics, the Chief Minister said, “After committing the crime, the accused tried to give it a colour of accident and even lodged a report at the police station about it. The police too started investigations assuming it to be a case of road accident involving a BMW.”
Virbhadra said it was only after the police was informed about the true facts that the investigations were taken-up in a right prospective as before ‘they tried to completely cover-up the case’.
The Chief Minister went on to say that he would even write Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asking him to set-up a SIT to take-up investigations in a fair manner. “So far, no arrests have been made, but we hope the police will not come under influence of anyone and do its job in a free and fair manner to bring the culprits to justice” he added.

Himachal Pradesh’s vegetable production higher than national produce

Feb 14, 2017

Although Himachal Pradesh’s vegetable production is higher than the national productivity, marketing of the produce of small and marginal farmers is hitting it from making a benchmark.

According to the data available with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Himachal Pradesh, the vegetable production in the state is 19.5 tonnes per hectare, which is higher than the national productivity that is 17.5 tonnes per hectare during 2015-16.

The revenue generated annually through vegetable production is to the tune of Rs.3,000 crore.

Analysing information collected from the Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture, NABARD revealed that at present the area under vegetable farming in the state is 75,000 hectares and production is 16 lakh tonnes, with annual growth rates of 6.5 per cent in the area and 7.4 per cent in production.

On the other hand, the state already has earned the sobriquet of ‘fruit bowl’, witnessed a total fruit production of 9.29 lakh MT in 2015-16, with apple comprising about 84 per cent with a production of 7.77 lakh MT.

The annual gross domestic income from horticulture witnessed in 2015-16 was Rs.5000 crore with 5.62 lakh farmers engaged in horticulture and an annual employment generation of 1,000 mandays.

NABARD Himachal Pradesh Regional Office, Shimla Assistant General Manger (AGM) Kuldeep Chand, who prepared a presentation for development of horticulture and agriculture in the state has underlined the need of improvement in marketing of both the horticulture and vegetable produce, which is the main problem to small and marginal farmers.

Highlighting the horticulture scenario, he maintained that in Himachal Pradesh per capita cultivated land is only 0.12 hectares (1.5 bighas) and the per capita irrigated land is a meagre 0.02 hectare (0.25 bighas).

This situation necessitates a cropping pattern that would ensure a highest income per unit area/labour/ investment for which horticulture, vegetables, floriculture, mushroom, bee keeping, are options, stated NABARD.

While, 57 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been promoted in the state, solution is also to form more FPOs and a state policy for promotion of FPOs needed, suggests NABARD.

Furthermore, suggestions point out improvement of productivity, quality improvements of horticulture produce, diversification of the horticulture industry, modernization of the nursery production programme, introduction of improved fruit varieties, change of medium and high density plantations, integrated pest management (IPM) and Biological control, use of IT solutions for reaching out to farmers and efficient use of water and to create Controlled Atmospheric Storages.

Creation of scientific post harvest management infrastructure, value addition and diversification in processing industry, market promotion through branding, advertisement and exports are other recommendations.

Rail project claim intensifies politics in Himachal

Feb 13, 2017

SHIMLA: Construction of Una-Hamirpur rail line has become a political issue with assembly elections nearing. While Hamirpur MP of BJP Anurag Thakur is claiming that Unionministry of railways has approved the construction of 50km line that would cost around Rs 2815 crore, Congress government has now raised questions mark on the MP’s claim by stating that railways has not done detailed survey that from where from the line will pass.

It was on February 4 that Anurag Thakur had issued a written statement claiming that Rs 400 crore has been sanctioned in the Union Budget for 2017-18 for the rail project in the state. He said that in June last year survey for Una-Hamirpur rail line was completed and in the recent Union Budget its construction too has been approved.

Anurag Thakur had claimed that Hamirpur parliamentary constituency would be the first in state where all three districts-Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur- would be connected through railway line.

But on Friday, Congress government of state issued a statement in which it was claimed that Railway has only made a token provision of Rs one crore for the Una-Hamirpur line in 2017-18 Union Budget. It said that Railways has not done detailed survey that from where the rail line will pass.

Statement issued by a government spokesperson further said that state government has been taking up the issue of construction of various railway lines in Himachal Pradesh like Nagal-Talwara, Chandigarh-Baddi, Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri from time to time with the Union Ministry of Railways, however, the progress of construction of these rail lines is very slow in the state.

Non-expansion of railway in Himachal Pradesh is a major issue and BJP leaders from state earlier used to blame successive Congress governments at Centre for ignoring the interest of Himachal Pradesh by not providing new lines but since coming to power in 2014, now Congress accusing BJP led NDA government of doing same with Himachal Pradesh.

While addressing BJP’s Parivartan Rally at Mandi on October 18 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Indian Railways had conceived Nangal-Talwara project in 1981and 35 years later when he asked about the fate of this project he was informed that in all these years initial cost of this project was has been escalated from initial Rs 34 crore to Rs 2100 crore.

He had said similarly, Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri rail line was conceived around 10 years back at a cost of around Rs 3000 crore but after elections same was shelved. Modi had said that now government is again starting work on this project.

TNN

Colleges Grow But Quality Drops

Feb 13, 2017

Himachal government has opened new degree colleges across the state in abundance for the benefit of students residing in far flung areas. MLAs and people of the respective areas are also feeling elated over getting degree college as the government has opened 38 new institutes during past three years. However, this has now become more of challenge rather than a facility as these colleges face shortage of staff and infrastructural facilities with some of them being run in school buildings. Nearly 550 posts are vacant in old and new colleges and staff from old colleges have been shifted to new institutes. As a result, quality of education drops due to all these shortcomings. Coupled with this, implementation of Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan in the state has further added to the woes of students and teachers. Academic standards too have dropped after implementation of this system that was aimed to improve quality of education.

1.10 Lakh Students

The number of students in 107 government degree colleges and two private colleges in the state is more than 1.10 lakh.

Admission in 2016-17

Solan : 7303

Sirmaur : 6169

Shimla : 17550

Mandi : 15227

Bilaspur : 6081

Chamba : 4436

Una : 8525

Kangra : 27 656

Hamirpur : 9543

Kullu : 6971

Kinnaur : 450

Lahaul & Spiti : 85

Bhavna Sharma

Himachal has become the first state in the country to implement Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Himachal Pradesh University and Education Department taking credit for it. However, implementation of this system has certainly downgraded the quality of education. RUSA was implemented in the state for improvement in education and examinations but it has done nothing in both these fields. Benefit of RUSA has been restricted only to the Central financial assistance available to educational institutes. The HPU and Education Department had reintroduced RUSA system from 2016-17 academic session as per University Grants Commission norms for improvement in the system. Even then, objective to improve educational quality has not been achieved so far. Neither the colleges have the requisite staff nor students are getting facilities under this system.

The government had introduced RUSA system to improve educational standards but according to students, the problems have increased after implementation of this system. It is evident from the fact that 90% students failed in examination held for first semester of 2016-17 academic session. It is an alarming situation that reflects towards dropping quality of educational standards. Later the university had effected improvement in norms to enhance pass percentage.

No Faculty For Hobby Courses

Students get a chance to study many hobby courses under RUSA system but the problem is that they are not getting benefit of it as are not available to teach hobby courses. Earlier percentage of marks achieved by students under annual system reflected their quality but it is difficult to asses quality of education through grading in RUSA system. There has not been any improvement in declaration of examination result even as one batch under RUSA has passed out. The university administration is putting in efforts but its results are not visible until now. Students passing out under RUSA system are facing difficulty in getting admission in other universities as their degree is not being recognised outside the state. Student outfits are still opposing this system and demand withdrawal of RUSA system.

Hasty Implementation

Quality of education has dropped at under graduate level during past three years as RUSA system was implemented in a haste to strengthen educational standards. Main reason is that University Grants Commission’s new rules have not been implemented in this system. The university provided choice of subjects along with credit system in RUSA but students are facing problems because of wrong choice of subjects. The first batch under this system faced problem due to wrong subject combination and major minor concept proved to be a headache for students and teachers. Nearly 3000 students left RUSA system midway to opt for other courses.

Ranking Remains Same

Ranking of colleges has also not improved in three years after RUSA was implemented. Only a couple of colleges have been able to get ranking that too before RUSA system.

Shortcomings

There are shortcomings in RUSA system even as one batch has passed out. Under this system, many students are not getting admission as seats are fixed in colleges. As admission is done on merit, students with low percentage of marks are disappointed. Vacant posts of teachers is another drawback in this system that ultimately is reflecting in academic standards.

New Colleges In Abundance

Anjana Thakur

The government has opened new degree colleges in abundance during past three years. However, officials put forward the plea of ongoing system for providing basic facilities and requisite staff in these institutes. The process for opening new colleges started in 2014 and is still continuing. In 2014, the government opened 14 new colleges, 11 in 2015 and 13 in 2016. In 2016, all these colleges were opened between January and June. However, there is no concrete policy for appointing staff in these newly opened colleges. In most of the colleges, staff was shifted from existing colleges. The plea is that staff was shifted where more than two teachers were available for one subject. Recruitment process is still on to get required staff for new colleges.

550 Posts Vacant

Nearly 550 posts are vacant in old and new colleges even as 504 new posts have been sanctioned and sent to Public Service Commission for recruitment. Sources said, neither funds nor infrastructure is available for new colleges that have been opened at a rapid pace. Under such circumstances, newly opened colleges have become more of a challenge rather than a facility. Figures reveal that new colleges during past three years were opened Kangra (9), Mandi (7), Solan (4), Sirmaur (3), Shimla (6), Kullu (3), Una (2), Bilaspur (1), Chamba (2), Hamirpur (1) thus making it a total of 38 until 2016.

* 2014 : Nagrota Suriyan, Rewalsar, Ladbhadol, Sandhole,, Dharampur, Diggal, Sarahan, Nankhari, Kumarsein, Baldwara, Gudagusai, Nihari, Khundia, Chail Koti

* 2015: Takipur, Lunj, Dada Seeba, Panarasa, Barotiwala, Bharali, Jwaharlal Nehru Fine Art college, Rey, Chowki Manyar, Kandaghat, Kafota

* 2016 : Solah Meel, Dhami, Tikker, Sri Naina Devi ji, Sihunta, Rakkar, Sainj, Dhaneta, Jandaur Khad, Neelkothi, Majhin, Kotli

* 2017 : Multhan, Mataur, Dehra

Three Colleges Undertaken

Three colleges were also undertaken by the government during past three years. These include Pandit Anant Ram Degree College, Badoh, Swami Vivekanand Gramodya, Shivnagar in Palampur and Jwalaji college. Process is underway to undertake one more college.

Limited Courses in New Colleges

Newly opened colleges are offering limited courses for students. As a result, students are unable to get admission in subjects of their choice and are forced to pursue similar courses. Lack of infrastructural facilities is big problem in newly opened colleges. Educational institutes have not been connected with online system as student awards and examination results are being sent through online mode.

Himachal Govt to evolve technology for identification of stray and abandoned cattle

Feb 10, 2017

While presiding over Himachal Govthe first meeting of ‘Gau Vansh Samvardhan Board’ held at Shimla today, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh said that a technology should be evolved for identification of the stray and abandoned cattle, which should be cost-effective and feasible.

He said that there was a need of accurate census of the cattle and there should be a provision to catch hold of the person who abandons his cow or oxen. He said that all the genuine ‘Gau Sadans’ (Shelter home for cows) needs to be registered and the government had adequate funds for running them.

He stressed upon periodical inspection of Gau Sadans not only by the district level officers but by the officers from the state headquarter as well.

The Chief Minister said that only ‘Gau Sadan’ under the control of government at Khajjian in Nurpur of district Kangra needs to be expanded. More sheds were required to be constructed with adequate staff.

He said that it was unfortunate that the cows and oxen were abandoned after they stop giving milk or becomes unable for ploughing fields. The Board had been constituted for preservation, welfare and development of cow species in the State with an aim to exercise supervision over the established Gau Sadans.

At present there were around 130 Gau Sadans in the State and 95 more shelter homes for cows were being constructed, stated Onkar Chand Sharma, Secretary, Rural development and Panchayati Raj.

In Himachal Pradesh hanging suicide becoming preferred mode

Feb 9, 2017

SHIMLA: On January 20, Richa Dhiman (24) , an actress, was found dead in her rented room in Dharamshala. The budding actress had committed suicide by hanging from the ceiling fan. On Saturday, a 15-year-old class 9 girl student was found hanging inside her room in Shillai sub division of Sirmaur district.

In Himachal Pradesh hanging has become one of the preferred mode of committing suicide.

A recent study has revealed that males (68.85%) predominate females (31.15%) and highest number of incidence was found in the 21-40 age group (66.38%). Most of the victims were married (70.49%). An analysis of forensic cases of hanging suicides was conducted by S K Pal, A Sehgal and A Rana from Biology and Serology Division, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Northern Range, Dharamshala, A Sharma from Directorate of Forensic Science, Shimla Hills, Junga, and N Kaushik from Biology and Serology Division, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Shimla Hills, Junga.
The study was conducted on 122 cases of suicidal hanging at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Northern Range, Dharamshala from September 2009 to December, 2014 and was published in the International Journal of Forensic Science & Pathology (IJFP) on December 21 last year.
According to occupation, 32.78% cases belonged to housewives followed by students in 13.11% cases. 90.16% victims hailed from rural zones. Physical illness, psychiatric illness/mental disorder were the most common factors in 36.06% cases followed by quarrel with spouse in 11.47% cases.

In the month of January to April, 36.88% cases were reported and most of the people (74.59%) preferred indoor closed locations. Rope (43.44%) was the most commonly used ligature material followed by chunni/dupatta (40.16%).
Iron girder/beams were used for hanging in 39.34% cases followed by ceiling fan and ceiling hook in 36.06% cases. Dribbling of saliva was present in 64.75% cases. Seminal discharge was observed in 30.32% cases and urinary incontinence in 42.62% cases.
Cyanosis on mouth, tongue and face was noticed in 51.63%, ecchymosis in 36.06% and petechial haemorrhages in 46.72% cases.
The study concluded that young population is more at risk and most of the people preferred indoor closed locations for committing suicides.
Males were more likely to commit suicide by hanging. Physical, psychiatric, mental disorder, quarrel with spouse and drug addiction were major causative factors.

TNN

Himachal Pradesh: S R Mardi tipped to be new DGP

Feb 8, 2017

If the posting comes through, Mardi will replace Sanjay Kumar, a 1985-batch officer,who was appointed as DGP in 2014.

IN A surprise move, the Himachal Pradesh government Tuesday proposed top-level changes in the state police force, clearing the decks for posting S R Mardi, a 1986-batch IPS officer as the new Director-General of Police (DGP).

If the posting comes through, Mardi will replace Sanjay Kumar, a 1985-batch officer,who was appointed as DGP in 2014.

The two top IPS officers were likely to swap places, sources said. Orders are expected soon, they added. Mardi is already a DGP-rank officer and is holding the charge of Homeguards and fire services.

Earlier, he had also served in the CID and vigilance department, apart from holding other key positions, including SP (Shimla). The move comes after a sudden meeting between Mardi and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in the CMO Tuesday, minutes before he (CM) flew to Sundernagar to attend the wedding function of Cabinet Minister Prakash Chaudhary’s son. Mardi was reportedly informed of the charge by the CM, who gave him a brief of the assignment in the poll year.

Top officials in the bureaucracy and home department were tight-lipped over the development. “ We can’t say anything till the orders are issued,” an official said.

Insiders say Mardi had been lobbying for the top post for quite some time as he had earlier expected Sanjay Kumar to take up a post on central deputation but that did not happen.

The CM’s move comes ahead of the state Assembly polls and his bid for his seventh term. Virbhadra also holds the home portfolio. According to an IPS officer who did not wish to be named, till now, Sanjay Kumar enjoyed the Chief Minister’s “full trust and confidence.” He was also instrumental in taking several new initiatives in the police, said the officer.

Seven killed in two accidents

Feb 7, 2017

Chintpurni/Shillai – Seven persons were killed and 31 others injured in two road accidents reported from Chintpurni and Shillai today. Four persons were killed and 28 others injured, including 17 in critical condition, when a pickup vehicle they were traveling in rolled down into a 30 feet deep gorge near Chintpurni. In another mishap, three persons were killed and four others injured when an Alto vehicle rolled down into a 150 deep gorge at Ronhat-Chopal Raod near Shillai.

Himachal Pradesh government allots Rs 5,700cr under annual plan

Feb 7, 2017

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Planning Board on Monday approved Rs 5,700 crore under its 2017-18 annual plan. CM Virbhadra Singh, who presided over the meeting, said the government decided to continue with the annual plan despite the NITI Aayog discontinuing the yearly allotment system.

He said the proposed plan size was 9.1% more as compared to last year’s Rs 5,200 crore allotment, with top priority to social services sector. He said that despite limited financial resources, the government was committed to fulfilling all promises made in its manifesto for rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth of the state.
An outlay of Rs 2,213 crore had been proposed for social service sector, followed by transport and communication with a proposed outlay of Rs 1,073 crore, the CM said.For agriculture and allied services sector, Rs 714 crore had been proposed, and for hydel power, Rs 683 crore, Virbhadra added.

TNN

Private clinics under scanner for PNDT tests in Himachal

Feb 7, 2017

SHIMLA: To improve child sex ratio in Himachal Pradesh, chief minister Virbhadra Singh has stressed on the need to keep private clinics bordering the hill state under scanner to ensure no pre-natal diagnostic techniques (PNDT) are used to test the gender of the foetus.

Virbhadra said the child sex ratio, which was 972 girls per 1,000 boys, needed improvement though it was far better than the national average of 943 girls per 1,000 boys. He said private clinics bordering the state need to be under scanner for conducting PNDT tests.
Health minister Kaul Singh Thakur said to improve child sex ratio, the state government had started a pilot project in three districts – Una, Kangra and Hamirpur – initially to keep a check on pre-natal diagnostic techniques as exercised by few private clinics.
He said recently a doctor was fined and imprisoned for a year after he was found to be involved in illegal tests under PNDT Act.
Dwindling girl-child sex ratio in some parts of the state, especially in the areas bordering neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand, has left the government worried.
To keep an eye on the private clinics involved in illegal sex determination tests, already state health authorities have come out with the idea of conducting sting operations for which a decision has been taken to engage private detective agencies.
Besides, a decision has also been taken to install active tracking devices in the ultrasound machines in state. Under the pilot project, tracking device would be installed at the centres in Hamirpur, Kangra and Una and later entire state would be covered under the scheme in a phased manner.
As per 2011 census, child sex ratio (0-6 years) of the state is 909 which is unsatisfactory. Galore area of Hamirpur has the lowest child sex ratio of 845 followed by Ladbharol in Mandi 850, Tiara of Kangra 875, Gangath of Kangra 877 and Baldwara of Mandi 879. In the state, around 265 ultrasound clinics are registered of which 86 are in government sector and 179 in private sector.

TNN

Earthquake Jolts Uttarakhand, Tremors Rock Delhi, Himachal and Punjab

Feb 7, 2017

New Delhi: An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, causing tremors across North India, including capital Delhi.

Apart from Delhi, tremors were also felt in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The earthquake reportedly struck Rudraprayag at a depth of 10km at 10:33pm.

The epicentre of the quake was Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, said J L Gautam, Operations head at the National Seismological Bureau, a unit of Ministry of Earth Sciences. “The depth of the quake was 33 km and it occurred at 10.33 PM,” he said.

Uttarakhand, which falls in the Himalayan belt, is known for high seismic activities.

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has reportedly asked for a detailed report, while the NDRF said it had rushed two teams to Rudraprayag.

Tremors were felt across Punjab, Haryana and their common capital Chandigarh also after which many people rushed out of their homes.

People, especially those living in high-rise apartments and buildings, rushed to the ground floor.

Tremors were felt at various places in Haryana, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Rohtak, Ambala, Panchkula, Sonepat, Panipat and Karnal.

In Punjab, tremors were felt at many places, including Mohali, Patiala, Ropar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. Meanwhile, people felt the tremors also in neighbouring Noida of Uttar Pradesh.

CNN-News18

Budget Dampens Himachal’s Hopes

Feb 6, 2017

The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has dampened Himachal’s hopes. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has described it as disheartening for people, especially of Himachal, as it only contained promises and commitments. On the other hand, the BJP leaders have termed it as a futuristic budget that will benefit all sections of the society. Himachal was expecting some announcements regarding pending rail projects, including Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Leh rail line but the budget was silent on most of the concerns of this hilly state. Absence of proper rail network is proving to be a major bottleneck in rapid industrialisation in Himachal. The budget has evoked mixed response from industrial units. The hilly state can benefit from some of the schemes announced in the budget if they are implemented here also, feel political analysts.

Mixed Reaction from Industries

The Union Budget has evoked mixed response from industrialists in the BBN area. They say there is nothing much in the budget to provide relief to industries. However, some of them say that budget is disappointing for corporate sector but other provisions are good for consumption sector.

Silent for Hilly Areas

The Union Budget is silent for hilly areas even as there have been efforts to provide relief in some areas. Employees are happy over the relief extended to this section. The most disappointing factor is budget’s silence on Himachal’s rail projects. There was a hope that budgetary provisions would be made for Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Leh rail line by declaring it as a national project owing to threat from China. Similar is the case with Nangal-Talwara and Chandigarh- Baddi rail lines.

Himachalis have lost the hope of expansion of rail network in this state. Industrialisation is also suffering due to poor rail network in Himachal. There is a glimmer of a hope that Himachal tourism will also flourish sooner or later after budgetary announcement developing small airports and five tourism areas. Notably, tourism sector plays vital role in generating employment opportunities in this state. It will be possible if Himachal benefits from some of the schemes announced in the Union Budget.

The budgetary announcement of strengthening cooperative societies augers well for Himachal whose demand to levy water cess on the analogy of royalty charged on coal by southern states. Himachal is also paying a huge cost for protecting forest wealth but budget did not touch this concern also.

CM Terms Union Budget As Disappointing

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has termed the Union budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as disappointing and disheartening for people of the country especially Himachal Pradesh. He said it seems to be the budget of mere promises and commitments in which interests of the common man had been completely ignored. He said the people of the country were expecting some respite after passing through the phase of hardship due to demonetisation process but the Union government had failed to come up to their expectations. He said there was nothing in it for the farmers and unemployed youth and fails to create an impact on the masses. He added that not much had been offered to the middle and lower middle class.

* It seems to be the budget of mere promises and commitments. The Union government has failed to come up to expectations of people who were expecting some respite after passing through demonetisation hardships

-Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister, Himachal

* Finance Minister has presented a dream budget to benefit all sections of the society. It will also promote digital transactions to carry forward NDA government’s fight against black money

-Prem Kumar Dhumal, Leader of Opposition

* There is nothing new in the budget but it is only a jugglery of figures. All sections of the society, including farmers and unemployed, are disappointed

-Naresh Chauhan, General Secretary, HPCC

* No body will remain hungry and without work as budget has provided Rs. 48,000 crore for MNREGA. It also has a provision for unique basic income

-Shatna Kumar, Former CM and BJP MP

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had to dispel the negative impact of the demonetisation process while preparing the Union Budget. The courage and potential to pursue economic reforms would have been much more visible had it been completely a budget of the Finance Minister. But it was restricted to underline and highlight government’s priorities.

A commendable effort had been initiated to tread difficult path through demonetisation but there is still a challenge to solve problems confronting country’s economy. Jaitley’s budget underlined measures to tackle the situation that surfaced after demonetisation. The government has found many ways to show its concerns for common people, poor, farmers and labourers. The budget will give relief to poor people and labour class but the government has also shown its will power by expanding loan facilities and crop insurance scheme for farmers to change its image through budget. There is a promise to strengthen cooperative sector, doubling the income of farmers and developing infrastructure in milk production sector. The budget has also shown concern about small irrigation schemes and transporting agriculture produce to the market to strengthen the rural economy. The main challenge would be to generate employment opportunities for human resources even as the government has preferred skill development and industrial employment. There was no relief for traditional artisans after demonetisation in the country. Twenty five percent increase in country’s infrastructure will generate employment opportunities. There are speculations about results of banking reforms and market in the midst of Digital, Startup and Standup slogans. New institution for admission to medical and IIT promises a lot as budget always analyses country’s aspirations in the backdrop of fierce competition among youths. The affect of providing relief to middle and salaried classes will also percolate to a section of people in Himachal. Otherwise, Union Budget’s silence towards a state like Himachal is quite visible. There are negative signals to convert Himachali aspirations into reality due to silence over rail projects in this hilly state. It would be an achievement if Himachal benefits from the promise to establish five tourism hubs in tribal areas and airports in small towns. But our members of parliament must clarify as to what happened to their tall claims. Fundamental changes in funding of political parties is a welcome step.

Fresh spell of snowfall, rains in higher reaches

Feb 6, 2017

The higher reaches in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kangra on Sunday experienced a mild to moderate snowfall and the downstream areas were hit by a wind storm and rain showers, partially affecting the normal life. Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, had 13 cms of snowfall and the higher alleviations like Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass and Goshal hills recorded 30 to 40 cms of snowfall.

The tourist resorts of Manali and Dalhousie had around 15 mm of rain and the higher peaks near these towns received a moderate spell of fresh snowfall. Kalpa in Kinnaur also received around 10 mm of rainfall.

Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded a rainfall of 30 mm followed by Chamba and Dharamsala with around 10 mm.

According to the reports, the Jalori Pass in Kullu was closed for normal traffic after extremely bad weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. This has cut off almost all 60 panchayats in the Ani-Nirmand area from the rest of the district. The residents here are demanding a tunnel beneath the Jalori Pass for round-the-year connectivity with the district headquarters.

The sky remained overcast in Shimla and strong wind kept blowing but there was no rain or snowfall till the evening.

Avalanche warning for Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal

Feb 6, 2017

A medium danger avalanche warning was again issued on Sunday for some avalanche-prone slopes of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

The Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) issued the warning that would be valid for the next 24 hours starting at 5 pm.

A SASE advisory here said that a “medium danger” warning is in place for avalanche-prone slopes in Kupwara, Bandipora, Anantnag, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Budgam, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar and Kargil districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Medium danger avalanche warning for the same period has also been issued for avalanche-prone slopes in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, Sirmour, Shimla and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh.

“People are advised not to move in avalanche-prone areas and further they are also advised to keep clearing the snow deposition from rooftop of their houses/bunkers to avoid damages,” it said.

The SASE also said that very light to light snowfall is likely to occur until tomorrow at some places in Jammu and Kashmir.

Among other places which had received fresh snowfall until this morning included Gulmarg (31 cm) and Drass (30 cm) in J&K.

Himachal produces 42,881 tonne fish in four years

Feb 5, 2017

(Feb 05, IANS): The fishery industry in Himachal Pradesh has produced 42,881 metric tonne of fish worth Rs 38,994 lakh in the past four years, an official said on Sunday.

The fisheries department is earning more than Rs 4 crore annually, a government spokesperson told IANS.

He said with the technical assistance of the Central Institute of Technology in Kochi, the state is establishing four fish processing units — one each at Bhakra and Pong dams, Katauhad Kalan in Una district and Ratyod in Solan district.

In order to create self-employment opportunities in the fishery sector, he said schemes amounting to Rs 35 crore apart from regular budgetary provision were sanctioned and implemented in the past four years.

A sum of Rs 13 crore is being spent alone under the Blue Revolution scheme during this fiscal. Under the scheme, hatcheries, fish farms, small and big fish ponds, fishery feed units and trout units are being established.

The spokesperson said to engage the youth in fisheries activities, various schemes are being implemented in the state. For construction of pond of one hectare size, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh is being provided to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe applicants, and Rs 80,000 to the general category.

With the concerted efforts of the state government and keen interest shown by the people towards fisheries activities, full-time self employment has been provided to 6,098 fishermen in major reservoirs of the state.

The department is providing fishery support services through 12 fish seed farms out of which six are trout and the remaining carp farms.

Two more trout farms are under construction at Thala in Bharmour area and Banjar in Hamani area, besides one carp fish farm at Paonta Sahib. The funds have been sanctioned for a rainbow aquarium-cum-museum centre at Dharwala in Chamba district.

With the introduction of rainbow trout production technique, 611 more trout units have been established in the state, he said.

The major fish species available in the streams of Himachal Pradesh are trout, mahseer, barilus and glyptothorax.

Two species — Hungarian common carp and Amoor common carp — have been imported and multiplied in the state.

The Governor said drug trade had increased fivefold in states like Manipur, Mizoram and Punjab during past one year.

Virbhadra said it was only after the police was informed about the true facts that the investigations were taken-up in a right prospective as before ‘they tried to completely cover-up the case’.

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