Himachal Pradesh receives Centre’s nod for pneumonia vaccine

Nov 9, 2016

The Health Ministry has given its nod to introduce pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) under Universal Immunisation Programme in Himachal Pradesh. With this, Himachal Pradesh will be among four other states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh) that will introduce pneumonia vaccines in a planned manner from 2017.

“We have achieved a new milestone towards expanding the coverage of full immunisation in the state aimed at reducing child mortality,” said J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

The Minister further said that this will give a unique opportunity to the state to demonstrate the combined effect of diarrhoea vaccine (rotavirus) and pneumonia vaccine (PCV) reduction intervention on the overall child mortality and morbidity in the state. “I am sure Himachal Pradesh will be hugely benefitted with this new PCV vaccine. We want our children to be healthy and this intervention is one step forward in ensuring that,” added Nadda.

It may be recalled that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had earlier this year introduced rotavirus vaccine to combat diarrhoea in the four states of the country – Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha.

“Adding this life-saving vaccine such as PCV and rotavirus to our immunisation program will not only improve the health of our children but will also reduce hospitalisation and other conditions associated with diarrhoea and pneumonia such as malnutrition, delayed physical and mental development among children. Reduced hospitalisation reduces the economic burden on the family and the health cost burden on the country,” commented Nadda.

BS B2B Bureau

Police officer who probed CM’s private secretary in ED case posted to border

Nov 7, 2016

Bhupinder Negi, a state services police officer who launched a probe against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s private secretary Subhash Ahluwalia during his deputation in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at Shimla has been shunted out to the border area in forward posts at Kihar in Chamba district.

Negi had returned to the state government in August 2016 on completion of his deputation with the ED. After he joined the police headquarters, he was transferred to First India Reserve Battalion,Bangarh in Una district.

Day after he assumed the charge at Bangarh (Una), S R Rana ,Commandant First India Reserve Battalion (IRB),Bangarh on November 5, 2016, has ordered his posting at Kihar sector as the ‘sector incharge’. Rana in his order also quoted a reference from Additional Director General of Police (Armed Police and Training), Shimla, to pass Negi’s orders.

When contacted, DGP Sanjay Kumar confirmed the development and said Negi’s deployment to Kihar sector was a routine matter. Since he (Negi) was with the first IRB -which was guarding the borders between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir at Chamba ,there has to be an officer incharge of the sector. Ever since the centre had withdrawn CRPF from this sector, Himachal Pradesh Police had posted first IRB as replacement.

“We have taken -up the matter with the centre to provide CRPF so that we can re-deploy first IRB elsewhere but the centre hasn’t responded to our pleas since 2012”, said DGP.

Insiders say Rana was issued instructions from a top ranking officer to sent Negi on a new posting out of Una district and border areas were most suited for him.

“Driver so deputed alongwith the vehicle shall report back to the Battalion Headquarters immediately after dropping the said officer at the destination” said Rana ‘s orders,which further reads “He (Negi) will relieve Kulwant Singh,deputy commandment with immediate effect.”

During his term with the ED as assistant Director ,Negi , a Himachal Police services officer, had done preliminary investigations against Subhash Ahluwalia,who had been facing charges under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999.Ahulwalia , is retired IAS officer, who is terming his second term as CM’s principal private secretary. He has been CM’s close confidence.

18 dead, 26 injured in major bus accident near Mandi

Nov 6, 2016

6Eighteen persons died and 26 others injured, some of them seriously, when a rashly driven private bus skidded off the road and plunged into Beas river, near Mandi town Saturday. There are two couples among dead. At least 14 persons died on the spot while others succumbed to their injuries later, some on way to the regional hospital Mandi and some after reaching there. One person who was being taken to Shimla’s Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) due to his critical situation, also died on the way.

The bus no HP 65 3444, belonging to Mandi-based Kanika travels, was on its way to Kullu from Mandi and had around 45 passengers travelling in it. Most of them were locals either from Mandi or Kullu districts. Some of the passengers, who were still in the state of shock, blamed the driver for overspeeding to overtake a truck, 6 kms ahead of Mandi town. To avert hitting a biker just in front of the bus, he turned the vehicle to the left side and crashed with parapets .

The speeding bus managed to erase four parapets and eventually rolled down a 200-feet gorge and plunged into the river, turning turtle. The site of the accident is presently a ghastly look with bodies scattered all over the river bank. Social media flashed horrifying pictures of the dead and injured from the site, beside scenes of recuse.

Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chandel, who was at the spot, said, “All passengers on seat numbers between 1 and 12 died due to impact of its tail portion hitting the surface inside the water.” Of the dead, 16 were male passengers and two females. Inquiries said that among dead were a Mandi couple, who had their daughter’s wedding on November 25, on their way to distribute invitation cards to relatives.

The casualty could have been higher if the members of the local truck union, whose office was just next to the accident, didn’t immediately come to rescue the injured. Rescue teams and medical officials reached after union members had already began efforts to fish out dead and had also brought the injured out of water.

Inspector General of Police (central) Ajay Yadav, said after visting the spot that, “Preliminary investigations show the cause was negligence and rash driving. The police have registered an FIR under sections 279, 337 and 304-A IPC.”We will verify the details of the driving licence of the driver, and his investigate into driving skills” he added.

State Transport Minister G S Bali said a probe has been ordered into the accident. Those injured or next of the kins have been given immediate relief by the administration.He said the transport department will give Rs 4 lakh each to next of kins of the deceased while the injured will get Rs 1 lakh each.

List of the dead identified include: Subash Malhotra and wife Hem Lata (Mandi), Chuda Mani and his wife Lata Devi, village Deghar (Mandi), Durga Dass village Saroa, Chachot (Mandi), Hari Singh village Basta, Pandoh (Mandi) Gopal village Nihari, Aut (Mandi), Surinder Pal village Humgram (Mandi), Uday Prakash village Curachitesh Thunag (Mandi), Prakash Chand village, Shiva Vadar Sadar (Mandi) Prakesh Chand, Surari ( Mandi) and Hukam Chand village Khukhan, Chachyot (Mandi).

Eight killed, 20 injured in different accidents

Nov 4, 2016

accident-himachal-giri-ganga-khadd — Three people died when their car slipped into Giri Ganga Khadd

SHIMLA: As many as eight people died and 20 got injured in three different accidents in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday and Wednesday evening. One of the accidents occurred when `baratis’ were going to attend a wedding, and another occurred when they were returning from a wedding in Rohru.

Shimla superintendent of police DW Negi informed that three people -Sunil Kumar, Chander Mohan, and Bhushan Chauhan -from Rampur died on the spot, and nine -including the driver -got when the SUV fell into a deep gorge at Chauka Nala Bhali near Rampur, when the `baratis’ were going to attend a wedding in Rohru on Wednesday night at around 10.30pm. Reportedly, the driver fled from the spot.

Onlookers, shepherds, police officials, and home guards took the injured out of the gorge and admitted them to Khaneri hospital.Three critically injured persons were referred to the Indira Gandhi Medical Colle ge and Hospital (IGMCH) of Shimla.

In another accident that occurred on Thursday morning, a drug inspector Suresh Nayak and the person driving the car died on the spot at Marawla on Baddi Kalka road near the Haryana border, when their car crashed with a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus while returning from a wedding in Rohru, af ter which the HRTC bus rammed into a tree, due to which eight passengers of the bus also got injured.

However, the reason for the accident has not been confirmed yet. Reportedly, three of the injured are in a serious condition. The bus was going to Shimla from Una. The drug inspector belonged to Mandi district of Himachal. In the same accident, a bike rider too got injured, and he is hospitalized in a Baddi hospital. Police have estimated that the accident happened when the bus driver was trying not to hit the motorcycle rider.

Negi informed that on Thursday, another accident occurred near Kotkhai area of Shimla, when a car carrying five people ran off the road, rolling down to Giri Ganga Khadd. All the five injured were referred to IGMCH Shimla, in which three died on the way, and two were critically injured. Three people died when their car slipped into Giri Ganga Khadd.

TNN

HPTET Result 2016 declared at hpbose.org for the posts of TGT Medical, Arts, JBT, LT

Oct 24, 2016

state-selection-commission-will-declare-results-post-codes-without-fir

This is to inform all the candidates who appeared in the Himachal Pradesh TET 2016 that their much-awaited Himachal Pradesh HPTET Result 2016 has been declared on the official website of Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education i.e. hpbose.org. The candidates are allowed to check their respective results on the website.

Himachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test HPTET 2016

The Himachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test HPTET 2016 was conducted on 4th, 10^th, 11^thSeptember 2016 by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education HPBOSE for the vacant posts of TGT (Arts, Non-Medical & Medical), Shastri, L.T., JBT, Punjabi, Urdu subjects teachers. The candidates have been waiting for the declaration of their results.

Himachal Pradesh HPTET Result 2016

The Himachal Pradesh HPTET Result 2016 has been declared on the official website of Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education HPBOSE i.e. hpbose.org. The candidates can easily login to the website and check their results. It is advised to the candidates to keep their admit cards or hall tickets nearby so that they won’t have to face any kind of hassle while checking the results online.

Steps to Check Himachal Pradesh HPTET Result 2016 Online

There are some simple steps that the candidates will have to follow on the official website of Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education HPBOSE to check their results. The steps to follow on hpbose.org are as follows:

Go to the official website of Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education HPBOSE i.e. hpbose.org.
Look for the ‘Himachal Pradesh HPTET Result 2016′ link and click on it.
Fill in your required details and submit.
You are advised to keep your results for future references.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH BOARD OF SCHOOL EDUCATION

Courtesy: http://northbridgetimes.com/

Ranji Trophy 2016: Himachal Pradesh force a draw against Tripura

Oct 23, 2016

Ankush Bains struck a patient 113 before half-centuries from Prashant Chopra, Nikhil Gangta and skipper Rishi Dhawan helped Himachal Pradesh force draw against Tripura in a Ranji Trophy group C match at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground.

Tripura, who scored a mammoth 549 in the first innings, logged three points by virtue of their first innings lead to jump to third place with nine points ahead of Himachal Pradesh, who had to settle for a point.

Resuming on 19 for one in their second innings while following-on, 20-year-old Bains followed up his first innings half-century with a solid century from 182 balls (13×4).

The wicketkeeper-batsman stood in three fifty-plus partnerships in the middle en route to his fourth first-class century, even as Tripura left arm spinner Gurwinder Singh (4/96) claimed regular breakthroughs.

Bains knock ensured that they overcame the deficit but soon he was trapped lbw by Singh ahead of the tea break and Tripura were in a sight of win. But an unbroken 107-run partnership between Gangta (64 not out) and skipper Rishi Dhawan (54 from as many balls) forced a draw.

Brief scores:

Tripura: 549

Himachal Pradesh: 311 & 349 for 5 in 80 overs (Ankush Bains 113, Nikhil Gangta 64 not out, Rishi Dhawan 54 not out, Prashant Chopra 51; Gurwinder Singh 4/96).

Points: Tripura 3, Himachal Pradesh 1.

Health Minister seeks funds to strengthen health services

Oct 23, 2016

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh on Saturday called on Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda here and sought adequate central funds to strengthen health services in the state.

He said the upcoming All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur town in Himachal Pradesh would prove to be a landmark in providing quality health services.

Singh urged Nadda, who also belongs to Himachal, to release 90 per cent central funds for Nahan, Hamirpur and Chamba medical colleges so that adequate facilities could be created.

Later, the Health Minister met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and demanded construction of a big airport to boost the state’s tourism industry.

He said a feasibility study should be conducted to set up an international airport at Gungardhar on the outskirts of Mandi town.

St. Bede’s girls bag gold and bronze medals in Inter-College Taekwondo Tournament

Oct 15, 2016

SHIMLA- Two students of St. Bede’s College Shimla bagged medals in the Inter-College Taekwondo Tournament held at Captain Vikram Batra College, Palampur, District Kangra.

Shivani Thakur, a student of BA, fifth semester won a gold medal in under 49 kg category and Saurabh Pundir bagged a bronze medal in under 53 kg category.

The Tournament was organized by Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

News & Image Source: HimachalWatcher

Daily wagers in Spiti to get employment, allowances round the year: CM Virbhadra Singh

Oct 13, 2016

virbhadra-singh-october-2016 — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. (Source: File/PTI)

Singh dedicated Kyamo-Hansa bridge over the Spiti river to the people and also laid foundation stone of Sheela Nallah for Kaza irrigation scheme.

About 700 daily wagers in Spiti valley, known as the cold desert, in Himachal Pradesh would get employment and other allowances round the year, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said. Addressing a public meeting at Kaza in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district, he said the government was according “high priority” to the development of tribal areas to ensure essential services for the people living there.

He said as per the policy of the government, the daily wagers completing seven years of service would be regularised.

He announced a health sub-centre for Kyamo, upgradation of government middle school, kye gompa to high school and construction of second-storey of Manjushree Bodh Temple.

Singh dedicated Kyamo-Hansa bridge over the Spiti river to the people and also laid foundation stone of Sheela Nallah for Kaza irrigation scheme.

PTI

Governor approves ordinance to increase wards under state Municipal act

Oct 10, 2016

With municipal elections likely to be held in April 2017, the creation of new wards will begin immediately for the SMC which now has 25 wards.

Governor Acharya Devvrat has given his assent to the amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act allowing increase the number wards to 37 in the state’s two civic bodies.

“An ordinance has been promulgated to this effect by Governor Acharya Devvrat and the Deputy Commissioners of Shimla and Kangra districts have written to the State Election Commission to initiate the process of demarcation of wards as per the provisions of the amendment brought through ordinance route,” an official spokesman said.

“The Governor promulgated the ordinance yesterday,” Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Nanda said.

“The ordinance will allow the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC)and the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (DMC) to increase the number of wards up to 37,” she said, adding the average population of the wards will be 3000.

With municipal elections likely to be held in April 2017, the creation of new wards will begin immediately for the SMC which now has 25 wards. Population under SMC has increase significantly from 1,42,553 in the 2001 Census to 1,69,578 in the 2011 census, she added.

“There is no such urgency in Dharamsala as elections for 17 wards of the DMC were held in January and next is scheduled in January 2021,” Nanda said.

The DCs have informed the State Election Commission to initiate the process of demarcation of wards as per the amended provisions. The increase in population in the SMC area came after some areas were merged into its existing wards, she added.

PTI

109 Glacial Lakes Formed In Himachal Pradesh In 2 Years: Study

Oct 10, 2016

SHIMLA: Highly fragile moraine-dammed lakes, an increasing phenomenon in the Himalayas, increased from 596 to 705 in barely two years in Himachal Pradesh, raising the spectre of glacial lake outburst floods, warns a state government study.

The study, conducted by the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, says there is accelerated glacial melting in the Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj river basins in the state, resulting in the formation of 109 new lakes between 2013 and 2015.

In the Satluj basin alone, the number of glacial lakes increased by 352 in the two-decade period from 1993 to 2013. However, between 2013 and 2015, unlike other three rivers basins, the Satluj has recorded no new addition of glacial lake formation.

The study said a number of such glacial lake outburst floods have occurred in the Nepal Himalayas. However, no such case has been reported in India so far.

The floods in Uttarakhand in 2013 have been correlated with bursting of a lake.

“Regular monitoring of moraine-dammed lakes will help avert any future natural disasters like glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayas,” Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Member Secretary of the Council, told IANS.

He said the Council’s Centre on Climate Change has been carrying out studies in the state’s Himalayas since 1993, which includes the monitoring of snow and glaciers, maintaining inventory of the glaciers, seasonal snow cover mapping and monitoring of all moraine-dammed glacial lakes.

The Parchu lake, which originates from Tibet in China, is also being monitored regularly during ablation period from April to September every year.

The number of lakes in Chenab basin has increased to 192 in 2015 from 116 in 2013 — their number was only 55 in 2001.

In the Beas river basin, there were 67 lakes in 2013, while in 2015 they have increased to 89. Similarly, the Ravi basin saw an increase of 12 lakes during this period.

In the Satluj basin, out of 390 lakes, 42 lakes are spread over 10 hectares each. This basin has the maximum number of large lakes compared to the three other river basins.

“The lakes with area more than 10 hectares and area between 5-10 hectares can be seen as potential vulnerable sites,” Mr Satyarthi said.

IANS

HP Govt. cabinet decisions 2016: 600+ posts approved in various departments

Oct 5, 2016

Monetary benefits to Gallantry Award Winners enhanced
Land Record Manual to be amended
Cabinet Okays more than 600 posts

The Cabinet in its meeting held today decided to amend the ‘Land Record Manual’ by creating one Kanungo circle over every six Patwar circles leading to creation of 154 posts of Kanungos in the State. In addition to this Cabinet also decided to strengthen the ‘Revenue Records Rooms’ for which 148 posts of various categories were sanctioned.

The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh.

It was also decided that in lieu of allowing sell/ transfer of equity share above 26 percent to 49 percent of projects up to two MW capacity from Himachali promoters to Non Himachali and to sell/transfer equity shares above 49 percent to 51 percent of projects above two MW to five MW capacity from Himachali to Non Himachali, a fee at a rate of Rs. 25000 per MW is to be deposited at the time of signing Tripartite Agreement for transfer of project and the same is to be incorporated in Hydro Power Policy 2006.

The Cabinet also approved to cancel four Small Hydro Electric Projects namely Seri Nala (2.50 MW) in District Shimla, Malin-II (0.50 MW) in District Kangra, Tikar (1.00 MW) and Kandi (0.90 MW) both in District Mandi recommended by Himurja for failing to adhere to the guidelines as agreed upon.

Posts filled or created

· It approved filling up of 175 posts of various categories in the Health Society on contract basis through National Health Mission.

· A decision was taken for creation/filling up 57 posts in State Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substance Crime Control Unit (SNCC) and its field Units for prevention and effective law enforcement response to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse in the State.

· It approved creation/filling up 21 posts of teaching faculty in Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College Kangra at Nagrota Bagwan.

· Filling of 12 vacant posts of Steno Typists on contract basis in Forest Department.

· Filling of six vacant posts of Steno Typists on contract basis in Animal Husbandry Department.

· Approval was given to fill up five vacant posts of various categories in the Institute for Children with Special Abilities in Social Justice and Empowerment Department.

· It also approved creation of two posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) for Baddi- Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority.

· It approved creation of two posts of Sub-Editors Class-II (Non Gazetted) on contract basis in the Information and Public Relations Department.

· It approved creation of two posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) and filling up of two posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) and two posts of Statistical Assistants in Department of Animal Husbandry.

· A decision was taken to create one post of Superintendent Grade-II and Instructor IT Lab in newly opened ITI Mashobra, District Shimla in the Department of Technical Education.

· A decision was taken to filling up of two vacant posts of Scientific Assistant, one each in (Physics Ballistics Division) at Forensic Science, Junga and in (Chemistry/Toxicology division) at RFSL, Dharamshala through direct recruitment on contract basis.

· A decision was taken to up-grade the post of Senior Assistant to the post of Superintendent-II in the Home/Vigilance Department.

· The cabinet approved filling up of 21 posts of various categories to strengthen Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute Manali.

Health Sector

· The cabinet gave its nod for up-gradation of Health Sub Centre Kotlu to PHC along-with creation of three posts in Thural, Palampur.

· The cabinet gave its nod to up-gradation of Health Sub Centre, Haban to PHC in Sirmour district and creation of three posts therein.

· Opening of Health Sub Centre at Peharwin and PHC at Mahari Kathla, District Bilaspur along-with creation of two posts for HSC Peharwin and three posts of PHC Mahari Kathla as per the announcement of the Chief Minister.

· Opening of PHC at Gullarwala along-with creation of three posts and up-gradation of PHC Ramshehar to CHC in Solan District as per the announcement of the Chief Minister.

· Opening of Health Sub centre at Village Mehli in District Shimla along-with creation of two posts as per the announcement of the Chief Minister.

· It also decided to upgrade four posts of faculty in IGMC Shimla in various departments so as to overcome the shortage of senior faculty member in Dr. Y.S. Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan.

· The Cabinet issued directions to the Health Department to explore the possibility of opening Trauma Centre at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Hospital Shimla.

Other Important Decisions

· The cabinet approved exemption from entertainment duty to New Cinema Houses for a period of five years. At present 10 percent of entertainment duty is levied on all type of entertainments. The exemption will boost opening new cinema houses.

· It approved revision of Monetary Benefits to Gallantry Award Winners. The lump-sum grant to the recipients of Paramvir Chakra and Ashok Chakra has been enhanced from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs.30 lakh and annuity from Rs. 1.25 lakh to Rs. 3.00 lakhs and similarly lump-sum grant to the recipient of Mahavir Chakra from Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh and annuity from rupees one lakh to two lakh as per the budget announcement of the Chief Minister. The cabinet approved enhancement in annuity for other categories of Gallantry Awards winners too.

· The cabinet approved for opening five veterinary dispensaries at Moin in Gram Panchayat Dehra, Haripur in Gram Panchayat Taluna, Kashtha in Ani, Damah in Nither and Soidhar in Dalash, all in district Kullu.

· Cabinet approved to lease out the land in favour of SBI Chamba for construction of building of Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) so that training could be provided to rural un-employed youth to make them self-employable.

The Cabinet approved up-gradation of Sub Tehsil Ani to Tehsil.

Cabinet also approved opening of Sub-Division Police Office at Bhabanagar in District Kinnaur along-with post of Deputy Superintendent of Police and supporting staff. It also gave its nod to upgrade Police Station Sujanpur with Inspector level.

It also gave approval for inclusion of area of Gram Panchayat of Silh, District Kangra in Police Station Jawalamukhi instead of Police Chowki Majheen under Police Station Khundian.

The cabinet also gave its approval to upgrade veterinary dispensary Majheen and Lagdu in Jawalamukhi and for creation of requisite posts in it. It also approved up-gradation of veterinary dispensary Dadhol and Kapahra in Bilaspur district and creation of necessary posts.

Amendments and Rules

· Cabinet approved Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta (Conditions of Service) Rules-2016.

· Cabinet approved amendment in the H.P. Panchayati Raj (Finance, Audit, Works, Taxation and Allowances) Rules-2002.

· The Cabinet also approved amendments in Skill Up-gradation with Job/Outsourcing Guarantee (SUJOG) Scheme.

SJVNL pays Rs 116 crore dividend to Himachal Pradesh

Oct 5, 2016

Public sector Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL), a company that owns and operates India’s largest hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh, on Wednesday announced it will pay a dividend of Rs 116.05 crore to the state government that holds 25.5 per cent equity in the company.

It had declared a dividend of Rs 455.03 crore for 2015-16, the company said in a statement. In the previous fiscal, SJVNL had paid a dividend of Rs 434.35 crore.

It said this was the highest ever dividend paid by SJVNL since the commissioning of its 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Kinnaur district in 2003-04.

SJVNL is a joint venture between the central and the Himachal Pradesh governments. The former holds 74.5 per cent stake, while the remaining is held by the state government.

However, the central government sold 10 per cent equity in May 2010.

The company’s other two projects — 412 MW Rampur Hydel Project in Himachal and 47.6 MW Khirvire Wind Power Project in Maharashtra — is also in operation.

SJVNL is implementing 12 other projects in Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

IANS

Himachal Pradesh begins trial run of electric buses on Rohtang route

Oct 5, 2016

State's first electric bus depot in Dharamshala

MANALI: Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday started the trial run of electric bus on the 51km-stretch of Manali-Rohtang highway. State transport minister G S Bali, who flagged off a 24-seater bus from Manali, took the ride till Kothi, 14km from here. The bus trial run will be held for 10 days, after which technical committee will submit a report.

However, the bus, filled to capacity, could not make it to 13,050ft high Rohtang Pass due to tyre puncture near Kothi and had to return to Manali.

NGT had ordered state government to run CNG and electric vehicles to ecologically fragile mountain pass to reduce pollution in the area. Saying that transporting CNG to Manali is not easy and the procedure would take a little more time, the government is first trying to introduce electric buses.

“It is proud moment as the state would be the first in India, or perhaps the first hill station, to run electric buses. If the trial run is successful, more trials will be carried out on different routes and electric buses will run everywhere in the state,” Bali said. He added that tenders to buy 25 electric buses will be floated soon. A 10-member team and technical institutions, including IIT, are monitoring the trial runs. HRTC regional manager Pawan Kumar said ,”The 24-seater bus requires 100 KVA electric charger and two charging points have been installed at Manali and Marhi.It can run for about 200km after charging for 2 hours.”TNN On Tuesday, the bus consumed 16% battery to reach Marhi,” he said. Meanwhile, Him-Aanchal taxi operators union members, who see electric buses as threat to their job, were assured by Bali that their business will not be affected.
Taxi drivers earlier claimed that CNG was better option than electric buses and they were ready to convert their taxi engines to CNG compatible engines. A successful trial run on CNG bus was carried out on July 21, 2015.

Balloon ‘threatening India of dire consequences’ found in Kangra

Oct 4, 2016

A balloon with a message written in Urdu threatening India of dire consequences was found in a field on Tuesday at Tibba village in Kangra district, police said. The balloon was found by a person named Romesh Kumar when he reached his field this morning. He then informed the Indora police station, ASI Devanand said.

“The message in Urdu read ‘India has to face the consequences’. It was written on a piece of cloth, which was tied to the balloon,” he said. Senior police officers have been briefed on the incident, DSP Nurpur Navdeep Singh said. “The balloon was found on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border. The Punjab government has been also informed about it,” Singh said.

On October 1, two balloons with a message in Urdu and purportedly addressed to the Prime Minister were found at Ghesal village in Punjab. While on October 2, a pigeon carrying a similar message, apparently from across the border, was taken into ‘custody’ by the BSF at Pathankot’s Simbal post in Bamial sector.

INI

Breakaway group of HLP merges with AAP in Himachal Pradesh

Oct 3, 2016

Himachal Pradesh AAP incharge Singh said AAP would emerge as third force and will contest in all 68 assembly seats in next elections in the state.

In major boost to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Himachal Pradesh, the breakaway group of Himachal Lokhit Party (HLP) which defied the party chief Maheshwar Singh, today merged with AAP.

The leaders of the breakaway group, including former minister Mohinder Nath Sofat, Working President of the party Subhash Sharma, General Secretary Dharam Chand Guleria announced merger of the party, along with their supporters in the presence of Sanjay Singh who is incharge of AAP in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing media, Singh said AAP would emerge as third force and will contest in all 68 assembly seats in next elections in the state.

He also said after the elections in Goa and Punjab the focus of the party would be on Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

He said AAP has set a target to enroll 10 lakh of members and was confident of winning the polls in the state.

People were fed up with both the BJP and Congress, and the corruption in the current government would ensure emergence of AAP as a major force, he said, adding that the situation in BJP was no better and people had seen its regime twice in the past during past 18 years.

AAP, which is now strengthened with merger of the breakaway group of HPL would also launch an agitation against corruption in the government, he added.

Maheshwar Singh had announced merger of the party with BJP on August 14, but some prominent leaders had refused to fall in line and argued, that they had left the BJP on the issue of corruption and can’t rejoin the party.

PTI

ED to take possession of Virbhadra Singh’s assets

Oct 2, 2016

NEW DELHI: The ED will soon move to take possession of assets worth about Rs 8 crore of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife after a special anti-money laundering court here confirmed the agency’s provisional order in this regard.

The agency, in March this year, had ordered attachment of certain LIC policies, bank balances, a fixed deposit and two floors of a building in south Delhi’s posh GK-I area under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

“Considering the material in the original complaint, the replies and rejoinder and the arguments, I find that the properties provisionally attached in the name of D-2 (Pratibha Singh, wife of Virbhadra Singh) and D-1 (Virbhadra Singh) are involved in money laundering.

“I, therefore, hereby confirm the attachment of properties made under sub-section (1) of section 5 of PMLA.

“I, therefore, order that the said attachment shall continue during the pendency of the proceedings relating to offence under the PMLA before a court and become final after an order of confiscation is passed under…. PMLA by the special court,” an order issued on September 14 by Tushar V Shah, Member (Law) of the Adjudicating Authority of PMLA, said.

The order, accessed by PTI, had examined the complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the Chief Minister and his wife and the statements made by various accused in the case including arrested LIC agent Anand Chauhan.

A provisional order for attachment of assets worth over RS 7.93 crore was issued by the ED on March 23 this year where it attached an entire basement and ground floor of a building in Greater Kailash-I in South Delhi in the name of Pratibha Singh and and a number of LIC policies, bank balances and a fixed deposit in her name and those in the name of her husband.

The ED, in its complaint filed under PMLA, has said that “it is evident from the flow of funds from redemption of LIC policies to the bank accounts and finally for the purchase of property, that Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh had indulged in possession of proceeds of crime in cash and in order to launder it showed it as its income from agriculture by filing revised returns and using fruit merchant business of Chunni Lal Chauhan of Universal Apple Associate “.

The agency had recently questioned Pratibha and the CM’s son Vikramaditya in this case.

The CM has denied allegations of any wrongdoing by him and his family.

An attachment order under PMLA is aimed at depriving the accused from obtaining benefits of their alleged ill-gotten wealth and such an order issued by the ED can be appealed before the Adjudicating Authority of the said Act within 180 days.

Further, if the Adjudicating Authority also confirms the ordthe order, the accused can appeal against it before the Appellate Tribunal of the said Act within 45 days.

ED had filed a case under criminal provisions of the anti-money laundering law against the CM, his family members and others after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the CBI in this regard in September last year.

It had also conducted searches in this case last year in Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The agency is probing allegations against Singh and his family members of having amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore disproportionate to his known sources of income between 2009 and 2011 when he was the Union Minister of Steel.

The CBI’s First Information Report had named Singh, Pratibha, Chauhan and his brother C L Chauhan, who were all accused of violating the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI FIR said that during 2009-11, Singh was able to get a senior life insurance quote and bought life insurance policies worth Rs 6.1 crore in his and his family members’ names through Anand Chauhan claiming the money came from his income from agriculture.

PTI

India’s surgical strikes target 7 “terror launchpads” across LoC

Sep 29, 2016

Home Minister Rajnath Singh calls all-party meeting at 4 p.m.; Nawaz Sharif calls it “unprovoked and naked aggression”.

India has carried out surgical strikes targeting “launchpads” for terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, said the Indian Army. The strike was carried out on Wednesday night, senior military and diplomatic sources informed the media at a hurriedly called media briefing at the Ministry of External Affairs.

“Based on very specific and credible information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned itself along the line of control, India Army carried out surgical strikes last night at these launch pads. The operations were focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in endangering lives of citizens in our country. During the counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who were trying to support them. The operations have since ceased,” Director General of Military Operations Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh said.

He sought the support of the Pakistan Army in erasing the menace of terrorism. Pakistan has responded to the government statement saying there has been “no such strike.”

“We do not have any plans to continue. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any contingency which may arise. I have spoken to Pakistani DGMO and expressed our concern. It is India’s intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we cannot certainly allow terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack our citizens,” said the DGMO.

The attack was carried out following the September 18 terror strike in Uri that claimed the lives of 18 Indian soldiers.

The DGMO pointed out that during the investigation of the terror attack, the proof of the involvement of Pakistani elements was clearly discovered.

India tried to solve the situation from the Uri attack at the diplomatic level but did not receive an adequate response, he said. Earlier on Thursday morning, Army officials briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the srcurity situation at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. A meeting the Prime Minister due to thold on reviewing the MFN status to Pakistan was postponed to next week, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

In a statement on its website, the DG-ISPR of the Pakistani army said that there had been a major exchange of fire overnight, in which two Pakistani rangers were killed. “Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors which started at 0230 and continued till 0800” the Pakistani military spokesperson claimed.

Prashar Lake – Dedicated to the Guru of Vedic Age

Sep 27, 2016

Prashar lake is situated 49 Kilometer north of Mandi town. It is situated at an average height of 2730 meters (8960 ft). Prashar Lake water is deep blue. The lake is held blest sacred to the Sage Prashar.

Table of Contents

Background

Prashar Lake is dedicated to Maharishi (Hindi:महर्षि, English:Sage) Parashar (Hindi:पराशर), the father of Ved-Vyasa (Hindi: वेद-व्यास) and the grand-son of Maharishi Vashishtha (Hindi:वशिष्ठ). Sage Vasishth was the Religious and spiritual counselor of Lord Rama while Ved-Vyasa was the Raj Purohit of Kuru dynasty (Hindi: कुरु वंश;कौरव और पांडव), stated in Mahabharata(Hindi: महाभारत). Sage Prashar Rishi is supposed to be the narrator of first Purana, the Vishnu Purana of Hindu mythology. He also narrated many other important text scripts such as “The science of life of trees” (botany) in Hindu mythology. He meditated at the place which is names as Prashar Lake after his name. Sage Prashar meditated here for years.

History

Mythology says that this lake was formed by Pandawas(Hindi: पांडव) when they were on their way after Mahabharata was over, with deity Kamrunag(Hindi: कमरुनाग) to find best place for their teacher. Dev Kamrunag loved the isolation of this place so much that he decided to stay here for the rest of his life. On his request, Bheemsen one of the Pandava brothers formed the lake by pushing his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain. And that is the reason believed by locals after oval-shaped lake with depth unknown.

The Divine Calculation

According to locals and care-takers of the Prashar Lake, the lake itself represents the science of the earth. According to myth, and which looks practical at a glance of the entire lake, it consists of 79% or water and 21% of dry area which actually represents the anatomy of earth. A floating island represents the earth, which revolves on its own axis as well as move around the lake according to the season. According to priests, movement of this island to certain place has a prediction and sign in itself which is a matter of study and research. They further tell that moving of this island to absolute North corner is a sign of bad omen.

Priests further says that, they think that if the floating island is sunk it will mark as an end of life on the planet earth.

Prashar Rishi Lake Mandi

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The Temple

The three storied temple was built by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in the 13th century. The temple is capped with a roof of slate tiles and wood carvings. It looks beautiful.

How to access Prashar Lake

By Bus

The motorable road is all the way up to the lake. The bus from Mandi which reaches Prashar lake at around 11.15 and daily in the morning 7.45. The buses do not ply to Prashar Lake in peak winter when it snows and road are not in good conditions. The last HRTC bus makes an overnight stop at Suda village, between Bagi village and Prashar Lake. One could hire private taxis or travel in personal vehicle to lake.

By Motorbike

A lightweight motorcycle such as pulsar or splendor can carry two people with moderate level efforts along the bends and the curves. A heavy motorcycle such as the bullet is not recommended. It is recommended to get a petrol refill in Mandi if it is low.

Trek:

There is a 7.5 km trekkable route with starting point at Bagi village. The trek is mostly uphill through the dense forest. The trek is 16.5 kilometres from Suda village to Prashar Lake and it is moderately difficult.

Climate

Prashar has its own charm in every season of the year. The weather here is unpredictable, rain and snow might wet you any time due to the dense forest area. In winters due to heavy snowfall the lake freezes and is delight to watch. The area almost cut off from the outside world for some month. The environment is very cool.

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Serolsar Lake- Home to Mother of Nag Lords of Himachal Pradesh (Video)

Sep 27, 2016

serolsar-lake-shoja-jalori-pass — A view from North-East end

Serolsar Image Gallery

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Serolsar Serolsar Lake (also Serol Sar) is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 3,199 metres (10,496 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by alpine forests. The water is crystal clear and local residents believe that if a leaf falls into the water, it is immediately removed by a bird. No geological study has ever been able to calculate accurately the depth of the lake. The water has medicinal properties and is considered by local residents.

The Serolsar Lake is dedicated to Budhi Nagin (बूढी नागिन), the mother of all Nag deities such as Shesh-Nag, Kamru-Nag, Mahu-Nag, Ghunda Nag and other Nag Lords of the state. There is a temple of Budhi Nagin (old snake goddess), a holy spot next to the lake.

The Legend

It is said that the Serolsar Lake is very deep and that Budhi Nagin herself lived in a golden palace at the bottom of the lake. One day, as the legend goes, a Brahmin from nearby Shoja village came to the lake and drowned himself. Budhi Nagin saved him and allowed him to stay in her palace for three years.

After three years, the Brahmin returned. His friends and family had, by then, assumed that he was dead and were surprised to see him. He was repeatedly asked where he had been for three years and he reluctantly revealed the truth. The moment he did so, he died and any of his descendants who tried to visit the lake thereafter met with accidents on the way and perished. There is a house of this family at Shoja village.

idol-budhi-nagin-jalori-pass — idol of budhi nagin, mother of nag lords

It is also said that Pandavas visited SerolSar in Dwaparyug during their exile period and planted rice here. These rice plants could be seen in the lake at present.

Access

Serol Sar is at distance of about 5 kilometer from Jalori Pass. Jalori Pass is situated at a height of about 10,140 feet. One can travel by bus or private vehicle up to Jalori Pass. Jalori Pass is at a distance of about 32 kms from Anni of Kullu district and it takes about one and half hour to reach Jalori Pass from Anni by bus. At Jalori Pass, there is a beautiful temple of ‘Kali Mata’ located. From Jalori Pass, one travels through narrow path amongh the jungles of ‘Kharshoo’ trees for a distance of 5-6 kms on foot. It takes around 1.5 hours to traverse the distance from Jalori Pass to Serol Sar.

The temperature of Serol sar is very cool all around the year. In winters Serol sar, experience snowfall up to 5-8 feet. The place is best to visit during summers. People visiting this place are all advised to come with their own food items and necessary woolen clothing. Now, small rest houses have also been built to provide stay facility for the devotees but even then they are advised to be well equipped with their own material.

Trip

From Jalori pass, one can enjoy an amazing scenic view of the Himalayas. A trail starts from the pass and goes up and down to a small charming mountain lake. It has an amazing atmosphere.

The trek is an enriching experience. The trip takes about 2 or 3 hours walk in total. No steep slopes, the trails is relatively comfortable. Serolsar lake packages include, the jeep safari to Jalori pass, a guide to lead you to the lake, lunch at the lake, and coming back to your guest house/homestay/camp.

Video:

Contact us to help you arrange a trip to Serolsar Lake

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Background

History

The Divine Calculation

The Temple

How to access Prashar Lake

By Bus

By Motorbike

Trek:

Climate

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