Whisky gets 6-day Police Remand

The court of judicial magistrate (first) class sent Dawinder Singh alias Whisky “ main accused in the murder of a financier” to six-day police remand on Friday. UT police, which already had his custody since last six days, had sought 10 days more on the pretext of recovering the weapon. “We want to recovery illegal .32 bore revolver and fake seal used by accused for preparing a fake RC and driving license from Udham Singh Nagar, Bajpur, Uttarakhand. We also have to ascertain (his involvement in) cases against him in Chandigarh. He is a hardcore criminal and wanted in 11 other criminal cases,” said public prosecutor before an open court.

Whisky was produced before a duty magistrate, with cops handing over his remand application and informing the magistrate that the accused was declared proclaimed offender in many cases as well as convicted in one. An FIR was registered against Whisky for cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and various provisions of Arms Act. He had shot a financier in his Sector-20 shop with his .32 bore revolver on November 25 over a financial deal.

Meanwhile, the Panjab University authorities on Thursday sealed a room in Hostel Number-1, where Whisky reportedly used to stay with Sandeep Kumar, a student of Hindi department, who has been expelled from the hostel. Cops have also recovered over 50 live cartridges and other weapons following the discloser by Whisky.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Uttarakhand CM launches 'Sparsh Ganga' Drive

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' today launched 'Sparsh Ganga' drive organised by National Service Scheme (NSS) at Muni Ki Reti, Risikesh by picking up waste from the bank of the Ganga river.

Addressing the volunteers of NSS, the Uttaranchal Chief Minister said it is the duty of all citizens to keep Ganga clean. He said the drive will draw attention of the world towards the environmental problems of the holy river.

He announced a donation of Rs 11 lakh to the drive. He also announced that December 17, would be observed as ' Ganga Cleaning Day' every year.

More than 4000 volunteers are taking part in the 'Sparsh Ganga drive which will remove waste from the 68 places on the banks of Ganga in the region. The drive would continue for three years.

Source: Mynews.in

House Terrace Collapse Kills 1, Injures 14 in Uttarakhand

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand): One woman was killed, while 14 others injured, when the terrace of an old house collapsed near the temple of Lord Madmaheshwar at Ukhimath area in Uttaranchal, police today said.

The incident took place yesterday, when the idol of Lord Madmaheshwar was being taken inside the Omkaleshwar temple and a large number of pilgrims gathered at the terrace of the old house to have its glimpse, they said adding that suddenly theterrace collapsed killing one woman on the spot.

As many as 14 other persons were also injured in the incident of which three critically injured were sent to Srinagar Base Hospital.

Source: Dnaindia.com

In Uttarakhand Elephant Calf Dies after Falling from Hilltop

Dehradun: An elephant calf died after falling from a hilltop in Uttarakhand's Pauri district, forest officials said here today.

The seven-year-old calf was found injured with her hip bone broken by forest guards during a routine patrolling at Lansedowne forest division in Uttarakhand, about 150 km from here, yesterday, Lansedowne DFO Narendra Singh said.

The female pachyderm later succumbed to her injuries at night, he said.

Source: Dnaindia.com

In Mussoorie Tourists will have to Pay Eco Tax

NAINITAL: It may not be good news for tourists but for Mussoorie it could literally mean a breath of fresh air. The Uttarakhand government has decided to introduce eco tax upon entry into the Queen of Hills with immediate effect, which is a first in the history of Mussoorie. It will be in line with the Naini lake tax charged from tourists in Nainital.

The tax of Rs 100 from heavy vehicles and Rs 30 from cars and jeeps — will be levied by Mussoorie Municipal Board either through its employees or contracted agents from motorists at Kolhukhet — Mussoorie’s entry point. Those planning to spend their holidays at Uttarakhand’s most pictureseque resort should now be ready to cough up ecological tax as their mite towards preserving the pristine greenery of the region.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, chairman of Mussoorie Municipal Board, O P Uniyal, said each private bus will be charged Rs 100 whereas the driver of a small vehicle will have to pay Rs 30 per entry. Two-wheelers will pay Rs 5.

“The decision has been taken. The government will strictly endorse these taxes with immediate effect,’’ said chairman Uniyal.

The objective is to collect revenue for preserving the town’s environment, its heritage, apart from maintaining its sanitation and cleanliness. The money will be spent on encouraging plantation and educating tourists against using plastic while in Mussoorie.

“We don’t know whether the new tax will get good response or not, but we have done this to help preserve Mussoorie’s beauty and eco-system without causing any setback to tourism,’’ said a senior IAS officer in Dehradun.

Source: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Uttarakhand Women Earn a Living Out of Forest Produce

Chamoli (Uttrakhand), Sep 8 (ANI): Women of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand are rolling out herbal incense sticks and coal under the guidance of the district's forest department.

They have formed various self-help groups to reap profits out of herbal environment friendly incense sticks and coal from leaves.

Aranyam, an eco and herbal centre in the district has appointed a few self-help groups to roll out these items.

The incense sticks are being prepared from lemongrass whereas the fallen leaves of Cheer Trees, which spreads fire in the forest are being utilised to making coal. Such attempt also helps in avoiding such fire related incidents in the forest area.

" Till this date, people were dependent only on agriculture but to improve our economic and living conditions, we have started such self help programs. Here we make coal and incense sticks," said Bina Rawat, woman belonging to a self-help group.

On a regular basis, these women prepare around 1000 packets of incense sticks. They claim to generate enough income.

"We have been benefited a lot as we earn enough money after selling the incense sticks and the coal," said Sunita Devi, another women.

Every woman earns almost 70 to 100 rupees in a day.

The forest department official of the district said that such centre has been established to provide employment opportunities to people by utilising the forest produces.

"This centre has been established while keeping in mind to provide employment opportunities to people through the forest produce," said Sanatan, District Forest Officer, Alaknanda forest department, Chamoli.

In a way, these herbal items benefit both the ecology and the people but it still awaits recognition by the government.

Source: Bignewsnetwork.com