feb2009 maglet

My Himachal NGO

My Himachal & CENSUD organised Declamation competition in Mandi

:By Disha Singh www.himachal.us

In a series of declamation contests organised by CENSUD in association with My Himachal a declamation contest was structured at GSSS Bhangrotu and GSSS Pangna in district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Earlier similar competitions were organised under CBAI Project at Jogindernagar, Nerchowk, Gohar, Drang, Urla and Makriri.

StudentsStudents enthusiastically participated in Declamation on RTI (Right to Information) organised at GSSS Bhangrotu. Presiding over the function school Principal Sheela Kaisth appreciated the efforts of My Himachal and Censud in spreading awareness about Right to Information Project as it can empower people bringing about the true democracy. Dhaneshwari Devi was adjudged 1st while Neha and Urmila were adjudged 2nd and 3rd respectively. AnotherAnother declamation contest organised at GSSS Pangna, Mandi, was presided by school Principal RK Gupta and Dharam Singh, Vishal Kumar and Santosh Kumari stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the competition.

Prem Singh coordinator of the programme requested students to spread a word about RTI and keep a check on the functioning of govt. bodies so that the needy people get the true benefits of govt schemes.

World Wetlands Day at Rewalsar

:By MH News Network www.himachal.us

Rewalsar: WWF India and State Council for Science, Technology and Environment organised a function at Rewalser Lake in association with Centre for Sustainable Development (CENSUD) and My Himachal to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Wetlands Day is celebrated to commemorate the signing of Ramsar Convention in 1971.

AboutAbout 150 students of five school viz GSSS Rewalsar, GSSS Chowk, Unity Public School Rewalsar, Trisangam Public School Rewalsar and Sarswati Vidya Mandir Rewalsar. Various programmes like waste collection, folk song, folk dance/play were organised on the theme Wetlands/Water Conservation. The function started with Waste Collection Competition. All the participants collected waste material from around the lake and was segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

AfterAfter that Vandna Thapliyal, State Director, WWF India welcomed chief guest BD Siyul, Conservator of Forests, Praveen Sharma, Member, Media Advisory Committee, Pradeep Thakur, DFO Sundernagar, Kunal Satyarthi, DFO Mandi and other dignitaries present on this occasion. She highlighted the importance of wetlands in ecology and stressed on the need of collective efforts from Govt. Bodies, NGOs and masses to save these ecologically fragile ecosystems.

BDBD Siyul in his inaugural address said that Rewalsar is a religiously important place for Hindus, Sikhs and Budhists therefore it becomes even more important to save this lake being a part of our cultural heritage. Govt. is making all efforts to save this heritage but it is not possible without active participation of public in this effort. So people from every field should come forward in this pious cause. Moreover these lakes are also important for tourism and generate income for the local people.

RaviRavi Sharma, Scientific Officer, State Council for Science, Technology and Environment told that about three thousand eco-clubs are being started in Himachal Pradesh whereby three lakh students will involved in conservation and environment protection activities. He further told that a grant of 81 Lakhs has been received from Union Government which shall be spent on funding the activities of these eco-clubs.

SanjeevSanjeev Sharma, Sr. Project Officer, WWF India highlighted the activities of

WWF and told about Save Wetlands Sky High project which covers all wetlands 3,000 mts above sea level in five countries viz India, China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. All these wetlands are important for our ecosystem as they are source to major rivers in these countries making it important to conserve and protect these lakes.

PraveenPraveen Sharma, Member, Media Advisory Committee , stressed on the need to spread awareness regarding importance of wetlands, lakes and rivers. He further said that disposal of muck is a big issues which is endangering our lakes and rivers and it becomes very important to adopt scientific disposal of muck. The problem of wetlands can be solved only by involvement of masses in conservation activities.

ThereafterThereafter Chief Guest gave away prizes to different participants in waste collection, folk song, folk dance/play.

Programmes ended with vote of thanks by Jitender Verma, President, Centre for Sustainable Development. He thanked all the dignitaries and participants for making this programme a success. He said that we need to carry this work forward and should contribute in conservation in whatever manner we can.

Award winners:

Waste collection and segregation CompetitionWaste collection and segregation Competition1. GSSS Rewalsar2. GSSS Chowk3. Sarsawati Vidya Mandir

Folk Song ( Theme: wetlands, lakes and water conservation)1. Saraswati Vidya Mandir2. Unity Public School Rewalsar3. 3. GSSS Rewalsar

Folk Dance/Play ( Theme: wetlands, lakes and water conservation)1. GSSS Chowk2. GSSS Rewalsar3. Unity Public School Rewalsar

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Steel Plant foundation stone laid in Kandrori, Himachal

:By Ravinder Sood www.himachal.us

Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister and Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Chemicals, Fertilizers and Steels laid foundation stone of Steel Authority of India Steel Processing Plant at Kandrori, in district Kangra today.Earlier Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of motorable bridge on Chhonchh Khad on Indora-Kathgarh road, estimated to cost Rs. 3.39 crore and dedicated police post and residential quarters at Damtal, completed at a cost of Rs. 68 lakhs which were bound to emerge a milestones in the development of the area.

RamRam Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Chemicals, Fertilizers and Steels, addressing the meeting said that Jan Aushadhi Stores would deliver people services round the clock. He announced that 40,000 tonnes 6 and 8mm wire rods would be manufactured in Kandrori plant on coming into operation. He said that Steel Unit would also be established in Nahan area in the near future and urged the CM to extend required assistance to achieve the objective. He announced construction of world class stadium in the area to give boost to the sports activities inin the state. He thanked CM for his assistance in paving the way to construct the plant in the area.

Union Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had been a glaring example of communal and social harmony in the country and heaven on the earth.He said that the Kandrori steel processing plant would generate direct and indirect avenue of employment estimated to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 105 crore. He said that the economy of the area would get boosted up with the plant starting manufacturing in the near future. He said that steel consumption in the rural areas was almost negligible which would get increased in coming few years when people would start using steel in their various construction activities. He said that Himachal Pradesh had now 35 dealers of SAIL which earlier was only two and a stockstock yard opened at Shimla. He said that the country had 56 million MT of steel production and likely to be 126 million tonnes in the near future. He said that health insurance had been started under Jan Aushadhi programme and every BPL family to get the cover without any premium payment to enhance the life expectancy in the country. He said that there were 74 drugs under control while 324 others were being brought under the fold. He said that 100 Jan Audhadhi stores would be opened all over the country during current financial year.Paswan said that Rs. 1.13 lakh crore worth of fertilizer subsidy was being provided to the people.

Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony Prof. Dhumal welcomed the Union Minister and senior steel authorities to the State and said that efforts had been made during past one year to deliver some relief to every section of the society.He assured all help, including free accommodation, to the Union Government to open Aushadhi Centres in every district of the State to make life saving drugs available to the people of the State.ChiefChief Minister said that it was an historical day in the industrial sector of the state and said that one private university in private sector was also being established in the Gangath assembly segment giving momentum to developmental activities in the area. He said that the state government had extended best cooperation to SAIL authorities in establishment of steel processing unit in the State. He said that the state had allotted the valuable land for the plant on lease basis. He said that Rs. 58 crore had also been provided to pave the way for opening of NIFT at Kangra, 550 acres of land for IIT and ESI Medical College in district Mandi, BSF Battalion at acres of land for IIT and ESI Medical College in district Mandi, BSF Battalion at Shahpur and Disaster Management Battalion near Nurpur. He said that the state had been extending all help for in setting up of centres of par excellence in the State.Chief Minister said that people of the state had made sacrifices in many a ways whether it was on the national froniers or in national development, as the first hydro electric dam of the country Bhakra was constructed in the State rendering thousands of families homeless and the first Param Vir Chakra Winner also hailed from the State. He said that in Kargil Operation out of four two PVCs were awarded to the soldiers of the State which was no less a sacrifice made by the youth of the State.ChanderChander Kumar, MP Lok Sabha, said that steel had emerged the essential ingredient to maintain pace of development and said that Rs. 40,000 crore had been earmarked to be spent under Bharat Nirman. He urgedthe Union Minister to make steel available to the people of the State at concessional rates. He also thanked the Chief Minister for getting the land sanctioned for SAIL plant. He raised the issue of Nahan Foundry and urged for its revival.B.S.Meena,B.S.Meena, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Steel, GoI, said that Kandrori was 9th Unit of SAIL being set up in different states of the country and said that efforts were on to increase the per capita consumption of steel in the country which was much low as compared to many countries. He said that over 2,000 retailers had

Steel Plant foundation stone laid in Kandrori, Himachal


been appointed all over the country. He said that irrespective of global recession Indian Steel Industry had maintained its credibility. He appealed to the local people to cooperate in making the plant functional.

S.K.Roongta,S.K.Roongta, Chairman, SAIL, said that 12 new states were being included in expansion network of SAIL and high quality steel would be manufactured to meet the local demand. He said that SAIL was marching ahead in steel manufacturing in association with various state governments. He said that SAIL was also associating itself with the local developmental and socio economic activities.

Dhumal presents tax-free budget in Himachal

:By Ravinder Makhaik www.himachal.us

Shimla: With the forthcoming parliamentary election weighing on chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, on Monday he presented a tax-free budget; announced 10 percent rollback in transport fares; reduced taxes on CFL bulbs, unbranded soaps and ghee; allocated about 20 percent of the plan outlay for agriculture and irrigation schemes; and marked Rs 172 crore for three major drinking water schemes.

Dhumal,Dhumal, who is also the finance minister, in his second budget of the term pegged the 2009-10 annual plan at Rs 2700 crore, which is 12.5 percent higher than last year, even though it is yet to get approval from the planning commission.

WithWith an surplus opening balance of Rs 876.41 crore, the chief minister did a fine balancing act by pegging budgeted expenditure for 2009-10 at Rs 13,075 crore against an expected revenue target of Rs 12,916 crore, leaving a closing surplus of Rs 718.05 crore. About Rs 1500 crore of the revenue target is to be met by additional borrowings. With this total outstanding debt of the state would rise to Rs 23,000 crore and would carry an guarantee liability of Rs 2593 crores.

AA higher allocation that what was budgeted for in 2008-09 realised under the 12th five year plan turned a Rs 19.21 crore deficit budget into a surplus one with revised estimates.

Of the Rs 13,075 Cr Budgeted expenditure, R 3748 crore is for salaries, Rs 2053 crore against interest payments on loans raised, Rs 981 crore on loan repayments and Rs 1299 crore on pensions.

InIn percentage terms 29 % of the expenditure is on salaries, 16% on loans, 8% on repayments, 10% on pensions, 8% on maintenance and remaining 29 % on development.

Against an expenditure of every 100 rupees, total revenue receipts are Rs 80 and the remaining comes through loans.

ToTo boost tourism, Asian Development Bank (ADB) had in principal approved a Rs 350 crore project. This project would devolve to the state as 90 percent grant and 10 percent loan form the central government, he said.

Likewise, the state had signed an agreement for Rs 4000 crore funding with ADB for harnessing additional hydropower. The loan would come as Rs 3600 crore as grant and the remaining as loan.

In his one hour budget speech, the chief minister highlighted launch of the Rs 353 crore new agriculture scheme Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Bagwaan Samridhi Yojana, funds from which would be used for expanding poly house cultivation in a large way and for crop diversification to improve farm incomes.

insuranceinsurance schemes on experimental basis would be introduced for tomato and potato crops in Solan and Una districts. For apples and mangoes it would be introduced later.

Plan outlay for roads has been increased to Rs 480 crore, which is a good 58 percent higher than the Rs 304 crore that was allocated last year.

ToTo keep public transport Himachal Roadways (HRTC) afloat, the budget allocated Rs 120 for the service, marking Rs 43 crore for purchasing 300 new buses and Rs 77 crore as non-plan support for meeting committed expenditures.To make rural transport viable, the budget exempted road tax on all buses plying on rural roads.

PublicPublic transport fairs, which were hiked by 25 percent last April to ward of the impact of increased oil prices have been reduced by 10 percent as prices of petroleum products have since fallen. Dhumal said that since the fuel prices are still higher than what they were when a tariff hike was announced last year, only a 10 percent reduction in fares was possible.

OfOf the Rs 182 crore allocated for drinking water schemes, Rs 172 crore has been marked for three major projects in Bilaspur and Kangra district. These schemes would provide drinking water to 1171 habitation, the chief minister said.Other than setting up an IIT and medical college in Mandi a central university in Kangra, the government is facilitation setting up of four other private medical colleges in Palampur, Solan, Hamirpur and Una.

VATVAT on CFL bulbs, Ghee and unbranded soaps has been reduced from 12.5 percent to 4 percent.

Himachal Govt to recall all dairies with faulty map Foundation for Himachal IIT laid


Shimla: The Himachal government has issued orders to recall all dairies that have been distributed carrying an unauthorised map of the country which disown Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India.

To fix accountability, an high level official has been asked to inquire into the matter and submit a report within a fortnight.

TalkingTalking about the goof up, chief secretary Asha Swaroop said The government has taken the matter very seriously and has decided to recall all diaries that had been distributed.

Additional chief secretary Harinder Hira has been asked to inquire into the matter and submit a report within a fortnight. Action on the basis of the inquiry report would be taken, said Swaroop.

ReliableReliable sources revealed that panic set into babudom when chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal sought an explanation about how the lapse went unnoticed.

The government annually prints such diaries, which are handed out to all government functionaries across the state. The dairy with the offending map was released in January.

Shimla: Union minister of state Anand Sharma and chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the new Indian Institute of Technology being opened at Mandi.

Speaking on the occasion Sharma said that the government was pursuing the dreams of the countrys first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru of establishing temples of learning all over the country.

TheThe UPA government has marked Rs 85,000 crore for human resource development (HRD) activities which was substantially higher than previous allocations for education sector.

Besides this IIT there were 6 other IITs, 7 IIMS, 30 central universities and another 30 IIITs being opened in the country that would provide world class education, said Sharma.

OpeningOpening of these institutions would help to increase the country talent pool and prepare the youth to face the challenges ahead, he added.

The minister appreciated the urgency with which the government was able to identify land and meet other requirements for getting an institute like IIT functional is such a short span of time.

AcknowledgingAcknowledging the union government initiative of opening national level institutions in the state, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that vocational education network was getting strengthened by setting up such institutions.

With the setting up of an IIT in Mandi, world class educational facilities would become available within the state, said Dhumal.

He added that Himachal was poised to emerge as an educational hub after all the approved institutions come into operation.

TechnicalTechnical education minister Narinder Bragta and congress state president Thakur Kaul Singh were also present on the occasion.

The IIT is expected to involve an investment of about Rs 1,000 for setting up the centre of excellence.

Trout fish production makes a comeback in Himachal


Shimla: Trout fish farming that because of disease had all but collapsed a few years ago is on a comeback and the state recorded a production 67 tons in 2007-08 of which 52 tons was contributed by the private sector.

A fishery department spokesman stated that overall fish production, which included cold water trout and the catches made in warmers zones had increased by 350 tons over the previous year and had attained a production of 7337 tons, valued at Rs 37 crores in 2007-08.

AA multi-pronged strategy has been able to arrest the downfall in fish catches, he said.

The state three reservoirs have made a mark by producing highest fish production per hectare as compared to the other reservoirs in the country.

Despite harsh eco-climate conditions in the year gone by, fish seed production had crossed the 20 million mark.

ColdCold water stream in the higher altitudes were aptly suited for exotic trout like rainbow trout fish and in warmer waters of the lower zones the Golden Mahseer fish thrives.

Commercial fishing was a source of livelihood for people living in the periphery of Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam reservoirs.

ForFor increasing fish production, plans to develop a Rs 5 crore Mahseer fish farm at Badon in Jogindernagar and a Rs 2.5 crore trout farm on the bank of river Tirthan at Hamini (Kullu) are underway.

Besides over 42,000 hectares of back waters in the reservoir Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and Chamera the state has over 3000 kms of river length that is rich in fish fauna.

ThereThere are 19 registered co-operative fishermen societies in the state, which are promoting fish farming.

The government is providing free insurance cover of Rs 50, 000 to the licensed fishermen and there are about 11 thousand fishermen families in the state.

ACTIVISM

Distressed Tribals of Kinnaur

:By Tikender Singh Panwar www.himachal.us

The district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh is full with scenic beauty apart from being rich in hydel resource. The tribal district comprise of Kinnaura tribe also known as kinners. There are various connotations to this tribe. Some say they are the aboriginals who were pushed back by the Aryans and the Khasas another tribe of the region few believe them to be the descendants of Khasas themselves. Whatever their origin may have been but the people are very hospitable and have produced one amongst the most honest administrative officers in the state. The entireentire district has a population (projected till 2008 by the statistical department of HP) of 84545 with 45517 male and 39028 females. Quite a huge gap in the sex ratio. Surprisingly, this tribe also has a large dalit population, which according to official figures is just 10%, but I can say the actual figure must be more than 25% . Why? Because a good number of people opt for the Scheduled tribe status instead of Scheduled caste. Though caste discrimination amongst the tribals is rampant, that ranges from social, economic, political to of course cultural. Even thethe colour of the famous Kinnauri Cap and the manner of wearing bears a cultural ostracisation. Dalits are prohibited from wearing Green colour caps.

Presently there are 21136 households in the district. The total land cultivable is just 9355 hectares, whereas the forest occupies an area of 458297 hectares and non cultivable land is 612387 hectares (all figures from Government of HP Statistics department). This shows that the average land holding with the households is less than 0.5 hectares (0.44 hectares). This land is insufficient for the survival of a family. In addition, the dalits are worst placed, they own less than the average land. Quite interestingly, the tribals in Kinnaur are unlike other forest tribalstribals or forest dwellers in the country where they just occupy land and have no legal document. The kinnauras either own pattas (a document showing their ownership) or they have been awarded land under the Nau Taur scheme (essentially a policy of the government till 1968 and then further extended till 1980, meant breaking of new land and further distribution to the people).

Rights traditionally enjoyed

Apart from the land that they owned though very scant and limited the people of the tribal region also enjoyed certain other forest rights.

i.The foremost one being the TD right (already written in one of the previous

columns), whereby the villagers used to get access to the forest land for timber for house construction, repair, fuel wood, etc.

ii. Right for cultivation in forest land in a place called Kandas(a place on the hilltop where there are no trees , remains snow covered and is accessible only during the summers.) . These kandas are very fertile and vegetables and other such crops are cultivated here.

iii.iii. Right for lopping of trees was allowed under silviculture ( art and science of cultivating forests) . This right where on the one hand provided fuel wood to the people was essentially a right for bread and butter for the blacksmiths who used to burn these lopped branches and convert them into coal for the sharpening of various kinds of tools and other agricultural implements.

iv. Similarly there was an age old right of collecting medicinal herbs and plants for commercial use.

NowNow with the fresh policy direction though not yet finalized all the traditional rights have been put on hold and the provisions of new policy are very dangerous, which will eventually throw the tribals out of their lands. (Already discussed in previous columns)

The so called development and challenges

TheThe area in the tribal region and the people remained a neglected lot. There are over a score of villages in Kinnaur alone which still stand unconnected through the road network. These include Roopi, Panvi, Baturi, Taranda etc. The main road connected to the border is by the Border Roads Organisation. A very interesting piece that needs to be added here is the slogan given by a former leader of the tribals Devi Singh in 1950s whereby he stated, Quote Peking Nazdik hai, Dilli Door HaiUnquote, meaning Peking the capital of China is closer to Delhi. Was arrested,arrested, however later on he happened to be a minister of cabinet rank in the JP government in the state. It was facing this reality that some central sponsored schemes and budgetary allocations started pouring in for the tribal development in the state.



The district has immense potential of hydel generation. Nearly 10000 MW. And this also develops a prime contradiction in the area. Whereas this potential can be tapped for the development of the state and the area, no doubts of the nation as well, but because of the ruinous policies , the people of the area i.e. Kinnaur are becoming the worst victims. These hydel projects both mini and mega are chiefly being constructed by private houses and violation of norms in their hallmark. The pertinent issues of the people with respect to their livelihood and environment can be summarized as:be summarized as:

According to various studies conducted by independent scientists and geographers (Prof. Nilanjana Das et all), the Tibetan plateau is getting submerged and this pace of unchecked development is further enhancing the ongoing natural process. Besides, accordingly, the Satluj river flows against the gradient which is why it is quite turbulent at places and conduiting or changing the course would further aggravate the problems. Now it is estimated that the entire satluj river from Khab where it enters India from China to the famous Govindsagar lake, also knownknown as the Bhakra Dam would be conduited. It means that the river will be diverted the course would be changed underneath the mountains and through various surge shafts, hydel generation would be done.

But since this is a principal source of local rains as precipitation and humidity in the environment remains because of the flow of the main river and innumerable other rivulets which are also being targeted for hydel generation in the similar manner, the conduiting will severely effect localized precipitation. According to the study this would eventually lead to a condition where there is no rain or very less rain.

AnotherAnother associated problem with the conduiting of the river is that the Head Race tunnel as its called runs into several kilometers underneath the mountains for which large scale excavation is required through blasting and drilling. An estimated 15 years project work of Nathpa Jhakri Hydel project (NJPC) with a generation capacity of 1500 MW used thousands of tones of gelatin for the blast work. Resultantly, since this range of mountains is amongst the youngest one and the strata being loose or weak, such blasts have created a condition whereby

(a) the natural springs and hot springs have either dried up or are in a process of(a) the natural springs and hot springs have either dried up or are in a process of

drying. There is a famous place called Sarahan that falls in Shimla district. Because of the tunnel thats gone underneath a village called Garath(a local name for a water mill) has dried up. One can imagine that the village bore the name because of the quantum of water due to springs was available that even water mills could be run , has now dried up.

(b) The grazing fields have become dry.

(c) cracks in the houses is a common feature.

(d)(d) There is a regular phenomenon of slides . A case to the point is that of Nathpa village from where the Satluj has been diverted to an underground channel through a run on the river dam technology. Since, this village is just above the dam and because of blasting and such other associated activities conducted, not only has this village started sliding , also heavy boulders have started shifting thereby claiming lives of over a dozen people. The foremost demand include that of declaring this village in Kinnaur as unsafe. What tragedy, the village that initiallyinitially lost some of its land for the development work will now loose its existence.

(e) To add to the woes the employment generated through these projects to the local and effected people is virtually negligible. Less than 100 in NJPC. That too after a prolonged struggle led by the Himachal Kisan Sabha.

It was in such a background that the people of Lower Kinnaur decided to oppose the 1000 MW (BOT) Jay Pee hydel project in Wangtoo Karcham region again on the Satluj river. The people fought valiantly in which the police resorted to massive can charge and firing that hit half a dozen tribal youth, fortunately none died. Somehow true to its colour , JP was able to break the strike of the people and as usual the governments are of no concern for this particular management , the JP has started work on Wangtoo Karcham project. It was during this period of agitationagitation that the people mainly aged once again resounded their anger and stated, Isse Acha To Hum Cheen Ke Saath Hote to Behtar Tha, it would have been better had we been with China. Despite the fact that there is a huge unemployment reserve in the state and the district, (20% of the population) , employment to the local inhabitants is avoided. In JP where nearly 8000 workmen are engaged in



construction activity not more than 150 are from Kinnaur.

Hence the so called development activity is also ruining the traditional Kinnauras economy and livelihood because of the rampant neo liberal policies.

The issue of Forest Tribal Act

AsAs already stated, there is very less land available with the people. The Kinnauras have also encroached upon some forest and government land. Now with the Forest tribal act they can become potential owners with pattas on their names. Despite the fact that the act passed by the central government specifies the land to be 4 hectares, in Himachal the limit has been reduced to 1.5 hectares. That too, the government is shirking from its responsibility and is trying to shelve the act altogether by fixing a deadline date for the submission of forms. Earlier it was fixedfixed for 31 January, 2009, now its been extended to 15 March, 2009 under the pressure from the Himachal Kisan Sabha(HKS). The HKS has taken up the cause and is demanding the extension of the dates to 30 June 2009 as presently many of the areas are covered under the snow and it is not feasible to measure such land till March 15. Besides according to Smita Gupta, the act of HP government is illegal as this Forest Tribal act 2006 is a law and no final dates can be fixed for the submission of forms.

The HKS conducted a massive campaign against these policies and on half a dozen demands a demonstration was organized. The demands include :-

i. Extension of dates to June 2009 and strict implementation of the Forest tribal act.

ii. Employment on priority basis for the local youth.

iii. Restoration of TD rights.

iv.iv. Alternate passage for JP transmission line. It needs to be mentioned that on the one hand the government is not prepared to give the peasantry its due in the form of TD rights, on the other thousands of trees will be cut for the laying of transmission line of JP.

v. Raising the price of milk to Rs 18.00 per litre.

vi. Declare Nathpa village as unsafe and rehabilitate the villagers in adjoining land.

MoreMore than 24 village panchayats in a period of 20 days were covered in which a call for a mass meeting at BhawaNagar was given. Hundreds of people thronged the venue on 16th February. The milk price was fixed for Rs 18.00 with the government intervention. Now the rally has further given a call for a bigger mobilization for 13th March 2009 at the same venue. Also the HKs has resolved to enter the forests enmass after 13th March for lopping of trees and this call has been made public to the police and forest officials as well. Preparations are undergoing to make both the calls a successundergoing to make both the calls a success

EDITORIAL

Young Turks Shy Away From Contesting Lok Sabha Polls


Shimla: Not many young Turks having shown interest into entering the fray for the upcoming parliamentary polls, be it the BJP or congress both parties are relying on old guards, going against the grain of inducting younger candidates so as to reflect electorate profiles. BarringBarring the exception of Anurag Thakur, sitting MP from Hamirpur, neither BJP nor congress is showing keenness to field young candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, commented Pankaj Goswami, a university student after learning about the panel of candidates that congress shortlisted on Saturday. On its part BJP has already declared Anurag Thakur for Hamirpur, Maheshwar Singh for Mandi, Virender Kashyap for Shimla and Rajan Sushant for Kangra. When contacted Thakur Kaul Singh, state congress president said, the shortlisted candidate panel is confidential . PartyParty sources, however, disclosed that veteran congressman Sukh Ram - who was the communication minister in the Narsimbha Rao government, five time chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Thakur Kaul Singh and sitting MP Pratibha Singh are on the panel for the Mandi seat. Interestingly,Interestingly, octogenarian Sukh Ram is being considered a formidable candidate despite having announced his retirement from politics sometime ago. The panel is being considered as Pratibha Singh has expressed unwillingness to recontest the seat. For Hamirpur the party is considering Narinder Thakur, MPS Rana, Ranjit Singh Verma, Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Sunil Sharma. For Shimla sitting MP Dhani Ram Shandil and for Kangra sitting MP Chander Kumar have been recommended. All these probable candidates are more than 45 years old. Congress spokesman Kuldeep Rathore when contacted said that given the crucial nature of the forthcoming elections winability is the foremost criteria for the party.

applicants for the remaining three seats, he said. Ashok Kapahtia, BJP spokesman said Other than Anurag, we did consider younger candidates for Shimla and Mandi seats. TheyThey being large constituencies and winability being of prime importance, the party settled for experienced war horses who are known to the constituents, he said.

SPORTS

An Interview with the Raid de Himalayas Master Minds


Shimla: Raid de Himalaya one of the most adventurous motorsports in the world has contributed a lot to the fame of Himachal Pradesh as it is organized by the people of Himachal Pradesh: Vijay Parmar, Atul Handa and Manjeev Singh Bhalla (key persons).

WeWe are very glad to present before you their interview on My Himachal Blog. Due to busy schedule Mr. Manjeev Bhalla could not make it but President, Vijay Parmar, who refuses to be called President and Atul Handa could spare some time for exchange of ideas.

Raid de Himalaya is another name for daredevilry, its lofty not merely in terms of altitude and escapade but the exaltation offered while riding and driving through the most soul stirring landscape and climatic conditions.

So,So, people please welcome Mr. Vijay Parmar and Mr. Atul Handa for their master minds and efforts to make Raid de Himalaya a big success. Hey! Dont forget Mr. Manjeev Bhalla though he could not join us for the interview but his contribution behind Raids success is not negligible.

Disha Singh: So, Atul and Vijay first of all, how about a little background? How did you get started with Raid-de-Himalaya?

VijayVijay Parmar said, In 1996 I drove my VW Beetle into Ladakh. On seeing the stark moonscape and stunning lakes, I thought to myselfThis is the place for the worlds best and worst rally. Three years later, three of us (Me, Atul Handa and Manjeev Bhalla) turned the thought into reality. And in the past ten years the Raid de Himalaya has shown us the best and worst times for sure!

AtulAtul Handa described his rendezvous as, I was rallying during late eighties. I have done five Himalayan rallies 1986 to 1990, after that there was no Himalayan Rally. After then I was into managing teams for small rallies in the north India. After 1995 there were hardly any rallies so we three the core team were thinking of doing something for motor sport and we got an invitation in 1999 from the GoHP to do some motor sport event and that is how it started.

Disha:Disha: Mr. Atul what made a Civil Engineer to enter the field of

motorsports?

Atul: Spirit of adventure.

Disha: How do you manage your job and radio mapping, route mapping and survey for the Raid?

Atul: If there is a will to do something any and everything can be managed. And I always aim at total quality management for the event.

Disha: What are your thoughts about 10th edition of Raid?Disha: What are your thoughts about 10th edition of Raid?

Vijay: Hmm! Probably the best one yet. Fantastic response with 150 entries. Amazing odds were stacked against our running the raid at all. Still it ran and while the country watched in disbelief it completed every planned leg. The Raid had a charmed life.

Wonderfully picturesque vistas, no serious accidents, but enough upsets to keep interest alive till the very end!

Technically an easy event compared to earlier years, easier on the organizers too.Technically an easy event compared to earlier years, easier on the organizers too.Above all we saw Zanskar covered in fresh snowsomething very few can boast of. Let alone run a rally there.

Atul intervened, Yeah very true, it went very well. All the competitors must have definitely enjoyed their drive through one of the most spectacular routes in Zanskar Himalayas.

Disha: How have things changed for you and the Raid since 1999?

ForFor Vijay things have not changed at all, I still work 6 months of the year to see the Raid come alive. And a month before it actually goes live I wake at 0300hrs every morning, dry mouthed with uncertainty, and completely convinced that organizing 600 peoples lives is complete madness and we cannot do it.

By 0900 hrs I make a list of priorities to be tackled for the day and go for it.



Eventually, the Raid and me have started to understand each other now.

The raid has become bigger in size and better managed through the years and one has to make an extra effort to organize things, added Atul.

Disha: What difficulties have you people faced in organizing, seeking help from various sectors sponsorships, terrain, etc.

Vijay:Vijay: We need assistance from governments, the armed forces and private sponsors. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. have been our main sponsor and believe in us completely. We have had a very comfortable ten years and the relationship is solid rock.

TheThe Himachal government backs us very strongly logistically. As the Raid is perceived as a rich mans sport they do not contribute more than a token amount as sponsorship. However, the support of all the departments is unflinching and more than generous.

The government of JK is as good on logistic support as well as sponsorship. However, they are clear that if Srinagar is not the end point then sponsorship is not forthcoming.

Support from the local administration of Leh and Kargil is fantastic.Support from the local administration of Leh and Kargil is fantastic.The JK Police are phenomenal in their support for traffic control.The Army is as devoted to the event as we are to them!

As the event is designed to be really extreme we view bad weather, landslides, flood and avalanches as challenging obstacles, not as problems.

OnOn two occasions we have lost out to snow, but on eight others we have survived the ordeal unscathed! Several raids ago we had a bridge wash out on the day of the event which was repaired in 4 hours! This year the Raid drove into Leh, which was all out of petrol that day! To arrange 5000 ltrs of fuel at and hours notice is just some of the stuff we deal with on war footing every day.

ThisThis year while on a reconnaissance of an alternate route via Chamba we arrived

in Kishtwar district just as curfew was declared and all shops, pumps and dhabas shut down for 10 days. Sneaking back to Himachal through a town under curfew was not fun, especially when the cars were running out of fuel. Atul smiled and said, But nothing is easy.

Disha: If you wouldnt have been associated with Himalyan Motorsports, what would you be?

VijayVijay laughed, Useless and Atul thinkingly said, I would have been doing trekking in the Himalayas or doing 4WD safari around the world!

Disha: Mr. Vijay what difficulties you experience as a President of the Raid?

Vijay: Actually, on the Raid there is no President. The top officials are the two Clerks of the Course Manjeev Bhalla and Atul Handa. I looked after communications and results. The first went flawlessly and the second was questionable!

Disha:Disha: You have never thought God, why I did that? What do you feel that you really still need to work on?

Vijay: Yes! many, many times. We need to work on raising better sponsorship so we can have a higher quality of rescue backup incase things go wrong.

We need a better presented website and definitely need more events to keep interest alive throughout the year. We need to start a 4X4 club so that members are better trained for extreme driving.

Disha:Disha: Please describe your most unforgettable incident in the Raid? Good or Bad.

Vijay: The worst was undoubtedly losing three lives in 2001. The best I am sure is still to come! Each time we feel this is the best thing that can happen something better comes along.Atul: Hmmm! I had a good time during 2004 at Patseo when raid got struck due to snow fall.



Disha: How would you compare the Raid with other National and International rallies?

Both of them gave prompt answer, there is no comparison as the raid is run on a different format altogether and it has no equal in India. Vijay added, As far as international events are concerned there are quite a few that are tougher, many that are faster, but none that is higher or colder!

Disha: Describe Raid-de-Himalaya in one line?

Vijay: Vijay: Unbelievably tough and totally unpredictable.

Disha: Vijay, what do you have to say about Sanket Shanbaghs controversy in 10th Raid de Himalaya?

Vijay: There is no controversy. He was slower and the results found that out before they were officially final. I have already posted the official report on My Himachal Forum.

Disha:Disha: Atul you yourself had been active in motorsport? How does it feel to think about then and now?

Atul: Yeah! Things have changed dramatically.

Disha: What are your plans in near future?

Both settled To make the Raid a motorsport icon of the Himalayas. We are half way there already!

Disha: Who or what particularly inspires you? Do you have any heroes?

AtulAtul said his will to do something different inspires him whereas for Vijay, The Paris Dakar Rally Raid was the inspiration for the Raid de Himalaya. Now that the Dakar is history and the Raid is ten years old we are lost for inspiration.

Gaston Raheier, a Belgian in the motorcycle category of the Paris Dakar in 1985,

who went on to ride a BMW 800 GS for 21 days with a broken collarbone, and finally won the event, will be my all time favourite hero!

When asked about their dream both had differen but in a way somewhat same answer, Vijay dreams to make Shimla to Lhasa on the Raid de Himalaya and Atul dreams to make raid a very popular International event.

DuringDuring off-season you can see Vijay, Golfing, skiing, ice-skating, motorcycling and Precision rifle shooting while Atul will be seen working or attending some motorsport related activities.

In further talks Vijays revealed his favourite track as the uphill rally stage on the Raid from Shuad to Khanag.

Finally,Finally, both of them gave their motorsports mantras to the upcoming drivers & navigators that Its not life and deathits just a game. Play it like one. And Atul says, Work hard and be thorough.

Thank you so much for sharing and sparing your time.

Suresh Rana a Winner again!


Shimla: It seems victory and Suresh Rana is becoming synonym. Yes, he again shone as a winner in recently held six-day rally, the 7th edition of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, which successfully ended on 23rd February, 2009. Suresh Rana, who has won five consecutive Raid-de-Himalaya title since 2004, of the Team Thunderbolt in his Maruti Suzuki Gypsy won in the Xtreme category by defending last years champion Sunny Sidhu from Chandigarh, of Team Godwin by a margin of two minutes and sixty-seven seconds.

TheThe other runners-up were Ajgar Ali from Kolkata driving a Maruti Suzuki Esteem (Xplore), Jagmeet Gill also from Chandigarh on a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy (Ndure) and Raj S. Rathore (Biker).

TheThe route took 170 rallyists through competitive and transport sections. The ceremonial flagged-off from New Delhi, the 6 day long rally started from Shahpur near Manesar and passed through various challenging stages including a marshy stretch on the Aravalli in the outskirts of Jaipur, treacherous mud tracks in Bikaner, the sandy desert in Jaisalmer, and of course, hard lake beds in the Kutch area of Gujarat.

ThisThis was the first time when any motorsports event in India was held at Adesar, which connects the Small Rann to the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

HEALTH

Tall claims of better medical facilities by Himachal Health Minister limited to files only

:By MH News Network www.himachal.us

Palampur: All is not well in the state health department. Desite tall claims made by the Health Minister Rajiv Bindal that health services in the state are one of the best in the country, was only confined to his speeches and official files. The poor patients are still moving from pillar to post to get a free medical aid in the government hospitals.

TheThe functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samitis constituted by the state government in various hospitals in the district have come under severe criticism as crores of rupees collected by these samitis from poor patients are not properly utilized, spent on the poor patients and accounted for.

ItIt may be recalled that government had set up these Rogi Kalyan Smitis in the district and sub-divisional hospitals with an aim to generate funds to meet the day to day financial requirements of these health institutions. These samitis were authorized to collect funds from the patients who undergo any medical test, X-Ray, ultra sound scanning, surgery and other medical examinations in the hospitals. The patients had to pay between rupees ten to rupees 300 to these samitis on every test and these funds were supposed to be incurred on the welfare ofof patients and for the betterment of the hospitals. The Sub Divisional Magistrates of concerned sub-divisions were made the supervisory officials for these samitis.

It is most surprising that no proper rules and regulations were made by government to keep check on the functioning of these bodies. Even no provisions were made how funds collected would be utilized by the officials, resulting that most of SMOs in the district who collected these funds failed to maintain proper accounts. In many hospitals no body knew how much amounts were received from the poor patients and where it was spent.

InformationInformation gathered by this correspondent also revealed that the funds collected by these Hospital Kalyna Samitis had gone in crores in past few years. It is a matter of serious concern that utilization of these funds were not subject to any audit by the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh or internal audit by the health department.

Therefore,Therefore, concerned officials were at liberty to misuse the funds. In various hospitals funds amounting to rupees 30 to 50 lakh were received annually by the

SMOs and the same were shown spent for the welfare of hospitals in one year.

However, the true picture is entirely different as many SMOs purchased luxurious items, furniture, fridges, sign boards and air conditioners from these funds, which is in gross violation of directions of the state government. Besides, huge amount were shown paid to architects and engineers and contractors.

UnderUnder government rules items exceeding rupees 2500 could not be purchased without calling open tenders, but these rules were not followed by the samitis and contractors and sub contractors were paid lakh of rupees. Besides, machinery worth lakh of rupees were also purchased by these samitis in gross violation of rules. Even no income-tax and sales tax was deducted on these payments made.

ItIt is also learnt that in one of the hospitals in the district over rupees 76 lakh were collected by the kalyan samitis in past three years from the patients and these were shown spent on the welfare of the patients, construction of sheds, purchase of water coolers and other infrastructure. But today the situation is entirely different no such item is seen in these hospitals.

TheThe defective policies of the state government in this regard and further resulted in rampant corruption in these institutions as the SMOs were blantatly misusing the funds and making purchase of those items which were neither required nor connected with the welfare of the patients.

TOURISM

Tourism still a neglected industry by Himachal Government


Palampur: Tourism which is considered as life line of this hill state and also play significant role in the economy of the state is facing rough weather, thanks to the apathy of the state government which has always given low priority to the tourism industry here. It is a fact that little attention was paid for planned development of the tourism in the state in past fifteen years.

HaphazardHaphazard construction of hotels, dhabhas (small restaurants) and log huts on road side has become quite common. It seems that there is none to check such construction in the state and no government exists here. Most of favorable and attractive tourist stations has already turned into slums. There are problems like disposal of garbage, contamination of water and large scale soil erosion because of unplanned construction of hotels and other buildings.

AlthoughAlthough the state government has time again announced to come out with a master plan for the development of the tourism in the state but till today every decision of the government is confined to files. It is a sad state of affairs that nothing worthwhile was done for the promotion of this industry in the state and the government put much stress on the building of hotels in Simla, Manali and other places creating concrete jungles.

H.P.H.P. Tourism Development Corporation , (HPTDC) which plays vital role in the expansion and development of tourism in the state has failed to deliver goods. Number of hotels belonging to H.P.T.D.C. is in bad shape. It is evident from the fact that posts of MD tourism and Director Tourism was lying vacant for the past six months. None in the government is bothered to fill up these posts.

TheThe previous government has taken up construction of number of new projects in the state but in the absence of adequate funds, number of building has been left half done. The expansion of Neugal Cafe at Palampur has also come to stand still. The corporation had already spent over Rs. 25 lakh on this project.

TallTall promises were made to provide better amenities to the tourists visiting the state, but nothing was done. What welcome the tourist here are bumpy, narrow roads, costly hotels, poor parking facility and heavy taxes (entry and toll taxes). The decision of state government to start metered taxis in the state remained confined to papers only.

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has still a long way to go to catch up with the front ranking states in this field. It is an established fact that promotion of the tourism in Himachal Pradesh is essential for its faster development, because of the fact that tourism industry can fill the coffers of the state since it is an important revenue earner and also a major source of foreign exchange. Himachal Pradesh has enormous tourism potential. It matches Switzerland in its scenic beauty and climate. Snowcapped peaks of majestic Himalayas ranges are a visual treat. The lushlush green Kanagra valley and sprawling tea gardens situated in the foot hill of Dhauladhar Ranges are things of beauty which give joy for ever.

A large number of tourists, both international and domestic, are attracted to natural parks and sanctuaries which offer them glimpse of wild life. Mountains, jungle, rivers, lakes also allow for the new fangled adventure tourism hiking skiing and other similar activities.

Tourism and environment are intrinsically related with each other and expansion of tourism depends on clean environment. But in Himachal Pradesh the state government has absolutely forgotten this important aspect. In past the government had allowed the setting up of six big cement plants and hydroelectric projects in the state adversely affecting tourism industry here. Deforestation , large scale soil erosion and unscientific mining have further put question on the future of tourism.IfIf the state government is really keen in the development of tourism in the state, the politics should not come in its way and must safeguard the interests of the state. In future government should not permit to set up heavy industries spoiling the environmental imbalances of the state. State should opt for eco-friendly industries, keeping in view vast potential of tourism in the region.

MH HINDI

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MH EXPLORES

Temples of Kullu: Jagatsukh and Banahra

:By Dr. Sanjeeva Pandey www.himachal.us

Temples of Jagat Sukh

The road-side village of Jagatsukh is located on the left bank of Beas about 15km The road-side village of Jagatsukh is located on the left bank of Beas about 15km from Naggar. This ancient village (old name Nast) assumes great importance as it was the capital of Kullu before Naggar. Mian Goverdhan Singh in his book, Wooden Temples of Himachal Pradesh mentions that there are seven temples at Jagatsukh. Penelope describes only two in her book along with mention of a number of stories about Jagatsukh. She gives a vivid description of a bungalow, built in 1880s, in the southern end of the village, for the great father figure of IndianIndian archaeology, General Sir Alexander Cunningham, who used it as his base for an expedition to Ladakh (this old bungalow located near present bus-stand of Jagasukh was owned by Pandit Balak Ram, then by an eccentric English woman artist Mrs. Budd, and now by Mr Shafi). Penelope tells an interesting story about Jagatsukh, It was here that, in the early sixteenth century, Sidh Pal met the goddess Hidimba, under the guise of an old woman, who prophesied that he would recover the kingdom of his ancestors. And it was here too that the dynastic name waswas changed from Pal to Singh, for when Sidh Pal was one day holding a calf for his Brahmin hostess while she milked the cow, a lion suddenly appeared which he killed on the spot and was from then on given the name Singh-lion-which he passed on to his successors.

During my various visits to Jagatsukh, in late January and early February 2009, I could see temples of Sandhya-Gayitri, Shiva-Parvati, Jagannath, Rama, Jamdagini Rishi, Takshak Nag (Banahra) and Bhandar of Takshak Nag (Banahra) in company of Pandit Mehar Chand Shastri of Jagatsukh. In addition, we also climbed upto the Jagatsukh Fort of Pitti Rajas, also referred by Penelope.

Sandhya Gayitri Temple

TheThe chronology of temples in Kullu Valley is difficult to understand, though there is a reference to an epigraph found in this temple by Hiranand Sastri (Historical Documents of Kullu, 1907-08) on two stone slabs referring to a date of construction around 1428 AD (Hutchinson and Vogel). Most probably, Maharaja Udharan Pal, 72nd Raja Kullu built it. Many authors believe that the present temple (Vernacular Temple) has been build in place of the eighth century original temple (Classical Temple), the relics of which can still be seen in the courtyard of

the present one. This gabled roofed temple which has been renovated and modified several times, is covered with the slate roof and built on a rectangular platform.

InIn its present form, it is a stone and wood structure furnished with a pent roof and verandah. The front of the temple is stone-paved and a flight of steps lead to the wide verandah where the Pujari (priest) or his wife usually sits in sun in the winter days. The entrance into the temple is only about five feet high, so one needs to bend a bit. And those who do not do it, hit their head against the entrance and the lady Pujari then grumbles that the people of present era are losing faith in god and hence being punished right on their head. The present image in the temple is of Sandhya-Gayitri,Sandhya-Gayitri, personification of Rigveda in marble, probably made in Jaipur. The walls of the temple are made of rectangular stones laid dry in the alternate courses of stone and timber (Type 2). Perhaps for its stone dominated structure, Penelope categories it as a fascinating hybrid of Type 2 and Type 1.

The present day wooden carvings are very elaborate, intricate and innovative. Each verandah post is different from the other, perhaps a tribute to the work of village artisans of Kullu in the modern times. The ornate posts not only provide an aesthetic look to the temple, they also bear the dead weight of the masonry-work of the gabled roof. Overall, the wood-work bear the mark of still-surviving art of wood-carving which now, almost, is confined to the temples.

TheThe best that I like are the verandah-posts (in wood) and lattice windows (in stone) on the side and back walls of the temple.

During my 1990 visit, I could see the detail of this temple as given in a photograph of Penelopes book: the lower stone is carved in the classical style, the upper part is decorated with nineteenth-century wood carvings. It appears that the temple has undergone renovations since then and the lower stone can now (in 2009) be seen in the court yard.

AA number of reasons contribute to the decline of the craft of wood carving: an ever-increasing debased aesthetic taste of local people (mostly influenced by Bollywood films and television); lack of patronage and funds, and shortage of wood.



A village fare, Chacholi mela is simultaneously held at the temples of five villages of Jagatsukh, Banahra, Khakhnal, Gojra and Bahnu on the full moon day (Purnamasi) of Chaitra (in February or March). The temple has two tall sactred poles (Dhwajas), indicating the recent renovations.

TheThe illustrious archeologist Omacanda Handa makes a very appropriate comment, Nevertheless, the deities of the people have been keeping the tradition of the splendid craft alive and going. For, if not the human being, the gods here stubbornly regard tradition, and, if left to them, they would not like to deviate from the traditional values and tastes. These temples hopefully provide a ray of hope for the traditional arts and crafts to survive.

Gauri-Shankar Temple, Jagatsukh

AA few yards behind the Gayitri temple is the location of this beautiful Shikhar (Type 1) temple of Shiva and Parvati (Gaurishankar). It is a very richly adorned temple. Penelope mentions its height as eight feet. It appears that the Archeological Survey of India has done a lot of renovation work here and now the temple looks of greater height than recorded by Penelope. It has a square garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and a small portico with columns. The lady priest at the temple introduced me to the figures of Vishnu on southern side, Surya on the east and Brahma on the north.on the east and Brahma on the north.

The Ganesha is located just above the entrance door. The upper part of both the columns are richly carved with floral designs.

Penelope describes, Leaning up against the plinth are several image slabs of the same presumed early period-seventh to eighth century-as the carving still in situ, except for one lion of Durga killing the buffalo demon which may be of eighth or ninth century. Despite my best efforts, I could not locate the Durga image. Presumably, this has been relocated or stolen.

Jagannath Temple, Jagatsukh

ToTo the north of the Gayitri temple, a village alley leads to the Jagannath temple, which is relatively of recent origin.

The image of Krishna was brought from Jagannath Puri, hence the name Jagannath temple. Lord Jagannath and Rama (who is enshrined in a house across the street) are also part of the same village fare that is held at the Gayitri temple.

Views of Jagatsukh village from Banahra and Pitti Fort

Takshak Nag Temple at Banahra

ThisThis is about two hours uphill walk from Jagatsukh to Takshak Nag temple, located in the sanctuary of the cidar forest in one of the most beautiful and pristine sites.

The temple is on a rectangular platform and further strengthens the view that the fine art of decorative wood carving is still alive among the local villagers and the local deities are at the helm of its proliferation. The temple is of Type 2 i.e. built in the alternate courses of wood and rectangular stones.

TheThe tiring walk to the temple is rewarded with a magnificent view of the background mountains, an extension of Hamta towards its right side.

Looking at the temple, I felt exhilarated. Sometimes, I do feel that I had photographed these temple before their renovation/modification so as to have a comparative account of the shape and structure of the temples.

ThereThere are a number of Nag (Cobra serpent) temples in the area. Powerful animals such as Cobras are often considered to be forms of God. The Nag temples are devoted to lord Shiva-the destroyer of all evils and built in the outskirts of the villages. The Takshak Nag temple has a Shivling in it and a place to perform Yajna to invoke divine favour for the welfare of the people and ward-off evil spirits and natural calamities. A village fare is held at this temple after two or three days of Docha Mocha fair in Beas Valley in May. Local people believe that the snakessnakes come out of hibernation around Shivratri (March) time and gain their venom by Nag Panchami (August) when they are worshiped most.

View of Deo Tibba Peak from below the Pitti Fort in Upper Banahra



Takshak Nag Temple Bhandar

About a km walk from the Takshak Nag temple is the Bhandar (store-house) of Takshak Nag in the Banahra village. This is a double story building built with the stone and wood in alternate courses (Type 2). The main door is adorned with ibex horns. The belongings of Takshak Nag are kept in this store-house.

Patal Temple above Banahra

DespiteDespite my best attempts, I could not know much about the little temple built at the base of a huge monolith. Remarkably, the view of Jagatsukh village is simply breathtaking from here. The temple is said to be part of legends related to the old rulers of Banahra and Jagatsukh. Its location is very strategic if one starts on a trek from Shuru to Arjun Gufa to Patal temple to Takshak Bhandar to Takshak temple and then onwards to the base of Dev Tibba.

Piti Fort, above Banahra

ItIt took me and Pt Mehar Chand Shastri to locate the ruins of the fort built by Thakurs of Spiti. Penelope mentions fifteenth century as its possible date of construction. Now only a few walls (upto two to three feet high) have been left at the site. The builders of the fort, the Lords of Spiti, notes Penelope, had a penchant for offering up human sacrifices and for drinking human milk. These facts are duly qualified by the similar kind of stories told by Shastriji. From here, I could take beautiful pictures of Jagatsukh and Beas river on my southern side, ManaliManali on northern, and of beautiful Deo Tibba in the eastern side. Indeed, a very nice spot to be in.

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