Monday, March 1, 1999
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Water may cost more in
Delhi Revised
scales for ICAR scientists |
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SC seeks report on dam safety NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to place on record the report of the National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters which had rejected an expert group's suggestion to conduct further tests to determine the safety level of the Tehri dam.
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Chandumajra joins issue
with CM Zee
Lifetime awards for Hrishikesh, Mistry Jyoti
Basu wants revival of UF Metro
rail project draws flak NHRC
moved for refusing Haj Seer
restrained |
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Water may cost more in Delhi NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — The power and water tariff in the Capital are likely to be hiked following Planning Commission’s observation that their prices needs to be restructured. The Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Mr K.C. Pant, during the annual plan discussions with the Delhi Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dikshit, reportedly emphasised the need to restructure water tariff and cover up the 30 per cent gap between the cost of supply and tariff of power. The suggestions put forward by the Planning Commission were similar to the views being expressed by senior officials of the Delhi Vidyut Board and the Delhi Jal Board, the two organisations which supply power and water in the Capital, respectively. The state government may increase the tariff even though it is unable to meet the potable water demand of the Capital. Even if the Nangloi plant built over the past seven years with its optimum capacity of 40 million gallons a day (mgd) of water is commissioned soon, the Capital would continue to face water scarcity. The Capital would continue to face a shortfall of about 175 mgd of potable water. Residents here require more than 800 mgd of water in the city, the Delhi Jal Board has only 585 mgd potable water supply to offer them. The augmentation of supply in the recent past has not been significant with the Delhi Jal Board stating that its basic problem has been that it has not received extra raw water from its main supplier state — Haryana. On water tariff, Mr Pant had emphasised that it would not put a serious burden on consumers as water bills comprise 1 per cent of the annual expenditure of an average family. Suggesting that consumers should be made to pay more if they exceed a stipulated limit, he suggested that the pricing structure should have adequate inbuilt financial deterrent so that consumers remain within the allotted quotas and avoid “overuse of treated water.” Officials pointed out that the existing tariff only covers the cost of water, leaving the government to subsidise the laying of water pipes, sewage and constructing water treatment plants. The distribution network of water supply needs to reduce the losses to a maximum of 15 per cent as well as reduce the sharp variations in water availability in different areas, Mr Pant reportedly told the Delhi Chief Minister. While senior government officials stated that water tariff would undergo restructuring soon, they were maintaining a silence as far as power tariff fixation is concerned. The state government had stated that a decision on power tariff fixation would be dealt by the proposed State Electricity Regulatory Commission. In 1997-98, the DVB incurred an average cost of Rs 3.65 per kilowatt hour which is estimated to have gone up to Rs 3.8 in 1998-99. In contrast, the power tariff was just about Rs 2.65 per kwh in 1997-98 which rose marginally to Rs 3.7 in next year. Moreover, the DVB has an outstanding dues of Rs 6000 crore to the Centre for the power of Badarpur plant and Rs 1500 crore to the NTPC, the NHPC and Power Grid Corporation. The DVB collected only 40
per cent revenue for the power it distributed, while its
transmission and distribution losses were around 43 per
cent as against technically justified limit of 10 per
cent. |
Chandumajra joins issue with CM NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — Shiromani Akali Dal MP, Prem Singh Chandumajra yesterday joined issue with the party President and Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, stating he had not "committed any sin’’ by reiterating party policies inside and outside Parliament. Mr Chandumajra said on the contrary by opposing Article 356 of the Constitution, he had ‘’defended the historical stand of the SAD for which Akali leaders like Master Tara Singh , Sant Fateh Singh and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal had made sacrifices’’. Reacting to comments by Mr Badal at Talwandi Sabo hinting at disciplinary action against him, Mr Chandumajra said it was wrong to say by opposing the use of Article 356, he had supported the Congress. Mr Chandumajra said just as Mr Badal, he too was a well-wisher of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. He wondered as to how the SAD would react if in future its government was dismissed invoking this Article. He said while Mr Badal may have prevented the SAD MPs from voting against the statutory resolution (by issuing a whip) "he cannot override our conscience’’. He maintained he had not violated party discipline. In another statement, Mr Chandumajra welcomed the Union Budget proposals, specially plans to infuse confidence of small investors in the Unit Trust of India and gold bonds scheme. He said these steps would generate more funds and unlock dormant gold reserves in the country. Empowering Panchayati Raj
institutions was in the direction of decentralisation
which formed part of the national agenda for governance. |
Revised scales for ICAR scientists NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced revised pay scales for the agricultural scientists on the pattern of the University Grants Commission (UGC) with an initial higher start for some of the research management positions. The revised pay scales, applicable with effect from January 1, 1996, will also be applicable to teachers and scientists of state agricultural universities and Central Agricultural University. The new pay scales will benefit about 30,000 scientists working in the ICAR and state agricultural universities throughout the country, a press note from the council said here today. The revised pay scale for the scientists now would be Rs 8000-13500 in place of Rs 2200-4000, while for scientists (senior scale) it would be Rs 10,000-15,200 in place of Rs 3000-5000. For senior scientists and scientists (selection grade), the revised pay scale would be Rs 12,000-18,300 with a higher salary of Rs 14,940 to those having five years of service as on January 1, 1996. A revised grade of Rs 16,400-22,400 has been granted to principal scientists and equivalent positions who were earlier drawing Rs 4500-7300, the press note said. For research management
positions, including the Directors of ICAR institutes and
Assistant Directors-General of the ICAR, a higher initial
start of Rs 17,300 has been granted in the revised pay
scale of Rs 16,400-22,400. |
Zee Lifetime awards for Hrishikesh, Mistry MUMBAI, Feb 28 (PTI) — Noted film-maker Hrishikesh Mukherjee and special effects genius of yesteryear Babubhai Mistry were honoured with lifetime achievement awards at a glittering function organised by Zee TV here. Making a break from the past, an exclusive function was organised last night to felicitate the unsung contributions of the technical wizards working behind the scenes to weave the magic of cinema. The 77-year-old Mukherjee, who has directed 44 films and edited a large number of films, and Babubhai Mistry, known for the special effects he created for more than 63 films, were honoured by director-producer Yash Chopra. Govind Nihalani won the award for best director for “Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa” while the award for best cinematography was given to Santosh Sivan for “Dil Se”. The award for best editing was given to Waman Bhonsle for “Ghulam”, while the award in the category of special effects (visual) went to S.T. Venki. Farha Khan won the award for best choreography for the song “Chaiya chaiya” in “Dil Se”. Late Akbar Bakshi won the award for best action for the film, “Soldier”, while Jatin-Lalit bagged the award for best background score for “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. The best costume designing
award went to Manish Malhotra for “Kuch Kuch Hota
Hai”, and the best art direction to Samir Chandra
for “China Gate”. |
Beware of ‘gulal’ on
Holi NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — Colour powder (gulal) used during holi celebrations can prove harmful for eyes if smeared on face, warns the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness-India. “Most often small bits of mica (chamkili) are used to give the ‘gulal’ a shine. When smeared on face, mica and colour powder might get into eyes and affect the cornea leading to abrasions and loss of sight”, cautions Dr Rajvardhan Azad, secretary-general of the society. Another hazard, he says, is the mixing of water with ‘gulal’ which is thrown on revellers through water pump (pitchkari). Dr Azad, a Professor in Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), suggests that only good quality colours should be used as cheap varieties may cause serious injuries to the eyes and skin. Also, unscrupulous traders adulterate ‘gulal’ with sand and brick powder. “As far as possible, one should see that ‘gulal’ does not fall into the eyes,” he said, adding “the best colours can be obtained by soaking tesu flowers in water”. He suggested that only
good quality colours should be used. “Above all the
festival should be celebrated with sobriety” he
said. |
Jyoti Basu wants revival of UF CALCUTTA, Feb 28 (PTI) — West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran CPM politburo member Jyoti Basu today stressed the need for reviving the United Front and reiterated his party’s issue-based support to the Congress as an alternative to the BJP-led ruling coalition at the Centre. Speaking at the completion of the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the communist manifesto here, Mr Basu called upon all Left parties to take upon the task of reviving the United Front “which has regrettably either split or has weakened considerably over the years”. The CPM, he said, would consider afresh the revival of the United Front, but at the same also continue to offer “issue-to-issue” support to the Congress for forming an alternative government at the Centre. “Our prime objective is to ensure removal of the barbaric and uncivilised communal government at the Centre,” he added. Suggesting that CPM would
have to look for “new allies” in the changed
political situation in the country, the octogenarian
leader said “we have to follow a zig-zag path to get
the friendship with different parties to achieve our
goal. |
Metro rail project draws flak NEW DELHI, Feb 28 (PTI) — The proposed construction of the metro rail network in Old Delhi has raised hackles as it threatens the ecology and a treasure of ancient monuments. Denizens in the walled city, already beleaguered by the haphazard infrastructural development in the area, are a worried lot at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s plan to do away with the Boulevard railway housing near Tis Hazari which encompasses buildings and bungalows dating back to more than 100 years. A letter to Railway Minister Nitish Kumar from former Bihar Chief Minister Abdul Ghafoor has sought relocation of the proposed DMR station from the site. Another letter from Janata Dal MLA Shoaib Iqbal alleges that the dismantling of the Boulevard road housing would also lead to the felling of some 400-500 trees between Rajpur Road, Tis Hazari to Bhargava Lane which would inflict substantial loss on environment. Of the approximate 1200 monuments in the city, only 170 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 10 others by the state Archaeology Department, official reports say. Stating that the station in the proposed area would not serve the “deemed purpose of the commuters as there are no commercial offices or residential areas on the Ridge Road side,” Iqbal recommends that it be relocated to the open space of railway land near RSB office, J&K display area and the SPCA on the side of Rajpur Road. A recent report quoting a
census conducted by the Indian National Trust for Art and
Cultural Heritage (INTACH) reveals that most of the
monuments in this 1500-year-old city are in a dilapidated
state and are crying for attention from the government
for restoration of their former glory. |
NHRC moved for refusing Haj NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — Ms Mehbooba Farooq, mother of Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against a government decision to deny her and her son the permission to proceed to Saudi Arabia for performing Haj. In an application to the NHRC, she has alleged that a grave violation of human rights and constitutional right guaranteed by the Constitution had been committed by a government decision to disallow them to perform Haj pilgrimage. The Srinagar district
authorities on February 25 had sent a letter to Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq, informing him that the convener of State Haj
Committee (Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir) had
refused to allow him to proceed for Haj. No reason was
cited for refusal of the permission. |
SC seeks report on dam safety NEW DELHI, Feb 28 (PTI) — The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to place on record the report of the National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters (NCSDP) which had rejected an expert group's suggestion to conduct further tests to determine the safety level of the Tehri dam. A three-Judge Bench comprising Chief Justice A.S. Anand, Justice M. Srinivasan and Justice R.P. Sethi asked Additional Solicitor-General R.N. Trivedi to file the report within two weeks and asked petitioners to respond to it. This direction came during the hearing of two petitions by N.D. Jayal and the Azadi Bachao Andolan last week. The petitioners had alleged that the dam was unsafe and suggested that all tests regarding safety of the dam needed to be conducted before making it operational. Four out of five experts
in the committee recommended conducting 3-D non-linear
analysis of the dam to evaluate its performance against
maximum credible earthquake and a simulated dam break
analysis to ensure that in the unlikely event of an
uncontrolled release of water, the consequences were
minimal. |
Science awards presented NEW DELHI, Feb 28 (PTI) — Bangalore-based M.A. Sethu Rao was today presented with this year’s National award for the best effort in science popularisation by the National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). The Rs 100,000 prize was conferred on him in recognition of his contribution in popularising science through radio talks and production of popular science films at a function to celebrate National Science Day here. Mr Rao’s contribution also included building new organisations dedicated to the cause of science popularisation, an NCSTC press note said. The National award of Rs
50,000 for the best coverage in the mass media went to Dr
Bijoy Krishna Dev Sharma of Shillong for his efforts in
popularising science through a number of books, articles
and radio talks on science topics in Assamese and
English. |
Seer restrained ALLAHABAD, Feb 28 (UNI) — In an important injunction, Civil Judge Junior Division (second) of Allahabd district M.K. Singh has restrained Jagadguru Swami Basudevanand Saraswati from proclaiming himself as Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth Badri Kashram. The court has further restrained Swami Basudevanand not to work for the Badrikashrama math in that capacity. The civil judge passed this order on a suit filed by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati seeking permanent prohibitory injuction to restrain Swami Basudevanand from proclaiming himself as the Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth Badrikashram. The court in its 142-page
order said that prima facie Swami Basudevanand was not a
duly elected Shankaracharya of Badrikashram and his
proclamation to that effect was violative of the rights
of the applicant Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati. |
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| Tributes to Morarji Desai NEW DELHI: The country paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister and staunch Gandhian Morarji Desai on his 103rd birth anniversary on Sunday. Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker P.M.Sayeed paid floral tributes at the portrait of Mr Desai in the Central Hall of Parliament and described him as one of the titans of the freedom struggle and an outstanding statesman. Prominent among those who joined the Deputy Speaker in paying tributes were Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr T.N. Chaturvedi, Mr K.R. Malkani, and all sitting MPs. — UNI 2 youths held for killing
sister White tigress dead 27 engineers
suspended Don’t wear
cheap hawai chappals Ranvir Sena’s
targets 30 villages freed
of child labour |
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