| Paperwork, fencing delay launch of open jail in Hazaribagh; central prison screens inmate dossier |
| A.S.R.P. MUKESH |
Ranchi, May 11: Good things come to those who wait. And for a home away from home, prisoners of five central jails are doing just that. The much-touted open jail in picturesque Hazaribagh, which was slated for a March inauguration, will now house “reformed” inmates only by July-end, a delay apparently caused by extensive paperwork and formulation of detailed guidelines for the first-of-its-kind prison in the state. Highly placed officials said the only job left was erecting a 3-metre wire fence around a clutch of 30 cottages spread over two acres. IG (prisons) Vijay Kumar Singh said jail posts had already been identified and they were waiting for the state government to show the green light. “Altogether eight posts have been identified — a jail superintendent, a jailer, a warden, a head warden, a medical officer, a paramedical staff, an industry expert and an agriculturist. The jail will open soon,” he said. According to highly placed sources, the entry criteria to these halfway homes had been relaxed. “Earlier, we had decided to house prisoners who had completed 75 per cent of their term, but now the figure has been brought down to 50 per cent. However, those booked under certain sections like 302 of IPC, or for narcotics crime will not be eligible for the open jail. Also, good mental and physical health for a period of at least a year is mandatory,” said a senior jail official. The remission period has also been doubled. “Normally, prisoners with 10-year term can avail remission up to 40 months (one-third of the term). However, in the open jail, inmates can avail remission equivalent to the term of their stay,” the official added. The concept of open jails has its roots in the west. It is meant to house prisoners displaying good conduct, and act as a halfway house for those whose release is due soon. There are 27 open jails across India, including a few in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. And although a fairly new concept, these jails have thrown up several success stories. In Jharkhand, the authorities are also planning to set up various small-scale industries within the open jail premises to help prisoners earn a decent livelihood. Sources said besides industrial activities, the focus was on medicinal plants and dairy. “The land in Hazaribagh is suitable for cultivating medicinal plants, so we are developing a medicine farm there. But the high point is a dairy. We will provide cattle to prisoners who want to run dairies. After their released, they can take the cattle with them,” a source said. The selection process of prisoners to be shifted to the open jail, which can house a maximum of 100 inmates, has, meanwhile, begun. Singh said workshops on dos and don’ts would begin at all the five central jails from next week. On March 28 and April 28, the IG had held meetings with superintendents of all central jails and directed them to identify inmates who could be shifted. Two screening committees — one at district level and the other at IG level — were formed. The district level committee comprises the jail superintendent, the deputy commissioner and the SSP. The other panel is formed by the IG (prisons), additional IG (prisons), DGP and a representative from the home department, who will give the final go-ahead. |
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Jailbirds feel at home, but in July
VIP nightmares stalk Birsa jail
| A.S.R.P. MUKESH | ||
Ranchi, May 11: High on attitude, VIP politicians have been known to keep Birsa Munda Jail authorities on their toes. But Kamlesh Singh’s recent “disappearing act” for three days gave them the jitters. One among the three tainted ministerial colleagues of former chief minister Madhu Koda, Singh had moved to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences on May 7 after being released from AIIMS in New Delhi, where he had been allowed to go for treatment. Yet, till yesterday, authorities at Birsa jail had no clue about their VIP ward, forcing superintendent D.K. Pradhan to file an affidavit in a CBI court saying they had not been kept informed about the former minister’s whereabouts. Today, it was left to RIMS, where he was being treated for bronchial asthma, to issue a formal note to the jail authorities about his presence. “I got the information this evening from the hospital,” Pradhan confirmed. As per rules, police officials escorting Singh should have informed Birsa jail about his arrival in Ranchi on May 7. According to RIMS medical superintendent S.K. Choudhary, Singh was referred to the hospital from AIIMS. “In his discharge note, AIIMS stated that he may be admitted to the hospital here,” he said. On May 8, Singh was admitted to ICU after he complained of hypertension. He was kept under observation till yesterday and sent back to cottage (number 6) at RIMS. Singh, and his three colleagues, MP Madhu Koda, Harinarayan Rai and Anosh Ekka, have been in Birsa jail for over a year and a half after being booked by the vigilance bureau for siphoning government funds and amassing assets beyond their known sources of income. The CBI is on their case now. Lodged in the upper division section in a cluster of eight cottages with a separate kitchen for jailed VIPs, Koda and Singh were the more demanding of the four, said jail authorities. And visits to hospitals seemed to be a favourite vocation of both. Rai kept himself busy with puja-paath, while Ekka insisted on VIP comforts like meals on time and clean sheets. “Every other day, they complain of some new ailment and demand hospitalisation,” a jail official said on condition of anonymity about Koda and Singh. “We don’t take chances and try to seek the court’s permission to send them to hospitals. But after a time, it gets on your nerves,” he confessed. Ever since Koda was in jail, he has been complaining of a shoulder pain. He was referred to AIMS an innumerable number of times. But, he never stopped complaining. And once, he even came back without a medical report. “Last time, he came back from AIIMS without any medical report. When asked, he claimed the doctors didn’t give him any,” the official said. “When we called the AIIMS director, he said a report was handed over to Koda and that they did not stock OPD patients’ medical reports. We went back to Koda, who then said he had misplaced it.” Koda’s wife and advocate visited him three to four times a week. Otherwise, he preferred to be alone and approached jail authorities only when he needed something. Ekka was only concerned about what he called “simple pleasures” of life like clean sheets, an extra foam mattress, 6am newspaper and 8am breakfast. His wife and relatives visited him regularly. Recently, another jail official confided, he asked for a computer in his cabin. “He wanted to learn computers like Koda,” said the official. “When we asked him why, Ekka sounded offended and shouted back, ‘if Koda can get one, why not me?’.” Officials admitted managing the four VIPs wasn’t easy. “No VIP leaves his attitude behind and wants to live life king-size even behind bars,” the official declared. Pradhan maintained the one thing they were seriously concerned of were disputes or fights involving the high-profile inmates. “As brawls are common in jails, our main concern is to provide them security as even a scar on their body will make headlines,” he said. |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Blast muffles wedding bells in village
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Chatakpur (Lohardaga), May 4: The rebel attack in Dhardharia forest that claimed 11 security personnel and left 51 injured, also had another casualty: a wedding.
Yesterday morning, Chatakpur, situated on the trough of Dhardharia valley, was all decked up. So was Sursuriya village, perched atop the other side of the hill.
Chatakpur’s Rupu Mahto, daughter of 45-year-old Ghanshyam was to tie the knot with Sursuriya-based Besu Mahto. But just as the ceremony was to begin, a large explosion was heard. Even before anyone could realise what was happening, the police came storming inside the tiny hamlet of Chatakpur. The wedding priest was beaten up, guests interrogated, abused and punched.
A deserted Chatakpur in Lohardaga on Wednesday. Picture by Prashant Mitra
A day later, the village wears a war-ravaged look. Though children are found running on fields, they stop when The Telegraph team nears, and scuttle inside homes. Women stare with suspicion. People flee inside homes and lock their doors.
Getting people to talk is a Herculean task, but slowly the floodgates open up. “It was around 11.15am. A large number of forces bombarded every home, asking about Maoists,” says Baswa Oraon (58), a neighbour of the bride whose wedding went horribly awry. These forces were part of the reinforcements dispatched by district police headquarters after the ambush.
“All villagers had gathered for the marriage ceremony. But the priest was beaten up, and then they (the police) started interrogating us. No one knew what was happening. We were scared and started running helter-skelter,” Oraon recalls.
Rupu’s family has disappeared. Locals simply said: “They have gone somewhere.”
Only a handful of people — mostly Oraons and Mahtos — live in the tribal hamlet that shot into sudden limelight after yesterday’s battle between Maoists and security personnel took place a stone’s throw away. Opposite it is Ganeshpur village, and at an elevation is Hurmur, where Maoists were reportedly camping.
Yesterday, the village spent a sleepless night. “Ab ghar se nikalna julum ho gaya. (Venturing out of home is a curse),” a middle-aged woman said.
Peace had made a comeback to this rebel-hit area. Villagers said Naxalite activities had lessened since three years. But now, the shadow of fear is back with a vengeance.
“We are caught between the two (police and rebels). Earlier, Naxalite used to forcibly enter our homes for food. Then, the police interrogated and beat us to find out rebel whereabouts,” said villager Mangru Oraon.
It is a classic Catch-22 situation. “Now, you tell us who should we support? If we back the police, rebels beat and kill us. If we don’t, the police fix us in false cases,” Oraon said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110505/jsp/jharkhand/story_13941186.jsp
Chatakpur (Lohardaga), May 4: The rebel attack in Dhardharia forest that claimed 11 security personnel and left 51 injured, also had another casualty: a wedding.
Yesterday morning, Chatakpur, situated on the trough of Dhardharia valley, was all decked up. So was Sursuriya village, perched atop the other side of the hill.
Chatakpur’s Rupu Mahto, daughter of 45-year-old Ghanshyam was to tie the knot with Sursuriya-based Besu Mahto. But just as the ceremony was to begin, a large explosion was heard. Even before anyone could realise what was happening, the police came storming inside the tiny hamlet of Chatakpur. The wedding priest was beaten up, guests interrogated, abused and punched.
A day later, the village wears a war-ravaged look. Though children are found running on fields, they stop when The Telegraph team nears, and scuttle inside homes. Women stare with suspicion. People flee inside homes and lock their doors.
Getting people to talk is a Herculean task, but slowly the floodgates open up. “It was around 11.15am. A large number of forces bombarded every home, asking about Maoists,” says Baswa Oraon (58), a neighbour of the bride whose wedding went horribly awry. These forces were part of the reinforcements dispatched by district police headquarters after the ambush.
“All villagers had gathered for the marriage ceremony. But the priest was beaten up, and then they (the police) started interrogating us. No one knew what was happening. We were scared and started running helter-skelter,” Oraon recalls.
Rupu’s family has disappeared. Locals simply said: “They have gone somewhere.”
Only a handful of people — mostly Oraons and Mahtos — live in the tribal hamlet that shot into sudden limelight after yesterday’s battle between Maoists and security personnel took place a stone’s throw away. Opposite it is Ganeshpur village, and at an elevation is Hurmur, where Maoists were reportedly camping.
Yesterday, the village spent a sleepless night. “Ab ghar se nikalna julum ho gaya. (Venturing out of home is a curse),” a middle-aged woman said.
Peace had made a comeback to this rebel-hit area. Villagers said Naxalite activities had lessened since three years. But now, the shadow of fear is back with a vengeance.
“We are caught between the two (police and rebels). Earlier, Naxalite used to forcibly enter our homes for food. Then, the police interrogated and beat us to find out rebel whereabouts,” said villager Mangru Oraon.
It is a classic Catch-22 situation. “Now, you tell us who should we support? If we back the police, rebels beat and kill us. If we don’t, the police fix us in false cases,” Oraon said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110505/jsp/jharkhand/story_13941186.jsp
Arms and the men
Injured jawans save rifle cache
A.S.R.P. Mukesh
Lohardaga, May 4: They were sitting ducks in the eye of a landmine storm, courtesy an operation grossly misjudged by seniors. And yet they showed admirable courage and resolve to save a warrior’s wealth — his weapons.
Sanjay Toppo at Senha barracks on Wednesday. Picture by Prashant Mitra
The 150-strong security squad combing the forests of Lohardaga had an enviable cache of more than 100 semi-automatic rifles. If Maoists had laid their hands on the arms, it could have increased their firepower manifold. But the intrepid jawans, despite serious injuries, managed to protect all, but two that were destroyed in a blast.
Sanjay Toppo, a constable at Senha police station, was flung 100 metres away when a landmine exploded. He was 10th in line, right behind district armed police constables Pramod Rai and Dinesh Mahto, who were killed.
“When I opened my eyes, I saw the mutilated leg of one of my colleagues. I too felt a searing pain and couldn’t move for minutes. My eyes were hazy... my mind in a daze... and then I heard my OC P.C. Deogam, also injured, shouting, ‘stand up and kill’,” Toppo said.
The gutsy 26-year-old slung six guns — two Insas rifles and four AK-47s — on his shoulders and returned fire. “Both Pramod and Dinesh were carrying Insas. I also picked up three more rifles as I advanced,” Toppo said.
He maintained that the sole reason he was still alive was that he did not allow Maoist mind games — using loudspeakers asking policemen to lay down arms — to get the better of him.
Mahadeo Barla, also a district police constable, couldn’t agree more. He and three other jawans formed a spot team to launch counter-fire. “We stood in a circle. While three of us fired, one was given the responsibility to search for weapons. We kept doing this in turns for an hour and managed to collect 14 rifles,” the jawan said. Had the rebels seized our weapons, more would have been slain, he added.
Another jawan, not willing to be named, said: “Just a week ago, my wife gave birth to a daughter. I haven’t yet seen her. So, I wanted to live and I knew the best defence was to attack till I could.”
Despite the heavy casualty they suffered, these bravehearts have reason to pat themselves. “Neither did we surrender, nor did we allow rebels to take our weapons away,” they said in unison.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110505/jsp/jharkhand/story_13941188.jsp
Friday, April 29, 2011
Regrets, a rally & curses the morning after
A.S.R.P. MUKESH & RAJ KUMAR
A distressed guard
Ranchi, April 28: Till 4.55pm yesterday, veteran guard Mahavir had never heard such an uncanny scream.
It was short and died in a gurgle. It was the last sound that 19-year-old Khusboo made, as the khukuri of “good friend” Bijendra Prasad (23) severed her head from her body just outside the examination hall (room No. 41) at St Xavier’s College. The murder took less than 10 seconds and the dark youth, clad in blue trousers and a red T-shirt, had already dropped the khukuri on the floor and started to sprint towards the playground.
Mahavir, just 100ft away, was the first to shout and run after the youth. It was his timely alert that made the hostel students on the playground catch and overpower Bijendra.
A deserted corridor
But this does not comfort the man, now in his mid-50s. “The killer was arrested on campus, but I wish I could have saved the girl’s life. This feeling will stay with me throughout my life,” he said.
Mahavir, till yesterday, loved the campus, abuzz with youthful energy and students’ conversation. “Now it is different. The incident will not fade out of my memory,” the elderly man said softly.
St Xavier’s College held classes today till 11am and the Jharkhand Academic Council’s intermediate examination was scheduled for the second half. The same exam that Khusboo would have taken, had she been alive.
Examination controller A.K. Sinha said the girl’s grandmother might have had an inkling.
“Later in the evening, we came to know the boy was scolded by the girl’s grandmother outside campus. She should have at least alerted us about the harassment. We could have restrained the girl in the exam room or informed the police,” he said.
Though principal Nicholas Tete claimed everything was “normal on premises today”, an eerie silence belied his words. “We did as much as was possible yesterday. We didn’t let the murderer go and he is behind bars now. What else can we do?” Tete asked.
An examinee who was present at ground zero
Not many students came forward to speak, the stately corridors were empty and the playground, deserted. But some did hit the streets for a peace rally to under the banner Save India Trust (floated by Xaverians) at Albert Ekka Chowk in the morning to defend their college’s reputation.
“Please don’t demean our college. No one likes such incident on campus. It’s time to stand united,” second-year BCom student Suraj Sharma said. Recalling the incident, Sharma said: “Everyone went speechless, the girls (classmates) started weeping uncontrollably. For the moment, we thought we would never return to the campus. But we realised this is not the solution. So, we are out to spread the message of peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, this morning, the police produced Bijendra before the court of chief judicial magistrate Sita Ram Prasad, who forwarded him to a 14-day judicial custody at Birsa Munda Central Jail, where he was showered with curses from those present.
“The boy should be shot dead,” thundered Archana Sabu, a woman advocate.
Pictures by Hardeep Singh
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110429/jsp/jharkhand/story_13917234.jsp
A.S.R.P. MUKESH & RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, April 28: Till 4.55pm yesterday, veteran guard Mahavir had never heard such an uncanny scream.
It was short and died in a gurgle. It was the last sound that 19-year-old Khusboo made, as the khukuri of “good friend” Bijendra Prasad (23) severed her head from her body just outside the examination hall (room No. 41) at St Xavier’s College. The murder took less than 10 seconds and the dark youth, clad in blue trousers and a red T-shirt, had already dropped the khukuri on the floor and started to sprint towards the playground.
Mahavir, just 100ft away, was the first to shout and run after the youth. It was his timely alert that made the hostel students on the playground catch and overpower Bijendra.
But this does not comfort the man, now in his mid-50s. “The killer was arrested on campus, but I wish I could have saved the girl’s life. This feeling will stay with me throughout my life,” he said.
Mahavir, till yesterday, loved the campus, abuzz with youthful energy and students’ conversation. “Now it is different. The incident will not fade out of my memory,” the elderly man said softly.
St Xavier’s College held classes today till 11am and the Jharkhand Academic Council’s intermediate examination was scheduled for the second half. The same exam that Khusboo would have taken, had she been alive.
Examination controller A.K. Sinha said the girl’s grandmother might have had an inkling.
“Later in the evening, we came to know the boy was scolded by the girl’s grandmother outside campus. She should have at least alerted us about the harassment. We could have restrained the girl in the exam room or informed the police,” he said.
Though principal Nicholas Tete claimed everything was “normal on premises today”, an eerie silence belied his words. “We did as much as was possible yesterday. We didn’t let the murderer go and he is behind bars now. What else can we do?” Tete asked.
Not many students came forward to speak, the stately corridors were empty and the playground, deserted. But some did hit the streets for a peace rally to under the banner Save India Trust (floated by Xaverians) at Albert Ekka Chowk in the morning to defend their college’s reputation.
“Please don’t demean our college. No one likes such incident on campus. It’s time to stand united,” second-year BCom student Suraj Sharma said. Recalling the incident, Sharma said: “Everyone went speechless, the girls (classmates) started weeping uncontrollably. For the moment, we thought we would never return to the campus. But we realised this is not the solution. So, we are out to spread the message of peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, this morning, the police produced Bijendra before the court of chief judicial magistrate Sita Ram Prasad, who forwarded him to a 14-day judicial custody at Birsa Munda Central Jail, where he was showered with curses from those present.
“The boy should be shot dead,” thundered Archana Sabu, a woman advocate.
Pictures by Hardeep Singh
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110429/jsp/jharkhand/story_13917234.jsp
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tring...tring! Emergency, got pizza?
Ranchi, April 22: Every time the phone inside the emergency ambulance control room at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) rings, attendants either nonchalantly pick up the receiver or struggle with the idea of ignoring the call.
It is not exactly dereliction of duty. They sure do empathise with people in need of urgent medical attention, but are tired of pranks.
“Ever since the emergency numbers (102, 2541228) were floated three years ago, we have been swamped with such calls. We are often unable to decide which call is genuine and which is not,” said Vinod Kumar, a RIMS telephone operator in the afternoon shift.
“On an average, I receive a minimum of 50-60 calls a day and 99 per cent of them come from pranksters. Some are smut calls too. These days, I hang up as soon as I hear a female voice at the other end,” he added.
The intensity of calls increases during the night.
“You can’t ignore a call being on hospital duty. There may be an emergency and your negligence may cost a life. But most of the time the caller abuses us; sometimes, they demand pizza or coffee and sometimes, they wish to get more intimate,” Umesh, a night telephone operator said.
Operator Kumar, who is working at the hospital for three years now, said he had never received a serious call for ambulance.
RIMS director Tulsi Mahto agreed. He claimed the hospital management was helpless since even police complaints had failed to check the nuisance. “I gave a written complaint to the SSP, but nothing came out of it,” he said, pointing out that the men in uniform too were grappling with crank calls. “The SSP said they faced similar problems at Dial 100, the fire and police helpline.”
To curb the menace, the hospital had connected a parallel line to the offices of assistant casualty officer, chief medical officer and PRO on the premises. “But they refused to monitor calls after a day. The calls are often so abusive that no one wants to receive them,” Mahto said.
“I have asked the operators to keep saying, ‘welcome to RIMS’, whenever they face pranksters or smut calls. No one can be forced to tolerate such a situation,” he added.
The RIMS management has recently also installed a caller ID. “But it is very difficult to keep tab always. The hospital witnesses heavy rush all day long. No one has time,” the director said.
When contacted, Ranchi SSP Praveen Kumar said the number of crank calls on Dial 100 had decreased after they rounded up some culprits in the past. “It is a time-taking, but we trapped 10-15 callers, mostly young people, who were creating such nuisance. They were released with a warning,” he said.
“We have asked the RIMS authorities to tap numbers and forward them to us for action,” he added.
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, April 22: Every time the phone inside the emergency ambulance control room at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) rings, attendants either nonchalantly pick up the receiver or struggle with the idea of ignoring the call.
It is not exactly dereliction of duty. They sure do empathise with people in need of urgent medical attention, but are tired of pranks.
“Ever since the emergency numbers (102, 2541228) were floated three years ago, we have been swamped with such calls. We are often unable to decide which call is genuine and which is not,” said Vinod Kumar, a RIMS telephone operator in the afternoon shift.
“On an average, I receive a minimum of 50-60 calls a day and 99 per cent of them come from pranksters. Some are smut calls too. These days, I hang up as soon as I hear a female voice at the other end,” he added.
The intensity of calls increases during the night.
“You can’t ignore a call being on hospital duty. There may be an emergency and your negligence may cost a life. But most of the time the caller abuses us; sometimes, they demand pizza or coffee and sometimes, they wish to get more intimate,” Umesh, a night telephone operator said.
Operator Kumar, who is working at the hospital for three years now, said he had never received a serious call for ambulance.
RIMS director Tulsi Mahto agreed. He claimed the hospital management was helpless since even police complaints had failed to check the nuisance. “I gave a written complaint to the SSP, but nothing came out of it,” he said, pointing out that the men in uniform too were grappling with crank calls. “The SSP said they faced similar problems at Dial 100, the fire and police helpline.”
To curb the menace, the hospital had connected a parallel line to the offices of assistant casualty officer, chief medical officer and PRO on the premises. “But they refused to monitor calls after a day. The calls are often so abusive that no one wants to receive them,” Mahto said.
“I have asked the operators to keep saying, ‘welcome to RIMS’, whenever they face pranksters or smut calls. No one can be forced to tolerate such a situation,” he added.
The RIMS management has recently also installed a caller ID. “But it is very difficult to keep tab always. The hospital witnesses heavy rush all day long. No one has time,” the director said.
When contacted, Ranchi SSP Praveen Kumar said the number of crank calls on Dial 100 had decreased after they rounded up some culprits in the past. “It is a time-taking, but we trapped 10-15 callers, mostly young people, who were creating such nuisance. They were released with a warning,” he said.
“We have asked the RIMS authorities to tap numbers and forward them to us for action,” he added.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
State foresters go the dodo way
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, April 8: They may be at the heart of wildlife conservation, but are a vanishing breed themselves.
A top-heavy forest department brimming with IFS officers has left Jharkhand with a handful of forest guards and range officers — the real custodians of the green corridors.
According to records, 2,072 out of 3,398 posts of forest guards are lying vacant for the last 20 years. The number of vacancies for posts of range officers, foresters and assistant conservators are only marginally better. (see box).
Since its formation in 2000, the thrust in Jharkhand has been on creation of multiple posts in the upper tiers of the department, resulting in a low number of field staff.
Contrary to other states, Jharkhand has created three posts of principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF), five additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF), over two dozen chief conservators and several conservators, regional chief conservators and divisional forest officers (DFO).
The departments in other states generally comprise one PCCF, a couple of APCCF and few chief conservators.
On the flip side, Jharkhand boasts of a limited number of forest guards, rangers and foresters, who work under extreme conditions with inadequate infrastructure.
Sources in the forest department’s HRD and personnel wing revealed that a majority of personnel in the lower tiers were set to retire in a year.
“Sadly, a majority of the workforce are now retiring without getting any promotion, in contrast to senior officers,” said a conservator.
In such a scenario, there is little left to wonder at, considering the sorry status of wildlife conservation, maintenance of sanctuaries and monitoring of green corridors in the last two decades.
Be it the crocodile breeding centre at Muta, the overpopulated deer park at Kalamati, a ill maintained Palamau Tiger Reserve or inability to check elephant displacement in Dalma, the manpower crunch at the ground level has had a debilitating effect.
Forest officials pointed out that inclusion of the forest division for implementation of MGNREGS projects was also taking a toll.
“Earlier, social schemes were run and implemented with the help of block development officers, but now are proving to be an extra burden on the foresters,” said a DFO.
“Foresters and range officers are the actual strength of the department. Forget about recruiting, they are not even paid properly,” state wildlife advisory board member D.S. Srivastava said.
Besides wildlife conservation, guards and foresters are also capable of playing a vital role in checking the Naxalite menace in the state.
“Since foresters are familiar with jungles, locals are likely to bond with them more easily than security forces. Filling up of the vacant posts will strengthen the joint forest management task forces,” said a range officer, Ranchi division.
Additional chief secretary A.K. Sarkar, who holds charge of the forest department, said a proposal for reviewing state forest cadre was pending with the Centre.
Anna crusade leaves capital cold
- Youngsters don’t know or don’t care about Gandhian’s anti-graft fast
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
A first year college girl of one of the top colleges of Ranchi, St Xavier's asks who is Anna Hazare? Picture by Hardeep Singh
Ranchi, April 8: It seems the capital is almost happy asking “Anna, who?”
Barring a few crusaders such as city doctor R.K. Jaiswal who began his “indefinite fast” at Albert Ekka Chowk today, Ranchi is largely blase even as Gandhian Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death protest against all-pervasive corruption reaches its fourth day today at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Ironically, numerous scams have crawled out of the capital’s woodwork in 10 years of Jharkhand’s existence.
Even youths are mum when it’s time to stand up and be counted. Just a week ago, the city had gone berserk, shouting its lungs out for local hero M.S. Dhoni. Youngsters had zipped on bikes flaunting Tricolours, painting their faces.
Now, the biggest difference is their indifference.
“I have my exams next month,” Sudhir Kumar, a BCom student of Marwari College, excused himself.
Some simply don’t know or care.
A group of giggling girls from St Xavier’s went mum, while some shopped for cosmetics. “Yes, we’ve heard the name but don’t know what he is fighting for,” said Mahek Kumari, a first-year student.
Over a dozen students’ unions in the city which often gherao colleges and universities on corruption-based issues were oblivious to events at Jantar Mantar. “Tomorrow is our foundation day, so we are busy,” said Kumar Raja, state president of National Students’ Union of India.
Few scattered groups, mostly of senior citizens, took out rallies. ABVP members held a placard march.
“If you wait for others to join you, you can’t start anything,” Jaiswal said.
“Many youths don’t know how to begin,” said Father J.P. Pinto, principal of St Albert College at Karbala road. Pinto approached cradles such as St Xavier’s and St John’s for today’s march but they didn’t take much interest.
Professor P.C. Choudhary, head of sociology department of Ranchi University, said youths had different priorities. “Youths in Ranchi are aspirational. Dhoni’s success, movies, film stars and such things are their dreams, not social activism,” he said.
Some social workers whom The Telegraph tried contacting, were either travelling or busy with other assignments. “I’ll wait today. If nothing positive comes out of Annaji’s ongoing protest, we will also plan a movement in front of Raj Bhavan,” social activist Balram, adding “I’m also observing a fast.”
Dayamani Barla of Adivasi Moolwasi Astitva Raksha Manch said: “We have other priorities as Ranchi is reeling under encroachment-related tension, rehab issues, et al. But, our support is with Anna.” Indeed.
go to this link for newspaper version: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110409/jsp/jharkhand/story_13831108.jsp
- Youngsters don’t know or don’t care about Gandhian’s anti-graft fast
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, April 8: It seems the capital is almost happy asking “Anna, who?”
Barring a few crusaders such as city doctor R.K. Jaiswal who began his “indefinite fast” at Albert Ekka Chowk today, Ranchi is largely blase even as Gandhian Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death protest against all-pervasive corruption reaches its fourth day today at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Ironically, numerous scams have crawled out of the capital’s woodwork in 10 years of Jharkhand’s existence.
Even youths are mum when it’s time to stand up and be counted. Just a week ago, the city had gone berserk, shouting its lungs out for local hero M.S. Dhoni. Youngsters had zipped on bikes flaunting Tricolours, painting their faces.
Now, the biggest difference is their indifference.
“I have my exams next month,” Sudhir Kumar, a BCom student of Marwari College, excused himself.
Some simply don’t know or care.
A group of giggling girls from St Xavier’s went mum, while some shopped for cosmetics. “Yes, we’ve heard the name but don’t know what he is fighting for,” said Mahek Kumari, a first-year student.
Over a dozen students’ unions in the city which often gherao colleges and universities on corruption-based issues were oblivious to events at Jantar Mantar. “Tomorrow is our foundation day, so we are busy,” said Kumar Raja, state president of National Students’ Union of India.
Few scattered groups, mostly of senior citizens, took out rallies. ABVP members held a placard march.
“If you wait for others to join you, you can’t start anything,” Jaiswal said.
“Many youths don’t know how to begin,” said Father J.P. Pinto, principal of St Albert College at Karbala road. Pinto approached cradles such as St Xavier’s and St John’s for today’s march but they didn’t take much interest.
Professor P.C. Choudhary, head of sociology department of Ranchi University, said youths had different priorities. “Youths in Ranchi are aspirational. Dhoni’s success, movies, film stars and such things are their dreams, not social activism,” he said.
Some social workers whom The Telegraph tried contacting, were either travelling or busy with other assignments. “I’ll wait today. If nothing positive comes out of Annaji’s ongoing protest, we will also plan a movement in front of Raj Bhavan,” social activist Balram, adding “I’m also observing a fast.”
Dayamani Barla of Adivasi Moolwasi Astitva Raksha Manch said: “We have other priorities as Ranchi is reeling under encroachment-related tension, rehab issues, et al. But, our support is with Anna.” Indeed.
go to this link for newspaper version: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110409/jsp/jharkhand/story_13831108.jsp
Thursday, January 13, 2011
| Bamboo buffer for state’s greenery - High expenses prompt forest department to do away with iron fences | ||
| A.S.R.P. MUKESH | ||
Ranchi, Jan. 12: Iron fences protecting roadside trees will soon be replaced with cost-effective and environment-friendly bamboo gabions across the state. For the past year and a half, the forest department has been putting up these gabions in areas like Dipatoli cantonment, Kanke and Morabadi on a trial basis to check the concept’s feasibility. Ranchi divisional forest officer (DFO) Y.K. Das said last year, they had put up 3,000 bamboo gabions as part of the pilot project. “The success rate is over 80 per cent,” he added. “We were sceptical if these gabions would be able to bear the onslaught of rains. But no such problems came to the fore. Most importantly, there was the risk of the gabions being picked up by local residents and used as firewood in winter. But such incidents could be averted, as we had formed local-level vigilance teams to keep an eye on the gabions,” said Das. Now that the pilot project has been successful, the department is planning to do away with the iron fences. Besides the afforestation wing of the forest department, the territorial and social forestry departments have also been assigned the job to put up the gabions. This year, the social forestry department has a target of installing over 4,000 bamboo gabions in Ranchi alone. “Separate schemes are also being formulated for Khunti and Lohardaga that come under our jurisdiction,” said social forestry DFO Kali Kinker. The installation process is also expected to create job opportunities in rural areas, as the forest department will require labourers to construct the bamboo structures. It will also promote bamboo cultivation. According to officials, protecting the plants cost more than procuring saplings. “Each iron fence costs us anything between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000. They are frequently stolen because of their good resale value. Keeping a vigil round the year was an uphill task. In comparison, prices of bamboo gabions vary between Rs 500 and Rs 700 and we only need to maintain them during winter,” Kinker said. He added that the idea of introducing bamboo gabions was first mooted by chief secretary A.K. Singh two years ago, who was the forest secretary then. The Ranchi DFO said another reason behind opting for bamboo gabions was the problem of disposing of iron grills. “Once the tree grows, a separate scheme has to be approved for the tedious task of removing the iron fences from the sites. But in case of bamboo gabions, even if you don’t remove them, they automatically get disposed of in the soil,” he said. Check this link to view: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110113/jsp/jharkhand/story_13431856.jsp |
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Not tigers, but claims roar here
| Big snub to big cat hub - Conservation benefits elude Palamau Tiger Reserve | ||
| A.S.R.P. MUKESH | ||
Ranchi, Dec. 17: Numerous roars, but not even a whimper of action. Jharkhand is a classic example of how government apathy and bureaucratic neglect are ruining Palamau Tiger Reserve. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, it is mandatory for all states with reserves to have a tiger conservation foundation, a conservation plan, a steering committee headed by the chief minister and buffer zones around each reserve to save tigers who stray out of forest. Jharkhand doesn’t have any of the above. Moreover, The Telegraph has learnt that despite several reminders from the Union ministry of forest and environment, the state government has, for two years, been simply sitting on directives from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to set up a tiger conservation foundation. A state foundation, according to project tiger/project elephant steering committee member D.S. Srivastava, facilitates management of reserves for tigers, conserves biodiversity and initiates ecological uplift by involving people. But most importantly, it removes bottlenecks in transfer of central funds to respective state reserves. “Such a state foundation is empowered to act as an autonomous body and minimise channels of funds flow so that the money meant for tigers can directly reach them. Ironically, no one is concerned about Palamau reserve, one of the oldest in the country,” rued Srivastava. According to NTCA deputy inspector-general of forests S.P. Yadav, under section 38X of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 2006, all state governments are required to establish reserve specific tiger conservation foundations. Following the central ministry mandate, almost every state has its conservation foundation, except Jharkhand. The lack of a foundation has cost the reserve dear in terms of funds. This year, the reserve is likely to lose a large share of funds out of the Rs 242.31 lakh sanction for 2010-11 from NTCA. According to the letter available with The Telegraph, this August, NTCA released its first installment of Rs 130.616 lakh to Jharkhand. But reserve officials said they did not get a single penny. “Not one, but several directives have been issued to Jharkhand in this regard. Since 2008, we have been writing to Jharkhand every six months but they have a single readymade answer — ‘it’s under process’,” Yadav told The Telegraph over phone from New Delhi. Palamau Tiger Reserve director Paritosh Upadhyay said the department had submitted the proposal for the foundation to the government last year and they too were waiting for its clearance. |
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Chakla doesnt sleep at 6 anymore
Bharat’s shining in Chakla
  TURNAROUND TIME: Once terrorised by Maoists, Chakla is now abuzz at night, a saloon and a grocery shop (right) doing business at night is testimony to that. Telegraph picture by ASRP Mukesh | |
A.S.R.P. MUKESH Chakla (Latehar), Dec. 11: Nanu Yadav, playing cards with cronies under a banyan tree, is photo-op straight out of a hamlet in Bharat. Only this Chandwa block hamlet, Chakla, 30km from Laterhar’s district headquarters, has already stepped in to the Great Indian Dream, thanks to a big ticket investment. “Chakla gaon chamak gaya (Chakla village is shining),” says the 65-year-old about the quantum effects of Abhijeet Group’s greenfield 1,740MW power plant — the state’s biggest yet — with a quantum of investment pegged at Rs 10,050 crore. “We have already pumped in Rs 1,400 crore,” said manager (communications) A.K. Sinha. Whether it is direct investment, cash inflow from fat cat land deals, direct or indirect employment or just corporate exposure, the signs of change are writ large on Chakla’s rugged surface. Mushrooming fast food joints, pucca houses, hair-cutting saloons, and most importantly, villagers roaming confidently late in the evening in what was once a rebel-hit zone are some of the most obvious ones. “No one dared to venture out after dusk. Today, people are out till 10pm. There’s electricity and roads, signboards. Chakla is linked to the world,” said villager Ranjit Kumar. The change — from thatched huts to double-storeyed houses with television and DTH connections — occurred in a mere 18 months. “Kuch din baad toh ye Ranchi jaisa dikhne lagega. (It will soon look like Ranchi),” laughed villager Ranjit Singh. From landscape to mindscape, change is all around. Elders like Yadav say youths involved in rebel activities have dropped guns to work in construction sites. “If you don’t get food, you pick up guns. That’s slowly changing now. No one likes bloodshed,” said Yadav. The Abhijeet group currently employs over 4,000 people, majority of whom are Chakla or Chandwa residents. “From construction labourers, watchmen, cooks to even contractors, people are recruited from the block,” said plant chief construction manager Rajiv Goyal. Labourers who earned Rs 20 now pocket Rs 220 a day, he added. “If earnings multiply 11 times, there’s a sea change. When I first came here in 2006 for site inspection, I was scared. Crime and violence were rife,” he added. The company has had its brush with rebel violence — Naxalites killed four guards last year — but the plant carried on with its work. “Our biggest strength have been residents, because we invested in their infrastructure. Apart from the rebel issue, the main problem was that of power and road connectivity. We solved them to a large extent,” Goyal said. Villagers are also becoming receptive to education and health schemes, which the government is undertaking with private partnerships. Latehar deputy commissioner Rahul Kumar Purohar agreed that more kids went to school now, as the district recently got a private school with the company’s help. Civil surgeon E. Tigga said health camps were a bigger draw now. “Private-public partnerships have caught on,” he said. For instance, at a recent family planning camp organised by the company, villagers got shawls and saris. “Incentives wooed people to come. They left after learning something worthwhile,” he added. But development comes at a price. Water crisis seems to be one, with bore wells running dry. But there’s no dearth of liquid of another kind, as cash-rich villagers have disposable incomes to buy liquor. Abhijeet Group communications manager A.K. Sinha said they were aware that Chakla’s changing face demanded greater community investments. “Under our corporate social responsibility model, we have separate programmes for women’s self-reliance, anti-liquor drives, empowerment against sexual harassment, etc. Our family planning camps have been remarkably successful with the minority community — a significant 45 per cent demographic — in partnership with the district administration,” he said. But village grocer Manjha Hansda sums it up best. “From one rice meal a day to muri aloo to chowmein now, Chakla is a fairytale.” http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101212/jsp/frontpage/story_13289666.jsp |
Monday, November 22, 2010
New artificial method to expand sal cover in state
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Nov. 21: The state forest department claims to have, finally, cracked the code for artificial regeneration of sal (Shorea robusta), an indigenous plant species known to compliment biodiversity of a region.
According to researchers, a special branch-cutting method can be used to regrow and replant sal anywhere. “Growing sal through the branch-cutting method was never heard before. Our latest discovery is above all textbooks,” said A.K. Mishra, additional principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF), research and working plan.
It took three years to find the new method, but the technique adopted was simple.
“Seeds were subjected to special sowing conditions containing one part cow dung, one part sand and three parts of soil. Saplings came after three years. Then, we made several cuttings of various sizes. These were placed in polypots having same soil combination and then kept in mist chamber (controlled temperature) for 45 days for rootings. The success rate was over 70 per cent,” range officer Ajay Kumar said, adding that the experiment undertaken at the nursery at Gamharia now boasts six-feet sal ready for replantation.
Sal has had slow growth in the state and its success rate too has been retarded compared to other species such as sesame and sagwan. Reason: plantation was never taken up by the forest department since its inception even in undivided Bihar. “Sal seeds live for only two hours, which means if they are not sown in the soil within this time they die. The department never undertook sal plantation, as it was a risky proposition,” reasoned Premanad, the graft technician at the nursery.
Known for its medicinal value and cultural importance, Shorea robusta assumes immense importance in this tribal heartland. It primarily grows in Saranda, arguably Asia’s largest sal forest. But rampant illegal mining and industrialisation have taken a heavy toll in the last few years.
While the forest department doesn’t have the means to assess the loss in exact figures, officials admit depletion of sal cover. “The 1,100km Saranda forest is still a vast reserve of sal, but in areas like Latehar, Gumla and Dumka, the number of trees has decreased due to various reasons,” said Mishra.
What makes sal the most priced species is its capability to restore the natural biodiversity of a place. This means, unlike teak, sal doesn’t deter the growth of other species, but compliments their development. “Replanting sal will enhance the biodiversity of Jharkhand,” Mishra pointed out.
It has medicinal use too. “The resin is used in the indigenous genre of medicine as an astringent and detergent, and administered in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. Sal fruits are used to treat excessive salivation, epilepsy and chlorosis. The seeds can even reduced dental problems,” he added.
Shorea robusta can also be an income booster for indigenous tribes here. Its leaves are generally in demand for making platters, bowls and small baskets. Most importantly, it is a great source of fertiliser and the wood makes for good furniture. Besides, the tree has special significance in festivals, especially Adivasi weddings, where it is mandatory for the groom to sit at an altar made of the tree.
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Nov. 21: The state forest department claims to have, finally, cracked the code for artificial regeneration of sal (Shorea robusta), an indigenous plant species known to compliment biodiversity of a region.
According to researchers, a special branch-cutting method can be used to regrow and replant sal anywhere. “Growing sal through the branch-cutting method was never heard before. Our latest discovery is above all textbooks,” said A.K. Mishra, additional principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF), research and working plan.
It took three years to find the new method, but the technique adopted was simple.
“Seeds were subjected to special sowing conditions containing one part cow dung, one part sand and three parts of soil. Saplings came after three years. Then, we made several cuttings of various sizes. These were placed in polypots having same soil combination and then kept in mist chamber (controlled temperature) for 45 days for rootings. The success rate was over 70 per cent,” range officer Ajay Kumar said, adding that the experiment undertaken at the nursery at Gamharia now boasts six-feet sal ready for replantation.
Sal has had slow growth in the state and its success rate too has been retarded compared to other species such as sesame and sagwan. Reason: plantation was never taken up by the forest department since its inception even in undivided Bihar. “Sal seeds live for only two hours, which means if they are not sown in the soil within this time they die. The department never undertook sal plantation, as it was a risky proposition,” reasoned Premanad, the graft technician at the nursery.
Known for its medicinal value and cultural importance, Shorea robusta assumes immense importance in this tribal heartland. It primarily grows in Saranda, arguably Asia’s largest sal forest. But rampant illegal mining and industrialisation have taken a heavy toll in the last few years.
While the forest department doesn’t have the means to assess the loss in exact figures, officials admit depletion of sal cover. “The 1,100km Saranda forest is still a vast reserve of sal, but in areas like Latehar, Gumla and Dumka, the number of trees has decreased due to various reasons,” said Mishra.
What makes sal the most priced species is its capability to restore the natural biodiversity of a place. This means, unlike teak, sal doesn’t deter the growth of other species, but compliments their development. “Replanting sal will enhance the biodiversity of Jharkhand,” Mishra pointed out.
It has medicinal use too. “The resin is used in the indigenous genre of medicine as an astringent and detergent, and administered in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. Sal fruits are used to treat excessive salivation, epilepsy and chlorosis. The seeds can even reduced dental problems,” he added.
Shorea robusta can also be an income booster for indigenous tribes here. Its leaves are generally in demand for making platters, bowls and small baskets. Most importantly, it is a great source of fertiliser and the wood makes for good furniture. Besides, the tree has special significance in festivals, especially Adivasi weddings, where it is mandatory for the groom to sit at an altar made of the tree.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Shooting camp exposes chinks in cops’ armour
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Policemen at the target assessment camp, which ended on Monday. File picture
Ranchi, Nov. 3: The bad news has just got worse. Not only are the majority of Ranchi police officers poor marksmen, their physical fitness is also questionable.
However, a target assessment camp that concluded on Monday did provide a silver lining: among 2,500 havildars and constables, 70 per cent were found to be above average when it came to handling weapons and agility.
What started out as an exercise to measure the marksmanship of its men has turned out to be a major embarrassment for the Ranchi police force, leaving the top brass concerned about its personnel’s preparedness to tackle emergency situations.
The 11-day camp revealed that not only were the majority of senior officers not capable of using sophisticated arms, they were also far from prompt, the latter a direct fallout of poor fitness.
So worried is the top brass now that it has decided to crack the whip on bulging bellies. “Poor physical fitness is the root of all problems and has emerged as a huge concern for the department,” said Sergeant Major Ravinder Kumar Prasad, who managed the camp.
Considering the law and order challenges facing Jharkhand, it is imperative for not only the front line forces but also the top officers to be in sound physical form.
According to Prasad, out of 300 officers of ASI and SI ranks who were assessed, there were hardly any encouraging results.
“Around 30 per cent of the officers were average in target hitting, while the rest were below the mark. Their fitness levels were worse,” Prasad said, adding some of the obviously overweight officers blamed lack of time and work pressure for their low fitness levels.
“Marksmanship can be improved with practice, but fitness is a matter of attitude and self discipline,” he said.
However, not all was bleak. “Out of 2,500 lower rank personnel like havildars and constables, over 70 per cent were above average, a good sign. During any major assault, they are the frontline fighters,” said Prasad, adding that a training module and refresher course will soon be put in place.
Ranchi SSP Praveen Kumar said potbellied officers was a matter of serious concern.
“This is a problem which can be tackled immediately. We will soon chalk out programmes for such officers,” he said, adding that if required the concerned officers would be kept away from work to enable them to concentrate on their physical training.
“Work and physical fitness courses are difficult together. So we will work out some provision wherein officers can be put off duty for a month or two so that they can get back in shape,” he said.
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Policemen at the target assessment camp, which ended on Monday. File picture
Ranchi, Nov. 3: The bad news has just got worse. Not only are the majority of Ranchi police officers poor marksmen, their physical fitness is also questionable.
However, a target assessment camp that concluded on Monday did provide a silver lining: among 2,500 havildars and constables, 70 per cent were found to be above average when it came to handling weapons and agility.
What started out as an exercise to measure the marksmanship of its men has turned out to be a major embarrassment for the Ranchi police force, leaving the top brass concerned about its personnel’s preparedness to tackle emergency situations.
The 11-day camp revealed that not only were the majority of senior officers not capable of using sophisticated arms, they were also far from prompt, the latter a direct fallout of poor fitness.
So worried is the top brass now that it has decided to crack the whip on bulging bellies. “Poor physical fitness is the root of all problems and has emerged as a huge concern for the department,” said Sergeant Major Ravinder Kumar Prasad, who managed the camp.
Considering the law and order challenges facing Jharkhand, it is imperative for not only the front line forces but also the top officers to be in sound physical form.
According to Prasad, out of 300 officers of ASI and SI ranks who were assessed, there were hardly any encouraging results.
“Around 30 per cent of the officers were average in target hitting, while the rest were below the mark. Their fitness levels were worse,” Prasad said, adding some of the obviously overweight officers blamed lack of time and work pressure for their low fitness levels.
“Marksmanship can be improved with practice, but fitness is a matter of attitude and self discipline,” he said.
However, not all was bleak. “Out of 2,500 lower rank personnel like havildars and constables, over 70 per cent were above average, a good sign. During any major assault, they are the frontline fighters,” said Prasad, adding that a training module and refresher course will soon be put in place.
Ranchi SSP Praveen Kumar said potbellied officers was a matter of serious concern.
“This is a problem which can be tackled immediately. We will soon chalk out programmes for such officers,” he said, adding that if required the concerned officers would be kept away from work to enable them to concentrate on their physical training.
“Work and physical fitness courses are difficult together. So we will work out some provision wherein officers can be put off duty for a month or two so that they can get back in shape,” he said.
Monday, October 25, 2010
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101024/jsp/frontpage/story_13093525.jsp
Wet spell may undo damage
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 23: On its way out, the monsoon is trying to make up for its poor show with late bursts of showers that are proving to be beneficial for rabi and vegetable production in drought-hit Jharkhand.
So, if the rain deficit doomed kharif cultivation this year, agricultural experts believe the present showers in Ranchi and adjacent areas, coupled with the late rains of September, has led to ideal conditions for rabi and vegetable cultivation much before its usual schedule.
“There is moisture in soil due to late rains. Also, the temperature has dipped by a few centigrades as a result of which conditions have become ideal for wheat and vegetable cultivation,” said Sunil Kumar, director, agriculture.
Compared to last year, the agriculture department expects rabi cultivation to be spread over 5,10,000 hectare this year.
“Last year, it was 4.7 lakh hectare but this year we will cross the 5 lakh mark,” said Kumar, adding that his department had distributed rabi crop seeds to farmers across districts a month ago.
So far, Jharkhand has received 645mm rainfall against an average of 1,300 mm — a 43 per cent dip in rainfall this year during peak season.
But, now farmers can make up part of their losses by cultivating vegetables and rabi crops.
R.P. Singh, director, soil conservation agrees, saying that even if Jharkhand was experiencing drought, the state had some advantages compared to neighbouring Orissa and Bihar.
“The state supports vegetable cultivation throughout the year. Tomato, cauliflower, cabbage or potato are best suited for upland areas. Sarson (mustard), tomato, chana, matar if sown now, can help farmers battling drought,” said Singh.
Also, as opposed to paddy, rabi or vegetables required minimum investment.
According to a Birsa Agriculture University estimation, based on scientists’ field visits, this year, around 9 lakh hectare remained vacant out of 16.7 lakh hectare, against last year’s 7 lakh hectare.
“These are mostly farmers who banked on rice and other paddy crops and are now suffering due to scanty rainfall,” said B.N. Singh, director, research, BAU.
For rabi, especially wheat, sowing starts mid-October. And as rabi and vegetables need less water, experts expect a bumper harvest in the next two months.
Wet spell may undo damage
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 23: On its way out, the monsoon is trying to make up for its poor show with late bursts of showers that are proving to be beneficial for rabi and vegetable production in drought-hit Jharkhand.
So, if the rain deficit doomed kharif cultivation this year, agricultural experts believe the present showers in Ranchi and adjacent areas, coupled with the late rains of September, has led to ideal conditions for rabi and vegetable cultivation much before its usual schedule.
“There is moisture in soil due to late rains. Also, the temperature has dipped by a few centigrades as a result of which conditions have become ideal for wheat and vegetable cultivation,” said Sunil Kumar, director, agriculture.
Compared to last year, the agriculture department expects rabi cultivation to be spread over 5,10,000 hectare this year.
“Last year, it was 4.7 lakh hectare but this year we will cross the 5 lakh mark,” said Kumar, adding that his department had distributed rabi crop seeds to farmers across districts a month ago.
So far, Jharkhand has received 645mm rainfall against an average of 1,300 mm — a 43 per cent dip in rainfall this year during peak season.
But, now farmers can make up part of their losses by cultivating vegetables and rabi crops.
R.P. Singh, director, soil conservation agrees, saying that even if Jharkhand was experiencing drought, the state had some advantages compared to neighbouring Orissa and Bihar.
“The state supports vegetable cultivation throughout the year. Tomato, cauliflower, cabbage or potato are best suited for upland areas. Sarson (mustard), tomato, chana, matar if sown now, can help farmers battling drought,” said Singh.
Also, as opposed to paddy, rabi or vegetables required minimum investment.
According to a Birsa Agriculture University estimation, based on scientists’ field visits, this year, around 9 lakh hectare remained vacant out of 16.7 lakh hectare, against last year’s 7 lakh hectare.
“These are mostly farmers who banked on rice and other paddy crops and are now suffering due to scanty rainfall,” said B.N. Singh, director, research, BAU.
For rabi, especially wheat, sowing starts mid-October. And as rabi and vegetables need less water, experts expect a bumper harvest in the next two months.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101023/jsp/frontpage/story_13090473.jsp
Centre team aghast at Palamau neglect
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 22: A national team visiting the Palamau Tiger Reserve has castigated Jharkhand for not being serious about its upkeep, citing stark mismanagement and a severe staff crunch as among the many testimonials to the indifference of successive state governments.
While senior officials of the reserve, including director Paritosh Upadhyay, cited delays in sanctioning funds as the primary reason for all problems, the team, constituted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India (NTCA), wasn’t impressed.
“Despite the problems and the hue and cry over financial delays, the lack of sincere attempts to conserve tigers in this region were highly evident,” opined R.L. Singh, the chief wildlife warden of Uttar Pradesh and chairman of the committee that is expected to be in the state till Sunday.
He said the core area of the Palamau reserve had substantial human habitation which was against the law. And although there were relocation plans, Singh maintained, the team found villagers to be unaware of the provisions that were supposed to be explained by the state government.
“We tried to ascertain if the villagers inside the reserve had been told about relocation and their packages. We found hardly anyone is aware about it. Also, we are planning to revise the present package of Rs 10 lakh per family to Rs 10 lakh per adult in the family,” Singh, a former PCCF, said.
The committee chairman pointed out that of 3,200 tigers in the world, India alone had around 1,500 big cats.
“So preserving them is our responsibility. However, there are serious apprehensions and questions about the management of the reserve (Palamau). That is the reason this independent committee has been set up,” he added.
Apart from Singh, the team comprises Prerna Singh Bindra, member national wildlife advisory board; R. Dogra of ICFRI, Dehradun; and K. Malkani of Wildlife Institute of India.
The team is expected to visit Chhattisgarh and Bihar after Jharkhand. It will prepare a comprehensive report by the end of the month and submit it to the ministry.
“The team inspected various planning processes undertaken at the reserve so far to evaluate its implementation and progress,” said Upadhyay, who accompanied the visitors along with S.K. Sharma, the chief conservator of forest, wildlife.
“Some issues like infrastructure and corridor linkages in adjoining forested areas will be the main focus of the visit,” he said, adding that the primary challenges facing the Palamau reserve were funds delays and acute shortage of manpower for maintenance.
“Due to late release of funds, activities like habitat improvement, fire protection, road repair and maintenance and improvement of waterholes, which are crucial for wildlife mpanagement, are not carried out properly,” explained Upadhyay.
A committee member was appalled at the level of state indifference. “Out of 95 vacancies there are only 19 people employed in the reserve. How can one expect to save tigers?” he asked.
Centre team aghast at Palamau neglect
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 22: A national team visiting the Palamau Tiger Reserve has castigated Jharkhand for not being serious about its upkeep, citing stark mismanagement and a severe staff crunch as among the many testimonials to the indifference of successive state governments.
While senior officials of the reserve, including director Paritosh Upadhyay, cited delays in sanctioning funds as the primary reason for all problems, the team, constituted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India (NTCA), wasn’t impressed.
“Despite the problems and the hue and cry over financial delays, the lack of sincere attempts to conserve tigers in this region were highly evident,” opined R.L. Singh, the chief wildlife warden of Uttar Pradesh and chairman of the committee that is expected to be in the state till Sunday.
He said the core area of the Palamau reserve had substantial human habitation which was against the law. And although there were relocation plans, Singh maintained, the team found villagers to be unaware of the provisions that were supposed to be explained by the state government.
“We tried to ascertain if the villagers inside the reserve had been told about relocation and their packages. We found hardly anyone is aware about it. Also, we are planning to revise the present package of Rs 10 lakh per family to Rs 10 lakh per adult in the family,” Singh, a former PCCF, said.
The committee chairman pointed out that of 3,200 tigers in the world, India alone had around 1,500 big cats.
“So preserving them is our responsibility. However, there are serious apprehensions and questions about the management of the reserve (Palamau). That is the reason this independent committee has been set up,” he added.
Apart from Singh, the team comprises Prerna Singh Bindra, member national wildlife advisory board; R. Dogra of ICFRI, Dehradun; and K. Malkani of Wildlife Institute of India.
The team is expected to visit Chhattisgarh and Bihar after Jharkhand. It will prepare a comprehensive report by the end of the month and submit it to the ministry.
“The team inspected various planning processes undertaken at the reserve so far to evaluate its implementation and progress,” said Upadhyay, who accompanied the visitors along with S.K. Sharma, the chief conservator of forest, wildlife.
“Some issues like infrastructure and corridor linkages in adjoining forested areas will be the main focus of the visit,” he said, adding that the primary challenges facing the Palamau reserve were funds delays and acute shortage of manpower for maintenance.
“Due to late release of funds, activities like habitat improvement, fire protection, road repair and maintenance and improvement of waterholes, which are crucial for wildlife mpanagement, are not carried out properly,” explained Upadhyay.
A committee member was appalled at the level of state indifference. “Out of 95 vacancies there are only 19 people employed in the reserve. How can one expect to save tigers?” he asked.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101020/jsp/jharkhand/story_13077005.jsp
3G jammers to plug phone freeway in prisons
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 19: Jharkhand is gearing up to jam every wrong signal by year-end.
All central and district jails in the state will be equipped with 3G-enabled jammers to block — and entirely — cellphone frequencies inside prison premises.
Currently, only Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi and Ghagidih divisional jail near Jamshedpur have ordinary jammers, which are unable to disrupt signals completely.
The 3G drive assumes significance at a time when raids at Chas and Tenughat jails in Bokaro have yielded more than half a dozen mobile phone handsets and SIM cards. Extortion kingpins were found to run rackets from behind bars while cellphone service providers did not bother to verify documents, a mandatory step under the IT Act.
According to IG (prisons) Vijay Kumar Singh, some 23 jammers will be installed across the state under the supervision of a technical team from Hyderabad-based Electronic Corporation of India (ECI). Two jammers were installed in Hazaribagh and Koderma jails last week and officials said Ranchi jail, which already has four jammers, will get two more by this month.
Performance of a jammer depends on network coverage capacity of a telecom service provider. Till last year, jammers could block only three frequencies — 800MHz, 900MHz and 1,800MHz. All telecom operators functioned on one of the three frequencies. However, 3G works on a frequency of 2,150MHz.
“A jammer programmed on this frequency will be able to disrupt calls even from 3G phones and cover a radius upto a kilometre,” said Pune-based Sanjay Suryawanshi, who designs jammers for military purposes.
Singh said the decision for this technical upgrade was taken two months ago at a meeting with home ministry officials in Delhi.
“An ECI team, along with German experts, is touring jails. It has successfully installed two jammers that are functioning well. Work to set up towers in all central and district jails is nearly complete, too,” he added.
Sources said main problems with existing jammers were that they get heated very soon and are unable to cope with changing weather conditions. The new set of jammers will also take care of these challenges.
“Technology is improving and, everyday, we see new telecom service providers making forays. As a result, it is difficult to track all mobile networks. So, we approached the ECI for its assistance. The jammers are programmed in such a way that they can jam every cellphone signal inside jails,” the IG said.
Special sheds would be erected and exhaust fans and coolers installed to prevent overheating of the gadgets.
3G jammers to plug phone freeway in prisons
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 19: Jharkhand is gearing up to jam every wrong signal by year-end.
All central and district jails in the state will be equipped with 3G-enabled jammers to block — and entirely — cellphone frequencies inside prison premises.
Currently, only Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi and Ghagidih divisional jail near Jamshedpur have ordinary jammers, which are unable to disrupt signals completely.
The 3G drive assumes significance at a time when raids at Chas and Tenughat jails in Bokaro have yielded more than half a dozen mobile phone handsets and SIM cards. Extortion kingpins were found to run rackets from behind bars while cellphone service providers did not bother to verify documents, a mandatory step under the IT Act.
According to IG (prisons) Vijay Kumar Singh, some 23 jammers will be installed across the state under the supervision of a technical team from Hyderabad-based Electronic Corporation of India (ECI). Two jammers were installed in Hazaribagh and Koderma jails last week and officials said Ranchi jail, which already has four jammers, will get two more by this month.
Performance of a jammer depends on network coverage capacity of a telecom service provider. Till last year, jammers could block only three frequencies — 800MHz, 900MHz and 1,800MHz. All telecom operators functioned on one of the three frequencies. However, 3G works on a frequency of 2,150MHz.
“A jammer programmed on this frequency will be able to disrupt calls even from 3G phones and cover a radius upto a kilometre,” said Pune-based Sanjay Suryawanshi, who designs jammers for military purposes.
Singh said the decision for this technical upgrade was taken two months ago at a meeting with home ministry officials in Delhi.
“An ECI team, along with German experts, is touring jails. It has successfully installed two jammers that are functioning well. Work to set up towers in all central and district jails is nearly complete, too,” he added.
Sources said main problems with existing jammers were that they get heated very soon and are unable to cope with changing weather conditions. The new set of jammers will also take care of these challenges.
“Technology is improving and, everyday, we see new telecom service providers making forays. As a result, it is difficult to track all mobile networks. So, we approached the ECI for its assistance. The jammers are programmed in such a way that they can jam every cellphone signal inside jails,” the IG said.
Special sheds would be erected and exhaust fans and coolers installed to prevent overheating of the gadgets.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101006/jsp/jharkhand/story_13024367.jsp
Front Page > Jharkhand > Story
Snap passport service from April
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 5: Come 2011, the state capital will become the third Indian city to boast an ambitious project that seeks to streamline the process of distribution of passports plagued by exponential demand and inordinate delay.
The ministry of external affairs, which piloted its Rs 1,000-crore Passport Seva Project in the cities of Bangalore and Chandigarh earlier this year, plans to launch the snap service in Ranchi in April next year.
According to sources at the regional passport office (RPO), the project developed by IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will ensure delivery of passport within three-four days of an online application. Currently, the minimum period for issuing a general passport is 90 days and for those under the Tatkal scheme is seven to 14 days.
“The online process is smooth, swift and transparent. At present, one can only download a form from the web. But once the new system is in place, one will be able to fill up a form online. The RPO will have everything from biometric devices (for fingerprints, retina scan, et al) to a 24-hour call centre. Also, status updates will be provided through text messages and emails,” said S.K. Sinha, assistant passport officer, Ranchi.
The RPO in Ranchi caters to the entire state of Jharkhand and according to officials, around 250 passports are issued daily. Records show 3,000 applications are currently in waiting.
“The figure is till June, as the waiting list is generally calculated with a backdate of three months. Most cases are delayed due to police verification, as we try and clear forms from our office as soon as possible. We also keep sending reminders to departments concerned,” Sinha said, adding that the project was designed keeping in mind these time-consuming procedures.
“Even under the Tatkal scheme, it takes seven to 14 days. Now, all this is set to change,” he said. An applicant will just have to pay a mandatory visit to the RPO, after filling up the online form, for biometric recognition.
Once through, the Passport Seva Project also promises to put an end to the menace of brokers and unauthorised passport agents. The agents charge thrice the actual fee for a quick job and draw more applicants than laggard passport officials.
Sinha, however, denied departmental inefficiency. “To make our services more efficient, we have recently formed a three-member committee headed by two passport officers and a superintendent who conduct surprise visits on regular basis. Also, we have a dedicated enquiry kiosk. Whatever happens outside the RPO is not our lookout,” he said.
The RPO, currently located in Dhurwa, is also mulling a new address. “On an average, over 200 people come here daily. The numbers soar at times, leading to chaos. Though the new facility will ease pressure and improve our delivery mechanism, we still need a place less congested,” said an official. Three locations have been identified, but a decision is yet to be taken, he added.
Front Page > Jharkhand > Story
Snap passport service from April
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
)
Ranchi, Oct. 5: Come 2011, the state capital will become the third Indian city to boast an ambitious project that seeks to streamline the process of distribution of passports plagued by exponential demand and inordinate delay.
The ministry of external affairs, which piloted its Rs 1,000-crore Passport Seva Project in the cities of Bangalore and Chandigarh earlier this year, plans to launch the snap service in Ranchi in April next year.
According to sources at the regional passport office (RPO), the project developed by IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will ensure delivery of passport within three-four days of an online application. Currently, the minimum period for issuing a general passport is 90 days and for those under the Tatkal scheme is seven to 14 days.
“The online process is smooth, swift and transparent. At present, one can only download a form from the web. But once the new system is in place, one will be able to fill up a form online. The RPO will have everything from biometric devices (for fingerprints, retina scan, et al) to a 24-hour call centre. Also, status updates will be provided through text messages and emails,” said S.K. Sinha, assistant passport officer, Ranchi.
The RPO in Ranchi caters to the entire state of Jharkhand and according to officials, around 250 passports are issued daily. Records show 3,000 applications are currently in waiting.
“The figure is till June, as the waiting list is generally calculated with a backdate of three months. Most cases are delayed due to police verification, as we try and clear forms from our office as soon as possible. We also keep sending reminders to departments concerned,” Sinha said, adding that the project was designed keeping in mind these time-consuming procedures.
“Even under the Tatkal scheme, it takes seven to 14 days. Now, all this is set to change,” he said. An applicant will just have to pay a mandatory visit to the RPO, after filling up the online form, for biometric recognition.
Once through, the Passport Seva Project also promises to put an end to the menace of brokers and unauthorised passport agents. The agents charge thrice the actual fee for a quick job and draw more applicants than laggard passport officials.
Sinha, however, denied departmental inefficiency. “To make our services more efficient, we have recently formed a three-member committee headed by two passport officers and a superintendent who conduct surprise visits on regular basis. Also, we have a dedicated enquiry kiosk. Whatever happens outside the RPO is not our lookout,” he said.
The RPO, currently located in Dhurwa, is also mulling a new address. “On an average, over 200 people come here daily. The numbers soar at times, leading to chaos. Though the new facility will ease pressure and improve our delivery mechanism, we still need a place less congested,” said an official. Three locations have been identified, but a decision is yet to be taken, he added.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tribal treat for Delhi
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101005/jsp/jharkhand/story_13019651.jsp
Tribal beats for C’wealth guests
- 30 Jharkhand artistes to perform in New Delhi on October 8 and 9
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 4: Commonwealth delegates in the national capital will get a taste of Incredible Jharkhand.
In the coming week, tribal artistes led by Padma Shri Ram Dayal Munda will toe the splendid cultural line that marked the start of the Commonwealth Games at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium yesterday.
The team comprising 30 artistes from Jharkhand will offer global audiences a feast for the senses with tribal dance forms — Karma, Oraon and Paika — at the national capital’s Meghdoot Theatre in a two-day cultural soiree on October 8 and 9.
In Pix: Ram Dayal Munda
“Commonwealth Games organisers had requested Sangeet Natak Akademi to arrange cultural events to regale Indian and foreign delegates during the Games. About a month ago, the Akademi general secretary approached me. According to my knowledge, teams from Jharkhand, Bengal and Assam will represent their respective state’s cultural uniqueness during the Games,” said tribal ideologue Munda over phone from New Delhi. He added that the state team of performers would leave for New Delhi on October 6.
Unmistakably upbeat, Munda said: “We will perform twice — on October 8 evening and October 9 morning. Our dance forms are rhythmic and vibrant, embellished with drumbeats and music. We expect a full house.”
On performances, Munda said they planned a couple of dances with Karma in focus. “Karma — one of Jharkhand’s oldest dance forms — is associated with rain and agriculture. Dances will be accompanied by melodious folk instruments such as jhumki, thumki, chhalla and payri,” he said.
It is also an opportunity of a lifetime for state artistes, said Munda. “Such a big and prestigious platform will give mileage to tribal art forms and their practitioners. It is heartening that our art forms are slowly gaining global currency, with Chhau and Karma being performed abroad. But this event will put the spotlight on our cultural heritage in a big way,” he said, adding that he was taking the cream of talent to Delhi. “Some artistes have performed in Europe and America as well,” he said.
Courtesy: The Telegraph
Tribal beats for C’wealth guests
- 30 Jharkhand artistes to perform in New Delhi on October 8 and 9
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 4: Commonwealth delegates in the national capital will get a taste of Incredible Jharkhand.
In the coming week, tribal artistes led by Padma Shri Ram Dayal Munda will toe the splendid cultural line that marked the start of the Commonwealth Games at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium yesterday.
The team comprising 30 artistes from Jharkhand will offer global audiences a feast for the senses with tribal dance forms — Karma, Oraon and Paika — at the national capital’s Meghdoot Theatre in a two-day cultural soiree on October 8 and 9.
In Pix: Ram Dayal Munda
“Commonwealth Games organisers had requested Sangeet Natak Akademi to arrange cultural events to regale Indian and foreign delegates during the Games. About a month ago, the Akademi general secretary approached me. According to my knowledge, teams from Jharkhand, Bengal and Assam will represent their respective state’s cultural uniqueness during the Games,” said tribal ideologue Munda over phone from New Delhi. He added that the state team of performers would leave for New Delhi on October 6.
Unmistakably upbeat, Munda said: “We will perform twice — on October 8 evening and October 9 morning. Our dance forms are rhythmic and vibrant, embellished with drumbeats and music. We expect a full house.”
On performances, Munda said they planned a couple of dances with Karma in focus. “Karma — one of Jharkhand’s oldest dance forms — is associated with rain and agriculture. Dances will be accompanied by melodious folk instruments such as jhumki, thumki, chhalla and payri,” he said.
It is also an opportunity of a lifetime for state artistes, said Munda. “Such a big and prestigious platform will give mileage to tribal art forms and their practitioners. It is heartening that our art forms are slowly gaining global currency, with Chhau and Karma being performed abroad. But this event will put the spotlight on our cultural heritage in a big way,” he said, adding that he was taking the cream of talent to Delhi. “Some artistes have performed in Europe and America as well,” he said.
Courtesy: The Telegraph
Sunday, October 3, 2010
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101002/jsp/jharkhand/story_12903205.jsp
Palamau saves farmland
- Ten villages pool in to build canal, divert water for irrigation
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 1: What the administration and politicians couldn’t do for years, a group of villagers in Palamau did in a month — they built a canal to harness water for their farmlands.
Spending over Rs 5 lakh which they generated on their own, residents of around 10 villages in Mohmmadganj block of the district built a 300 feet dam by diverting Gauraha river, a tributary of Kasa, to harness water for irrigation.
Last month, they built a 3,000 feet-long canal, which they used to connect the newly built dam to a 50-year-old dam from where water will reach their fields across villages.
“The dam will now be ready to provide water to 10-14 villages namely, Gram Bali, Batua, Goradih, Karari, Lapori, Mali et al,” said Uday Singh, a local resident who was one of the prominent volunteers of the campaign.
“During rains, the Gauraha river has good amount of water and merges into the Koel River. But now we have diverted the flow of the river through this dam to bring water to our villages to irrigate thousands of acres,” he explained.
Men, women and children worked day and night to make this dream come true. “For so many years, our fields have been reeling under acute water crisis. Now it will get water for irrigation,” said 55-year-old Kanhayia, who contributed Rs 10,000 to the endeavour.
Over the years, villagers were tired of the false assurances they were being fed by various political leaders and local MLAs.
“This time, we pledged that come what may, we will construct this dam. Whatever expectations we had with our ministers, specially after the formation of Jharkhand, haven’t been fulfilled. They all failed to keep their promise,” said Singh.
As of now, the dam has water up to one-and-a-half feet. “Due to poor rainfall this time, the water level in the river has been low. But we are hopeful that our efforts will help us in the future,” he added.
What were the challenges they faced?
“Bureaucratic interference was nil because no one ever listens to us,” exclaimed Kanhayia. “The river runs through two forest hills. Since we didn’t have enough finances, we just worked with 10 tractors and two earthmovers. Rest was our labour,” said Suranjit Manjhi.
When contacted Palamau deputy commissioner Puja Singhal Purwar said, “I have taken note of it. If required we will try our best to extend all possible help to these villagers.”
Coutesy: The Telegraph
Palamau saves farmland
- Ten villages pool in to build canal, divert water for irrigation
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Oct. 1: What the administration and politicians couldn’t do for years, a group of villagers in Palamau did in a month — they built a canal to harness water for their farmlands.
Spending over Rs 5 lakh which they generated on their own, residents of around 10 villages in Mohmmadganj block of the district built a 300 feet dam by diverting Gauraha river, a tributary of Kasa, to harness water for irrigation.
Last month, they built a 3,000 feet-long canal, which they used to connect the newly built dam to a 50-year-old dam from where water will reach their fields across villages.
“The dam will now be ready to provide water to 10-14 villages namely, Gram Bali, Batua, Goradih, Karari, Lapori, Mali et al,” said Uday Singh, a local resident who was one of the prominent volunteers of the campaign.
“During rains, the Gauraha river has good amount of water and merges into the Koel River. But now we have diverted the flow of the river through this dam to bring water to our villages to irrigate thousands of acres,” he explained.
Men, women and children worked day and night to make this dream come true. “For so many years, our fields have been reeling under acute water crisis. Now it will get water for irrigation,” said 55-year-old Kanhayia, who contributed Rs 10,000 to the endeavour.
Over the years, villagers were tired of the false assurances they were being fed by various political leaders and local MLAs.
“This time, we pledged that come what may, we will construct this dam. Whatever expectations we had with our ministers, specially after the formation of Jharkhand, haven’t been fulfilled. They all failed to keep their promise,” said Singh.
As of now, the dam has water up to one-and-a-half feet. “Due to poor rainfall this time, the water level in the river has been low. But we are hopeful that our efforts will help us in the future,” he added.
What were the challenges they faced?
“Bureaucratic interference was nil because no one ever listens to us,” exclaimed Kanhayia. “The river runs through two forest hills. Since we didn’t have enough finances, we just worked with 10 tractors and two earthmovers. Rest was our labour,” said Suranjit Manjhi.
When contacted Palamau deputy commissioner Puja Singhal Purwar said, “I have taken note of it. If required we will try our best to extend all possible help to these villagers.”
Coutesy: The Telegraph
Friday, September 24, 2010
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100923/jsp/jharkhand/story_12970777.jsp
FASAL comes to crop rescue
- Centre-sponsored project to predict agricultural yield on real-time basis
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Sept. 22: Farmers have reason to rejoice. Thanks to a crop forecasting application being introduced in the state by Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), from the next harvesting season they would be in a better position to predict their agricultural yield.
Coming soon: harvest forecast
at BAU
BAU will launch the remote sensor-based crop forecasting application in the state, which will give an idea of actual crop sown and its output on a real time basis.
Called Forecasting Agricultural Output Using Space, Astro-meteorology and Land Based Application (FASAL), the Union government-sponsored project is being undertaken in co-ordination with Indian Space Research Organisation, India Meteorological Department and the Regional Space Research Organisation in three areas of the state — Ranchi, Dumka and Patamda.
The crop simulation model will imitate crop behaviour, its genetic composition and efficiency, soil nature and weather, said A. Wadood, BAU’s principal investigator.
“As in weather forecasting, we will predict crop yields using satellite imagery and studying factors like rainfall, date of sowing, nature of crop, soil radiation etc. All the data will be fed into a computer, area-wise, and the software will enable simulation of the crop performance. Since it will be done on a real-time basis, it will help us predict final harvest yield,” said Wadood.
He added that the university would be the nodal agency for monitoring the project in the state. Groundwork like setting up high-definition laboratories and selecting staff is on at present. “As we are yet to receive the funds from the Centre, in all likelihood we will start work next month,” he said.
FASAL was launched a year ago by the Union ministry of agriculture in some states across the country. It is being introduced in Jharkhand for the first time. “Till now, we have been doing district-level agromets, which are short duration weather predictions during crop season,” Wadood said.
The forecasting will be done twice a year — mid-season and pre-harvest. “After the crop is sown, forecasting to register details of a particular variety and its expected productivity will be called mid-season. But this is subject to change as by the time of harvest, seasonal variations like weather conditions and soil alterations are likely to happen. So we will conduct a forecast just before the actual harvest time that will give us accurate data on real produce,” Wadood said.
Every half-yearly forecasting will cost Rs 10 lakh. BAU will initially begin with only three crops — rice, ragi and wheat.
Courtesy: The Telegraph (Published dated: 23-09-2010)
Note: For drought prone Jharkhand, it could be a boon. However, the big question is--Will it be successful? Given the fact, we have not been able to predict weather properly.
FASAL comes to crop rescue
- Centre-sponsored project to predict agricultural yield on real-time basis
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, Sept. 22: Farmers have reason to rejoice. Thanks to a crop forecasting application being introduced in the state by Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), from the next harvesting season they would be in a better position to predict their agricultural yield.
Coming soon: harvest forecast
at BAU
BAU will launch the remote sensor-based crop forecasting application in the state, which will give an idea of actual crop sown and its output on a real time basis.
Called Forecasting Agricultural Output Using Space, Astro-meteorology and Land Based Application (FASAL), the Union government-sponsored project is being undertaken in co-ordination with Indian Space Research Organisation, India Meteorological Department and the Regional Space Research Organisation in three areas of the state — Ranchi, Dumka and Patamda.
The crop simulation model will imitate crop behaviour, its genetic composition and efficiency, soil nature and weather, said A. Wadood, BAU’s principal investigator.
“As in weather forecasting, we will predict crop yields using satellite imagery and studying factors like rainfall, date of sowing, nature of crop, soil radiation etc. All the data will be fed into a computer, area-wise, and the software will enable simulation of the crop performance. Since it will be done on a real-time basis, it will help us predict final harvest yield,” said Wadood.
He added that the university would be the nodal agency for monitoring the project in the state. Groundwork like setting up high-definition laboratories and selecting staff is on at present. “As we are yet to receive the funds from the Centre, in all likelihood we will start work next month,” he said.
FASAL was launched a year ago by the Union ministry of agriculture in some states across the country. It is being introduced in Jharkhand for the first time. “Till now, we have been doing district-level agromets, which are short duration weather predictions during crop season,” Wadood said.
The forecasting will be done twice a year — mid-season and pre-harvest. “After the crop is sown, forecasting to register details of a particular variety and its expected productivity will be called mid-season. But this is subject to change as by the time of harvest, seasonal variations like weather conditions and soil alterations are likely to happen. So we will conduct a forecast just before the actual harvest time that will give us accurate data on real produce,” Wadood said.
Every half-yearly forecasting will cost Rs 10 lakh. BAU will initially begin with only three crops — rice, ragi and wheat.
Courtesy: The Telegraph (Published dated: 23-09-2010)
Note: For drought prone Jharkhand, it could be a boon. However, the big question is--Will it be successful? Given the fact, we have not been able to predict weather properly.
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