“Yea, she has a degree in English.”
Monday, July 7, 2008
Attack Polluting Policies, Not the Nano BY SWAMINATHAN S. ANKLESARIA AIYAR
RAJENDRA K. PACHAURI, head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is getting nightmares because of the Nano, Tata’s soon-to-be-launched Rs one-lakh car. Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) says that it isn’t the Nano by itself but cars overall that give her nightmares. The villains in my nightmares are neither the Nano nor cars overall, but stupid government policies that subsidize and encourage pollution, adulteration and congestion.Sanctimonious greens call the Nano disastrous because of its affordability— millions more will now clog roads and consume more fossil fuel. This is
elitism parading as virtue. Elite greens own cars, but cannot stand the poorer masses becoming mobile, since the consequent congestion will eat into the time of the elite!
More logical would be a protest against big cars that use more space and fuel, or highly polluting old cars. Instead, green hypocrites aim at a new car with the lowest cost, best mileage and least emissions.
The Nano will not burden us with too many cars. India has very few cars per person by world
standards. London and New York have ultra-high car densities, yet have clearer air than Delhi. Our problem is too many bad policies, not too many cars.
We subsidize vehicles on a gargantuan scale invisible to lay folk. Roads and flyovers cost crores to build and maintain, yet road use is free (save on a few toll roads). Traffic police and lights are costly, yet are provided free. These invisible subsidies starve cities of funds to expand roads and public transport.
Land in cities now costs laths per square metre. Yet parking is free in the suburbs, and often costs just RslO per day in city centres. A single parking space of 23 square metres occupies land worth Rs40 lakh. A car occupies more space than an office desk, yet the desk space pays full commercial rent while parking space costs just about RslO per day.
Daily parking charges range from $15 (Rs630) in Washington to $30 (Rs1260) in New York. CSE launched a sensible campaign to raise parking fees in Delhi to Rs120 per day, but was foiled. So, parking space now exceeds green space, a scathing comment on priorities.
The world price of crude oil has risen 13-fold since 1998 to over $130 per barrel, but Indian petrol prices have barely doubled. Left Front politicians, who once wanted to soak the rich, now want to subsidin them. Under-recoveries of oil companies’ total may be Rs200,000 crore, even after a recent price hike This is far more than the cost of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan [education for all] and the Employment Guarantee Scheme put together. We sanctimoniously lecture rich countries to reduce their greenhouse emissions,
subsidize our own.
Diesel is subsidized to be cheaper than petrol. So, Indian makers produce the highest proportion of diesel cars in the world. Diesel fumes contain suspended particles that are highly toxic, this subsidy kills.
So does kerosene provided at throwaway prices, ostensibly to benefit poor villagers. One-third
all kerosene is used to adulterate petrol and diesel. That causes horrendous pollution even in the greenest of cars.
What’s the way forward? We must abolish subsidies and raise taxes on vehicles and fuels to refle their full social cost. The biggest least visible subsidy is for parking, and we should start there.
Many car owners in the West take public transport to work since parking space downtown is costly and scarce. We should levy parking fees on an hourly, not daily, basis.
Formation of UNPC irks IM
A breakaway faction of NSCN (I-M) has said it will work for the territorial integrity and peaceful co-existence of hill and valley people in Manipur.
The president of the newly-formed United Naga People's Council (UNPC), S S Max, told the local media at a place in interior Senapati district of Manipur that UNPC was formed on April 30 last by former NSCN (I-M) members who left their camps at Hebron off Dimapur. He claimed that the UNPC had a strength of about 70 members, including some former senior members of the NSCN (I-M).
All of them were reportedly from Manipur hill districts, an UNPC source said.
Max said UNPC would have no enmity with NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) and Naga National Council (NNC) -- all based in Nagaland. But they were against NSCN (I-M) members from Manipur if the latter continued to work for disintegration of Manipur, he said.
UNPC general secretary Lansha said the Council had wanted to establish a unique body of Naga revolutionary groups in Manipur considering the existing hatred between Nagas and those living in the valley.
Lansha said the UNPC is led by two officials in the rank of “colonels”, one “major”, two “captains”, two full junior full “lieutenants” and three “second lieutenants”.
He warned that UNPC would be compelled to eliminate NSCN (I-M) from Manipur if it continued to make attempts for the disintegration of Manipur. In this connection, Lansha cautioned that UNPC would award capital punishment to those from UNC and ANSAM if they were found acting as the mouthpiece of NSCN (I-M) and talked about disintegration of Manipur.In the light of reports of formation of a new outfit - United Naga People's Council (UNPC) - by former NSCN (I-M) activists, the NSCN (I-M) has said as far as the trend in Manipur was concerned, it was not surprising that a new, "self-styled band of hooligans called UNPC" had emerged from nowhere.
"No wonder, there are dozens of such headless organizations in the valley alone. UNPC is but an organization without ideology and it does not, in any way represent the Naga people," said a press release issued by Col. Levi Zimik, public relation officer, GPRN/NSCN (I-M).
On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) also warned that the Naga army would leave no stone unturned to eradicate such unwarranted development as it had become a matter of serious concern for all to be on guard against such move aimed at demeaning the cause of the Nagas and, in the long run, to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.
Stating that it was the expressed desire of the Nagas to live together as one people under one nation since the dawn of revolution in "Nagalim", the NSCN (I-M) also said this "genuine aspiration" of the Naga people was the driving force behind the NSCN's policy to integrate all the Naga areas.
The NSCN (I-M) said it was therefore bound to protect the interest of the citizens and the press towards attaining the inherent right to the Nagas.
The NSCN (I-M) also reiterated that it was not at enmity with any neighbour or organization, in as much as the NSCN (I-M) believed in peaceful co-existence.
While accepting the shortcomings on the part of the Naga Army to discipline the errant cadres, the NSCN (I-M) however said the "malicious hand of the adversaries is not ruled out who are preying upon the vulnerable lots to create more confusion."
The president of the newly-formed United Naga People's Council (UNPC), S S Max, told the local media at a place in interior Senapati district of Manipur that UNPC was formed on April 30 last by former NSCN (I-M) members who left their camps at Hebron off Dimapur. He claimed that the UNPC had a strength of about 70 members, including some former senior members of the NSCN (I-M).
All of them were reportedly from Manipur hill districts, an UNPC source said.
Max said UNPC would have no enmity with NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) and Naga National Council (NNC) -- all based in Nagaland. But they were against NSCN (I-M) members from Manipur if the latter continued to work for disintegration of Manipur, he said.
UNPC general secretary Lansha said the Council had wanted to establish a unique body of Naga revolutionary groups in Manipur considering the existing hatred between Nagas and those living in the valley.
Lansha said the UNPC is led by two officials in the rank of “colonels”, one “major”, two “captains”, two full junior full “lieutenants” and three “second lieutenants”.
He warned that UNPC would be compelled to eliminate NSCN (I-M) from Manipur if it continued to make attempts for the disintegration of Manipur. In this connection, Lansha cautioned that UNPC would award capital punishment to those from UNC and ANSAM if they were found acting as the mouthpiece of NSCN (I-M) and talked about disintegration of Manipur.In the light of reports of formation of a new outfit - United Naga People's Council (UNPC) - by former NSCN (I-M) activists, the NSCN (I-M) has said as far as the trend in Manipur was concerned, it was not surprising that a new, "self-styled band of hooligans called UNPC" had emerged from nowhere.
"No wonder, there are dozens of such headless organizations in the valley alone. UNPC is but an organization without ideology and it does not, in any way represent the Naga people," said a press release issued by Col. Levi Zimik, public relation officer, GPRN/NSCN (I-M).
On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) also warned that the Naga army would leave no stone unturned to eradicate such unwarranted development as it had become a matter of serious concern for all to be on guard against such move aimed at demeaning the cause of the Nagas and, in the long run, to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.
Stating that it was the expressed desire of the Nagas to live together as one people under one nation since the dawn of revolution in "Nagalim", the NSCN (I-M) also said this "genuine aspiration" of the Naga people was the driving force behind the NSCN's policy to integrate all the Naga areas.
The NSCN (I-M) said it was therefore bound to protect the interest of the citizens and the press towards attaining the inherent right to the Nagas.
The NSCN (I-M) also reiterated that it was not at enmity with any neighbour or organization, in as much as the NSCN (I-M) believed in peaceful co-existence.
While accepting the shortcomings on the part of the Naga Army to discipline the errant cadres, the NSCN (I-M) however said the "malicious hand of the adversaries is not ruled out who are preying upon the vulnerable lots to create more confusion."
Centre backing rival groups: NSCN(IM)
Even as the situation in Nagaland is highly charged following the increasing cases of factional clashes among the Naga underground groups, NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu hinted the breaking down of ceasefire while accusing the Government of India of supporting the rival groups. Isak Chisi Swu also predicted that “we are heading for explosive situation” while adding, “Our people are apprehensive of a large scale human rights violation in Nagalim in the event of breaking down of cease fire. We are heading towards exlosive situation. In such critical junction UNPO must not remain a silent apectator”.
The NSCN-IM chairman said this while delivering a speech at the IX General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations People's Organisation (UNPO) held at Brussels in Belgium from May 16 to May 18.
The speech of Isak Chisi Swu which was dispatched to Newmai News Network last night appealed the UNPO not to remain a silent spectator at this juncture.
“Even if we are deeply committed to negotiated settlement we cannot see any tangible result from eleven years negotiation with the Government of India mainly on account of lack of political will on the part of the latter. It is also because while officially talking with NSCN the Government of India is covertly or overtly lending its support to the illegal and unmandated arms groups who are standing in the way to peace process and solution. I hope and trust that our UNPO authorities are closely observing situation in Nagalim,” alleged the NSCN-IM chairman.
Before touching the serious note in his speech, Isak Chisi Swu greeted the leaders of UNPO by saying he would like to convey Naga people's high appreciation and admiration for the positive role of the UNPO vis-a-vis the case of its member nations.
“Naga people have big trust in it and hope that it will give more effort to strive and plead for the cause of the justice denied peoples and nation in the days to come too,” said the NSCN-IM leader while adding, “UNPO being the apex political organiisation of the member nation,it should be political.Every member nation should also give more attention to strengthening and consolidating the position of UNPO. It requires of us to work out political and economic strategy for course of action so that the dying organisation is rescued from being succumbed to the policy of the adversaries”.
Mr Swu then suggested that the authorities of the UNPO should take more pain in advocating for the cases of the member nations in the UN, EU,and USA as resolved in the last assembly. “The case of Nagas has become a matter of great concern that requires of utmost attention,” added the worried leader.
“To enable UNPO serve more effectively and meaningfully it is being suggested that it is expedient to set up branch offices one in Asia and another in Africa. Naga people will stand solidly behind UNPO in all weathers till to the last. All dominated peoples and nations unite for a higher cause,” concluded the histotic speech of Isak Chisi Swu at the Belgium meet.
The NSCN-IM chairman said this while delivering a speech at the IX General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations People's Organisation (UNPO) held at Brussels in Belgium from May 16 to May 18.
The speech of Isak Chisi Swu which was dispatched to Newmai News Network last night appealed the UNPO not to remain a silent spectator at this juncture.
“Even if we are deeply committed to negotiated settlement we cannot see any tangible result from eleven years negotiation with the Government of India mainly on account of lack of political will on the part of the latter. It is also because while officially talking with NSCN the Government of India is covertly or overtly lending its support to the illegal and unmandated arms groups who are standing in the way to peace process and solution. I hope and trust that our UNPO authorities are closely observing situation in Nagalim,” alleged the NSCN-IM chairman.
Before touching the serious note in his speech, Isak Chisi Swu greeted the leaders of UNPO by saying he would like to convey Naga people's high appreciation and admiration for the positive role of the UNPO vis-a-vis the case of its member nations.
“Naga people have big trust in it and hope that it will give more effort to strive and plead for the cause of the justice denied peoples and nation in the days to come too,” said the NSCN-IM leader while adding, “UNPO being the apex political organiisation of the member nation,it should be political.Every member nation should also give more attention to strengthening and consolidating the position of UNPO. It requires of us to work out political and economic strategy for course of action so that the dying organisation is rescued from being succumbed to the policy of the adversaries”.
Mr Swu then suggested that the authorities of the UNPO should take more pain in advocating for the cases of the member nations in the UN, EU,and USA as resolved in the last assembly. “The case of Nagas has become a matter of great concern that requires of utmost attention,” added the worried leader.
“To enable UNPO serve more effectively and meaningfully it is being suggested that it is expedient to set up branch offices one in Asia and another in Africa. Naga people will stand solidly behind UNPO in all weathers till to the last. All dominated peoples and nations unite for a higher cause,” concluded the histotic speech of Isak Chisi Swu at the Belgium meet.
Centre asks NE to ensure smooth NREGA work
To ensure transparency in implementation of rural development projects in north-eastern States, the Centre has asked the concerned State Governments to regularly submit reports to the Union Rural Development Ministry.
Official sources said here today that the NE State governments were asked to develop mechanisms for ensuring timely verification of the work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and report it to the Ministry at frequent intervals.
The latest communiqué of the Rural Development Ministry stated that at least two per cent of the allocated work should be verified at the state level while 10 per cent is to be verified at district level and 100 per cent at the block level and subsequently, the report should be forwarded to the ministry before releasing more funds to the executing authority.
The ministry also warned that besides stopping the funds to the particular project, initiated under NREGA, strict action would be taken against defaulters while the states had also been asked to effectively operationalise Gram Sabha for selection of the work and social audit, it stated.
Officials said recently Union Minister for Rural Development Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh had reviewed the NREGA programme and reiterated that five-pronged strategies of awareness generation, people’s participation, transparency, accountability and strict vigilance and monitoring must be followed by all the stakeholders.
He also advised the States to ensure the optimal use of durable assets created in the process and said the water conservation work under the NREGA should get top priority so that the country could meet the challenge of water scarcity.
He cautioned the States to take measures to protect the interest of farmers by identifying the lean season and also to have reasonable minimum wage rates.
He also asked all States to ensure that in 2008-09, every willing rural household should get 100 days of guaranteed work and it should be ensured that there was no migration of labour in distress.
However, the officials underlined that the Ministry had made it clear that the states had to compulsorily operationalize the Management Information System (MIS), which would register the flow of funds from mid-current year.
The ministry also decided to promote IT applications for NREGA solutions while calling upon the States to ensure an environment of “zero tolerance towards corruption” in the implementation of NREGA, the officials added.
Official sources said here today that the NE State governments were asked to develop mechanisms for ensuring timely verification of the work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and report it to the Ministry at frequent intervals.
The latest communiqué of the Rural Development Ministry stated that at least two per cent of the allocated work should be verified at the state level while 10 per cent is to be verified at district level and 100 per cent at the block level and subsequently, the report should be forwarded to the ministry before releasing more funds to the executing authority.
The ministry also warned that besides stopping the funds to the particular project, initiated under NREGA, strict action would be taken against defaulters while the states had also been asked to effectively operationalise Gram Sabha for selection of the work and social audit, it stated.
Officials said recently Union Minister for Rural Development Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh had reviewed the NREGA programme and reiterated that five-pronged strategies of awareness generation, people’s participation, transparency, accountability and strict vigilance and monitoring must be followed by all the stakeholders.
He also advised the States to ensure the optimal use of durable assets created in the process and said the water conservation work under the NREGA should get top priority so that the country could meet the challenge of water scarcity.
He cautioned the States to take measures to protect the interest of farmers by identifying the lean season and also to have reasonable minimum wage rates.
He also asked all States to ensure that in 2008-09, every willing rural household should get 100 days of guaranteed work and it should be ensured that there was no migration of labour in distress.
However, the officials underlined that the Ministry had made it clear that the states had to compulsorily operationalize the Management Information System (MIS), which would register the flow of funds from mid-current year.
The ministry also decided to promote IT applications for NREGA solutions while calling upon the States to ensure an environment of “zero tolerance towards corruption” in the implementation of NREGA, the officials added.
Mizoram leads world in four types of cancer
The picturesque Mizoram has the highest occurrence of four types of cancer in the world and the cause is extensive consumption of tobacco, experts said. “Mizoram led the world in the number of cases of Hypopharynx cancer (Male), Tongue cancer (Male), Stomach cancer (male & female) and Esophageal cancer (male),” Dr Eric Zomawia, head of the pathology department in the Civil hospital here said.
“Aizwal has the highest number of cancer patients in the state followed by other districts like Serchhip, Champhai, Lunglei and Mamit,” said Zomawia. About 40 per cent of the cancer can be prevented by changing lifestyle of the Mizos, opined the doctor. Extensive consumption of tobacco by both the genders coupled with consumption of smoked meat, leads to high incidence of cancer, he said.
Dr Jane R. Ralte, officer-on-special duty and head of the Tobacco Cessation Clinic in the Aizawl Civil Hospital, also confirmed the fact that excessive tobacco chewing and smoking, highly prevalent among Mizos is one of the cause of high rate of cancer in the state. “About 1,85,557 members of the church consume tobacco, which accounts to 77 per cent of the total members of the church. Out of this, 47 per cent are women,” Ralte said quoting a study done by Mizoram Presbyterian Church Women Ministry in 2004.
“As much as 22.1 per cent of the women in the state indulge in smoking as contrast to the national figure at 2.5 per cent. Besides, 60 per cent of the Mizo women use various forms of tobacco, other than smoking,” Ralte said. “According to the National Family Health Survey conducted in 1998-99, Mizoram tops the list of tobacco consumption,” she said during a seminar on Cancer Prevention, organised by the Rotary Club of Aizawl recently.
Stressing the need for a tobacco-free environment in Mizoram, Ralte said, “second hand smoke inhalation increased the risk of heart disease and lung cancer by 25 per cent, endangering the lives of children and other non-smokers.” “Mizos, both male and female, has the highest incidence of stomach cancer followed by cancer of the lungs and the esophagus,” Zomawia said.
Apart from smoking, consumption of fermented pork, smoked meat and vegetable and poisoned wild animal meat, including fish and crabs also attributed to the high incidence of cancer in the state, he said. To combat this killer disease, the state has well equipped Aizawl Civil Hospital, which has been declared as the Regional Cancer Centre by the centre recently, Zomawia said adding, a Population Based Cancer Registry is also established in Aizawl to keep track of the cancer cases.
“Aizwal has the highest number of cancer patients in the state followed by other districts like Serchhip, Champhai, Lunglei and Mamit,” said Zomawia. About 40 per cent of the cancer can be prevented by changing lifestyle of the Mizos, opined the doctor. Extensive consumption of tobacco by both the genders coupled with consumption of smoked meat, leads to high incidence of cancer, he said.
Dr Jane R. Ralte, officer-on-special duty and head of the Tobacco Cessation Clinic in the Aizawl Civil Hospital, also confirmed the fact that excessive tobacco chewing and smoking, highly prevalent among Mizos is one of the cause of high rate of cancer in the state. “About 1,85,557 members of the church consume tobacco, which accounts to 77 per cent of the total members of the church. Out of this, 47 per cent are women,” Ralte said quoting a study done by Mizoram Presbyterian Church Women Ministry in 2004.
“As much as 22.1 per cent of the women in the state indulge in smoking as contrast to the national figure at 2.5 per cent. Besides, 60 per cent of the Mizo women use various forms of tobacco, other than smoking,” Ralte said. “According to the National Family Health Survey conducted in 1998-99, Mizoram tops the list of tobacco consumption,” she said during a seminar on Cancer Prevention, organised by the Rotary Club of Aizawl recently.
Stressing the need for a tobacco-free environment in Mizoram, Ralte said, “second hand smoke inhalation increased the risk of heart disease and lung cancer by 25 per cent, endangering the lives of children and other non-smokers.” “Mizos, both male and female, has the highest incidence of stomach cancer followed by cancer of the lungs and the esophagus,” Zomawia said.
Apart from smoking, consumption of fermented pork, smoked meat and vegetable and poisoned wild animal meat, including fish and crabs also attributed to the high incidence of cancer in the state, he said. To combat this killer disease, the state has well equipped Aizawl Civil Hospital, which has been declared as the Regional Cancer Centre by the centre recently, Zomawia said adding, a Population Based Cancer Registry is also established in Aizawl to keep track of the cancer cases.
Mizoram longs for separate judiciary: CM
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said the people in the state are keen on having a separate judiciary.
In a meeting with Gauhati High Court Chief Justice J Chamaleshwar here yesterday, Zoramthanga told him that the people have been eagerly looking forward to the separation of judiciary from the executive.
Justice Chamaleswar also stressed on the need to ensure sufficient staff in the judiciary and assured the chief minister all possible help in this regard.
State Law Minister H Rammawi also presented eight point charter of demands, including induction order for the judicial officers (Mizoram Judicial Service) based on the recommendation of the High Court and the constitution of civil courts, during the meeting.
Moreover, the meeting discussed matters pertaining to draft notification of constitution of various criminal courts, notification -constitution of Mizoram civil courts, proposal for filling up of 13 posts of judicial officers, posting of district and sessions judges along with those for Aizawl and Lunglei districts, amendment of Mizoram Judicial Service Rules 2006 and Draft Mizoram Family Court Rules, 2008.
The meeting also resolved to bring officers of Mizoram Judicial Service under the subject of High Court disciplinary control with effect from June 16, 2005.
It also decided to increase the number of judicial services cadre to enable setting up of chief judicial magistrate and senior civil judges’ court in each district.
Moreover, the meeting resolved to fill up those 13 civil judge cadre vacant posts through the MPSC.
In a meeting with Gauhati High Court Chief Justice J Chamaleshwar here yesterday, Zoramthanga told him that the people have been eagerly looking forward to the separation of judiciary from the executive.
Justice Chamaleswar also stressed on the need to ensure sufficient staff in the judiciary and assured the chief minister all possible help in this regard.
State Law Minister H Rammawi also presented eight point charter of demands, including induction order for the judicial officers (Mizoram Judicial Service) based on the recommendation of the High Court and the constitution of civil courts, during the meeting.
Moreover, the meeting discussed matters pertaining to draft notification of constitution of various criminal courts, notification -constitution of Mizoram civil courts, proposal for filling up of 13 posts of judicial officers, posting of district and sessions judges along with those for Aizawl and Lunglei districts, amendment of Mizoram Judicial Service Rules 2006 and Draft Mizoram Family Court Rules, 2008.
The meeting also resolved to bring officers of Mizoram Judicial Service under the subject of High Court disciplinary control with effect from June 16, 2005.
It also decided to increase the number of judicial services cadre to enable setting up of chief judicial magistrate and senior civil judges’ court in each district.
Moreover, the meeting resolved to fill up those 13 civil judge cadre vacant posts through the MPSC.
China main arms supplier to LTTE, Taliban
China has emerged as the main supplier of old and new small-arm weapons to terrorist outfits like the Tamil Tigers, the Taliban and some of the north-eastern insurgent groups, claims Jane’s Intelligence Review.
What was till now in the realm of unconfirmed intelligence has come out in the open. The May edition of the Jane’s Intelligence Review has stated that China has replaced Thailand and Cambodia as the traditional sources of small-arm weapons.
Till recently, the Asian black market of weapons was dominated by Thailand and Cambodia, but China has captured the market now, the leading magazine of intelligence has claimed.
The latest edition has pointed out that the Chinese weapons and ammunition have played a decisive role in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka. LTTE websites display photographs of a range of new Chinese weaponry, including the modern 5.56 mm QBZ-95 bull pup-design assault rifles that the Tamil Tigers cannot claim to have captured from the Sri Lankan Armed forces.
The review says that the LTTE has not only purchased small arms from the Chinese but also ammunition for heavier weapons like mortars and artillery.
But what is most disturbing is the fact that China has also been the major supplier of heavy and small weaponry to the Sri Lankan Armed forces. Norinco and Poly Technologies, Chinese state-owned arms corporations, have all along been selling defence related weapons to Sri Lanka.
So much so, Sri Lankan President Rajapakse had to travel to China to plead with the Chinese to release more than 225 containers of arm equipment and ammunition for his armed forces that had been held back for non-payment of earlier supplies.
China eventually released the supplies after Rajapakse’s intervention.
It is interesting to note that while the Sri Lankan government has payment problems, the LTTE has none because it uses black market channels to make payments to the Chinese suppliers.
Experts differ on the intent and objective of the Chinese establishment. While some say that the Chinese arms reaching insurgent groups is a black market activity, others see China as pursuing a more nuanced policy of arms sale that allows for covert activities in cases where the sale does not conform with the avowed and declared foreign policy goals.
On the other side, Taliban forces in Afghanistan have also been gaining access to Chinese arms, the Jane’s Review points out and goes on to add that the appearance of Chinese HN-5 MANPADS in Taliban’s inventory is a source of concern.
The review quotes a report of seizure of Chinese arms consignment in 2004 by a Bangladeshi Police sergent while being diverted to India’s northeast insurgent groups. The arms consignment was believed to have been loaded in Hong Kong.
There are even disturbing reports of Chinese arms supplies to conflict zones in Africa like Zimbawe and Sudan, the Jane has stressed.
What was till now in the realm of unconfirmed intelligence has come out in the open. The May edition of the Jane’s Intelligence Review has stated that China has replaced Thailand and Cambodia as the traditional sources of small-arm weapons.
Till recently, the Asian black market of weapons was dominated by Thailand and Cambodia, but China has captured the market now, the leading magazine of intelligence has claimed.
The latest edition has pointed out that the Chinese weapons and ammunition have played a decisive role in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka. LTTE websites display photographs of a range of new Chinese weaponry, including the modern 5.56 mm QBZ-95 bull pup-design assault rifles that the Tamil Tigers cannot claim to have captured from the Sri Lankan Armed forces.
The review says that the LTTE has not only purchased small arms from the Chinese but also ammunition for heavier weapons like mortars and artillery.
But what is most disturbing is the fact that China has also been the major supplier of heavy and small weaponry to the Sri Lankan Armed forces. Norinco and Poly Technologies, Chinese state-owned arms corporations, have all along been selling defence related weapons to Sri Lanka.
So much so, Sri Lankan President Rajapakse had to travel to China to plead with the Chinese to release more than 225 containers of arm equipment and ammunition for his armed forces that had been held back for non-payment of earlier supplies.
China eventually released the supplies after Rajapakse’s intervention.
It is interesting to note that while the Sri Lankan government has payment problems, the LTTE has none because it uses black market channels to make payments to the Chinese suppliers.
Experts differ on the intent and objective of the Chinese establishment. While some say that the Chinese arms reaching insurgent groups is a black market activity, others see China as pursuing a more nuanced policy of arms sale that allows for covert activities in cases where the sale does not conform with the avowed and declared foreign policy goals.
On the other side, Taliban forces in Afghanistan have also been gaining access to Chinese arms, the Jane’s Review points out and goes on to add that the appearance of Chinese HN-5 MANPADS in Taliban’s inventory is a source of concern.
The review quotes a report of seizure of Chinese arms consignment in 2004 by a Bangladeshi Police sergent while being diverted to India’s northeast insurgent groups. The arms consignment was believed to have been loaded in Hong Kong.
There are even disturbing reports of Chinese arms supplies to conflict zones in Africa like Zimbawe and Sudan, the Jane has stressed.
Need of the hour
Fighting against terror is not an easy job. It requires patience, skill, good intelligence network, equipments and above all cooperation for all. But it’s a pity that some nations are just providing lip services rather than showing enough sincerity to combat the greatest danger the mankind is facing today. Nations surrounding India are the worst offenders. Pakistan is only acting under pressure from United States of America. Despite being the breeding ground of terror, Pakistan is playing a double game to say the least. Same is the case with Bangladesh. For years, India is urging them to destroy the camps of the militant outfits active in the North-Eastern region, from is soil. But the country in response to India’s demand has always tried to put India on the dock. Bangladesh has taken no step worthwhile to help India in bringing back peace the North-Eastern region. Myanmar is another country where the militants active in the North-East have bases. Notwithstanding the support provided by India to that country, the military junta of Myanmar has o far restrained themselves from taking any action. Even India’s request of prior information before any operations against the militants went unheeded. Elaborating on the military junta’s recent assurance to the delegation of India’s Home Ministry to Myanmar of which he was a part, the DGAR stated, “We are optimistic of seeing a virtual crackdown by Myanmar since the Myanmar officials said that it is not their policy to encourage Indian insurgents to operate from its soil” “They have assured us of taking all steps to curb the activities of the insurgent groups operating against Indian interest,” added the DGAR. It may be remembered that the NSCN (IM), the ULFA and the Manipur-based underground outfits have been using the Kachin hill tracts and the Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar as training camps for their cadres. But assurances are not enough to fight terrorism. No sooner the nations surrounding India will realize the fact India’s fight against terror will become easier.
Encroachments bane of NE archaeological sites
The failure of the local administration either to demarcate the boundary of the archaeological sites or to free the sites from encroachment have made things complicated for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the NE region. Morever, some of the sites and items of the region notified earlier and supposed to be protected by the agency, are now traceless. Disclosing this, sources in the ASI told this newspaper that the Lohit River has also obliterated the remains of a copper temple in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh. The location of the copper temple was close to Sadiya in Assam. The British rulers protected the remains of this temple through a notification in 1910 AD.
A similar problem is faced by the ASI in the case of the gun (canon) of Sher Shah that was notified by the British rulers as a protected archaeological item in Tinsukia District of Assam in 1925. But the gun is yet to be located, said the sources.
Citing the example of the failure of the authorities to demarcate the boundaries of the archaeological sites and the problems arising out of that, sources said that in the Suryapahar archaeological site this has kept the boundary dispute of the ASI with a local committee on. The local committee is organising religious functions at the site.
The sites at Natyang near Shillong in Meghalaya, a similar dispute with a local group is there. The site is archaeologically important for its containing a group of megaliths. But the local group is organising weekly haats (fairs) within the limits of protected area.
In Tripura’s Agartala, encroachment in the areas around the monuments, which are regulated and prohibited ones, has also been creating problems for the ASI in matters related to the beautification of the sites. The situation is such that a Shiva temple has been built within the boundary of a protected site, said the sources.
In Nagaland, there are problems in executing the conservation and preservation works due to the lack of support from the local people. The ASI has four nationally protected sites and monuments, including the Dimapur remains of a fort, said the sources.
Distance and poor surface communication facilities is also posing problems for the ASI in preserving the sites. In Arunachal Pradesh, the Central Government agency is facing problems from such factors in respect of two nationally important archaeological sites – Bhismaknagar in Dibang Valley District and Bhalukpung in West Kameng District, the sources said.
Sikkim: Nature's own garden
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas is Sik-kim, a land blessed by mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain peak in the world (8,595 m). Sikkim is a biodiversity hotspot exhibiting diverse forms of flora and fauna having approximately 4,500 species of flowering plants. The fascinating number of orchids approx., with over 450 species, 36 rhododendrons and more than 360 ferns and allies in addition to large number of other species is a testimony to Sikkim's floral wealth.
The present floriculture area is about 118 ha with total cut flower production of about 6 million and 3.5 million numbers planting materials. Gladiolus is a highly popular flower being under cultivation for more than six decades. The most important flower of this state is cymbidium orchid. The present cut flower figures of cymbidium is just half a million but is predicted to shoot up within a year or two as more and more areas are coming under cymbidium production. Another important flower is lillium which is grown for cut flowers and bulb production. Because of comparatively lesser investment required, this flower is being popularized amongst small and marginal farmers. The current lillium cut flower figures hinges at 1.5 million. In addition to these, the popularity of others like Anthurium, Alosremeria, Zant edeschia, tropical orchids, flowering pot plants and foliage ornamentals is ever soaring. Sikkim is declared as the Agri Export Zone for flowers which has immensely boosted the development of floriculture making it stand on the threshold of export market.
Sikkim is marching towards organic farming. The state envisages becoming an organic state and to achieve this, a number of initiatives have been launched. Prohibiting the use of chemical fertilizers and other chemicals while concurrently promoting usage ofbio-pesticides, adopting of biovillags as pilot areas and organic certification protocols are some of the note worthy initiatives.
Organic alternatives like vermicompost, rural compost, compostr, rock phosphate, dolomite, neem cake, bone meal etc have started to gain popularity. The practice of green manuring, biodynamics system and other traditional practices that were slowly forgotten have begun to resurge with more stress on sustainable alternatives.
Sikkim is indeed a very peaceful state in the country. The hallmark of the state is the harmonious co-existence of multilingual communities. The state hosted the International Flori show from 14 to 16 March'2008. We the M. Sc students of Horticulture, SASRD visited under the guidance of our course incharge, Rokolhou, as part of our course curriculum. It is indeed wonderful and encouraging experience and that even such a small hilly state too could emerge as an important Floriculture hub in the country, then I surely believe that our state too can become one of the most important Floriculture hub for exporting flowers at national and international level. A state gifted naturally with diverse agroclimatic and varied topographic conditions, which cannot deny that our state produces best quality Anthurium and Rose flower in the country.
A similar problem is faced by the ASI in the case of the gun (canon) of Sher Shah that was notified by the British rulers as a protected archaeological item in Tinsukia District of Assam in 1925. But the gun is yet to be located, said the sources.
Citing the example of the failure of the authorities to demarcate the boundaries of the archaeological sites and the problems arising out of that, sources said that in the Suryapahar archaeological site this has kept the boundary dispute of the ASI with a local committee on. The local committee is organising religious functions at the site.
The sites at Natyang near Shillong in Meghalaya, a similar dispute with a local group is there. The site is archaeologically important for its containing a group of megaliths. But the local group is organising weekly haats (fairs) within the limits of protected area.
In Tripura’s Agartala, encroachment in the areas around the monuments, which are regulated and prohibited ones, has also been creating problems for the ASI in matters related to the beautification of the sites. The situation is such that a Shiva temple has been built within the boundary of a protected site, said the sources.
In Nagaland, there are problems in executing the conservation and preservation works due to the lack of support from the local people. The ASI has four nationally protected sites and monuments, including the Dimapur remains of a fort, said the sources.
Distance and poor surface communication facilities is also posing problems for the ASI in preserving the sites. In Arunachal Pradesh, the Central Government agency is facing problems from such factors in respect of two nationally important archaeological sites – Bhismaknagar in Dibang Valley District and Bhalukpung in West Kameng District, the sources said.
Sikkim: Nature's own garden
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas is Sik-kim, a land blessed by mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain peak in the world (8,595 m). Sikkim is a biodiversity hotspot exhibiting diverse forms of flora and fauna having approximately 4,500 species of flowering plants. The fascinating number of orchids approx., with over 450 species, 36 rhododendrons and more than 360 ferns and allies in addition to large number of other species is a testimony to Sikkim's floral wealth.
The present floriculture area is about 118 ha with total cut flower production of about 6 million and 3.5 million numbers planting materials. Gladiolus is a highly popular flower being under cultivation for more than six decades. The most important flower of this state is cymbidium orchid. The present cut flower figures of cymbidium is just half a million but is predicted to shoot up within a year or two as more and more areas are coming under cymbidium production. Another important flower is lillium which is grown for cut flowers and bulb production. Because of comparatively lesser investment required, this flower is being popularized amongst small and marginal farmers. The current lillium cut flower figures hinges at 1.5 million. In addition to these, the popularity of others like Anthurium, Alosremeria, Zant edeschia, tropical orchids, flowering pot plants and foliage ornamentals is ever soaring. Sikkim is declared as the Agri Export Zone for flowers which has immensely boosted the development of floriculture making it stand on the threshold of export market.
Sikkim is marching towards organic farming. The state envisages becoming an organic state and to achieve this, a number of initiatives have been launched. Prohibiting the use of chemical fertilizers and other chemicals while concurrently promoting usage ofbio-pesticides, adopting of biovillags as pilot areas and organic certification protocols are some of the note worthy initiatives.
Organic alternatives like vermicompost, rural compost, compostr, rock phosphate, dolomite, neem cake, bone meal etc have started to gain popularity. The practice of green manuring, biodynamics system and other traditional practices that were slowly forgotten have begun to resurge with more stress on sustainable alternatives.
Sikkim is indeed a very peaceful state in the country. The hallmark of the state is the harmonious co-existence of multilingual communities. The state hosted the International Flori show from 14 to 16 March'2008. We the M. Sc students of Horticulture, SASRD visited under the guidance of our course incharge, Rokolhou, as part of our course curriculum. It is indeed wonderful and encouraging experience and that even such a small hilly state too could emerge as an important Floriculture hub in the country, then I surely believe that our state too can become one of the most important Floriculture hub for exporting flowers at national and international level. A state gifted naturally with diverse agroclimatic and varied topographic conditions, which cannot deny that our state produces best quality Anthurium and Rose flower in the country.
LTC norms relaxed for Govt employees to visit NE
In a major decision to boost tourism in the scenic north eastern region, the Centre has relaxed Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Rules for its employees permitting them to travel by air.
The new rules will apply to employees irrespective of their grade or post and the order will be in operation for two years, sources in the Ministry of Personnel today said.
Under the revised rules, Group A and B Central Government employees will be entitled to travel by air from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the north eastern region.
Employees belonging to other categories will be entitled to travel by air to a city in the north eastern region from Guwahati or Kolkata.
All Central Government servants would be allowed conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in the north eastern region, the order said.
The Ministry said that data regarding the number of employees availing LTC to the north eastern region would be maintained.
The decision will enable government servants in the junior grades to visit the northeastern region, which used to remain a distant dream for them because of high air travel costs and absence of official entitlement.
The north eastern region comprises Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, and also Sikkim -- all having rich tourism potential.
Infrastructure hits Tawang’s tourism
At first sight the snow-covered place could be mistaken to somewhere in the Kashmir Valley.
The Sella Pass, perched at 18,000 ft above sea level, in the Himalayan ranges is as majestic as any tourist destination. The pass, however, has not been able to attract tourists thanks to lack of infrastructure.
The pass is about eight hours drive from Asom’s town of Tezpur and falls on way to Tawang, where the second oldest Buddhist monastery after Lhasa, is situated.
Politically Tawang has become sensitive of late with the Chinese claim on territory, which has been vehemently contested by the Arunachal Pradesh people.
Admitting that lack of infrastructure had robbed the government of valuable revenue, Arunachal Tourism Secretary Bandana Deuri says roadside amenities have to be improved to attract tourists to even the lesser known areas of the State.
The road to Tawang and Sella is maintained by the Border Roads Task Force and a tourist has to depend on amenities provided basically by the army which is guarding the sector.
“This year there was seven feet snow in the Sella pass and our family and friends had fun,” says the wife of a army colonel who is posted in the area.
“Thrilling” has been the overwhelming word of praise for the few tourists who came this year as a part of a conducted tour to Tawang and Sella. “It is absolutely majestic with thick snow cover and the Sella lake frozen...It is sad there is no infrastructure for the tourists to stay and have the most out it”, said Sweta Mehta who was a part of the tourist team. Deuri said the Government was seized of the matter and has moved the centre to extend the tourist sector to the entire state to fully explore its potential.
Admitting that Protected Area Permit (PAP) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) was proving a major hindrance to tourist inflow, the official said a plea has been made to the union home ministry to relax it.
The request is to allow even single entry instead of the current four tourists in case of foreigners and increase their minimum days to stay from the present ten to one month, she said. The Government has a plan to attract high ended tourists and will build near Tawang a convention centre of international standards having a 16-hall golf course.
Apart from that a ‘Wellness Park’ in West Kameng district with public-private participation is on the anvil and the proposals have been sent to the Union Home Ministry for necessary clearance.
Tawang attracted international attention after a 16-member Thai business delegation visited the place in January who have assured to send an expert delegation very soon to collect tourist information about the State. Deuri said the government was infact contemplating to promote the Bhalukpung (Assam)-Bomdilla-Sella-Tawang sector as a tourist route in the near future.
At present only a handful of tourists come with their own means of transport and depending on local villagers and army managed road side amenities, but with the route well established, the inflow (of tourists) will increase, she said. Tourists can also take heart of the fact that a daily chopper service is planned from Guwahati to Tawang which presently runs twice weekly.
It will take only one hour from Guwahati to Tawang and tourists can avail a three-hour drive down to Sella pass and come back to Tawang the same day, she said.
Locals rue over the fact that even Rajesh Roshan’s block buster Koyla which was shot entirely in the Tawang valley had failed to attract tourists.
“How many people know Madhuri Dixit and Sharukh Khan shot at various water falls and lakes which has then be renamed as Madhuri lake and Madhuri falls”, says Tamshing Lama of Tawang.
Former AP tourist minister and local Lumla constituency MLA T G Rimpoche feels that a lot has to be done to improve infrastructure and attract tourists which was the only to ushe in development in the area.
Manas in UNESCO’s ‘Site in Danger’ list
Confirming that UNESCO has put Manas and Keoladeo National Parks in ‘Heritage Site in Danger’, the Centre has said it has been providing financial and technical assistance to the two State Governments for better management. The Union Government has been continuously in touch with the State Governments of Assam and Rajasthan. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been providing financial and technical assistance to the State Governments for the better management of these sites, said Minister of State for Environment and Forests, S. Regupathy, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Further, a UNESCO funded project was launched in 2007, for better management at the four natural world heritage sites in India including Manas and Keoladeo, said Reghupathy.
Out of the five natural heritage sites in India, Manas National Park is already in the category of ‘Heritage Site in Danger’ since 1992. It was placed in this category due to large-scale disturbances and agitation during that period causing serious damage to the Park.
The World Heritage Committee had also expressed serious concern over the situation resulting from inadequate availability of water to maintain the wetland ecosystem in Keoladeo National Park, which is also a World Heritage Site.
The Union Tourism Ministry has been according top priority to development of tourism in the area, since tourism has great potential for employment generation and economic growth. This was stated by the Union Tourism Secretary Sh. S. Banerjee recently while reviewing the progress of projects sanctioned to the State Governments for development and promotion of tourism in the North-Eastern Region. He said during the 10th plan period a total amount of Rs.319 crore was released to the North Eastern states including Sikkim, as against the mandatory provision of 10% amounting to Rs.269 crore. Similarly in the first year of the 11th plan i.e. 2007-08, against the target of Rs.95.3 crore (10% allocation of the budget) the actual expenditure on the North East including HRD & publicity amounted to Rs.170 crore.
S. Banerjee said, the Ministry has continuously been promoting the North Eastern Region through its publicity campaigns in the print, online and electronic media. In 2006, 4.45 million foreign tourists arrived in the country, 0.038 million foreign tourists visited the North East region and the number of domestic tourists who visited the North East was 3.9 million. The Union Tourism Secretary said however in order to tap the immense tourism potential of the region it is required that a concerted effort be made for upgrading infrastructure and ensuring better connectivity of important tourist destinations and circuits.
The Union Ministry highlighted the status of implementation of projects sanctioned in the first three years of the 10th Plan during the meeting. It was emphasized by the Senior Union Tourism Ministry officials that all projects must be completed and commissioned by December this year. It was also impressed upon the states that actual implementation of the sanctioned projects will be closely monitored by the Union Government. Secretary Tourism Sh. S. Banerjee directed that maintenance of assets is a must and in the absence of a proper institutional mechanism for solid waste management and civic amenities at sites, projects would not be considered for sanction.
Sh. Banerjee stated that as sustainable tourism is the way forward, due emphasis to eco tourism and rural tourism must be given. In particular, rural tourism has the potential of showcasing the craft, cuisine and culture of a village in a very attractive manner, so while the Central Govt. with the cooperation of the State and District authorities is developing rural tourism sites, it is up the travel trade to effectively market them and bring tourists to these villages, for truly enjoying their authentic flavour and ambience.
The representatives of State Governments from the North East briefed the meeting about their tourism strategy and the status of implementation of projects. They welcomed the recent decision regarding LTC for Govt. officials which will boost tourism to the region. They emphasized that guidance from Ministry of Tourism on creatives & publicity is greatly required for better marketing of their tourism products.. The States also stressed that relaxation of permits is essential for facilitating travel. Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs has just relaxed the RAP regulations by opening up 4 more circuits, increasing the length of stay and allowing a minimum of two persons to travel rather than the earlier minimum number of four persons.
Apart from the tourism Review Meeting at Guwahati, there was a meeting with the Travel Trade in the North-East on 12th May, 08. The Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum made a presentation about its activities and strategy for future development. The leading members of the travel trade such as tour operators and hoteliers spoke about the boost that tourism has received in recent years because of the domestic media campaign and reiterated that continuous promotion and marketing efforts, together with relaxation of permits would ensure greater inflow of tourists to the region. They emphasized the need for better connectivity of all States It was decided that the calendar of events of all the States would be finalized and communicated to the Ministry of Tourism for publicity through the website and collaterals. The tour operators were also informed that the Marketing Development Assistance guidelines have been amended to enable tour operators from the North Eastern region to participate in the International Marts. At all these Marts, space is provided free of cost for the participants of the North East States hence they were urged to avail of this opportunity.
The new rules will apply to employees irrespective of their grade or post and the order will be in operation for two years, sources in the Ministry of Personnel today said.
Under the revised rules, Group A and B Central Government employees will be entitled to travel by air from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the north eastern region.
Employees belonging to other categories will be entitled to travel by air to a city in the north eastern region from Guwahati or Kolkata.
All Central Government servants would be allowed conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in the north eastern region, the order said.
The Ministry said that data regarding the number of employees availing LTC to the north eastern region would be maintained.
The decision will enable government servants in the junior grades to visit the northeastern region, which used to remain a distant dream for them because of high air travel costs and absence of official entitlement.
The north eastern region comprises Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, and also Sikkim -- all having rich tourism potential.
Infrastructure hits Tawang’s tourism
At first sight the snow-covered place could be mistaken to somewhere in the Kashmir Valley.
The Sella Pass, perched at 18,000 ft above sea level, in the Himalayan ranges is as majestic as any tourist destination. The pass, however, has not been able to attract tourists thanks to lack of infrastructure.
The pass is about eight hours drive from Asom’s town of Tezpur and falls on way to Tawang, where the second oldest Buddhist monastery after Lhasa, is situated.
Politically Tawang has become sensitive of late with the Chinese claim on territory, which has been vehemently contested by the Arunachal Pradesh people.
Admitting that lack of infrastructure had robbed the government of valuable revenue, Arunachal Tourism Secretary Bandana Deuri says roadside amenities have to be improved to attract tourists to even the lesser known areas of the State.
The road to Tawang and Sella is maintained by the Border Roads Task Force and a tourist has to depend on amenities provided basically by the army which is guarding the sector.
“This year there was seven feet snow in the Sella pass and our family and friends had fun,” says the wife of a army colonel who is posted in the area.
“Thrilling” has been the overwhelming word of praise for the few tourists who came this year as a part of a conducted tour to Tawang and Sella. “It is absolutely majestic with thick snow cover and the Sella lake frozen...It is sad there is no infrastructure for the tourists to stay and have the most out it”, said Sweta Mehta who was a part of the tourist team. Deuri said the Government was seized of the matter and has moved the centre to extend the tourist sector to the entire state to fully explore its potential.
Admitting that Protected Area Permit (PAP) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) was proving a major hindrance to tourist inflow, the official said a plea has been made to the union home ministry to relax it.
The request is to allow even single entry instead of the current four tourists in case of foreigners and increase their minimum days to stay from the present ten to one month, she said. The Government has a plan to attract high ended tourists and will build near Tawang a convention centre of international standards having a 16-hall golf course.
Apart from that a ‘Wellness Park’ in West Kameng district with public-private participation is on the anvil and the proposals have been sent to the Union Home Ministry for necessary clearance.
Tawang attracted international attention after a 16-member Thai business delegation visited the place in January who have assured to send an expert delegation very soon to collect tourist information about the State. Deuri said the government was infact contemplating to promote the Bhalukpung (Assam)-Bomdilla-Sella-Tawang sector as a tourist route in the near future.
At present only a handful of tourists come with their own means of transport and depending on local villagers and army managed road side amenities, but with the route well established, the inflow (of tourists) will increase, she said. Tourists can also take heart of the fact that a daily chopper service is planned from Guwahati to Tawang which presently runs twice weekly.
It will take only one hour from Guwahati to Tawang and tourists can avail a three-hour drive down to Sella pass and come back to Tawang the same day, she said.
Locals rue over the fact that even Rajesh Roshan’s block buster Koyla which was shot entirely in the Tawang valley had failed to attract tourists.
“How many people know Madhuri Dixit and Sharukh Khan shot at various water falls and lakes which has then be renamed as Madhuri lake and Madhuri falls”, says Tamshing Lama of Tawang.
Former AP tourist minister and local Lumla constituency MLA T G Rimpoche feels that a lot has to be done to improve infrastructure and attract tourists which was the only to ushe in development in the area.
Manas in UNESCO’s ‘Site in Danger’ list
Confirming that UNESCO has put Manas and Keoladeo National Parks in ‘Heritage Site in Danger’, the Centre has said it has been providing financial and technical assistance to the two State Governments for better management. The Union Government has been continuously in touch with the State Governments of Assam and Rajasthan. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been providing financial and technical assistance to the State Governments for the better management of these sites, said Minister of State for Environment and Forests, S. Regupathy, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Further, a UNESCO funded project was launched in 2007, for better management at the four natural world heritage sites in India including Manas and Keoladeo, said Reghupathy.
Out of the five natural heritage sites in India, Manas National Park is already in the category of ‘Heritage Site in Danger’ since 1992. It was placed in this category due to large-scale disturbances and agitation during that period causing serious damage to the Park.
The World Heritage Committee had also expressed serious concern over the situation resulting from inadequate availability of water to maintain the wetland ecosystem in Keoladeo National Park, which is also a World Heritage Site.
The Union Tourism Ministry has been according top priority to development of tourism in the area, since tourism has great potential for employment generation and economic growth. This was stated by the Union Tourism Secretary Sh. S. Banerjee recently while reviewing the progress of projects sanctioned to the State Governments for development and promotion of tourism in the North-Eastern Region. He said during the 10th plan period a total amount of Rs.319 crore was released to the North Eastern states including Sikkim, as against the mandatory provision of 10% amounting to Rs.269 crore. Similarly in the first year of the 11th plan i.e. 2007-08, against the target of Rs.95.3 crore (10% allocation of the budget) the actual expenditure on the North East including HRD & publicity amounted to Rs.170 crore.
S. Banerjee said, the Ministry has continuously been promoting the North Eastern Region through its publicity campaigns in the print, online and electronic media. In 2006, 4.45 million foreign tourists arrived in the country, 0.038 million foreign tourists visited the North East region and the number of domestic tourists who visited the North East was 3.9 million. The Union Tourism Secretary said however in order to tap the immense tourism potential of the region it is required that a concerted effort be made for upgrading infrastructure and ensuring better connectivity of important tourist destinations and circuits.
The Union Ministry highlighted the status of implementation of projects sanctioned in the first three years of the 10th Plan during the meeting. It was emphasized by the Senior Union Tourism Ministry officials that all projects must be completed and commissioned by December this year. It was also impressed upon the states that actual implementation of the sanctioned projects will be closely monitored by the Union Government. Secretary Tourism Sh. S. Banerjee directed that maintenance of assets is a must and in the absence of a proper institutional mechanism for solid waste management and civic amenities at sites, projects would not be considered for sanction.
Sh. Banerjee stated that as sustainable tourism is the way forward, due emphasis to eco tourism and rural tourism must be given. In particular, rural tourism has the potential of showcasing the craft, cuisine and culture of a village in a very attractive manner, so while the Central Govt. with the cooperation of the State and District authorities is developing rural tourism sites, it is up the travel trade to effectively market them and bring tourists to these villages, for truly enjoying their authentic flavour and ambience.
The representatives of State Governments from the North East briefed the meeting about their tourism strategy and the status of implementation of projects. They welcomed the recent decision regarding LTC for Govt. officials which will boost tourism to the region. They emphasized that guidance from Ministry of Tourism on creatives & publicity is greatly required for better marketing of their tourism products.. The States also stressed that relaxation of permits is essential for facilitating travel. Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs has just relaxed the RAP regulations by opening up 4 more circuits, increasing the length of stay and allowing a minimum of two persons to travel rather than the earlier minimum number of four persons.
Apart from the tourism Review Meeting at Guwahati, there was a meeting with the Travel Trade in the North-East on 12th May, 08. The Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum made a presentation about its activities and strategy for future development. The leading members of the travel trade such as tour operators and hoteliers spoke about the boost that tourism has received in recent years because of the domestic media campaign and reiterated that continuous promotion and marketing efforts, together with relaxation of permits would ensure greater inflow of tourists to the region. They emphasized the need for better connectivity of all States It was decided that the calendar of events of all the States would be finalized and communicated to the Ministry of Tourism for publicity through the website and collaterals. The tour operators were also informed that the Marketing Development Assistance guidelines have been amended to enable tour operators from the North Eastern region to participate in the International Marts. At all these Marts, space is provided free of cost for the participants of the North East States hence they were urged to avail of this opportunity.
Walking extra mile for quality tourism service
Call it honouring the code of tourism or walking that extra mile to satisfy the latent wants of tourists, Blue Sky Tours and Travels brought the magic of Tibet alive for a group of foreign tourists last night at Gangtok, who had cut short their Tibet itinerary.
A group of tourists from Germany and Switzerland had descended to the Himalayan state from Nepal after Tibet was closed for tourists in the wake of recent developments.
Once in Gangtok, their host Paljor Lachungpa, Blue Sky Tours and Travels steamed up a memorable itinerary of fusion of Tibetan and Sikkimese culture grandeur for the tourists which started with an enchanting presentation by Gangjong Doeghar, a Tibetan Performing Arts from Kalimpong yesterday night at Hotel Himalayan Heights.
With worldwide performances under its belt, Gangjong Doeghar dished out a regal presentation of Tibetan culture of songs, dances and music including an Opera that fetched loud applauses from the foreign tourists.
“They (tourist group) had booked a trip to Tibet but could not go as Tibet is presently banned for foreigners. So they came here as Sikkim has become an alternative destination for scenic beauty and unique culture,” said Lachungpa.
“I would have loved to go to Tibet but I am very happy to see Tibetan culture here in Sikkim,” said a German tourist.
While the tourists would have been contended just being in Sikkim, Lachungpa made his own arrangements to present the Tibetan cultural evening so that tourists should not have any room for complaints.
Apart from the Tibetan culture presentation, Lachungpa had planned to showcase the Sikkimese culture to the group. One group would be going to North Sikkim and other to West Sikkim and I had made preparations for having Sikkim culture presentations, he said.
“Quality tourism is there provided that we provide quality service.” This was not the first group that had detoured to Sikkim after the clampdown in Tibet. This was the sixth group, said Lachungpa.
Lachungpa said the present tourism season had been good and it was a good opportunity for the local stakeholders to spread the tourists to every nook and cranny of the state so that the benefits percolate down to the masses.
“The season has been good and on top of that arrival of such groups is a good opportunity to divert them to all parts of the State,” he said.
A group of tourists from Germany and Switzerland had descended to the Himalayan state from Nepal after Tibet was closed for tourists in the wake of recent developments.
Once in Gangtok, their host Paljor Lachungpa, Blue Sky Tours and Travels steamed up a memorable itinerary of fusion of Tibetan and Sikkimese culture grandeur for the tourists which started with an enchanting presentation by Gangjong Doeghar, a Tibetan Performing Arts from Kalimpong yesterday night at Hotel Himalayan Heights.
With worldwide performances under its belt, Gangjong Doeghar dished out a regal presentation of Tibetan culture of songs, dances and music including an Opera that fetched loud applauses from the foreign tourists.
“They (tourist group) had booked a trip to Tibet but could not go as Tibet is presently banned for foreigners. So they came here as Sikkim has become an alternative destination for scenic beauty and unique culture,” said Lachungpa.
“I would have loved to go to Tibet but I am very happy to see Tibetan culture here in Sikkim,” said a German tourist.
While the tourists would have been contended just being in Sikkim, Lachungpa made his own arrangements to present the Tibetan cultural evening so that tourists should not have any room for complaints.
Apart from the Tibetan culture presentation, Lachungpa had planned to showcase the Sikkimese culture to the group. One group would be going to North Sikkim and other to West Sikkim and I had made preparations for having Sikkim culture presentations, he said.
“Quality tourism is there provided that we provide quality service.” This was not the first group that had detoured to Sikkim after the clampdown in Tibet. This was the sixth group, said Lachungpa.
Lachungpa said the present tourism season had been good and it was a good opportunity for the local stakeholders to spread the tourists to every nook and cranny of the state so that the benefits percolate down to the masses.
“The season has been good and on top of that arrival of such groups is a good opportunity to divert them to all parts of the State,” he said.
Jap Beauty: Yoko Matsugane
Yoko Matsugane (松金 洋子, Matsugane Yōko?, born May 26, 1982) is a Japanese gravure (or bikini) idol from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. She is famous for her voluptuous figure.
She has released several DVDs and photobooks and has appeared on several TV shows in Japan. As of January 2006, Yoko left her modeling agency, but is still active in producing DVDs and photo sets. At the times of the release of her latest DVD she usually attends promotional events where her fans get to meet their idol and take a picture with her. These events are most often held in department stores in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.
She has released several DVDs and photobooks and has appeared on several TV shows in Japan. As of January 2006, Yoko left her modeling agency, but is still active in producing DVDs and photo sets. At the times of the release of her latest DVD she usually attends promotional events where her fans get to meet their idol and take a picture with her. These events are most often held in department stores in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.
Mizoram govt asks police to identify infiltrators
Aizawl, Jul 7 : The Mizoram government has asked its police to conduct a “vigorous check of Inner Line Permits (ILP)” to identify foreigners, particularly those from Bangladesh.
Under the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, it is necessary for the non-tribals in the plains of this country to obtain a pass, known as the ILP, for them to enter Mizoram either for work or as tourists.Aizawl district superintendent of police L. T. Hrangchal today confirmed receiving such an instruction to start a process to identify non-Mizos illegally “overstaying” in Mizoram after the lapse of their ILP pass or simply infiltrating into the state.
Other police officials in Aizawl said police and the home department officials were now drawing up a campaign to identify those still remaining in Mizoram in an illegal manner with or without the pass.
Official sources in Aizawl said at present there are over 12,000 non-Mizo residents in the state, and alleged that of them majority are the suspected Bangladeshi Muslims.
A senior official of the Mizoram government liaison office in Silchar said the ILPs are issued for a period of only 15 days, but it can be extended by another fortnight by the district administrations in Mizoram.
Sources in Aizawl said many non-Mizos had, of late, crafted some devious methods of extending their stay in the state, thus triggering an impending fear among the locals of a possible adverse tilt in the population balance.
The ILP recently became the focal point of a controversy after Gauhati High Court issued an interim order on June 13 directing the Mizoram government not to arrest or deport any Indian national on the ground of not possessing a permit. However, the high court then made a modification allowing the state government in Mizoram “to verify the credentials of those persons whom the authorities in the state suspect to be not Indian citizens”.
The high court has made it clear that the verification of all records should be screened by the police and the home department officials under the leadership of an official not below the rank of a deputy superintendent of police.
On an average, 300 non-Mizos obtain passes every month under the ILP system from the Mizoram House in Silchar with a fee of Rs 120 for each permit.
