50 buses to ply to Vadodara Rajkot and Surat; more routes in Phase II
DILIP PATEL
For the convenience of women, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) along with the State Transport Department will soon introduce 50 intercity buses exclusively for ladies. With a view to begin the services soon, GSRTC has already floated tenders for 1,760 buses. “We are keen to begin this special service soon as the demand for it has been pending for long. In the first phase, we will start 50 buses on Ahmedabad-Rajkot, Ahmedabad-Surat and Ahmedabad-Vadodara routes. The decision has been taken considering women’s security, said B K Sinha, principal secretary, Transport Department.
Working women had approached the department several times demanding specual buses. Maharashtra has some women-special buses plying on certain routes. “City buses and trains have special coaches and seats for women, but GSRTC does not have any special buses for women,” said Geeta Patel who commutes frequently between Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
GSRTC plans to add 2,000 new buses to its fleet by the end of 2010. In the next two years, the agency plans to purchase 3,500 buses to meet the increasing demand of commuters.
BUSES ON TOURIST ROUTES
THE TRANSPORT Department has come up with a proposal to run special buses on tourism routes which will cover Jamnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot, Vadodara and Mehsana. These buses will run only on weekends , a department source said.
300 BUSES FOR KNOWLEDGE CORRIDOR
FOR THE convenience of students, the department has also proposed to introduce 300 buses on 1,200 destinations along the knowledge corridor which is spread across Vallabh Vidyanagr, Changa, Ganpat and Vadodara.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Gandhi memorial in gandhinagar
Work on Gandhi memorial begins in Gandhinagar
Mahatma Mandir promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for tourists seeking to know more about Bapu
DILIP PATEL
The construction of a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhinagar has begun. The memorial, called Mahatma Mandir, is coming up on an area spread over 60,000 sq mt beside the Gandhinagar railway station.
It promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for foreign tourists seeking to know more about the Father of the Nation.
A host of structures, including a concrete mound to be called ‘Salt Mountain’, will be built on the sprawling premises.
The mound-like structure will house a meditation hall and a museum. A convention centre, three halls and a bridge depicting the Dandi Bridge will also be constructed. Interestingly, the terraces of the three halls will have lush lawns.
A giant charkha, murals and sculptures depicting 365 most important events of Bapu’s life — including those related to his stay in South Africa — be among the key attractions at Mahatma Mandir.
The entire project will cost the
government Rs 132 crore.
NEXT VIBRANT SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT MAHATMA MANDIR
CERTAIN SECTIONS of the memorial, which will have many green spaces, are expected to ready by 2011. This is because the state government wants to hold the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) there. A lush green corridor, Central Vista, will lead to Mahatma Mandir from the state assembly
Mahatma Mandir promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for tourists seeking to know more about Bapu
DILIP PATEL
The construction of a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhinagar has begun. The memorial, called Mahatma Mandir, is coming up on an area spread over 60,000 sq mt beside the Gandhinagar railway station.
It promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for foreign tourists seeking to know more about the Father of the Nation.
A host of structures, including a concrete mound to be called ‘Salt Mountain’, will be built on the sprawling premises.
The mound-like structure will house a meditation hall and a museum. A convention centre, three halls and a bridge depicting the Dandi Bridge will also be constructed. Interestingly, the terraces of the three halls will have lush lawns.
A giant charkha, murals and sculptures depicting 365 most important events of Bapu’s life — including those related to his stay in South Africa — be among the key attractions at Mahatma Mandir.
The entire project will cost the
government Rs 132 crore.
NEXT VIBRANT SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT MAHATMA MANDIR
CERTAIN SECTIONS of the memorial, which will have many green spaces, are expected to ready by 2011. This is because the state government wants to hold the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) there. A lush green corridor, Central Vista, will lead to Mahatma Mandir from the state assembly
Vehicle registration zooms up by 50 pc in Ahmedabad
Last year, the RTO in Ahmedabad registered 1.27 lakh new vehicles. This year, the number rose to 1.93 lakh vehicles
DILIP PATEL
The Ahmedabad RTO has witnessed a 50 per cent hike in the registration of new vehicles in 2009-10 compared to 2008-09. Last year, the RTO registered 1.27 lakh new vehicles. This year, the number rose to 1.93 lakh vehicles.
Last year, the registration of new cars stood at -12 per cent. And that of two-wheelers was -18 per cent. The reverse swing this year saw a 23 per cent rise in the registration of cars and 37 per cent increase in those of twowheelers. Most of the cars registered are ones that cost more than Rs 4 lakh. Regional Transport Officer (Ahmedabad) R J Patel said, “This year, we have noticed that most cars registered are of the expensive variety. We have registered BMWs, Volkswagen, Audi and Ford Figo. Earlier, people looking for an affordable car zeroed in on the Maruti 800. Now, most prefer Swift, Wagon R or the Santro.”
He added, “The economic slowdown last year forced many people to abandon their plans of buying a vehicle. However, things are looking up now. This year alone, we registered 30,657 cars. Compared to 82,000 twowheelers last year, we registered 1.14 lakh vehicles this year. In fact, the income generated exceeded our target of Rs 194 crore. From last year’s Rs 168 crore, it soared to Rs 215 crore.”
All RTOs in the state are witnessing this trend. Said D R Patel, in-charge RTO who works at the vehicle registration head office in Gandhinagar: “Most students now own two-wheelers. It is also a status symbol for them. But increase in vehicle sales is not witnessed in cities alone. This year, farmers in South Gujarat have harvested a bumper rice crop. The farmers are earning more. All this encourages them to buy more vehicles, most of them expensive ones.”
DILIP PATEL
The Ahmedabad RTO has witnessed a 50 per cent hike in the registration of new vehicles in 2009-10 compared to 2008-09. Last year, the RTO registered 1.27 lakh new vehicles. This year, the number rose to 1.93 lakh vehicles.
Last year, the registration of new cars stood at -12 per cent. And that of two-wheelers was -18 per cent. The reverse swing this year saw a 23 per cent rise in the registration of cars and 37 per cent increase in those of twowheelers. Most of the cars registered are ones that cost more than Rs 4 lakh. Regional Transport Officer (Ahmedabad) R J Patel said, “This year, we have noticed that most cars registered are of the expensive variety. We have registered BMWs, Volkswagen, Audi and Ford Figo. Earlier, people looking for an affordable car zeroed in on the Maruti 800. Now, most prefer Swift, Wagon R or the Santro.”
He added, “The economic slowdown last year forced many people to abandon their plans of buying a vehicle. However, things are looking up now. This year alone, we registered 30,657 cars. Compared to 82,000 twowheelers last year, we registered 1.14 lakh vehicles this year. In fact, the income generated exceeded our target of Rs 194 crore. From last year’s Rs 168 crore, it soared to Rs 215 crore.”
All RTOs in the state are witnessing this trend. Said D R Patel, in-charge RTO who works at the vehicle registration head office in Gandhinagar: “Most students now own two-wheelers. It is also a status symbol for them. But increase in vehicle sales is not witnessed in cities alone. This year, farmers in South Gujarat have harvested a bumper rice crop. The farmers are earning more. All this encourages them to buy more vehicles, most of them expensive ones.”
Raksha Shakti varsity
Raksha Shakti varsity to begin admissions after class XII results
It will begin with Diploma in Basic Policing and Bachelor of Police Service and 250 seats
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
Work has begun on the Raksha Shakti University, the first varsity of the country dedicated to policing courses. The varsity will initially have 250 seats, the admission process to which will begin after class XII result is declared.
The temporary campus near New Civil Hospital will be located at the building which earlier was the Ahmedabad District (Rural) Police office (which has now shifted to Sarkhej) and also had the chamber of Director General of Police.
Rooms of the office building are being converted into classrooms. A permanent campus will come up on 300 acres in Lavad, Gandhinagar, at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
In the first phase, the varsity will begin with two courses, Diploma in Basic Policing and Bachelor of Police Service.
University director general, former Ahmedabad police commissioner of OP Mathur said, “The syballi of the two courses are almost ready. The university will begin functioning by April-end or early May.”
State Home Secretary T S Bisht said the first batch will have a combined (both courses) strength of 250 whereas the fee will be Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per semester. Bisht is also member of university’s advisory committee.
The second phase will see introduction of courses on terrorism, cyber crimes, economic offences, internal security and forensic science for police personnel and under-graduates.
The university will have retired IPS officers, serving policemen, ex-Armymen, law professors and forensic expers as faculty. There are talks of affiliating police training institutes of Gujarat to this university
It will begin with Diploma in Basic Policing and Bachelor of Police Service and 250 seats
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
Work has begun on the Raksha Shakti University, the first varsity of the country dedicated to policing courses. The varsity will initially have 250 seats, the admission process to which will begin after class XII result is declared.
The temporary campus near New Civil Hospital will be located at the building which earlier was the Ahmedabad District (Rural) Police office (which has now shifted to Sarkhej) and also had the chamber of Director General of Police.
Rooms of the office building are being converted into classrooms. A permanent campus will come up on 300 acres in Lavad, Gandhinagar, at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
In the first phase, the varsity will begin with two courses, Diploma in Basic Policing and Bachelor of Police Service.
University director general, former Ahmedabad police commissioner of OP Mathur said, “The syballi of the two courses are almost ready. The university will begin functioning by April-end or early May.”
State Home Secretary T S Bisht said the first batch will have a combined (both courses) strength of 250 whereas the fee will be Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per semester. Bisht is also member of university’s advisory committee.
The second phase will see introduction of courses on terrorism, cyber crimes, economic offences, internal security and forensic science for police personnel and under-graduates.
The university will have retired IPS officers, serving policemen, ex-Armymen, law professors and forensic expers as faculty. There are talks of affiliating police training institutes of Gujarat to this university
Work on Gandhi memorial begins in Gandhinagar
Work on Gandhi memorial begins in Gandhinagar
Mahatma Mandir promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for tourists seeking to know more about Bapu
DILIP PATEL
The construction of a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhinagar has begun. The memorial, called Mahatma Mandir, is coming up on an area spread over 60,000 sq mt beside the Gandhinagar railway station.
It promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for foreign tourists seeking to know more about the Father of the Nation.
A host of structures, including a concrete mound to be called ‘Salt Mountain’, will be built on the sprawling premises.
The mound-like structure will house a meditation hall and a museum. A convention centre, three halls and a bridge depicting the Dandi Bridge will also be constructed. Interestingly, the terraces of the three halls will have lush lawns.
A giant charkha, murals and sculptures depicting 365 most important events of Bapu’s life — including those related to his stay in South Africa — be among the key attractions at Mahatma Mandir.
The entire project will cost the
government Rs 132 crore.
NEXT VIBRANT SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT MAHATMA MANDIR
CERTAIN SECTIONS of the memorial, which will have many green spaces, are expected to ready by 2011. This is because the state government wants to hold the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) there. A lush green corridor, Central Vista, will lead to Mahatma Mandir from the state assembly.
Mahatma Mandir promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for tourists seeking to know more about Bapu
DILIP PATEL
The construction of a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhinagar has begun. The memorial, called Mahatma Mandir, is coming up on an area spread over 60,000 sq mt beside the Gandhinagar railway station.
It promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for foreign tourists seeking to know more about the Father of the Nation.
A host of structures, including a concrete mound to be called ‘Salt Mountain’, will be built on the sprawling premises.
The mound-like structure will house a meditation hall and a museum. A convention centre, three halls and a bridge depicting the Dandi Bridge will also be constructed. Interestingly, the terraces of the three halls will have lush lawns.
A giant charkha, murals and sculptures depicting 365 most important events of Bapu’s life — including those related to his stay in South Africa — be among the key attractions at Mahatma Mandir.
The entire project will cost the
government Rs 132 crore.
NEXT VIBRANT SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT MAHATMA MANDIR
CERTAIN SECTIONS of the memorial, which will have many green spaces, are expected to ready by 2011. This is because the state government wants to hold the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) there. A lush green corridor, Central Vista, will lead to Mahatma Mandir from the state assembly.
Count of lions in Gir
Four-day census will involve 1,600 people and documentation will include photography for first time
AHMEDABAD MIRROR BUREAU
Around 1,600 people, including 100 non-governmental agencies and 200 local residents of Gir will be part of the forest department and Gir National Park’s census of Gir lions from April 24 to 27.
The Asiatic Lion is at present concentrated in the ‘Bruhad Gir’ area spanning four districts — Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Porbandar. The programme for the primary and final census will be conducted during the day and night.
359 AT LAST COUNT
LAST CENSUS of lions was undertaken in Gir forest in 2005 by the State Forest Department and the number of lions arrived at was 359.
S K Nanda, principal secretary of the forest department said, “The census of the Asiatic Lion is done every five years. It was earlier done in 2005 and again this year. The direct census method will take place near the various water bodies of the selected site. We have finalised 450 sites out of 642 sites for the census. All these sites were surveyed during the precensus exercise. NGOs and wildlife experts from all over the state will be present for this census programme for the first time in 15 years.”
The four major districts where the lions will be censused are Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar which are included in the Gir National Park and Sanctury. Gir and adjoining areas will be divided into seven regions, 28 zones and 100 sub-zones.
TECH PUT TO USE
A TEAM of 200 camera persons, 100 global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information system (GIS) and wireless technology for the location and documentation of the lions will be distributed in these districts. Photography will take place for the first time during this year’s census.
Various methods will be used to identify and scan the lions including sketching their movements, details about their body weight, the number of cubs and lionesses in the pride and the marks and scars on their body or face. According to the Forest Department, the birth rate is only 5 to 10 per cent, while 40 to 50 lions and cubs die each year.
AHMEDABAD MIRROR BUREAU
Around 1,600 people, including 100 non-governmental agencies and 200 local residents of Gir will be part of the forest department and Gir National Park’s census of Gir lions from April 24 to 27.
The Asiatic Lion is at present concentrated in the ‘Bruhad Gir’ area spanning four districts — Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Porbandar. The programme for the primary and final census will be conducted during the day and night.
359 AT LAST COUNT
LAST CENSUS of lions was undertaken in Gir forest in 2005 by the State Forest Department and the number of lions arrived at was 359.
S K Nanda, principal secretary of the forest department said, “The census of the Asiatic Lion is done every five years. It was earlier done in 2005 and again this year. The direct census method will take place near the various water bodies of the selected site. We have finalised 450 sites out of 642 sites for the census. All these sites were surveyed during the precensus exercise. NGOs and wildlife experts from all over the state will be present for this census programme for the first time in 15 years.”
The four major districts where the lions will be censused are Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar which are included in the Gir National Park and Sanctury. Gir and adjoining areas will be divided into seven regions, 28 zones and 100 sub-zones.
TECH PUT TO USE
A TEAM of 200 camera persons, 100 global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information system (GIS) and wireless technology for the location and documentation of the lions will be distributed in these districts. Photography will take place for the first time during this year’s census.
Various methods will be used to identify and scan the lions including sketching their movements, details about their body weight, the number of cubs and lionesses in the pride and the marks and scars on their body or face. According to the Forest Department, the birth rate is only 5 to 10 per cent, while 40 to 50 lions and cubs die each year.
Govt gets new semen sex tech to produce female calves
Gujarat’s milk production target in 2011-12 is 98 lakh tonnes but is expected to cross 1 crore tonnes due to this new technology
DILIP PATEL
This is one sex determination test that has the sanction of the state government. The animal husbandry department of the state government is setting up a frozen semen station laboratory at Patan, that will prepare 50 lakh doses of semen for the birth of cows and female buffaloes.
The semen sex technology imported from US will segregate the X and Y chromosomes from the semen of handpicked bulls and male buffaloes to produce female calf.
The machine has been imported at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore. This will not only give a major boost to the milk production in the state but also end the brutality involved in killing of bulls and male buffaloes that are considered of little use by farmers.
The milk production of Ahmedabad district is three lakh tonnes and there are one lakh cows. There are 1.80 lakh buffaloes. Gujarat’s milk production target in 2011-12 is going to be 98 lakh tonnes but is expected to cross one crore tonnes due to this new technology.
Animal husbandry director Dr AJ Kachhipatel told Mirror, “We will prepare 50 lakh doses of semen that will give birth only to cows and female buffaloes. As many as 96 bulls and male buffaloes of pure breed have been handpicked for the purpose and will be kept on a 270 acre land at Patan for the purpose.”
Kacchipatel said this technology will of great use as a majority of farmers and animal keepers want cows and female buffaloes.
He said this will also help preserve the original breeds of Gir cow and the Kankeraji cow as well as help produce hybrid varieties.
“The doses of frozen semen will be sent to four centres in the state and will be delivered to farmers and animal keepers through 4,000 artificial semen donation centres of the state government and cooperative sector. We will distribute the doses to all 18,000 villages in the state,” Kacchipatel said.
Animal husbandry secretary Rajiv Gupta said the new technology that has been imported is the first of it’s kind in India and will give a huge boost to the production of milk in the state. “The potential of the sector has been increased due to the import of this technology.”
There are presently 79 lakh cows in the state and 88 lakh buffaloes and the technology will help to produce semen not only to satisfy demands in the state but also to other states.
Kisan Sangh Secretary Jetha Patel said: “When a male buffalo is born, farmers either send them to the slaughter house or kill them by giving it sour buttermilk that kills them. About four years ago, majority of oxes were sold off and many of them ended up at the slaughter house as well. However, with an increase in the price of tractors, farmers have once again turned to the oxen to plough their fields.”
Jal Kranti Trust president Mansukh Suvagiya, “I had started a campaign to increase the population of Gir cow to 10 lakhs. When male buffaloes are born they are killed by either being subjected to starvation or through giving sour buttermilk.”
Rajiv Gupta, animal husbandry secretary, said: “The new technology imported to Gujarat is the first in India. It will give a major boost to milk production in the state.”
DILIP PATEL
This is one sex determination test that has the sanction of the state government. The animal husbandry department of the state government is setting up a frozen semen station laboratory at Patan, that will prepare 50 lakh doses of semen for the birth of cows and female buffaloes.
The semen sex technology imported from US will segregate the X and Y chromosomes from the semen of handpicked bulls and male buffaloes to produce female calf.
The machine has been imported at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore. This will not only give a major boost to the milk production in the state but also end the brutality involved in killing of bulls and male buffaloes that are considered of little use by farmers.
The milk production of Ahmedabad district is three lakh tonnes and there are one lakh cows. There are 1.80 lakh buffaloes. Gujarat’s milk production target in 2011-12 is going to be 98 lakh tonnes but is expected to cross one crore tonnes due to this new technology.
Animal husbandry director Dr AJ Kachhipatel told Mirror, “We will prepare 50 lakh doses of semen that will give birth only to cows and female buffaloes. As many as 96 bulls and male buffaloes of pure breed have been handpicked for the purpose and will be kept on a 270 acre land at Patan for the purpose.”
Kacchipatel said this technology will of great use as a majority of farmers and animal keepers want cows and female buffaloes.
He said this will also help preserve the original breeds of Gir cow and the Kankeraji cow as well as help produce hybrid varieties.
“The doses of frozen semen will be sent to four centres in the state and will be delivered to farmers and animal keepers through 4,000 artificial semen donation centres of the state government and cooperative sector. We will distribute the doses to all 18,000 villages in the state,” Kacchipatel said.
Animal husbandry secretary Rajiv Gupta said the new technology that has been imported is the first of it’s kind in India and will give a huge boost to the production of milk in the state. “The potential of the sector has been increased due to the import of this technology.”
There are presently 79 lakh cows in the state and 88 lakh buffaloes and the technology will help to produce semen not only to satisfy demands in the state but also to other states.
Kisan Sangh Secretary Jetha Patel said: “When a male buffalo is born, farmers either send them to the slaughter house or kill them by giving it sour buttermilk that kills them. About four years ago, majority of oxes were sold off and many of them ended up at the slaughter house as well. However, with an increase in the price of tractors, farmers have once again turned to the oxen to plough their fields.”
Jal Kranti Trust president Mansukh Suvagiya, “I had started a campaign to increase the population of Gir cow to 10 lakhs. When male buffaloes are born they are killed by either being subjected to starvation or through giving sour buttermilk.”
Rajiv Gupta, animal husbandry secretary, said: “The new technology imported to Gujarat is the first in India. It will give a major boost to milk production in the state.”
Gujarat Census 2011
Census 2011 to start tomorrow
AHMEDABAD MIRROR BUREAU
The 15th headcount of India’s population is all set to begin in Gujarat tomorrow. To be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, Census 2011 will have nearly 10,000 officials covering 1.40 crore houses across the state. In Census 2001, 1.24 crore houses were covered. In the last 10 year, as many as 16 lakh new houses have been constructed in the state.
Director of census operations, Government of India, Manish Bharadwaj said: “The information will be collected in 45 days. And if a family is out for a vacation, we urge them to give their cellphone details to the neighbours. All the data will be collected over the phone. This is being done for the first time.”
On Thursday, Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal will be the first to be enumerated, as the census process begins at 11 am.
Bharadwaj also released information about the number of villages and towns in the state. In the last 10 years, the number of villages have gone down from 18,539 to 18,027 whereas forest villages have increased from 136 to 164.
The number of inhabited villages have reduced from 18,066 to 17,680 whereas uninhabited villages have dropped from 473 to 347. The towns have increased from 242 to 348.
This is also the first time that the the National Population Register (NPR) programme has been linked to the census exercise. The NPR, a comprehensive identity database, will facilitate the creation of a biometrics-based identity system in the country, allowing identity cards for all citizens.
AHMEDABAD MIRROR BUREAU
The 15th headcount of India’s population is all set to begin in Gujarat tomorrow. To be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, Census 2011 will have nearly 10,000 officials covering 1.40 crore houses across the state. In Census 2001, 1.24 crore houses were covered. In the last 10 year, as many as 16 lakh new houses have been constructed in the state.
Director of census operations, Government of India, Manish Bharadwaj said: “The information will be collected in 45 days. And if a family is out for a vacation, we urge them to give their cellphone details to the neighbours. All the data will be collected over the phone. This is being done for the first time.”
On Thursday, Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal will be the first to be enumerated, as the census process begins at 11 am.
Bharadwaj also released information about the number of villages and towns in the state. In the last 10 years, the number of villages have gone down from 18,539 to 18,027 whereas forest villages have increased from 136 to 164.
The number of inhabited villages have reduced from 18,066 to 17,680 whereas uninhabited villages have dropped from 473 to 347. The towns have increased from 242 to 348.
This is also the first time that the the National Population Register (NPR) programme has been linked to the census exercise. The NPR, a comprehensive identity database, will facilitate the creation of a biometrics-based identity system in the country, allowing identity cards for all citizens.
MANGO
RIPE AND WRONG
Can you tell the difference between an artificially ripened mango and a naturally ripe one? Here’s what you should know about the king of fruits before you bite into one
DILIP PATEL AND RUTURAJ JADAV
Tempted by the golden yellow mangoes at the fruit vendor’s shop? Stop before you reach for them as dangerous chemicals could be the secret behind their good looks. The AMC’s health department has raided over 30 shops in the past month and found vendors using calcium carbide to ripen mangoes.
If you want to check if a fruit is naturally ripe, check the three S: smell, sweetness and smear. Artificially ripened mangoes do not smell the same as naturally ripened mangoes. The flesh is sour near the centre. The mangoes ripened artificially usually have traces of powder on the skin.
An artificially ripened mango has a yellow outer skin but the tissue inside would not be ripe. If the fruit is uniformly well coloured, or if black blotches appear on the skin in two or three days, you could suspect chemical ripening.
The use of calcium carbide, available in the form of a white powder, is banned under the FDA Act as an agent for artificial ripening of fruit as it entails health hazards affecting nerves, eyes, skin and lungs. Calcium carbide stones are powdered and placed in paper pouches in the basket or as a stone in mango godowns.
FRUIT-FUL RAIDS
THE STATE food and drug department carried out three raids in Porbandar, Ahmedabad and Bhavangar.
Food and Drugs Commissioner H G Kosia said, “Since calcium carbide cannot be detected once the fruit is exposed to the weather, we have asked our officials to seize fruits still in their boxes. The boxes usually contain packets of calcium carbide.”
AMC ON GUARD
THE AMC too, has formed a striking team of nine officials that move around the city to catch offenders who sell artificially ripened mangoes to make a quick buck. The team carried out raids in Ambawadi and Manekbaug and is keeping a watch on vendors at the Kalupur and Naroda fruit markets.
Medical Health Officer Dr S P Kulkarni said, “So far, more than 3,000 kg of artificially ripened mangoes and 40 kg of calcium carbide have been seized in the city.”
According to the Food Adulteration Act, violators are liable to undergo a six-month imprisonment and pay fine of Rs 1,000. The team has registered cases against four vendors and collected Rs 50,000 as administrative charges from offenders.
RIPEN FRUITS AT HOME
FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR of Junagadh Agriculture University K B Kikani said, “The artificially ripened kesar will be completely golden and its stalk will be swollen.”
A S Soni, public analyst at municipal public health laboratory, said, “Calcium carbide ripens mangoes in four days, whereas the natural process takes about a fortnight. It is always better to buy unripe mangoes and ripen them at home naturally. Wash the fruits thoroughly before consuming. Keep them under running water for a few minutes to wash away chemicals.” While eating mangoes and apples, cut the fruit into pieces, rather than consuming directly.
Other than mangoes and bananas, vendors artificially ripen chickoo, apples, papayas, guavas, pears and plums, too.
WHY IS CALCIUM CARBIDE DANGEROUS?
1
Calcium carbide is commonly used for welding purposes. On coming in contact with water, it produces acetylene, which acts as a catalyst in the ripening process.
2
The industrial grade of the chemical, which is freely available, contains arsenic and phosphorous. Large doses of calcium carbide can cause headache, dizziness and even cerebral oedema in the long run.
KNOW YOUR MANGO
1
Mangoes should be consumed during season which is May. Earlier than that, there is a chance that the mangoes are artificially ripened
2
Artificially ripened mangoes look smooth and polished. Organic mangoes are wrinkled
3
In artificially ripened mangoes the flesh close to the seed is sour.Whereas in naturally ripened ones, the sweetness is uniform
4
Mangoes have a trace of powder on its skin
5
Artificially ripened mangoes do not smell the same as naturally ripened mangoes
Can you tell the difference between an artificially ripened mango and a naturally ripe one? Here’s what you should know about the king of fruits before you bite into one
DILIP PATEL AND RUTURAJ JADAV
Tempted by the golden yellow mangoes at the fruit vendor’s shop? Stop before you reach for them as dangerous chemicals could be the secret behind their good looks. The AMC’s health department has raided over 30 shops in the past month and found vendors using calcium carbide to ripen mangoes.
If you want to check if a fruit is naturally ripe, check the three S: smell, sweetness and smear. Artificially ripened mangoes do not smell the same as naturally ripened mangoes. The flesh is sour near the centre. The mangoes ripened artificially usually have traces of powder on the skin.
An artificially ripened mango has a yellow outer skin but the tissue inside would not be ripe. If the fruit is uniformly well coloured, or if black blotches appear on the skin in two or three days, you could suspect chemical ripening.
The use of calcium carbide, available in the form of a white powder, is banned under the FDA Act as an agent for artificial ripening of fruit as it entails health hazards affecting nerves, eyes, skin and lungs. Calcium carbide stones are powdered and placed in paper pouches in the basket or as a stone in mango godowns.
FRUIT-FUL RAIDS
THE STATE food and drug department carried out three raids in Porbandar, Ahmedabad and Bhavangar.
Food and Drugs Commissioner H G Kosia said, “Since calcium carbide cannot be detected once the fruit is exposed to the weather, we have asked our officials to seize fruits still in their boxes. The boxes usually contain packets of calcium carbide.”
AMC ON GUARD
THE AMC too, has formed a striking team of nine officials that move around the city to catch offenders who sell artificially ripened mangoes to make a quick buck. The team carried out raids in Ambawadi and Manekbaug and is keeping a watch on vendors at the Kalupur and Naroda fruit markets.
Medical Health Officer Dr S P Kulkarni said, “So far, more than 3,000 kg of artificially ripened mangoes and 40 kg of calcium carbide have been seized in the city.”
According to the Food Adulteration Act, violators are liable to undergo a six-month imprisonment and pay fine of Rs 1,000. The team has registered cases against four vendors and collected Rs 50,000 as administrative charges from offenders.
RIPEN FRUITS AT HOME
FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR of Junagadh Agriculture University K B Kikani said, “The artificially ripened kesar will be completely golden and its stalk will be swollen.”
A S Soni, public analyst at municipal public health laboratory, said, “Calcium carbide ripens mangoes in four days, whereas the natural process takes about a fortnight. It is always better to buy unripe mangoes and ripen them at home naturally. Wash the fruits thoroughly before consuming. Keep them under running water for a few minutes to wash away chemicals.” While eating mangoes and apples, cut the fruit into pieces, rather than consuming directly.
Other than mangoes and bananas, vendors artificially ripen chickoo, apples, papayas, guavas, pears and plums, too.
WHY IS CALCIUM CARBIDE DANGEROUS?
1
Calcium carbide is commonly used for welding purposes. On coming in contact with water, it produces acetylene, which acts as a catalyst in the ripening process.
2
The industrial grade of the chemical, which is freely available, contains arsenic and phosphorous. Large doses of calcium carbide can cause headache, dizziness and even cerebral oedema in the long run.
KNOW YOUR MANGO
1
Mangoes should be consumed during season which is May. Earlier than that, there is a chance that the mangoes are artificially ripened
2
Artificially ripened mangoes look smooth and polished. Organic mangoes are wrinkled
3
In artificially ripened mangoes the flesh close to the seed is sour.Whereas in naturally ripened ones, the sweetness is uniform
4
Mangoes have a trace of powder on its skin
5
Artificially ripened mangoes do not smell the same as naturally ripened mangoes
Dial 104 for not-so-urgent medical needs
DILIP PATEL
The state government is planning to introduce a health service similar to 108. The new 104 telephone line however, will provide information on health and medical facilities available for various diseases and health problems that do not constitute an emergency. The caller can get information on doctors and availability of homoeopathy, ayurvedic and allopathy treatments.
An in-principle decision has been taken by the health department to start the 104 service in view of the plethora of calls the 108 EMRI control room receives for non-emergency health services.
Health department deputy director Dr Sunil Avashia said, “The process to invite tenders has been initiated. Opinions have been sought from service providers and vendors.”
Information on prohibition, drug addiction, family welfare, HIV, vaccines, women and child nutrition too will be facilitated. Dr Avashia said the state government has written to the Centre for permission to use the 104 line for the health service, like in Andhra Pradesh. The southern state too has been using the number to provide information on health-related non-emergency services.
NOT A TOLL-FREE NUMBER
THOUGH A final decision has not been taken, 104 may not be a toll-free line as the health department is considering a revenue model for the service. It is yet to decide whether to charge the caller or the medical practitioner for the service. The line will provide information on vaccines, doctors and treatments
The state government is planning to introduce a health service similar to 108. The new 104 telephone line however, will provide information on health and medical facilities available for various diseases and health problems that do not constitute an emergency. The caller can get information on doctors and availability of homoeopathy, ayurvedic and allopathy treatments.
An in-principle decision has been taken by the health department to start the 104 service in view of the plethora of calls the 108 EMRI control room receives for non-emergency health services.
Health department deputy director Dr Sunil Avashia said, “The process to invite tenders has been initiated. Opinions have been sought from service providers and vendors.”
Information on prohibition, drug addiction, family welfare, HIV, vaccines, women and child nutrition too will be facilitated. Dr Avashia said the state government has written to the Centre for permission to use the 104 line for the health service, like in Andhra Pradesh. The southern state too has been using the number to provide information on health-related non-emergency services.
NOT A TOLL-FREE NUMBER
THOUGH A final decision has not been taken, 104 may not be a toll-free line as the health department is considering a revenue model for the service. It is yet to decide whether to charge the caller or the medical practitioner for the service. The line will provide information on vaccines, doctors and treatments
ahmedabad Commissioner office shifting
CP office address changing
Dilip Patel
Police commissioner’s office address will soon change as soon as the new premises are being surveyed. This will shift to the eastern part of the city when the industry department accepts the proposal of the home ministry.
The four sites that have been finalised include: Rakhial, Bapunagar, Asarva and Saraspur. The department will soon take its decision, says home secretary T S Bisht. He adds, "The current headquarters of the Commissioner of Police (CP) which is near Shahibagh underpass is small which is why we are looking for a new location." He added, "We have decided that one of these sites will finalised for the new office."
The new building will be more than 50 acres of land. The current office covers an area of half square kilometer. The three floor building has very few facilities with no lift. Adjacent to it is the police stadium where the police does their rehearsals and training. But this is not enough for the sessions. The current office is a bungalow which was owned by a Parsi family till 1961. After this, the police department filed a case in the court. They won the case as there were some technical problems in the heirship of the bungalow and they had taken it on rent.
The working atmosphere needed at the international levels require that the police should be residing within the headquarters. The new building will give such residential facilities as well. According to these standards, a training centre will be built, all facilities for parade and police rehearsals will be taken care of in the new building.
The area of work of the commissioner of police is also growing. The Sardar Patel ring road which is also developing will soon come under the jurisdication of the CP. Sarkhej police station which is currently under rural Ahmedabad will also be included in Ahmedabad city which will increas the work area of the commissioner.
Plans are in progress to develop Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. There are plans to include it under the Ahmedabad city police. But there is not enough population to have another CP in Gandhinagar so that shall also be taken under the jurisdication of the Ahmedabad CP. Ahmedabad will then have two police commissioners just as Mumbai city which has three police commissioners.
Dilip Patel
Police commissioner’s office address will soon change as soon as the new premises are being surveyed. This will shift to the eastern part of the city when the industry department accepts the proposal of the home ministry.
The four sites that have been finalised include: Rakhial, Bapunagar, Asarva and Saraspur. The department will soon take its decision, says home secretary T S Bisht. He adds, "The current headquarters of the Commissioner of Police (CP) which is near Shahibagh underpass is small which is why we are looking for a new location." He added, "We have decided that one of these sites will finalised for the new office."
The new building will be more than 50 acres of land. The current office covers an area of half square kilometer. The three floor building has very few facilities with no lift. Adjacent to it is the police stadium where the police does their rehearsals and training. But this is not enough for the sessions. The current office is a bungalow which was owned by a Parsi family till 1961. After this, the police department filed a case in the court. They won the case as there were some technical problems in the heirship of the bungalow and they had taken it on rent.
The working atmosphere needed at the international levels require that the police should be residing within the headquarters. The new building will give such residential facilities as well. According to these standards, a training centre will be built, all facilities for parade and police rehearsals will be taken care of in the new building.
The area of work of the commissioner of police is also growing. The Sardar Patel ring road which is also developing will soon come under the jurisdication of the CP. Sarkhej police station which is currently under rural Ahmedabad will also be included in Ahmedabad city which will increas the work area of the commissioner.
Plans are in progress to develop Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. There are plans to include it under the Ahmedabad city police. But there is not enough population to have another CP in Gandhinagar so that shall also be taken under the jurisdication of the Ahmedabad CP. Ahmedabad will then have two police commissioners just as Mumbai city which has three police commissioners.
Monday, April 5, 2010
house sparrows
Dilip Patel
Rapid urbanisation in the state, especially Ahmedabad, has claimed a new victim: house sparrows. The population of house sparrows in the city has plunged by 90 per cent in the past seven years, according to random surveys conducted by the forest department, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation and bird-watchers.
The steep decline in the species’ numbers has prompted the state government to mandate a detailed scientific study. “The population of sparrows in cities like Ahmedabad has decreased at an alarming rate over the past few years,” Principal Secretary (forest and environment) S K Nanda told Ahmedabad Mirror. “We have asked the GEER Foundation to find out the causes of the species’ disappearance.”
Nanda — who discussed the issue with the director of GEER Foundation, C N Pandey, last week — said that the study’s findings would be used to boost sparrows’ numbers in urban areas.
AM spoke to several eminent bird-watchers and environmentalists, who confirmed that the population of sparrows in Ahmedabad had declined by 90 per cent. Some of them suspect that the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phone towers are wiping out sparrows, which, until recently, were spotted in droves at most residential colonies.
“I live in Jivraj Park, and I used to spot more than 50 sparrows in my building just a few years ago. However, lately I have not seen more than five,” Lal Singh Raol, who has been studying birds’ behaviour for the past 60 years, said. “The number of sparrows in Ahmedabad has decreased by 95 per cent.”
Raol, who has written books on birds found in Gujarat, said that the impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on sparrows needed to be studied. Raol, 84, has trained several people into bird-watching, and has encouraged formation of several environment clubs.
The director of GEER Foundation said that preliminary observations on the disappearance of sparrows had been made. “We believe that the changing design of residential buildings and an increase in number of cellphone towers have led to the fall in the bird’s population,” Pandey said. “A few years ago, residential buildings used to have slanted roofs, which were ideal nesting sites for sparrows. However, newer buildings have fewer vacant spaces.”
A scientist with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr P S Thakker, too, concurred with Pandey’s observation. “The sealing of windows for installation of air conditioners results in fewer entry points for sparrows to enter a house, and build a nest,” Thakker, also an ardent bird-watcher, said. “Interestingly, I visited Kodadha village near Kutch last week, and saw a large number of sparrows. This is because there were fewer cellphone towers in the region.”
A coordinator of Wetlands International (South Asia), which creates awareness on forest conservation, said that sparrows population had decreased in Ahmedabad in the past eight years. “There are at least 12 lakh residential buildings in Ahmedabad. However, nests of house sparrows exist in only 5 per cent of the buildings,” the coordinator, Bharat Jethva, said.
Under-Secretary of the forest department, Uday Vora, said that a large number of house sparrows could be found in areas on the outskirts of major cities. “Population of sparrows thrives in regions where there are fewer mobile phone towers,” he said.
A scientist associated with the Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Bhavabhuti Parasiya, concurred with Vora’s observation. “I visited Kutch, and I saw thousands of sparrows,” he said.
Rapid urbanisation in the state, especially Ahmedabad, has claimed a new victim: house sparrows. The population of house sparrows in the city has plunged by 90 per cent in the past seven years, according to random surveys conducted by the forest department, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation and bird-watchers.
The steep decline in the species’ numbers has prompted the state government to mandate a detailed scientific study. “The population of sparrows in cities like Ahmedabad has decreased at an alarming rate over the past few years,” Principal Secretary (forest and environment) S K Nanda told Ahmedabad Mirror. “We have asked the GEER Foundation to find out the causes of the species’ disappearance.”
Nanda — who discussed the issue with the director of GEER Foundation, C N Pandey, last week — said that the study’s findings would be used to boost sparrows’ numbers in urban areas.
AM spoke to several eminent bird-watchers and environmentalists, who confirmed that the population of sparrows in Ahmedabad had declined by 90 per cent. Some of them suspect that the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phone towers are wiping out sparrows, which, until recently, were spotted in droves at most residential colonies.
“I live in Jivraj Park, and I used to spot more than 50 sparrows in my building just a few years ago. However, lately I have not seen more than five,” Lal Singh Raol, who has been studying birds’ behaviour for the past 60 years, said. “The number of sparrows in Ahmedabad has decreased by 95 per cent.”
Raol, who has written books on birds found in Gujarat, said that the impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on sparrows needed to be studied. Raol, 84, has trained several people into bird-watching, and has encouraged formation of several environment clubs.
The director of GEER Foundation said that preliminary observations on the disappearance of sparrows had been made. “We believe that the changing design of residential buildings and an increase in number of cellphone towers have led to the fall in the bird’s population,” Pandey said. “A few years ago, residential buildings used to have slanted roofs, which were ideal nesting sites for sparrows. However, newer buildings have fewer vacant spaces.”
A scientist with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr P S Thakker, too, concurred with Pandey’s observation. “The sealing of windows for installation of air conditioners results in fewer entry points for sparrows to enter a house, and build a nest,” Thakker, also an ardent bird-watcher, said. “Interestingly, I visited Kodadha village near Kutch last week, and saw a large number of sparrows. This is because there were fewer cellphone towers in the region.”
A coordinator of Wetlands International (South Asia), which creates awareness on forest conservation, said that sparrows population had decreased in Ahmedabad in the past eight years. “There are at least 12 lakh residential buildings in Ahmedabad. However, nests of house sparrows exist in only 5 per cent of the buildings,” the coordinator, Bharat Jethva, said.
Under-Secretary of the forest department, Uday Vora, said that a large number of house sparrows could be found in areas on the outskirts of major cities. “Population of sparrows thrives in regions where there are fewer mobile phone towers,” he said.
A scientist associated with the Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Bhavabhuti Parasiya, concurred with Vora’s observation. “I visited Kutch, and I saw thousands of sparrows,” he said.
LION COUNT IN GUJARAT
FOREST OFFICIALS TO RELY ON BODY MARKS TO IDENTIFY CATS
Volunteers of the census, beginning April 24, will be given a sketch of lion to note down different characteristics of the animal, including whisker patterns
DILIP PATEL
More than 1,000 volunteers and forest officials will carry out the lion census in Gir from April 24 to 28. Apart from pairs of binoculars and digital cameras, participants of the census will be given a sketch of lion to note down various characteristics, including injury marks, of the wild cat.
Interestingly, whiskers and pattern of whisker spots on a lion’s upper lip will be the key identification marks. This is because lions, unlike tigers, do not have noticeable body patterns, making it difficult for animal-spotters to distinguish them.
Whiskers and pattern of their holes differ from lion to lion. Together, they act as a fingerprint of sorts of lions. Apart from them, marks on ears, face and body will be other parameters for identification.
“We will start the lion count in the last week of April when there’s a full moon,” the chief conservator of forest, Ravi Asari, told Mirror.
“We have taught volunteers of this exercise how to note down different characteristics of a lion on a sketch given to them. Whisker spots are a key identification mark of the wild cat. Experts can easily distinguish one lion from other another by looking at them.”
A former wildlife warden, G A Patel, who was part of two lion counts, said that making a note of whisker spot patterns on a lion’s upper lip was an apt way to identify the animal.
“A database of such characteristics can help forest officials identify lions even when they move out of their territory,” he said. Uday Vora, who is the deputy conservator of forest, said that volunteers who would conduct the census had been trained well. He recently returned from Gir after training them.
Volunteers of the census, beginning April 24, will be given a sketch of lion to note down different characteristics of the animal, including whisker patterns
DILIP PATEL
More than 1,000 volunteers and forest officials will carry out the lion census in Gir from April 24 to 28. Apart from pairs of binoculars and digital cameras, participants of the census will be given a sketch of lion to note down various characteristics, including injury marks, of the wild cat.
Interestingly, whiskers and pattern of whisker spots on a lion’s upper lip will be the key identification marks. This is because lions, unlike tigers, do not have noticeable body patterns, making it difficult for animal-spotters to distinguish them.
Whiskers and pattern of their holes differ from lion to lion. Together, they act as a fingerprint of sorts of lions. Apart from them, marks on ears, face and body will be other parameters for identification.
“We will start the lion count in the last week of April when there’s a full moon,” the chief conservator of forest, Ravi Asari, told Mirror.
“We have taught volunteers of this exercise how to note down different characteristics of a lion on a sketch given to them. Whisker spots are a key identification mark of the wild cat. Experts can easily distinguish one lion from other another by looking at them.”
A former wildlife warden, G A Patel, who was part of two lion counts, said that making a note of whisker spot patterns on a lion’s upper lip was an apt way to identify the animal.
“A database of such characteristics can help forest officials identify lions even when they move out of their territory,” he said. Uday Vora, who is the deputy conservator of forest, said that volunteers who would conduct the census had been trained well. He recently returned from Gir after training them.
When will Gujarat have Vahan and Sarathi?
State is yet to launch the software, reportedly used across the country, to computerise workflow at RTO
DILIP PATEL
Gujarat is undoubtedly a frontrunner in investing money and utilising its resources for citizen-centric e-governance. However, it has failed to put in use important software — Vahan and Sarathi — developed by National Informatics Centre to computerise workflow at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
The software, reportedly used by all RTOs across the country, is crucial as it maintains a database of citizens who have been issued driving licences and also keeps a record of registered vehicles in the state.
The Centre had issued a notification in 2002, directing all states and Union territories to introduce the software with a view to prepare a national database of citizens. Eight years on, Gujarat still lags behind in implementing the Center’s notification, said a source in the RTO.
“To launch the software, we need to introduce changes in our smart cards. We will have to first enhance the storage capacity of smart cards from 1.5 kb to 4 kb. Bharat Electrical (BHEL) will manufacture the required smart cards for RTO. We are planning to introduce the software across the state at the earliest,” said AB Gor, Deputy Director of Transport.
“The software is important from security point of view as it keeps citizens’ record. With terror perception looming large over the country, the database, prepared by the software, can be a crucial source of information. The system was implemented on pilot basis by Ahmedabad RTO but the officials only applied two modules of the software,” said the source.
VAHAN AND SARATHI
Vahan and Sarathi are application software for the use of Regional Transport Offices.While Vahan is for processing all transactions related to vehicles, Sarathi is for processing driving licence and related activities. Vahan is used to issue registration certificate, fitness certificate and permits. Sarathi is used to issues a learner’s licence, permanent driving licence and conductor licence to the applicant.
DILIP PATEL
Gujarat is undoubtedly a frontrunner in investing money and utilising its resources for citizen-centric e-governance. However, it has failed to put in use important software — Vahan and Sarathi — developed by National Informatics Centre to computerise workflow at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
The software, reportedly used by all RTOs across the country, is crucial as it maintains a database of citizens who have been issued driving licences and also keeps a record of registered vehicles in the state.
The Centre had issued a notification in 2002, directing all states and Union territories to introduce the software with a view to prepare a national database of citizens. Eight years on, Gujarat still lags behind in implementing the Center’s notification, said a source in the RTO.
“To launch the software, we need to introduce changes in our smart cards. We will have to first enhance the storage capacity of smart cards from 1.5 kb to 4 kb. Bharat Electrical (BHEL) will manufacture the required smart cards for RTO. We are planning to introduce the software across the state at the earliest,” said AB Gor, Deputy Director of Transport.
“The software is important from security point of view as it keeps citizens’ record. With terror perception looming large over the country, the database, prepared by the software, can be a crucial source of information. The system was implemented on pilot basis by Ahmedabad RTO but the officials only applied two modules of the software,” said the source.
VAHAN AND SARATHI
Vahan and Sarathi are application software for the use of Regional Transport Offices.While Vahan is for processing all transactions related to vehicles, Sarathi is for processing driving licence and related activities. Vahan is used to issue registration certificate, fitness certificate and permits. Sarathi is used to issues a learner’s licence, permanent driving licence and conductor licence to the applicant.
Work on Narmada dam radial gates to take 3 more years
With this the work on completing the network of irrigation canals and field channels will begin
DILIP PATEL
Environmental clearance in, work on installing the 30 radial gates on the Sardar Sarovar dam is expected to begin in a month. The work, requiring Rs 300 crores will take nearly three years to complete. Till now, Rs 19,091.47 crore have been spent on Sardar Sarovar, which after completion will stand at 138.68 metres. A majority of the additional Rs 15,000 crore will be spent on irrigation canals.
Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) officials say that the dam will be ready with its full capacity by 2014 and that work on main and micro canals will complete in concurrence with installation of the gates, each made of 30,000 metric tonnes of steel.
At a meeting of the Narmada Control Authority’s (NCA) environmental sub-group held on April 1, it was decided that looking at the noncooperation from farmers, SSNNL will construct field channels.
The meeting also permitted construction of spillway piers to its full height and bridge and installation of gates. The construction will begin after go-ahead from the relief and rehabilitation sub group and NCA, according to SSNNL director S Jagdishan. The construction period would be three years during which all the remaining works related to environment and relief and rehabilitation aspects, upto full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 metres would be completed.
The next move will be to seek permission from the NCA to fill up the reservoir, by closing its gates, upto its FRL.
The SSNNL also decided that every district which is to get Narmada water supply will have a committee to decide where micro canals and field channels will come up.
The panel will have elected members, representatives of NGOs and district officials.The panels which will explain benefits of the project to the farmers are being looked as bridged between Narmada authorities and farmers. Authorities have faced a non-cooperation from farmers on several fronts.
According to sources, work on six lakh hectares irrigation area is under progress. By month-end 3.41 lakh hectares will be covered, they said, adding that SSNNL will require Rs 5,000 crore every year if the work is to be completed by 2014.
To expedite the work in developing the command area, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode of contracting has been employed. Eight EPC packages, estimated at a total of Rs 3,000 crore, have been designed to complete the 360-km Kutch branch canal with its distribution network upto minors.
NARMADA NUANCES
Thirty radial gates will be installed at the dam which now stands at 121.92 m. Each steel gate weighs 30,000 metric tonnes and is as high as a six-storeyed building. The radial gates were built in 1995 After reaching the full reservoir level, the dam will store 4.67 million acre feet water
DILIP PATEL
Environmental clearance in, work on installing the 30 radial gates on the Sardar Sarovar dam is expected to begin in a month. The work, requiring Rs 300 crores will take nearly three years to complete. Till now, Rs 19,091.47 crore have been spent on Sardar Sarovar, which after completion will stand at 138.68 metres. A majority of the additional Rs 15,000 crore will be spent on irrigation canals.
Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) officials say that the dam will be ready with its full capacity by 2014 and that work on main and micro canals will complete in concurrence with installation of the gates, each made of 30,000 metric tonnes of steel.
At a meeting of the Narmada Control Authority’s (NCA) environmental sub-group held on April 1, it was decided that looking at the noncooperation from farmers, SSNNL will construct field channels.
The meeting also permitted construction of spillway piers to its full height and bridge and installation of gates. The construction will begin after go-ahead from the relief and rehabilitation sub group and NCA, according to SSNNL director S Jagdishan. The construction period would be three years during which all the remaining works related to environment and relief and rehabilitation aspects, upto full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 metres would be completed.
The next move will be to seek permission from the NCA to fill up the reservoir, by closing its gates, upto its FRL.
The SSNNL also decided that every district which is to get Narmada water supply will have a committee to decide where micro canals and field channels will come up.
The panel will have elected members, representatives of NGOs and district officials.The panels which will explain benefits of the project to the farmers are being looked as bridged between Narmada authorities and farmers. Authorities have faced a non-cooperation from farmers on several fronts.
According to sources, work on six lakh hectares irrigation area is under progress. By month-end 3.41 lakh hectares will be covered, they said, adding that SSNNL will require Rs 5,000 crore every year if the work is to be completed by 2014.
To expedite the work in developing the command area, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode of contracting has been employed. Eight EPC packages, estimated at a total of Rs 3,000 crore, have been designed to complete the 360-km Kutch branch canal with its distribution network upto minors.
NARMADA NUANCES
Thirty radial gates will be installed at the dam which now stands at 121.92 m. Each steel gate weighs 30,000 metric tonnes and is as high as a six-storeyed building. The radial gates were built in 1995 After reaching the full reservoir level, the dam will store 4.67 million acre feet water
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