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February 2010	Back


Climate Change can Drown Our Islands A global deal to tackle climate change is all but impossible in 2010, leaving the scale and pace of action to slow global warming in coming decades uncertain, according to senior figures across the world involved in the negotiations. "The forces trying to tackle climate change are in disarray, wandering in small groups around the battlefield like a beaten army," said a senior British diplomat. An important factor cited is an impasse within the UN organization charged with delivering a global deal, which will start assessing the pledges made by individual countries by a deadline that passed on Sunday night. Many of those contacted say only a legally binding deal setting "top-down" global limits on emissions can ultimately avoid the worst impacts of rising temperatures. But a global deal at the next major climate summit in Mexico is impossible, says the former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, now the Council of Europe's rapporteur on climate change. Similar opinions are being expressed worldwide. "In 2010 perhaps we'll manage some success, but I think a definitive deal is very difficult," said Suzana Kahn, a key negotiator in Copenhagen and Brazil's national secretary for climate change.
01 February 2010, Hindustan Times Top
For quality holidaying experience Continuing with its endeavour to extend luxury with a difference, ITC Welcom Heritage has added two more exclusive heritage properties to its list. New facilities include the renowned Mukundgarh Fort in Rajasthan and Panjim Inn in Goa. Said Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur who is also chairman of WelcomHeritage, “Our mission has always been to treat our guests with the best in the industry. People, generally living in metros often realize the need to get connected to the past. So we try to provide them quality holidaying experience, which is entwined both with luxury and heritage. It's not an easy job as it requires a lot of physical input in it. We are different as we along with the luxury and comfort also offer a tremendous amount of knowledge to the visitors about the tradition and the culture of the place.” Divulging about Mukundgarh Fort, located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, he added, “It has a total of 30 rooms, renovated extensively to replicate the style of the royalty era. Elegant, intricate and conventional, each pillar, wall, arch and portico has been lavishly refurbished. The fort facilitates a conference room, swimming pool, health spa, camel, jeep or horse safaris to nearby places and multi-cuisine restaurant, to ensure guests get the heritage experience. "The property in Goa, called Panjim Inn, promises to recreate nostalgia for the discerning travellers. Said Jack Ajit Sukhija, partner of The Panjim Group, “We have three hotels under this group. Goa is not only about beaches. It has lot more to offer. A majority of us believe Goa is only about Christians but it has more Hindus. The real fragrance of the place can be felt when you walk down the streets of the city."
01 February 2010, Pioneer Top
Heritage tour organized New Delhi: A 10-km-long heritage ride was organised in the Walled City of Delhi (Shahjahanabad) by the Delhi Cycling Club on Sunday. The event was supported by Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and Delhi chapter of INTACH. The twin purpose of the event was to promote use of bicycles as an environment-friendly, healthy, economical and most sustainable mode of transport and spread awareness and bring pride among the citizens about the rich heritage and history of Delhi. The heritage ride was flagged off by Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain from Pragati Maidan. The event saw the participation of people from varied fields such as IT professionals, scientists, engineers, architects, environmentalists, academicians, researchers, students, journalists, social activists, management professionals from Delhi and the National Capital Region. They visited various heritage and historical monuments of Shahjahanabad during the two-hour guided journey. Key monuments and buildings of historical significance covered during the ride included Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Jain Mandir, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Begum Samru Ki Kothi, Gurdwara Sisganj, Sunehari Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Town Hall, Khooni Dawarza and Ferozshah Kotla. The history and significance of these buildings and landmarks were explained by walk leader Jaya Basera from INTACH who cycled along with event participants. This is the fifth heritage ride organized by the Delhi Cycling Club, a non-profit group dedicated to bicycle advocacy.
01 February 2010, Hindu Top
Top of the world Acknowledging exemplary expertise, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur has been awarded the Editor’s Choice Hotel of the Year 2009 Gallivanter’s Awards for Excellence. In keeping with the Taj tradition of setting benchmarks for outstanding hospitality experience, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has announced this recognition from the Gallivanter’s Guide, the influential publication whose aim is to discover idyllic places for the discerning travellers. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace, the last of India’s great palaces, was also one of the largest royal residences in the world when it opened its doors in 1943. The present maharaja of Jodhpur, Maharaja Gaj Singh and the royal family continue to reside in the palace. It also has a private museum, its own post office and an elegant wood-panelled library. The palace offers recreational facilities like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a billiards room, two tennis courts, two unique marble-floored squash courts, 15 acres of gardens and garages stabling a collection of vintage cars. The Gallivanter’s Guide states, “Taj’s Umaid Bhawan Palace has wow factor in spades. History is one thing and hotel keeping is quite another and few historic properties ever manage to merge the two successfully. Umaid Bhawan is an exception. Here you have history combined with the exceptional comfort, service and cuisine.” Also, Jiva Grande Spa at the palace has been selected as one of the 10 spas in the Best for Luxury category in the prestigious 7th Annual Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards 2009 competition. Out of 70,000 spas worldwide (and 13,000 “stay” spas), it was voted as one of the top 10.
01 February 2010, Pioneer Top
3 minutes, 12 schools & 190 short films on heritage Nainika, Aditi, Priyanka and Medha are only 12 years old but they are very aware of Delhi’s history and character. These class VII students of Shriram School are part of today’s aware generation, children who make the effort to protect their city’s cultural and natural heritage. And their passion for their city was beautifully reflected in short three-minute films on the seven cities of Delhi, screened at the FilmIt festival on Monday. Three minutes can make a lot of difference to the audience. Almost a dozen films on Delhi’s heritage were showcased at the festival organised by INTACH. The participating students planned, scripted, edited and shot the entire videos on their own. Various themes were selected for the videos — be it the seven cities of Delhi, the hustle and bustle of the Walled City or the craft of traditional pottery making. Twelve schools from classes VI to VIII were part of the multi-cultural event at which students got to exchange ideas and showcase their film-making talents. The chief guest at the event was censor board chief Sharmila Tagore, who spoke about experiencing Delhi through the performing arts. ‘‘An audio-visual impact can change public opinion completely and you get to learn so much. The idea of communicating through films is an excellent way to get your message across to the audience,’’ said Tagore. Said Aditi Sharma who, along with three friends, made a video on the seven cities of Delhi: ‘‘We explored various ideas and narrowed down on the option to highlight the cities that made up Delhi. It took us two days to go to all the sites, from Qutub Minar to Tughlaqabad, and shoot the film.’’ Added her classmate and project partner Priyanka Oza: ‘‘We read up a lot on the city’s history and did our own research before making the film. It helped us get more passionate about our city and what its history represents for us.’’ Class VIII student Vidisha Gupta of Modern School made an unusual video-film of how clay pots are made. ‘‘This was basically a sequel to the video I made at the film festival last year. I got the idea from my mother and shot a video of her shaping the different parts of a clay tea pot and then putting them together. The experience has got me thinking about film-making as a career now,’’ she said. The participating schools included Sanskriti School, Shriram school, Modern School, Springdales Dhaulan Kuan, DPS Mathura Road, St Mary’s, The Banyan Tree, Delhi Police Public School, Bluebell’s International, St Columba’s, Navyug School and Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya. Apart from Delhi, the Filmit India festival is also taking place in Kolkata and Chennai. All together, over 190 short films have been made. In Delhi alone, students made 130 short films, of which 12 films were screened at the festival, one from each school.
02 February 2010, Times of India Top
DDA to take up revival of Neela Hauz in March With the opening of one side of the Neela Hauz Bridge, Vasant Kunj residents are now anxious about the revival of the centuries old water body that had to be filled in with concrete to facilitate the construction. PWD, which is in charge of the project, says it would be able to hand over the 46,415 sqm fresh water lake in Vasant Kunj to DDA for restoration only by March-end after all development work related to the project is over and the malba from the water body has been removed. A PWD official said it would take another two months for the completion of work and then the removal of the malba from the water body. ‘‘We are trying to work with a deadline of March 31. The project was delayed due to a Supreme Court case against it and work has been going on only since the past eight months or so. The malba can be removed only at night since we would have to do so using trucks. After that we will hand over the water body to DDA,’’ said the official. DDA sources say that at present, only an initial plan has been prepared for the restoration of the Neela Hauz and that a more detailed study will be required once the water body is handed over to them. ‘‘The lake is looking dead right now due to the amount of malba in it. The surrounding forest land with the forest department also has to be handed over to us so that we can start the work for the biodiversity park,’’ said an official. As per the initial plan, a detailed survey of the map area would have to be carried out that includes contours, existing flora and fauna and topographical features. Even though PWD will have all the malba removed, DDA will have to clean out the lake again. Then, a detailed plan will be prepared for the creation of a naturally self sustaining eco-system that will include the lake and the area around it.
2 February 2010, Times City Times of India Top
Report shows Yamuna’s dirty face River Filled With Excreta, Devoid Of Oxygen: Pollution Control Board Survey New Delhi: We all know Yamuna water is not fit for bathing, let alone drinking. But the latest report from the Central Pollution Control Board, sure to raise a stink before the Commonwealth Games in the capital, says the river is so full of excreta that its water resembles that of a drain. According to stipulated standards, water can be made potable with treatment if fecal coliform is less than 500 per 100ml and it’s fit for bathing if the number is less than 5,000 per 100ml. According to CPCB’s 10-month-long monitoring of the Yamuna at Nizamuddin, the lowest level of fecal coliform in the water was 4.4 lakh per 100ml, measured on May 4, 2009. That’s almost 100 times above the level considered safe for bathing. Fecal coliform are bacteria that originate in excreta. Coliform levels reached as high as 1.79 crore per 100ml on February 3. Drinking water without conventional treatment but after use of disinfectant should not have a coliform count in excess of 50 per 100ml and must have a minimum DO of 6mg per litre. Worse, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content of Yamuna water was ‘‘nil’’ on all the testing dates, though the water at Palla on all these days had a DO level of over 4 milligrams per litre, which is the standard. Palla is where the river enters Delhi, embarking on its most polluted 22-km stretch. The monitoring took place between January 6 and October 6 last year, according to the latest report submitted to the Supreme Court by CPCB through counsel Vijay Panjwani. Even at Palla the water quality could not be termed potable because of the high level of fecal coliform. Except for the test results on September 2, 2009, when the fecal coliform was 2,900 per 100ml, in all other months it was above the stipulated 5,000 level. The highest coliform count recorded at Palla was 43,000, on July 7. The alarming rise in the fecal coliform content in the Yamuna by the time it reaches Nizamuddin was mainly because of the number of drains that join it, throwing in untreated sewage and industrial effluent. ‘‘The total pollution load discharged through 25 drains in river Yamuna during the ten rounds of monitoring from January to October was between 174 tonnes per day to 330 tonnes per day,’’ CPCB said. ‘‘Although the drains are meant to carry storm water and tail-end discharge as part of the river basin system, at present the drains are being used to carry treated and untreated sewage and industrial effluent apart from storm water,’’ said the politely worded CPCB report. CPCB is monitoring the water quality of the river at five locations — Palla, Madanpur Khadar, Okhla, the meeting point of Shahadra drain and Nizamuddin — along with 25 drains, in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and has submitted results of 140 rounds of monitoring since 1999.
2 February 2010, Times of India Top
Art of Living founder to clean up Yamuna The Yamuna has found itself another saviour, this time in the form of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The spiritual guru is launching a ‘Meri Yamuna Meri Dilli’ campaign that will see him, along with scores of his followers, NGOs and other volunteers travel the entire stretch of the river from Delhi to Vrindavan, cleaning it and creating awareness among those living near it. The programme will start on March 7 in Delhi and will culminate in Vrindavan a few months later. ‘‘Our aim is to finish most of the work before the monsoon. There seems to be no coordination between the various agencies and the government which were supposed to ensure that the river was clean. In fact, we carried out a study on the problem and realized they had not even met for several months. However, it is both the government and people who should take responsibility for the state of the river and a major part of our work is to inform the public on the issue,’’ said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Calling the river the “dil of Dilli”, the Art Of Living founder said: ‘‘Cleaning the river is no easy task but the government has assured us of its support. The Yamuna is filthier than the Ganga and it makes me sad to see hundreds of devotees bathing in its polluted waters.
05 February 2010, Times City Times of India Top
‘Little’ help for Neela Hauz Students of 10 Schools visit site to oversee restoration work The dying lake at Aruna Asaf Ali Marg has found itself some support in Delhi’s young school children. On Thursday morning, students of 10 city schools visited the Neela Hauz, over which PWD is constructing a bridge for the Commonwealth Games, to see what steps were being for the restoration of the erstwhile fresh water body. The students also interacted with senior PWD officials to get an idea of how the restoration work would be carried out. The initiative, led by students of St Mary’s school, included other institutions like Father Agnel, Springdale (Dhaulakuan), Tagore International (VAsant Vihar), Vasant Valley, Mothers International, DPS (Vasant Vihar), Gyan Bharti (Saket), Iraqi School and Amity International (Saket). They will also be writing to Delhi Jal Board to ask for details on the repair of damaged sewer lines that were leaking into the lake. ‘‘I remember seeing this as a clean water body but now nothing of it is left. The PWD officials have assured us that the lake will be restored to its earlier glory and we would like to belive it but the condition of the lake is very poor right now. If more Delhiites take interest in our eco-system, then we might be able to preserve it,’’ said one of the students. The 46,415 sq m lake and the area around it, including Sanjay Van, will be developed as a biodiversity park once the bridge project is complete. It is one project that the is L-G is known to monitor personally. One side of the bridge was thrown open for operations on Monday though the other side would only be complete around the end of March. PWD officials said that they would be able to hand over the lake to DDA for restoration only by April 2010 after all developmental work related to the project is over and all the malba from the water body has been removed. Official said that it would take another two months for the completion of work and about 15 days for clearing the water body of the malba and removal of the water hyacinth that completely covers whatever is left of the water body. Once it is handed over to them, DDA will carry out a survey of the region and prepare a detailed plan for its restoration.
05 February 2010, Times City Times of India Top
Kashmir cannot disown its heritage It is rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam and must be protected, writes Tanveen Kawoosa Stories and pictures of the breathtaking natural beauty of the pristine Kashmir Valley abound in tales of travellers, publications and of course tourist brochures. What most of these miss is the mention of monuments reflecting Kashmir’s heritage which evolved over a span of centuries with influences of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Srinagar, first stop for tourists whether foreign or domestic, boasts of cultural and architectural marvels. The most impressive being Jamia Masjid near Nowhatta which is a superb work of timber architecture of the Sultanate period. This complex suffered repeated destruction and has been rebuilt several times. It is sad to see the neglect of such magnificent heritage buildings which have also borne the brunt of mindless demolition in the city. Part of the problem also lies in the structure itself as the materials used could not withstand the periodic ravages. Moreover, for an average tourist main attractions are spots of natural beauty picturesque places. Famed Shalimar Garden and Nishat Bagh, which capture the aura of romance of bygone eras, are a major draw. The rest, a fascinating kaleidoscope of visual and architectural heritage, sadly is not a tourist priority. Sameer Hamdani, architect, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Jammu & Kashmir, says, “Srinagar’s architecture is a unique combination of foreign and indigenous forms reflecting Chinese, Greek, Central Asian and Persian influences. Unfortunately, most of these are almost in ruins.” The once beautiful Khanqah, a seat of intellectual and religious learning built by Dara Shikhoh, son of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan is a picture of neglect. A monument where famous poet Mulla Musin Fan was buried has today crows perching on its ruins and dogs scavenging. The 600-year-old shrine of Sheikh Baba, a Sufi saint, is today in a deplorable state. The Mullah Akhoon Shah mosque built on the foothills of Hariparbhat is another neglected site. Built in 1649 by the Dara Shikoh, it is amongst the three stone mosques built by Mughals, the other being the Patther masjid and the Hasanabad mosque. Today it is in a decrepit state. Of late, there have been efforts to restore these once spectacular, now decrepit structures back to their past glory. “In 2008 Department of Tourism in consultation with INTACH undertook the Mullah Akhoon Shah mosque’s renovation and restoration work barring hamam (traditional bathing areas) which is facing encroachment,” says Mr Hamdani. Sikander Shah, a retired gardener, has been living in hamam for the last 40 years along with his family. Shah, who claims to be the caretaker of the mosque, refuses to leave unless adequate compensation, including a house, is provided. “We have spent a lot of money for getting essential services like electricity and water supply,” he argues. “There is no denying that the family has illegally occupied this heritage building. But on a humanitarian basis, the family should be compensated so that they vacate it”, says Mr Hamdani. Aali Masjid in the Eidgah area has been restored to its pristine glory by INTACH in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. This ancient building, which was left to rot, is today a picture of its past splendour. Should this not point a way forward for the entirety of Kashmir’s slowly disappearing heritage?
11 February 2010, Pioneer Top
Urban Arts Body Inspects parking site A team of Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) on Wednesday visited the site proposed for a six-storey underground parking on Sher Shah Suri Marg. The team expressed its displeasure at the way construction was being carried out at the site without sanctions. The parking lot has been proposed for the Delhi High Court. Sources said the DUAC team found hundreds of workers at the site with almost 30 feet of earth dug up. The project had earlier run into trouble when the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) issued `stop work' notice to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is getting the work done for the high court. The work threatened the existence of a tomb on the premises, which has been notified as a heritage structure under the NDMC's jurisdiction. This makes it mandatory for any construction in the area to have an approval of the heritage conservation committee. In January, the DMRC put up barricades to facilitate work on an underpass connecting the parking site with the court. Neither the NDMC and nor the DUAC or the Unified Traffic and Transport Integrated Planning and Engineering Centre, a regulatory body for infrastructure projects, had given a clearance for the same. "Last week we had called the DMRC for a meeting and today, we went there (at the site) for clear assessment," said DUAC chairperson K.T. Ravindran. "We have asked the DMRC to come to us through the NDMC only," he said and refused to speak further.
11 February 2010, Hindustan Times Top
Delhi Police history shines among 3,700 entries Bengaluru, Taj Hotel’s history among other winners of “My City My History” competition New Delhi: Fox History and Entertainment Channel in association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Wednesday announced the national winners of its first nationwide school engagement programme. Titled “My City My History”, the programme launched last November received over 3,700 entries from different schools highlighting the historic treasures of their respective cities. The channel will shoot a short film with each winner at his/her chosen historic location and the series will be telecast in March. Speaking after a heritage walk covering Sheesh Gumbad, Bara Gumbad and the tombs of Sikander Lodhi and Muhammad Shah Sayyid here in Delhi, INTACH Chairman S.K. Misra said: “We have tied up with Fox History and Entertainment Channel to motivate children to write on different aspects of our heritage. Since we are fast losing our heritage, we are trying to create awareness so that our future generation works for preservation and protection of our monuments. Awareness has to start at the school level.” Rishita Ray, a Class VII student of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, who won a prize for her story on “History of the Delhi Police”, has dwelt on the long history of policing through the famed institution of the Kotwal. “An organised form of policing was established by the British after the First War of Independence in 1857 with the adoption of the Indian Police Act of 1861. Delhi being a part of Punjab remained a unit of the Punjab Police even after becoming the Capital of India in 1912. In the same year, the first Chief Commissioner of Delhi was appointed and was vested with the powers and functions of the Inspector-General of Police,” says Rishita, who is contemplating joining the police force. Hitesh Shetty’s “Out of Ashes: The Taj Hotel” deals with the terrorist attack in Mumbai. Jamshedji Tata build the magnificent hotel because he was denied entry to a British hotel in Bombay. “In order to build a hotel for the Indians he did extensive travelling in Europe. Another interesting feature is that the entrance to the hotel was originally from its back and not facing the harbour as it is today..…Its real test was when it was nearly brought on the edge of collapse by a terrorist attack in 2008. Even though many were convinced that it would shut down, it has opened its doors once again.” Bangalore’s Karishma Shiraj Mulani, whose story is on “Namma Bengaluru began with a handful of boiled beans”, says: “Bangalore cannot be complete without its bean. After all it was the thing that helped it gain its name. The story goes that King Vira Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty had set out on a hunting expedition. He lost his way in the dense forest and panicked. Finally he met an old woman who offered him boiled green beans. Later he named the entire city as ‘bele-bendra-kalu-ooru’ which in Kannada means the place of boiled green beans.” Aneequa Ahmed from Kolkata, who wrote on “Loreto Day School”, and Gourav Sharma, who wrote on “The Leh Palace”, are the other national winners.
11 February 2010, Hindu Top
Metro-DUAC face-off on work at tomb Construction Of Underground Parking Opposite HC By DMRC Despite NDMC’s Stop-Work Order Angers Panel New Delhi: The construction of an underground parking lot opposite Delhi High Court seems to have resulted in a tug-of-war between Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC). During a site visit on Tuesday morning, DUAC members found deep digging around a 16th century Lodiperiod tomb situated in the middle of the construction activity — thus raising fears that the structure’s foundation may be weakened. The members also reportedly discovered newly-developed cracks in the structure facade. DMRC, however, has refuted these claims. Said DUAC member Ratish Nanda: ‘‘We inspected the site and to our disbelief, construction work was continuing in spite of a stop-work order by NDMC. Heavy construction equipment is being used just a few metres from the monument. We will discuss the issue in the next commission meeting.’’ Delhi Metro authorities, meanwhile, contended that the cracks had been present even before construction started. ‘‘We have documents of the condition survey carried out before work started on the site. The cracks have not been caused due to any activity carried out by DMRC. We can prove it on record,’’ said a DMRC spokesperson. DMRC also claimed it had installed sophisticated gadgets at the site to monitor the state of the tomb ‘‘as is done at other Metro construction sites’’. ‘‘Supportive walls were put up before construction started to secure the tomb as the structure appeared weak. In fact, DUAC chairman had appreciated the instrumentation,’’ said the spokesperson. But according to sources, heritage experts have condemned DMRC for building brick walls inside the monument to support the structure saying DMRC was just the contractor and ‘‘it had no business to tamper with an ancient structure as it was not qualified to do so’’. Said a commission member: ‘‘DMRC should have brought in either the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the state archaeology department to consolidate the structure.’’ Experts also pointed that cracks had developed in the foundation of the monument caused by ‘‘30-feet digging’’ in the vicinity of the structure. And that there was documented proof, including the Intach listing, that the 16th century structure did not have any cracks earlier and was always in a stable condition. However, DUAC chief K T Ravindran, who was also present during the site visit, said he could not comment on any damage caused to the structure as of now. ‘‘The commission members had gone to the spot to get a realistic assessment before the project came up in the DUAC meeting next week. I can’t comment about any damage to the monument at this point because we are yet to get reports on this. There are also speculations that work has been going on without the requisite permission but we we will look into all of that only when the project is tabled in the meeting,’’ he said. DMRC is reportedly only carrying out ‘‘preliminary work’’ at the site and actual construction work is yet to begin. The corporation had applied for permission for the project to NDMC in May 2009. ‘‘An in-principle approval for the fully-automated parking lot at Sher Shah Road was issued by NDMC in September 2008. The formal approval was to be issued after the submission of execution drawing for which an application was submitted, along with other details, on May 28, 2009,’’ said the DMRC spokesperson. He added that NOCs from other key regulatory/statutory authorities concerned — including Central Vista Committee, ASI, Heritage Conservation Committee, chief fire officer, forest department of Delhi government, environment authorities, traffic police, agencies like IGL, MTNL, and DTC involved in utility diversion — had already been secured. ‘‘We have also sought approval of DUAC for streetscaping work which will be carried out much later as it is an underground parking lot which doesn’t affect the aesthetics of the surrounding area,’’ said the spokesperson. After NDMC recently notified the tomb as a protected heritage building, the civic body asked DMRC to seek approval of the Heritage Conservation Committee, which was reportedly granted on January 11 this year. NDMC spokesperson Anand Tiwari, however, confirmed that DMRC had not yet got the green signal from NDMC after the stop-work notice was issued in October last year. ‘‘The permission from DUAC has not yet come through to our knowledge so the construction work at the parking lot cannot commence,’’ he stated. The project is slated for completion before the Commonwealth Games. DMRC officials said the plan was to clear out the area before the Games so that it doesn’t wear a shoddy, dirty look.
11 February 2010, Times City, Times of India Top
Stir threat over Chandni Chowk revamp Former union minister of state Vijay Goel has threatened the Delhi government of launching a mass agitation opposite Town Hall if electric wires hanging over roads and streets in Chandni Chowk are not shifted underground and the renovation work of ‘havelis’ in Old Delhi is not started in a week. He said that thousands of crores had been spent in the name of Commonwealth Games (CWG) but nothing had been done to renovate Chandni Chowk— the market of Shahjahanabad also known as Old Delhi. Foreigners would not only visit Connaught Place but would also throng to Chandni Chowk, Goel said. Saying that the government has spent Rs 10,000 crore in Games preparation across the city and Rs 900 crore on the renovation of Connaught Place, he alleged that the government had not spent a penny in Chandni Chowk. Electric wires are hanging even on main roads. It looks ugly. Roads and footpaths too are in bad condition. He demanded that government should at least spent Rs 500 crore on the renovation of Chnadni Chowk. “When I was the MP from Chandni Chowk, I had got developed Parade Ground opposite the Red Fort, Ram Lila Ground and Ajmeri Gate. Congress MP Kapil Sibal has been representing the constituency for more than five years but no new development has taken place in the area. Chandni Chowk looks like a ‘barren chowk’,” Goel said. There were 900 havelis in the area as per the record of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). But of those, only 100 exist while the remaining have been changed into modern buildings, he said. This is the right time to renovate the ‘heritage’ buildings. When asked about the MCD’s action for developing Chandni Chowk, Goel said that he had contacted the municipal corporation.
13 February 2010, Tribune Top
A unique desert museum on lifestyles Jaipur: A unique ethnographic museum exploring the traditional lifestyles and indigenous knowledge systems of rural communities in Rajasthan has come up in Moklawas village on the outskirts of Jodhpur. Unlike traditional museums which tend to confine themselves to collections of objects, antiques and curiosities of historic and artistic significance, “Arna Jharna” museum of Moklawas focuses on the ongoing life and work processes of indigenous communities. Jodhpur-based Rupayan Sansthan – a folklore research institute set up by the late folklorist and oral historian Komal Kothari – has conceived the museum as a holistic exploration of living folk traditions and a treasure trove of contemporary ethnographic objects in addition to housing a library and an audio-visual archives centre. The first-of-its-kind museum, instead of being closed in a box, celebrates the open spaces of the vast Thar desert, including its flora and fauna. Designed as a rural stone hutment on a 10-acre piece of land, the museum has developed the land around it with plantation comprising mostly the desert medicinal plants. Rupayan Sansthan secretary Kuldeep Kothari told The Hindu from Jodhpur that Arna Jharna would devote the first three years of its existence to a single object – the broom – to test its principles in a “rigorous and organic way”. For expansion in future, the museum has selected 40 ethnographic subjects with full documentation. The focus in the display of brooms from different staple food zones of Rajasthan is on their correlation with a wide variety of contexts such as natural resources, local modes of manufacture, lives of broom-makers from marginalised sections, myths, beliefs and symbols surrounding the broom, and the economy of the broom. Mr. Kothari says the brooms from the millet, jowar and maize zones provide good material for comparative studies in view of difference in grass and plants and also in the techniques of making them. The display of brooms is also based on a botanical approach to grasses, leaves and bamboos, providing an insight into the environmental issues. According to Mr. Kothari, the exhibition of brooms – attracting a large number of foreign and domestic tourists – explores themes such as bio-diversity, land and water usage, agriculture, crafts, religious beliefs, epics, legends, superstitions, fairs, festivals, markets, social interaction between occupational castes and transmission of indigenous knowledge. “Through its three-year concentration on the broom, Arna Jharna hopes to clarify its interdisciplinary methodology to analyse cultural dimensions of development,” says Mr. Kothari, adding that it would provide much-needed support to the grassroots curatorial practices. Having collected 350 types of brooms from the three staple diet zones, the museum has divided them into different categories on the basis of their use for different purposes such as in the households for clearing harvest waste and for cleaning animal waste. “The specimens of brooms are tagged on the basis of their name, material and the region they come from. A number acts as a reference to a larger dictionary kept nearby. If someone wants more information, they can refer to books stored at Rupayan Sansthan’s headquarters in the city,” says Mr. Kothari. The emphasis on learning processes among the diverse rural communities and intricate ecology of the desert is attracting many to the museum and spreading the message of dignity of labour through broom-makers. “The broom economy in Rajasthan is estimated to be of the order of Rs.200 crore,” says Mr. Kothari. The museum, which has received an endowment grant of Rs.1 crore from the Ford Foundation, now plans to store contemporary ethnographic objects such as musical instruments, pottery, illustrated manuscripts, utensils and marionettes. Researchers at Rupayan Sansthan are also giving a systematic shape to the documentation, audio recordings and books collected by Komal Kothari who did not accord much significance to the institutional form of research during his lifetime.
14 February 2010, Hindu Top
Love in the mausoleum The eight canopies to be rebuilt by ASI around the Humayun Tomb have a secret tale of love behind them, says R.V. SMITH The decision of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to rebuild the eight chhatris (canopies) surrounding the dome of Humayun's Tomb with the help of the Aga Khan Trust, brings the focus back on the beautification of a monument that served as the role model for the Taj Mahal. The first Moghul tomb in India was the brainchild of Begga Begum or Haji Begum and it was she who had approved the design submitted by the royal architects. The chhatris were special to her as she had seen them on Rajput Samadhis as a token of love for the dear departed and wanted them on her husband's mausoleum too. The canopies will have the blue, yellow and green tiles restored as per the original design, says a report. Humayun, following in the footsteps of his father, Babar, also had more than four wives. He was married to Begga Begum at an early age. Then Chand Bibi and Shad Bibi joined his harem. There were others too like Mah-Chehak Begum, Gunwar Bibi, Gul-Barg Barlas, Maywa-Jan and Shahnam Agha. Hamida Banu (Akbar's mother) was only13 when Humayun saw her and fell in love at first sight. Hamida refused to marry him. It was a very depressing experience for a man who had just lost an empire. What made it worse was that Hamida even declined to meet him again. But with the help of Hindal and Dildar Begum a number of meetings were arranged and the girl finally realizing the worth of the man who was courting her, gave her consent. From there the story is a well known one. Humayun was on the road again as Hindal, fearing an attack by Sher Shah, advised him to leave. It was in the desert of Sindh that he sought shelter with the Rana of Amarkot and it was here that Hamida gave birth to a son. When the Rana became hostile, Humayun was a fugitive again and leaving the infant Akbar with his wife, and with trusted followers he made his way Persia. Principal-bound The journey back to Delhi was a long one. Begga Begum had been captured by Sher Shah after the Battle of Chausa while Chand Bibi and Shad Bibi had presumably been drowned. Sher Shah treated Begga Begum with respect. As a matter of fact he is said to have ordered that “no Moghul woman is to be enslaved or killed but sent to Haji Begum's pavilion.” That was in 1539. But it seems that Humayun did not like Begga Begum very much. His sister, Gulbadan Begum records that on the eve of the Battle of Chausa the Begum had told the emperor that he was giving her a raw deal. This so infuriated Humayun that he asked her to give a written apology and also promise that she would never make similar complaints in future. Haji Begum is supposed to have been left behind when Humayun fled after his second defeat at the hands of Sher Shah. But some say that she was escorted back to his court by Khawas Khan, a nobleman attached to the Afghan chief. Perhaps her only fault was that she was too domineering and Humayun's other wives, and concubines, resented this. But her love for Humayun was great because she was the one who supervised the building of her husband's tomb, even though the money was provided by Akbar. Not only that, she brought 300 Arabs from Mecca to pray for the emperor's soul. And hence, the name Arab-ki-Sarai for the enclosure near the tomb. Haji Begum died in 1581 and was mourned by Akbar who escorted her body from Agra to Humayun's mausoleum where she was buried. The sectored splendour of the canopies should make Begga Begum's heart rejoice in the other world.
15 February 2010, Hindu Top
Delhi to get interceptor sewer project In its ongoing efforts to keep the Yamuna river clean, the Centre has okayed a major interceptor sewer project for the city under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The Ministry of Urban Development will provide 35 per cent cost of the project under the JNNURM, while the rest of the cost would be bear by the Delhi Government. Top sources said that the Ministry has approved the project and sent the proposal to Centre Cabinet for financial approval. The total cost of laying the interceptor project is estimated Rs 2,454 crore. The project aims to trap untreated water at Najafgarh and Shahdara drains that will be implemented by Delhi Jal Board (DJB). It is to be noted that Finance Minister Ashok Kumar Walia, who had visited London and Bangkok to study interceptor technology is not convinced with the technology being used in the Western countries. He found the model used for these cities is in no way similar to the one proposed for Delhi. The Engineers India Ltd (EIL) - a Central Government agency that offers engineering and technical consultancy was hired by the Government to prepare a detailed project report for the fresh scheme. Insider says that the interceptor project proposed to clean the Yamuna is on a shaky ground. DJB in all its communications to the Supreme Court has maintained that the project cost is Rs 2,454 crore which includes expenditure to operate and maintain the interceptors for 10 years. What is hidden from public is that the total investment expected to require as a package will be anywhere about Rs 5,000 crore. This works out to almost Rs 250 crore per kilometre of the river flowing in the city. The project is considered as a panacea to the pollution problems of the river Yamuna. A study by CSE shows that the river can not be restored to class C bathing quality water as ordered by the Supreme Court. Besides this, Detailed Project Report (DPR) is silent on the quality of the river after the implementation of the project. The DJB officials say that the interceptor sewer project is an integrated approach towards zero sewage flows in the drains and the river. The interceptor will be treating 1,320 million litres per day before releasing the water into the drains which flow into the Yamuna. The pollution in the Yamuna is a major concern not only for the Delhi Government but also for the Centre. The river that passes through the 22-km stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla has become just a sewage drain due to high level of pollution. Though there are about 188 drains flowing into the Yamuna, Najafgarh and Shahdara drains constitute about 70 per cent of the pollution in the river.
15 February 2010, Pioneer Top
MCD to give facelift to area around Hanuman temple To give a much needed facelift to the Hanuman Mandir at Yamuna Plaza in Civil Lines Zone, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi proposes to re-develop its surroundings to provide better services to visitors coming to the temple. The proposal was also tabled at the MCD House meeting on Monday and was granted administrative approval and expenditure sanction by the civic body. According to the civic body, the project is expected to be complete before the upcoming Commonwealth Games here in October this year. An MCD official said: “After inspection of the temple by the MCD Standing Committee chairman and the Engineer-in-Chief, the Chief Architect was requested to provide drawing plans along with specifications for the temple surroundings. These drawings were submitted last July and accordingly a preliminary estimate for Rs.1.94 crore was drawn up for the project.” The proposal envisages provision of improvement of the courtyard with coloured granite flooring and quartz and red sandstone and improvement of the existing parking area as well as construction of a new parking lot to ensure adequate parking space for visitors. The lump sum provision for seating, benches, dustbins, tree guards and display boards and electrical services such as electrical poles, shifting and removal of old electrical services have also been included in the project estimate. A guided temple entry and exit will also be created and new street furniture installed. MCD House Leader Subhash Arya said: “This is a historic temple visited by thousands of people, so a need was felt to restore the area. Work on it will start soon now that the proposal has been given the final go-ahead and it would be completed before the Games.”
16 February 2010, Indian Express Top
KIN MOVES COURT - Priceless Ravi Varma originals missing Twelve original oil paintings of noted painter Raja Ravi Varma, worth several crore of rupees, are missing from the government-owned art gallery in Thiruvananthapuram where they were kept. His great granddaughter, Archana Narayan, noticed the loss about four months ago and has moved the Kerala High Court seeking a CBI probe into the missing paintings. In 1940, 75 paintings were sent from Kilimanoor Palace, 40 km north of here, to be exhibited at the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. After Independence, the art gallery was taken over by the Kerala government. Now, it says, it has only 63 of these paintings. And worse, the stock register of the gallery (from 1935-70) can't be found. "The pilferage came to light when we were going through some old documents at the palace," Narayan told Hindustan Times. "There are reports that some of these have been smuggled out." Varma’s paintings, mainly of scenes from Indian mythology and of saree-clad women, are in great demand. In 2007, one of his paintings, Vasantha Sena, was sold by auction house Christies's in London for $420,000 (about Rs 1.8 crore). By that benchmark, the 12 paintings would be worth at least Rs 20 crore. Kerala's Home and Culture Secretary K. Jayakumar, under whose watch the gallery falls, said: "It has not come to our notice. Since the matter is before the court, let us wait for its directive."
16 February 2010, Hindustan Times Top
Civic body plans facelift for Hanuman Mandir To give a much-needed facelift to the Hanuman Mandir at Yamuna Plaza near the ISBT in Civil Lines zone, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has proposed to re-develop its surroundings with upgraded facilities. A proposal in this regard was tabled in the MCD House meeting on Monday and granted administrative approval. The civic agency said the project would be completed before the Commonwealth Games in October. “After the inspection of the temple, the MCD chief architect was requested to provide drawings along with specifications for the temple’s surroundings. These drawings were submitted last July and accordingly, a preliminary estimate of Rs 1.94 crore was drawn up,” a senior MCD official said. The proposal envisages the provision of improvements in the courtyard with coloured granite flooring, quartz stone and red sandstone and improvement of the parking area. “It is a historic temple. Thousands of people visit it. Work will start soon,” Ram Kishan Singhal, chairman of the MCD standing committee, said.
16 February 2010, Indian Express Top
Visitor’s diary: Delhi emerges top tourist hotspot for foreigners Though the rest of India keeps a distance, international tourists love Delhi. A new report by the Ministry of Tourism that traces tourist footfall to India in 2008 reveals that the Capital has emerged as the biggest hub for foreigners but ranked 19th as a preferred destination for domestic tourists. More foreign tourists come to the Delhi airport than anywhere else in India. Mumbai and Chennai are next. The Delhi airport received 1.71 million of the total 5.37 million who visited India in 2008 — that is, 31 per cent of the total arrivals. Though many use the city as a connector and fly out elsewhere, the actual share of visitors to Delhi is still the highest in the country at 16.6 per cent. The report, which compares data on the preferred destinations of international and domestic tourists, says the Red Fort and the Qutub Minar are among the top six tourist spots in the country. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done some number crunching and found that based on ticket sales, Red Fort was the favoured destination of domestic tourists in 2008, while foreigners liked to see the Qutub Minar. Red Fort and Qutub Minar have come second and third in the ‘domestic visitors’ category, while in the international category, these centrally-protected monuments came sixth and third respectively. The Taj in Agra came first in both categories. The study says that the maximum number of foreign tourists were from the United States. It adds that despite and increase in the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India, the growth rate, however, had decreased to 5.6 per cent — the lowest in five years. The reasons are assumed to be global recession, the H1NI pandemic and terrorism. But the Delhi weather might be a little too hot or too cold for the domestic traveller. Of the total 35 states and Union Territories in the country, domestic travellers have kept Delhi in the 19th position. Favourite domestic destinations in 2008 were Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh — the top five. Maharashtra is sixth on the list. According to statistics, Delhi gets just 0.4 per cent of domestic tourists. The report also gives tourism figures of different areas in the country, zones that the ASI has categorised in 21 circles. The Delhi circle data suggests that apart from the Red Fort and the Qutub Minar, the other hotspots for both domestic and international travellers were Purana Quila, Jantar Mantar and Humayun’s Tomb. Favourite domestic destinations in 2008 • Andhra Pradesh • Uttar Pradesh • Tamil Nadu • Rajasthan • Madhya Pradesh • Maharashtra • At 19th, DELHI got just 0.4 per cent of domestic tourists
16 February 2010, Indian Express Top
Red Fort conservation plan gets underway The elaborate Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the Red Fort, approved by the Supreme Court last year, is finally set for implementation on a piecemeal basis. To begin with, in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the roof of the famous Chhatta Bazaar or Meena Bazaar at the entrance of the Fort is being re-laid. Next in line for conservation is the historic Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate inside the Red Fort complex. As part of a concerted effort to conserve the monument, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commissioned the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI), an agency working towards heritage conservation, to prepare the CCMP. While the Plan, which in itself cost the ASI over Rs 80 lakhs, was approved by the Supreme Court early last year, full-fledged work is yet to begin. Problems of seepage The World Heritage Site has been beset by seepage problems, leading to damp walls, leaking roofs and a weakening foundation. After the British took over the Fort, the drains surrounding the Fort were blocked, which has resulted in capillary action and water stagnation at several points inside the heritage complex. “We will soon start work on opening up the drains and ensure the rainwater flows into the moat surrounding the fort. The blocked drains have been a major cause of water seepage inside the monument,” K K Muhammed, superintending archaeologist, Delhi Circle, ASI, said. “Due to seepage, the monument’s foundation and several significant structures like the Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate have been weakened. We will make these structures water-tight. Following that, we will also undertake a process of de-weeding, as weeds draw water and weaken the monuments. The first phase of work will be done over the next five months.” Removal of Structures According to senior ASI officials, over the next two months incongruous structures in the Fort premises — over 100 of which have been listed in the CCMP — will be demolished. These structures are mostly toilet blocks, tin sheds and small modules constructed by the Army after its takeover of the Fort in 1947. “These structures were found to be incongruous in terms of the complex’s archaeological and heritage value and have been suggested for demolition. There are a few toilet blocks and garages that are an eyesore,” Gurmeet Rai, director, CRCI, said. ASI officials said the demolition process will be an important exercise — after all these structures are removed the monument premises will be landscaped and redeveloped in an aesthetic manner. According to the CCMP, the complete project will take a period of around 10 years.
18 February 2010, Indian Express Top
Games-bound NDMC Racing to August NDMC presents annual budget, renews its focus on completing Commonwealth Games projects before the event starts in October Civic body claims it will finish all Games-related work by Aug but some projects may be delayed till Oct when CWG starts There’s no need to be jittery. That’s what New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) seems to be telling Delhiites about the Commonwealth Games projects. On Wednesday, the civic body while announcing its annual budget claimed that it will complete all its Games-related projects by August. However, redevelopment plan of CP that includes renovation of subways and service corridors is likely to be completed only by October, according to the engineering department. Some other NDMC Games projects, including streetscaping work, multi-level parking, are also likely to get delayed to October, the month when the sporting extravaganza will be on in full swing. NDMC chairman Parimal Rai said: ‘‘The Games has given us an opportunity to upgrade city infrastructure. The projects will be completed well in time. The deadline for completion of Commonwealth projects is August.’’ Stadium Renovation Talaktora Stadium will be inaugurated by February 24. Talkatora Indoor Stadium, which is the competition venue for boxing, will have a new sports facility block with an underground parking for 300 cars. The block is adjacent to the existing stadium and has been connected to it by a tunnel. The total cost of the project is likely to be Rs 80 crore. The NDMC has also been asked to take care of the monkey menace around the stadium before October to prevent any embarrassment to the organizers. Besides this, work is on in full swing at Shivaji Stadium, which is expected to be ready by May. The stadium will be used as a training venue for hockey. A sports facility block will be constructed with a two-level underground parking for 1,200 cars. A total of Rs 46 crore has been spent on this project so far. CP Redevelopment Though only 30% of facade restoration work has been completed, NDMC expects to complete the work by June. The project worth Rs 253.78 crore has been cleared for funding by ministry of urban development under JNNURM. As far as construction of eight subways are concerned, NDMC hopes to throw open at least six before the Games. The service ducting work in the Middle Circle is also on but services will be shifted underground only after the Games. Streetscaping work The redevelopment of Hanuman Mandir Vatika on Baba Kharak Singh (BKS) Marg is almost complete. The streetscaping on Tees January Marg, Sardar Patel Marg, BKS Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Mandir Marg, Old R K Ashram Marg, Park Street, Udyan Marg, Brig Hoshiyar Singh Marg, Aurbindo Marg and Subramaniam Bharti Marg is likely to be completed by September. Foot-overbridges, subways, underpasses will also be made along these stretches. Besides this, road signages are being installed along 28 corridors and all signages will be put up by June. The quality of roads is also being improved in a phased manner. Tracking 2010 New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) claims that all its Commonwealth Gamesrelated projects will be over by August Talkatora Indoor Stadium, which is the competition venue for boxing, will be inaugurated by Feb 24 Shivaji Stadium, which is the training venue for hockey, will be ready by May CP redevelopment is expected to be completed by September. Of the 8 subways under construction, 6 will be completed by October Construction of multi-level parking lots at Sarojini Nagar and Baba Kharak Singh Marg is likely to be ready before the Games. However, the parking site at Kasturba Gandhi Marg may not meet the Games deadline Streetscaping work on 9 roads, including construction of foot overbridges, underpasses and subways, will be completed by September Road signages are being installed by NDMC along 28 major corridors in its area and work is likely to be completed by June
18 February 2010, Times City, Times of India Top
NDMC to send its gardeners to school Eye On Games, Civic Body Wants To Train Gardeners To Spruce Up Delhi’s Parks New Delhi: The unsung maalis of NDMC will soon turn into trained professionals with the civic body planning a school for them. This will be a part of several innovative measures in the run up to the Commonwealth Games to add to the splendour of green cover under its area. School of Gardening The civic body is setting up a ‘school’ for updating the skills of 1,100 gardeners through a variety of basic and advanced-level courses. NDMC plans to rope in botanists and horticulture experts from Pusa Institute, Forest Research Institute and National Botanical Research Institute to train the gardeners in plant preservation, nursery management, soil science etc. Said Subhash Chandra, director, horticulture, ‘‘We have sent our gardeners for interactions with experts to different organisations in the past. But now we will have our own training ground. Gardeners will get a certificate on completion of the course.’’ The school may also open its doors to all those interested in gardening. Commonwealth Park A plant from each country participating in Commonwealth Games will be planted in this park coming up at Africa Avenue on a 2.5acre land. Work has already started on this project costing Rs 92.22 lakh and will be completed by August. The park will comprise lawns, wooded area and hedges, shrubs, flowerbeds, Lilypond, footpath, benches and other essential amenities for visitors. NDMC chairperson Parimal Rai said: ‘‘We have written to the Organising Committee to arrange plants from each of the 72 countries. The plant should survive Delhi’s climatic condition or else we will ask participating countries to suggest a plant which is locally available.’’ OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot said: ‘‘Members of participating countries are coming to Delhi for a conference on March 8. We have requested them to bring a plant with them.’’ Bougainvillea Garden To add a dash of colour to its greens, NDMC has proposed to set up a garden full of different types of Bougainvillea in Chanakyapuri near the Singapore Embassy. Bougainvillea, which is believed to have its origins in Brazil, will will certainly add to NDMC’s landscape. ‘‘We will try and procure as many varieties of Bougainvillea as possible. We are also thinking of contacting the Bougainvillea Society of India for setting up the garden,’’ said Chandra. Flower Park at Nehru Park A section of Nehru Park will be developed into a flower park which will have seasonal flowering plants of winter, spring, summer and autumn as well as perennial flowering shrubs. Work has already started on this project.
18 February 2010, Times City, Times of India Top
A peek into the other world It’s a mystery why guidebooks have been indifferent to the (deadly) charms of one of the oldest British cemeteries in Delhi. Guarded by a cross-shaped gateway, Nicholson Cemetery has a sloping, grassy landscape dotted with intricately carved light-brown graves. Neem, khajoor and tamarind trees stand like sentinels. Thick bougainvillea bushes weighed down with flowers shed pink petals on the tombstones. Hundreds of “dearly loved” children and “beloved” wives lie beneath. On the stones, personal details about the dead are preceded by sentimental poems or Biblical verses. Stone angels look over the shoulder as one reads these inscriptions. Some tombs show curious symbols indicating the deceased’s profession. Some are covered with dry leaves, which one must sweep clean to read the inscriptions. Most graves date from the 1857 ‘Mutiny’. The cemetery’s most prominent grave is of Brigadier General John Nicholson, “the lion of Punjab”. An Irish army officer in the British East India Company, Nicolson died of wounds received during the Uprising. His tomb lies near the cemetery’s entrance, barricaded by an iron grill invaded by jasmine vines. On the far side, towards the Ring Road, marigolds adorn the new graves of Indian Christians. Elsewhere, a tomb’s inscription reads: ‘Jesus said, ‘Weep not’.’
27 February 2010, Hindustan Times Top
Artificial water bodies for big cats at Ranthambore In a bid to facilitate a conducive habitat for tigers in Ranthambore National Park and prevent them from straying into new territories, the authorities will soon be creating artificial water bodies inside the park, apart from relocating nearby villages to carve out more space. It is for the first time that such an initiative has been taken under the tiger conservation project in the desert state. The move will also help in boosting tiger sightings in the park as water bodies are an ideal resting and hunting zone for them. Wildlife experts have dubbed the step in the right direction, saying Ranthambore had no dearth of habitation and food but insufficiency of water was certainly bothering the big cats. Water crisis in Ranthambore is largely due to two reasons - shortfall of rain and rise in tiger population. There are over 40 tigers in the park and they are confined to an area of less than 400 sq km of the core area. In fact the park is facing the problem of plenty. Recently at least five tigers had strayed away from Ranthambore to other places with two of them - T-37 and T-47 - wandering off to very distant places. Apprehending the possibility of them falling to poachers, the forest officials had to depute more personnel to monitor them. According to sources, the Forest and Wildlife Department is taking up construction of 40 artificial ponds and lakes as the water crisis will worsen during March-June. The department plans to raise these water bodies at strategic points in the forest where they can be naturally recharged with surface runoff from rainfall. Sawai Madhopur District Forest Officer RS Shekhawat said, “This is the first instance when small artificial lakes will be built at locations where rainwater can collect over a period of time.” According to him out of 40, around 25 lakes are planned at Ranthambore while the remaining will be raised at Keoladeo National Park. Meanwhile, the forest department has also been trying to make more room for tigers at Ranthambore by not only relocating nearby villages but also by connecting the forests with nearby sanctuaries. This year the department will relocate 300 families from the core area of the park. Over a thousand families have already been identified for relocation at a cost of Rs 102 crore.
27 February 2010, Tribune Top