Illicit Liquor Factory Busted In Uttarakhand's Nainital
A joint team of Uttarakhand Police's Special Task Force (STF) and Excise Department on Wednesday busted an illicit liquor factory being run in a house at Mukhani in Nainital district and arrested one person.
Climate change alters avian migration patterns in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: As global warming continues to take its toll, the impact of climate change on the avian world has become increasingly apparent. Notably, 'summer visitors'a category of migratory birdsare now being observed in Nainital and its surrounding areas during November, a shift attributed to changing weather patterns and climate variability. Nainital's surrounding forests are home to a remarkable variety of birds. This November, the Broadbill, Golden Oriole, and the Collared Falconetrecognized as one of the world's smallest falconswere spotted for the first time in this region. Naturalist Prashant Kumar at Corbett National Park shared his insights with this newspaper, stating, The appearance of these new bird species has led to an increased interest among bird watchers in areas like Suryagaon, Dolmar, and Juyli in Nainital district. The presence of these birds during this time is indeed a consequence of climate change. The Collared Falconet is the smallest falcon in India. It typically prefers to reside near the edges of forests or among large trees close to rivers and streams. Its diet consists of butterflies, dragonflies, and other small insects. This bird is rarely seen in Nainital, said naturalist Kumar. Broadbills are incredibly beautiful and robust birds that prefer to inhabit forests or the edges of marshes. They produce a sound similar to a whistle and build pear-shaped hanging nests for their homes, said naturalist Prashant Kumar. Speaking to TNIE, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO ) Chandrashekhar Joshi said, The sighting of these rare bird species in the region is an indicator of rich biodiversity. Uttarakhand is a rich state in terms of wildlife and biodiversity. While we can estimate the population of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife using trap cameras or footprint methods, bird species require a different protocol. There are methods such as bird calls, photography, and other counting techniques. According to sources from the Forest Department, most broadbill birds reside in Malaysia, although some are also spotted in India and the Philippines. The Asian broadbill is primarily green or blue, while the African broadbill is brown. Additionally, the golden oriole bird measures between four to seven inches in length. This is the first time it has been trapped here, said a local ornithologist. Bird enthusiasts are quite excited about this discovery.
Uttarakhand has 729 bird species across 13 districts
DEHRADUN: In a landmark event for the state, the two-day Uttarakhand Bird Census 2024 has successfully concluded, with bird watchers and nature enthusiasts reporting a total of 729 bird species across 13 districts. According to an official of the state forest department, the impressive tally of 729 includes several rare and endangered species, showcasing the rich avian diversity of the state. The two-day bird census, organised by the e-Bird organization in collaboration with the forest department and various other groups in Uttarakhand, concluded on Sunday. According to official sources from the forest department, Nainital has been identified as the leading district for bird diversity in the state, boasting an impressive count of 251 species. Dehradun follows closely behind with 230 species, while Pauri Garhwal ranks third with 180 species. Bird expert and forester Pradeep Saxena told this newspaper, While the first-ever bird count in Uttarakhand may not provide an exact number of the various bird species in the state, a total of 2,504 birds from 77 species were counted at the Asan Barrage. Among these, the highest counts included 625 Ruddy Shelducks, 238 Indian Spot-billed Ducks, and 324 Eurasian Coots. The endangered Wire-tailed Swallow, Plain Prinia, Grey Wagtail, and Booted Eagle were also observed, each in solitary numbers, said the forester. Saxena informed this newspaper that among the 17 bird species classified as endangered, several notable examples include the Pied Avocet, Red-wattled Lapwing, Spotted Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Greater Coucal, and White-throated Kingfisher. These species are facing increasing threats to their populations, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival in the wild. In a significant development during the Global Bird Count, the first-ever bird count in Uttarakhand, bird watcher Nitin Kumar Raghav shared his insights with this newspaper. The programme primarily focused on identifying which species are located where, he stated. Understanding which bird species are declining in the hills, plains, or wetlands is crucial for bird conservation. This knowledge will enable us to undertake urgent conservation efforts in the future. Ankita Bhatt, a bird watcher, said, During this count, we have gathered data on how many species of birds are present in the state, the locations where they were found, and their population sizes. This information will help us gain a better understanding of the diversity of birds in the region.
Seven people, including newly-wed couple, die in road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor
After being hit by the car, the tempo rammed into an electric pole around 2 am on Saturday (November 15, 2024) near the fire station of Dhampur on the Dehradun-Nainital Highway
Seven people, including newly-wed couple, die in road accident in UP's Bijnor
Bijnor (UP): Seven people, including a newly-wed couple, returning from Jharkhand died while two others were injured when a car hit a tempo from behind while overtaking another vehicle, police said on Saturday. After being hit by the car, the tempo rammed into an electric pole around 2 am on Saturday near the fire station of Dhampur on the Dehradun-Nainital Highway, Superintendent of Police Abhishek said. The tempo passengers were thrown on the ground by the impact of the accident, he said. Six people of the same family travelling in the tempo were killed on the spot while its driver Ajab Singh died on the way to a hospital, the SP said. Two persons who were moving in the car have been injured, police said, adding the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem.
Youth Performs Shirtless Motorbike Stunts On Nainital Road, Video Triggers Police Action
The Haldwani police quickly detained a youth and seized his motorcycle after he posted a video near Walkway Mall. The video prompted immediate action by the police after it was circulated online
More than 19 men have tested positive for HIV or AIDS after engaging in sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl who allegedly addicted to heroin.
Uttarakhand monsoon tragedy: 82 lives lost, landslides double in 2024
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand is battling an unprecedented surge in landslides, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, with the number of incidents skyrocketing to twice the count recorded in 2023. Since the onset of monsoon on June 23 this year, the Himalayan state has witnessed 1,521 landslides in just 17 days, with the number rising to 1,813 by the end of the monsoon season, official sources said. The situation is extremely fragile, said a senior official. We are working round-the-clock to mitigate the risks and ensure public safety. Devastating rains and floods in landslide-prone areas have claimed 82 lives and left 28 people missing in Uttarakhand this monsoon season, official sources confirmed. The fatalities include three in Almora, eight each in Chamoli and Champawat, seven in Dehradun, three in Haridwar, eight in Nainital, three in Pauri Garhwal, four in Pithoragarh, 20 in Rudraprayag, six in Tehri, 10 in Udham Singh Nagar, and two in Uttarkashi. Twenty-eight people are reported missing, while 544 livestock have perished in the disaster. Speaking to TNIE, Vinod Kumar Suman, State Secretary for Disaster Management, said, While rain-induced landslides are unavoidable, we're investigating possible causes behind landslides in areas where rainfall wasn't a factor, adding, he said, We have begun analyzing the potential causes behind these incidents. The State Disaster Management Secretary Suman revealed that a special meeting was held at the State Secretariat on Saturday to analyze landslide damage and prepare 15 years' worth of data. This study will enable the state to tackle future challenges effectively. We have decided to compile data on landslide damage over the past 15 years, the Secretary said. By studying this data, we will be better equipped to handle future disasters. The state aims to develop a strategy based on lessons learned from past disasters, particularly those that occurred in the last 10-15 years. Accuracy in weather forecasting has been exceptional this time, with IMD's support playing a crucial role, said Secretary Suman. Encouraged by this success, the state has proposed increasing Automated Weather Stations (AWS) through district-level initiatives. The state's disaster management department effectively took precautionary measures in Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, and Kedarnath, leveraging AWS capabilities. Data from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reveals a disturbing trend in Uttarakhand's landslide activity. Between 1988 and 2023, the state recorded 12,319 landslides, with a sharp increase in recent years: Landslide frequency spikes: Year Number of landslides - 2018: 216 - 2019: 254 - 2020: 328 - 2021: 354 - 2022: 245 - 2023: Over 1,100 landslides - 2024 (till date): 1,813 landslides
Global warming plays truant, Pindari glacier melts
DEHRADUN: The Pindari glacier in the upper Himalayas has retreated significantly, sparking concerns about the impact of global warming on Uttarakhands environment and tourism industry. The Pindari glacier has retreated by more than half a kilometer in the last 60 years, said Padma Shri awardee Anoop Sah, a member of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board, after his recent visit to the glacier. Researchers at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology have corroborated Sahs statement through their studies. Its true that the glacier has retreated. This is a continuous process, and glaciers can also regain their original form, Manish Mehta, a glaciologist at the Wadia Institute, told this newspaper. Glaciers are dynamic systems, and their retreat or advancement is a natural phenomenon. However, human activities and climate change can exacerbate the process, he said. Sah said, In 1964, when I first ventured to Pindari glacier, the Zero Point was blanketed with snow. Now, all thats left are barren, crumbling mountains. Sah and fellow explorer Dhirendra Bist embarked on their latest journey to the glacier from Ranikhet on October 16, reaching Zero Point on October 20. Returning to Nainital on Thursday, they shared their experiences. The receding glaciers are having a devastating impact on the regions wildlife. Species like the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, sambar, ghural, kakar, satyr, tragopan, monal, and hill peafowl, once abundant, are now rarely spotted, Shah said. Bist said, The disappearance of glaciers has forced animals like snow leopards and bears to venture into human settlements, attacking shepherds sheep and horses. The explorers highlighted the alarming shift in the regions vegetation, with rare herbs like salam panja, salam mishri, atis, and kutki becoming increasingly scarce. This ecological imbalance threatens the very survival of the Himalayan ecosystem, Sah emphasised. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve this fragile environment. Sah and Bist expressed concern over the harmful impact of construction on Himalayan glaciers. During their recent expedition, Sah observed extensive use of cement and concrete on trekking routes, posing a significant threat to glacier health. Cement and concrete are detrimental to glaciers. Instead, local resources like bamboo and ringal should be utilised for construction, preserving the glaciers integrity and the regions natural beauty, Sah said. Ive trekked to Pindari Glacier 11 times, traversing Trail Pass in 1994, Baljuri Peak in 1972 and 2023, and Nanda Khat in 1972. Our expeditions highlight the Himalayas majesty and fragility. Its crucial we preserve this ecosystem for future generations, he said. Uttarakhand, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, is witnessing the impact of global warming. Pindari glacier, one of the states iconic landmarks, is among the latest casualties.
New snake species discovered in Himalayas, Named After Leonardo DiCaprio
A team of researchers discovered a new snake species in the western Himalayas which has been named after famous Hollywood actor and Producer, Leonardo DiCaprio for his contribution to the conservation. The species has been named Anguiculus dicaprioi or DiCaprios Himalayan snake. It was discovered by researchers from India, Germany, and the United Kingdom while searching the lesser-known species of India's reptiles during their project in 2020. Their study of the new species was published on Monday in Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal. The new species was classified by the researchers under a new genus called Anguiculus, which means small snake in Latin. The study explained, The specific epithet dicaprioi is a patronym honouring Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor, film producer, and environmentalist who has been actively involved in creating awareness about global climate change, increased biodiversity loss, and human health issues through pollution. The study also said, In addition to this, he has made funds available for field conservation activities and research. Suggested common name DiCaprios Himalayan snake. The researchers were visiting the mountainous regions in the western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh for their ongoing project when they found a few brown-coloured snakes in the mud road. The study further mentioned, The individuals were seen basking and remained motionless until caught and made no attempts to bite. The study of these snakes, their DNA analysis, and their comparison with other snakes led to the discovery of new species. HT Lalremsanga, a professor in the Department of Zoology at Mizoram University, and a member of the team of researchers, said, Besides being found in areas of Himachal Pradesh like Chamba and Kullu, the new species has also been found in Nainital in Uttarakhand and Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The other researchers of the team are Zeeshan A Mirza, Patrick D Campbell, Harshil Patel, Gernot Vogel, Saunak Pal, and Virender K Bhardwaj. The study describes the new species as small-sized, reaching about 22 inches in length. It features a road collar with small dark brown spots, a obust skull, and a steeply domed snout. This species is found at heights of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level.
Uttarakhand govt seizes land owned by UP strongman Raja Bhaiya's wife
The Uttarakhand government has taken possession of more than half a hectare of agricultural land registered in the name of Uttar Pradesh MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiya's wife in Nainital district as it was not being used for its sanctioned purpose, officials said. In the presence of local public representatives and villagers on Friday, Patwari (revenue official) Ravi Pandey carried out the formalities of taking possession of the land under Section 167 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1950 as it was in violation of section 154 (4) (3) (b) of the ZALR (amendment) Act, Kainchi Dham SDM Vipin Chandra Pant said. Section 154 (4) (3) (b) of the ZALR (amendment) Act requires the land to be used for its sanctioned purpose within two years after being bought, the official said. However, for a long time, no farming-related work of any kind was being done on this land, Pant said. Raja Bhaiya's and his wife Bhanvi Singh are believed to be ..
Dehradun diary: Union minister recalls Ratan Tata's love for Uttarakhand
Union Minister recalls Tatas love for state Former Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank revealed that renowned industrialist Ratan Tata was deeply captivated by Uttarakhands breathtaking landscapes. Tata held a special affinity for the state and had even dreamt of settling here. Recalling his tenure as CM, Nishank shared that he had invited Tata to the states foundation day celebrations on November 9, 2010, which Tata had graciously accepted. Dr Nishank reminisces about Tatas profound interests in literature, art, music, yoga, and meditation. Tatas invaluable contributions will be etched in Indias memory, he adds. State film council CEO talks of hiked subsidies Uttarakhand Information and Film Development Council (UFDC) CEO Bansidhar Tiwari met Bollywood veteran Paresh Rawal on the sets of Anant Narayan Mahadevans upcoming film Past Tense. Tiwari highlighted the state governments new film policy, offering increased subsidies for films, OTT releases, and web series. The government, under CM Pushkar Singh Dhamis guidance, is committed to developing the film industry, he stated. State is promoting direct employment opportunities through film production, while also encouraging tourism in the state, said Tiwari. UP ministers prime land in Nainital attached In a significant move, state government has attached a land worth multi-crores in Nainital owned by Bhavani Singh, wife of Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya. The land, purchased 17 years ago, has been seized amid ongoing disputes between Bhavani Singh and Raja Bhaiya. The Nainital district administration has taken control of a 27-nali agricultural land in Siltona village, Kanchi Dham tehsil, owned by Bhavani Singh. The land was seized due to alleged violation of land use conditions under the stringent land laws implemented by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.This development adds to Raja Bhaiyas growing list of controversies. narendra sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com
A homestay owner in Nainital shared his horrifying experience with guests from Delhi-NCR. Taking to Instagram, Nature View Villa, a vacation home in Nainital, shared a video showing the sorry state of the room and the mess the group left behind.
Nanital Homestay Owner Shares Horrifying Experience With Delhi-NCR Guests
A homestay owner in Nanital shared his horrifying experience with guests from Delhi-NCR. Taking to Instagram, Nature View Villa, a vacation home in Nainital, shared a video showing the sorry state of the room and the mess the group left behind.
Three hospitalised after chlorine gas leak in Nainital
SRDF and NDRF teams at the spot for rescue efforts.
SC orders U'khand Medical College to release original documents of MBBS students
NEW DELHI: In a relief to 91 students, the Supreme Court has ordered a medical college in Uttarakhand to release their original documents withheld by the institute for non-payment of fee arrears. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior lawyer Gaurav Agarwal and advocate Tanvi Dubey, appearing for the doctors, that the students will neither be able to register themselves as medical practitioner nor can take up examinations for higher studies for lack of original documents. The bench, which also comprised justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, ordered Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences College at Dehradun in Uttarakhand to release the documents on payment of Rs 7.5 lakh to students who have completed their MBBS course and the requisite internship. The students will have to give an undertaking that they will be paying the remaining fee arrears, the top court said on Monday. The medical college had earlier increased Rs 5 lakh annual fees to Rs 13.22 lakh for students who got admission under the All India quota. The college had increased the annual fees of Rs 4 lakh per annum to Rs 9.78 lakh for those who had taken admissions under the state quota. The fee hike was made applicable with a retrospective effect. The students, who completed their MBBS course and also did the one-year internship, had challenged the legality of the decision of the college asking them to pay exorbitant arrears to get their original documents. Without original documents, the doctors are forced to sit idle at home. They can neither participate in counselling of NEET-PG nor start their practice in a hospital, Dubey said. The matter has been seeing a series of litigation for the past few years and a petition was also pending at the Nainital High Court against a retrospective fee hike. The students had challenged the order asking them to pay around Rs 38 lakh, the lawyer said. The counsel for students argued that the decision was arbitrary and forcefully imposed on them for a course they have already completed. If they were aware earlier, they would have never chosen a college in Uttarakhand since they were getting colleges in their home states at a lesser fee, the lawyer said. The high court had directed the students to pay the entire amount in nine instalments. The college had issued a notice stating that the internship could not start unless payments were made. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the college, said often it gets difficult for the colleges in such scenarios to keep track of the pending dues from students after documents are released. Some of the students simply vanish and in some cases, the cheques, given towards the arrears of the fees, have bounced.
Dehradun Diary: Cong MLA donates salary for disaster relief
Lakhpat Butola, the newly elected Congress MLA from Badrinath, Uttarakhand, has announced that he will forgo his increased salary for the next six months. He intends to donate the amount to support relief efforts in Chamoli district, which has recently been affected by a natural disaster. The Uttarakhand assembly had recently approved a hike in MLAs salaries to `4 lakh. Butola is the only legislator to have made this pledge. He said while the government and other organisations are offering relief to those affected, the severity of the disaster calls for every elected representative to step up efforts. Uttarakhand govt to revamp old markets The Uttarakhand government is set to revamp the states bustling historic markets with a new redevelopment policy, which will soon be presented to the Cabinet. The plan involves redeveloping these markets through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Many cities, including Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital, have markets with narrow roads, no vehicle entry, and inadequate parking. A government spokesperson said that the markets will be redeveloped with a modern design, replacing the existing one- or two-storey shops with new complexes with parking facilities. Shake-up after liquor mafia attacks journo In a major shake-up, the Senior Superintendent of Police has transferred 37 policemen from the affected police station, including Kotwali, and dissolved the SOG team, attaching them to headquarters. A journalist was brutally attacked by the liquor mafia in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, while reporting on illegal liquor sales, leaving him critically injured and hospitalised at AIIMS. The police have arrested the accused and taken action against the liquor mafia. This incident has prompted Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take swift action, highlighting growing concerns about journalist safety and the illicit liquor trade in the state. Narendra sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@ newindianexpress.com
Uttarakhand police file cases against two BJP leaders for alleged sexual harassment, One arrested
DEHRADUN: In two separate incidents, police in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand have registered cases against two BJP leaders for alleged sexual harassment. In one case, a district-level leader of the party has been arrested, while in the other, a case of rape and intimidation has been filed against another leader, with questioning of the accused underway. A widow from Bindukhatta has levelled serious allegations against Mukesh Bora, Administrator of the Uttarakhand Cooperative Dairy Federation., police said. The victim claims that Bora promised her a permanent job and exploited her physically. She alleged that on November 10, 2021, he raped her at a hotel in Kathgodam. Even after the incident, she was threatened and intimidated multiple times and forced to remain silent. In a written complaint to the police, the victim has made additional allegations, stating, Bora also pressured her to engage in relationships with his friends and threatened to kill her if she refused. The victim further claims that Mukesh Bora and his driver, Kamal Belwal, have been consistently threatening to kill her and her children. The victim is a daily wage worker at Nainital Dairy Federation in Lalkuan. On November 10, 2021, BJP leader Mukesh Bora called me and asked me to meet him at Jayka Hotel in Kathgodam. He said he would introduce me to someone who could help me get a permanent job. However, after I arrived, no one showed up, said the victim in her complaint, adding, alleged, Bora then started touching me, and when I objected, he ignored my protests and forcibly raped me, promising me a permanent job. The victim further alleged that Bora threatened her, saying: If you tell anyone about this, I'll remove you from your daily wage job and circulate your photos. The victim claimed she remained silent due to fear, as she has two young children to care for. Dinesh Singh Fartiyal, SHO of Lalkuan, told TNIE , A case has been registered against both named accused under sections 376 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Since the incident occurred in 2021, the new 'Bhartiya Nyay Sahinta' does not apply. Investigations are ongoing based on evidence, but no arrests have been made yet. In a separate case, Bhagwat Singh Bora, BJP Mandal President of Salt Block in Almora district, was arrested by police late at night from Marchula Road. SSP Devendra Pincha confirmed, The accused has been produced in court and sent to jail. The BJP has expelled Bhagwat Singh Bora from the party following his arrest. Meanwhile, in the Lalkua case, the government has removed Mukesh Bora, also accused of rape, from his post as Administrator of the Uttarakhand Cooperative Dairy Federation. The main opposition party in the state, Congress, has unleashed a scathing attack on the BJP, demanding accountability from the state's BJP government for all cases of sexual assault that have occurred in the past year, involving senior party leaders.
Mild earthquake tremors felt in Dehradun
DEHRADUN: An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.1 on the Richter scale jolted Dehradun on Sunday night. The quake's epicentre was located 5 kilometers beneath the ground in the city. District Disaster Management Officer Rishabh Kumar said that mild earthquake tremors were felt in some areas of the capital city, but the quake's low intensity, caused no damage. However, he said officials will remain vigilant for the next 3-4 days. Geologists caution that a mild tremor does not necessarily predetermine a major earthquake, but nor can the possibility be ruled out. Instead, the slight jolt serves as a mild reminder and a call to be better prepared. A mild earthquake is a practical reminder for preparedness and to be equipped for the future, Dr. Pal a retired seismology and earthquake engineering scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology told TNIE . Uttarakhand falls under the high-seismic zone five, which includes most parts of Rudraprayag district, along with Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts. Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Champawat, Haridwar, Pauri, and Almora fall under Zone 4 of the earthquake-prone area. Some areas of Dehradun and Tehri districts are under zone 4, while others fall under the high-seismic zone 5. Experts attribute the frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region to the collision of the Indo-European plate, leading to continuous release of energy from beneath the earth's surface. According to records, most earthquakes have been recorded in high-seismic zones, indicating a persistent stress build-up in the region's geology.
Mild earthquake tremors felt in Uttrakhand's capital Dehradun
DEHRADUN: An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.1 on the richter scale jolted Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand on Sunday night. Thw quakes epicenter was located 5 kilometers beneath the ground in the city. District Disaster Management Officer Rishabh Kumar said that mild earthquake tremors were felt in some areas of the capital city, but the quake's low intensity, caused no damage. However, officials will remain vigilant for the next 3-4 days. Geologists caution that a mild tremor does not necessarily predetermine a major earthquake, but nor can the possibility be ruled out. Instead, the slight jolt serves as a mild reminder and a call to be better prepared. A mild earthquake is a practical reminder for preparedness and to be equipped for the future, Dr. Pal a retired seismology and earthquake engineering scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology told TNIE . Uttarakhand falls under the high-seismic zone five, which includes most parts of Rudraprayag district, along with Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts. Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Champawat, Haridwar, Pauri, and Almora fall under zone 4 of earth quake prone area. Some areas of Dehradun and Tehri districts are under zone 4, while others fall under the high-seismic zone 5. Experts attribute the frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region to the collision of the Indo-European plate, leading to continuous release of energy from beneath the earth's surface. According to past records, most earthquakes have been recorded in high-seismic zones, indicating a persistent stress build-up in the region's geology.
'No better time to be in India than now'
The chain has also appointed Shailender Singh as the market managing director for Eurasia. Wyndham has 60 operational hotels in India, with 45 hotels in the pipeline. Wyndham's upcoming hotel openings for this year include new properties in Srinagar, Nainital, Ayodhya, Vrindavan and Wayanad.
Flash floods wreak havoc in Uttarakhand: Three dead, one missing after cloudburst in Tehri
DEHRADUN: Three dead and one missing in flash floods as heavy rainfall continues to batter Uttarakhand. The aftermath of a cloudburst in Tehri has left several villages struggling to cope with the fury of the monsoon. Rescue operations are underway to locate the missing person. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, predicting that the adverse weather conditions will persist until August 25. A devastating cloud burst in Ghuttu village of Bhilangna tehsil in the Ghansali block of the state on Tuesday night triggered landslides that caused widespread damage to properties in the region. According to District Disaster Management Officer, Brijesh Bhatt, The incident resulted in the loss of eight cows, three calves, and one ox, which were buried under debris. Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer, Nandkishore Joshi, told TNIE , The rainfall in Uttarakhand had slowed down in recent days, but has now regained momentum. Monday's rainfall caused widespread disruption in Dhsoli block, Chamoli, with heavy downpours turning roads into rivulets and cutting off several villages from the main road. However, a combined effort by the police, revenue department, and relief teams, along with the PWD, has successfully cleared the roads, restoring connectivity. Director of the Meteorological Center, Bikram Singh, told TNIE , A yellow alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Uttarakhand from Thursday to August 25. A yellow alert for intense rainfall has been declared for the next 24 hours in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat districts. Meanwhile, there is a possibility of continued heavy rainfall in various parts of Uttarakhand. According to the Meteorological Center, by the third week of the month, the state typically receives 265.72 millimetres of rainfall. However, due to a sluggish monsoon, only 264.76 millimetres of rainfall were recorded, resulting in a 4 per cent rainfall deficit. But in a sudden turn of events, the weather pattern changed dramatically from Sunday afternoon, with heavy rainfall sweeping across both the hills and plains, bringing much-needed relief to the region.
Flashflood in Uttarakhand, Dorothys Seat in rubble
DEHRADUN: In Uttarakhand, the ongoing landslide disaster of the past fortnight shows no signs of abating. The most recent catastrophe occurred on Tuesday night with a landslide at Tiffin Top peak in Nainital, famously known as Dorothys Seat, reducing this cherished tourist spot to rubble. Situated just 3 km from the city, the moderately steep trek to Tiffin Top has long been a popular choice for its stunning vistas. Dorothys Seat, once a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Nainital town and the Himalayan peaks, now lies in ruins. Local tea shop owner Dinesh Sutha recounted the perilous conditions leading up to the disaster, noting that cracks had already made approaching Dorothys Seat hazardous. The collapse happened suddenly on Tuesday night, startling Sutha and his nephew Ashutosh, who were present at the time. Responding promptly to the emergency, District Magistrate Vandana Singh confirmed that landslides struck Tiffin Top around midnight. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the affected site. Meanwhile, in Tehri districts Tauliya Kaatal area, residents of Rangad village have endured a distressing 22-day confinement in their homes due to relentless rain and subsequent flooding. The swollen waters of the Chifliti river have not receded, resulting in the closure of local schools. Rekha Devi, village head of Tauliya Kaatal, explained the communitys challenges since the collapse of their pedestrian bridge in 2022 and the subsequent loss of the temporary trolley system in 2023, which necessitated helicopter deliveries during monsoon seasons. G P Nautiyal, Executive Engineer of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) in New Tehri, highlighted efforts to build a new bridge near Dubda-Rangad village, originally planned at 30 meters but now expanded to 48 meters due to heavy rains. A revised proposal for `3.67 crore has been submitted for government approval to proceed with construction. In separate operations, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted daring rescues across Uttarakhand. In one instance, they saved 15-20 people trapped in flood-threatened homes in the Kumaon region, relocating them to safety. Another operation in Sonprayag successfully evacuated 150 locals and pilgrims stranded in Gaurikund. Nandan Singh Rajwar, Disaster Management Officer in Rudraprayag, reported adverse conditions in the Kedarghati area, where heavy rainfall caused the Mandakini river to swell, resulting in the collapse of a temporary Army-built bridge at Sonprayag along the Kedarnath trek route. The incessant rain also disrupted road connectivity, with closures on the Badrinath Highway near Gauchar-Kamed and the Gangotri Highway. 22-day confinement in Tehri district In Tehri districts Tauliya Kaatal area, residents of Rangad village have endured a distressing 22-day confinement in their homes due to relentless rain and subsequent flooding. The swollen waters of the Chifliti river have not receded, resulting in the closure of local schools.
Uttarakhand monsoon havoc: 20 saved from drowning in Kumaon; Tehri villagers stranded for 22 days
DEHRADUN: The monsoon mayhem, which has persisted for the past two weeks in Uttarakhand, shows no signs of abating. In the latest incident that occurred on Tuesday night, a landslide at Tiffin Top Peak in Nainital, also known as Dorothy's Seat, reduced the popular tourist spot to rubble. Located just 3-km from the city, the moderately steep trek to Tiffin Top offers an exhilarating experience. The 'Dorothy's Seat'a bench and platformonce provided a stunning view of Nainital town and the Himalayan peaks, has now been devastated by the calamity. Dinesh Sutha, a local tea shop owner, reported that cracks had already made it dangerous to approach Dorothy's Seat. On Tuesday night, his nephew Ashutosh was sleeping in the shop when they heard a loud rumbling sound as the entire Dorothy's Seat collapsed. District Magistrate Vandana Singh confirmed that landslides hit the Tiffin Top area around midnight. Teams were dispatched to the affected site, and no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, in another distressing situation, residents of the Rangad village in Tehri district's Tauliya Kaatal area have been confined to their homes for 22 days due to the ongoing water disaster. The failure of the Chifliti river's water level to recede has also forced the closure of local schools. Speaking to TNIE, Rekha Devi, the head of Tauliya Kaatal village, said: The old pedestrian bridge was washed away in 2022, forcing helicopter deliveries of essential supplies during the monsoon season. A temporary trolley system was installed by the Public Works Department, but it too was swept away by the river in 2023, leaving villagers struggling to cope with the harsh monsoon season. GP Nautiyal, Executive Engineer of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) in New Tehri, told this daily, A 30-meter bridge was proposed at a cost of Rs 1.9 crore, 9 km from Dubda-Rangad village on the motor road. However, due to heavy rainfall, the span of the bridge has now increased to 48 metres. A revised proposal of Rs 3.67 crore has been sent to the government in January 2024 for the construction of a new bridge with an increased span. Work on the bridge will commence as soon as the budget is approved. In a separate operation, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued 15-20 people trapped in homes threatened by floodwaters in the Kumaon region following incessant heavy rainfall. The timely intervention saved them from drowning, and they were relocated to safer areas. In another daring rescue operation, the SDRF team from Sonprayag safely evacuated 150 locals and pilgrims stranded in Gaurikund on Wednesday, escorting them down treacherous mountain paths. Rudraprayag Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told this daily, Heavy rainfall in the Kedarghati area of Rudraprayag caused a surge in the Mandakini river's water level, resulting in the collapse of a temporary bridge over the river in Sonprayag. The bridge, built by the Army to rescue stranded pilgrims on the Kedarnath trek route, was swept away. The incessant downpour has also affected road connectivity, with the Badrinath Highway blocked near Gauchar-Kamed and the Gangotri Highway also being closed. SDRF Headquarters sources reported, Inspector Balm Singh Bajeli and his rescue team swiftly responded to flash flooding in the Azad Nagar area of Rudrapur, Kumaon division, rescuing people stranded in their homes due to heavy rainfall and safely evacuating them to higher ground. Death toll in Uttarakhand monsoon havoc climbs to 19; over 9,200 pilgrims rescued
Nainital Village faces land subsidence, cracks appear in houses; CM promises action
Watch: Brave dogs defend home, chase away leopard in Nainital; CCTV footage goes viral
Three dogs in Nainital heroically chased away a leopard attempting to enter a home, as captured in viral CCTV footage.
DEHRADUN: After Wednesday's devastating monsoon rains in Uttarakhand which claimed 13 lives, the toll continues to rise. In a fresh incident, 16 people went missing after a cloudburst triggered landslides on the Kedarnath pedestrian route late Wednesday night. According to data from the State Meteorological Center, the state has broken its 58-year rainfall record. The disaster has left over 1,000 pilgrims stranded at the Kedarnath Dham. Police Superintendent Rudraprayag, Dr Vishakha Bhadane, ensured that search and rescue operations are underway to locate those missing in the tragedy. In an exclusive interview with The New Indian Express , Commandant of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Manikant Mishra, said, SDRF personnel from Uttarakhand conducted rescue operations late into the night to evacuate 450 stranded pilgrims from the Munakatiya area to Sonprayag in the Kedarnath yatra route. The rescue operations will continue unabated on Thursday until all pilgrims are safely evacuated. SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra deployed drones to assess the situation and plan next steps after a landslide and boulder fall damaged a 2-kilometer-long alternate rescue path on the Sonprayag-Gaurikund hill route. The last day of July saw a record-breaking rainfall in Dehradun, with the 24-hour downpour shattering a 58-year record. Additionally, Haridwar also witnessed the highest rainfall in the past 40 years, breaking the previous record, said Director of the State Meteorological Center, Dr Bikram Singh, citing Meteorological Department data. Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh: Rescue operation underway to trace 45 missing people Experts urge enhanced early warning, evacuation systems amid landslide disasters Relief teams navigate treacherous terrain to reach stranded pilgrims. Director Dr Bikram Singh told The New Indian Express , There is a possibility of one or two spells of heavy rainfall on Friday as well. An orange alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall. Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Bageshwar, and Nainital may witness thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall. According to the sources at MET department, Dehradun witnessed a record-breaking 175 mm rainfall between Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the highest since 1966 when 487 mm rainfall was recorded. Haridwar also saw the highest single-day rainfall in 40 years, with 242 mm downpour, surpassing the previous record set in 1984. Dr Bikram Singh further added that Dehradun received 35 per cent more rainfall than usual in July. Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management in Uttarakhand, told this newspaper, Only the route between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is blocked. Yesterday, we evacuated 2300 people from Gaurikund to Sonprayag and 700 people from Bhimboli and Lincholi to Guptkashi. 1000 people are safe in Kedarnath. Relief and rescue operations are underway using four helicopters from Lincholi and Bhimboli. The State has received an MI-17 aircraft and a Chinook helicopter from the Centre for rescue operations , which will resume once the weather clears. While Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath pilgrimages continue, the Kedarnath pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended. Central Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone to inquire about the disaster situation in various parts of the state. Dhami briefed Shah on the large-scale relief and rescue operations underway in the affected areas. Shah assured all possible assistance for the safety of the state's residents and pilgrims.
Illegal cutting of trees in Nainital: NGT summons Uttrakhand officials for lack of sincerity
Shillong, July 24: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has summoned the personal presence of Uttarakhands Principal Secretary of the Environment and Forest Department, Member Secretary of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and Divisional Commissioner for lack of sincerity in a case involving the illegal cutting of trees in Nainital. A bench presided over by [] The post Illegal cutting of trees in Nainital: NGT summons Uttrakhand officials for lack of sincerity appeared first on The Shillong Times .
The situation has exacerbated to the extent that erosion threatens the Virbhatti bridge, crucially linking to the China border, and nearby residential areas.
