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Aug, 2005
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Armed French nationals held: Security beef-up in Rishikesh

     Rishikesh (Uttaranchal): Uttaranchal police and intelligence sources have stepped up their security following the arrest of two French nationals in the holy city of Rishikesh. But the traders feel that the administration should take adequate measures to avoid any future mishap. "The administration should be careful about most of the hotels which are unauthorised and do not pay income tax. They (police)should keep track of the movements. Moreover, the guests houses which do not have any licence should not be allowed to run. The officials should be provided with information regarding the tourists who come to stay," said Narender Bhandari, a trade leader. The police officials feel that the arrest of French duo is not a threat to the security of the city and of its people. They are confident of their intelligence sources. They are also immediately acting upon any information when received. "We did not find anything suspicious in the Rishikesh case and after interrogation, the foreigners were allowed to go. Moreover, registration of the foreigners who come here is also done. We are also keeping an eye on them. We also take action immediately after receiving information and carry out investigation," said R S Meena, Director Inspector General (DIG) of Gharwal Range. Again some feel that the intelligence sources should keep record of the tourists who come and at the same time see to it that the business is not hampered. "I want only to say that our police and intelligence sources should regularly check the tourists who come here because you never know the form in which they come.Further Laxman Jhulla and Tapovan have significance in the world and at the same time take care that our business is not hampered," said Amit Bharadwaj," a trader. The police is maintaining a registration form for the tourists who visit the holy place. The French nationals namely Latra Nicolas and his friend Klassi Mori came to India last month and were arrested shortly after photographs showed them posing rather joyfully with AK 47 and AK 56. They have been arrested for their alleged connection with Pakistani rebels.
-Aug 31, 2005

Helmets made compulsory in Ahmedabad (Go to Top)

     Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has released an order making the use of helmets compulsory for all two wheelers from September 1, 2005. The order, however, exempts women and children below the age of 12 years. "Helmets have been made compulsory for all two- wheelers. The only ones exempted are the women and children below 12", says Vikas Sahay, Additional Commissioner of Police. The decision was met with mixed reactions. "It is a good thing but most of the accidents that I have seen have been minor. I have been riding a scooter for many years and never seen a major accident where heads would get crushed or badly injured. So, I don't think helmets will do much good", says Mahendre Joshi, a local. Some think that the decision is absolutely right and commendable. "It is a very good decision. I am happy that finally it has been made compulsory. Now I am sure the injuries will reduce", says Aamir Kothiya, a local. At least 10 lakh two wheelers are plying in the city and 30 percent deaths are caused due to head injury on the road. The High Court also ordered the State Government to increase the fine amount. At present rupees 50 is charged on the high ways for not using helmets.
-Aug 31, 2005

29 die of leptospirosis in Gujarat (Go to Top)

     Surat: Health authorities in Gujarat have raised alarm following reports of 29 deaths in Surat due to leptospirosis, a water-borne disease that has ravaged the flood- hit state in recent months. More than 115 cases are under treatment at Surat's civil hospital, with at least 50 reported to be serious. A bacterial disease that can cause death in rare cases, leptospirosis is spread through exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Doctors say, it can be treated only in initial stages, but most of their patients coming from far flung village have a severe infection making the disease extremely life threatening. The patients mostly develop kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress, if the disease is not treated on time. "We have treated 115 cases, inpatient cases are 60 and till now 29 deaths have been recorded. These cases were extremely severe, they died of haemorrhage and though we have given the best possible treatment the cases were too severe and they died," said Dr. Mahesh G Solu, nodal officer, Surat Civil Hospital. The huge rush has forced hospital to open leptospirosis wards and extra physicians have been called in to ensure prompt treatment. Dr. Solu added that the health officials have undertaken door-to- door surveillance to look for any signs of epidemic outbreak and have issued treatment guidelines across village dispensaries and private clinics. The severe weeklong flooding had killed dozens and left more than 150,000 people homeless in Gujarat. Though residents still complain of shortages of food, medicines and materials to build temporary shelters, their biggest concern has been rotting garbage and animal carcasses left behind by receding waters.
-Aug 29, 2005

Flood hits rail service in Bihar (Go to Top)

     Darbhanga (Bihar): Major rivers of Bihar are flowing above the danger level following several breaches in the embankment of Kamala Balan river that have inundated over 200 villages of Darbhanga and Madhubani districts of Bihar. Heavy rains in the catchments area in Nepal in last few days had raised the water level over the danger level that created high pressure in the embankment resulting in breaches at numerous points. A rise in the water levels of the rivers Ganga, Kamla, Kosi, Kareh and Bagmati in Samastipur district has also been reported, where about 70 villages have been inundated. Flood has also affected rail service in Ghoghardiha-Nirmali rail division as the railway tracks have been obscured in water.
-Aug 29, 2005

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