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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

SILIGURI- Important Phone Numbers


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Khadims opens seventh store in Siliguri, West Bengal


Khadims opens seventh store in Siliguri, West Bengal
19 Feb 2013

Khadims opens seventh store in Siliguri, West Bengal
Footwear retailer Khadims has recently opened its seventh store in Siliguri, West Bengal at Sevoke Road. Spread over an area of 2,414 sq.ft., the outlet stocks brands such as British Walker, Turk, Lazard, Pro, Cleo, Sharon, and Softouch. The retailer now has 648 stores in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Sabyasachi Sanyal, Deputy General Manager, Marketing, Khadim India Limited, said: “A new territory is always a new challenge for us as we are all geared up to serve this area with all our intrinsic abilities. The latent demand in the market prompted us to open more stores in Siliguri. We are quite hopeful that this will lead to a series of other showrooms as well. Khadims also plans to expand in all other metropolitan cities and predominantly in Eastern India.”

Khadims is present in 21 states across India with a total retail space of 2,54,961 sq.ft.

Education and science and technology are special areas of India-UK cooperation. I have impressed upon the Prime Minister, the need for a visa regime that facilitates greater movement of people between our two countries so that this cooperation can be further energized-Indian PM


Regarding Glacial Outburst in Sikkim


Press Release from Secretary, Department of Science and Technology & Climate Change

This has reference to the News Article that had appeared in some of the local dailies on 11th February 2013 with regard to Scientists warning of a huge Glacial Outburst in Sikkim. The news item has the potential to create widespread panic among the public regarding the glacial outburst. Therefore, the Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, Government of Sikkim has found it necessary to clarify the factual position about the Glacial Lake.

The News Article was based upon a Research Paper published in the Current Science Magazine on 10th February 2013 by three Researchers of the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. Their study was based upon the remote sensing satellite images of the South Lhonak Glacier in North Sikkim and the Glacial Lake formed below the glacier. The Researchers have predicted on the basis of the satellite imaginary that there is a likelihood of a Glacial Outburst Flood (GLOF) due to the increasing size of the Glacial Lake. Though they have stated in their report that there is a high probability of GLOF at the South Lhonak Glacier Lake, they have qualified their statement by saying that such natural hazard are unpredictable and that more detailed field surveys are required to establish the risk of a GLOF.

The State Remote Sensing Centre at Gangtok under the Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, Government of Sikkim, has been studying the South Lhonak Lake for the past two years. Based upon satellite images dating as back as year 1976 till 2012, it has been conformed that the lake has been steadily growing in size and volume. In order to have a first hand knowledge of the Lake, an expedition by the project Scientist of the Department was undertaken in April 2012. The team visited the South Lhonak Lake, inspected the moraine dam formed around it and took photographs of the lake and dam for further study. The inspecting team was of the opinion that considering the size, shape and slope of the moraine dam and the existence of an outlet for the lake, there is no likelihood of a GLOF in the immediate future. This view is strengthened by the fact that despite a high magnitude earthquake that had its epicenter not far away from the lake, there was no GLOF from the South Lhonake Lake. In other words, the moraine dam of South Lhonak Lake is strong enough to withstand the pressure of a high magnitude earthquake.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune, has also been monitoring the South Lhonak Lake for some time now. With the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, CDAC has plans to install Sensors (Early Warning System) around the lake for regularly monitoring the rise in the water level and to send alarms on the occurrence of GLOF. However, this is being done on an experimental basis, the result of which would help in further development of the Sensors.

Since the project Scientists of the Department have visited the lake and have studied the maraine dam, they are of the view that there is no likelihood of GLOF in the immediate future. Nevertheless, the department as a measure of abundant precaution, has requested the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, to depute a team of experts on the subject to visit the South Lhonak lake, to confirm the likelihood of GLOF or otherwise, to suggest preventive and mitigation measures and to take necessary action as deemed fit. Similar requests are being made to the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, from where the research paper on GLOF at South Lhonak Lake had originated. In addition, the Central Water Commission has been asked to continuously monitor the lake with high resolution Remote Sensing imagery.

To put it concisely, the Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, Government of Sikkim, is abreast of the increasing size of the South Lhonak Lake, does not find any reason for an immediate alarm, and has been taking the appropriate action as required, as described above.

UK PM Cameron says, "India's rise is going to be one of the major phenomenon of this century. It is incredibly impressive to see the vibrancy of your democracy and great strength of the diversity of your country and endorse power of your economy. It is going to be one of the top three economies by 2030. That is why I am here. Britain wants to be your partner of choice."



Sikkim Govt, wildlife board at odds over extension of broad gauge line .

Monday, 18 February 2013

Controversy kept raging over the proposed extension of the broad gauge line from Sevoke in North Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim that will pass through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. While the State Government has given its nod to the project and sent it to National Board For Wildlife (NBWL), certain members of State wildlife advisory board on the contrary claim to be in the dark despite the fact they had objected the proposal in their last meeting.

The State Forest Department has, however, rubbished their claims. The State Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) SB Mandal clarified that the minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to them and they are aware of the situation.

Even as the debate continues, the experts have feared the proposed project of about 42 kms length will affect the migration of a population of about 300-350 Asiatic elephants in the area. This will further escalate incidents of man-elephant conflicts, they felt. The Ministry of Environment and Forest is scheduled to have a meeting with the Railways on Monday, in which the issue of the proposed project is expected to figure prominently.

According to Animesh Bose, member of the State Wildlife Advisory board, “We members had strongly objected to the proposal in our last meeting held in February last year. But we are surprised as to how the State Government has gone ahead with its nod, without taking our opinions on board.

The proposed project is an expansion of the broad gauge track running from Alipurdwar to Siliguri. The area has already turned out to be a killer zone for the elephants.” He added that the area rich in biodiversity is ecologically very fragile and geologically unstable. Hence such a project would spell disaster. There is an immediate neede for a proper Environment Impact Assessment.

The CWW SB Mandal, however, mentioned that he has records that bear signatures of all the members of the board indicating that the minutes of the meeting had been circulated. He pointed out that the project is absolutely safe for both forests and wildlife.

“Only four and half kms of the rail track will pass through Mahananda sanctuary and the project will be passing underground”, he said. He further added that Railways did have EIA done by recognised international agencies, who have denied any such ecological threats. Mandal questioned back saying, “when there is zero damage to either wildlife or forest and it will increase connectivity to as far as Sikkim, the project must be welcomed instead.”

According to Anil Kumar Singh, expert from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) working on train hit mitigations of wildlife in the country, Mahananda wildlife sanctuary is one of the worst hit with man-elephant conflicts. “About 60-75 persons have been killed last year alone in the area and livelihoods of many undermined “, he mentioned.

This so-called stretch of four and half kms as claimed by CWW is very crucial, he added. This is used by the jumbos to cross over from Mahananda forests to Kalimpong, said Singh. There will also be an increase in rail traffic across the proposed stretch, which would aggravate the situation further.( Source:Pioneer)

India's first widlife skywalk to come up in Sikkim


India's first widlife skywalk to come up in Sikkim

by Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, February 18, 2013   

India’s first wildlife skywalk will come up in Maenam wildlife sanctuary in the eastern state of Sikkim.


The Sikkim government had proposed to build a 22 kilometer rope-way from Maenam sanctuary to the skywalk to be built beyond on the edge of Bhalleydhunga steep face with rain shelter and public conveniences. The sanctuary, about 65 kilometres south from the capital city of Gangtok, is a popular tourist destination.

The environment ministry has approved the Sikkim government proposal for Rs. 500 crore skywalk - similar to one in Grand Canyon in north America, which attracts over 3,00,000 visitors a year - despite opposition from wild-lifers.

MK Ranjisinh, member of national board for wildlife, said that the state government instead of allowing encroachment of a wildlife area should allow people to take a walk in the wilderness areas. Another member Prerna Singh Bindra, while opposing the project, said the project would have more deleterious effect on the wildlife as it would lead to increased disturbance to animals in the sanctuary.

Kishore Rithe, another board member, said the skywalk would increase traffic load and destruct the entire habitat. Other wildlife activists believe that approving the project could mean similar requests from other state governments like Gujarat, Kerala and Himachal.

But, their claims were set aside in wake of Sikkim’s good record in wildlife protection.

The Sikkim government informed the ministry that it was only state in the country having around 30 % of its geographical area under protected area network. The state government also said that more forest area would be brought under the Central government protection regime.

The state government’s argument that just 2.10 hectares of land was required to build the rope-way and the skywalk would no way effect the wildlife sanctuary and the revenue generated would help to preserve wildlife came handy in convincing the ministry that the project was required.

A senior ministry functionary said that the state government has done a remarkable job in bringing more than 30% of area under protection and the proposed sky-walk would increase people’s interest in the wildlife.

With all hurdles cleared, the Sikkim government expects the private builder to complete the sky-walk in about two year’s time.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Source: Financial Express  

KNOW U R MEDICINES ORIGINAL OR DUPLICATE


Subject: MEDICINES ORIGINAL OR DUPLICATE...
 



KNOW U R MEDICINES ORIGINAL OR DUPLICATE...


IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THAT THE DRUG WHICH YOU BROUGHT FROM THE STORE ARE ORIGINAL OR DUPLICATE IS JUST BY EASY 3 STEPS .....

BEHIND EACH MEDICINE THERE IS ONE NUMBER WHICH IS THE UNIQUE ID NUMBER .

JUST MSG THAT NUMBER TO 9901099010

AFTER 10 SEC. YOU WILL GET ONE RESPONSE MSG ........

IF THE MEDICINE IS ORIGINAL THEN YOU WILL GET THE REPLY WITH THE PROPER BATCH NUMBER AND THE NAME OF THE PHARMA COMPANY .....

WHICH YOU CAN CROSS CHECK WITH YOUR STRIPS OR ANY MEDICINE WHICH YOU BROUGHT ......

AND IF THE NUMBER IS NOT MATCHING THEN YOU JUST HAVE TO RESEND THE SAME MSG SO THE COMPLAINT WILL BE REGISTERED ........

International Flower Show 2013
Saramsa Garden
February 17, 2013

Speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister


Your Excellency Governor of Sikkim, respected Shri BP Singh ji, Hon’ble Dy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Members of Parliament, senior officials from the Central and the State Governments, distinguished scientists, floriculturists, friends from media, ladies and gentlemen

Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde ji was scheduled to be here with us today. However, due to extreme inclement weather, Shri Shinde ji could not reach here despite his reaching the Bagdogra Airport early this morning. Hon’ble Union Minister spoke to me from the Airport to say how he wished he could be among us amidst the Himalayan splendor. On the eve of Parliament session, he could find time to plan his visit to Sikkim but held up at Bagdogra Airport due to weather condition. On behalf of the people of Sikkim and the State Government, I would like to express our warm gratitude to the Union Home Minister for his support.

When we organized the first International Flower Show in March 2008 at this venue, we showcased our natural resources. It is well known that Sikkim is a Biodiversity hot spot. Nature has blessed us with rich biodiversity, exquisite species of flora and fauna.  A quick look at our nature statistics will invigorates us.  It is a matter of utmost pride that within the boundary of the State, we have a total of 150 species of mammals, 552 species of birds, 690 species of butterflies, 424 types of medicinal plants, over 500 types of orchids, 28 mountain peaks, 104 rivers and streams. Further, our State is perhaps the only geographical location where we find all the climatic zones namely tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine, placed within the range of 300 meters to 8,598 meters.

Sikkim which accounts for just 0.05 percent of total geographical area of the Country is home to 30 percent species of flowering plants found in India. Also, it has 60 flowering species per 100 square kilometers and hosts 123 endemic species.  As the custodian of Sikkim Himalayan          eco-system, we have tried our best to play a very responsible role to maintain the environmental sanctity of this eco-system which inter alia contributes to the national and world scenario.

We initiated our journey on a very conscious note in 1995 when we observed the year as “Harit Kranti Varsha” and later declared the year 2000-2010 as the Harit Kranti Dashak duly generating and involving mass awareness about environment and about factors likely to bring about negative impacts on our environment. With your permission, I would like to highlight some of the steps undertaken by the State Government over the decades.

1.    Compulsory Environmental Education introduced in all schools starting from the primary education level with a view to inculcate scientific and eco-friendly temper in the young minds;
 
2.    Closed the high altitude Firing Range “G” to protect sub-alpine flora and fauna;

3.    "Smriti Van" a green concept initiated in the State to plant trees in fond memory of near and dear ones, in reverence to gods/deities;

4.    Institution of State-level award "Rajya Van Samrakshan Evam Paryavaran Puraskar" to encourage and boost the morale of individual/group engaged in eco-friendly acts;

5.                            Creation of a State Biodiversity Park for mass environmental conservation;

6.                            Complete ban on use of non-biodegradable materials like plastic and poly-bags;

7.                            Ban on Green felling in forests;

8.                            Ban on grazing in reserved forest areas, plantation areas and water sources areas;

9.                            Ban on use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides & insecticides;

10.                       Ban on killing of wildlife and aquatic animals;

11.                       Ban on smoking in public places and sale of Pan Parag;

12.                       Jari Buti Kosh – a fund created to regulate preservation measures of important medicinal plants and shrubs in the State;

13.                      Comprehensive mission undertaken to transform Sikkim into Total Organic State  which is being pursued vigorously;

14.                       Free distribution of LPG connections to rural households for protection of green cover in the State;

15.                       Sikkim Green Mission announced duly allocating budget from each Department;

16.                       An innovative mechanism Eco-Club, Green Funds instituted in schools and colleges;

17.                       Creation of Sikkim Ecology Fund in the State;

18.                       Prohibition enforced on mountaineering expeditions on sacred peaks, caves, rocks, lakes, chhorten & hot springs. Scaling of important peaks including Mt. Khangchendzonga (8598m) banned;

19.                       Ban on the use of Diclofenac, the chemical responsible for death and slow extinction of Vultures from our landscape. By effectively banning this anti-inflammatory drug, we are contributing towards arresting death cases of the bird family.

One of the most recent and most imaginative green programs has been the “10 Minutes to Earth” campaign to mobilize the entire population of the State to plant saplings within a matter of ten minutes. The Sikkimese people observe this as annual ritual on June 25 each year, planting lakhs of saplings in all barren lands, institutional areas, landslide zones, forest area etc. This is a very positive step and unique one in the entire country.

Sikkim State was rated as the Greenest State through popular vote instituted by the prestigious Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi in 1999. All our development programs centre around the eco-city concept to promote clean and green environment. The findings of Centre for Development Finance, Chennai has also been very encouraging. Under various parameters like reducing pressure on environment and state’s responses to maintain their environment, Sikkim has been rated as “most sustainable”. We have adopted a very scientific approach towards solid waste management, regulate water usages and discourage encroachment. We were honoured with the first Nirmal Rajya award in December 2008 for achieving total sanitation coverage in Sikkim. In order to conserve water sources, we have undertaken innovative programs like dhara-vikas. We have commissioned regular study on glaciers in Sikkim Himalayas.

Since ages, people in Sikkim have been traditionally growing flowers. Although, cultivation of flowers has remained part of living experience for our people, never was this art developed into a full-fledged profession. Therefore, we decided to tap on this rich tradition to promote floriculture on commercial scale. Today we are producing cut flowers including that of roses, lilium and anthurium on a commercial scale. We are, indeed, the only state in the whole country producing high value cymbidium orchids on a commercial scale.

The contribution of Indian Floriculture products in the world market is still very small. This could be improved through concerted effort at various levels. This International Flower Show is an attempt to showcase our inherent strengths to attract outside investors mainly for floriculture and tourism. This event will provide a common platform to all floriculture stakeholders for experience sharing. The activities comprising of exhibition, competition, buyer-seller meet, international conference and cultural presentations will form the highlights of the Show. The event open to visitors for the next ten days will have assembly of eminent floriculturists, academicians, scientists, researchers, major floriculture players, naturalists, nature photographers and common visitors. I would like to welcome all of them to this Nature’s Own Garden and also convey my best wishes to all the competitors and to all participants of the international conference. This conference is not only going to be an experience sharing platform, but will provide the best of knowledge and technology to our farmers and officials.

We are following the policy of undertaking development schemes based on our rich natural resources. We are promoting only environment-friendly sustainable development schemes keeping in view environmental security as well as fragile ecology. Promotion of floriculture, horticulture, hydro-power generation, promotion of eco-tourism, setting up of clean industries like pharmaceutical units have been identified as core sectors to strengthen our revenue base on a long term basis. Therefore, this festival of flowers besides giving joy to the human hearts will remain a good economics for the Sikkimese people.  

And towards that objective, this event will be recorded in the history as a milestone event in the floriculture pursuits of the country. I appeal to all friends from the media to provide maximum coverage and best possible exposure of this event. I would like to extend my warm welcome and our sincere gratitude to Your Excellency for encouraging us with your kind presence.

To all the delegates from outside the State and the Country, to the various experts representing premiere Institutions within and outside the Country, to the large number of flower growers and agriculture scientists- I extend my hearty welcome to you to Sikkim and wish you enjoyable stay in Sikkim to carry back sweet memories to your respective places.

Thank you
Jai Hind 

2nd International Flower Show 2013 inaugurated


Gangtok 17th February: His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh formally inaugurated the 2nd International Flower Show 2013 today at Saramsa Garden, East Sikkim today. His Excellency the Governor along with the Chief Minister and other delegates visited the stalls and the garden which was beautifully decorated with various seasonal flowers after inaugurating the show.
The International Flower Show organized by the State Government every fifth year, is an endeavor of the state government to show case floriculture along with the tourism potential of the state. The IFS 2013 has a participation of 9 countries with 12 international stalls, 16 foreign delegates, 7 state governments, 31 private players totaling to 82 stall participating in it with expected visitors of around 2 lacs. The mega event will also include conferences, workshops, buyers and sellers meet, exhibition etc.
During his inaugural address the Governor paid rich tributes to the ancestors who he said played a major role in conserving the flora and fauna of the land along with water by way of worshipping the mother nature. In this context he urged the society that this natural wealth of the state should be conserved. He also expressed his satisfaction and placed on record about the various steps taken by the state government for preserving the rich bio-diversity of the state. The Government of India has formulated a policy for the encouragement of NE state towards horticulture sector which shall be the main thrust during the 12th five year plan. The state Government of Sikkim has taken this initiative much before the central government by way of encouraging the growers and farmers and providing infrastructural support and trainings. Organizing such mega event in the state will provide commercial support to the local farmers by giving them an exposure of the outside world in this sector, he added.  He further added that the involvement of youths of the state in this sector the state would achieve the target of commercialization of floriculture sector. He further hoped that the National Orchid Research Centre at Pakyong will provide support to the state government in its endeavor.
Concluding his address the Governor remarked that IFS 2008 had tried to put Sikkim on the floral map of the world and the 2nd IFS 2013 would formally put Sikkim on the floral map of the world.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister during his address talked about the various steps undertaken by the state government towards the protection and conservation of the rich bio-diversity of the state. This International Flower Show is an attempt to showcase our inherent strengths to attract outside investors mainly for floriculture and tourism. This event will provide a common platform to all floriculture stakeholders for experience sharing, the Chief Minister added. 
The Minister for HRDD Mr. NK Pradhan read out the message of the Union Home Minister Shri Sushil K Shinde in which he had congratulated and complimented the state government for hoisting such a mega event. Shri Shinde who was scheduled to inaugurate the event could not make it due to extreme inclement weather.
The Minister Mr. D.N.Thakarpa also gave a brief review on the IFS 2013.
Earlier, the Secretary, Agriculture / Horticulture Shri Shanta K Pradhan gave his welcome address during which he gave a brief account of the IFS 2013