Latest news with #Nautiyal
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Day after chopper crash, Uttarakhand government to resume helicopter services from June 17
A day after seven people, including a two-year-old child and the pilot, were killed in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath valley, the Uttarakhand government decided to resume chopper service for the Char Dham yatra from Tuesday (June 17, 2025). Sonika, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), announced the resumption of helicopter services on Monday (Jun e 16, 2025) evening. The official said that helicopter services will only run if the weather conditions will be favourable. Also, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is going to keep a close watch on all the shuttle services. The chopper services were suspended on Sunday after the helicopter, ferrying pilgrims to Kedarnath temple crashed near Guptkashi during the early hours on Sunday. Among the dead were the pilot who recently became a father of twins, a couple from Maharashtra who were travelling with their two-year-old girl and an elderly woman from Uttar Pradesh who was accompanied by her grand-daughter. Raising queries Meanwhile, concerned over the frequent helicopter accidents in the State, social activists have raised a question over the management of the chopper services. Anoop Nautiyal, founder of the Social Development for Communities Foundation, an NGO working for awareness on social issues in Uttarakhand, in a letter to DGCA, pointed to how the choppers are plying in the State without any air traffic control (ATC), radars or even any real-time weather updates. 'I am a concerned resident of Uttarakhand who is deeply worried about the alarming frequency of helicopter accidents and crashes in our State. Since we have had 5 heli crashes in the past 6 weeks, why can't you simply put a complete stop on helicopter operations for this year's Yatra season? This time should be utilised in preparing the much needed infrastructure for aero safety on the Char Dham Yatra route,' Mr. Nautiyal wrote in the letter. Terming the Kedarnath route as one of the riskiest air corridors in the country, Mr. Nautiyal said that it is a well-known fact that pilots are flying 'blind' in this terrain where the weather can change in the blink of an eye an with no infrastructure and it's suicidal to allow planes to fly in this landscape. 'I hope you, the authorities concerned, will take a decision that is rooted in safety and security and not on the basis of flimsy assurances and formation of yet more committees in the State,' he added.
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
An unwavering accord with the roots
Professor Nautiyal embodies a profound connection with his roots. His experiences during his formative years shaped his mission to empower the next generation. Professor Nautiyal embodies a profound connection with his roots. His experiences during his formative years shaped his mission to empower the next generation. Express UTTARAKHAND : Where successful individuals often distance themselves from their humble beginnings, Professor Bhagwati Prasad Nautiyal stands out as a remarkable exception. A faculty member at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry in Pauri district, and deeply devoted to his native soil, Professor Nautiyal not only vividly remembers his own arduous past but actively extends a helping hand to talented students navigating similar struggles. Professor Nautiyal embodies a profound connection with his roots. His experiences during his formative years shaped his mission to empower the next generation. 'I know what it's like to face obstacles in realising your aspirations, and it's a privilege to extend a hand to those who possess immense talent but lack the resources or guidance to truly shine,' the professor shares. Born in August 1970, in the small village of Kyeark in Chamoli district (now Rudraprayag), Nautiyal's early life was marked by hardship. His farmer father struggled to support the family. Thus, young Nautiyal completed primary and intermediate education, supported by his maternal uncle and cousin. His cousin brother arranged his accommodation and had to bear his university fee at HNB Garhwal University during his BSc degree. 'While continuing my studies, I started taking tuitions to pay my university education fees, accommodation, and other expenses,' he shares. His profound love for learning fueled his relentless drive to excel, leading him to earn his BSc (1990), BEd (1991), MSc (Botany, 1993), and PhD (Botany, 1997). A breakthrough arrived in 1998 in form of a Post-Doc Fellowship at Garhwal University's High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, focusing on Medicinal & Aromatic Plants. He delved deep into medicinal plant research, exploring the Himalayas, and pioneered cultivation technology for two vital species: 'Kutki' and 'Archa'. He also established key UG and PG diploma courses, whose graduates now thrive in the pharmaceutical sector. During this period, the department tasked him with initiating commercial Kutki cultivation in Ghes Village, Chamoli. Demonstrating hands-on approach, he trekked 22 km, personally training villagers and distributing seedlings. Through his persistent efforts, Kutki sowing began in 2002, turning Ghes into a cultivation hub.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Uttarakhand: Long traffic jams at tourist hotspots delaying medical help, causing deaths
Dehradun, Long traffic jams in and around major tourist hotspots and pilgrimage centers in Uttarakhand are hindering timely medical assistance, resulting in preventable deaths. Recently, at least two fatalities occurred within four days due to delays in medical care caused by extensive traffic congestion. On June 9, a 40-year-old man from Nainital lost his life after the ambulance transporting him to the hospital was stuck for hours in a traffic jam near Kainchi Dham, a popular religious site frequented by followers of Baba Neem Karori. Jagmohan Singh was being taken to a hospital in Haldwani in an ambulance after vomiting blood but the vehicle got stuck near Kainchi Dham and by the time he reached the hospital it was too late. Doctors declared him dead when he finally arrived at the hospital after a journey of over five hours which usually takes two hours, his relatives said. He could have been saved if the ambulance had not got stuck in the jam, his relative Labhanshu Pinari said. Just four days earlier, on June 5, an elderly man from Delhi died after being caught in a massive traffic jam in Mussoorie while he was being taken to the hospital. Kamal Kishore Tandon, 62, had travelled to Mussoorie for vacation and unexpectedly fell ill. His family was unable to secure timely medical assistance due to a lack of available ambulances and severe traffic congestion. Despite being escorted by the police in their private car, Tandon's family took over an hour to cover less than 4km to the nearest medical facility in Landour where doctors declared him dead, his nephew Arjun Kapoor said. Both incidents have raised concerns among residents regarding the government's preparedness to manage the significant influx of tourists during the summer months. "It is not the first time that people have died after getting stranded in traffic jams in Uttarakhand. Unfortunately, such deaths are reported almost every year during the tourist season. But authorities refuse to learn. "They must take steps to tone up the emergency response and traffic management systems. They must also create infrastructure which is capable of handling the rush of tourists and pilgrims," Prakash Dobhal, a resident of the Dharampur area in Dehradun said. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal suggested the introduction of bike ambulances as first responders. "They can weave through traffic, reach patients faster, and buy those precious few minutes that can save a life. The golden hour is critical in case of medical emergencies," Nautiyal, who also runs an NGO called Social Development for Communities, said. "We urgently need to ask ourselves if our systems are ready to respond when lives are at stake in a traffic jam," he said. Nautiyal further suggested addressing known bottlenecks in tourist hotspots like Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh, Joshimath and the Char Dham Yatra routes to prevent long traffic jams. "Regulation is needed to manage the traffic mess. The tendency to overtake among drivers should be checked. Bad roads should be repaired without delay and strict action should be taken against traffic rule violators," he said. "The government's only focus seems to be on getting more and more tourists and devotees whereas the emphasis should be on how to create an infrastructure capable of dealing with the rush," Nautiyal said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Book on history of policing in Rajasthan released at RPA
1 2 Jaipur: A book titled 'Police Itihas Ke Vatayan Se' (Police Through the Window of History), authored by Professor Dr Vikas Nautiyal, was released at Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA) Wednesday. The release was conducted by former BSF director-general ML Kumawat, RPA director S Sengathir, former IPS officer Hari Ram Meena, and historian Dr Kamal Nayan. Nautiyal said his aim was to build a bridge between the police establishment and academic discourse. The book traces the evolution of police from ancient times, and covers the colonial period in detail. It discusses the impact of the Police Act of 1861, the recommendations of the 1902 Police Commission, and various police manuals, on the princely states of Rajputana. Nautiyal said the book examins the role of police during colonial-era fairs, festivals, and civil unrest, alongside their positioning as a critical instrument of British control during India's national movement. Nautiyal noted that the book discusses two models of modern policing: one rooted in community-based practices, and the other shaped by colonial priorities. He emphasised the need to understand policing within its historical context. "We are not saying the British alone were responsible for shaping today's policing systems," he said.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Doon residents upset over lack of transparency in beautification projects
Dehradun: For over a month, beautification work has been underway at four major landmarks in Dehradun. However, many residents have expressed dissatisfaction at being excluded from the planning process once again. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dehradun Smart City Limited (DSCL) is executing landscaping and beautification efforts at Dilaram Chowk, Clock Tower, Sai Mandir Chowk, and Kuthal Gate, in addition to drainage upgrades at ISBT. According to officials, the projects, estimated to cost Rs 10 crore, aim to transform available spaces with modular designs that not only enhance cleanliness but also attract tourists. Sources told TOI that these projects were assigned to DSCL to utilise leftover funds after the dissolution of Smart Cities Mission by March 31 this year. "Extensive beautification was already carried out just a year and a half ago for the Global Investors' Summit, costing taxpayers lakhs. Now we're starting from scratch again instead of maintaining existing work. This is a blatant misuse of resources," said social activist Anoop Nautiyal. He also criticised the lack of public engagement. "Citizen involvement was completely absent from the process. If plans were shared publicly, feedback and suggestions could be included. Lakhs were spent to build Brahmakamal Chowk, only to dismantle it later. The Clock Tower has undergone multiple redesigns in recent years. This culture of working in silos is disappointing, and authorities must change their mindset," Nautiyal added. Administrative officials, however, claim that the revamped landmarks will reflect local 'pahadi' aesthetics and will help streamline traffic with new slip roads and signals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Most of the work will be done by the end of June," said DSCL ACEO Tirath Pal. The only major active Smart City project remaining in Dehradun after this is the Rs 206 crore Green Building initiative. Meanwhile, civic bodies also voiced concerns, particularly as the Clock Tower area falls under the jurisdiction of Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC). "Multiple agencies working independently often lead to coordination and maintenance issues, as we've seen with previous projects," said a senior DMC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
