Sluggish BG project work leaves Barak in the lurch

GUWAHATI, June 29: At a time when the fate of the Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge Project is uncertain, the newly constructed Kumarghat-Ambasa-Agartala rail track will have its final trial run tomorrow. The project has been completed before its target schedule. It is worth mentioning here that both the projects were started in 1996-1997. A locomotive completed its maiden run between Kumarghat and Agartala as the dress rehearsal before the final trial run, contractors engaged in the project said. The Commissioner of Railway Safety is expected to inspect the rail track soon, the sources added.With this development, Agartala will be in the railway map of the country formally on August 15 this year. The introduction of a Silchar-Agartala Inter-city Express has already been suggested by the Parliamentary Standing Committee to Railway (PSCR).However, the smooth running on the newly constructed Kumarghat-Agartala line depends much on the repeatedly disrupted Lumding-Silchar BG project in so far as connectivity of Tripura with the rest of the country is concerned. The sluggish progress of the BG project has left the people of Barak Valley and at least three north-eastern States in the lurch.A comparison between Asom and Tripura governments has already started among circles concerned as, unlike Asom, the rail project in the three militancy-affected hills of Tripura has been completed before its target schedule. According to sources, the first run of the locomotive evoked massive response at various stations, including Jironia, Mungiabari and Agartala. With the active support from the Tripura Government, M/S Shivam and Bharatiya Associates, the two contractor firms engaged in the project, have successfully completed the work of track linking before the target schedule despite militancy being a constant threat there, the sources added.It may be mentioned here that in his recent visit to Asom, PSCR chairman Basudev Acharya had blamed it on Dispur for its alleged neglect to the BG project between Silchar and Lumding. Acharya had suggested the Asom Government to follow the Tripura model to contain militancy in North Cachar Hills so that it could complete the BG project.The non-competition of the 201-km Silchar-Lumding BG Project on time is viewed as a negative point for Union Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohon Dev, an influential Parliamentarian from Silchar, in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. The Opposition parties in Silchar Parliamentary Constituency have been gearing up to compare the performance of Dev with that of Manik Sarkar, the Chief Minister of Tripura, with special reference to the rail projects.The CPI(M), in particular, has already taken up the issue of Lumding-Silchar BG project and initiated a signature campaign throughout Barak Valley as part of its campaign on the connectivity issue. source: sentinel assam

Sweet memories of bygone days : Debojit Saha

Voice of India Debojit Saha recalls the days when he had to prove himself on the national stage
I must admit that I have been a wee bit selfish of late in speaking only about myself. But that is because of the simple fact that I am very engrossed in the musical reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar and have hardly had any time for other work. Except, of course, shooting for a second musical reality show for Zee Bangla.

But believe me, I am having a sense of déjà vu, with the show Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar moving towards its final stages. Only three episodes remain — the first on Thursday, then on July 3 and the mega final on July 12 — and six of us remain in the fray. The competition has been real tough till now but I believe that the measure of a true human being is living up to challenges. We know that we are the best ones out there and we will do our best to win the title.

It’s been long since I have had any time to relax. Now as I sit down to write, my mind is deviating towards those days two years ago when I was singing — and fighting — for the crown of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa music contest.

I was a newcomer at the national stage at that time and I had to prove my worth the hard way. But of the things I remember, what I hold very dear to my heart is the love and support I got from my fans and wellwishers. Those were tumultuous days for me and I was swept away by the wave of support from the people of the state and the Northeast.

I remember people congratulating me for bridging the so-called barrier between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley districts and bringing the people of the two sides together. Though I never believed that there existed a barrier at all, but it is true that music can really unite people.

Being totally immersed in rehearsals and shooting for the show, I hardly have had any time to look beyond music in the past few weeks. However, I am leaving no stone unturned to ensure that your love and affection is not wasted. I am trying hard to live up to your expectations and triumph. Source: telegraph india

Barak bridge on the verge of collapse

June 20: The first cantilever bridge over the Barak in Silchar is groaning with age and it is only time before one of its arms gives way under tonnes of traffic.

Built as a crucial link between Silchar and the eastern flank of Cachar district, including the vintage airport at Kumbhirgram, the bridge was hastily opened to traffic during a devastating flood in May 1966 without any formal inauguration.

For the past 42 years, the 472-metre-long and 7.5-metre- wide structure built by Gammon India Ltd has borne the weight of Silchar’s urgency to cross the Barak and reach the airport and other parts of eastern Cachar.

On an average, 400 vehicles cross the bridge every hour.

But as is the case with most public structures in the country, lack of maintenance has taken a toll on the centre of the bridge where the two arms of the cantilevers meet.

Engineers of the national highway division of the Public Works Department now doubt the bridge’s ability to withstand the pressure of rush-hour traffic.

The executive engineer of the national highway division of PWD, Anjan Chanda, said cracks in the bridge’s joints were first detected in 1999.

Concerned, the PWD engineers suggested that it be inspected by their senior officers and experts from the ministry of national highways.

The first survey was conducted in June 2000.

The team agreed that a flyover needs to be built over the Barak to take the load off the cantilever bridge.

Plans were made but remained firmly on paper owing to lack of initiative.

Chanda then suggested that a device called Exjomet C-160 be used to replace the joints. Metallic shims, pieces of metal with rubber soles that act as shock absorbers, could be used as cushions, he said.

The device would prevent further damage but this was a stop-gap method.

A permanent measure needs to be thrashed out without delay, he said.

A team from the ministry of surface transport and national highways inspected the bridge, but is yet to submit its report. Source: telegraphindia

Silchar ISBT begins functioning

Silchar ISBT begins functioning

From Our Correspondent SILCHAR, June 18 – The Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) here has started functioning from June 15. Several long-distance buses and passengers arrived at the ISBT, from where about 27 buses plied for Guwahati, including private and government vehicles.The terminus was inaugurated by the Chief Minister at Ramnagar, which is 5 kms away from the city. Constructed at a cost of Rs 1.05 crore to reduce traffic jams in the town area, the terminus remained unoperational for a long time. Source: assam tribune

Basudev Acharya emphatic on Silchar-Lumding BG project

Basudev Acharya emphatic on Silchar-Lumding BG project

From our Staff Reporter Sentinel Assam SILCHAR, June 16: The work of the militancy-hit Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge Project has to be started immediately, said the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee attached to the Railways, Basudev Acharya while interacting with mediapersons here today. He said if the State Government fails to provide security in the trouble spots, the Centre has to send more paramilitary force for the early completion of the project. He said that he would discuss the issue with the Prime Minister on June 23. “If necessary, I will also meet Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil,” he added. Acharya, who arrived here this morning, is likely to meet Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to discuss the prevailing situation in North-Cachar Hills. He is also scheduled to meet NF Railway General Manager Ashutosh Swami and General Manager (construction) Shiv Kumar tomorrow. Meanwhile, three neighbouring States of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram have extended their support for early completion of the broad gauge project between Lumding and Silchar. The people’s convention held at the packed auditorium of the Silchar District Library today decided to put pressure on both Dispur and New Delhi by mobilizing mass movement to remove the connectivity bottlenecks being faced by the people of the region. “Providing adequate security to the project is the responsibility of the State Government and Dispur should learn a lesson from the Tripura Government, which, despite the insurgency problem, has executed the Kumarghat-Agartala project on time,” said Basudev Acharya, while addressing the convention. Agartala is going to be connected with rest of the country through rail route by August this year, he added. The convention was jointly organized by the CPI(M) Cachar-Hailakandi and Karimganj district committees demanding early implementation of the BG and East West Corridor projects. The veteran CPI(M) leader said development in this part of the world cannot be possible when the speed of a train in a 110-year-old railway track is a mere 18 km per hour. The lifeline of the about one crore people living in this Valley is still neglected, he said. Even the maintenance of the present metre gauge track has been neglected, he said, adding that the construction of the meter gauge coach has been stopped by Railway factories. Acharya said that he is going to suggest a Silchar-Agartala inter-city express by introducing a new metre gauge coach. Acharya, describing his recent visit to the project sites, said the progress of work is very poor. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today met NF Railway General Manager (construction) today and assured him of providing security in NC Hills. CPI(M) MP from Tripura Bajubal Riang, who also attended the convention, said out of the 68 sites of the ongoing project requiring security, the State Government has so far provided security in only 32 sites, which reflects the lack of sincerity on the part of Dispur. He added that the condition of National Highway 44 connecting Tripura is deplorable and demanded that the highway be converted to a four-lane one. CPI(M) MP from Tripura Khagen Das said that the Railways are a symbol of national unity and it is due to the callous attitude of Delhi and Dispur that the national integrity is at stake. He said that due to non-availability of rail connectivity, the region has been deprived of balanced development, leading to the sense of frustration in the minds of people. The CPI (M) State unit member Deben Bhattacharjee said his party is concerned with the connectivity problem in south Asom. He said the people of Brahmaputra Valley will join hands with the people of the Barak Valley in the struggle for getting the broad gauge line on time.

No compromise on Silchar seat: Rajnath Singh (BJP president)

AGP-BJP alliance depends on key seats

NEW DELHI, June 14: AGP and BJP have taken a step forward towards an understanding in the coming Lok Sabha election. AGP Legislature Party (AGPLP) leader Chandra Mohan Patowary and Gunin Hazarika had an informal meeting with BJP’s national president Rajnath Singh at the latter’s residence in New Delhi today. BJP leader Sushma Swaraj was also present at the meeting.After an hour-long meeting that began at 10.30 am, the two AGP leaders told newsmen waiting outside that the meeting was cordial. Patowary said: “We came to New Delhi following an invitation from the national president of the BJP. The alliance between the two parties has not been finalized as yet. We need to meet more to sort out the issues.”The BJP president, on the other hand, said: “We have initiated preliminary talks for poll tie-up. We need to sit more. We want a pre-poll understanding with the AGP so as to oust the Congress.”According BJP sources, the two AGP leaders set some preconditions. “However, Rajnath Singh has made them clear in no uncertain term that the BJP won’t compromise on Silchar, Karimganj, Guwahati, Nagaon and Tezpur Lok Sabha seats. The other seats in the State are, however, open for negotiation,” the sources said. Source: sentinel assam

Stage set for global talent hunt : Singer Debojit Saha

Singer prepares to host Zee Bangla’s revamped music reality show
IDOL CHAT
Voice of India Debojit Saha is excited about hosting a music reality show in its new avatar and performing on another television show...

The past few days have been very hectic for me, mainly because of my commitments to two different TV shows.

First one first. The highly popular Bengali music reality show on Zee Bangla is returning after a brief gap, albeit on a much larger scale.

As the host, I am really excited about the revamped show which will be beamed as Biswa Shera (the world’s best) and has contestants from all over the world.
So far, the show had contestants from different corners of the country and this in itself was a big experience from me.

I always enjoyed the job of hosting the show, which brought in some really good talents.
I feel my job will only get tougher now with contestants coming in from all over the world.
Some of the young NRIs are more attached to their roots than us, which makes them better ambassadors of our culture.

I remember watching a young US-based girl, Mouli, who had rocked another musical reality show. A real talent, she came as a surprise in the show.

I am sure the revamped Zee Bangla show will be a real challenge, both for me and the (presumably) talented youngsters who will be vying for glory.

I am told the show will have contestants from Bangladesh, South Africa, Canada, Singapore and Kuwait, among others.

The shooting for the show will start from June 20 and the first episode will be aired on June 30.
Such shows require a lot of preparation and I am totally engrossed in it at the moment. I am quite excited about the new show and I hope you all will like it too.

Besides, I am also concentrating on my own performance in the Star Plus reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar, which is now moving towards a crescendo.

With your support, I have found a place among the last eight and the real challenge lies ahead.
The other seven contestants are all very good singers and extremely talented.
I will give my best to make the Northeast proud again. Source: Telegraph India

Monkey creating problem in Silchar town’s Central Road

Mauled

Silchar: A monkey landed in Silchar town’s Central Road on Monday night and mauled three children. He snatched food from the domestic kitchens and roadside eateries. Police said a joint move with the district forest staff would be under way to get hold of this monkey.

Death sentence for killer, Sonahar Ali of Karimganj

Silchar, June 5: A 45-year-old killer, Sonahar Ali, a resident of Karimganj district, was yesterday convicted and sentenced to death by the additional district and sessions court under Section 302 IPC in a 1999 multiple murder case.

This was the first time that the district and sessions judge, Bishnu Debnath, had sentenced to death someone in the south Assam district on the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The case is related to the planned and cold-blooded serial murder of nine persons — three grown-up males, one woman and five adolescent girls, all siblings— at Betubari village under Ratabari block in the district on December 15, 1999.

According to the 75-page verdict, the accused had burnt to death one Kuti Mea, a farmer, his wife Asia Begum and five of their daughters by setting their house on fire. Source: telegraph india

Assam minister Ripun Bora arrested by CBI

Assam education minister Ripun Bora has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi while he was there in the national capital. According to information, the education minister was arrested in connection with a Rs 10 lakh bribery case. Mr Bora was picked up at his residence from Mothura Road. Sources say he was arrested while he was trying to bribe the CBI officer which was probing a murder case of Danial Toppo. Interrogation is on.
Amar Asom journalist Mukul Pathak as also been arrested with Mr Bora. Mukul tried to bribe the CBI men on behalf of the minister. Source: Assam Times

Zubeen on Gore bandwagon

- Singer to hold concert in Mumbai to raise awareness on global warming
DAULAT RAHMAN
Zubeen Garg: Global cause

Guwahati, June 3: Zubeen Garg is no stranger to causes. He is brand ambassador for a cancer institute and trotted from one place to another to create awareness on rhino poaching. But with “We Campaign”, he has found a global cause.

Assam’s voice in Bollywood, Zubeen has joined a movement of concerned citizens founded by Nobel peace prize winner and former US vice-president Al Gore to create awareness on global warming, considered one of the biggest challenges to mankind at present. And as part of his own initiative, Zubeen is organising a concert in Mumbai.

The singer told The Telegraph today that he was in touch with prominent artistes, including Lata Mangeshkar, to participate in the concert. He said he was confident of winning the support and help of all prominent Bollywood artistes in organising the concert.

“I am also penning a song on global warming, climate change and the future of humanity,” he said.
“Global warming is an urgent and serious issue and no one can escape from the problem. It will affect every one of us, rich or poor, irrespective of caste and creed. A country like India will be greatly affected by the phenomenon. I am studying a lot about the problem and updating myself about the latest happenings across the globe. I will personally approach all artistes in Bollywood to ensure their participation in the concert. Global warming is still a solvable problem if we join hands and do something creative to sensitise the people,” Zubeen said.

About his joining the “We Campaign”, the singer said he was ready to extend all possible help to make the global campaign successful. He will also perform abroad to create awareness on the issue.
In the past, singers of the state have used music as a tool to spread awareness and different messages. During the language disturbance in Assam in the sixties, Bhupen Hazarika and Dilip Sarma travelled to communally sensitive spots singing what they called Haradhon rongmonor geet to ease tension between the Assamese and Bengalis.

In the mid-seventies, another singer, Jayanta Hazarika, led a group of singers to form the Sur Bahini, which travelled the length and breadth of the state and performed at roadsides to raise funds for the flood-hit.
However, Zubeen will be the first to use his trade for a global issue and in such a big way. He has sung 7,000 songs in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Oriya, Marathi and Nepali and has become a celebrity in Bollywood with his hit numbers in movies like Fiza, Kante, Mudda, Brides Wanted, Gangster, Pyaar ke Side Effects, The Train, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and others.

Shuttling between his home state and Mumbai, his workplace, Zubeen has been involved in lot of charity work of late.

“As an artiste, our social obligations go beyond just entertaining people. I am trying to do my bit through music which is the most easily understood language in the world,” he added. Source: Assam Tribune