Lack of staff, bins mar Swachh Haryana campaign

Lack of staff, bins mar

Swachh Haryana campaign

Photo: Garbage strewn around a broken bin on Railway Road in Kurukshetra. HT PHOTO

Vijay Sabharwal

letterschd@hindustantimes.com

Kurukshetra: The appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Swachh Bharat and the campaign started by the state government for a Swachh Haryana from November 1 to 7 seem to have had a little impact on people and municipal administration of twin towns of Thanesar and Kurukshetra as heaps of garbage could be seen at many places.

On his part, Kurukshetra deputy commissioner Nikhil Gajraj has constituted various committees to supervise the cleanliness drive and responsibility of all the 31 wards of Thanesar (Kurukshetra) municipality has been assigned to separate government officers. Many officers are themselves participating in the cleanliness drive to motivate people. But all this is not proving sufficient due to the shortage of garbage bins as well as sweepers with the Thanesar municipality.

The termination of services of 192 contractual sweepers by the municipality on Monday has further aggravated the situation arising out of the shortage of sweepers.

A broken garbage bin placed at Railway Road is an eyesore for pilgrims who visit the religious town. Residents as well as shopkeepers litter around the broken bin. Cows rummage through garbage and stench emanating from it gives passers-by a horrid time.

A resident of the area, Ravi Sethi said juice sellers and egg vendors add to the mess by throwing garbage around the broken bin. He said ‘rehri wallahs’ have illegally occupied the road side. Though vendors other than vegetable sellers are banned in the municipal area, these ‘rehri wallahs’ sell eggs that too just near a police station.

A sweeper of the area said these vendors refuse to heed her requests of not littering the public place. She said she can only bring the problem to the notice of high-ups but no action has been taken ever. People litter again at the site within minutes after the place is cleaned up in the morning, she added.

When contacted, Thanesar sanitary inspector Pradeep Sharma said there is acute shortage of garbage bins and efforts are being made to arrange more garbage bins.

Meanwhile, 192 out of the 352 ‘safai’ workers whose services were terminated are holding demonstration everyday in front of office of municipality. Ramesh Kumar, a protesting sweeper, said they were assured that their services would not be terminated after the assembly elections, it proved to be a hollow promise. They have not got their salaries since July, he added.

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‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ ‘Tamasha’?

‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ ‘Tamasha’?
Kurukshetra, October, 1, 2014: cleanliness and sanitation is very essential for any society for good living and there is no harm in starting a ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ by the union government. However, politicisation of everything is bad. It is not for the first time that such a campaign is started by the government, but earlier also such programmes were taken into hand by the governments at the time of the birth and death anniversaries of Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi (not Mohan Lal Gandhi as pronounced by our dear PM N. Modi at Medison US). This is evident from the attached news in Tribune dated January 31, 1998, which is self-explaining. In the right photograph I am seen on the right side of then Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Bansi Lal starting a cleanliness campaign at Shahbad near Kurukshetra.
It is sad and painful that there is a race amongst the Union Ministers of BJP in getting themselves photographed and get it published in newspapers and electronic media to express their support the campaign. Worst are the reports that some garbage is spread at the place selected for photography before the minister could perform this ‘great act’ for the visuals. Campaign would succeed only when students from childhood and others are taught about the importance of cleanliness for their own life.

Chandigarh, September 18- A delegation of Kurukshetra citizens led by social activist cum eminent journalist Vijay Sabharwal today called on Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki at Governor’s house and apprised him about the development of Kurukshetra as an pilgrim centre of the country.

Besides Mr. Sabharwal, who is also an associate of late Prime Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda, the delegation was comprised of Dr. Himmat Singh Sinha- an old associate of Sh. G.L. Nanda, who was the founder chairman of KDB. Governor said that he would soon visit Kurukshetra and take personnel feel of the holy town which has relevance for entire mankind as Lord Krishna had delivered the massage of holy Gita at Kurukshetra. He said that all efforts would be made to develop Kurukshetra as an pilgrim tourist centre of International level.

 

News in Bhaskar Post: ISKCON Temple finally sees light of day at Kurukshetra

Hindustan Times news: ISKCON founder's dream to be fulfilled as CM lays stone

Decks finally cleared to fulfill dream of ISKCON founder, Prabhupad-ji

From Vijay Sabharwal

Kurukshetra: The decks seem to have been finally cleared to fulfill the dream of the founder of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Swami Prabhupad, for constructing a Krishna-Arjun Temple and Vaidik Sanskrit Kendra. While the initial plan for this was initiated at Kurukshetra in 1975, the project was racked with hurdles and delays – with the laying of the foundation stone of the proposed temple by Haryana Chief minister, B.S. Hooda, near Jyotisar here on Monday (August 18, 2014), this dream seems to be finally on its way to reality.

The old timers who remained close to late Prime Minister and founder chairman of Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), Gulzari Lal Nanda, including this writer, recall that Swami Prabhupad came here on the invitation of the latter to participate in the ‘Sarv Dharam Samellan’ on July 3,1975 along with a few of his rich followers from USA.

Prabhupad ji, who was highlighting the cult of Lord Krishna, expressed his desire to develop the Mughal Garden – an island in the holy Brahmasarovar- and construct a huge Krishna-Arjun Temple and Vaidik Sanskrit Kendra at a cost of Rs. 5 crores – a significant sum at the time, if the Bagh was allotted to his organization, ISKCON. Nandaji told him that he would talk to him next day, and called a meeting of his close associates here to discuss the offer.

File Photo of Prabhupad ji (extreme left) sitting with from left to right late Swami Vedavyas, Anand Swami, of Arya Samaj, and Gulzari Lal Nanda, former Prime Minister and chairman of KDB. My father wearing turban, Dharambir Sabharwal, is seen sitting behind Prabhupad ji

However, the meeting took the decision that Mughal Garden, which was later renamed as Purshotampura Bagh, measuring over 7 acres of land should not be given to anybody as the importance of the renovation work taken into hand by KDB of Brahmasarovar would be adversely affected.

Next day, they most humbly declined the offer of Prabhupad and offered to arrange an alternative land for his desired project anywhere else at Kurukshetra. In 1998, on the recommendation of KDB, the Haryana government allowed the allotment of 6 acres of land near Jyotisar tirth where lord Krishna is believed to have delivered the holy sermon of Geeta to Arjuna before the beginning of Mahabharta war.

However, the land which was allotted on lease for 99 years and the total lease money deposited by ISKCON ran into a legal dispute.  The ISCKON could not start work over the land as the then in-charge of Hindu Mission at Jyotisar Tirtha, Swami Hara Nand, disputed the claim of KDB that the Tirtha belonged to KDB. The dispute between the two increased and the 30 acres of land given to Tirtha by the Jyotisar Panchayat many decades back, out of which 6 acres were given on lease to ISKCON, also become disputed. Late Hara Nand went to the Punjab and Haryana High court. After a long legal battle, the High Court, in December last declared that the 30 acres of land was the ownership of the Hindu Jyotisar Tirtha and cancelled the 99 year lease of 6 acres of land allotted to ISKCON.

Looking to the importance of the project, which was envisaged as an International level temple, the Haryana cabinet last month decided to allot 6 acres of land out of the Haryana Irrigation Research and Management Institute (HIRMI), which is situated about one-half-kilometer away from Jyotisar Tirtha towards Kurukshetra. The amount already deposited by ISKCON with KDB has been adjusted in the payment required for this land, as 6 acres of land belonging to HIRMI has already been transferred to KDB. The land has been given on 99 years lease at the rate of Rs. 38 lakh per acre.

From Vijay Sabharwal

Kurukshetra: The controversy raging over the revelations made in his memoirs by former foreign minister in the Congress government, Natwar Singh, have reminded me of a conversation that I had with Ch. Bansi Lal, a former Defence Minister of India. Bansi Lal is believed to have played a pivotal role in 1976 when the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, imposed Emergency within the country.

Vijay in deep discussion with Ch. Bansi Lal

 

As a senior journalist, I enjoyed considerable access to Bansi Lal, who regarded me well and was very open with me on several occasions. Besides discussing important political actions with me, he used to even discuss family matters, in confidence. On two occasions, I recall asking him to tell me some ‘inside story’ regarding the imposition of the Emergency and the functioning of the Congress government during the period of the Emergency. Both times, Bansi Lal promptly responded with: “Sabharwal, weh bate mare sath shamshan me jawen ge” (Sabharwal, those things will go with me unto my cremation). For good measure, he added: “Iss ke liye BBC ne to bahut bhari rakam ke be offer ki thi, per maine kahay diya ki Indira-ji ke saath kaam kiya hai…. jite ji koi aisi baat nahi bolu ga jiss ko unhone mujhe confidence me kahi ho’ (BBC had even offered me considerable sum of money to tell these things, but I told them that – having worked with Indiraji – I would not disclose anything that she had spoken to me about in confidence or that I had learnt from my position of proximity).

 

He further used to say that I may criticize and speak ill of Sonia-ji as now I am fighting elections on my own party (Haryana Vikas Party), but would never utter a bad word for Indiraji.  

 

He was of the firm opinion that it was not ethically correct to publically disclose facts known by one through confidential interactions and one’s position of proximity to important figures. He stuck to this position by not revealing anything confidential in his lifetime. This contrasts sharply with the current trend of books being published with ‘tell-all scoops’ that the writers or subjects have come by through their positions of power or proximity to public figures. I wonder if, in the longer-term, this trend is likely to damage the trust that such relationships demand, and what impact that might have on governance itself.

 

Dainik Bhaskar News: Emergency and Nandaji

Peep into the Past

KURUKSHETRA, June 24 - The imposition of an ‘Emergency’ in the country by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 39 years back saw most of the prominent opposition leaders behind bars, and Congress party leaders meekly bowing to the will of Mrs. Gandhi.  However, there were a few – including the veteran Congress leader, G.L. Nanda – who dared to oppose this move in public.

G.L. Nanda

Mr. Nanda, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the state of Haryana when Akalis were demanding the ‘Punjabi Suba’, was conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously when Mr. I.K.Gujral was the Prime Minister.
     
Mrs. Gandhi had good regard for Mr. Nanda as he was instrumental in her becoming the Prime Minister. Mr. Nanda became the interim Prime Minister (for the second time in his career) after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965; however, he opted out of consideration when Mrs. Gandhi chose to contest the post of the Congress Parliamentary Party President against Morarji Desai.    



Nandaji being welcomed by my father, Sh. Dharambir Sabharwal

Today, on the anniversary of the ‘Emergency’, an incident comes to mind that shows both the extent of the ‘terror’ prevailing at that time, as well as the firm stand taken by Mr. Nanda on the issue. It was on July 4, 1975, the birthday of Mr.Nanda, that I drove the late Dr. Shanti Swaroop Sharma, late Devi Dayal Nanha, Lala Naurata Ram and my late father Dharambir Sabharwal – all close associates of Mr. Nanda in his parliamentary constituency of Kurukshetra – to Nandaji’s residence in Delhi.  We reached in the morning and Nandaji came out to meet us in the small office in the lawns just opposite the main door of the building.

While he was discussing a few issues with us regarding the development of Kurukshetra, his Personnel Secretary, Mr. Balraj Puri, informed Nandaji that there was a call from the Prime Minister’s residence.  Mr. Nanda picked up the telephone and said, “Thank you for the best wishes”.  After listening for a while more, he told the caller: “Convey my thanks to Indira-ji and tell her there is no need to come here personally to wish me.”  When the caller persisted, Mr. Nanda repeated emphatically, “No, no, there is no need!”          

After replacing the telephone, Nandaji disclosed that Mrs. Gandhi wanted to come and wish him personally but that he had refused. Just a minute or so later, there was another call from the PM House. The caller said that Mrs. Gandhi had expressed her resolve to visit Nandaji and that she would be starting for his residence within the next few minutes. Mr. Nanda was furious and questioned, “When I am making it clear that there is no need for this, why is she coming here?”

Despite our efforts to try and pacify him, Nandaji was quite tense.  He rushed into the house to inform his wife about the upcoming visit of Mrs. Gandhi.  Meanwhile, a large contingent of security men and police descended on Nandaji’s residence. The security cover was very heavy as Mrs. Gandhi was moving out of her house for the first time after the imposition of the Emergency.  One officer entered Nandaji’s office and directed that we move into a small room at the rear from where nothing was visible outside.  Dr. Shanti Swaroop Sharma began to argue with the officer, pointing out that the room was extremely dingy.

Meanwhile, Nandaji returned and enquired what the matter was.  When the officer informed him about his directions to us, Mr. Nanda became furious and said that this was his house and nobody could dishonour his guests in such a manner.  The officer immediately apologized and allowed us to sit where we were.

Mr. Nanda received Indiraji at the door and both of them, along with Mr. R.K. Dhawan, went inside the house. They came out after about twenty-five minutes.

Upon returning to join us back in the office after seeing off Mrs Gandhi, Mr. Nanda appeared to be significantly relieved.  He narrated in detail to us the conversation that had gone on between him and Mrs. Gandhi.  He disclosed that Mrs. Gandhi had explained the conditions that had forced her to take the extreme step of imposing a state of Emergency, and requested him to issue a statement in support of the imposition of Emergency as was being done by other political leaders.

However, Mr. Nanda refused to appreciate her actions in this regard, instead pointing out that a large number of freedom fighters, including her father Jawahar Lal Nehru, had suffered a great deal to achieve freedom and democracy for the country.  In fact, he criticized the “Cleanness Operation” started in various parts of Delhi, especially Karol Bagh.  He told Mrs. Gandhi that “we do not have to make Delhi a Paris, but instead take steps to provide livelihood to the people. By throwing out ‘rehri-wallahs’ (hawkers) or roadside vendors, we are making them jobless.” 

After a few days, the latter part of the conversation between the two leaders regarding throwing out of rehriwallas appeared in a few vernacular papers but Mr. Nanda’s obvious displeasure against the Emergency and his outright rejection of Mrs. Gandhi’s actions was not highlighted, possibly due to restrictions on the media.

Nandaji shifted to Kurukshetra and tried to remain here for most of the time during the period of the Emergency, keeping himself busy with projects like the restoration of the Brahmasarovar, which even today is the pride of this town.  During this period many senior Congressmen came here to hold talks with Nandaji but he refused to have anything to do with the Emergency and in fact highlighted the atrocities being brought to his notice.

 

He resigned from the Congress and many of his associates here deserted the party at that time. He even refused to contest the parliamentary elections after the lifting of the Emergency. Later, Nandaji was always proud to disclose that he never supported imposition of Emergency despite the odds.