Leopard deaths more than double in 5 years
Leopard deaths have more than doubled in Uttarakhand over last five years. Data from the forest department revealed that in 2015 a total 54 leopard deaths were recorded in the hill state which increased to 129 in 2020. As many as 39 deaths in 2020 were attributed to ‘unknown’ reasons while 32 were designated as ‘natural’ followed by ‘infighting’ (23), ‘accidents’ (12). A total of 11 big cats were shot dead after being tagged ‘man-eater’. In 2015, the state lost 54 leopards, followed by 88 in 2016, 102 in 2017, 105 in 2018, 111 in 2019 and 129 in 2020. Since its formation in 2000, the state has lost 1,404 leopards.
Indigenous spectrograph to strengthen research
A team of scientists from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital has designed and developed a spectrograph, an instrument that separates incoming light by its wavelength or frequency and records the resulting spectrum. The instrument, which costs around `4 crore, has been named Aries-Devasthal Faint Object Spectrograph & Camera (ADFOSC). The Indian Space Research Organisation also provided assistance in the project. “Indigenous efforts to build complex instruments like ADFOSC in India is an important step to become ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in the field of astronomy and astrophysics,” said Professor Dipankar Banerjee, director, ARIES. Till date, such spectrographs were imported and used to cost almost double the amount.
Pollutants fill Ganga in urban stretches
A study conducted by researchers from the Doon University has indicated a ‘very high presence of pollutants’ in the urban stretches of Ganga at Rishikesh and Haridwar. The study indicates that millions of pilgrims visiting the two cities, especially Haridwar, for the Kumbh festival will be ‘exposed to high concentration of water pollutants’. The researchers, during their study conducted over three seasons, detected the occurrence of 15 different pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) in the river stretch between Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Row over police officials heading jails
After the state government issued an order on February 12 posting five Indian Police Service (IPS) officers as superintendents of central, district and sub jails, a controversy broke out resulting in the filing of a public interest litigation in the Uttarakhand High court. The court issued a notice to the state government last week seeking its reply. The next hearing is scheduled on March 10. Earlier, the state would select its prison officials from a separate state cadre. The PIL said the new move is in direct contradiction with the provisions of Uttar Pradesh Jail Service Rules and would give the police direct access to prisoners beyond custody, resulting in violation of rights of prisoners.
vineet upadhyay
Our correspondent in Dehradun vineet.upadhyay@newindianexpress.com