eLocal WEEKLY UPDATE, Oct 29, 2010, Nilgiris.

Read the October 2010 online edition www.scribd.com

Postive partnership with tribal folk

Tiger conservation is a success because of local
Too much is being said, too little is being done. Its time we took the issue of garbage waste seriously. participation, says Field Director Dr Rajeev Srivastava IFS

A WASTE OF ENERGY
Many who responded in the negative to the poll, did not
have solutions or suggestions. ‘What should we do, its
their [municipality’s] problem.’
‘Garbage disposal is not being seen as a serious issue
at the administrative level. Out of sight, is out of mind.
We got fed up waiting for the panchayat to do something
about this growing problem and decided we’ll do it
ourselves,’ says K Patel, a resident of Wellington. He
had some years ago, initiated talks with the local Nilgiris, Oct 28th, 2010: ‘Money is not everything.
panchayat to jointly manage the garbage but without You can have funds and resources of all kinds,
success. Today, like him, a school in Ooty and an NGO but if people are not with you any project is futile,
says the Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,
at Kotagiri have found a way out, they deal with the Dr Rajeev Srivastava, IFS.
garbage themselves. They collect, segregate and sell
Speaking about the positive impact of the
what they can - paper, plastic and bottles - to local shops, partnership with forest dwellers, Dr Srivastava
the rest is put into a compost pit. stated that poaching, rampant ten years ago, is
Is joint management the need of the hour? Collective now down to nil. ‘The information that the tribal
representations have been made to the district folk provide, their knowledge of the terrain and
collectorate to see if public-private partnerships can be their unconditional cooperation with the
formed. The Clean Coonoor Campaign, being mooted department is remarkable.’
Mountains of waste: Opportunity lies in these dumps depending on by residents and service organisations, has met with a ‘The Forest department is presently engaged with
how we look at it. Either way, its time to clean up. positive response from the administrative hub. Another the help of NGOs, in health, education and self
project at Burliar - a litter hotspot - in partnership with employment of tribals. Literacy and
private entities is in the offing. The 40 odd shops are empowerment of women is the department’s
prime concern.’
Ooty, Oct 29th, 2010: “What’s the point in having all these boards being gifted a litter bin each.
‘Eco development committees formed by the
that say plastic free Nilgiris? Take a walk down Charing Cross and The larger issue, however, goes beyond this. Without department, are on track. 12 such committees
you’ll know the truth. As for disposal, the dump enroute Parson’s absolving the civic bodies or panchayats of their are presently deployed, with more to come’
valley stinks.” Octavius Bunshaw, a restaurateur and long time responsibilities, we will still be a long way off from any
resident of Ooty is not mincing words. Nor are other hoteliers, one sustained solution unless each individual learns to pocket
of whom is agitated that earlier this month, their kitchen waste had or bag litter responsibly. In town and elsewhere, it is Woolen Store opens premium outlet
piled up for over 10 days. He claims that despite requests, the common to see litter thrown outside the bins. M Chandirams’ exclusive outlet opens at Charing Cross
municipality had not collected the ‘stinking’ waste. This had their There are 150 bins in Ooty town and 310 municipal
hotel’s guests raise serious objections. staff directly engaged in garbage collection and disposal Ooty, Oct, 2010: The 68 year
The responses to the snap poll were equally negative. Many felt, in the municipality’s 38 sq km expanse. The Chairman, old woollens retailer M
not much is being done and garbage collection and disposal is tardy. Udhagamandalam Municipal Council, R Rajendran is not Chandirams has launched a
wrong when he says that, ‘a municipal sweeper cannot premium goods store in Charing
However, some respondents, especially those from Ooty town, feel Cross. Among the items on offer
that things are better now than before. be at all places at all times. Sweeping schedules are
are a range of Lamb’s wool and
These responses are not without their counter arguments - most from 8-11 in the morning and 2-5 in the evening. The Magna wool sweaters. The
residents who responded in the affirmative, incidentally find litter we see happens in between.’ premium Monte Carlo for men
themselves sharing their addresses with a dignitary of some hue or ’Recently, a tourist family, when asked why they chose and women is also available.
the other, at the least, a local councillor! In other places, it’s a different to leave the empty packets and food remains - all neatly According to the proprietor, Naresh Chugani, the
story. It is quite common to see litter strewn over the hillside or let tied - at their ‘picnic spot’ on a hillside, countered - convenience of shopping at this store will be the
into a waterway - canal or stream - ‘someone will come and take it?’ central location (next to Co-optex) and the
quite conveniently. ‘I have had to Perhaps the time for wasting our breath on the matter availability of parking on Commercial Street
lastforest.in tick people off, whenever I see (or holding our breath, depending on your proximity to
them hauling their garbage over the dumping grounds), is over. Incidentally, garbage at Click to visit the Woollen Store
the wall, onto the road or into the the dumps is not segregated. Cows at the ‘dumping Woolen Store, no 2 Supermarket Building,
canal,’ says Dr Sheela Nambiar ground’ (kuppekulli) can be seen grazing on a mix of Commercial Rd, Ooty Ph: (0423) 2445504
who resides in a central part of hotel food remains and plastic. Why is garbage being
Ooty town. One look at Kallar Fruit collected in different containers on our streets but
station’s stream, at the foothills, congregated there? That is another story. Riverside students sway crowds at Shimla.
will reflect the reality upstream - For now, energy and money is being wasted, literally. Students of Riverside School Kotagiri participated in the
the sheer disregard with which we Recycling and reuse should be debated at an recently conducted 14th Intl. All Iindia Women’s Folk Dance
dispose our plastic. entreprenuerial level conducted by Charu Castle Foundation in association with

last forest
Ask for Last Forest produce at
your nearest Green Shop outlet
in the Nilgiris. Organically grown
and harvested, engaging fair
trade practices, Last Forest
produce includes honey, spices,
fresh coffee and much more.
(04266) 272266.
dept. of Language Art & Culture, Himachal Pradesh.
Senior girls came home with a cash prize of Rs 5000/ and a
silver trophy. The students performed the ‘Karam’, a folk
dance from Madhya Pradesh, backed by the Riverside band.
H1N1 preventive spray available in the Nilgiris
Nilgiris, Oct 28th, 2010: The nasal spray, NASOVAC, regarded as a
counter measure to the H1NI flu is now available in the Nilgiris. In
Coonoor, Nasovac is available at Nankem Hospital. It is also available
at the government hospitals both in Coonoor and Ooty. The high risk
group includes pregnant women and people between the age group of 6 months - 24 years.
The vaccination should be avoided by asthmatics. According to Ms Sherry Paul, Nankem
Hospital, 130 people have already received the vaccine there

Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or inability to use the material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to compile stories for the reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to maintain accuracy of the information
but does not accept responsibility for any and disclaims responsibility for any loss or damage which may arise from the information provided. All opinion expressed in the issue in the form of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual or advertiser concerned and TheLocal accepts no
liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors, Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be liable for any reproduction of the material.

The Local is an online edition bringing news and views on the Nilgiris district.Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Editor: Edwin David
 eLocal
Read the October 2010 online edition www.scribd.com/thelocaleditor email: thelocaleditor@gmail.com. Ph 97905 90570
WEEKLY UPDATE, Oct 22, 2010, Nilgiris.

Vet training at Intl. Training Centre begins Since the introduction of the RTI Act in 2005, few in the district have heard of it. Fewer still have used it.

Sheer ignorance
Ooty, Oct 15th, 2010: When the principal HOW MUCH FUND HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE
of a private school received an ‘RTI
application’ demanding to know why a HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR ROAD REPAIR DUE TO
student did not get admission, with the THE RECENT DAMAGE ON THE OOTY-COONOOR
school frantically going about replying to
the application, the dismal state of affairs HIGHWAY? WHO IS THE CONTRACTOR? WHEN IS IT DUE
Aruvankadu, Oct 20th, 2010: Training of in the Nilgiris came to the fore - that of TO BE COMPLETED? WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR ITS
Veterinarians and para Veterinarians got underway at sheer ignorance - about this powerful Act
the recently inaugurated WVS (World Veterinary and its utility. COLLAPSE, AFTER LAST YEAR’S REPAIRS?
Service) centre near here. The RTI (Right to Information) Act came into Click play button to view damage.
3 veterinary doctors, including Dr Ilona Otter of IPAN, force on Oct 15, 2005, as a primary tool
alongwith 2 volunteers and 5 participants have helped to ensure transparency in government Reasons to file an RTI: The questionable highways’ work on Ooty-Coonoor road. The two
conduct 14 surgeries, involving castration or spaying departments and matters pertaining to their sides of the road collapse have become veritable terminuses and the average locals deserve
of dogs. ‘The training programs and the in-house routine functioning. The objective of the Act better - number of buses pressed into service and timings? Condition of buses? Road safety
surgeries will help alleviate the situation of the low norms? Civic amenties like a temporary shelter? Security issues (risk to belongings)?
was to inform the taxpayers’ where their
count of trained personnel in the district,’ (click on pic
for interview) stated Dr Ilona, adding, ‘this animal
money is going and how it is being spent.
birth control program is useful also for municipal staff Rohini Parekh, a resident of a colony in question my friends point blank, if I thought
and govt veterinary hospital assistants who are now Coonoor had filed her and other residents’ they were wrong but such an attitude lastforest.in
being intimated about the training.’ right to know why the roads in her area makes one unpopular’ says the retired
Managed by IPAN (India Project for Animals & Nature) were not repaired? ‘We got no reply from Electricity Board employee. He is
Nilgiris, the WVS facility houses a lecture hall, mini the municipality’, says this former residents’ unpopular in various departmental circles
library and a surgery centre. The two other trainer- association representative. Two years and naturally, since his questions are
doctors are Dr Dagmar Mayar from Germany and Dr later, her predecessor who followed up the direct. A top Forest official who had stated,
Devi from Manipur who is presently the resident doctor. matter with the chairman of the council
Ms Alison Guy (in pic) is a vet-nurse from the UK. in a televised interview, that rainfall earlier
through a letter dated July 3, 2010, this year was ‘high’ in Mudumalai Tiger
specifying that this was an RTI application, Reserve got a sharp query from this RTI
met with no better response than a postal activist - how much rainfall was recorded?
Don’t bend to Osteoporosis acknowledgement. One’s right to information can relate to
Orthopaedician’s advice on World Osteoporosis Day
Applications filed under the ‘right to matters of both public interest and those
information’ must be responded to within
30 days. Each page of information rendered
is charged at a fee of Rs. 5/ per page. A
pertaining to personal issues. Philomen
Raj, another among a clutch of locals
relying on the RTI provisions, in the district,
last forest
site or public work being carried out can has filed several applications regarding Ask for Last Forest produce at
be inspected, with charges on hourly basis. civic amenities in and around Ooty town. your nearest Green Shop outlet in
Applications ought to be addressed to PIOs The two agree that getting much out of the Nilgiris. Organically grown and
(Public Information Officers) in the the municipalities has been a challenge. harvested, engaging fair trade
respective departments. All that the ‘We have had to take some cases up to practices, Last Forest produce
application requires is the name and the State Information Commission includes honey, spices, fresh coffee
click on pic for the 3 tips from the doctor to help prevent osteoporosis
contact of the individual who is applying. whenever there has been no response and much more. (04266) 272266
Not everybody is uninformed. A senior locally.’
Coonoor, Oct 21st, 2010: ‘Osteoporosis is today’s citizen and a retired government employee, Lack of awareness among the locals
silent killer’, states Dr Idiculla Karinjappally ‘but it can M Narasimhan, has been actively and apart, the general opinion is that IIPM appoints local franchise
be prevented with some simple steps - a balanced informedly going about the RTI. A veteran government department representatives
diet-especially upto the age of 30, exercises like RTI activist, by local standards, he has filed themselves, are ignorant of the Act. IWIS Academy, a reputed coaching centre,
walking or running (weight bearing) and routine checks, based at Ooty, has entered into a
after age 40.’ Women are more prone to the 25 applications till date. Mr Narasimhan That the application sent to the ‘private
has had a questioning attitude for as long school’ came from an advocate’s desk, collaboration with IIPM (Indian Instt of
deteriorative condition where the bones lose their Planning & Management).
density, particularly increasing the chances of fracture. as he can recall. ‘Even in Std 8, I would cannot be condoned.
Through this arrangement, local aspirants
‘20% of women and 10-15% of men, above age 50, do
suffer from osteoporosis.’ According to Dr Idiculla, can now secure applications and admission
rural areas see greater incidences of osteoporosis. Note from Transparency International representative to TheLocal: “The RTI Act is revolutionary to IIPM Bangalore.
and has enhanced transparency in all government activities and operations. By and large it has IIPM is ranked in the top 5 B schools in
‘Awareness campaigns are the need of the hour. A
worked for the good of the people. Today for a nominal fee you can access any document in any India and provides more than 120 courses
handful of peanuts contain important protein content government department. But the Act is sought to be misused to get trade and business secrets of
and must be part of one’s diet. Walking is a good including Indian and International
rivals and competitors. This is unethical and unacceptable. We have found that in Karnataka, for Certification in the area of Business
remedy against the condition, but avoid walking on example, the revenue and police departments are the most corrupt in south India. But now, according
steep inclines. It’s better to select flat stretches or Management and Planning.
to the media, our MLAs are on sale for Rs 50 crore each. Corruption has reached new heights
places like school grounds for your daily walks. A unmatched in the rest of the country. The I.T. department has to act against such brazen bribery. But According to K Babu, Director, IWIS
routine X Ray of the pelvic region will detect onset of they hesitate to move against the politicians. Public opinion and the media are effective but now paid Academy, the six year old coaching
osteoporosis and will help timely treatment. ’ news and sponsored items are the norm. So where does it end?” institute in Ooty, imparts coaching for school
This year’s theme is ‘Don’t bend to Osteoporosis.’ BG Koshy Vice Chairman, Transparency International, Karnataka. students, bank exams, TANCET & MAT.

Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or inability to use the material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to compile stories for the reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to maintain accuracy of the
information but does not accept responsibility for any and disclaims responsibility for any loss or damage which may arise from the information provided. All opinion expressed in the issue in the form of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual or advertiser concerned and TheLocal
accepts no liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors, Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be liable for any reproduction of the material.
In v e st o
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The Local is an online edition bringing news and views on the Nilgiris district.Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Editor: Edwin David
 lastforest.in

Local WEEKLY UPDATE, Oct 15, 2010, Nilgiris.

last forest
Ask for Last Forest produce at your
nearest Green Shop outlet in the Nilgiris.
Mental illness is treatable
Nilgiris has its own share of concerns regarding mental health, but there is hope if we come together says expert.
Organically grown and harvested,
engaging fair trade practices, Last Forest

Pic, courtesy: ESAI Trust, Kotagiri

produce includes honey, spices, fresh Dr. Valsa Koshy
coffee and much more.(04266) 272266

Kotagiri, Oct 10th, 2010: It is said that 1% of

Letters to the Editor any population, worldwide, is likely to be
may be addressed to affected by a schizophrenic condition. With
thelocaleditor@gmail.com.
Click on envelope to read lesser-impact conditions like depression or
letters on earlier updates. anxiety, the ratio tends to be higher.
We, in the Nilgiris, have our own share of
concerns regarding mental illnesses. Many will
not get psychiatric treatment because of the
difficult terrain, local superstitions, social stigma
and not least the paucity of psychiatrists.
Not so long ago, in the so-called developed
world, mentally ill and mentally retarded (there
is a distinction between the two) were locked
away in prisons alongside criminals so that they
did not interfere with the ‘normal’ functioning
of society. Things have fortunately come a long
way since then and now the enlightened view
is that the mentally ill and the mentally retarded
should be cared for by the society they live in.
Much of this change in attitude can be attributed Life must go on: Individuals diagnosed with challenging mental illness must be given a second chance
to advancement in the knowledge about mental after counselling and treatment, to lead a routine life. Woman in picture, beneficiary of the ESAI Trust’s
illness and vast improvements in psychological counselling and rehabilitation program at Kotagiri, is successfully dealing with a schizophrenic condition.
TheLocal online at www.scribd.com/thelocaleditor
and medical treatments now available for mental
illness.Nevertheless, as in chronic diseases like is also counselled and taken into confidence. “Mental & behavioural disorders”
diabetes and arthritis, the cause of much mental consist of 10 main groups:
Stockists wanted A psychiatrist reviews the cases once a
advertisement

· Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders.

for Vermicompost
Gowri Vermicompost,a Puducherry-
based organic manure producer invites
stockists/retailers for Nilgiris. Minimal
storage space of around 50-100 sq ft
will be sufficient. Gowri Vermicompost
is suitable for tea, coffee and all
vegetable crops cultivation. It is also
recommended for kitchen gardens and
is available in 10 kg home user packs.
Gowri Vermicompost & Agri Clinic;
Uruvayur - Abizegapakkam Road,
Puducherry South India 605 110.
Contact: P Anbu, mobile-9787749931
email:organicanbu@gmail.com
Enriched with bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides
illness is not very clear though many
contributing factors may be found. With
treatment, many people with mental illness can
function in society taking care of their needs
and performing some useful work.
A unique model for psychiatric care is the need
of the, hour. A leading NGO ADD India had
developed a plan which was executed in some
districts of Tamilnadu. ESAI Trust, in Kotagiri,
is efficiently implementing this plan.
About 40 individuals with mental challenges, in
and around Kotagiri, are presently registered at
the Trust. They are counselled and are provided
with medication at subsidised rates. The family
month. A social worker (graduate who has
been given training by ADD India) is posted
at the Centre to liaise with the psychiatrist
and advise and encourage the patients. This
model has worked well in Kotagiri with good
follow-up and good patient recovery. More
Centres like this can be set up in other
locations, making use of the expertise and
the available resources
The writer is a Psychiatrist, based at Coonoor. She has
practised at the Kotagiri Medical Foundation until
recently and is presently a visiting consultant at the
ESAI Trust. Dr Koshy may be contacted on 94438 97458.
· Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of
psychoactive substances.
· Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders.
· Mood [affective] disorders.
· Neurotic, stress-related andsomatoform disorders.
· Behavioural syndromes associated with
physiological disturbances and physical factors.
· Disorders of personality and behaviour in adult
persons.
· Mental retardation.
· Disorders of psychological development.
· Behavioural and emotional disorders with onset
usually occurring in childhood and adolescence.
· In addition, a group of “unspecified mental disorders”
Source: International Classification of Diseases.
Watch this video of an individual living in
our society who sleeps on the pavement
and drinks water from little puddles in the
road, oblivious to her surroundings. Is there
a shelter for her and others like her, in the district?
Picture taken on 14th Oct 2010, at Coonoor Rly Station.

ESAI Trust, Kotagiri 17/144 HMK Bldg, Hope Park, Kotagiri. Nilgiris Dist. Contact: Mrs K Saral, Trustee. Ph: 94447 55837
ESAI (Educational and Social Action Initiative) Trust was formed in 1999 with the aim to provide the much needed services in the area of physical disabilities
and challenges. It commenced operation in 2001 extending its services to the Adivasis and engaging in Women empowerment related programs. Today they
focus in the area of Mental Illnesses. A study done by the Trust in 2008 showed a total of 204 individuals with mental challenges of different types, identified
in Kotagiri region. Over half that number have received treatment, which consists of subsidised medicine and professional counselling. 38 of these individuals
are today engaged in gainful employment

Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or inability to use the material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to compile stories for the
reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to maintain accuracy of the information but does not accept responsibility for any and disclaims responsibility for any loss or damage which may arise from
the information provided. All opinion expressed in the issue in the form of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual or advertiser concerned and TheLocal accepts no
liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors, Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be liable for any reproduction of the material.

JSS college student delivers moving speech on VSA

Rotaract-organised competition showcases local talent. Increased participation this year.
Ooty, Oct 9th, 2010: Student of JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Anusha Kartyani was awarded the first prize
at the Inter-Collegiate elocution competition held at Anna Stadium Ooty. The young collegian stressed the need for
teachers and parents to become more aware of the growing problem of Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) among the
youth, particularly in the Nilgiris district. ‘Glue sniffing is a serious issue and can cause long term and even fatal
damage to the brain and the heart,’ she stated, in her well researched address.
Kamlesh Kataria, President of the Rotaract Club of Ootacamund, organisers of the program, expressed satisfaction
at the participation of the students stating that this year, the attendance for the various events was higher than
in the previous years. 7 colleges in the district participated in this year’s event.
Symphony - the Inter-Collegiate academic and cultural program was first conducted in 1992. The programs
conducted are dumb-charades, quiz, group dance and fashion parade. The second prize for the elocution
competition was awarded to Monarch International, Ooty. JSS College of Pharmacy bagged the overall shield for
Symphony 2010

The Local is an online edition bringing news and views on the Nilgiris district.Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Editor: Edwin David
 Ask for Last Forest produce at your nearest
Green Shop outlet in the Nilgiris. Last Forest
produce organically grown and harvested,
engages fair trade practices. It includes
honey, spices, fresh coffee and much more.
Last Forest (04266) 272266
last forest
Ooty-Coonoor lifeline damaged. All traffic diverted.
Major Disaster Averted!
Police react quickly to help-line call on impending road collapse. Barely a year on, Highways’ work questionable.
The nexus between the judiciary-politician-criminal is growing. Allegations of corruption
in the subordinate judiciary are on the rise. A senior advocate shares his perspective.
The Truth is.
Ooty, Oct 7th, 2010: The two cases hanging the
nation’s head in shame are that of Priyadarshini Mattoo
and Prathiba Murthy, both victims of rape and
gruesome murder. The verdict is not out. The jury is
-‘They must get the death sentence.’ ‘They ought to
have got it years ago (one case is 14 years old while
the other is 5). ‘The judiciary is corrupt...’
When cases get staggered, serious allegations
emanate. When judgements go the other way
speculation is rife. Distrust sets in. The aggrieved,
mostly resourceless, lose faith and move away from
the system.
‘I agree that the lower judiciary suffers from greater
corruption today. I could say that corruption is more
the rule than the exception in the courts in the district
today’, says senior advocate and former Public
Prosecutor Adv. B J Krishnan.
Do advocates fight a case, knowing fully well that
their client is guilty? They do. The prominent lawyer
affirms that as a professional ethic an advocate will
fight the case on merit. ‘I am not the judge. I cannot
decide if one is guilty or not. That is for the bench to
decide. My (our) role is to fight the case.’
Not to be misunderstood, the point is debated:
‘Personal standpoint however, is different from
professional ethics - when an advocate senses that
the client’s case is dubious, he must refrain from
taking it up. If the case is weak not only must he
advise the client against going ahead, he/she must
also recommend an out-of-court settlement. In about
40 years I have solved more cases outside the court
and across the table. Don’t go to two places, if you
can help it - a police station and the court.’
Mr Krishnan believes that it is not correct to say that
if a judgment were unfavourable or ‘shockingly’
awarded the other way, that corruption could be at
play. ‘There is also something called a wrong
judgment.’
From a munsif court, an aggrieved party can take
the case to another munsif court, within the district,
The Local is an online edition bringing news and views on the Nilgiris district.Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Editor: Edwin David
Local
WEEKLY UPDATE, Oct 8, 2010, Nilgiris.
It can’t hold on: The breach in the
road, only recently repaired after the
deadly deluge of 2009, is threatening
to collapse the stretch at any moment.
Trapped in the increasing conflict.
Judicial aloofness is imperative.
On the Bench: Justice Krishnaiah
rightly said “ A certain judicial aloofness
is appropriate for a Judge”. How can a
Judge exercise an unbiased opinion if
the extent of familiarity with the Bar
weighs heavier than his independent
decision making ability?
On the Bar: I have learnt greatly on
how not to be, from some of my
colleagues both here as well as at the
higher courts.
On the Individual: Human rights is about
human wrongs. Fight if you must, for
your rights, but in a civil manner. The
system will eventually evolve. The Father
of this nation, incidentally, was a lawyer.
click on pic for interview excerpts
if he/she is not confident of the Bench’s
competence or even its impartiality. To
appeal against a verdict the case may be
escalated to the District and Sessions Court.
Thereafter, one can take it to the High Court
and ultimately to the Supreme Court. ‘That
is how vast the system is. It has enough
leverage for meaningful justice and making
a manipulation out of, at the same time.’
One reason for the Supreme Court opting to
rule in favour of life imprisonment for one
of the accused in the rape and murder case
is that the District Court had acquitted him!
TheLocal online at www.scribd.com/thelocaleditor email: thelocaleditor@gmail.com
Ooty, Oct 7th, 2010: An alert resident of Chinna
Bikkatty,Yellanhalli on the Ooty-Coonoor highway,
noticing cracks on the road, immediately called 108. This
timely action helped the police take evasive measures
averting what could have been a catastrophic event.
Nilgiris District SP, Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS was
decisive in cordoning off the section, initially allowing
light vehicles and later at night, disallowing all vehicular
traffic.
Locals are not attributing the reasons of this damage to
the recent rainfall. ‘Improper and hasty construction
of the retaining wall is the reason,’ states a resident of
the area.The National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) had repaired this section after the deluge of
last year, which had severely affected several sections
of the ghat road across Nilgiris.
Police sources confirmed that the 20 odd families
residing just below this crumbling retaining wall have
been asked to move to safer locations.
State Highway authorities, who were also at the scene,
declined any comment citing that they were awaiting
the arrival of the NHAI representatives.
For your Health Insurance requirements
contact Sherry Paul, Insurance Advisor,
Coonoor, The Nilgiris. Ph: 94430 40480.
email: sherrynankem@yahoo.com
Nilgiris, Oct 8th, 2010:Wildlife experts believe that the setting of animal
traps across the district are on the rise ensnaring wild boar and other
small wild animals. This illegal practice is bound to take its toll.
‘It is not uncommon these days, to spot a big cat just off the road or in a
tea estate,’ says a senior conservationist.‘Traps meant for boar have, in
the recent past, captured unsuspecting leopards.’
With increasing numbers in wildlife-attributed to concerted conservation-
on one hand and profilerating human habitation into hinterland and nearer
forest areas on the other, confrontation and conflict is inevitable.
‘The sighting of three tigers near Dolphin’s Nose (a tourist location near
Coonoor) some months ago, is heartening but there is the grave prospect
of these endangered ones getting injured or succumbing to injuries if they
get caught in such snares.’
World Wildlife Week is observed, each year, from 1-8 October.
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If you are undecided and lack conviction,then you are a potential market
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Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind
whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or inability to use the
material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to compile
stories for the reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort
to maintain accuracy of the information but does not accept
responsibility for any and disclaims responsibility for any loss or
damage which may arise from the information provided. All opinion
expressed in the issue in the form of articles or any viewpoint is
solely that of the individual or advertiser concerned and TheLocal
accepts no liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors,
Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be liable for any
reproduction of the material.
 Local
Insure your home against burglary For details on theft
insurance, contact
Shri Rajesh Kumar
James, Coonoor. Ph:
94437 49800.

Navayugam Consultancy, Coonoor. email: inscons2000@gmail.com

WEEKLY UPDATE, Oct 1, 2010, Nilgiris.
TheLocal online at www.scribd.com/thelocaleditor

A spate of robberies in Coonoor– some in broad daylight and at knifepoint, causes grave concern. Udhavi conducts AGM

No clue.
Increase in number of children. Volunteers still required.

labour coming into the district could be

Coonoor, Sep 28th, 2010: A 57 year
old school teacher was assaulted by
an intruder at her home in Upper
Coonoor and was robbed of her
jewellery worth around 20 sovereigns.
After a brief skirmish, in which the
woman was injured in the hand, the
assailant, holding a knife to her
grandchild’s neck, threatened the two
inmates with dire consequences if she
raised an alarm. The house is among
a row of houses.(Click pic to view clip).
Within the span of a month, Coonoor,
particularly Upper Coonoor, has seen
three robberies happening at knifepoint
and all of them in broad daylight.
‘Knifepoint robberies are a matter of
grave concern to us, because the risk
to life is also involved in such
Venue of one recent burglary: The intruder locked the elderly woman inside before
decamping with her jewellery; the injured woman put her hand through the window to
unlock the door and raise an alarm.
situations,’ states a senior police official
when asked about the series of
burglaries, in recent months, in this
sub-division.
Two months ago, a Retd. Army
officer’s house was burgled near
Wellington while the elderly couple
were out. The intruders were seen
rushing out of the house when the
officer’s wife made her way to unlock
the door, apparently already broken into.
Another burglary with a similar modus
operandi was reported in the week that
followed. Both were cases where there
were no inmates for a long duration of
more than 3-6 hours.
Local residents, alarmed at the
situation, have raised questions. Some
feel that the high incidence of migrant
one of the reasons for the rising crime
graph. ‘The district administration
could incorporate a system of ID cards
for people who are not permanent
residents. This way there could be some
control,’ suggests one. Several feel
that patrolling, a practice in the past, is
now conspicuous by its absence. ‘We
don’t see police presence, walking the
streets and managing the beat like they
used to earlier’, says T A Jabarathnam,
a long time resident of Coonoor.
Locals, including the affected individuals
have alleged lax attitude on the part of
the police. ‘We were asked to wait until
there were some clues and for two days
we had not filed an FIR, at the behest of
the Inspector. It was only after the matter
was taken up at the SP’s office that the
teams of finger print experts and sniffer
dogs visited our home,’ says one of the
complainants.
It is not as if perpetrators might only
hail from among migrant labourers.
‘The thief looked like he was from a
good background, a youngster well
dressed, according to my wife’s
description. I am a retired teacher
myself and my wife assumed him to
be one of my old students,’ says the
school teacher’s husband who was
out of station at the time of the
unfortunate episode.
According to police sources, no two
fingerprint traces from the crime spots
are identical. This gives rise to
speculation that several people are
involved and resorting to ingenious
methods - in two of the daylight
robberies, the intruder was stated to have
been wearing a helmet.
‘Public cooperation is vital in this
situation’, states the police department
representative, advising people to be
cautious in dealing with strangers.
‘Information about suspicious behaviour
must be reported to the helpline 100’
Coonoor, Sep 29th, 2010: In its annual audited report, Mala
Ramaswamy, Secretary of Udhavi-Centre for Children with
Special Needs, presented an ‘encouraging scenario this year
with 5 new students having enrolled in the day school.’ Among
new projects that the centre has planned for, a paved play area,
adjoining the building at Darlington Bridge, Coonoor, is being
proposed for the children. ‘We continue to require volunteers
and are making efforts to raise our membership strength’,
stated Udhavi President, Latika Rao. Members of the
organisation, who attended the AGM, interacted with the children
(click on pic to see video clip).
Local resident intensifies demand for water
supply to Bokkapuram inhabitants.
Signature campaign on to record discontent among
local community, strapped for potable water.
Ooty, Sep 25th, 2010: ‘The signature campaign reads: ‘We
have been living here for several generations. In recent years,
water supply to our village has been severely affected. Inspite
of pleas no steps have been taken. Kindly intervene.’
A resident of Bokkapuram, Priya Varghese, who moved in here
4 years ago, thinks that the lot of the dwellers is dismal - ‘All the
problems that are faced by the community adjoining my
boundary, are interlinked’, says the concerned resident.
‘Electricity, cooking fuel, proper employment, good health and
hygiene are primary factors that need immediate attention. The
number of dwellers, including the Adi-Kannadiga folk, long
time settlers in the region, has considerably increased.
Unconfirmed estimates are at around 1000 residents. The
availability of regular and clean supply of water is the biggest
concern.Lack of toilet facilities in the village makes them
defecate out in the open. Water contamination occurs at various
points. Many are forced to pot the same water downstream
and carry it over a considerable distance to their homes.
We hope this representation to the Collector will help,’ says
Ms Varghese, who is coordinating the effort.

Brindavan School launches campus paper

If your home is broken into: If you come home to find an unexplained open / broken window or door: Do not enter - the
perpetrator may still be inside. Call the police. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. 20 students of the Literary Club learn the nuances of
journalism at a recent workshop conducted by TheLocal.
Former Union Minister, Mr EVKS Elangovan, in
Safety tips: Do not allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with his speech at the OV Alagesan Centenary year Indian students will shine
celebration conducted on 17th September 2010 at
the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or relative to take them regularly Trim trees and the school auditorium, stated “Indian and Chinese Centenary year celebrations of school founder observed. Union
students will overtake the Americans on account of Minister delivers inspiring speech.
shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders Never leave keys under doormats, their hardwork”, while paying glowing tribute to
the founder-chariman for his vision in setting up
flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places - burglars know where to look for hidden keys Keep Brindavan Public School.
Earlier in the day, the school Chairman, Mr A
a detailed list of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items ( number of gem stones Vamanan, inaugurated the Arts & Science exhibition
in which models of structures covering several
inlaid, if its jewellery), date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers of electronic items and keep a subjects were on display. The Eiffel tower structure
as well as the school’s campus model were among
copy in a safe place away from home-this is also a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters Make the popular displays.
A well performed PT display alongwith Yoga and
a photographic or video record of the valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can Karate, by nearly 100 students followed.
Prizes for proficiency were given away by the chief
also assist in making and keeping your inventory Be a responsible neighbour. If you notice anything guest. Mr EVKS Elangovan also released the school
magazine at the function.
suspicious in your neighbourhood, dial 100 immediately. Form a Neighbourhood Watch Group. Principal, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) A S Gurunathan,
in his school report, congratulated the staff and
Consider installing a burglar alarm system. Issued in the interest of public safety by TheLocal students for a good academic year gone by.
School captain, K Yohanan proposed the vote of
thanks shortly after a brilliant display of colours at A visionary: Children posing happily behind the bust of the founder Shri OV Alagesan
the final event of the day - the cultural program. (Sep 6, 1911 - Jan 3, 1992). The statue is placed adjacent to the school library.

Brindavan Beat: The most recent and significant event at Brindavan

school finds place in its newsletter- Founders’ Day celebrations.

Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind whatsoever, arising out of the
readers use, or inability to use the material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to
compile stories for the reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to maintain
accuracy of the information but does not accept responsibility for any and disclaims responsibility
for any loss or damage which may arise from the information provided. All opinion expressed in
the issue in the form of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual or advertiser
concerned and TheLocal accepts no liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors,
Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be liable for any reproduction of the material.

The Local is an online edition bringing news and views on the Nilgiris district.Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Editor: Edwin David