Letter to Editor The Hitavada.

After frustrations after frustrations I got so fed up that I stopped writing letters to the Editor . 
 Now of course I am trying to make the letters short and short of acidic comments .
 Hopefully this will find favour .

Sir , 

We the citizens with good conscience want PM Modi's every step , including demonetisation, and the dream to have a cashless economy to succeed.

Though presently even the move to demonetise is facing criticism.It is also a fact that poor are indeed facing problems.

However it seems the dream of cashless economy seem impossible with present penetration of internet/WiFi , nonavailability of credit/debit card swiping machines as majority of smaller establishments particularly vegitable venders and small traders do not have/use them.

For PM Modi's plans to succeed the government must treat penetration of internet/WiFi with as much importance as the infrastructural development.The Government must spend similar amounts of money on spread of internet and availability of free wifi to every nook and corner by spending few thousands of crores of rupees.

Vegetable vendors / small traders must be given debit/credit card swiping machines either free or at very highly subsided rates.They must also get free internet access .Fear that these people , due to lack of knowledge , will not be able to use them will be proved wrong .They will acquire necessary skills in next to no time .

Before you know dreams of cashless economy will become reality .

PM Velankar.

Stray Dog menace.Letter to Editor dated 25 Sepetmber 2014 , repeat

Sir , 

 I had written this letter on 25 September 2014 about Stray Dog menace . Unfortunately there is no improvement in the situation . 

I was hoping that by publishing this letter concerned authorities may take some action 

The letter was never published may be there were no columns suitable to accommodate its length . In recent past I have seen a column " Hitavada Think " . I sincerely hope you will be now publish it in that column. 

 My latter dated 25 sept 14.

Sir,

 I started writing about the nuisance of stray dogs for publication in City mail .
However I felt I had to bring out the dangers and health hazards in details . Obviously it was not possible to stick to the normal length of city mail letter.
I feel even if it is too long , by publishing it you will be raising the awareness of this menace and render a great public service.

PM Velankar .

Stray Dog Menace .

All those who go for morning walk or use Nagpur roads / streets / side streets will know what I am talking about. Every year , around this time people take up this matter with NMC directly or through public flora . Every year NMC puts out very tall claims in controlling / reducing stray dog menace. To prove their point very large numbers of dogs having been neutered are quoted . Official web site of ASPCA has this to say about neutering . " While the traditional age for neutering is six to nine months, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be neutered as long as they’re healthy. Dogs can be neutered as adults as well, although there’s a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications in older dogs who are overweight. " . As all the vets would be aware of the limitations of age of dog it is very very difficult to believe the neutering figures put forward by NMC .However year by year increasing number of stray dogs and puppies being born to stray dogs give lie to NMC claims .
Killing stray dogs is not resorted to due to protests by pseudo intellectuals who also protest about killing of terrorists , dog lovers , Organisations like People for Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) , Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ) and various well meaning as well as self serving NGOs.

How the stray dogs are big nuisance , dangerous and health hazard ,

(1). Dog Poops all over.
Web site http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Dog-Grooming has this to say about dog poop. " Unsightly, smelly, a breeding medium for germs and disease, and a huge hassle on the sole of a shoe, dog poop is not a desirable feature in any neighbourhood. Dog feces plays a significant role in water pollution, especially in cities, and the bacteria that makes its way into streams, lakes and the water table can make people sick. Indeed, a single gram of dog feces can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria that can cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal disorders and kidney problems. In 1991, the EPA even designated dog poop as a "non point source of pollution" putting it right up there with oil and toxic chemicals. "
Early morning walkers , when it is still dark , thanks to the state of street lights maintained by the same NMC, have often regretted inability to spot such dog poops. Morning walkers who go out when the light condition has improved have to hop around these . I agree that this hopping around adds to the exercise value of the walk but one mistake leaves you with feeling of revulsion and disgust .Dog owners who take their pets for a walk will do great service to the society if example of Singapore and Western countries is followed of cleaning up after the pet .

(2) Urine Marking of territory .
Stray dogs urinating all over is a common disgusting sight and a health hazard and nuisance . My car tyres have bore the brunt of being territory of large number of dogs. Of course large number of people also urinate all over but they are not marking territory .

(3) Chasing of intruder stray dogs from other localities and territory .
Mindless , furious and extremely fast chase by a pack of 10 to 15 dogs being given to any intruding dog from other localities is a very common sight . The chasing pack in bent only on one thing and that is to catch the intruder before it leaves their territory . They are extremely dangerous to two wheeler traffic as they may confront a rider without any warning and leave no reaction time causing life threatening accident.. I have been witness to an accident where a senior citizen was knocked down by such a dog pack and suffered a fracture injury. If the unfortunate dog is caught by the pack it is mercilessly and mindlessly attacked by the whole pack . If such a dog fight happens next to any one , one may suffer from serious dog bite.

(4) Chasing Vehicles.
Some dogs for no reason whatsoever will suddenly start barking and chase a two wheeler or even a car . If the rider is taken by surprise and panics it may lead to serious accident..

(5) Night long barking .
People have lost any number of sleep due to prolonged barking by the dogs . This may adversely affect their health .

(6) Diseased animals.
One often sees lots of stray dogs suffering from serious diseases , From puss running ulcers & sores to scruffy skin diseases , deformed legs , paralytic front or rear legs etc . Some may even turn rabid . All these are serious and dangerous source of infections & spread of sickness of serious nature .

NMC has been totally ineffective in providing protection to the citizens of Nagpur from the danger and prevention of Physical and health hazards in failing to control the stray dog menace . Much tom tommed about Neutering programme of NMC has been abysmal failure .

NMC now must resort to KILLING these stray dogs by whatever means available at its disposal .

I fully realise that pseudo intellectuals , dog lovers , dogooders from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) , Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ) and various well meaning as well as self serving NGOs. will be up in arms against me for suggesting KILLING , I could have used "putting to sleep " instead of the word " Killing " , A word which I have used deliberately to provoke public debate on this very important issue . Very large number of people will raise a hue & cry about killing of dogs , the very same people enjoy variety of poultry , meat , fish , and depending on religious beliefs Beef and Pork. The very same creatures WERE KILLED before they landed up as tasty dishes on their dining tables . So what are the grounds for opposing killing of stray dogs which are dangerous and pose serious health hazard . If all the pseudo intellectuals , dog lovers , do gooders from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) , Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ) and various well meaning as well as self serving NGOs.do not permit killing they should ensure that Nagpur roads and streets are free from stray dogs .

I am scared of our courts and never ending legal procedures hence can not build up courage to file a PIL on the subject. I earnestly wish that those members of public / NGOs who are used to the workings of the courts to file a PIL

Best would be and that is my fervent wish , is for the Honourable Courts to take Suo moto notice of this letter and and treat it as a PIL .

PM Velankar .

The invinciable Babus of Central Group A Civil Services ( IAS, IPS and IFS.ETall)

The article by Ragendra Pratap Gupta in the Sunday edition of The Hitavada dated 18 September 2016 , " Make bureaucrats accountable" is not only very timely but needs urgent serious consideration and action by the Government .
General population of India has faith and trust in PM Narendra Modi and sincerely hope he is able to implement all his ideas and plans for inclusive development .
With his vast experience with governance as Gujrat CM he must have realised that his dreams of developed India can be turned to reality only if the bureaucrats pull their weight and  perfom .
He was the first PM in the history of independent India who , shortly after assuming office , had called a meeting of all the bureaucrats of various Ministries and addressed then to work diligently , sincerely and honestly . Initial reports that there has been a sea change in the working of the bureaucrats in various ministries . Reportedly , Offices were noticeable clean , the Babus were comimg for work in time etc etc . Alas it was only "char din ki chandini ".

The safety net of invincibility provided by the knowledge of almost 70 years that they have iron clad job security .They  can not be held accountable for their acts of omission or commission , They can neither be demoted or removed . No one can touch them whether they perform or do not perform . If at all in worst case scenario they are found as non performers ,"Non Functiona Upgrades" ensures they still reach the highest pay scales of their grades and draw the same pension as everyone else.

The protective shield provided by bureaucrats to themselves by themselves puts to shame the Government policies of reservation for SC , ST , OBC , Dalits .

As if that was not sufficient they are now asking for immunity from investigations against them by the Investigating agencies of the Central Government unless "prior approval has been taken from the appropriate authority " And pray who is the Proper Authority . They are also the bureauctates.Who have almost sworn to protect their own kind .
Every executive has to take decisios in the line of his duties. That is precisly why he is employed , be it civil services , Corporate sector , Defence forces or any other sector where works has to be done . The Investigating agencies must be free to investigate whether the intentions behind those decisions were bonafide or malafied . Asking  for sort of immunity form decisions taken during the line of duty itself raises doubts about their intentions and integrity .
Such a measure must never be permitted to become a rule .

Sent to Editor The Hitavada for publication . Earlier one did not see the light of the day !!!!!!!!!!

Nadir of degradation in status - Defence Forces .

Sequence of events,

Event ONE : A signal is issued by all three Service Headquarters, The Army , The Navy and The Air Force , to lower formations . Rank and file should show patience and remain calm, performing their duties as the anomalies in the recommendations of 7th pay commission are being taken up with the RM by Service chiefs .

Event TWO : Chief of the Defence Staff ,  Air Chief Marshal Anup Raha and The Army and Navy chiefs write independently to RM not to implement recommendations of 7th CPC unless anomalies in status and pay scales are resolved .

Which event preceded the other is not known to us the common people .

It was the first time in the history of Independent India that dissatisfaction about recommendations of a CPC were publicly and on record conveyed to the Government by the all the Three Service Chief. Only Chief Of Naval Staff had written to RM after 6th CPC.
Right thinking people should realise that the dissatisfaction is snowballing .

Event THREE : Despite of being first such event of historical significance and gravity , RM informs the chiefs to implement the recommendations of 7 CPC and anomalies IF any could be resolved later . Whether this was individual opinion , the Government thinking OR based on the advice of the bureaucrats is also not known to us the common people.

Event THREE : To the discerning , knowledgeable citizens of India this , the Third event , is most significant .
Even after the ruling of the RM . Chief of the Defence Staff ,  Air Chief Marshal Anup Raha and The Army and Navy chiefs met the RM and as per news paper report quote  " discussed in detail "anomalies" in seventh Pay commission " unquote.

Event FOUR : As per news paper report quote " A statement by Air Chief Marshal Anup Raha , released by the Defence Ministry (emphasis mine) the Service Chiefs were satisfied by the response  (emphasis mine)."Unquote .There are some more details in the news paper report .

What could be greater proof of the degradation in status of the Defence Forces that the statement of an event of such national importance and gravity is released by the Ministry of Defence  and  NOT
by the Service Head Quarters .

What transpired during the above meeting and whether the Chiefs are really satisfied or not , the common people will never know .

 It is unfortunate that as per existing rules and discipline the Defence Forces can not publicly express their grievances nor come on the streets to protest .


I have sent the contents of the blog to Editor The Hitavada . Lets us await its fate .

Letter to Editor, The Hitawada and Collector Nagpur.on 13/09/2013.on subject:CHEAPEST WAY TO LOCATE SAND MINING SITES.

 Sand Mining had made head lines some time back when an upright officer Durga was treated shabbily by UP Govt.In reality , it is also likely that due to shortage of man power our concerned officers may be unaware as to where all sand mining is being carried out in areas under their jurisdiction . If they had this information it would then be easy to check whether the sand mining being carried out is illegal or legal.And then necessary action may be ordered against all such illegal sand mining.

HOW TO LOCATE SAND MINING SITES.

Zoom sufficiently on satellite imagery on maps . Follow any river . When you locate any cart / tractor or other track entering river bed , zoom further and  examine . It may be an innocent river crossing point for poor villagers as our able Government has not been able to build bridges and roads to connect villages in the remote parts of the country.If it is not a river crossing point and is located in an area in a relatively isolated area ,then in all probability you have , found a sand mining location . It can be further identified/confirmed by observing diggings /craters left in the riverbed by sand mining. Once the location is identified police can be sent there to check if it is legal or otherwise .Suitable action can then follow.

To demonstrate and help in identifying what I mean here is an example are three maps These three examples.are maps of areas around Nagpur .These   are on Kanhan,Pench and Bramhnai Rivers.
These maps are screen shots of the map shown below.To see interactive map go to this link .

To see the individual maps of Kanhan , Pench and Brmhani River ,please click on the respective link of those places in the left hand panel . 

 Tell Tale Tracks leading to river bed. At max zoom levels and in these locations one can  even see the pits created  where sand has been mined.Map showing three most likely places.Found within 15 odd minutes.
To see interactive map go to this link.

This map is slightly higher zoom showing the spot on Kahnan River 

Locality near Khapa Village on Kahnam River.

This map is slightly higher zoom showing on of the spot on Pench River 

Locality near Kalapatha Village on Pench River.

This map is slightly higher zoom showing on of the spot on Bramhani  River .

Locality near Kalapatha Village on Bramhani  River.

Now all these sites need not be illegal. Quite a few of them may be honest business ventures .However . I know that for every one legitimate site there will be at least 10 illegal sites.

These images have been taken from free feed of google maps and hence the images would be as much as up to 3 years out of date . Also resolution is not as one would like to have.Still I am confident that despite images being out of date . more than 80 % would still be in business . The concerned authorities can pay for and get live feed where suspected sites can be viewed with greater resolution and also in real time .

PM Velankar,VM.

Group Captain(retd) 

DELHI - PHUKET - SINGAPORE TRIP . 11Jun - 18 Jun , 19 Jun - 24 Jun , 25 Jun 25 July 2016.

DELHI - PHUKET - SINGAPORE TRIP- 11 June to - 26 July 2016 .

11 Jun-18 Jun . Delhi.
19 Jun- 24 Jun . Khao Lak , Phuket.

25 Jun - 25 July 2016 . Singapore. 

Google Map of Delhi - Phuket - Singapore Trip .

This is the screen shot of google map stored in My Maps of google maps my google account, Giving all possible information about the trip .

To see interactive map , go to This link .

OR

copy the link Below and paste it in URL bar.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=18pT8oU-nrO1frHrG5_tcR1mrYgU

This will open interactive map.Any clarifications about how to use this map , just send me a mail

THE TRIP

This was purely a chillout trip with family . No sightseeing , no running around , no no shopping , no hassles at all. Nothing but laze around at home and play , spend time with drand daughters. 
 It was pure bliss and heaven.

END if trip detais from first to last day :-)