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June 2004
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Biana flesh trade market razed

          Biana (Goa): Authorities in Goa on Monday demolished illegal constructions of hundreds of sex workers in the infamous red-light area of Biana. The Biana beach was a thriving flesh trade market, with sex workers operating in some 250 hutments. The Panjim Bench of the Bombay High Court had offered rehabilitation to commercial sex workers while ordering removal of encroachments. But Biana beach residents resent the court order, saying that the demolitions had hit their source of livelihood. "We stay here with our children, what should we do, where should we go?," said Kamla, a sex worker. "Where shall we go now? Will we beg on streets now? We do not get any work," said Rupa, another sex worker. Authorities said they had offered rehabilitation to the residents on humanitarian grounds. "The court had said that though these cubicals used for sex trade were on municipal land so we should not relocate them but despite this, the authorities have been making efforts to rehabilitate the sex workers," said J.B. Singh, Collector, South Goa. Goa is one of the favoured tourist destinations in the country and has recently seen a rise in commercial sex-related activity.
June 14, 2004

Heavy influx of tourists in Kullu-Manali (Go to Top)

          Manali: While the soaring temperature in the plains is a matter of concern for its inhabitants, it has brightened the prospects of the tourism industry of the hills. The same stands true for Kullu and Manali. The serene and inviting nature of Kullu and Manali offers unsurpassed avenues for adventure sports, besides the aesthetic beauty of the hills. It endorses some of the world's finest ski-slopes. The splashing rivers and brooks aid white water rafting. Paragliding and mountaineering too are a rage amongst the tourists. "I have come here for the first time but I am enjoying to the hilt. There are many places of interest here. Rohtang Pass is too beautiful. Children enjoy in the ice," said Vikas Dua, a tourist from Delhi. Young tourists too enjoy the adventure sports besides playing with ice balls. Sahib Serin, a young tourist from Delhi, said, "We are enjoying 100 percent more than in Delhi. We could enjoy Trekking, gliding, rafting and everything. Temperature is good too. We can go to Rohtang Pass to enjoy. At least we can escape the soaring temperatures of Delhi." The heavy influx of tourists has increased the business prospects of people related with the tourism industry. " Last year the season started in April. This year it got delayed due to elections. Nevertheless, tourists are flocking in great numbers and enjoying. The weather is too good here," said Himanshu, owner of Himalayan Journey Tour and Travels. In the year 2003, a total of 8,94,000 domestic and 33,244 foreign tourists came to Manali. This year 10 to 12 percent more tourists are expected to visit the beautiful hill station.
June 14, 2004

UK travel advice for Lucknow  (Go to Top)

          London: The Foreign Office has issued updated its travel advice for its citizens visiting Lucknow in the light of statements issued by a Shia Cleric and his followers. Updated advice reads: "In Lucknow a Shia Cleric and his followers have issued statements, in connection with the war in Iraq, indicating that British and American citizens are not welcome at Shia Muslim holy sites in the area. Notices "banning" British, American and Israeli visitors from entering have been posted at some sites. Local authorities are aware and continue to monitor the situation. You should exercise caution in visiting such sites and may wish to consider postponing visits until the situation becomes clearer.'

          Travel Advice for India reads: 'There is a continuing risk of terrorism in India. There have been a number of recent terrorist incidents. Over 400,000 British tourists visit India every year. The vast majority of these visits are trouble-free. However, we strongly recommend that you remain vigilant in all parts of India. Notwithstanding recent encouraging developments between India and Pakistan, we strongly advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh. We advise against all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan and the Line of Control (with the exception of Amritsar and Jaisalmer and for those travelling overland to Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing)."
June 8, 2004

HP bans the use of polythene bags (Go to Top)

          Simla: Himachal Pradesh government became the first state to impose a complete ban on the use of plastic carrybags on Saturday. The ban was imposed through a legislation introduced in 1995. The stockists, traders and vendors have been given time till June 15 after which anyone flouting the ban will be fined from rupees 500-25,000. While rest of the states allow use of bags with polythene content up to 70 microns, Himachal has completely banned their use and anyone found using the same could face up to five years of imprisonment. Announcing the ban on the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday, State Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said it would now be strictly enforced. He said his government wanted to impose the complete ban in 1999 also but due to pressure from the powerful plastic lobby, they were unable to get the consent from Indian President. "People have been warned in advance, the old law was applicable only in Shimla and Manali but this new law is applicable all over Himachal Pradesh. This is just not a wish, government will implement it with all determination, commitment and will power," the CM said. As per the earlier notification, the ban was only on coloured polythene carrybags having thickness less than 20 microns and did not cover the entire state. Local authorities are making sure that the ban is carried out more effectively. Though the local traders feel that the ban might dent their business slightly but are more than willing to contribute to a cause for the welfare of the state. "Well, there would be some problems but it's fine. It is good for the country. If polythene is banned in Himachal, it would be beneficial for the state," said Vijay Kumar, a local fruit seller. June 6, 2004

Water crisis in Fatehpur Sikri hits tourist flow (Go to Top)

          Fatehpur Sikri (UP): Tourists visiting the historic Fatehpur Sikri town in Uttar Pradesh have literally been left high and dry due to severe scarcity of water in the area. The Fatehpur Sikri town is situated some 26 miles west of Agra and was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Nearly all the canals and rivers in the region have dried up, and even the local residents depend on a single well for their water requirements. Tourists now have no other option but to purchase expensive bottled water, which is also of questionable quality. Some vendors even pass off tap water in the garb of packaged drinking water unsuspecting customers. Many tourists have now started carrying their water supply to avoid inconvenience.

           "We do not get water to drink. We really find it difficult to roam around, looking for water here. We have to buy water before coming to this tourist destination," said Bashir, a tourist from Andhra Pradesh. The problem has been compounded as water level has sunk to an all-time low in the rocky area. Authorities said that the water scarcity was caused due to drying up of a bore-well, and that they were trying to make alternative arrangements. "There were two bores but now one of the bore has completely dried up, and the other bore is only partially working. We had never thought that there would be such a crisis but we are trying to make arragements for the water supply in Fatehpur Sikri," said D. Dayalan, Superintendent Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India which maintains the Fatehpur Sikri fort and other adjacent historic sites. The Fatehpur Sikri administration has earmarked Rs 500,000 to solve the scarcity of water. But till then the tourists are at the mercy of the local water vendors, who are out to make some quick money. Interestingly, Fatehpur Sikri was the seat of Mughal empire from 1570 to 1585 during Akbar's reign when his successor Jehangir shifted the capital to Agra on the banks of Yamuna river due to the water scarcity in Fatehpur Sikri.
June 3, 2004

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