SDF reclaims Gangtok

Gangtok had served up a rout to the SDF in the assembly elections last year. The ruling party lost from all the assembly constituencies clustered around the capital which is probably why the SKM supporters would have expected the GMC to include some SKM councillors. That was not to be as Gangtokians appear to have taken the municipal elections as an opportunity to get back into the "SDF camp". While few would have expected municipal voters to go against the party already in power in the State, the thoroughness of the SDF victory must have surprised even SDF party workers. This is how Gangtok voted>>>

Gangtok’s Water Woes

The consumption pattern in most parts of Gangtok has changed drastically in the recent years – moving from largely residential consumption at one time to increasing usage on a commercial scale. The supply has remained mostly unchanged and this has created complications and disparities for consumers. This has also made vehicles like these which fetch water from jhoras and dharas a common sight in Gangtok.

Supply-line disruptions are only one part of the problem

by SUBASH RAI

Gangtok is lucky to have a dependable perennial source of water in Ratey Chu, the mountain stream, which contributes more than 21 million litres of water for Gangtok every day. What the capital does not have, unfortunately, is an equally reliable supply-line to carry the water from Ratey Chu to the Selep water reservoir around 9 kms away. The terrain is challenging and the repair works dangerous, as a result of which breakdowns are frequent when the weather turns inclement. The recent weeks have tested the resilience of the Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department work gangs maintaining the supply line. The weather has been unforgiving and the pipelines have suffered, been repaired, been damaged again, and the cycle continues. If this is the situation with the pre-monsoon Nor’westers, what the monsoon months will impose can only be imagined.

Gangtok finally makes some space for art

There is finally some good news for art aficionados in Sikkim with the first Contemporary Art and Photo Gallery opening here at the Star Cinema Hall building on MG Marg. The gallery, “It’s Happening”, was officially inaugurated on 19 March. On the ground floor is the art gallery where paintings by local artists are on display for sale. The floor above houses photographs by local artists. While Oviya Arts Circle maintains the art gallery, Sunil Lama of Imago Creative Studio is in charge of the photo exhibition.

New team installed at Rotary Club of Gangtok South

GANGTOK, 08 July: Installation of a new team of management of Rotary Club of Gangtok South for the year 2014-15 led by the new president, Prakash Sundas was held in Hotel Denzong Regency on 05 July.
A press release informs that the outgoing president, Jashoda Chettri made a presentation on the various community projects undertaken by Rotary Club of Gangtok South in 2013-14 and handed over the gavel of the club signifying the change of leadership to the new president, Mr Prakash.
The new president introduced his team and also outlined his plan for community service for 2014-15. He informed that one of the most important events to be organized by the Club will be an International Peace Seminar in Gangtok in February 2015.
The other highlights of the evening's programme was the felicitation of two Interactor students from Sikkim- Sampa Saha of Paljor Namgyal Girls School who passed CBSE Class XII securing more than 90% and Sanjana Chettri of Bahai Senior Sec School, Saramsa.
The club also felicitated Anurag Sapkota for being awarded with a gold medal from Mumbai University and congratulated Dr Sylvin Paul of Sikkim University, who was sponsored by RC Gangtok South for Rotary Peace scholarship on his selection for the peace scholarship at the Rotary Peace Institute Thailand. The club also congratulated member Namgyal P Sherpa on becoming Multiple Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary, the release mentions.
The chief guest, Diwakar Thapa of RC Darjeeling gave an inspiring speech and the vote of thanks was proposed by Bjorn Noel Deniese, the president nominee for 2015-16.

Miss Sikkim Diva Gangtok auditions on Saturday

GANGTOK, 06 May: The Gangtok audition of ‘Miss Sikkim Diva 2014’ organized by event management company ‘Positude’ will be held on 10 May. Over 50 girls from other districts have participated in the auditions held thus far.

“The names of the selected participants will be announced once the Gangtok audition is over. We have received overwhelming and positive response so far,” said Positude CEO, Gyurmela Bhutia.

Managing Director, Bijay Subba informed that ‘Positude’ is a company started few months ago by a group of enthusiastic young minds of Sikkim which will also be aggressively involved in social activities.

“Miss Sikkim Diva is our first venture and part of the profits from the event will be donated to a social organization located in Sikkim. Our aim is to engage the youth of Sikkim in a positive way through positive attitude,” he added.

EXPO EXPERIENCE:

 Amongst the exhibits at the 2nd Sikkim Auto Expo 2013, the DSK Hyosang bikes manufactured by a South Korean company have been attracting a good number of enquiries from young local boys here.

Veterans Rally in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 30 Sept: Black Cat 17 Mountain Division, Gangtok organized “Veterans Rally” for ex-servicemen here at the Defense auditorium today. During the function, a total of 27 widows and ex-servicemen were felicitated. The function was attended by Home Secretary, MG Kiran, GOC, 17 Mountain Division, Devraj Ambu and AM GS Joneja [Retired], including ex-army men from all four districts of the state and their families.

Update: 2nd Sikkim Inter-Church Football Tournament 2013

GANGTOK, 26 Sept: Three matches were played in the ongoing 2nd Sikkim Inter-Church Football Tournament 2013 today here at Paljor Stadium. Out of them, two matches were decided through penalty shoot-outs.
In the first match of the day, Bethany Church Ranipool thrashed Bethesda Gangtok 5-0. In another nail-biting match, EPCS Gangtok edged past United Church of Mangan in the tie-breaker 5-4. Similarly, in another closely played match, Vishwavani Sikkim outplayed Alfa Masihi Mandali in another tie-breaker 5-3.

SGMI turns 50, celebrates smart bouquet of achievements

GANGTOK, 25 Sept [IPR]: Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute (SGMI) completed fifty years of establishment today. The golden jubilee celebration was held at Chintan Bhawan. It was on this day, in 1963, that the Mountaineering Institute was established in Gangtok. Following the demise of Late Sonam Gyatso, the first mountaineer of Sikkim and the founder Principal in 1968, the Institute was re-named as the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute.
The Golden Jubilee celebration function was presided over by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and attended by his Cabinet colleagues, Chief Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau and other officials along with senior officers of the State and Central Government.
While addressing the gathering the Chief Minister highlighted that SGMI in its 50-year-long journey has added several feathers to its cap, including the successful ascent of the Mt. Everest. He stated that it was a matter of pride for the Institute and for the State of Sikkim that Late Sonam Gyatso was the founder Principal of SGMI and the first Sikkimese to climb Mt. Everest. As a mark of respect to him, Tibet Road in Gangtok has also been re-named as Sonam Gyatso Marg, he added.
Speaking on the state government’s initiatives, the Chief Minister expressed that the State Government has implemented a large number of policy decisions in the field of sports and adventure tourism. The State Government is providing Grant-in-Aid to 17 Sports Institutions since 1996 and has also instituted Sikkim Khel Ratna Award, the highest award in Sports category in the State, which has been bestowed to Bhaichung Bhutia, Tarundeep Rai and Phulmaya Tamang.
Special Cash award along with other incentives is also being provided by the State Government to those sports person who bag gold, silver and bronze in the national and international arena.  He also expressed gratitude towards SGMI for imparting mountaineering training to the unemployed youth of Sikkim which would enable them to excel in the tourism sector.
Director, Intelligence Bureau, S Asif Ibrahim in his address mentioned that the primary objective of SGMI is to train the officers and staff in high altitude mountaineering and survival skills which are required for operating in high altitude border areas. Besides, producing trained and confident Intelligence Bureau officers for difficult and arduous duties in high altitude areas the institute has earned laurels for the country and the Bureau in the field of mountaineering, he added.
He informed that the Institute has so far conducted 159 Basic Mountaineering Courses, 29 Advanced Mountaineering Courses and trained more than 8000 personnel from the IB, Assam Rifles and NSS besides helping the local youth from Sikkim in attaining proficiency in mountaineering. He also spoke about the successful Everest expedition launched by SGMI in 2008.
During the function the Chief Minister was also felicitated by SGMI. The CM also presented mementos to distinguished guests, renowned mountaineers and SGMI Instructors. A documentary on SGMI was also screened during the function.
Earlier, Deputy Director, SIB, Gangtok welcomed the guests and highlighted the achievements of SGMI in the field of mountaineering.

Two-month training for weavers inaugurated in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 24 Sept: Two-month training for weavers organised by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., Zero Point, Gangtok was inaugurated at Rimbi and Nerdang in West Sikkim on Monday. The training is being organised under the Integrated Handloom Development Scheme Sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
A press release informs that at Rimbi, Zilla Panchayat, Dorop Chumbung was present as the chief guest while Panchayat President, GB Bista was the chief guest at Nerdang which falls under Tashiding constituency.
In both the functions, the Assistant Directors, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom informed the beneficiaries about the training programmes initiated by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and its components. The weavers were informed about Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Weavers Credit Card, Yarn Pass Book, subsidy on yarn purchase through National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd.
The chief guests of both the functions, in their address, stressed upon the importance of training and protecting and preserving the traditional handloom designs while also earning a livelihood. The other speakers from Panchayats also addressed the gathering and thanked the department for organizing such capacity building training programme in their area.

National Handloom Expo begins at DHH

GANGTOK, 22 Sept [IPR]: Chief Secretary, R Ongmu formally inaugurated the National Handloom Expo 2013 at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Zero Point, Gangtok on Saturday. The National Handloom Expo 2013 is being organized by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd and has been sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom) Ministry of Textiles.
A total of 45 stalls have been allotted to weavers and Self Help Groups from all over the country and State. The National Handloom Expo provides a platform to weavers to promote their products and also to generate awareness of the handloom industry and create markets for their products.
A live crafts demonstration by local artisans and exhibits by empanelled designers like Chimi Ongmu Bhutia, Sudeep Tamang and Sangay Palden Bhutia have added more appeal and flavor to this exhibition. The National Handloom expo provides a good buyers-seller marketing platform.

College trio launch Tiffin service in Gangtok REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 16 Sept: Whether Gangtok can be called a ‘metro’ is debatable, however, the capital is certainly on its way to becoming one. With the number of out-of-station students and workers going up by the day, the need for services to cater to this section of the Sikkimese population has been growing too. Addressing one such need, three young college boys have now started a Tiffin service in Tadong.
Started by Aawakaash Pradhan, Anupam Roy, and Sarbadhan Rai, “Healthy Food Tasty Food” [HFTF, as they call the enterprise] promises to deliver home cooked food at your door step every day.  The service began on 01 August this year and already has 40 customers around the Tadong area. HFTF is currently delivering meals to its customers once a day for a monthly fee of Rs 800 per person.
“We serve around 12 food items like Rice, Noodles, Chapati, Snacks/Juice, etc including a weekly choice where we serve the customer with their choice of food once in a week. At present we are serving only non-vegetarian food but hope to cater to the vegetarian customers soon,” inform the trio.
“We deliver food only during the lunch hour, but we are planning to deliver food in the morning and for dinner as well. We have just started this service so there will be many changes and improvements in the coming days,” they add.
They inform that at present most of their customers are office goers, and they are delivering food to the ICAR Complex and Sikkim Jewels.
There are a few hiccups, the trio informs, like food delivery is being done by the three of them where they also ask friends to help when none of them is free. “Right now, we are battling with high transport costs while making these deliveries,” they inform.
On being asked about where they got the idea from, the trio stated that it just came up when they were hanging out at a friend’s place one day. “Before starting this business, we used to ask our parents for pocket money now and then. But now we are employed and it feels good not to have to do that anymore. In fact, we are proud of this initiative”, the trio expresses. HFTF hopes to cater to customers across the capital and the state in the future.

BIOMETRIC ENROLLMENT FOR NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER GETS UNDERWAY

ID’s are getting smarter
GANGTOK, 12 Sept: The Department of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation [DESME] is conducting the first phase of Biometric Enrollment for National Population Register (NPR) at around 30 venues across the state for the next three days.
Enrolment is mandatory as per Citizenship Act 1955 and Citizenship Rules 2003 and after the end of the enrolment process, each individual will be provided with a Smart Card that will act as a multipurpose card for important documentation and different works within the state and central government.
It may be informed that the creation of national population register was completed in 2010 during this initial phase the enumerator had visited each household and collected identity details of all local residents for NPR. An acknowledgment slip had also been given to each household to be used later at the time of collection of biometric photograph, 10 fingerprints and iris scan.
Statistical Officer, PK Chettri informed that if the Acknowledgment slip has been misplaced then an individual can also find their name and serial number in the list of residents available at the camp itself. And further, if someone has shifted to a new address and were not covered in the NRP earlier during the 2010 survey then fresh forms schedule will be provided to them by the enumerator. The same can be brought to the camp for the collection of biometric card on a later date that will be announced later.
One or any of the identity card numbers like voters’ ID card, passport, pan card, Sikkim subjects, COI, driving license and MGNREGA job card number is required for verification purpose and no original documents or photocopy needs to be submitted.

Employee commits suicide in Gangtok hotel

GANGTOK, 17 May: An employee of Club Kings B at Hotel Mayur situated at Hospital Dara here is reported to have committed suicide by hanging in the basement of the hotel yesterday. The deceased, a 21year old hailing from Darjeeling and employed here for the past year and a half used to live in the staff quarters in the basement it is informed. He had been living there alone for the past few days as co-workers were away on leave.

Pick of Mumbai International Film Festival to screen at Mannan Kendra

GANGTOK, 01 Oct [PIB]: The Films Division under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, is organising a non-competitive documentary, short and animation film festival “MIFF in Sikkim” from 03 to 06 October, 2012 at Manan Kendra here.
This was announced by the Branch Manager, Films Division, Kolkata, Sumoy Mukherjee, at a press conference held in Gangtok today. During the festival, 26 award winning films from the biennial Mumbai International Film Festival [hence the MIFF in the name] will be screened.
Mr. Mukherjee said that “MIFF in Sikkim” will showcase some of the finest cinematic works of the last eight years from throughout the world. Entry to the film screenings is free.
The festival will open with the screening of a biographical documentary on Rabindranath Tagore directed by Satyajit Ray as a special gesture to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the poet.
He also invited filmmakers from Sikkim to come forward with proposals to produce short documentaries and even fiction and animation films to showcase Sikkim’s cultural heritage and eminent personalities.
Jagdish Sharma, OSD, Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, also addressed the press conference and assured the department’s full support and cooperation in ensuring the success of the film festival.

Petrol to cost Rs 73.20 per litre in Sikkim

AS NEWS OF HIKE SPREAD LOCALS LINED UP AT PETROL PUMPS TILL LATE LAST NIGHT TO REFUEL IN OLD RATES
GANGTOK, 24 May: With the announcement of a nation-wide hike in petrol prices by the central government on 23 May, petrol prices in the state have gone up by Rs 7.30 for normal petrol and Rs 7.40 for high speed petrol.
The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department under the provision of ‘Price Display and Control of Supplies and Distribution, order 1977 revised petrol prices in the state from 24 May, 12:30 onwards. The new prices fixed are Rs. 73.20 per liter in case of normal petrol and Rs. 76.50 per liter for Xtra Premium. Prior to the revised rates, petrol prices in the state were Rs. 65.90 per liter for normal petrol and Rs. 69.10 per liter for Xtra Premium.
The notification issued by the concerned department regarding the revised rates of petrol is to be applicable throughout the state of Sikkim and any person or dealer found contravening the order issued is informed to be prosecuted under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Black marketing of supplies of essential commodities Act, 1980 as well.
Speaking to NOW!, In-charge SNOD petrol pump Deorali, Shanker Sahani, informs that as news of the hike in petrol prices spread, owners and drivers in the capital lined up at the pump to refill their vehicles till late last night. The total petrol sold from SNOD on 23 May went up to 9,000 to 10,000 liters, far higher than normal, he informed.
He mentioned that normally the pump sells about 3,000 to 3,500 liters of petrol per day. Post the hike, taxis and private vehicles are now refilling in smaller amounts, he added.
The hike, the third in one year, came a day after the end of the Budget session of Parliament and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking of the need to take “difficult decisions” on the third anniversary of UPA-II. This is the first upward revision in petrol price since November 4, 2011. The highest increase so far has been by Rs 5 per litre.
This marks an increase of around 10% and puts a squeeze of roughly Rs 6,000 a year on a family that spends an average of Rs 5,000 per month on petrol.
The Centre had freed petrol price in June 2010 when crude came down to around $40 a barrel from a historic high of $147 per barrel in July 2008. But in practice, oil companies do not move without a signal from the parent oil ministry which officially continues to deny any control. Media reports have quoted sources insisting that the increase was stage-managed. Oil companies usually review prices on the 15th and last day of each month. But Wednesday’s increase was announced mid-week to take advantage of oil minister S Jaipal Reddy’s absence after the Parliament session. Reddy reportedly gave his go-ahead for raising petrol price before leaving for Turkmenistan. His absence gave an opportunity for the government to distance itself from the raise and reinforce the impression that it did not control its price as it was a deregulated fuel.

International Biodiversity Day observed

CREATOR OF RUMTEK MOSS GARDEN, ROBERT POMPEY FELICITATED
GANGTOK, 22 May: Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management targeted students to generate wider awareness among the general public on biodiversity issues on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day today. This year’s theme of the International Biodiversity Day was ‘Marine Diversity’.
On the occasion, the department also had a state specific theme- “Saving Gyam Tsona- Sikkim’s Ocean in the Sky” and organized a slogan writing competition for students on the same.
The day started with a rally by school students from in-and-around Gangtok from Titanic Park to the Forest Secretariat complex.
On the occasion, PCCF-cum- Additional Chief Secretary, M Singh highlighted that Sikkim is very rich in biodiversity and the department has been trying its best to preserve and develop the state’s biodiversity. He also mentioned that eco-tourism has been aiding the boost in tourism in the state.
He appreciated the students’ participation in spreading the message to the people and encouraged them to continue it in the future as well.
Additional PCCF-cum-Project Director of Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project [SBFP], Dr Anil Mainra, mentioned that the department has been trying to create awareness on biodiversity issues through students. He added that students are the main medium in creating awareness on these critical issues among parents and the general masses.
Highlighting that everyone should contribute in the preservation of the state’s rich biodiversity, Dr Mainra explained that the concept of the day is conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Team Leader of Project Management Consultant SBFP, Peter McCarter gave his presentation on biodiversity, its importance and threats. He also urged for the protection and preservation of biodiversity.
Likewise, DFO [Biodiversity Conservation], Katherine Lepcha gave her presentation on Sikkim Biodiversity. She informed that due to its richness, Sikkim was one of the 18 mega biodiversity hotspots in the world and further spoke on the threats to the state’s biodiversity.
On the occasion, UK national Robert Pompey was felicitated by the department for his tireless voluntary work in developing the moss garden at the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden in Rumtek, some 24 kilometres to the south-west of Gangtok. He has been working for the past 20 months here to develop the first and only moss garden in India.
Joint Director, Karma Legsey explained that Gyam Tsona is unique to the whole Eastern Himalayan Region situated below Finger Tip in North Sikkim. The name of the lake means ‘ocean’ and it still has evidence of marine life but at present it is drying due to human interference and other reasons.
In the slogan writing competition, the first prize went to Vicky Sharma of Tadong SSS, while Kiran Chettri of TNSSS and Tanya Rai of Deorali Girls SSS stood on the second and third positions respectively.

Mercury rises as the rains say no

GANGTOK, 21 May: Over the past week Gangtokians have only seen a few sudden spurts of rain while the heat has only been worsening the long waits in traffic jams which have now become routine. As temperatures in Tadong soared to 30 degree Celsius on 19 May, the hottest day this month so far according to the Met Department, Gangtok recorded 25.5 degree Celsius on the same day.
However, the sweltering heat may just be due to the lack of moisture in the absence of any rainfall for the past week or so. The hottest day recorded over Gangtok last year was 25.6 degree Celsius while 25.9 degree Celsius recorded on 13 May 2002 was the hottest in the last ten years.
The Meteorologist In-charge at Gangtok Meteorological Centre, GN Raha, while speaking to NOW!, mentioned that the normal maximum temperature for the month of May has been recorded as 21 to 22 degree Celsius, while 13 to 14 degree Celsius is the normal minimum temperature in this month. However, for a few days, both minimum and maximum temperatures are up by around 2 degrees above normal.
Mr Raha explains that since the last seven days there has been no rainfall, which has been causing an increase in temperature and discomfort levels. He further added that with some rainfall the temperatures would go down automatically.
He mentioned that the pre-monsoon season [March to May] sees substantial thunderstorm activities mostly due to the three factors of insulation, moisture incursion and triggering forces like disturbances, cyclonic circulation, turf and others. He further explains that for the last one week there have been no moisture incursions and no strong triggering force to cause rainfall.
For moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal, Mr Raha informed troughs are needed but at present there was no trough present. He further informed that the Met Centre is expecting light rainfall on Monday night and has forecasted rainfall in the next 48 hours, which would bring down temperatures providing some relief to people here.
The hottest day ever recorded over Gangtok in month of May by the Gangtok Met Centre was 28 degree Celsius on 30 May in 1964.

A life reclaimed thanks to the Mayalmu Sangh initiative

Bishnu Maya Tamang, 26, when she was brought to Mayalmu Sangh as a destitute and now, as she heals from traumas too many for her young mind to have handled without help.
ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 08 May: Twenty six year old Bishnu Maya Tamang is originally a resident of Namthang in South Sikkim and like hundreds of others, a victim of last year’s devastating earthquake. Already unsettled by a series of unfortunate incidents, the earthquake proved the final straw and she snapped. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Mayalmu Sangh, she is recovering... learning to start living again.
While speaking to media persons today, Bishnu Maya recounted how she reached the destitute home here at Tadong. She had been married to Namgyal Tshering Bhutia for 5 years and also bears a 2-year-old son from him. Unfortunately, her husband passed away in an accident in 2010 and since then she had been ill-treated by her mother-in-law as well as other family members, she informed.
When the earthquake struck on 18 September last year, she panicked and jumped into a nearby river along with her son. When her mother-in-law found her, she took her grandson away, leaving Bishnu Maya to fend for herself.
Already suffering, the harrowing experience of the earthquake and the trauma of losing her son proved too much for her fragile state; she lost her mind and ended up walking through the jungles for the next 2-3 months before she was finally located by her brothers who then brought her to Mayalmu Sangh. At the Sangh, she received medical treatment from psychiatrist, Dr CL Pradhan and her condition is now better.
Dr. Pradhan visits the Sangh twice in a month of his own accord and does not take any fees for these visits and Bishnu Maya’s brothers only pay for the medicines he prescribes. It is the rescue of such lives of the brink which make the Mayalmu Sangh initiative important to support and sustain.

Out of control truck rams 3 vehicles at Nam Nang-Deorali junction

GANGTOK, 25 April: In a mishap which could have ended much worse had it occurred even an hour later, a DCM truck rammed into three parked vehicles here at the Nam Nang-Deorali Road junction early this morning. The driver, handyboy and two labourers on board the vehicle were injured.
A 407 DCM truck [WB-73A-7394] coming down the Nam Nang road lost control at the junction with NH 31A at Deorali at around 5.40 A.M. and first hit a telephone pole, then rammed into a parked government Gypsy [SK-01G-1143], then hit another government vehicle, a Bolero [SK-01G-0643] before colliding with another utility [WB-73B-8059] vehicle coming up from Deorali, informed PI Tshering Sherpa [Officer Incharge, Sadar Police Station], today.
The vehicle also damaged the gate, wall and grill of Mount Carmel Academy situated right at the junction and the front portion of two houses.
An FIR has been lodged in the Sadar Police Station against the driver, Mani Noor Rehman [19], a resident of Coochbehar and currently staying at Salugara in Siliguri, West Bengal and he has been booked under sections 279/336/337/427 read with 177/184/CMV Act 1988.
This was an accident waiting to happen. It is a common sight to see trucks and smaller pick-ups drive at reckless speeds on the highway through town every morning, a time when most of the traffic on the roads is school-bound.