My-Gujarat News

Bilani Cement greenfield plant in Gujarat

2008-04-22T22:32:00.001+05:30

Cement manufacturer, Binani Cement under the Binani Group of Industries is planning a massive investment in Gujarat for setting up a two million tonne per annum greenfield plant across the coastal area.

The company aims to spend around Rs 2,000 crore within 4 years time. The outlay includes Rs 800 crore for a 2 mtpa greenfield plant in coastal Gujarat and Rs 200 crore for a 1 mtpa grinding unit at Bharuch in Gujarat, stated the company's deputy managing director.

"We have already acquired 100 acres of land and work on the grinding unit will start within this fiscal itself," he pointed out.
--MP

44 dead as school bus falls to canal

2008-04-17T08:18:00.001+05:30

A school bus carrying students falls into canal near V killing as many as 44 people most of them children.

The bus mishap occured in Bodeli near Vadodara when the bus carrying students were travelling from Targol to Bodeli. The students studied in various schools in Bodeli and was going for the annual exams.

With rescue operations underway 41 bodies have been have been fished out of the canal so far. 'The bus driver seemed to have lost control and the bus broke through a protective railing, plunging it into the canal,' says an official.
--MP

Chhattisgarh CM visit Modi

2008-04-15T23:37:00.001+05:30

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP leader Raman Singh is on a 3 day visit to Gujarat during which he will have talks with the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit holds significance with Chattisgarh going to assembly elections later this year. The discussions between both the BJP ruled Chief Ministers would be focussed on political issues.

With BJP aiming to retain power in Chhattisgarh, many see Singh's visit as a party strategy building exercise for the upcoming elections who would want to take some lessons from Modi.
--MP

Namaste Indya launch E-pothis

2008-04-14T21:47:00.001+05:30

Namaste Indya Communications Pvt Ltd (NICPL) has decided to set up about 4,000 public utility information kiosks in various places across Gujarat. The kiosks are other wise named E-Pothis.

The kiosks are being installed to provide the public better access to government and general information. The first such E-Pothi has already been installed recently at Lal Darwaja.

The company has said that it would start off with12 E-Pothis initially at various AMTS Bus terminals in Ahmedabad. Thi would be extended to around 500 kiosks therafter in each quarter.
--MP

Govt may ban cement exports

2008-04-11T22:18:00.001+05:30

To tackle with the spiralling price rises, government may put a ban on cement exports.

If this comes into effect the manufacturers of cement especially the ones in Gujarat including Gujarat Ambuja and Aditya Birla group's Ultratech are is the major ones to be affected.

Earlier concerned over the rising inflation levelsunion minister for commerce and industry, Kamal Nath has indicated of banning cement exports aimed at augmenting domestic supplies. --MP

Akshay Mehta in Nanavati Commission

2008-04-09T20:08:00.001+05:30

Justice Akshay Mehta has been appointed as a member of the 2 member Nanavati Commission which will carry out the investigation on the post-Godhra Gujarat riots.

Jugde Mehta who had service with Gujarat HC and retired in 2007 has been appointed by the Gujarat government following the death of Justice Shah who was one of the member of the panel. The commission which was formed in 2002 to probe on post-Godhra riots has been conducting the inquiry over the past years.

The Commission led by Justice G T Nanavati is expected to resume the hearing on the cases shortly.
--MP

Fire in factory under control

2008-04-04T21:15:00.001+05:30

A chemical factory in Gujarat 'Bharuch Enviro infrastructure Ltd. (BEIL)' at industrial zone Ankleshwar which caught on fire on Thursday is brought under control.

"Fire is now under control. We had taken precautions regarding emissions from the fire in the surrounding villages." said District administration.

Authorities had also confirmed that there had been no casualities in the fire mishap. However the extend of the damage being caused by the fire are yet to be estimated.
--MP

Ahmedabad Test: Rain disrupts play

2008-04-04T21:00:00.001+05:30

Rain stopped the second day's play in the second Test match played between India and South Afica at Motera ground in Ahemedabad on Friday.

When rain disrupted play South Africa were 494 for seven in their first innings.

With this SA lead by 418 runs in reply to India's first innings score of 76.

Harbhajan Singh took 4-135.
--MP

GAIL bag marketing rights for PMT

2008-04-03T23:15:00.001+05:30

Natural gas supplier and marketer GAIL India has signed agreement for marketing rights of gas from the entire Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) fields.

GAIL in a statement has revealed that it will buy the gas at $5.73 per million British thermal unit (mBtu) for Panna field and $5.57 per mBtu of the Tapti field.

"The contract was signed late on Monday night and is in pursuance of the government nominating GAIL as its nominee to take the entire PMT gas," said GAIL.
--MP

Train tragedy in Surat kills 16

2008-02-28T11:45:00.001+05:30

Atleast 16 people including women and children were killed in Surat when a train run over them in Udhna in Surat district of Gujarat on Thursday night.

The victims mostly labourers included 2 women and 2 childern whose bodies were found near to the track. A driver of another train is said to have informed the railway authorities on the incident.

The tragedy could have occured while the people were walking on the railway track. Inquiry is on and still to disclose on the details of the accident.
--MP

BHEL bags Rs 10.75 bn power proj in Gujarat

2008-02-27T11:06:00.001+05:30

New Delhi based leading power supplier Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has won the Rs 10.75 billion worth power plant project in Gujarat.

Gujarat State Energy Generation Ltd has placed the engineering, procurement and construction order for the gas turbine-based combined cycle power plant to be installed at Hazira in Gujarat, says BHEL.

The project is expected to be completed in 27 months.

BHEL in the recent past also won an 8.66 billion rupee order from Reliance Industries Ltd. for a 345-megawatt project at Maharastra.

--MP

Sohrabuddin case: SC notice to govt

2008-02-25T20:42:00.001+05:30

The Supreme Court today had sent notice to the Gujarat government in connection with the bail plea of two senior suspended police officials who were allegedly involved with the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh case.

The bail requests of the officers was taken up by the apex court and a notice was sent to Narendra Modi headed Gujarat Government.

The two police officials were accused in the controversial Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake police encounter on March 24.

--MP

Probe into MSU campus security issues

2008-02-22T23:11:00.001+05:30

Security has been heightened at the MS University campus in Baroda following the release of a CD that showed students engaged in illicit sexual activities in the the security campus. This has raised concerns among students and others on the security arrangement in the campus.

The controversial CD was released by the former MSU Senate member and Baroda Bar Association (BBA) president on Thursday. This even cased a stir in the campus with large number of students agitating over the issue and demanding an explanantion from the authorities who stressed on the issue of lapsed security in the college campus. This prompted the MSU Vice-Chancellor to order for a probe into the incident over the security concerns on the campus.
--MP

Amity Usty campus in Ahmedabad

2008-02-13T20:33:00.001+05:30

One of the top ranked private universities of India, Amity University is looking out to expand its educational campus to other States including Gujurat.

The university which offers a wide variety of educational programmes on various streams has over 20 campuses in the country.

The University is presently on the lookout for infrstructure facilities for its new campus in Gujarat.

" Ahmedabad is a big centre for education. Having established our first campus here with two programmes, we will be looking to establish a full-fledged campus offering engineering, biotechnology, communication and other courses here," said Amity Foundation President.

--MP

Patan issue: A S Gill to head NHRC probe

2008-02-11T22:13:00.001+05:30

Over the recent issue of gang rape of a girl student in Patan town, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded reply from the Gujarat government.

The commission has issued notice to the govt seeking reply from the state chief secretary and director general of police to respond on the matter within 4 weeks.

The commission has also appointed Rajasthan DGP A S Gill to lead the investigation team to probe into the incident. "Gill, a 1972 batch IPS officer will join us soon as the Centre issues orders for his relieving from his post in Rajasthan," said NHRC chairperson.

--MP

Patan town observes Bandh in protest

2008-02-07T21:16:00.001+05:30

Protesting to the issue of gang rape of a girl student in Patan town of Gujarat, Patan town observed complete shutdown.

The State Government has ordered a magisterial probe over the incident of gang rape of a girl student who was repeatedly harassed by her own 6 teachers.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident as the most "shameful act" and promised to take all necessary steps for the safey of the girl students.

A team from the National Commission for Women also visited the victim and has demanded for stern action against the culprits.

--MP

Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 60th death anniversary

2008-01-30T19:32:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 30 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil led the country today in paying homage to 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi on his 60th death anniversary.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L.K. Advani also offered floral tributes at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi here.

The homage ceremony started with a prayer meeting and recitals of religious hymns from various texts.

Several functions are being organised to mark Martyrs' Day. The day is also being observed as Sarvodaya Day, Anti Leprosy Day and National Cleanliness Day.

In Gujarat, an all religion prayer was organised at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar - the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

A special five-day photo exhibition on the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi was also inaugurated at the Sabarmati Ashram today.

In January 1948, at the age of 79, Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic, as the former walked through a crowded garden in New Delhi's Birla House to attend evening prayers, less than a year after India achieved independence from British colonial rule.

Gandhi is largely credited as the architect of India's freedom struggle against 200 years of colonial rule.

His message of non-violence, uprightness and care for the poor and downtrodden is even taught today at the school level.

His decades-long non-violent movement has inspired leaders like Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama and former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. (ANI)
--MP

Two-and-a-half-year-old cub rescued from a Gujarat well

2008-01-24T23:28:00.001+05:30

Rajkot, Jan 24 (ANI): A two-and-a-half-year-old cub was rescued from a Madhavpura village's well of Rajkot district of Gujarat.

The cub was taken out of the well with help of a rope. The entire operation was completed in one and a half hours.

The forest authorities feel that immediate measures are needed to cover the wells and prevent such mishaps in future.

"They (nocturnal animals) roam around for long distances in the night for prey. These animals are very likely to fall in the unsafe wells in the village. It is important to make these wells safe by covering them otherwise such incidents will keep taking place," said Jayant Solanki, Assistant Conservator, Dhari Range.

The villagers of Madhavpura in the Dhari range have also expressed concern over such incidents, which they said happen frequently in the area.

"It will be good if this is done (if these wells are covered) In every 2-3 months, such incidents keep taking place," said Jignesh, a resident of Madhavpura village. (ANI)
--MP

Amul introduces reduced salt butter

2008-01-24T23:23:00.001+05:30

Anand (Gujarat), Jan 24 (ANI/Business Wire India): Keeping in mind the inherent need and convenience of the consumers and taking into account the changing lifestyles, Amul is all set to expand its product portfolio with Amul reduced salt butter.

Amul reduced salt butter has almost 50 per cent less salt than table butter. This product will be a boon for high blood pressure patients for whom salt intake is restricted. Sedentary lifestyles have given rise to health problems like high blood pressure and cardiac arrest. People with such problems are advised a restrictive salt intake.

As a result, many of them are deprived of relishing the taste of traditional butter because of high salt percentage.

Amul reduced salt butter with its rich taste would be a blessing for such people.

Packed in 100gms and 500 gms cartons, priced at Rs. 20/- and Rs. 95/- respectively, Amul reduced salt butter provides value for money.

With this launch, Amul has established its lead over functional dairy products.

According to B. M. Vyas, Managing Director, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, "The movement of population from rural areas to cities is rising. The increased urbanization has given a boost to demand for health products. Moreover, with rise in disposable income and educational level, the awareness for nutrition and health improves which in turn raises the demand for health and nutritional products."

"Market studies indicate that consumers are looking for healthier alternatives. Keeping this in mind, Amul has introduced a range of functional products," Vyas added.

After introducing India's first sports and energy drink stamina, pro-biotic ice-creams, pro- biotic lassi and curd, and high calcium milk, Amul has now introduced reduced salt butter in order to give the consumers a wide choice of healthy products. (ANI)
--MP

Quantum of sentence in Bilkis Bano rape case today

2008-01-21T21:18:00.001+05:30

Mumbai, Jan 21 (ANI): A special court in Mumbai will today pronounce the quantum of sentence to 13 persons, who were convicted in connection with the 2002 Bilkis Bano gang-rape case related to the post-Godhra communal violence.

On Friday, the court had convicted the 13 accused, including a police official, while acquitting seven others.

While Godhra riots were going on in March 2002 following the Sabarmati Express-train carnage, the then six-month pregnant Bilkis Bano was gang-raped and beaten up in Randhikpur town, 250 km from Ahmedabad.

In the gory incident, as many as 17 members of her family were attacked, in which eight were killed and six went missing.

The trial began in January 2005.

After the Gujarat Government had closed her case and granted bail to all the accused, Bilkis had moved the Supreme Court which transferred the case to the special Mumbai court on April 6, 2004. (ANI)
--MP

Ambani’s ancestral village eager to see Anil touching the sky

2008-01-20T21:54:00.001+05:30

Junagadh (Gujarat), Jan 20 (ANI): The residents of Gujarat's Kukaswada Village always remember how the late industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani brought glory to his ancestral village by being an entrepreneurial success and are now, contributing to bring success to Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Groups' Reliance Power.

At the Kukaswada Village of State's Junagarh District, everyone is eager to be a part of the Anil Dhirubai Ambani's Reliance Power IPO. And, the ones contributing to its initial public offer (IPO) for shares include farmers and daily wage earners.

"This is the birth place of Dhirubhai Ambani and we have full faith in Reliance Investments. People, who have trusted on Reliance, have become millionaires today and our village now has more than 100 Demat account holders in a very short time. Over ten million (a crore) applications have been field for this IPO segment.

"There were many people from our village who had a share in Jamnagar Refinery when it was started initially by Dhirubhai Ambani and now with the set up of Anil Ambani's IPO we all are expecting profits," said Arun Tanna, a stock broker, Kukaswada.

Be it any poor farm labourer to a trader or any landlord almost all have invested in Reliance Power One.

"I run a departmental store. My son is literate and he has some knowledge on investing his money in the right areas. He has also invested in Reliance IPO and does the marketing work of the company. We are happy and satisfied investing our hard earned money and we have full faith in Reliance," said Prabhudas Thakkar, owner of a provisions shop in Kukaswada.

Even the village women here have invested their savings with utmost confidence.

"We have full faith in Reliance IPO and most of our family men and villagers have invested. Our village has trust on this offering and we have invested in whatever ways we could afford," said Sumitaben Koli, a woman labourer in Kukaswada.

The IPO of shares by Reliance Power One, the venture headed by Dhirubhai Ambani's younger son Anil Ambani, created waves all over the country when the Reliance Power raised 3 billion dollars in India's biggest-ever IPO this past week.

The IPO were oversubscribed within 60 seconds. The public response has been such that it has opened a new chapter in the shares and debentures investments. It is considered to be India's largest IPO in the recent times.

It may be recalled that it was Dhirubhai Ambani who mooted the equity cult in India and more than 58,000 investors subscribed to his venture in 1977 and today reaping rich dividends.

Kukaswada with its population of 12,000 boasts of around 100 Demat (dematerialised) account holders which, in turn, reflect that the villagers are investment-conscious.

Although many admit that Kukaswada is still quite backward and lacks proper infrastructure, the villagers take pride in the fact that one of the richest families of India hails from their village, no matter the place itself has remained little known. (ANI)
--MP

Attack on NDTV office "serious" and "unfortunate": Congress

2008-01-19T19:59:00.001+05:30

Ahmedabad, Jan 19 (ANI): Congress party today condemned the attack on NDTV office in Ahmedabad by the activists of 'Hindu Samarajya Sena', terming it as "serious" and "unfortunate".

Equating the act to "fascism," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said: "If you cannot air your views with freedom, then it is a very sorry phase you have come to."

"This is what intolerance is all about," he added.

Singhvi said such acts "must be crushed in the threshold."

About 20 activists attacked the private channel's office on Saturday morning.

They were protesting against the news channel's poll asking viewers "whether noted painter M F Hussain can be a recipient of Bharat Ratna?"

Two staff members were also assaulted in the incident. (ANI)

--MP

Gujarat's Khijadia bird sanctuary is haven for over 300 migratory bird species

2008-01-18T23:13:00.001+05:30

Jamnagar, Jan.18 (ANI): Khijadia bird sanctuary in Gujarat is today home to over 300 varieties of migratory birds which prefer environs of both sea and fresh water.

Located 10 kilometres towards north east off Jamnagar, the Khijadia bird sanctuary has been nominated to be recognised as Ramsar site, the global index for prominent wetlands and mangroves favoured by birds.

Spread over an area of 605 hectare, Khijadia bird sanctuary is a unique wetland area with sea-water on one side and fresh water on the other side. It recorded more than 200 species of birds that nest here. Ninety species of waterfowl have been traced here. In 1982, it was declared a safe haven for birds.

"We have noted almost 300 varieties of birds; there could be more than that. Three types of nests are found here, one on the tree over the branches, second on the ground and third on water where floating nests are found. Here varieties of ducks make floating nests. For instance, the black-necked storks, which are not found anywhere, are found here in Khichadiya," said D. M. Dafadar, Ranger at the Khichadia Bird Sanctuary.

Ramsar defines wetlands encompasses coral reefs, peat forests, temporary pools, even underground caves besides marshes and lakes and all sorts of other systems including mountains to the sea and man-made habitats.

Before Indian independence, a check dam was built for storing the waters of River Ruparen just near the sea. Over the years with fresh water of the rain and river on one side and salt water of the sea on the other side, a unique area was formed here.

Both varieties of vegetation came up and in due course of time, birds and animals also started flocking and roosting here.

"Here at one side sweet water is found and on the other sea water and in between there is a narrow estuary. Such acclimatising and nourishing habitat is difficult to find anywhere else because big birds like black necked stork, pelican, and yellow-billed storks eat large fish which they can find either in sea water or sweet water," said P. R. Sindhia, Forest Officer, Khichadia Bird Sanctuary.

"Besides the varieties of ducks like Gadwal, Gadgil, Ton, Spoonbill, and Herons also fulfill their food requirements from salt and sea water. And mangrove supports their roosting," Sindhia added.

As the sanctuary is located on the western-most part of the country that falls on the traditional route of the migratory birds, a large number of birds nest here in the winters.

Domestic and foreign tourists visiting the region are overwhelmed to see the vast varieties of birds. Nilgais, which are on the verge of extinction, elsewhere also live in this sanctuary.

"This morning we had a guide. It's incredible. We saw so many types of birds. We saw a black-headed stork, which is very rare. Then we saw some animals and loads of birds. It's incredible to see bio-diversity in such a small space and it's incredible to see that Gujarat looks after nature so well," said Adam, a foreign tourist.

There are three watch towers for bird watchers, as well as inspection paths leading deep into the foliage. There is also provision for paddleboats to go around.

The sanctuary has three freshwater lakes, mangroves, tidal mud humps, salty beds and everything which the migratory birds and waders need.

Two dams were erected by the erstwhile ruler of Jamnagar in order to avoid seeping of water from adjacent River Ruparen during high tides.

Among the famous birds found at Khichadia are black ibis, black-winged kite, Brahminy kite, pheasant-tailed Jacana, common greenshank, grey Francolin, imperial eagle, Indian pond heron, little tern, black-tailed godwit, comb duck, common crane, teal, dunlin, garganey, marsh harrier, northern pintail, shoveler, Eurasian pigeon, pale harrier, demoiselle crane, sanderling and darters.

Watching the arrival of the cranes during sunset for roosting is a fantastic experience.

As for the other animals, apart from Nilgais, one can spot jackals, wolves, jungle cats, mongoose, rabbits and certain snakes like the cobra at Khichadia bird sanctuary. (ANI)
--MP

Ashok Bhatt elected Speaker of Gujarat Assembly

2008-01-18T23:11:00.001+05:30

Gandhinagar, Jan 18 (ANI): Senior BJP legislator Ashok Bhatt was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly here today.

Former Health and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bhatt's candidature was supported by both the BJP and the Congress.

Thanking them all, Bhatt said, he will try his best to uphold the Parliamentary tradition and would be impartial while conducting the House proceedings.

Bhatt's name was proposed by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Amit Shah, which was supported by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress party's leader of the opposition Shakti Singh Gohil and other members of the House.

Modi's close aide was unanimously elected by a voice vote as no other nomination was filed.

Pro-tem Speaker Dolatram Desai initiated the procedure of voting.

Bhatt is the 14th Speaker of the Assembly since 1960 when the State came into existence. Babubhai Patel was the 13th Speaker.

Since 1975, Bhatt has been consecutively elected from Khadia Assembly seat in Ahmedabad. This is the eighth time that he has been elected to the 182-member Assembly. (ANI)
--MP

Popular tile industry of Gujarat's Morbi city facing closure

2008-01-18T23:08:00.001+05:30

Rajkot, Jan.18 (ANI): Steep price rise of lignite and coal that is used as fuel in Gujarat's roof tile industry has badly affected the business in Morbi city. Kiln owners are perturbed over price hike and heavy taxes in the State.

Around 100 tile kilns have closed down at Morbi city, famous for ceramic products and roof tile, due to heavy losses and there are many more all set to follow suit.

Many of the kiln owners believe that the government's intervention can save them with the supply of natural gas which the ceramic potteries are availing.

According to Tile factory owners, the cost of coal was rupees 690 for twenty kilogram which has risen to rupees 1,250 for the same quantity. The additional taxes levied on these products have made their survival too difficult to survive.

"We had over 275 factories but around 100 of them have closed down due to the hike in cost price. Coal prices have risen and also the cost of production has become high because of this. Lignite prices have risen a lot in the past four years which has made it almost impossible for us to stay in the industry," said Ratilal Patel, President, Morbi Roof Tiles Manufacturers Association

Morbi's climatic environ is very favourable for the tile industry, the products of which are in much demand in the rural areas.

"Lignite (coal) rates have risen twice in a year's time and we have protested against this. But the Government has not done anything about it. The employment of the rural people has been affected and this can lead to serious crisis," said by Jayantibhai Patel, a roof tile factory owner.

There was a time when Morbi city had boasted of over 300 factories here which used to provide 70 percent of the nation's demand for roof tiles.

The roof tile factory owners want the State government to save the industry by providing natural gas as the fuel to fire kilns similar to what the ceramic units are getting. If the help is not accorded at the earliest, their industry is likely to face closure within six months from now.

"The season is on for our sales but because of the fluctuating rates, our industry does not gain any profit .The GMDC and the Government agencies have promised a lot but results are not to be seen and we do not see any positive response from them," said Mansukhbhai Prajapati, designer of roof tiles. (ANI)
--MP