Category: Ranchi

Only 1,500 tickets sold: Ranchi will think ‘twice’ about hosting Tests in the future

Source: scroll.in

Test cricket is the format that brings out the best in cricketers but it certainly isn’t managing to bring people to stadiums in India. The recent Ashes series between England and Australia witnessed houseful stands but in India, Test cricket is going the Ranji Trophy way – with empty stands greeting the players more often than not.

The third Test of the India-South Africa series will be played in Ranchi from October 19 but the Jharkhand State Cricket Association already knows that not too many people will be turning up to watch the game.

Till Thursday, according to a report in The Indian Express, JSCA had managed to sell just 1500 tickets for the game, which will be played at Ranchi’s 39000-capacity stadium. The low sales have come despite the association trying to keep ticket prices affordable with Rs 250 per day being the lowest.

The new JSCA president, Nafis Khan said: “Next time, maybe we have to think twice before hosting a Test match. At the same time, we can’t say no also. If the state associations start rejecting Test cricket, the purest form of the game would die. It’s very sad to see empty stands. We have to make certain changes to the Test format.”

India doesn’t make it easy for spectators either. At Pune, only a handful of spectators thought it was worth their while to turn up to watch India make history. The stands are not covered and the heat means that watching – forget enjoying – is not a good experience.

School children were given free tickets in Pune and they added to the atmosphere a bit but they too were forced to sit in the harsh sun for the entire day. In Ranchi too, JSCA has distributed 5,000 complimentary tickets to the CRPF and another 10,000 tickets to schools, clubs and academies.

But it won’t be enough. Test cricket in India has long been in decline as a spectator sport. Its appeal to the modern Indian fan is limited. T20 cricket and ODIs are a party but what does Test cricket at the stadium really offer to the fan?

BCCI’s president-elect Sourav Ganguly feels that India should look at day-night cricket much more seriously and while that may not be the whole answer, it may certainly be part of it.

Bullet flies in Ranchi again

Source: telegraphindia.com

Gun attacks are taking place in the heart of the capital city with an alarming regularity.

A 42-year-old man was shot at by an unidentified person near his house at Site-5 of HEC Township under Jagannathpur police station on Wednesday night, barely two days after five men fired at two owners of a jewellery store in Lalpur.

Anuj Sinha, who used to work as a driver in the excise department office on Kanke Road, was shot at around 11.30pm on Wednesday about 500 metres away from his house.

“As soon as Sinha’s car reached Sardar Patel School, a bike overtook the car and came close to window on the driver’s side. A man riding pillion on the bike whipped out a gun, shot at Sinha and sped away,” a local resident said on the condition of anonymity.

Sinha, who slumped in his car, was first rushed to Gurunanak Hospital and then to RIMS by local residents.

Officer-in-charge of Jagannathpur police station, Anup Kumar Karmakar, said prima facie the matter appeared to be a case of personal rivalry.

“If the attacker wanted to loot the victim, his car would have been intercepted in an isolated place between Kanke Road and HEC Township. It seemed that the attacker was following the victim’s car and opened fire as soon as he got the opportunity,” Kumar said.

A RIMS doctor said the condition of the victim was stable after the bullet, which got stuck between his spinal cord and kidney, was removed after a two-hour operation.

Cops clueless, jewellers on warpath in Ranchi

Source: telegraphindia.com

Jewellers here downed shutters for three hours on Wednesday to protest Monday’s gun attack near Lalpur Chowk on two members of their fraternity, asking pointedly why the police had not yet nabbed the assailants.

Under the banner of Sona Chandi Vyavsayi Samiti, over 500 jewellers shut shop from 11am to 2pm in solidarity with injured brothers Rahul and Rohit Kheriwal and demanded speedy arrest of five gunmen who had entered their jewellery store at a posh market complex posing as customers. Samiti president Ravi Kumar Tinku told the media that they would call for a Ranchi bandh if the criminals were not arrested within 48 hours.

“It is a question of security of those in our profession, all businessmen as well as the people of Ranchi,” Tinku said. “The criminals left the city within 25 minutes after shooting at the brothers in the heart of the city, despite being under electronic surveillance. Not only this, they also reached Bihar safely within five hours after they committed the crime. This has exposed poor policing in the state. In case the gunmen are not arrested within 48 hours, we will give a call for Ranchi bandh.”

Contacted, a senior police officer said they were working on several leads to nab the criminals. “Several teams have been constituted. One team has been sent to Gaya and another to Aurangabad, both in Bihar. Several teams are conducting raids based on intelligence inputs. We are waiting for a breakthrough,” he said, but requested not to be named as he is not authorised to brief the media.

Both the Kheriwal brothers, aged 35 and 40, who had been operated upon for bullet wounds at RIMS, Ranchi, were airlifted in ambulances on Wednesday to Delhi for “better post-operative care”, their father Banwari Kheriwal said.

Thanking the RIMS doctors for “saving the lives of my sons”, he added: “Based on consultations with family members, we decided to send Rahul and Rohit to Apollo in New Delhi (Indraprastha Apollo Hospital) by air ambulance on Wednesday for post-operative care. We understand post-operative care is vital to quick recovery. Otherwise treatment here (at RIMS) has been done properly,” Kheriwal said.

Rahul was seen speaking to his parents anxiously while being wheeled out of the RIMS trauma centre for Delhi in the morning. “He was worried about medical expenses, but I asked him not to worry about money and said I was getting support from my brothers. I said ‘we just want you two to recover completely’,” the father said.

India vs South Africa: R Ashwin aims to surpass Harbhajan Singh in elite list led by Anil Kumble

Source: hindustantimes.com

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is going though a rich vein of form and he will look for similar level of performance when India take on South Africa in the third and final Test of three-match series starting Saturday. The hosts have already taken an unassailable lead courtesy of their convincing victories in first two Tests. Virat Kohli and his troops will now aim to whitewash Proteas at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

For that to happen, India will hope Ashwin continues his scintillating wicket-taking run in the third Test. With 14 wickets in two Tests, the tweaker in the leading wicket-taker in the series thus far, four ahead of teammate Ravindra Jadeja.

An added incentive for Ashwin will be that he could surpass Harbhajan Singh in the list of most wickets taken by an Indian bowler against South Africa in the longest format. Ashwin needs nine wickets to overhaul Harbhajan and secure the third spot in the list led by Anil Kumble.

Ashwin continued his rise in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers after his stupendous show with the ball in Pune. Ashwin, who had entered the top 10 after the first Test in Visakhapatnam, has now moved to the seventh spot, courtesy of his six wickets which he took against the Proteas in the second Test.

Meanwhile, Kohli has already issued warning to the opponents and said India will not “take their feet off the gas” and will aim for a whitewash when the final Test begins in Ranchi.

“Looking at the larger picture of the Test championship, every game has value, whether it is at home or away, that is the format. So, we’re not going to take our foot off the gas in the third Test,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation in Pune.

“No one is going to relax at any stage, we are going to go for a result in the third Test and hopefully make it 3-0, that’s a guarantee,” he said.

After condoms for stomach pain, another Jharkhand doctor prescribes pregnancy test for male patients

Source: timesnownews.com

Ranchi: It seems the government doctors in Jharkhand are leaving no stone unturned to bemuse their patients. In a bizarre development, a doctor in Chatra district of Jharkhand prescribed pregnancy-tests for two men when they complained of stomach-ache.

However, the doctor in question has denied having prescribed such a test and claimed he was being framed in the case. Earlier, a doctor had advised a woman patient to use condoms when she complained of regular stomach-ache.

According to a report, the Civil Surgeon has ordered an inquiry into the matter. The matter came to light after two patients-26-year-old Kameshwar Ganjhu and 22-year-old Gopal Ganjhu-were told by a pathology lab that they have been prescribed pregnancy tests by the doctor identified as Mukesh Kumar. 

However, after the disclosure by the lab, the two patients did not get any tests done and returned to their village. At their village, they informed people about what happened to them at the hospital. 

The report suggests that the doctor Mukesh Kumar prescribed ANC test to the two men. The test is basically prescribed for women to check pregnancy. 

As the matter became public and was highlighted in the media, the district civil surgeon ordered a probe to get into the details of the matter. 

“I have ordered a probe after the matter was brought to my notice on Saturday. And I have ordered the doctor in-charge to probe the incident. This whole incident could be a conspiracy by quacks against the doctors at this hospital,” the report quoted Civil Surgeon Arun Kumar Paswan as saying. 

Meanwhile, the concerned doctor has alleged foul play claiming the hospital register maintains the names of the wives of the two men. The doctor said it is an attempt to malign his image.

“The two women instead of entering their names in the prescription paper wrote the names of their husbands. The tests were carefully prescribed to women and this is registered in the hospital register,” the doctor said.  The doctor also claimed all the confusion was caused due to the wrong entry of the names in the prescription paper.

In August this year, a government doctor in Jharkhand allegedly prescribed a woman condom when she told him about her stomach pain.

The incident was reported from Ghatshila sub-division hospital in East Singhbhum district of the state. The accused doctor has been identified as Asraf Badar, who is working on a contractual basis with the hospital.

Bus bays in poll-code race

Source: telegraphindia.com

Decks have been cleared for completing the tender process of Transport Nagar in Ranchi and the new bus terminus in Dhanbad by the end of this month so that the construction work can begin before the model code of conduct for the Assembly polls comes into effect.

However, it will be a race against time to ensure the start of work on the new inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) in Jamshedpur and redevelopment of the Birsa Munda Bus Terminus at Khadgarha in Ranchi before the poll notification. Work on the new ISBT in Ranchi will start next year.

State urban development secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh, who is also the chairman of Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (Juidco), reviewed the upcoming projects on Monday.

After a three-hour meeting, Singh directed Juidco officials and Bangalore-based private consultant iDeCK to complete the tender process of the Dhanbad bus terminus and Transport Nagar project at the earliest so that foundation stone could be laid by the end of this month.

“The private consultant and Juidco officials informed that the draft detailed project report (DPR) of Transport Nagar at Sukurhuttu ( Ranchi) and the terminus at Bartand in Dhanbad are ready,” Singh said.

Senior Juidco officials said the completion of tender process and the issue of work order would take a minimum of 21 days. Though the foundation stone can be laid by the end of this month, work can only commence in the first week of November.

“We are racing against time to ensure work gets started on this project to escape delay due to model code of conduct,” a Juidco official said.

The new bus terminus in Dhanbad will come up on 18.42 acres at Bartand near the existing terminus at a proposed cost of Rs 250 crore on a PPP (public-private-partnership) mode. It will have AC waiting halls, washrooms, parking bays for two and four–wheelers, retail shops. It can park 35 buses and as many as 18 buses can leave the terminus for various destinations at one go.

The Transport Nagar will come up on 40 acres at Sukurhuttu at a cost of Rs 250 crore and can accommodate 705 trucks. It will have a health care center, weight bridge, workshops, food court, canteen, retail shops and dormitory for 700 persons.

“A directive has also been issued to the private consultant to submit the DPR of the ISBT at Jamshedpur and renovated Birsa Munda Bus terminus at Khadgarha (Ranchi) by this week-end,” Singh said.

Juidco sources , said the foundation stone laying for Jamshedpur and Khadgarha projects couldn’t possibly take place before the middle of November and the poll notification would be issued by then.

The Jamshedpur ISBT would come up near Pardih in Mango close to NH-33 on 10 acres of land at a cost of Rs 35 crore. The Khadgarha bus terminus will be set up on 15 acres at a cost of Rs 144-crore. 

Nudge to get IIT seal on Ranchi’s Kantatoli flyover

Source: telegraphindia.com

he state urban development department will seek the cabinet’s approval to engage IIT-Bombay for vetting the Kantatoli flyover project and sanction Rs 17 lakh as fee to the tech institute.

The project is being undertaken by Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Juidco).

In 2016, the state government had directed the department to get the project vetted by an IIT, but it could not be done because the original design of the flyover was changed several times.

“The project has been approved by the Central Design Organisation. However, we want to remain on the safe side by removing flaws in the design and construction, if there are any, by getting the project audited by a third party. As the design and layout of the project was changed several times, it was not possible to hire any agency to vet the project till we have a final design,” a Juidco official said.

Originally, the total length of the flyover was around 900 metres. Later, the layout was changed and the length of the flyover was revised to 1,250 metres.

Secretary of urban development department Ajoy Kumar Singh said: “We had sought quotations from IITs. IIT-Bombay quoted Rs 17 lakh as vetting fee. Now this matter will be taken up with the

cabinet for approval so that the fund is allocated and the tech institute is roped in on nomination basis.”

Cost escalation is another issue that has impeded the execution of the project, which is going on at a tardy pace.

Initially, the project cost was estimated at Rs 192 crore. Currently, it stands at Rs 257 crore.

In August, the urban development department moved a proposal seeking the finance department’s approval for the revised budget.The estimate committee of finance department examined the proposal and forwarded it to empowered committee.

The empowered panel formed a committee headed by an official of the rank of engineer-in-chief of road construction department.

“That committee has given its report, which we are going to place before the finance department. I am hopeful that the entire process will be completed soon. After that, the proposal will be placed before the cabinet for its approval,” Singh said.

Murshidabad triple murder: Protest held by members of various Hindu outfits in Ranchi

Source: indiatoday.in

Various members of Hindu organisations, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), protested in Ranchi, Jharkhand on Sunday against the triple murder of a family in Murshidabad.

According to sources, at least 100 people joined the protest to show solidarity to the RS-associated family that was allegedly murdered in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on October 10.

The agitators recreated the murder scene by performing a play, said sources.

The state police found the bodies of Bondhu Gopal Pal, a 35-year-old primary school teacher, his wife beauty, and, son which were found lying in a pool of blood at their residence in Jiaganj area of Murshidabad.

The incident came to light after the neighbours did not see the family members at the Vijayadashami celebrations in the area.

Videos and graphic photos the dead family members did rounds on social media platforms too.

The triple Murshidabad case invoked sharp reactions against Kolkata police and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Ranchi diary: Ban on single-use plastic at Jharkhand government offices

Source: newindianexpress.com

Ban on single-use plastic at govt offices

Single-use plastic items will be banned at Jharkhand government offices from October 2. The rule will be implemented at all such offices, which are either directly or indirectly under control of the state government. Chief Secretary DK Tiwari, on the proposal of Forest department, directed to ensure that ban is implemented in every government office all over the state. According to the directions issued by the state government, the offices will have to make arrangements for collecting plastic waste separately so that it could be disposed of in a proper way. 

Pamphlets to check child-lifting rumours

To check mob-violence following rumours of child-lifting, the Ranchi Police has decided to distribute pamphlets in both rural and urban areas as well to spread awareness among the people. A team of police personnel and members of a peace committee will paste posters in some of the strategic locations, appealing the people not to pay heed to such rumours. The people will also be told about the provisions of law under which they could be punished, if found involved in any kind of mob-violence.  Earlier, Jharkhand DGP K N Chaubey had told the media that the police were holding meetings with the people and cautioning them against mob violence, but added that law enforcers need the society’s contribution and help to control the menace.

Authority to protect witnesses

To ensure security to court witnesses, an authority will be set up in each of the districts headed by a principal district judge. The authority will identify such witnesses who are vulnerable to pressure. The witnesses may also request to the authority to provide security if they feel that their life or property is in danger. It will encourage witnesses to appear in the court boldly without fear as it will provide them a sense of security inside and outside the court campus.  The suggestions for forming such an authority came after several witnesses were intimidated by moneyed people.

Feat for Sadar Hospital

Adding one more feather in its cap, Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital has come second in the country for treatment of patients under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. According to officials in the Ranchi administration, 6,840 patients were treated under the Ayushman Bharat in the last one year. Officials claimed that more than 45,000 patients were treated free of cost in the district, providing benefits worth more than `62 crore to them. Sadar Hospital has provided five times more benefits than the state’s premiere health institute, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.

Sabrimala Temple at Ranchi railway station pandal

Source: dailypioneer.com

This festival season puja pandal revellers of the city will get a glimpse of ‘Gods own country’ right here in Ranchi. Known for showcasing the heritage of various Indian states like Rajasthamn, Odisha and Jharkhand in the past few years, this year at the Ranchi Railway Station puja pandal, Ranchiites will get to witness the vibrant art and culture of Kerala.

From creating a facsimile of the famous Sabarimala temple to portraying the renowned dance forms Kathakali and Mohiniyattam to the traditional boat race Vallam Kali conducted during Onam, this puja pandal will have it all.

At the main entrance of the pandal, the visitors will be greeted by statues inspired from the south and also 1000 diyas will be lit up. To give a view of the boat race a 60 feet boat is also being made from bamboo and hay with figures performing Kathakali and Mohiniyattam on it.

In the passage leading to the main idol 100 hands will be seen in the various mudras of the Bharatnatyam. The walls of the pandal will be decorated using about 700 ‘dafli’ with dancers painted in the centre performing the Mohiniyattam.

The idol of Goddess Durga which will be about 15 feet tall will be seen in the form of a Kathakali dancer. The other deities will also be in various dance postures. All the idols are being made of clay while the costumes and ornaments are being made to order from the south. “Every year the organising committee tries to portray the diverse culture of India.

Representing different states, this year the theme for the pandal is inspired from the state of Kerala. For people who are unable to travel, it is our attempt to introduce them to the various traditions and cultures of our country. It is also an effort to create awareness about old and dying dance forms,” said Munchun Rai, President Ranchi Railway Station Durga Puja Committee.

Bamboo, coconut rope and hay are primarily being used for the pandal structure and minimum use of theramcool is being ensured. The entire structure of the pandal will be about 30 feet high and 50 feet broad. The whole event is being primed at a whopping cost of Rs 30 lakh. The pandal will be open to take visitors from October 3.

The organisers are also giving special emphasis to conserve the environment. Food stall owners around the pandal premises are being asked to ensure cleanliness and dry and wet dustbins will also be placed at frequent intervals. The committee has asked RMC to collect garbage twice a day.

 To maximize security about 10 CCTV cameras will also be installed. Separate lines using barricades for male and female pandal hoppers will be made.

For the first time, the organising committee is conducting the event not on the main road leading to the Ranchi Railway Station but instead the puja pandal is being set up in a colony situated right behind the station.