Uttarakhand

• 04 Jun 2024

Astro Tourist in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttarakhand government organised a three-day ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ to promote astro tourism in the region.

• Besides astro tourism, the state is also focusing on green tourism, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism

Key Points

• The event is part of Uttarakhand’s initiative to promote multidimensional tourism in the state.
• This pioneering initiative aims to make Uttarakhand a premier destination for celestial admirers and travelers seeking unique experiences under the night sky.
  • The event took place at George Everest Peak in Mussoorie, known for its spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley.
• The event featured stargazing through specialized instruments, talks by experts, an astrophotography competition, and special solar observations.

Muradi Demands Village Status Back

Why in News?

Muradi was merged into Naugaon Nagar Panchayat in 2018, alongside Mungra, Naugaon, and Dhari Gram Panchayats.

• Since becoming part of the Nagar Panchayat, the village residents have reported experiencing more losses than gains.

Key Points

• Agriculture is the primary income source in village, but Nagar Panchayat lacks farming facilities.
  • Irrigation canals (kools) maintained by the former Gram Panchayat are now neglected.
  • Increased wild animal intrusions (monkeys, pigs, stray cattle) threaten crops.
• A major canal damaged during highway expansion has remained unrepaired for five years and smaller canals also suffer damage, impacting irrigation.
  • Local youth raised Rs 35,000 for temporary canal repairs, which proved ineffective without government support.
• Transition from Gram Panchayat to Nagar Panchayat led to the loss of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) benefits.
• Residents now face higher house taxes, water, and electricity tariffs without service improvements.
• A major concern of Muradi residents is the increased migration.
  • The village boasts a historically non-migratory community, but residents fear that urban incorporation will disrupt this tradition.

MGNREGA Scheme

• About:
  • MGNREGA is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural development.
  • It provides a legal guarantee for one hundred days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.
• Implementation Agency:
  • The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.
• Objective:
  • This act was introduced with an aim of improving the Purchasing Power of the rural people, primarily semi or unskilled work to people living below poverty line in rural India.
  • It attempts to bridge the gap between the rich and poor in the country.