Uttarakhand

• 13 May 2024

Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand Opens for Devotees

Why in News?

The doors of the Badrinath temple in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand opened for devotees on 12^th May 2024 after remaining closed during the winter season.

Key points

• The Chardham Yatra to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri began with the opening of the shrine.
  • Following six months of closure, the doors of the Badrinath temple were unlocked while vedic mantras were chanted, rituals were performed, and drums were played.
  • The doors of the Kedarnath, Yamyunotri and the Gangotri temples opened for devotees on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Badrinath Temple

• The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu holy shrines for Vaishnavas who is worshipped as Badrinath.
• It is situated along the banks of Alaknanda river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Government to Spend Money on Roads Along China Border

Why in News?

According to the sources, The government is likely to spend over Rs. 2 crore on each kilometre of road to be constructed along the China border in Uttarakhand and Sikkim under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP).

Key Points

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned 113 roads under the VVP in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, to improve connectivity in areas along the China border.
  • While 105 roads have been sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh, five roads in Uttarakhand and three roads in Sikkim have also been approved.
• According to the MHA’s sanction letter, 43.96 km of roads are to be built at a cost of Rs. 119 crore at Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.
  • Each kilometre of road is expected to cost Rs. 2.7 crore. Once constructed, the “asset” will have to be maintained by the State government.
  • In Sikkim, around 18.73 km of roads and 350 metres of steel bridges have been sanctioned under the VVP at the Chungthang and Mangan block in north Sikkim at a cost of Rs. 96 crore.
  • Each kilometre of road construction will cost Rs. 2.4 crore.

Vibrant Villages Programme

• It is a Centrally sponsored scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 (to 2025-26) for development of villages on the northern border, thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.
• It will cover the border areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh.
• It will cover 2,963 villages with 663 of them to be covered in the first phase.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.
• There will not be overlap with the Border Area Development Programme.

Uttarakhand High Court Asks Government for Relocation

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Uttarakhand State Government to locate a new site for moving its operations out of Nainital within a month, stating that this move is in the best interest of the public.

Key Points

• The court also directed the Registrar General to create a portal to take suggestions from advocates and the general public on the issue.
• On the state government's earlier proposal for shifting the High Court to Gaulapar in Haldwani, the high court observed that the land earmarked for the purpose had 75% forest cover and construction in the area would lead to deforestation.
  • The high court also made a few recommendations for the kind of land required for its relocation and facilities, including proper accommodation for judges, judicial officers, staff and court rooms.
  • The high court's decision to shift its premises has drawn a lot of resistance by the bar association.

Bar Council of India

• About:
  • The Bar Council of India is a statutory body created by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961 to regulate and represent the Indian bar.
• Regulatory Functions:
  • Prescribing standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.
  • Establishing procedures for disciplinary actions.
  • Setting standards for legal education in India and recognizing qualifying law degrees.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Protecting the rights, privileges, and interests of advocates.
  • Organising legal aid for the underprivileged.
  • Conducting elections for Bar Council members.
  • To deal with and dispose of any matter which may be referred to it by a State Bar Council.