Five women were stripped and paraded naked in Deoghar district of Jharkhand after being charged of witchcraft, police said on Monday.

Five women, including three widows, were forcibly brought to a field Sunday in Patharghatia village in Deoghar, about 350 km from state capital Ranchi. They were stripped and paraded naked and two of them were forced to eat excreta, police said.

"Sushila Kumahrin, Sagiran Beebi, Hafijan Beebi, Sujan Beebi and Gulnar Beebi were tortured to accept that they were witches and practise black magic. The incident took place at the instruction of a witch doctor. The witch doctor said that these women were practising black magic and were causing problems in the village," a police officer said.

The women were rescued when local government officials and police reached the spot. However, the perpetrators managed to escape.

According to reports, hundreds of people witnessed the incident.

"We have lodged an FIR (First Information Report) against 11 people, including six women. We will soon arrest the perpetrators," the officer added.

Majority of perpetrators were Muslims and four of the five victims belonged to the same community.

In Jharkhand, women are subjected to different forms of torture after being branded witches. There are instances when women have been paraded naked, forced to eat human excreta and even killed.

According to official data, more than 700 people, majority of them women, were killed after being branded witches. The witch doctors manage to escape as people fear black magic if they are named.

HT / 19 Oct

Fumes coming out of cracks in a field near Nandan Pahar on the outskirts of Deoghar township has triggered panic.

According to sources, the gaseous emission, which was first spotted last evening, spread up to 2-3km by this morning. Local residents said that it smelled like cooking gas, but was not inflammable in nature. The district administration has decided to seek help from ONGC, Mumbai and New Delhi, to identify the nature of the fumes.

A group of boys, who had gone to play cricket in the field last evening, spotted the gas. They soon informed the elders, who rushed to the spot and found some cracks on the ground from where the gas was emanating.

Some local residents tried to dig holes in the affected area to locate its source, but stopped after more gas started coming out. "It smells like domestic gas but is not inflammable. I lighted a match stick and brought the flame near the cracks from where the gas was coming out, but it did not catch fire," said Jitendar Singh, a social activist at Deoghar.

Sub-divisional officer of Deoghar Ram Narayan Ram, who visited the spot this morning, said that the source and nature of the gas were yet to be ascertained.

"We have taken initiative to contact the ONGC offices in Mumbai and New Delhi. We will request them to send a team for proper investigation," he said.

Meanwhile, the district administration has barricaded the field to keep people away. Policemen have also been deployed at the spot. "It is just a precautionary measure. The suspense will be dispelled after the arrival of the ONGC team," said a police officer.

September 11, 2009 / Telegraph

A. The Project

The Jharkhand (JH) State Highway Project entails the upgradation and improvement of the existing State roads of Jharkhand with ADB assistance under the ADB's Country Operations Business Plan (2007-2009). The project will rehabilitate the deteriorated and damaged state road corridors to provide reliable road transport services and hence reduce poverty in the long term. The Executing Agency (EA) for this project will be the Jharkhand State Road Construction Department (JHRCD) which is responsible for about 6800 kms roads consisting of NH's, SH's and District roads.

In accordance with ADB's procedure for Project lending, a project road has been selected in the state of JH for project preparation and processing. This subproject comprises of the upgradation of the State highway section of Gobindpur – Jamtara – Dumka – Barhet – Sahebganj comprising of a total length of 310.7 kms, traversing through a total of six districts in the state. This existing road will be converted into a 2 lane State Highway under the Project.

B. Project Benefits and Impacts

The Project will augment connectivity between the six districts (Dhanbad, Jamtara, Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur and Sahibganj) and will lead to the easy accessibility of the local people to essential socio-economic services such as health care, education, administrative services and trade centres enhancing the general quality of life. One of the key problems faced by the local people presently is the lack of means of transport, as very few public transport ply on these roads due to the poor road condition. The limited transport vehicles that do ply charge nearly double fare particularly making accessing socio-economic services difficult for the poor communities in the area. The Project, by improving road condition, is anticipated to improve access and transport options manifold thereby benefiting the locals particularly the poor. The Package IV from Barhet to Sahibganj is the shortest package of the total project corridor; whic takes off from Barhet, passes through Borio and reaches Sahibganj. The sub project corridor in this package passes through tribal village like Kadma, Sonajori etc, where availability of ROW is narrow.

As part of the Project, the existing road in Package IV would be improved and widened to standard two lane entailing a total widening of 30 meters. Taking into account the widening involved and despite the anticipated social economic benefits, the Project will necessitate land acquisition hence entailing involuntary resettlement. In order to assess the Project level resettlement impacts, a detailed census survey was undertaken package wise from January 2008 onwards.

During the survey, it is estimated that a total of 857 households will be affected in Package IV – Barhet-Sahibganj subproject. The impacts of the present project largely include loss of land (residential and commercial); structure (residential, commercial and government & institution owned) income and livelihood (owners, employees, squatters). A total of 55.57 acres of land and 1047 assets (comprising of agricultural plots, residential, commercial and residential cum commercial assets, trees etc) will be affected as a result of the subproject improvements. The data gathered from the census survey reveals that amongst the affected 857 households, the majority 41% will incur loss of agricultural land, followed by 38% households incurring loss of residential structures. In addition, 5% will incur impact on Commercial assets and 15% on residential cum commercial assets. Table A presents a summary profile of the affected project population in the subproject as a whole.

C. Measures to Minimize Impact

All necessary efforts have been made in order to minimize the subproject impacts and to reduce disruption of livelihood. In order to minimize impacts to the maximum possible extent, adequate provisions have been incorporated into the planning and design of the subproject to minimize or mitigate any unavoidable impacts. The key technical efforts undertaken to minimize impacts comprise of – provision for - a) Community bypasses in several village areas and built up areas and into a more rural setting, b) reduction of Alignment & following existing road alignment in critical areas, and c) adoption of toe wall approach in embankment construction.

D. Objective of the Resettlement Plan

The resettlement plan (RP) is guided by the National R&R Policy - 2007, JH R&R Norms – 2009, Bihar R&R Policy - 2007 and various state laws on land acquisition, and relevant ADB Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (1995) and Operations Manual F2 on Involuntary Resettlement (2006).

The primary objective of the RP is to identify impacts and to plan measures to mitigate various losses of the subproject. The RP is based on the general findings of the resettlement census survey, field visits, and meetings with various project-affected persons in the subproject area. The RP presents (i) type and extent of loss of assets, including land and structures; (ii) principles and legal framework applicable for mitigation of losses; (iii) entitlement matrix, based on the inventory of loss and (iii) budget, institutional framework for the implementation of the plan, including monitoring and evaluation.

E. Stakeholder Participation and Disclosure of RP

Local level stakeholders were consulted in the subproject area while conducting initial social and poverty assessment. Similarly, due consideration was also given for Stakeholder consultations and community participation at different levels during RP preparation. A summary of this Resettlement Plan (RP) will be translated into Hindi and Santhali and will be made available to the affected people by the Executing Agency (EA) for review and comments on the policy and mitigation measures by means of subproject-level Disclosure workshops prior to loan negotiation. Copies of summary RP will also be made available at the local level public offices such as revenue offices and gram panchayat to stakeholders for local inputs prior to award of civil work contract. The proceedings of the disclosure workshop and the feedback received will be sent to ADB for review. The summary of the final RP will also be disclosed on the ADB Website.

F. Implementation Arrangements & Grievance Redressal

Executing Agency (EA) of the State Road Project in Jharkhand is the Road Construction Department (RCD) of the State government and will be responsible for overall strategic guidance, technical supervision, execution of the project, and ensuring compliance with the loan covenants. Project Implementation Cell under Road Construction Department will be established in Ranchi. This PIC will be headed by a full-time Director (ADB Project) reporting to the Secretary – RCD.

PIC would also ensure monitoring any changes to the subproject design. In case of change in subproject design thereby entailing change in resettlement impacts, a re-evaluation and updation of the RP will be undertaken. The updated RP will be disclosed to the APs, endorsed by the EA and will be submitted to ADB for approval prior to award of civil works contracts for the subproject. The updated RP, not just the summary will be disclosed to the APs as well as uploaded on the ADB website after ADB review and approval. PIC would also ensure that resettlement budgets are delivered on time for RP implementation. A field based District level Implementation Cell, headed by an Executive Engineer and assisted by a dedicated R&R Officer (RO) to implement the RP, will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the RP. This DIC will be assisted by local NGOs.

In order to resolve and address the grievances of the communities and people affected, a Grievance Redressal Cell would be established at the District Implementation Cell level. This Cell will comprise of the Executive Engineer, local NGO representative, community leaders (non- political), representatives of affected persons including women and vulnerable groups. To facilitate inter-departmental coordination as well as ensure speedy resolution of issues and grievances of the communities, a District level task force chaired by District Collector and comprising of District Land Acquisition Officer (DLAO), District Forest Officer (DFO), Executive Engineer and Additional District Magistrate and Relief Officer has been constituted at the each district level.

All compensation and other assistances1 will be paid to all APs prior to commencement of civil works. A detailed implementation schedule for the various activities is provided in Figure 7.2 in the main text.

G. Budget

The total estimated cost for resettlement operation and management for the Project is Rs. 85,215,411 (USD 2,028,938).

H. Training, Monitoring & Evaluation

An orientation and training in resettlement management will be provided under the Project by the ADB Consultant on NGO Engagement to the NGOs focusing on issues concerning - (i) principles and procedures of land acquisition; (ii) the policies and principles agreed under the ADB loan; (iii) public consultation and participation; (iv) entitlements and compensation disbursement mechanisms; (v) Grievance redressal and (vi) monitoring of resettlement operation.

The RP will have both internal and external monitoring. Internal Monitoring will be a regular activity for the PIC, which will oversee the timely implementation of R&R activities. Internal Monitoring will be carried out by the PIC and its agents, such as NGOs and will prepare monthly reports on the progress of RP Implementation.

External (or independent) monitoring will be hired by ADB to provide an independent periodic assessment of resettlement implementation and impacts to verify internal monitoring, and to suggest adjustment of delivery mechanisms and procedures as required.

Download the entire report here (.pdf).

Poor performance in the health sector has led to the adoption of Communication for Change (C-Change), a flagship programme of United State Agency for International Development (USAID), in Pakur and Deoghar districts of the state.

Based on the report of National Family Health Survey, the pilot project will be implemented in Jharkhand by a non-government organisation, New Concepts. The C-Change programme in the state will focus on youth health and fertility.

Speaking about the C-Change programme, consultant of New Concepts Richa Chaudhary said: "It aims at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of communication for behavioural and social change. These are integral to development in the sectors of health, environment and civil society."

The C-Change programme works with global and regional partners in developing and educating countries with different approaches. In India, System-wide Collaborative Association for Livelihood and Environment (SCALE) approach has been adopted for implementation of these programmes.

The SCALE approach starts with bringing different stakeholders including, individual, organisations, corporate houses and institutions, together on a common platform. Then the officials associated with the programme will ask the stakeholders on how to address the issues to bring about a change. Based on the suggestions steps will be taken.

This method helps in strengthening communication among stakeholders to create a network of interconnected interests and actions. The stakeholders in turn communicate and consult to implement several methodology to stimulate and achieve the desired goal.

According to Chaudhary, the understanding of health and fertility among youths may help reduce the risk of adverse results such as maternal, newborn and infant deaths, premature birth, low-birth weight and miscarriage.

"Our aim is to increase and strengthen organisational networks throughout the state, bring about changes in social norms supporting youth health and fertility such as delay in marriage, girls' education, delay of first child and spacing between children," said Chaudhary.

She maintained that SCALE would also aim at improving the health and fertility knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the people.

© The Telegraph / July 11, 2009

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Centre's ambitious project to connect the rural interiors with the state's roads, has failed to take off successfully in the Santhal Pargana districts — evident from an analysis of the past two years.

In the 2007-08 fiscal, the rural works department, the nodal agency assigned for the project, managed to complete only seven out of the 87 sanctioned roads, for which Rs 100 crore had been approved.

The state had approved Rs 100.45 core for the construction of 343.44-km of roads in Santhal Pargana. Of that, only Rs 29.28 crore was spent during 2007-08. Result: Eighty incomplete roads.

The situation was similar in the next financial year, 2008-09. Under PMGSY, 111 new projects were sanctioned and Rs 84.09 crore released. However, only five new roads were completed at a cost of Rs 12.25 crore.

During 2007-08, the construction of new roads was also not completed in Dumka, Sahebganj and Pakur districts. In Dumka, 12 new roads, stretching over 65.36-km, were scheduled to be completed. Out of the sanctioned Rs 21.18 crore, the rural works department spent only 5.85 crore.

In Deoghar, during 2007-08, only four the 39 sanctioned road projects were completed. Out of the sanctioned Rs 30.67 crore, the district managed to spend Rs 4.23 crore. In 2008-09, out of 35 sanctioned roads, only two were completed at Deoghar.

Similarly during 2007-08, only one road under this project was completed at Jamtara and two were completed in Godda. During 2008-09, Rs 10 crore was sanctioned for Godda. In 2007-08, out of a sanctioned Rs 27.06 core, Godda managed to spend only Rs 2.14 crore for completing two roads under the PMGSY.

The 2008-09 fiscal witnessed no improvement. As the officials concerned remained busy in publishing tenders and completing the formalities related to the tender process.

Not a single officer in the rural works department was available for comment on the cause of such delay or non-execution of the works for the roads under PMGSY.

Divisional commissioner of Santhal Pargana Sahazanand Sharma was also not available for his comment but sources from his office said that he recently expressed his deep concern over the delay of construction of the roads under the project.

Telegraph / June 9, 2009

Come July, shopping will be redefined at Kalagram, as rural artisans sell their handicraft items directly like in Dilli Haat.

Six years after it was conceptualised by the state industries ministry, three Kalagram centres — better known as urban marts — are all set to be inaugurated in Hazaribagh, Parasnath and Deoghar. The projects in Hazaribagh and Deoghar cost Rs 2 crore while the one in Parasnath is pegged at Rs 95 lakh.

"It indeed took a long time to complete the infrastructure at the three places. But once it is thrown open to the public, it will definitely be an added attraction to visit the state. The basic idea is to promote artisans and their handicraft and handloom through Jharcraft, an initiative of our department," said Dhirendra Kumar, the special secretary of the industries department.

The Dilli Haat in the national capital is a hub of craft and cultural activities, and has become a major attraction for tourists, especially foreigners.

Each of the Kalagram centres — prospective shopping destination for both domestic and foreign tourists — would be spread over two acres.

The inauguration of the marts is scheduled in July and the industries department is gearing up to select guests and choosing the final date.

According to the special secretary of the industries department, each Kalagram centre will have about 30 shops displaying the indigenous handicraft of the state. The artisans will also have full freedom to sell their products.

Like in Dilli Haat, the Kalagram centres will also have a food court with seven kiosks, an exhibition hall, a live demonstration counter and accommodation facilities for artisans. The marts will store handicraft items worth a minimum of Rs 3 lakh.

The Kalagram will be a kind of centralised market, which will not only provide a platform to artisans and weavers to display their products, but also create a space for people and art lovers to buy a variety of products from one place.

Being one out of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Baidyanath is famous for all. Deoghar, the home of gods, is modern name. In Puranas we find in its place names like Haridrapeetha, Ketaki van, Haritalik van, Chitabhoomi and Vaidyanath. In Bengal and upper provinces the place is generally known as Baidyanathdham.

The Baba Baidyanath temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is installed, and 21 other temples. The layout below will give an idea of how these 22 temples are laid out inside the campus.

LEGENDS & MYTHOLOGY

The Shiva Purana says that the demon-king Ravana, a great devotee of Shiva, wanted to take the lord to his land. Shiva told Ravana that he could take one of his 12 Jyotirlingas, which would be as effective as his presence. This was on the condition that Ravana would not place the linga anywhere on earth en route. The gods devised a ruse to stop him from succeeding. Varuna, the god of water, entered Ravana's stomach and the demon had to descend to earth to relieve himself. Vishnu, in the garb of an old Brahmin, appeared before Ravana, who requested him to hold the Jyotirlinga for a few minutes. But as soon as Ravana turned his back, Vishnu left the linga on the spot and vanished. Ravana returned to find the Jyotirlinga firmly fixed to the earth. In his frustration, he pressed it with his thumb and attempted to remove it. The linga thus acquired an indentation and tilted slightly, as it is seen to this day. Thereafter, he came every day from Lanka to perform his worship. The spot where Ravana came down to the earth is now revered as the Harila Jori. The place where the linga was deposited has come to be known as Baba Dham or Ravaneshwar Baidyanath Dham, popularly shortened to Baidyanath Dham.

The Matsya Purana narrates the sanctity of Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases. Another legend of the Santhal tradition says that after the death of Ravana, the lingam used to be worshipped by a shepherd boy called Baiju. The dham and Jyotirlinga thus came to be called after him.

The main temple was built by King Puranmal of Gidaur in 1516. It is said that the Palas of Bengal (8th-12th centuries) had extended their territory till Deoghar. In inscriptions found near the Tapovan Hill and Harila Jori areas, and near the villages of Sharot and Shator, there are references to Pala kings Narayanpala and Rampala, and evidence also indicates that the latter constructed parts of the temple complex.

Clock Tower

Baidyanath Temple

A golden pitcher weighing 65 kg, donated by the queen mother of the Gidhor family, shines bright at the crest of the temple. An extremely rare and precious moonstone is mounted on the top of the crest from inside, which is said to have been brought by the demon king Ravana from the celestial merchant Kuber's capital Alkapuri. It is believed that droplets of water kept falling on the Jyotirlinga from the moonstone even though there is no known source of water on top of the temple. This phenomenon can be seen even today.

All the 22 temples in the complex are painted white. There are shrines to Parvati, Jagatjanani, Ganesha, Brahma, Sandhya, Kalbhairav, Hanuman, Manasha (the serpent goddess), Saraswati, Surya, Ma Bagala (one of the shorshi, ie, 16 forms of Kali), Ram-Lakshman-Janaki, Ganga-Jahnavi, Ananda-Bhairav, Gourishankar, Narmadeshwar, Shiva, Tara, Kali, Annapurna, Laxminarayana, Nilkantha and Nandi. Of these, the main temple to Shiva as Baidyanath and the temple to Parvati, 30 yards to the north-east, opposite the main sanctum, are the most revered. Shiva presides here as the supreme physician.

The holy Ganga flows by Ajgaibinath Dham (105 km to the north of Baidyanath Dham) in Sultanganj. Every year, during the month of Shravan (mid-Jul to mid-Aug), devotees carry holy water from the Ganga on a yatra to Deoghar by foot, in order to worship Lord Shiva. The month-long Sravani Mela (Monsoon Fair) is also held at this time. Thousands of devotees, some of whom come from a far, undertake this difficult journey to form a 105-km long saffron-clad human chain that knows no caste or creed and remains virtually unbroken for 30 days. Called the 'Kanwarias' (the water bearers), young and old pilgrims chant 'Bol-Bamm' and 'Har Har Mahadev' in praise of Shiva. Besides the Sravani Mela, Deoghar becomes a fairground around Maha Shivaratri (Mar), Basant Panchami (Jan) and Bhadra Purnima (Sep)

Constructed 75 years ago by a pious widow, Rani Charushila Devi, is this 146 ft tall white marble temple with impressive pillars and black idols of Radha and Krishna. As it cost almost 9 lakh rupees to build back then, it earned the name 'naulakhya'.

WHILE IN BAIDYANATH DHAM

On the eastern outskirts, a panoramic view of Deoghar can be had from a hillock called Nandan Pahar (3 km from Clock Tower; there is also an amusement park here, which is open 8 am-8 pm). A huge idol of Nandi is to be seen here. Harila Jori (5 km north-east) has a temple to Shiva as Haritakinath, situated in what was once a grove of hartaki (myrobalan) trees, of which only two giant specimens remain. Trikut Pahar (18 km east), also known as Trikutachal, is a 2,470-foot high hill comprising of three peaks and thus the name. There are many wood apple trees here and devotees come to collect their leaves in the month of Shravan, giving this scenic spot the title 'the garden of Shiva'. The Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple here is also the origin of the River Mayurakshi, a stream that makes this site a picnic spot. Tapovan (10 km north-west) is said to be the place where Ravana meditated. The pond adjacent to this temple is called Shul Kund. Note that none of these sites have fixed timings and it is best to cover them as a day tour, starting early by, say, 7 am, to return by sunset, or even earlier.

AROUND BAIDYANATH DHAM

Pilgrims make it a point to pay homage to the black granite idol of Lord Krishna at the Basukinath Temple (45 km north-east of Deoghar, on the way to Dumka). The dam across the River Mayurakshi at Masanjorh is a tourist attraction (145 km south-east; open 9 am-5 pm).

Darshan Timings -

On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM. The temple doors open at this time. The Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Then the devotees begin their worship of the lingam.

In the evening at 6 - 9 PM the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshipping begins. At this time Shringar Puja takes place.

Scent is spread over the lingam. Again a stream of water is poured over the lingam. Sandal paste of Malayagiri is also pasted on the head of the lingam. There is an interesting tradition that a snake like throne of flowers (Jata Mukut) is also placed on the lingam which comes regularly from the Deoghar Jail since the British time.

How to reach Babadham ?

Babadham is located in north-eastern State of Jharkhand, four miles from Jasidih railway station on the main line of the Eastern Railway from Howrah to Delhi. There is a small railway branch line from Jasidih to Babadham. The railway station at Babadham is called Baidyanath Dham.

Babadham stands near the G.T. Road connecting Calcutta with Delhi. From the G.T. Road, you can take a turn to the state road at Bagodar or at Dumri. Devotees coming down from Kolkata or other parts of West Bengal can take the route via Jamtara.

In the North-East Dumka, Rajmahal and Bhagalpur; in the North-West Munger; in the West Hazaribag and in the South Giridih district border the region.

Nearby Airports are - Ranchi, Gaya, Patna and Kolkata.

By road Babadham (Deoghar) to Kolkatta 373 kms, Giridih 112 kms, Patna 281 kms, Dumka 67 kms, Madhupur 57 kms, Shimultala 53 kms etc.

Approximate journey time is 6 hrs from Munger,Ranchi, Dhanbad; 3 hrs from Sultanganj and 4 hrs from Bhagalpur & Hazaribag.

From Baba Baidyanath Dham to Patna :

(i) Deoghar-Jasidih-Chakai-Kodarma-Nawada-Biharsarif-Bakhtiyarpur-Patna.

(ii) Deoghar-Jamui-Sikandra-Nawada--Biharsarif-Bakhtiyarpur-Patna.

(iii) Deoghar-Jamui-Sikandra-Sekhpura-Barbigha-Biharsarif-Bakhtiyarpur-Patna.

(iv) Deoghar-Chakai-Jamui-Lakhisarai-Barahiya-Mokama-Barh-Bakhtiyarpur-Patna.

From Baba Baidyanath Dham to Ranchi :

(i) Deoghar-Sarath-Madhupur-Giridih-Dhanbad-Chas-Bokaro-Ramgarh-Ranchi

(ii) Deoghar-Madhupur-Giridih-Dumri-Bagodar-Hazaribagh-Ranchi.

(iii) Deoghar-Sarath-Chitra-Jamtara-Chitranjan-Maithon-Dhanbad-Bokaro-Ramgarh-Ranchi.

(iv) Deoghar-Dhanbad-Chas-Chasmor-Muri-Silli-Ranchi.

(v) Deoghar-Devipur-Bengabad-Giridih-Dumri-Bagodar-Hazaribagh-Ramgarh-Ranchi

(vi) Deoghar-Chakai-Rajdhanwar-Sariya-Bagodar-Hazaribagh-Ramgarh-Ranchi.

 

From Baba Baidyanath Dham to Kolkata :

(i) Deoghar-Sarath-Chitra-Jamtara-Chitranjan-Asansol-Durgapur-Kolkata.

(ii) Deoghar-Dumka-Masanjor-Siudi-Saintiya-Pannagarh-Burdwan-Kolkata.