Chandigarh, Mohali to shut shops, restaurants by 7 pm today. Details here
In light of current security concerns and credible intelligence reports, authorities in Chandigarh and SAS Nagar (Mohali) have announced a series of emergency preparedness measures, including a citywide blackout and closure of public spaces like shops before 7 pm, to ensure public safety.The Chandigarh Administration held a special media briefing led by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav and Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur. Officials thanked the public for their cooperation during recent preparedness drills.advertisementThey also praised the efforts of Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) for helping spread verified information and preventing misinformation.
Citizens are urged to take note of emergency siren alerts.A fluctuating tone will indicate an emergency, while a continuous tone will signal that the threat is over. The administration is working to increase siren coverage across the city.During the blackout drill, officials observed that solar lights, night-vision CCTVs, and commercial signage continued to emit light.Authorities have directed RWAs, MWAs, and property owners to ensure complete compliance by switching off such lighting.HOTELS, DHARAMSHALAS TO BE USED AS EMERGENCY SHELTERSHotels and dharamshalas have been identified for use as emergency shelters. All government employees have been instructed to stay in the city, especially those involved in essential services.advertisementAll coaching institutes up to Class 12 will remain closed until further notice. Commercial establishments, including restaurants and malls, must remain shut today. Medical shops are allowed to function as usual.In SAS Nagar, District Magistrate Komal Mittal issued similar orders under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid using any outdoor lighting powered by inverters, generators, or solar sources.Public gatherings, use of fireworks, and high-intensity lighting devices are also prohibited.The administration has called on citizens to rely only on official channels for updates and to support upcoming civil defence and blood donation drives.Must Watch
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First Post
29-05-2025
- First Post
IPL explainer: What happens if PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 is washed out?
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between PBKS and RCB does not have a reserve day. So what happens if match is washed out? Check out the playing conditions, Mullanpur weather forecast and pitch report. read more Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, in New Chandigarh. Image: PTI The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs start today (29 May, Thursday) with a high-octane clash between table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers (RCB) in Mullanpur. While PBKS finished at the top of the points table, RCB came second after beating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final match. Both PBKS and RCB finished with 19 points from 14 matches; however, Punjab came first due to a superior net run-rate. Now they clash in a match for a direct spot in the final . The losing team from Qualifier 1 will have another chance to reach the IPL 2025 final as it will take part in Qualifier 2. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Qualifier 2 will be played between the losing team from Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator . Gujarat Titans (GT) face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator after the two teams finished third and fourth, respectively, in the IPL points table. What happens if PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 is washed out? But let's come back to the Qualifier between PBKS and RCB. It does not have a reserve day, which means a winner has to be found today. What will happen if the rain spoils the plans in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, today? If the match is washed out, then PBKS will qualify for the IPL 2025 final as they finished at the top of the points table and RCB will move to Qualifier 2. Will it rain in Mullanpur today? The Qualifier 1 in IPL 2025 will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. The good news is that there's no forecast for rain in the city. As per AccuWeather, the temperature in Mullanpur will be around 35°C at the start of the match and slowly dip to 28°C by the end. Humidity levels are expected to range between 38% and 51% during the game. The sky will remain clear, with little to no chance of rain throughout the contest. PBKS vs RCB pitch report The pitch at Mullanpur Stadium provides a fair contest between bat and ball. In the first innings, the batters get good support for strokeplay and are assisted by a fast outfield, however, spinners become more prominent in the second innings. But due to dew, the team winning the toss is expected to bowl first. The average first innings stands at 170 at the venue in IPL and only three times has a 200+ total been scored here.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Ahead of monsoon, MCG seeks inputs from RWAs to map flood-prone areas
Gurgaon: With the monsoon approaching, the MCG has begun compiling a list of areas vulnerable to waterlogging, which will be shared with councillors, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and the public for suggestions and additions. MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya on Monday directed officials to finalise the list and make it accessible via the civic body's website and social media platforms. Junior engineers have been assigned to locations identified as flood-prone, alongside sanitation and sewerage staff. The deadline for clearing all blockages in the internal drainage network is May 30. In a review meeting, Dahiya told officials that preventing waterlogging must be a priority this monsoon. "Clear directives were given to officials regarding the timely completion of essential tasks at locations susceptible to flooding," he said. He also instructed that all manholes be inspected, maintained and covered to avoid any accidents. Officials have also been told to ensure coordination between all departments and regularly monitor on-ground works. The civic body plans to make all rainwater harvesting systems functional before the rainy season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Sewer connections between the MCG's internal system and the GMDA's trunk infrastructure are also being checked. Apart from monsoon preparations, the commissioner asked departments to increase the use of treated water from sewage treatment plants for watering parks and for construction. On civic complaints, joint commissioners have been told to ensure timely redressal. The MCG is also working on an online system to monitor streetlights, which is expected to be in place by the end of the year. Dahiya also asked the officials to identify new sites for ad hoardings to boost revenue and to act against illegal advertisements.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
Hyd's east & northeast pockets join west in groundwater crisis
Hyderabad: What began in the west is now hitting the east and northeast — Hyderabad's groundwater crisis is deepening citywide, driven by unchecked construction and over-extraction. Areas like Malkajgiri, Trimulgherry, Uppal, and Saroornagar are witnessing alarming depletion of water tables, despite receiving excess rainfall between June 2024 and April 2025. According to the groundwater department, Malkajgiri recorded the lowest average depth to water level (DTWL) among all 46 mandals in Greater Hyderabad in April — 25.02 metres — surpassing even severely affected western pockets like Kukatpally and Ramachandrapuram. This sharp decline has triggered a spike in water tanker demand, with nearly 10,000 tankers booked daily in April drop has been steep and sudden. Malkajgiri's groundwater level fell from 18.78 metres in March to 25.02 metres in April — a decline of 6.3 metres in just one month. In Trimulgherry, another densely populated northeastern locality, the depth nearly doubled year-on-year, falling from 7.99 metres in April 2024 to 17.58 metres this year. Similar patterns are seen across eastern Hyderabad. In Ibrahimpatnam, for instance, groundwater levels dropped to 19.26 metres in April, compared to 10.71 metres in March. Other mandals such as Uppal, Medipally, and Saroornagar now report water tables between 15 and 20 metres deep. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are raising concerns over the dried-up water bodies. "The Ramakrishnapuram lake, which once spanned 30 acres and recharged our groundwater, has dried up. So has the nearby Kapra lake. Rampant construction and encroachments over the past four years have devastated these natural resources," said BT Srinivasan, general secretary of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations. Officials from the groundwater department attribute the crisis to unchecked extraction and rampant urbanisation. In Hayathnagar, for example, 135% of the annual extractable groundwater has already been used — 426 hectare-metres (ha.m) extracted against a sustainable limit of 326 ha.m. Saroornagar has also crossed the red line, with 117% groundwater exploitation. "Lakhs of borewells have sprung up across eastern Hyderabad, drastically reducing groundwater levels. To make matters worse, increasing concrete surfaces are blocking natural percolation," said K Laxma, director of the groundwater department. "The solution lies in promoting rainwater harvesting pits and recharge borewells across new and existing developments." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
