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95.1% rural households have access to toilets: Govt tells Lok Sabha
In a written reply in Lok Sabha, the minister quoted findings from the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2023-24 conducted by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, which covered 17,304 villages across 729 districts in the country.
The survey included feedback from 2,60,059 households and 85,901 public places such as schools, anganwadis, health centres and markets.
In terms of waste segregation, only 39.9 per cent households reported segregating waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, it said.
At the village level, 45 per cent have exclusive or shared vehicles to collect and transport solid waste, and 29.4 per cent have designated sheds for storage and segregation.
For plastic waste management, 62.1 per cent villages reported having forward linkages in place. Among the public places surveyed, 91.1 per cent have minimal stagnant water, and 76.7 per cent have access to toilets, the survey showed.
Out of the 437 faecal sludge treatment plants with urban linkages, 83.8 per cent were functional. Of the 1,029 plastic waste management units surveyed, 61.4 per cent were operational, while 58.5 per cent of the 451 GOBARdhan and biogas plants were found functional, the minister said, quoting the survey.
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Economic Times
18 hours ago
- Economic Times
Advanced version of Kavach ready for commissioning on 324 km of Mathura-Kota section: Vaishnaw
The advanced version of Kavach 4.0 on 324 km of the Mathura-Kota section has been approved by an independent safety assessor and is ready for commissioning, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. Asked to give an update in the Lok Sabha on the installation status of Kavach in the Indian Railways by June 30, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated his earlier statements, saying the automatic train-protection system is provided progressively in a phased manner and it has already been deployed on 1,548 route km in the South Central Railway and North Central Railway. "Presently, work is in progress on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3,000 RKm). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about 2,200 RKm as on 30.06.2025," Vaishnaw said in a written reply."After extensive and elaborate trials in 324 kms of Mathura-Kota section for advance version of Kavach 4.0, the section is approved by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) and the section is ready for commissioning. This is also the first section to be approved by ISA for Kavach version 4.0," he the details of the installation of various components of Kavach, the minister said the laying of optical fibre cable has been done up to 5,856 km, 619 telecom towers have been installed, 708 stations have got Kavach equipment, 1,107 locos have been fitted with the Kavach system and the installation of track-side equipment has been completed on 4,001 route km. Vaishnaw said the installation of Kavach has been sanctioned on railway routes, such as Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai-Bhusawal including Mumbai Area, Igatpuri-Badnera-Nagpur-Narkher, Balharshah, Lonavla-Pune-Daund-Baramati, Ankai-Pune-Miraj-Kolhapur, Kurdwadi-Latur, Purna-Akola, including branch lines in Maharashtra, totalling 3,856 route also informed the House that similarly, 1,219 route km in Madhya Pradesh, including in the Narker-Jujharpur, Amla-Parasia-Chindwara, Wagoda-Khandwa, Dhaulpur-Agasod, Itarsi-Bina, Ratlam-Jawad and Nagda-Bhopa sections, have been sanctioned for Kavach installation."The cost for provision of track side including station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs 50 lakh/km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs 80 lakh/loco," the minister said."The funds utilised on Kavach works so far up to June '25 is Rs 2,015 crore. The allocation of funds during the year 2025-26 is Rs 1,673.19 crore. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works," he added. Kavach aids the loco pilot in running rains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes, in case the loco pilot fails to do so, and also helps the trains run safely during inclement weather. PTI
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
J&K, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh's umatched sacrifice: 40% Kargil martyrs from 4 states
1 2 Chandigarh: As the country commemorates the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, nearly 40% of the soldiers among those who turned the tide of the conflict in the remote mountainous region hailed from Haryana, Punjab , Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir---though at the cost of their lives. Of the 527 casualties suffered during the war, 213 were from these four states. Despite constituting only about 6% of the country's population, the pain and loss of the war was most profoundly felt by the people of this region. Even two of the four Param Vir Chakras (PVC), country's highest gallantry award given for the highest and bravest act of valour in the presence of the enemy, awardees, Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar were from Himachal Pradesh. Apart from this, several other gallantry awards were conferred on the soldiers from the region for their heroic acts during the Kargil war. As far as state wise figures are concerned, Jammu and Kashmir had suffered the highest number of 69, closely followed by Haryana 58, Punjab 45 and tiny Himachal Pradesh had suffered 41 casualties in Kargil war. The states of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir constitute 2.09%, 2.9%, 0.56% and 1.04% respectively of the total population of the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World's Most Stunning Blue Flag Beaches Ranked: Top 25 List! Click Here Undo These figures of state wise casualties of soldiers in the Kargil war were placed before the Lok Sabha on July 27, 2000. As per the official data, the highest number of 147 casualties of soldiers were from Uttar Pradesh, 69 from Jammu and Kashmir, 54 from Rajasthan and 17 were from Bihar. Even 21 soldiers, who were native of Nepal, had also lost their lives in this war. Casualties from the region in Kargil war State Total Casualties Population (%) Haryana 58 2.09 Punjab 45 2.29 Himachal Pradesh 41 0.56 Jammu & Kashmir 69 1.04 Total 213 5.98 Data Source: Parliament digital library Prominent Kargil heroes from the region Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra (posthumously): Known as hero of the Kargil war, Capt Batra of 13 JAK Rifles had captured two strategically important peaks---Peak-5140 and Peak-4875 and was awarded country's highest gallantry award---PVC (posthumously). He is also famous for his slogan "Yeh Dil Mange More" and for the name "Shershah" given by his unit. He was from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. Subedar Sanjay Kumar, Param Vir Chakra: Posted with 13-JAK Rifles, he volunteered to be the leading scout of the attacking column tasked to capture the Flat Top of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley on July 4 1999. During the attack when enemy automatic fire from one of the sangars posed stiff opposition and stalled the column, Sanjay Kumar (then a Rifleman) realizing the gravity of the situation and with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged the enemy In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed three of the intruders and was himself seriously injured. Taken totally by surprise, the enemy left behind one Universal Machine Gun and started running. He picked up the gun and killed the fleeing enemy. He is from Himachal Pradesh. Colonel Balwan Singh, Maha Vir Chakra (MVC): Posted as Lieutenant with 18-Grenadiers during kargil war, Balwan Singh and his team were tasked to assault Tiger Hill Top on the night of July 3, 4, 1999. The team led and exhorted by him moved for over twelve hours under Intense Artillery Shelling by the enemy to reach the designated location. This outflanking manoeuvre took the enemy totally by surprise as his team used Cliff Assault mountaineering equipment to reach the Tiger Hill Top, by stealth. He was awarded the country's second highest—MVC for his unparalleled courage. He is from Haryana. His son has recently joined the army. Captain Amol Kalia, Vir Chakra (Posthumously): On June 8, 1999, Captain Amol Kalia along with his men were tasked to capture an enemy post at Point 5203 in the Batlik-Yaldor Sector at a height of 17,000 feet. Leading from the front, Captain Kalia selected the least likely approach, which was tough and difficult. He assaulted the enemy position with a handful of men and managed to capture the height against heavy volume of enemy artillery and small arms fire. Soon the enemy launched a counterattack. In a hand-to-hand fight, which followed, his light machine gun crew was killed. Captain Kalia took over the light machine gun himself and killed three enemy personnel and injured three others. In the action he was hit by a burst of bullets and breathed his last on June 9, 1999. A native of Una in Himachal Pradesh, Kalia was awarded Vir Chakra—the third highest gallantry award of the country. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, Vir Chakra: Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was the first casualty of Kargil war. Ahuja's MiG-27 was brought down by a Pakistani missile on May 27, 1999, when he had gone scouting for missing Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa's aircraft. Arrested by Pakistani authorities, Ahuja was allegedly tortured to death. He was also awarded Vir Chakra (posthumously) for his heroic act. Lance Naik Ghulam Mohammad Khan, Vir Chakra: He was a soldier of 12-JAK-LI (Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry) and resident of Baramulla in J&K. On June 7, 1999, he displayed exceptional bravery during the assault on Point 5203. He spotted 20 enemy soldiers, neutralised three with a rocket launcher, and held his ground despite heavy retaliation that claimed eight comrades. He was martyred after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. Major Ajay Jasrotia, SM (P): He was from 13-JAK RIF and native of Jammu. On 15 June 1999 Major Jasrotia's unit's location at Drass faced heavy artillery fire from the enemy side. He took quick control of the situation and moved on despite heavy artillery shelling and tended to the wounded soldiers and arranged for their evacuation to safety. During this process a shell landed close to him but with utter disregard for his own injuries, he continued the evacuation and moved 6 injured men to safety before laying down his life. He was awarded the Sena Medal posthumously. Brigadier Kushal Thakur: He was commanding officer of 18-grenadiers that captured Tiger Hill and Tololing, decisive peaks during the war. He was decorated with the Yudh Sewa medal (YSM) for his role in the Kargil war. Timeline of Kargil War May 6, 1999 | Army Petrol spotted 9-10 infiltrators in the east of Batalik May 7, 1999 | Pakistan Artillery fired on Indian Petrol May 8, 1999 | First clash between troops and infiltrators May 9, 1999 | Heavy Shelling from Pakistan damaged Ammunition depot at Kargil May 10-14, 1999 | Infiltrators spotted in Drass, Kaksar and Mushkoh valley May 15, 1999 | Captain Saurabh Kalia of 4-Jat regiment and his petrol party was caught alive by Pakistan Army May 26, 1999 | Entry of Air Force in Combat action June 13, 1999 | Tololing, a major ridgeline, in the Drass sub-sector was captured after several weeks of bitter fighting. Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguriise sacrificed his life when he led a platoon to re-capture Tololing. He was later awarded Mahavir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award. June 21, 1999 | Point 5203 was recaptured under the leadership of captain Amod Kalia who later attained martyrdom. July 5, 1999 | Tiger Hill recaptured-- the 4660 metre strategic mountain position from which Pakistani soldiers dominated the Srinagar-Leh highway in Drass sector. Grenadier Yogender Yadav who was awarded Param Vir Chakra (PVC) for his bravery displayed in capturing Tiger Hills. Captain Vikram Batra PVC (Posthumous) also played a key role in capturing the strategic post. July 6, 1999 | Khalubar was recaptured-- The capture of Khalubar proved to be the turning point in Operation Vijay and led to the complete rout of the enemy. Lt Manoj Pandey PVC (Posthumous) displayed exceptional courage in capturing the post. July 7, 1999 | Point 4875 was recaptured by captain Vikram Batra who led his men to victory on this post. Now the post is named as Vikram Batra post. July 14, 1999 | Both sides ceased their military operations. Jul 26, 1999 | Indian armed forces achieved victory in the Kargil War after three months' strife. Thereafter July 26 is celebrated as Vijay Divas every year. Kargil War Fact file Number of Intruders Initial reports spoke of only 100 intruders, but later reports confirmed the number was at 3,000. Cost Daily cost of war for India was at around Rs 15 crore. Causalities: As per the official data of ministry of defence 527 Indian soldiers dead and 1,363 wounded during the conflict. Deployment The total Indian troop strength in the region had reached 730,000. The build-up included the deployment of around 60 frontline aircraft. Terrain The battle terrain of 'Operation Vijay' is dominated by high altitude peaks and ridgelines most of which are over 16000 ft. This region is part of the 'cold desert' region of Ladakh. Air operations The Air Force carried out nearly 550 sorties of all types over 50-odd days of operations during the conflict. One Mig-21, one Mig-27 and one MI-17 helicopter were lost. The planes used for ground attack were MiG-2ls, MiG- 23s, MiG-27s, Jaguars and the Mirage- 2000. Record Bombing The Indian Artillery fired over 250,000 shells, bombs and rockets during the Kargil conflict. Approximately 5,000 Artillery shells, mortar bombs and rockets were fired daily from 300 guns, mortars and MBRLs. Such high rates of fire over long periods had not been witnessed anywhere in the world since the Second World War.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
10,868 Anganwadi centres functioned less than 20 pc of working days in June 2025: Govt
New Delhi, More than 10,800 Anganwadi centres across India functioned for less than 20 per cent of working days in June 2025, while over 12.7 lakh centres were reported to have functioned for at least 80 per cent of working days in the same month, according to government data. 10,868 Anganwadi centres functioned less than 20 pc of working days in June 2025: Govt According to data from the Poshan Tracker cited in a written response in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, 10,868 Anganwadi centres were open for less than one-fifth of the working days in June 2025. The situation showed improvement when compared to June 2024, when 29,830 centres, which is almost three times as many, were found to be open for less than 20 per cent of the working days. States with the highest number of poorly functioning centres in June 2025 included Uttar Pradesh , Bihar , Arunachal Pradesh , and Manipur . In contrast, states like Goa, Delhi and the Union territory of Chandigarh had fewer than five such centres, while UTs such as Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli–Daman and Diu reported none. The minister also shared data on infrastructure access. As of June 2025, around 12.7 lakh AWCs had drinking water facilities, but only 8.4 lakh had piped water connections. Approximately 10.6 lakh had functional toilets, while about 9.3 lakh had operational kitchen sheds, and just under 9 lakh had permanent electricity connection. Responding to another query, Thakur said during the 15th finance cycle, i.e., up to FY 2025-26, a total of 17,000 Aganwadi-cum-creches have been envisioned for establishment under the Palna Scheme. 'Proposals for establishment of AWCCs are received from the respective state governments/UT administrations, which also contribute their corresponding share for the implementation of the scheme. 'Till date, 14,599 AWCCs have been approved by the ministry as per proposals received from various states/UTs,' Thakur said in a written response. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
