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New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Fear in Okhla over demolition notice
NEW DELHI: In the tightly packed lanes of Taimoor Nagar, Batla House, and Muradi Road, anxiety hangs thick in the air, with just days left for demolition—scheduled a day before Eid (June 7). On the night of May 22, without warning or explanation, eviction notices were slapped on the residents' doors. No police presence nor prior communication. Just red crosses painted on walls that have seen generations come and go. Families who have called the streets home for over 40 years now count down the final days before they are displaced. The notice warns in Hindi: 'This is to inform the general public that in Village Okhla, at Khasra Number 277 (Khizar Baba Colony, Muradi Road), Delhi, land belonging to the Irrigation Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh has been illegally encroached upon, and permanent houses and shops, have been constructed. Remove these illegally constructed houses and shops within 15 days. Else, in the event of any damage/harm, you'll be solely responsible.' This comes weeks after the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on May 8 to carry out a demolition drive to raze unauthorised structures spread over more than 4 vighas of public land in Okhla villages as per the due process of law within three months. Accordingly, a 15-day notice was to be served before demolition. The Supreme Court's order emanated from a contempt plea related to non-compliance with a 2018 directive, in which an order was passed against illegal construction and encroachment on public land.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh marks Buddha Purnima with global celebrations and spiritual invitation
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India's spiritual heritage, celebrated Buddha Purnima with a series of global and local events, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the Buddhist Circuit. From the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Shravasti to international stages in Vietnam and Bodh Gaya, the state showcased its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha. The celebrations were led by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Director General and Principal Secretary, emphasising the state's deep-rooted spiritual identity. 'Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual odyssey where the Buddha's teachings come alive. We are committed to preserving historic Buddhist sites and creating a welcoming experience for global travellers,' he said. Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of Dhih Research Journal (Buddharpan) at Sarnath in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies. The event, filled with the chanting of Pali and Tibetan mantras, was a symbolic blend of scholarship and spirituality. In Shravasti and Sankisa, devotional events such as Dhamma Yatra, Deepdaan ceremonies, and food donations brought communities together in reverence and reflection. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also extended its outreach by participating in national and international events. At Bodh Gaya's Trividh Purnima and the Mahabodhi Society event in Bengaluru, the state highlighted its Buddhist offerings. Meanwhile, the celebration of UN Vesak Day in Vietnam allowed Uttar Pradesh to showcase its spiritual destinations to a global audience, fostering international cultural collaboration. Easily accessible via international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh invites travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit — home to revered sites like Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kushinagar. These destinations offer visitors a chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk the paths once tread by the Buddha, and connect with timeless teachings in a setting of peace and historical depth. With enhanced infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and a strong focus on safety, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural exploration.
