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Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi to get 3 new water treatment plants, additional supply of 235 MGD
New Delhi: To address the growing water demand of its expanding population, Delhi will see the construction of three new water treatment plants, senior officials of (DJB) have said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These facilities will be located at Iradat Nagar, near Narela, Najafgarh in south-west Delhi, and Chhatarpur in south Delhi. Collectively, the new plants are expected to supply an additional 235 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water to the capital. The Iradat Nagar and Chhatarpur plants will each have a capacity of 80 MGD, while the Najafgarh plant will have a capacity of 75 MGD. There are also proposals to source water for these plants from dams in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Officials said a dam proposed on the Giri River in Himachal Pradesh is expected to supply 275 MGD of water to the capital. DJB has already provided Rs 214.84 crore to the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) for the project. Similarly, DJB has also made financial commitments toward other proposed dams: Rs 8.1 crore for the Kishau Dam on the Tons River in Uttarakhand and Rs 7.7 crore for the Lakhwar Vyasi Dam on the Yamuna River, also in Uttarakhand. According to DJB officials, the city's current population exceeds 2.5 crore. Based on the standard requirement of 50 litres per person per day, Delhi requires about 1,250 MGD of water. However, the current supply falls short at around 990 MGD. At present, the city's nine water treatment plants together supply approximately 1,000 MGD. The new projects are part of a broader effort to bridge the supply gap and ensure consistent water availability amid rising demand. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In recent years, several areas in Delhi have faced disruptions in water supply due to elevated ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, which hindered the operations of existing treatment plants. These ammonia surges resulted in periodic supply cuts, leaving some localities with little or no water. Last winter, the Wazirabad water treatment plant operated at half capacity due to contamination, while output from the Chandrawal plant was cut by 10%. The Haiderpur, Bawana, and Dwarka facilities also experienced reductions ranging between 5% and 10%, impacting large parts of the city. DJB's 2023 Economic Survey noted only a marginal increase in the capacity of the city's water treatment plants—from 943 MGD in 2022 to 946 MGD in 2023, a rise of just 0.31%. Despite supply challenges, Delhi govt continues to provide up to 20 kilolitres of free water monthly to households with metered water connections. To further strengthen the infrastructure, Delhi Jal Board will undertake a new Rs 300-crore project to lay an 11-kilometre pipeline. This initiative aims to mitigate intermittent water supply issues stemming from high ammonia levels in the Yamuna. The planned conduit will run from the Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant to the Wazirabad barrage, with work underway on detailed specifications and cost estimates.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why alleged suicide of a power corporation officer has Himachal Congress govt on back foot
On Tuesday, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government sent three senior officers Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma, and Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Gandhi on leave with immediate effect. Simultaneously, show-cause notices were issued to DGP Verma and SP Gandhi, asking why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them. The arguably unprecedented development in the history of Himachal Pradesh followed an investigation into the alleged abetment to suicide of Vimal Negi, 55, a Chief Engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL). The BJP has been mounting pressure on the Congress government since Negi's body was found near Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur on March 18, after remaining missing for eight days, linking it to alleged irregularities in a project being overseen by the Chief Engineer. Negi, a graduate of National Institute of Technology NIT, Hamirpur, was transferred in June last year from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd to HPPCL in Shimla, as Chief Engineer. He was overseeing the commissioning of the 32MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district, inaugurated by Sukhu, and being built at a cost of Rs 220 crore. On March 10, Negi left the HPPCL office in New Shimla, and went missing. His wife Kiran suspected foul play and approached senior officials, including the CM, for help. Sukhu asked DGP Verma to investigate the matter. Eight days later, on March 18, Negi's body was found, and protests erupted. Placing his body outside the HPPCL office, the protesters demanded the suspension of top officials of the power corporation, including Director (Electrical) Desh Raj, Managing Director Harikesh Meena, and Director (Finance) Shivam Pratap Singh. An FIR for abetment to suicide was lodged by Kiran Negi. Although Kiran named Desh Raj and Meena in her complaint, police lodged the FIR against unknown people, mentioning only the names of Desh Raj and the designation of in the summary of the FIR. Negi's disappearance on March 10 coincided with the start of the 18-day Budget Session of the Himachal Assembly. The BJP stepped up its protests after his body was found eight days later. On March 19, as the protesters sat with Negi's body outside the HPPCL office, BJP top leaders joined them. This prompted Sukhu to send his Cabinet colleagues to pacify the crowd. The same day, the government suspended Desh Raj, transferred Harikesh Meena, and relieved Shivam Pratap Singh of his duties. Sukhu also ordered a fact-finding inquiry by ACS Sharma. Simultaneously, an SIT under SP Gandhi was formed to investigate the case. Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur demanded a CBI probe, linking Negi's death to alleged irregularities in the Pekhubela Solar Power Project and 'pressure' on the officer to ignore the same, asking that Sukhu clarify the matter. Sukhu countered the BJP's allegations, saying he was doing everything he could to find the truth, including setting up the police team that recovered the body, and accused the Opposition of 'politicizing the death of a brillinat and honest officer'. Dissatisfied with the government measures, Kiran Negi approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, demanding that the probe be transferred to the CBI. The Court of Justice Ajay Mohan Goel issued notices to Sharma, DGP Verma, and SP Gandhi for status reports on the case, with their affidavits. In his affidavit, ACS Sharma said witness statements had indicated that Negi was 'harassed', but added that his mandate was a fact-finding probe – not a 'disciplinary inquiry'. Incidentally, he submitted his affidavit directly to the court, bypassing the Advocate General's office. DGP Verma also chose to bypass the Advocate General's office and, in his affidavit, raised several concerns regarding the SIT's investigation, including the alleged erasure of data in a pen drive found on Negi. Verma also alleged that SP Gandhi had not cooperated when he sought case records. SP Gandhi, who submitted his affidavit through the Advocate General's office, stood by his probe and suggested that Negi may have been suffering from anxiety. Gandhi told the court that the investigation is hectic and his SIT is underway to examine thousands of collected documents including some pertaining to the power projects. Taking note of the conflicting statements, as well as the findings of ACS Sharma, the High Court on May 23 upheld Kiran's appeal and ordered that the probe be transferred to the CBI. The next day, SP Gandhi accused DGP Verma of filing a 'misleading' affidavit. In further embarrassment for the government, Gandhi alleged that some personnel in the DGP's office had links with drug peddlers, and questioned the functioning of the Chief Secretary and a 'constitutional office' in Shimla. During much of this turmoil – including the filing of various affidavits, the High Court's decision to transfer the probe to the CBI, and SP Gandhi's press conference against DGP Verma – Sukhu was in Delhi attending various meetings, including of the NITI Aayog on May 25. Upon his return on May 26, top officials briefed him on the developments and reportedly pointed out that these were a gross embarrassment for the state government and an example of serious indiscipline, especially since officers bypassed the Advocate General while submitting affidavits. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla held a closed-door meeting with the CM, where he reportedly also raised the issue. The same evening, the government ordered DGP Verma, ACS Sharma, and SP Gandhi to proceed on leave; it is earned leave for Verma (who retires on May 31), medical leave for Gandhi, and casual leave for Sharma. The internal discord in the bureaucracy reflected in an SP openly accusing the DGP has left the state administration on the back foot. For Sukhu, the problem is compounded as the Home Department is under him. A senior Congress leader, who acknowledged that the Sukhu government had been shown in a poor light by the row, said: 'In fact, the CM was in favour from day one of shifting the matter to the CBI if Negi's kin so desired… He even took this decision at one point, but some officials told him not to go ahead as it would hurt developmental projects linked to the state's growth… He wouldn't have dared imagine that the probe would go to the Central investigation agency under such circumstances.' The charges against SP Gandhi are also damaging for the Congress as he is the same officer who heads the SIT probe into the Rajya Sabha elections held in February last year, where BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won despite the Congress majority allegedly due to cross-voting. The case was registered against then Independent MLA from Hamirpur Harish Sharma, who is now a BJP MLA, and Rakesh Sharma, a former IAS officer and father of former Congress MLA Chaitayna Sharma, who later lost the by-elections. BJP leaders have in the past accused Gandhi of harassing their MLAs and summoning them repeatedly for questioning.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
HPPCL chief engineer's death: Workplace toxicity is real. We should tackle it before it's too late
Written by Manju Mahipalan Toxins are harmful to our health, and so are toxic workplaces that constantly question and undermine the dignity and worth of individuals. Research from across the world has documented the adverse impacts of workplace toxicity on employee productivity, performance, and emotional, social, and physical well-being. In India, toxicity in the workplace is often considered normal, and employees are frequently unaware of the extent to which they are exposed to it daily — until a precious life is lost. The recent case of an HPPCL employee who was found dead after going missing for a week reveals the severe mistreatment that individuals may experience at the hands of the authorities. The fact-finding committee report shows that the employee faced constant humiliation and threats for over six months, which ultimately took a significant toll on his mental health. However, this is not the first reported case revealing the direct consequences of toxic workplaces. In 2022, a 31-year-old IT worker died by suicide, citing excessive workplace pressure. The same year, in September, an assistant manager of a Gurugram-based firm took his life, alleging that his reputation had been tarnished. In 2019, a 24-year-old software employee reportedly died by suicide in Hyderabad, stating that she would not receive any more work. What constitutes workplace toxicity? Toxic behaviours can be overt or covert. Low-intensity deviant behaviour that appears harmless — such as demeaning, disrespectful, or offensive comments to a co-worker, or ignoring, insulting, or yelling at someone — violates self-respect. These behaviours also include undermining an employee's credibility in front of others. Subtler forms of toxicity include microaggressions: unconscious verbal or behavioural slights, often stemming from insensitivity or incorrect assumptions, usually targeting minorities or marginalised groups. More explicit forms of toxic behaviour include bullying and harassment, manifesting as physical or sexual aggression, persistent criticism, intimidation, threatening, manipulation, false allegations, humiliation, work overload, and isolation or exploitation. Individuals who misuse authority and engage in harassing actions may be perceived as reinforcing their sense of power and control over others. From a psychological perspective, displaying toxicity could be a sign of internalised shame, insecurity, or even low self-esteem. Researchers have linked toxic behaviours to specific personality characteristics. Narcissistic tendencies, in particular, have been consistently correlated with toxic behaviours. Narcissists often possess a sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy, which can lead to negative organisational dynamics. Toxic workplaces are not just about the individuals who perpetrate such actions. A closer examination reveals a vicious cycle characterised by an empathy gap, inadequate support systems, and an atmosphere of conflict, distrust, and antipathy. Toxic cultures grow and thrive when such behaviours are normalised or when an unhealthy power imbalance exists within organisational hierarchies. These behaviours are exacerbated in organisations with more bystanders than active participants willing to question and protest against them. Studies indicate that while bystanders may occasionally sympathise with victims of workplace toxicity, their passiveness contributes to the perpetuation of such behaviour. The unsettling reality is that workplace toxicity can affect anyone, regardless of age, experience, or position, and it has a lasting impact on an individual's sense of self. How can we respond to this crisis before it is too late? First, it is crucial to adopt an organisational perspective in addressing workplace toxicity. Too often, instances of harassment, humiliation, or exploitation persist as isolated incidents with individual narratives that fail to compel companies to act. What is needed is a systemic perspective that enables the phenomenon to be addressed effectively. A systemic approach uncovers the latent patterns and dynamics underpinning workplace toxicity. Leadership matters, because people do not simply mimic organisational values — they emulate the behaviours modelled by those at the top. Without leadership, organisational culture cannot transform. Finally, efforts to address workplace toxicity must go beyond tokenistic awareness campaigns. Meaningful, targeted, multi-level interventions are required to prevent toxicity and remediate its damaging effects. These evidence-based interventions should empower individuals to confront their biases and dismantle the assumptions that shape their social interactions. No organisation can be truly sustainable if its workforce suffers and remains neglected. The writer teaches management studies at NIT Calicut, Kerala
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Vimal Negi was humiliated, threatened by senior officials: ACS report
The fact-finding report filed by additional chief secretary (home) Onkar Chand Sharma has pointed out that Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited chief engineer-cum-general manager Vimal Negi was humiliated and threatened by his senior officials. The report, submitted to the state government on April 8, claims that HPPCL director (electrical) Desh Raj had sent a threatening message -- 'aap problem mein aa jaoge (you will land in trouble)' to Negi in February this year. HT has accessed a copy of the report. The report says Negi was pressured to reduce the delay period in the Pekhubella Solar Power Project in Una from 45 days to 23 days. The report vindicates allegations made by the chief engineer's wife, Kiran Negi, that her husband was subjected to 'humiliation, ill treatment and harassment' for six months and was 'made to stand for hours with files and was not even offered a chair'. Desh Raj is named as an accused in the case. Vimal Negi joined the HPPCL corporate office on June 15, 2024, after promotion as chief engineer/general manager. The report said, 'There is evidence on record that Desh Raj used to humiliate and use unparliamentary and foul language towards late Vimal Negi. Almost all witnesses said Desh Raj's behaviour created a toxic environment.' In contradiction to Desh Raj's claim, in his statement to the ACS, that he had a friendly relationship with Negi, the report said, 'the conduct of Desh Raj was not appreciable under the circumstances.' In a press conference on Monday, chief minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu said, 'A prescription slip shows Negi had sought treatment on July 1, 2024, for depressive illness.' Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, while handing over the probe to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on May 23, had said 'This court is of the view that the mode and manner in which the government dealt with the report of the additional chief secretary (home) raises serious questions.'
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Fact-finding probe into HPPCL engineer's death reveals toxic workplace, show-cause notice for casual leave, threat message
Inquiry by a fact-finding committee into allegations raised by the wife of HPPCL chief engineer Vimal Negi that he was being harassed at work has highlighted the humiliation he faced from senior officers, a show-cause notice issued for availing casual leave, a threatening message, and toxic workplace conditions, among others. The body of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) chief engineer Vimal Negi, who went missing on March 10, was found on March 18 at Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur district. His wife Kiran had alleged that Negi's seniors at work had harassed him over the last six months and demanded a CBI probe into his death, a request denied by the state government. The inquiry conducted by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma revealed a threatening message sent to Negi —'Aap problem mein aa jaoge (You will land in trouble)' — from the then director (electrical) Desh Raj in February, demanding that he reduce the delay in the Pekhubella Solar Power Project in Una from 45 to 23 days, besides the toxic work conditions for women employees at the HPPCL Corporate Office in New Shimla. Sharma submitted his report before Justice Ajay Mohan Goel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on May 20. The findings were cited in the court's detailed order dated May 23, in which Justice Goel directed that the police investigation into the matter be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Speaking to reporters on Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said: 'I had asked ACS Onkar Sharma to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the allegations. When the officer submitted the report, I told him to once again confront the officials against whom allegations were raised by HPPCL employees.' Sharma, however, declined to re-examine the officers while replying to the state power secretary that he had been directed to conduct a fact-finding probe, and that cross-questioning or confrontation was appropriate only during a formal departmental inquiry. He submitted the report directly to the high court, bypassing the office of the Advocate General Anup Rattan. In his report, ACS Sharma noted: 'There is evidence on record that Desh Raj, director (Electrical), used to humiliate and use unparliamentary and foul language towards the late Vimal Negi. Almost all witnesses stated that Desh Raj's behaviour created a toxic environment at the HPPCL Corporate Office in Shimla. Employees submitted representations regarding the hostile work atmosphere, but no concrete action was taken by authorities.' Desh Raj, in his statement to the ACS, had claimed that he had a friendly relationship with Negi. However, the probe contradicted this claim. 'The conduct of Desh Raj is not appreciable under the circumstances,' the report noted. 'A public office is considered a second home, and mutual respect is essential. In this light, the treatment meted out to a senior officer like Vimal Negi was unwarranted, both by Desh Raj and then MD Harikesh Meena, IAS.' Referencing the testimony of Manish Chaudhary, DGM (electrical), the report stated: 'He was Member Secretary of the Extension of Time (EOT) Committee, chaired by Vimal Negi, to assess delays in the Pekhubella Solar Project. He and Negi were called by Desh Raj while finalising the draft proceedings of the Committee meeting held on February 27–28, 2025, and were pressured to reduce the delay period from 45 to 23 days. Desh Raj even threatened them, saying, 'Aap problem mein aa jaoge.'' While the inquiry confirmed that Negi had been served show cause notices even for taking casual leave, the ACS did not find evidence supporting the claim that leave was routinely denied. 'The deceased submitted a detailed reply explaining that he had to leave early for Rampur and had emailed at 6.15 am and called the Director (E) at 10 am. Even so, an explanation was demanded—reflecting non-cooperation. Moreover, the urgency for his presence in office on October 18, 2024, was not clarified in the notice,' the report said. Another troubling detail from the inquiry revealed that Desh Raj frequently summoned Negi from his second-floor office to the fifth floor, where he was made to stand for hours with files and was not even offered a chair. 'Witnesses further revealed that employees often worked 11 to 14 hours a day. Biometric records showed that women employees were present in the office even after 9 pm. While some women stated they didn't mind working late, they pointed to the lack of basic facilities like transportation.' The report pointed out that the then HPPCL Corporate Office Managing Director Harikesh Meena, when asked about the situation, stated: 'I am not aware as to what arrangement was available in HPPCL office for conveyance of lady officer who used to sit in the office late hours'. Similarly, Desh Raj, 'while being confronted during his examination qua the aforesaid situation stated that it was for the Estate Department to provide for transportation of lady officers,' the report stated. 'The tone and tenor of these two officers goes to show that they are hardly bothered about the well-being and safety of lady officers. Even these three officers, namely Harikesh Meena, IAS, Shivam Pratap Singh, IAS, and Desh Raj are not aware as to how long their subordinate employees remained seated in HPPCL, Corporate Office, Shimla,' it added. Regarding Negi's health, the report noted: 'Vimal Negi joined the HPPCL Corporate Office on June 15, 2024, upon promotion as Chief Engineer/General Manager. A prescription slip from Mahatma Gandhi Medical Service Complex, Khaneri, Rampur Bushahr, shows he sought treatment on July 1, 2024, at 11.44 am for depressive illness, with symptoms of depression and palpitations. It is unclear whether this condition predated his promotion or emerged afterward. He subsequently went on medical leave from July 1 to 22, 2024. This timeline merits further expert investigation.' After Negi's death, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under charges of abetment to suicide. Desh Raj was suspended, and Harikesh Meena was transferred from HPPCL.
