Latest news with #KeshavSingh
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Vigilance to probe ₹100-crore community centre booking scam
The UT administration's vigilance department will probe the alleged ₹ 100-crore community centre booking scam, municipal commissioner Amit Kumar confirmed during the General House meeting on Monday. BJP councillor showing posters of illegal vendors during the General House meeting at the MC office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Monday. (Keshav Singh/HT) This comes nearly a month after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had alleged large-scale irregularities in the exemption-based booking system meant for economically weaker sections (EWS). Families below the poverty line (BPL) can book community centres for weddings free of cost, provided they are recommended by their area councillor. It is the councillor's responsibility to verify the financial condition of the applicant before recommending such a concession. AAP leaders had claimed that there was a nexus of middlemen, who with the help of fake councillor endorsements and municipal staff, were manipulating the booking process to illegally charge poor families between ₹ 26,000 and ₹ 55,000 per booking. AAP spokesperson and city councillor Yogesh Dhingra, while raising the issue, had alleged: 'Middlemen take money from poor people but get the bookings done for free of cost. We demand a complete record of all community centre bookings for the last five years; details of each booking: name, date, purpose, and fees; all files where councillor recommendations or approvals are attached; forensic investigation report on forged signatures and stamps; file movement trail and internal notings of the booking branch; and identification of guilty officials.' Stating that the local government department has formally written to the vigilance department, requesting a thorough probe, the MC chief said, 'The entire booking record, including the role of councillors in verifying these cases, will be probed.' Booking branch staff shifted After the AAP leaders' claims, mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla had asked the municipal commissioner to initiate a formal vigilance inquiry and transferred all staff working in the MC booking branch. In a preliminary report tabled by MC officials, it was revealed that a majority of free bookings between January 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, came from wards represented by councillors Neha (AAP), Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor (AAP), Suman Devi (AAP), Ram Chander Yadav (AAP), Harpreet Kaur (BJP) and Kanwarjeet Singh (BJP), among others. Responding to the scrutiny, former mayor and AAP councillor Dhalor defended the councillors' actions. 'Most of these bookings are from areas dominated by EWS populations such as colonies and villages. Recommendations were made only after due verification. We welcome the inquiry,' he said. 'New booking policy deferred again' Meanwhile, the MC House has again deferred the much-delayed proposal for a new community centre booking policy, which has been pending since December 2024. The proposal seeks to revise booking charges and standardise exemptions. If approved, Category A centres—currently priced at ₹ 44,000—will see a 36% hike to ₹ 60,000. Category B centres will jump from ₹ 22,000 to ₹ 40,000, and Category C centres, which previously ranged from ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 22,000, will cost between ₹ 15,000 and ₹ 30,000. The original proposal also recommended eliminating free bookings for any purpose, including marriages and religious ceremonies, arguing that even subsidised users should pay at least 50% of the cost due to mounting maintenance expenses. However, this was rejected by the MC's committee. The revised proposal now retains exemptions for marriages of BPL families, medical and blood donation camps, UT/MC official events, and meetings held by RWAs, senior citizens' groups, and pensioners' associations. HOUSE AGENDAS Approved: The House approved the auction of over 7.5 acres across five plots in Pocket Number 6 of Manimajra, paving the way for a multi-storey group housing society. The cumulative reserve price for plots crosses ₹ 794 crore. As per the plan, the land can be allotted either jointly to a consortium or to a single developer. Deferred: The House deferred the proposal to finalise the new terms and conditions to hire a private firm for GIS-based mechanised and manual sweeping in Southern sectors. The firm, M/s Lion Services Ltd, that currently has the contract for the job has got a three-month extension. Rejected: The House rejected former mayor Anup Gupta's appeal to restart the allotment process for the city's much-needed horticulture waste plan. Gupta had in May alleged that MC bypassed proper tendering procedures and unlawfully nominated M/s Hardicon Limited, a PSU, for the job without issuing any expression of interest or request for proposal. Following this, MC tabled a fresh request for proposal in the House on Monday, detailing terms and conditions for re-tendering. However, city councillors resolved to continue the hiring of PSU for the role. Demanding 'open auction', Gupta, supported by another BJP councillor Kanwarjeet Rana, added their dissent for the project and its allotment.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh tricity crumbles on wettest June day in 52 yrs
With 119.5 mm rain recorded till 8.30 am on Sunday, Chandigarh saw its wettest June day since 1973 even as waterlogging, road cave-ins and tree collapses brought the tricity to its knees. Part of a road under construction near Sector 26 police lines collapses due to heavy overnight rain. (Keshav Singh/HT) India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said chances of heavy rain will continue over the next two days and issued an orange alert for Monday. As per the IMD, which started keeping records for the city in 1954, Chandigarh's wettest day ever was on June 18, 1974, when 146.4 mm rain was recorded. While June marks the onset of monsoon, it rarely sees such a downpour, which is more common in July, August and September. IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said there were two major reasons behind it. 'When the monsoon system is still progressing over parts of the country, the system isn't as strong as it is in the central or southern parts of the country. But this time, the system moved northwards, which affected the whole region lying in the foothills of Himalayas, including Chandigarh.' He added that a Western Disturbance (WD) was also active in the region though it wasn't very active. But combined with the monsoon system, it led to heavy rain. The IMD has sounded an orange alert for the city on Monday, which asks people to stay alert and be prepared. The downpour brought the maximum temperature down by three notches – from 33.9°C on Saturday to 30.2°C on Sunday, 6.1 degrees below normal. The minimum dropped from 23.8°C on Saturday to 23.6°C on Sunday, three degrees below normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature will remain between 25°C and 26°C. Choked road gullies sink UT Like every year, Chandigarh again failed to cope with the downpour as choked gullies led to waterlogging across Madhya Marg, all internal sector roads, Chandigarh-Panchkula Road near Housing Board lights, and in Colonies No. 4 and 5. The worst-affected areas, where knee-deep water was witnessed, included the road from Attawa village to Sector 35, Sectors 43, 44, 45, Sector 22, Palsora village, Burail, and Sector 29's Iron Market. In Sector 16, water entered homes, while shops in Khejeri village and Sector 38 were also inundated. MC chief engineer Sanjay Arora said, 'I have already sought reports from the executive engineers on the waterlogging in their respective areas. Once we receive the reports, preventive measures will be planned accordingly.' According to records, the department hired only 100 workers to clean 30,000 road gullies across the city. However, residents allege that most storm drains, especially those in the southern sectors, remain uncleared. This, despite an annual allocation of ₹ 9 crore for the maintenance of the sewerage and drainage system. Satish Khosla, general secretary of the welfare association, MIG Houses, Sector 40-C, said, 'It was a flood-like situation in our sector, and this is not the first time. Every year, the authorities clean the gullies only on the main roads, neglecting V-6 (internal) roads. This causes flooding inside the sectors.' Meanwhile, two trees were uprooted in Sectors 22 and 32 due to the storm. On the Sector 22/23 dividing road, a tree fell on a wall, causing it to collapse. No injuries were reported. Fire tenders called in to pump out water in Mohali Mohali was no better with residents at many places having to call fire tenders to pump out water from the streets. The worst-hit localities were in Phase 3B2, 4, 5, 7, 11, and Sectors 70 and 71. In Phases 3B2, 4, 5, 7, and 11, water even entered homes. Roads in various parts of the Industrial Area turned into streams, with over one-ft water reported in Phases 7 and 8. Traffic jams were reported across the district due to water accumulation. The situation was equally grim in Zirakpur, Kharar, and Nayagaon, where several roads were submerged. In Nayagaon, water entered houses, causing major inconvenience to the residents. City mayor Amarjeet Singh Sidhu admitted that poor drainage infrastructure was a major concern. 'Around four months ago, we conducted a survey to identify faults in the stormwater drainage system. We need ₹ 200 crore to address these issues, but despite repeated communications, the local bodies department has not responded,' he said. He added that the survey indicated that stormwater could be diverted to choes (seasonal rivulets) in Balongi, Lakhnaur, near YPS, and Kambali. Deputy Mayor Kuljeet Singh Bedi pointed out the impact of airport road construction. 'Due to the airport road project, the natural flow of stormwater has been obstructed. We are working on channeling the water through Patiala Ki Rao to ease the situation,' he said. Former SAD councillor Surinder Singh criticized the civic body's preparedness. 'Every time it rains heavily, residents live in fear. Rainwater entering houses in most sectors shows how unprepared the authorities are,' he said. Even planned areas like Aerocity weren't spared. Vacant plots were waterlogged, prompting criticism from locals. Vinod Sharma, President of the Aerocity Welfare Society, said, 'On one hand, GMADA is penalizing plot owners for non-construction, but on the other, there's no sign of regular maintenance. Water is accumulating on nearly all vacant plots.' With monsoon rains intensifying, residents are demanding urgent intervention and long-term solutions from the administration.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Heavy rains lash Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand; IMD issues red and orange alerts
As the southwest monsoons have hit the Indian subcontinent, northern states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are lashed by heavy rains, with the India Meteorological Department(IMD) issuing red and orange alerts for both. IMD had forecasted prevailing wet conditions in both states for the next few days.(Keshav Singh/ Hindustan Times) The Shimla meteorological centre on Sunday issued a red alert for heavy rains across Bilapsur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba districts. The Dehradun Meteorological Centre had earlier predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Jun 29 and 30. It has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar districts. An orange alert has been issued for the remaining districts of the state. What restrictions are the states seeing? In Himachal Pradesh, railway movements along the Shimla-Kalka line were also suspended after boulders and trees fell on the tracks following overnight rains. Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway (NH-5), connecting Shimla and Chandigarh, was hit by an earthquake, damaging stretches of the road. This triggered a traffic jam, which lasted for hours. Police teams later cleared the debris and facilitated traffic movement on the highway. In Solan, the road to Himuda Complex, Mandhala, and Bagguwala has been closed, after it was washed away. Bald River in the Baddi area of the district is on surge, accompanied by a threat of damage in the surrounding areas, where water up to four feet has reportedly entered several houses. In Uttarakhand, 'Roads might be closed to prevent landslide-related disasters, which will affect movement, ' said Dr. Vikram Singh, IMD Dehradun director. People are advised to travel only if required and avoid unnecessary movements. The Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district, is blocked by debris after being hit by a landslide, which was triggered by a cloudburst. The calamity claimed two labourers' lives who were working at a hotel construction site along the highway. Search operations are underway for the missing ones. How is Himachal and Uttarakhand's weather for the next few days? As fierce downpour continues in both states, warnings of landslides, water logging, damage to vulnerable structures, traffic congestion and disruption in essential services have been issued. In Himachal Pradesh, high flash flood risk persists in parts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una till Jun 30. IMD has issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and predicted a wet spell in the state till July 5. In Uttarakhand, the upcoming days will also be marked with a significant rise in water levels in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs and other water bodies, Singh said. He also urged people residing in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to be watchful, especially during the later hours of the day, and evacuate accordingly. Rainfall in Uttarakhand might see a negligible decline on July 1, as heavy downpours are predicted to continue in the state. Here, the IMD has issued an orange alert too, for July 1 and 2. What do IMD's red and orange alerts imply? Red and orange alerts are IMD's first and second levels in its four-tier warning system. A red alert represents the most severe weather warnings, indicating extremely heavy rainfall over 204.5 mm within 24 hours, posing a significant threat to life and property. The orange alert follows with comparatively lesser rainfall, with preparations for possible transportation disruptions, power outages, and landslides.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Weak monsoon system behind no rain over past few days, says MeT
Jun 28, 2025 08:16 AM IST Residents can expect a downpour in the next two-three days, India Meteorological Department officials said on Friday. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 28°C. (Keshav Singh/HT) Though monsoon was declared on June 24, the city has barely seen any rain since then. 'This is because monsoon winds and clouds were getting weakened by the time they reached the city,' said IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul. 'This will, however, change in the next two-three days as a new system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around Sunday which will strengthen the monsoon system. Further, we are expecting a Western Disturbance (WD) also to affect the region around the same time. So chances of rain are likely to rise from Sunday,' he added. Amid sunny conditions, the maximum temperature rose from 36.6°C on Thursday to 37.2°C on Friday, one degree above normal. The minimum temperature rose from 26.8°C on Thursday to 29.2°C on Friday, 2.6 degrees above normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 34°C while minimum temperature will remain between 26°C and 28°C.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
CBSE Result 2025 News Live: List of websites to check 10th, 12th marks when out
CBSE Result 2025 News Live: Websites to check 10th, 12th marks when announced (Keshav Singh/HT) CBSE 10th, 12th Result 2025 News Live: The Central Board of Secondary Education is expected to announce Class 10th, 12th board exam result date and time soon. When announced, students can check their results on the board's official website, To check the CBSE 10th result, students need to use their roll numbers, school numbers, admit card IDs and dates of birth. ...Read More Some other websites where students can check their board exam results are- and In addition, students can use DigiLocker and UMANG mobile apps to check their results. This year, CBSE's Class 10 board exams started on February 15 and ended on March 1. Papers were held in single shifts, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on all exam days. The board conducted the Class 12 board examination from February 15 to April 4, 2025. The exam was conducted in single shifts from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on all days. Recently, the CBSE announced a change in its post-result activities, allowing students to obtain photocopies of answer sheets before applying for verification/re-evaluation. In the previous system, students applied for verification of marks first, followed by applying for photocopies of answer sheets and then re-evaluation of their results. According to CBSE the new system will allow students to see their answer sheets before applying for re-checking which will give them clarity on the marks awarded, specific comments and any errors made. 'A candidate after obtaining photocopy of evaluated answer book in the first step can decide whether to opt for Verification of marks which entails posting/totaling of marks or any unevaluated questions or Re-evaluation whereby the candidate requests for re-evaluation of a question or questions thereof. A candidate can apply for either Verification of marks or Re-evaluation or both as per due procedure after obtaining-photocopy of answer book,' CBSE said. Follow all the updates here: May 12, 2025 8:50 AM IST CBSE 10th, 12th Result 2025 News Live: When declared, students can check CBSE board exam results at In addition, the result will be available on the following websites- and
