Latest news with #NamamiGange
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
City residents concerned about road repair delays amid pre-monsoon showers
Patna: Several major roads of the city are still littered with construction debris and open trenches despite clear instructions from road construction minister Nitin Nabin to repair the roads dug up for drainage pipeline and Namami Gange projects by May 30. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Amid pre-monsoon showers and the approaching rainy season, residents are concerned about waterlogging, open manholes submerged in rainwater and further deterioration of unrepaired roads. Construction works are still on on large stretches of Boring Road, Patel Nagar, Ashok Rajpath, Jamal Road, Bazaar Samiti, Khazanchi Road, Makhaniya Kuan, New Dak Bungalow Road, Bazaar Samiti and Digha among other places. Many areas like Gandhi Maidan, SK Puri, Kankerbagh and Patliputra are left in poor condition after unevenly filling up dug-up areas, causing inconvenience to commuters. Abhishek Singh, a resident of Mahavir Colony, said the road remained dug up for weeks and left open without any barricading. "A deadline was given, but it is seldom met. Commuters have limited options to bypass roads under repair, resulting in heavy traffic and extended travel time," he said. A resident of Boring Canal Road, Seema Verma, said the road near SK Puri Park was full of trenches and filled up with gravel in such a haphazard manner that it poses a threat to commuters. Dinesh Pandey, a resident of Salimpur Ahra, said several lanes in the area were dug for a water pipeline project, and after the recent rain, the situation turned pathetic. "It is very difficult to even walk. Drain water is flooding the road. To address these challenges effectively, implementing and maintaining firm completion timelines is crucial," he said. A banker, Anant Kumar, said for months, they had been facing traffic jams on Ashok Rajpath due to the bad condition of the road. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Some days, the drain water spills over the road, making it difficult for commuters to locate the open potholes and dug-up areas. Even without rain, the situation is grim on this stretch due to multiple construction works like metro rail project, road over drain and the double-decker flyover," he rued. On the deadline of May 30, Nabin said the roads, which were handed over to his department after the completion of infrastructure work by May 20 are almost repaired. "The deadline to complete the repair work of those handed over by May 25 is June 5. We are confident that we will complete the remaining works before the arrival of monsoon. A review meeting was held on May 30 in this regard with the officials concerned," he told this newspaper on Saturday, adding a letter has been sent to all secretaries that no road digging work will be carried out in the city till monsoon. "The first package to repair roads in the city is complete. In Patna (west), only Polson Road is left. In Patna (east), the incomplete stretches will be repaired by June 5. In New Capital area's Kankerbagh, the road with four-five patches of 100 metres each, handed over on May 25, will be completed before June 4," the minister said. Asked about the Boring Road and Ashok Rajpath, Nabin said that the road near AN College will be completed soon, but the internal roads (near Alpana Market) come under Patna Municipal Corporation. "On Ashok Rajpath, the road was dug to prevent drain blockage. Special permission was taken by the PMC for this drainage work. But we have asked Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited to repair the grade-level road by June 5, as the inauguration for the double-decker flyover is likely to be on June 7," he said. Municipal authorities said the agencies concerned have been asked to complete the work on time.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Dhami inaugurates Malan Bridge, unveils key infra projects for Kotdwar
Dehradun: Chief minister on Monday virtually inaugurated the reconstructed Malan Bridge on the Chillerkhal-Pakhro motor road in Kotdwar's Pauri district. The bridge, which connects the Kotdwar-Bhabar region to Motadhak is among seven infrastructure projects inaugurated by Dhami. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said the bridge's reconstruction reflects the state govet's commitment to strengthening infrastructure in remote areas. "The opening of this bridge will ease travel for residents of Kotdwar and surrounding rural areas and give a boost to economic activities," he said. He added that several key projects are underway in Kotdwar to support its development. "An advanced sewage treatment plant is being built under the Namami Gange project at a cost of Rs 135 crore. A four-lane bypass and the Kotdwar–Najibabad double-lane road are also being constructed at a cost of Rs 691 crore," he said. He added that the Kotdwar–Pauri–Srinagar road is also being upgraded to a double lane and that it would improve travel convenience and spur economic growth. Dhami also said that Kotdwar railway station is being revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. "A new train service from Sidhbali-Kotdwar to Delhi has been launched, and construction of a hospital and bus stand terminal is in progress," he said. He also announced that land has been transferred for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kotdwar, following a cabinet decision. In another event, Dhami also launched two Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Set up by a leading car manufacturer as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the ADTTs are equipped with high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems that enable driving license evaluations without human intervention. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These tracks, which serve both light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, are designed to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and standardised testing process in line with Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The carmaker has also been operating an ADTT in Dehradun since 2019. Officials noted that after the Dehradun facility became operational, the pass percentage for license seekers initially declined to 60% in FY 2019–20, but has since improved to 69%, indicating a more rigorous and reliable evaluation process. Dedicating the new facilities to the state, transport secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant said, "We are committed to making Uttarakhand's roads safer. With the comprehensive evaluation at ADTTs, we can ensure that only skilled drivers get a driving license." Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday virtually inaugurated the reconstructed Malan Bridge on the Chillerkhal-Pakhro motor road in Kotdwar's Pauri district. The bridge, which connects the Kotdwar-Bhabar region to Motadhak is among seven infrastructure projects inaugurated by Dhami. Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said the bridge's reconstruction reflects the state govet's commitment to strengthening infrastructure in remote areas. "The opening of this bridge will ease travel for residents of Kotdwar and surrounding rural areas and give a boost to economic activities," he said. He added that several key projects are underway in Kotdwar to support its development. "An advanced sewage treatment plant is being built under the Namami Gange project at a cost of Rs 135 crore. A four-lane bypass and the Kotdwar–Najibabad double-lane road are also being constructed at a cost of Rs 691 crore," he said. He added that the Kotdwar–Pauri–Srinagar road is also being upgraded to a double lane and that it would improve travel convenience and spur economic growth. Dhami also said that Kotdwar railway station is being revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. "A new train service from Sidhbali-Kotdwar to Delhi has been launched, and construction of a hospital and bus stand terminal is in progress," he said. He also announced that land has been transferred for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kotdwar, following a cabinet decision. In another event, Dhami also launched two Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Set up by a leading car manufacturer as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the ADTTs are equipped with high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems that enable driving license evaluations without human intervention. These tracks, which serve both light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, are designed to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and standardised testing process in line with Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The carmaker has also been operating an ADTT in Dehradun since 2019. Officials noted that after the Dehradun facility became operational, the pass percentage for license seekers initially declined to 60% in FY 2019–20, but has since improved to 69%, indicating a more rigorous and reliable evaluation process. Dedicating the new facilities to the state, transport secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant said, "We are committed to making Uttarakhand's roads safer. With the comprehensive evaluation at ADTTs, we can ensure that only skilled drivers get a driving license."
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister reviews water projects, stresses timely execution
Gorakhpur: Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Monday chaired a review meeting with officials concerned to assess the progress of key water-related projects. At the meeting that focused on Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, flood control, rural piped water schemes, and revival of traditional water sources, Singh emphasized time-bound execution and warned against any negligence, especially in delivering clean drinking water to every household. He urged officials to conduct on-ground inspections and ensure quality implementation, stating, "Schemes must reflect on the ground, not just in files." He called for the revival of rivers, ponds, and traditional water bodies and stressed making water awareness a public movement through the 'Amrit Sarovar' and 'Boond-Boond Se Jal' campaigns. Directing early flood preparedness, he asked for identification of vulnerable areas and relief planning by June. Reviewing progress under Jal Jeevan Mission, Singh noted improvements but called for more speed. He insisted on immediate action to cover areas not having tap connections and sought greater coordination with public representatives. He also emphasized activating local monitoring committees and spreading awareness via social media. Singh warned of strict action against lapses and added that CM Yogi Adityanath is personally reviewing the mission's progress.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
World Turtle Day: UP's success story in conservation
1 2 Lucknow: In a remarkable push towards wildlife preservation, the Yogi govt has taken unprecedented measures to conserve turtle species across Uttar Pradesh. As the world celebrates World Turtle Day on May 23 to raise awareness about the protection and biological significance of turtles, UP stands out with its proactive efforts. Turtles are considered one of the oldest and longest-living creatures on earth and play a vital role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Often referred to as the "cleaners of water bodies", these creatures help control pollution in rivers, ponds and lakes. Turtles rescued from illegal trafficking in other states are being relocated and protected in UP. Several conservation centres have been established, including those in Kukrail, Sarnath and Chambal, along with a dedicated Turtle Sanctuary near Prayagraj. These centres serve as safe habitats and breeding grounds for various turtle species. Under the Namami Gange projects, work has also started to identify and protect turtles and their natural habitats. A turtle sanctuary has been set up near Prayagraj. Arvind Yadav, DFO, Prayagraj, said the sanctuary was established in 2020. It covers a 30-kilometre area and stretches across three districts — starting from Kothari Meja in Prayagraj, passing through Mirzapur and Bhadohi, and reaching up to Uparwar. Out of 30 species of turtles found in India, 15 are found in UP, including Brahmani, Pacheda, Kori Pacheda, Kalitoh, Kala Kacchua, Haldi Baath Kacchua, Saal Kacchua Tilakdhari, Dhor Kacchua, Bhootkatha Kacchua, Pahadi Trikutki Kacchua, Sundari Kacchua, Morpankhi Kacchua, Katahwa Litherhwa, Syontar Fighter, Parvati Kacchua, and others. Species like Katahwa, Morpankhi, Saal, and Sundari play an essential role in keeping water bodies clean and ecologically balanced amidst growing pollution concerns. Anuradha Vemuri, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), UP, said efforts are also being made to stop their trade.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Biodiversity conservation collective responsibility: Yogi
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday emphasised the need for collective responsibility and participation in conserving the environment. 'It is not the responsibility of the government alone but requires active involvement from all sections of society,' he said while inaugurating a national seminar-2025 organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan here on the occasion of the International Biodiversity Day . 'Biodiversity conservation gained international attention in 1992. PM Narendra Modi assured the world that India will achieve the goal of net-zero by 2070. But this target is not alone the responsibility of government but our collective responsibility,' the CM said. 'The development model adopted is becoming self-destructive. Don't know who gave order to cut trees of mango and jamun. If you cannot plant saplings, don't cut trees,' Yogi added. Highlighting the theme 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', he urged people to live in harmony with nature, drawing upon India's Vedic philosophy and Sanatan traditions which underscore the deep cultural reverence for the environment. Reflecting on India's self-reliant rural traditions, he recalled how villages once had barns, pasture lands, ponds and compost pits, all contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Solid waste was turned into compost, ponds ensured hygiene, and pasture lands supported livestock, the CM said. 'However, these time-tested practices have been neglected in pursuing modernity, leading to ecological imbalance and rise of disease,' he added. Yogi warned that practices like converting ponds into drainage outlets and encroaching on pasture lands are short-sighted and self-destructive. Highlighting UP's commitment to environmental protection, the CM said the State Biodiversity Board is spearheading new campaigns. Over the past eight years, the forest department has significantly expanded the state's green cover by planting over 210 crore trees. 'Under the Namami Gange initiative, substantial progress has been made in restoring the cleanliness and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga, especially in Kanpur, once considered one of the most polluted stretches. Today, the Ganga flows clean and vibrant in that region, reflecting the success of these focused efforts,' Yogi said. He also referred to Sanatan Dharma, where flora and fauna are deeply integrated with spiritual beliefs, trees like Peepal, Banyan, and Jamun are revered, and animals. The CM also stressed the importance of traditional knowledge and local customs in biodiversity conservation. Recalling age-old practices, he mentioned how, in earlier times, even ants were not harmed but gently removed by offering flour and sugar, an example of coexistence and ecological compassion. Yogi warned that excessive mechanisation, whether in drainage systems or industrial processes, is detrimental to the environment and advocated a return to natural and indigenous methods, such as traditional water purification systems once prevalent in rural areas. He raised concerns over the declining populations of ecologically significant species like vulture. 'The vultures are not dying on their own but use of chemical by us is the reason. We have to make conservation centre for them,' he said. During the event, Yogi provided ₹10,000 incentives to individuals recognised for outstanding work in carbon credit initiatives and honoured NGO-affiliated farmers.
