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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Residents, commuters face struggle to access footpaths, cycle tracks in city
Bhubaneswar: Residents, commuters, and pedestrians are facing inconvenience and safety risks as public spaces like roads, footpaths and cycle tracks in the city are being allegedly taken over by haphazard vehicle parking and encroachment by street vendors. Locals attributed these growing issues to the lack of regular enforcement by civic authorities. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently attempted to address the problem by evicting vendors from various areas, including the Unit II Market. However, the efforts faced resistance from vendors demanding proper rehabilitation before relocation. In Jan, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the BMC conducted a comprehensive enforcement drive, evicting unauthorised vendors from 55 priority road stretches. These areas were designated as 'no vending zones', with signboards installed to reinforce the message. Despite these measures, vendors have returned, occupying spaces directly beneath the warning signs. "The footpaths are taken over by vehicles, and wherever there is some space, it is encroached by street vendors," said Ankita Mohapatra, a pedestrian in Patia area. In an effort to clearly demarcate public spaces, the civic authorities earlier painted cycle tracks in red and footpaths in green. However, with the paint fading, vendors and vehicles are once again encroaching on these areas, causing inconvenience to the public. Urban planner Piyush Rout highlighted the city's infrastructure challenges. "It is visible that the number of vehicles has increased recently, but it looks like the city doesn't have the infrastructure to handle them. Bhubaneswar is one city which has dedicated vending zones. Still street vending is rampant which can be seen as a failure of the administration," he noted. Responding to the concerns, city mayor Sulochana Das assured that enforcement squads are actively working to remove unauthorised vendors and constructing new vending zones to rehabilitate them. "Vehicle towing is also going on at different places," she added. Vendors alleged that the civic authorities are forcibly evicting them from areas where they have conducted business for years. Namita Jena, a vendor at Pandara, claimed, "Fake civic body officials recently approached us and intimidated us. We have filed a police complaint." Jena emphasised that vendors don't want to conduct business on the road, acknowledging the risks involved. "We are ready for relocation, but BMC needs to ensure that the place where they rehabilitate us is proper to conduct business," she said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi calls Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'daughter of Bihar', as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. 'Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar,' PM Modi said. 'You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here,' he added. Bissessar had earlier visited her ancestral village Bhelupur under Itarhi block in Buxar district in 2012. Addressing a large gathering of people of Indian origin, many of whom trace their roots to Bihar, PM Modi said, 'Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world.' He also highlighted Bihar's contribution to global thought and progress. 'Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields,' he said. Referring to the historical journey of the Girmitiya community, who were taken to British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Prime Minister said, 'At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world.' Expressing confidence in Bihar's future role, PM Modi said, 'I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar.' He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive. 'They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually,' he said. 'The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence,' PM Modi added. This is his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Modi calls Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'daughter of Bihar', asks her to offer Sarayu and Mahakumbh water to Ganga Dhara
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by children as Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in traditional Indian attire, looks on upon his arrival at Piarco International Airport in Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago, July 3, 2025. During his Trinidad and Tobago address, Prime Minister Modi lauded Bihar's historical significance and the Indian diaspora's resilience. He affectionately called former PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar "daughter of Bihar," acknowledging her ancestral ties. Modi also carried holy water from the Mahakumbh, requesting Bissessar to offer it, along with Sarayu river water, to the Ganga Dhara. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "daughter of Bihar", as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation."Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar," PM Modi said."You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here," he had earlier visited her ancestral village Bhelupur under Itarhi block in Buxar district in a large gathering of people of Indian origin, many of whom trace their roots to Bihar, PM Modi said, "Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world."He also highlighted Bihar's contribution to global thought and progress. "Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields," he to the historical journey of the Girmitiya community , who were taken to British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Prime Minister said, "At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world."Expressing confidence in Bihar's future role, PM Modi said, "I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar."He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive."They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually," he said."The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence," PM Modi is his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Live Updates: PM Modi Begins 5-Nation Tour, Leaves For Ghana To Strengthen Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started his five-nation tour, during which he will attend the BRICS summit in Brazil. The Prime Minister will visit Argentina, Ghana, Namibia, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago. Ghana will be the first stop in the Prime Minister's visit, where he will meet President John Dramani Mahama. Prime Minister Modi will be in Ghana today and tomorrow. After visiting Ghana, the Prime Minister will head to Trinidad and Tobago, a country with which India shares deep-rooted historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections. The Prime Minister will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the chief guest at this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Later, he will travel to Buenos Aires, the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Argentina in 57 years.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
PM Modi Begins Historic 5-Nation Tour To Boost Global Partnerships
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked for Accra, Ghana, marking the first leg of his five-nation tour aimed at reinforcing India's global partnerships, with a focus on strengthening bonds across the Global South and both sides of the Atlantic. The tour includes visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia -- nations that PM Modi described as vital partners in India's evolving foreign policy architecture, spanning historical ties, cultural linkages, economic engagement, and multilateral cooperation. Over the next few days, I will be attending various bilateral, multilateral and other programmes in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Looking forward to interacting with world leaders and discussing ways to make our planet better. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2025 In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, I will visit Ghana on July 2-3. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States." He expressed anticipation about deepening bilateral cooperation in areas, including investment, energy, health, security, and development partnership. "As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," he said. The Prime Minister will then travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a country he said shares "deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect" with India. "I will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term," he noted. Highlighting the longstanding diaspora bond, PM Modi recalled, "Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us." From Port of Spain, PM Modi will head to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Calling Argentina "a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20," he said, "I look forward to my discussions with President Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment." Following Argentina, the Prime Minister will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. Emphasising India's foundational role in the bloc, he said, "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order." PM Modi also confirmed he will meet with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The visit to Brazil will continue with a bilateral state visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. "This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," he said. The final leg of PM Modi's tour will take him to Namibia, which he described as "a trusted partner with whom we share a common history of struggle against colonialism." The Prime Minister said he is looking forward to meeting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and "charting a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South." He will also address the Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament. In conclusion, PM Modi expressed optimism about the outcomes of his multi-nation tour, stating, "I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM."
