Latest news with #ResidentsWelfareAssociations
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Delhi turns fortress for PM Modi's 12th I-Day: 10,000 forces, AI surveillance, skies locked down
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Independence Day, the heart of India has transformed into an impregnable fortress. Barricades rise like steel sentinels, armed commandos stand watch at every corner, and the skies themselves have been declared off-limits. From the centuries-old stones of the Mughal-era Red Fort to the farthest edges of Delhi's borders, the capital is bracing for 15 August with a security build-up seen only in times of utmost vigilance. Over 10,000 boots on the ground, snipers on rooftops, AI-powered eyes in the sky, and an invisible web of intelligence coordination will guard the nation's most symbolic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day address. This year, even kites will be intercepted mid-air, drones grounded, and the city's arteries reshaped by sweeping traffic diversions. For travellers and daily commuters, parking woes and gridlocks will be the price of patriotism, as the capital surrenders its streets to the festival of freedom and the fear of those who might wish to disrupt it. A senior police officer said robust arrangements have been made for the successful celebrations of Independence Day. Security has already been beefed up across the city and all the major stakeholders are working in close coordination in the national capital. Police will also use an extensive network of high-definition CCTV cameras strategically installed in and around the Red Fort. Surveillance will be extended along the entire route leading to the Red Fort, covering all key junctions and approach roads, since these routes are used by VVIPs and other dignitaries to attend the programme. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition cameras will be deployed especially for real-time monitoring and crowd management during the event. Apart from this, police and paramilitary force teams have also been deployed at various locations, including IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, markets, and other crowded places. Police continue to tell people in the markets to remain cautious and report any suspicious bags or movement of individuals. Anti-sabotage checks are also being carried out in the area and in hotels in the vicinity in search of suspicious elements. Another police official stated that multiple layers of security cover will be in place at the Red Fort. 'We have not left any stone unturned for the security arrangements, be it installing the cameras or deploying the security personnel. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, and kite catchers will be positioned at strategic locations for the security of the Prime Minister and other VVIP guests. We have held several meetings with the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) as well as Markets Welfare Associations (MWAs) and asked for their cooperation in the security arrangements,' the officer stated.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘Abuse of a protected wild species': Gurgaon activist flags use of langurs by RWAs, businesses to drive away monkeys
The illegal practice of using langurs to drive away rhesus monkeys continues in Gurgaon, with an incident on Tuesday at Mapsko Mountville apartment complex in Sector 79 drawing fresh attention to the issue. In a letter to the Gurgaon district wildlife officer on Tuesday, Vaishali Rana, environmental activist and trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement, stated that the case is the third she has reported in the last one year. '… the repeated illegal and unethical use of langurs by various RWAs (Residents Welfare Associations) and commercial establishments in Gurgaon to drive away rhesus monkeys…is a clear violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and also contravenes provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, as it involves the exploitation, captivity, and abuse of a protected wild species,' she wrote. The letter contains photographs showing an individual, presumably a hired catcher, leading a langur on a leash around the society's premises. 'This act is not only unlawful but also an instance of animal cruelty,' she pointed out. Rana mentioned the previous two instances were at a hotel's banquet hall and at Suncity residential complex, both at Gwal Pahari. In both instances, the langurs were tied up and kept in cruel conditions for extended periods, and eventually rescued by forest guards. She urged the department to take strict action against individuals or agencies involved in any such illegal capture, taming, and commercial use of langurs. Rana further sought that circulars be issued to RWAs and other establishments regarding the ban on such practices and the public be made aware through online and newspaper notices. She also sought information on the rehabilitation process of rescued langurs, specifically, where they are housed post-confiscation, the duration of their care, medical status, and when and where they are finally released. Rana noted that at present the district wildlife department has no in-house veterinarian. 'The langurs rescued from the above-mentioned places were kept captive for more than a month, caged, with ZERO MEDICAL CARE and one Langur died in captivity in utter state of neglect,' she flagged. Speaking to The Indian Express, Gurgaon district wildlife officer R K Jangra acknowledged such cases. 'Whatever cases we get complaints about, we send rescue teams immediately. Practically speaking, we do not have the manpower to patrol or keep a tab on each society. The rescued animals are taken to the city's veterinary surgeons, as our department's veterinarian stays busy tending to animals at the zoo. Regarding the use of langurs, we run several awareness campaigns in schools and other public spaces,' Jangra said.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mohali MC issues notices to RWAs over neglect of public parks
Taking steps toward improving the maintenance of public parks, the Mohali Municipal Corporation has issued notices to several Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) for failing to properly manage the parks entrusted to them. Out of the total 798 parks in the city within the corporation's jurisdiction, 190 parks have been handed over to various welfare associations for upkeep. However, according to municipal officials, several associations have failed to meet expectations in maintaining these green spaces. 'The condition of many parks is extremely poor, although a few are being managed relatively well,' an official said. Sources said that the corporation had also issued notices last financial year, demanding an account of the funds provided. Numerous associations were found lacking in basic upkeep. Some failed to paint railings, others didn't install proper signboards, and multiple irregularities were discovered. While a few associations responded to the notices, many did not reply at all. Now the corporation is preparing to take action once again, issuing fresh notices. The MC allocates approximately Rs 16.44 lakh every month to these associations for park maintenance. This amount is distributed at a rate of Rs 4.23 per square metre, which officials claim is higher than the rates quoted by private contractors. 'Several contractors undertake similar work at lower rates, yet many associations, despite receiving more funds fail to deliver satisfactory results,' said one official. One municipal officer pointed out, 'When a contractor does poor work, we can take strict action or even blacklist them. But dealing with welfare associations often involves external pressures and complications.' Ward No. 70 councillor Pramod Mitra recently submitted a formal complaint to the Municipal Commissioner, along with video evidence showing overgrown congress grass in a park in his ward. He alleged that despite receiving the full funding, the local association has done little to maintain the park. A senior corporation official emphasised the importance of transparency and responsible use of public funds. 'Government funds must be utilised properly and transparently. If an association fails to maintain a park responsibly, the corporation may consider withdrawing the park's management from them in the future,' he said.
