Latest news with #SharadiyaMitra
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Heavy rain likely in North Bengal over next 24 hours, moderate showers expected in Kolkata
Written by Sharadiya Mitra Heavy rain is expected to hit North Bengal over the next 24 hours, even as the depression over Bangladesh has moved north-northeastwards, according to a statement issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. Kolkata is likely to see mostly cloudy weather with moderate rain and thundershowers, the weather office indicated. As of 8.30 am, the depression was centered over Bangladesh, approximately 40 km west-northwest of Tangail and 110 km northwest of Dhaka in Bangladesh, and about 140 km north of Berhampore and 260 km west-southwest of Shillong in India, it said. 'The system is expected to continue its north-northeastward movement and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. Consequently, heavy rainfall is very likely over North Bengal during the next 24 hours,' the IMD bulletin stated. 'Due to favourable wind patterns and strong moisture inflow, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds, along with heavy rainfall, are anticipated over North Bengal for the subsequent two days. Additionally, some districts of South Bengal are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds on May 31,' it added. Kolkata received 13.5 mm of rain from 6.30 am on Thursday to 6.30 am on Friday. Though the highest temperature on Thursday was 29.7 degree Celsius, which is lower than normal by 5.4 degrees, the lowest temperature remained 25.6 degree Celsius, which is 1.6 degrees less than average. Humidity levels were high, with the maximum relative humidity at 98 per cent and the minimum at 83 per cent. After heavy showers in South Bengal on Thursday, the IMD issued a 'yellow' alert in some districts. Light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely to continue at most places in South Bengal on Friday. Heavy rain of 7-11 cm, with squally winds up to 60 kmph, is extremely likely over North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Murshidabad districts. Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon has already arrived in some areas of North Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. The sea will continue to be rough to very rough across the northern part of the Bay of Bengal, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, weather officials said. Fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing out till Saturday. Officials also advised citizens to remain alert for related issues in their areas, including fallen trees, damage to crops, waterlogging, and disruption of city traffic. Low visibility and risk of landslides continue in North Bengal's hill districts, and locals are advised to follow official alerts and stay away from flooded areas. (Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Moderate to heavy rain expected in Kolkata, other South Bengal districts this week
South Bengal districts, including Kolkata, are likely to witness significant rainfall this week. According to the weather department, unsettled weather is expected to persist over the next 48 hours, from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. There is a high likelihood of thunderstorms and intermittent heavy rain. Skies will remain mostly cloudy. Temperatures are expected to stay consistent with recent trends, with highs around 31-32 degrees Celsius and lows near 27 degrees Celsius. High humidity will continue, adding to the muggy conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for West Bengal due to anticipated unstable weather in the coming days. A yellow alert and advisory have been issued for several districts, including Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, and Purba Bardhaman, urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions. In Kolkata, the sky is expected to remain 'generally cloudy,' with light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely. Meteorological experts at the IMD forecast light to moderate thunderstorms across South Bengal, occasionally accompanied by lightning and wind speeds between 30 and 40 km/h. Districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and Hooghly may experience isolated episodes of heavy to very heavy rainfall around May 28 and 29, with rainfall amounts possibly ranging between 7 and 11 cm. Kolkata is expected to see overcast skies beginning May 26, with light rain on the 26th and 27th. The likelihood of stronger thunderstorms will increase on May 28 and 29. During this period, temperatures are likely to range from 26 degrees Celsius at night to 34 degrees Celsius during the day. A developing weather system over the west-central Bay of Bengal is being closely monitored. It is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area by May 27, potentially enhancing rainfall activity across coastal regions of the state starting May 28. Looking ahead to early June, both North and South Bengal are forecast to receive frequent showers between May 30 and June 5. While South Bengal may experience a slight dip in daytime temperatures—2 to 3 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average—North Bengal is expected to maintain normal temperature levels. Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Kolkata hospital holds awareness campaign against drug abuse for govt officials
(Written by Sharadiya Mitra) In an attempt to address the alarming rise in drug abuse and associated substance use disorders, the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry – Centre of Excellence (IPGMER – SSKM Hospital), under the West Bengal government, has collaborated with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. They organised six detailed capacity building programmes throughout West Bengal in April 2025. 'These programmes were strategically designed to raise awareness, enhance knowledge, and develop effective prevention strategies among a diverse group of stakeholders, including correctional officers, police personnel, mental health professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders,' said Mayank Kumar, assistant professor at the Institute. 'Our aim was to create a stronger, more coordinated response to substance abuse at multiple societal levels.' The April sessions were conducted across police academies, correctional facilities, and the Narcotics Control Bureau. They featured engaging, audience-specific modules and training. Activities such as peer leadership development, inclusive discussions, and moving performances—such as the street play Nahi Nahi Bhoy at Dum Dum Central Correctional Home— brought attention to the social, psychological, and economic factors underlying addiction. These formats aimed to help participants understand the value of early action, community involvement, and the need to reduce stigma. The initiative provided practical guidance on fostering drug-free workplaces and empowering participants to support individuals recovering from substance use. The major aims were to raise awareness, oversee rehabilitation centres, and collaborate with mental health professionals for comprehensive care. The campaign's recommendations included rolling out similar initiatives nationwide, applying harm reduction approaches, increasing budget allocations, and establishing addiction treatment facilities in every hospital and correctional setting. 'This initiative saw an overwhelming response with 602 participants—far beyond the target—engaging in sessions on early intervention, counselling, legal frameworks, and community strategies,' Kumar said. 'Renowned experts from institutions like NIMHANS, TISS, and CIP Ranchi enriched the sessions, offering critical insights into the needs of vulnerable groups, including adolescents, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalised communities,' he said. The programme concluded with strong calls for continuous public sensitisation, policy-level changes, and culturally relevant interventions. The emphasis was clear: shift from punitive practices to compassionate, community-centric strategies. (Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
150-year-old ‘mystery' over desert lizard's identity solved
By Sharadiya Mitra The Zoological Survey of India has solved a 150-year-old scientific puzzle by officially identifying the reference specimen of the Persian long-tailed desert lizard (Mesalina watsonana), a species first described in 1872 by naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka. ZSI researchers Sumidh Ray and Dr. Pratyush P. Mohapatra have designated a single specimen—ZSI-R-5050, housed in Kolkata—as the 'lectotype,' or the defining representative of the species. 'Stoliczka, the then director of the Geological Survey of India, led an expedition to Persia and deposited numerous specimens in the Indian Museum which is now in with ZSI.,' said Dr. Mohapatra while speaking with The Indian Express. 'Over time, confusion arose regarding the species' identity. This study confirmed that the oldest specimen, collected by Stoliczka, was indeed the original, leading to its official designation as Mesalina watsonana, previously known as Eremias watsonana,' he added. First known as Eremias watsonana, the lizard is found across arid regions of South and Central Asia. The designation of the lectotype gives researchers a stable and globally accepted point of reference for future taxonomic and ecological studies. The newly clarified identity of Mesalina watsonana is expected to aid studies on desert biodiversity and lizard evolution across Asia. ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, said, 'Stoliczka's collections remain crucial for understanding reptile taxonomy in the region. Clarifying these names isn't just good science—it also honors the legacy of past researchers.' The move ends decades of confusion among herpetologists, who had long grappled with scattered and poorly documented specimens kept across museums in Kolkata, London, and Vienna. (Sharadiya Mitra is an intern at the Kolkata office of The Indian Express)
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Kolkata Corporation drafts rules for uniform standards for conservation, management of heritage structures in city
Written by Sharadiya Mitra Kolkata city's right architectural legacy stands poised for consistent preservation, as the civic body has recently drafted a set of updated rules to ensure uniform standards for the conservation and management of all listed heritage structures in the city. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has forwarded the draft guidelines to the West Bengal government for approval so that the architectural relics are conserved through enforceable preservation rules. Experts feel that this step would significantly bring in a comprehensive system to protect the heritage structures dotting Kolkata city despite decades of identification and documentation. Despite having a structured approach, the existing conservation rules and grading system formulated by a team led by historian Prof Barun De had left many buildings vulnerable to alterations, neglect, and demolition. 'We have prepared a detailed draft that can truly change the way heritage is preserved in Kolkata. What Kolkata needs now is not just admiration for its past, but commitment to its future. These rules are a start—but only if they're allowed to take effect,' said an official from the Heritage Conservation Committee. 'But until the government clears it, our hands are tied,' he added. Prof Barun De-led subcommittee was tasked with reviewing and refining the list of heritage buildings compiled in 1998, as many entries were found to be either inaccurate, outdated, or lacking historical significance. The revised document grouped 611 buildings under Grade I, which stipulated no structural changes, 197 buildings under Grade IIA that allowed minor additions in open spaces, and 109 structures under Grade IIB that permitted minor modifications under supervision. In 1997, the Government of West Bengal formed an expert committee to identify heritage structures within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) limits. By 1998, a detailed list was submitted, and the KMC Act was amended to include a section dedicated to heritage protection. Although KMC acknowledged the revised list, the lack of proper regulatory support meant conservation efforts remained largely symbolic. (The writer is an intern with the Indian Express)
