Latest news with #VMC
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Garments market near Kunal Crossroads shut down after safety, encroachment concerns
Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Saturday cleared out a long-standing traditional garments market near Kunal Crossroads in the city's western part. The move marked the end of a popular seasonal bazaar that had gradually turned into a year-round presence on plots owned by VMC and the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA). The market, once a hotspot for shoppers — especially during Navratri when garba revellers flocked in large numbers — came under scrutiny after residents from a nearby locality raised objections. The tipping point was an alleged incident of harassment involving youths from the market and a local girl. Originally set up as a temporary market during festive seasons, the stalls had become a permanent fixture. While shoppers from the western parts of the city initially relied on areas like Navabazar in the old city, the market near Kunal Crossroads had grown in popularity in recent years. BJP leader Rajesh Ayre took up the matter, citing illegal encroachment. The civic body's fire department also issued a notice, citing lack of fire safety measures despite high footfalls. Additionally, the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) raised objections, as part of the market was situated beneath high-tension power lines. Following a joint survey by VMC and VUDA, vendors were warned to vacate. On Saturday, when civic officials arrived to carry out the eviction, vendors resisted. "We paused the drive for an hour as the vendors wanted to make representations. However, they later demanded a 10-day postponement. Some women even lay in front of our machinery," said Mangesh Jaiswal, VMC's director of encroachment removal and security. Police were called in to assist, and the operation went ahead, resulting in the removal of approximately 100 vendors from the site.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Barrage project near Ajwa reservoir set to begin post-monsoon
Vadodara: The irrigation department has initiated the process to appoint an agency for the construction of a barrage parallel to the Ajwa reservoir, a key step in the city's long-term flood mitigation plan. The project was one of the recommendations made by the high-power committee formed for flood control in Vadodara. The Ajwa reservoir, situated around 20 km from the city, is a crucial source of drinking water and dates back to 1890. It was built on the Surya rivulet during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the erstwhile Baroda state. The earthen dam currently channels its overflow into the Vishwamitri river, which passes through the city. To manage and control the flow of excess water more efficiently, the new barrage will be constructed downstream of the reservoir. It is expected to slow down water discharge, thereby reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas. Since Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), which oversees the reservoir, lacks experience in such construction, the irrigation department has taken charge of the project due to its technical expertise. According to sources, the pre-qualification bids are under review. Once the eligible agencies are shortlisted, financial bids will be invited, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest bidder. An official associated with the project said the estimated cost of construction is Rs 100 crore, based on the department's schedule of rates. The selected contractor will be given 18 months to complete the work. The official added that construction is likely to commence after the monsoon. "This project is part of the city's long-term flood mitigation strategy and was not among the immediate measures," the official said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Drain cleaning, beautification drive in focus as UP minister reviews projects
1 2 Varanasi: Urban Development Minister AK Sharma on Tuesday chaired a review meeting of the department here, with focus on drain cleaning, water management, anti-encroachment measures, and beautification projects across the city. Municipal commissioner Akshat Verma presented a detailed overview of the ongoing civic works under the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC). Verma highlighted the phased cleaning of sewer lines and stormwater drains using advanced equipment, including super sucker and bucket machines, being carried out by the Water Works department. To tackle waterlogging ahead of the monsoon, the commissioner informed that 80 vulnerable locations have been identified, with adequate pump arrangements already in place. He also briefed the minister about the city's water supply system, which is currently supported by two water treatment plants (WTPs), along with the installation of 41 new tube wells and 152 hand pumps. Verma said that a zone-wise identification of encroachments has been completed and notices are being served to violators, mandating removal within two days. A dedicated anti-encroachment campaign will commence from May 30, with fines to be imposed on defaulters. The commissioner also updated the minister on various development initiatives underway, including the construction of a Senior Care Center and a City Facility Center, progress on municipal bond initiatives, beautification of city ponds, the CM Grid project, digitisation of birth and death records, and the rollout of the Smart Kashi mobile application. Issuing directives, Minister Sharma instructed that 100 percent cleaning of all drains and sewers — both large and small — must be completed within the next 15 days. He emphasized timely removal of silt and the enforcement of anti-encroachment measures without delay. Sharma also suggested landscaping road shoulders with grass or creating pedestrian pathways, and stressed the goal of making Varanasi dust-free. He called for better organisation of street vendors and intensified public awareness to prevent littering. Highlighting the cultural significance of the city, the minister directed that memorials be constructed near the residences of notable personalities and Padma awardees as part of a broader beautification initiative.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Civic sleuthing: VMC nabs ice dish vendor for repeated garbage dumping
Vadodara: In an operation that mirrored a police investigation, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) tracked down a vendor responsible for consistently littering a civic facility with large amounts of garbage. The incident occurred near the VMC water pumping station located by Leprosy Ground on Ajwa Road. Though the area had long been a hotspot for illegal dumping, persistent efforts by officials and security staff had significantly curbed the problem — except for one lingering offender who continued to discard sugar cane peel and disposable bowls late at night. The garbage, consisting primarily of sugar cane waste and single-use items, pointed to one of the many temporary food vendors that mushroom across Vadodara during the summer, offering ice dishes, sugar cane juice, and cold refreshments. "We suspected the waste was being dumped between 1am and 3am," said Suresh Tuver, deputy municipal commissioner (East Zone). "Even posting a guard didn't deter the culprit. So, we kept discreet watch — and finally caught a youth red-handed while dumping the garbage." The trail led to Ganesh Ice Dish and Sugar cane Juice outlet, located on Ajwa Road. As the vendor had been repeatedly violating sanitation norms, the VMC imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Officials are now verifying whether the outlet has the necessary operational permissions from the corporation. This case highlights the VMC's commitment to tackling public nuisance through vigilance and enforcement — demonstrating that catching a persistent litterer can be as methodical and effective as a criminal probe.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Today in Politics: PM Modi to begin Gujarat visit, inaugurate country's first 9,000 HP locomotive engine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil India's first 9,000 horsepower locomotive engine, take part in a roadshow and multiple events during his two-day visit to Gujarat starting from Monday, Gujarat government officials said last week. The PM will participate in a host of events in Dahod, Bhuj, Vadodara and Gandhinagar after arriving at the Vadodara airport around 10am on Monday, they said. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation has planned a one-km-long roadshow near the airport to greet the PM and congratulate him for the success of Operation Sindoor, said VMC standing committee chairperson Sheetal Mistry. 'People of Vadodara, including women, will stand on both sides of the roadshow route near the airport to express their gratitude to the PM for the huge success of Operation Sindoor,' Mistry told reporters. At Dahod, the PM will visit a railway locomotive manufacturing unit and inaugurate India's first 9,000 horsepower locomotive engine made at the facility, which has been set up with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore, said a release by the Gujarat government. From the factory, the PM will reach an open ground near Kharod village in Dahod district to address a gathering, it said. From Dahod, the PM will travel to Kutch district to address a public meeting at Mirzapar Road near Bhuj town. Later, he will visit the revered Mata Ashapura Temple at Mata No Madh in Lakhpat taluka of Kutch, according to the release. CJI Gavai to preside over collegium meet Chief Justice of India B R Gavai is likely to convene his inaugural collegium meeting on Monday to address three vacancies in the Supreme Court and effecting crucial appointments in several high courts. Sources said that the country's senior-most judges will deliberate over a list of 100 high court judges to identify three suitable candidates for elevation to the apex court . Meanwhile, Justice B V Nagarathna, in line to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, is set to become a member of the Supreme Court Collegium after the retirement of Justice Abhay S Oka. The Collegium will now comprise the CJI, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J K Maheshwari, and Justice Nagarathna. Amit Shah in Maharashtra Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a three-day visit to Maharashtra from Sunday. A statement issued by Maharashtra BJP said Shah on Monday will attend a programme at Nagpur Cancer Institute in Jamtha and then lay the foundation stone of the sub centre of National Forensics University in Chincholi village. 'He will then travel to Nanded and attend several programmes. He will leave for Mumbai later in the night. On May 27, he will attend events at Shri Narayan Mandir Madhavbagh and Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall in Mumbai,' the statement said.
