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An easy ride still a distant dream
Dreaded Fauji gangster killed in encounter
411 vehicles challaned
Three die as school bus turns turtle
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Noida’s half-marathon is off
Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection
Artscape ‘Dialogues’ for art buffs
Disability convention at ISIC
Power staff to rally against chief engineer
Official apathy causing lacklustre postal services
Spare parts’ shops gutted in Kashmere Gate
L-G urged to get arrears for family welfare plan
Liquor vends fetch Rs 90 cr
Admission procedure made simple
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An easy ride still a distant dream for motorists
New Delhi, March 27 There are of course state-of-the-art means of transport like the Metro and modern flyovers but these exist alongside uneven roads overflowing with sewage and pock-marked by potholes and up-to-a-feet-deep ditches. For Delhi motorists, negotiating their way through these hazardous stretches is a torture that takes all the pleasure out of the thought of the city being planned to be among the best in the world. Despite the issue of the wear and tear of roads taken up at the highest level during the past monsoon season and claims made by the government that quality and speed has been ensured in the construction and repair of roads, their condition, even in the VIP areas, is far from satisfactory. There are multiple alibis for the poor state of roads in the Capital. The Additional Director in the Central Public Works Department, Mr M. A. Chakraborti, says that Delhi roads were under great strain because of the density of vehicular traffic, which was the highest in the country. Moreover, the road to total land ratio in the Capital was only six per cent while in Kolkata it was 12 per cent as against an ideal 22 per cent. The Chief Engineer of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD), Mr M. K. Meena, complains of lack of funds among other things as coming in the way of ensuring quality of construction and proper maintenance of roads. “As much as 90 per cent of the Capital’s road are with the MCD and only four per cent with the PWD and NDMC, but when it comes to receiving grants, the ratio is reversed. The PWD receives Rs 400 crore for maintaining 4,000 km roads while the MCD receives almost the same amount for maintaining 28,000 km roads. This anomaly should be removed, he said. He said frequent digging by various service providers like MTNL, private telecom operators and others for laying their cables was one of the main reasons for the deteriorating condition of roads as after doing their work, they do not do the repairs properly. However, the system is going to end from April. The service providers will now leave the scene after digging and it will be the MCD, which will do the repairs and the cost will be charged from the service providers, he said. The road repair will now be done under a sort of ‘unit area method’, he said, explaining that instead of inviting tenders for doing separate stretches of road, one party will be given contract for one year and the moment some stretches of road need repair, the contractor will be asked to do that without going through any formalities of inviting tender and getting the money sanctioned, he said. Leakage and poor drainage were also important causes of early wear and tear of roads, says Mr Meena. The Delhi PWD Additional Secretary, Mr M. L. Jethawai and the NDMC Chairperson, Ms Sindhushree Khullar, agree with Mr Meena on this count. While accepting that several stretches of roads coming within the purview of the NDMC were not in good condition and were showing marks of wear and tear soon after their construction, its chairperson, Ms Sindhushree Khullar, said this was not always indicative of bad quality of construction. There were so many factors, which were not in control of engineers. For example, leakage in the underground pipes at several places was eroding the roads from its very foundation. Water logging on the roads in the absence of poor drainage was also one of the main causes of the deterioration setting in early, she argued. Ms Khullar said the New Delhi Municipal Council has drawn up a plan to improve the Delhi roads with special emphasis on the use of new technology. It has also decided to execute the work through big players in construction instead of engaging multiple contractors to do small stretches of road. To begin with, the NOIDA toll bridge company has been entrusted with the job of conducting the road audit to grade the road according to the pressure they have to bear due their location. After grading the roads, they will give specifications for their improvement. The roads first to be taken up for correction with the use of latest technology in road construction are Shantipath, Rajpath, Akbar Road and Kamal Ataturk Road. ‘’We can only hope that civic bodies implement these projects as early as possible,’’ said a citizen struggling to drive his vehicle through potholes on the Mathura Road, just a few yards ahead of the Humayun’s tomb, which attracts tourists from all over the world. For many Delhiites, the multiplicity of authorities having jurisdiction over roads is confounding. When a road needs urgent repair, we do not know which authority to approach, says a retired government employee. The Delhi roads are at present under four authorities–MCD, NDMC, PWD and the National Highway Authority of India.
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Dreaded Fauji gangster killed in encounter
Ghaziabad, March 27 The Kavi Nagar police were telephonically informed that two gangsters atop a motorcycle had snatched a purse from a woman behind CBI Academy, Ghaziabad. The police encountered these criminals in Salarpur village. One of them was wounded with a police bullet while the other fled, abandoning the bike. The wounded criminal was rushed to District hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the way. The police recovered a revolver, a diary and bullets of AK 47 rifles from his pocket and the bike. On the basis of his diary, the deceased was identified as Majoj Pahelwan of Parsol village in Dankore police station of G.B. Nagar. He was a member of the dreaded Yashveer Fauji gang of the same village. According to police circle officer, Dr Dharam Veer Singh, Pahelwan and Fauji had killed a jeweller Kishen Kumar on November 29, 2004 on national highway No 26 in Narsingpur district of Madhya Pradesh. These criminals had also wounded a companion of Kishen Kumar, the circle officer said.
Auto thief slaps SI
An auto thief slapped a police sub-inspector in-charge of the police post in full public view in Ghaziabad court complex. While the auto thief was stealing a car, the SI tried to overpower him. The other cops who came to the rescue of their senior also received a few punches and kicks from the bully criminal. Ultimately, PAC jawans had to subdue the thief who had created a commotion in the court complex. The shocking incident took place at about 10.30 am on Friday when there was usual hustle and bustle in the complex. The thief was attempting to drive away the car parked outside the court complex. Seeing a sturdy thief fiddling with the car in an effort to drive it away, the SI pounced on him from behind. The thief turned around swiftly and slapped the SI forcefully, but the SI did not let go of him. The criminal then rained blows and kicks at the SI. Even the policemen who came running to overpower the youth failed in their attempt. Later, with the help of a few PAC jawans, the criminal was pushed inside the police post where he was thrashed. But the man continued to create a commotion and threw some chairs outside the police
post. — OC
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411 vehicles challaned
New Delhi, March 27 During the special checking at several places in Chandni Chowk, Fateh Puri, Khari Baoli, Kamla Nagar, Sadar Bazar, Azad Market, Library Road and Shastri Nagar, the police checked as many as 530 vehicles including 363 two-wheelers. Those booked for violating the traffic rules were challaned for offences like improper parking, red light jumping, dangerous driving, driving without proper documents, without helmet and triple riding. In another case, the North district police arrested two persons and recovered a huge quantity of illicit liquor on the occasion of Holi festival. During the special drive, the police nabbed two persons, identified as Harish and Zahid and also recovered 46 bottles, 48 halves and 654 quarters of country- made and foreign liquor from a Tata 407 vehicle.
Three get
7-yr-RI for robbery
A Delhi court sentenced three persons to seven-year rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in a robbery case in Rajouri Garden area of West Delhi more than a year ago. Additional Sessions Judge S. C. Rajan also imposed a fine of Rs 4,000 on Suraj, Ajay and Rajesh. The police said they had robbed Raj Kumar Garg of cash and jewellery on the night of December 22, 2003. The prosecution examined 14 witnesses in the case. Meanwhile, a city court sentenced a man to three-and-a-half-year rigorous imprisonment for attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl.
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Three die as school bus turns turtle
Noida, March 27 Greh Prasad, 26, Mohd Nafis, 29, died on the spot. Seriously injured Shahzad and Seeta Ram of Sector-9 Noida and Vijay Kumar of Gonda were rushed to government hospital, Noida, where Shahzad succumbed to his injuries. Seeta Ram and Vijay Kumar are stated to be in a serious condition in ICU. All the victims are stated to be from Bihar. The bus which ferries students of Indian National Senior Secondary School was coming from Dadri to Noida. It was not carrying students at the time of the accident, S.O. Phase-II police station, Sanjay Bajpayee said.
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Noida’s half-marathon is off
Noida, March 27 The first-ever half-marathon, announced by Noida Chairman Dev Dutt over a month ago in which 10,000 runners, including national and international sports celebrities, schoolchildren, men, women, the aged and the disabled children, were to take part, has been abandoned suddenly. And with it an estimated over Rs 8 lakh of public money spent on preparations has gone down the drain. Prizes of Rs 10 lakh were up for grabs, besides special prizes of Rs 2 lakh for children, including the physically challenged kids, had also been announced for the event. Significantly, all the proceeds of the event, in which a number of industrial houses had become sponsors, were to be contributed to the welfare of physically and mentally challenged children. A number of celebrities, including cricketer, Kapil Dev, who had attended a meeting on Thursday also, a number of national and international athletes and runners were slated to participate in the half-marathon. A number of TV channels and print media had been constantly giving publicity to the half-marathon which had been projected as a mega event of the Noida Authority Foundation Day celebrations. Even Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and MP Amar Singh were stated to be keen on the event and had felt that the half-marathon should herald the development of international-level sports infrastructure in Noida in preparation for the next Commonwealth and Asian Games, slated to be held in the Capital. The official version for the cancellation of the event, according to Noida Chairman Dev Dutt, is that the experts are now of the opinion that April 10 will not be suitable from the weather point of view and that international sportmen and athletes were also not available at this juncture. Noida authority officials, however, say that the half marathon has been postponed, not cancelled.
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Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection
New Delhi, March 27 At the Capital’s oldest church, St James, Rev Monodeed Danial and Rev Suzanna James conducted the service and organised community kitchens for the poor in the Kashmere Gate area. On this festive occasion, Christians rededicated their hundreds of hospitals, school and colleges, run as non-profit bodies, in the service of the nation. Christianity reached the country with the arrival of St Thomas at Cranganore (Kerala) in 52 AD, centuries before it entered the West.
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Artscape
New Delhi, March 27 The unique exhibition was the brainchild of Ms Aruna Kirpal, exhibition chairperson, and the president of the exhibition, Ms Pratibha Khanna. Delhi Ikebana International was formed in 1965 and is a chartered chapter of Ikebana International. In the past, they have participated in various national and international conferences. They also organise an annual exhibition, which has become a major event in Delhi’s cultural calendar. The association is actively involved with the ‘Stepping Stones’ school for mentally challenged children and teach them the art of Ikebana. The highlight this year was their participation in the exhibition. Ikebana International is a worldwide organisation founded in Tokyo in 1956. Its members are dedicated to promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other countries through Ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arrangement) and other related arts of Japan. According to experts, traditional Ikebana is an extremely formalised art following rigid rules but modem Ikebana, which began around hundred years ago, allows more spontaneity, bringing out the individuality of the arranger.
Beginning March 28, Anant Art Gallery here is putting on two exhibitions for the benefit of art aficionados. ‘Between Me and Delhi’ is an exhibition of the recent works of artist Vibha Galhotra. The exhibition will remain open for public till April 8. Simultaneously, the Gallery is also showcasing the recent works of six young contemporary artists. ‘Dialogues’ will also remain open for public viewing till April 8.
Paintings depict love of nature
Lalit Kala Akademi here is showcasing the paintings of well-known artist, Mamta Mathur from March 28. The exhibition will remain open for public till April 8. Mamta Mathur, wife of a senior police officer presently posted with the Rapid Action Force of the Central Reserve Police Force here, had shown intense inclination towards art and painting right from early childhood. After graduating from Rajasthan University in 1978, Mamta has pursued art with relentless energy and produced some beautiful and thought-provoking images. Such was her devotion to art, that she was appointed lecturer of drawing and painting at the Government College, Kota. An avid traveller, her paintings reflect her deep love of nature.
Divya’s creations used by hotels
Delhi-based young artist Divya Vandana Sharma is showcasing her works at Lalit Kala Akademy here on March 28. The exhibition is being curated by Ajay Kumar ‘Sameer’, a well-known name in the art circles here. Divya is a self-taught artist who started her tryst with paint and paper at a very early age. She was guided by her grandfather, Colonel Spolia who himself was a name to be reckoned with in the art world. With such a talented guide, Divya soon learnt the figurative and abstract techniques. Working as a full-time artist, her creations have been used by various hotels.
At a time when a sizeable majority has sought to take refuge in the concrete jungles of the metropolitan cities, a new exhibition, which opened in the Capital on Friday, strives to bring the city dwellers face to face with the true beauty of nature. ‘Rang Ragas: A Travelogue’, an exhibition of nature and wildlife photography by New Delhi-based photographer Mohit Midha was inaugurated by Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler at the Taj Mahal Hotel here.
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Disability convention at ISIC
New Delhi, March 27 In this summit, more than 500 experts working in the disability sector would get together at this unique convention to identify emerging issues, trends and creative strategies for promoting the concept of inclusive and right-based society in the area of disability. The conference aims at facilitating processes through which information and networking among NGOs takes place that help in synergising the efforts in serving persons with disabilities. This is not the first time when the RCI is organising such conferences. Earlier in May 2003, the Council had organised an ‘All India Cross Disability Convention’ that received overwhelming response from the participants all over the country.
— TNS
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Power staff to rally against chief engineer
Faridabad, March 27 Stating this, the president of the union, Premraj Singh alleged that there were certain ‘irregularities’ in various functions, including the recruitment of the contract labour
and the alleged misbehaviour by the chief engineer with the employees a few days ago. Claiming that those protesting against the officials concerned were being victimised in all possible ways, he alleged that the incident of misbehaviour was a part of such a move. He said the union and the Sarva Karamachari Sangh, Haryana, had already
submitted a memorandum in this connection to all the Congress MLAs from here. Meanwhile, the chief engineer of the plant has denied the charges levelled by the union.
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Official apathy causing lacklustre postal services
New Delhi, March 27 Moreover, due to the official apathy and lack of proper planning by the department there is little hope that this deficiency will be overcome soon. Most of these post offices in the Trans –Yamuna area are running from rented houses. The rents for these post offices have been determined by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which are obviously much below the market rates. The twist here is that the post offices operating from these houses have opposed the computerisation drive as it will lead to extra economic burden on them. A senior officer of the department, however, claimed that the computerisation drive in the Trans– Yamuna area will be completed in a phased manner. The post offices at Azad Nagar, Mauj Pur, Vishwash Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Shakar Pur will be targeted under the first phase of the scheme. “All these post offices are running from rented houses. Most of them are accommodated in one-room sets. For a long time, the house owners are demanding payment of rent on the basis of the market rate. Apart from this, they also want extra money in the form of electricity charges in case the computers are installed. But our department is not ready to hike the rent,” he said. A well-known social worker of this area and the president of the Indian Philanthropist Trust, Mr B. M. Aggarwal, said that due to the apathy of the Postal Department, the public was suffering. “All works at these post offices are being done manually in the absence of computers. Leave aside computerisation, some of them are even deprived of basic electronic instruments, even postal materials are being weighed manually,” he said.
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Spare parts’ shops gutted in Kashmere Gate
New Delhi, March 27 The sources in the Delhi Fire Service said that a call was received at around 10.55 a.m. about a fire in a godown. Immediately, at least 32 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, a minor fire was reported in the Indraprastha building on Bharakhamba Road this evening, injuring two firemen, who had gone to extinguish the fire along with his colleagues. The firemen injured have been identified as Dev Bahadur and Devender Kumar. The sources said six fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
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L-G urged to get arrears for family welfare plan
New Delhi, March 27 Mr Vijender Kumar Gupta, who is also secretary of Delhi Pradesh BJP, has alleged in a letter to Lieutenant-Governor B. L. Joshi that the finances of Delhi Government were in such a mess that it had to withhold Rs 32.62 crore released by the Union Government to the MCD for implementing the National Family Welfare Programme. Mr Gupta said in the letter that against the accumulated amount of arrears amounting to Rs 37.65 crore, the Delhi Government was likely to release only Rs 5.03 crore. The MCD is running 70 family welfare units for the socially and economically backward sections of society.
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Liquor vends fetch Rs 90 cr
Faridabad, March 27 This has been about 8.45 per cent higher than the revenue earned by the authorities last year. There are a total of about 162 vends in the district, which include 91 for the country-made liquor, while the rest 71 for the English one. The total quota of the liquor supply in the district has been increased from 61.95 lakh proof litres to 68.75 lakh proof litres in this financial year. This include 36.75 lakh proof litres of the country-made liquor in this year. The auction was held at Gurgaon and all the vends were auctioned to one company. Faridabad is one of the largest consumer districts of liquor in the state.
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Admission procedure made simple
New Delhi, March 27 The Geneva-based IBO will issue the percentile mark-sheet along with the regular grade-based diploma to the students completing class XII from the IB school and aspiring to take admission in Indian universities.
— TNS
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New Delhi, March 27
