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It’s public money! NDMC replaces granite with Kota stone
Tickets to have foils for Metro travel
COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
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ON SONG: Freshers at Kirori Mal College enjoy their first day.
Tribune photos: Manas Ranjan Bhui
DC withdraws powers of
naib tehsildar
Government schools ‘foist’
Sanskrit on pupils
Next rain may bring bigger mess
Two arms dealers arrested in Delhi
Madhuri’s custody extended by 3 days
Labourer killed in demolition work
Blueline passengers robbed
'84 riots: Withdrawal of advocate 'unfortunate'
Realtor shot at by nephew of
Sahib Singh Verma
13-yr-old girl drowns
City sees yet another cool and cloudy day
5 held with Rs 25-lakh brass scrap
2 bodies found
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It’s public money! NDMC replaces granite with Kota stone
New Delhi, July 21 — Sanjeev Mehra,
Mkt association chief The local body’s decision to pull back its choice on granite stone has extended the scheduled time for its completion. The market, which is being renovated at a total cost of Rs 5.6 crore, was to be inaugurated on June 30, but now it will not be ready before August 15. The decision has also added to the woes of the traders. “Why can’t they decide before taking up the work. Changing decisions is easy for them as the money is not coming out of their own pockets,” said Sanjeev Mehra, president of the Market Association. The market also had pathways laid of Kota stones. However, the NDMC officials said that the stone was put on experimental basis. “The granite was laid as a sample to check its feasibility. After consulting the experts, we decided to lay Kota stone,” said Anand Tiwari, NDMC spokesperson. According to the traders, the granite is removed as the corporation thought it is too slippery for the visitors. Though traders are not against the laying of Kota stone, they say even this stone becomes slippery during rains. “Kota stone can be very slippery during the rainy season and it is also broken easily. Granite looked elegant. All the important places and markets in India have granite flooring, be it secretariat or airport,” said Mehra. He said that a modified plan could have been adopted. “Even if they did not want to lay granite, the plan could have been modified. The authorities could have used sand blasted granite, which makes the stone little rough and avoid slipping,” Mehra added. The market is being renovated in two phases. The first phase is near completion, but the second would be taken after the Commonwealth Games. “We asked the NDMC to take up the second phase only after the Games as business is already running low because of the construction mess,” said Mehra. The flooring of Connaught Place’s corridors was also rebuilt using the sandstone after Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) shot down NDMC’s plan to use granite. |
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Tickets to have foils for Metro travel
New Delhi, July 21 The Commonwealth Games tickets will have two detachable foils for up and down journey by the Metro. These foils will have the same serial numbers mentioned on the Games ticket and will be valid for that venue and date only. The manual gates at the stations will be used for the entry and exit of the commuters holding the Games tickets. Guards and volunteers from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will verify the foils by perforating them and collect them from the commuters at the exit station. In addition to the common ticketing facility, the DMRC will also bring out a special Commonwealth Games booklet to provide the necessary information to the commuters during the Games. The comprehensive booklet will not only carry information about the various Metro corridors and stations, but will also have details about the tourist and shopping attractions of the city along with their Metro connectivity. The booklet will have detailed information about the city’s hotels, railway stations, emergency numbers, etc. Delhi Metro will provide easy connectivity to 10 out of 11 venues of the Commonwealth Games: Games Village, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi University, Thyagaraj Complex, Siri Fort Sports Complex, National Stadium, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex and R K Tennis Complex. Delhi Metro today covers 125 km and carries about 1.1 million commuters and is expected to carry 2 million commuters once the entire network of 190 km becomes operational by September 2010 before the Commonwealth Games.
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Green drive gets a fillip
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 21 Recently, the head of Drupka sect of Buddhists wrote to organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi offering to plant one million trees in Ladakh alone in 24 hours on October 1. Drupkas have a large following in Ladakh and control many monasteries, including Hemis, which commands thousands of devotees. Jagmohan Bhanot, an OSD to the organising committee of the CWG, said they believed that 3.5 lakh trees were required to offset the carbon footprints, but would plant over one million trees. Officials said everybody wants to be associated with the CWG and the best and easiest choice for many was to put their shoulders to its plantation drive. Though it could not be completely selfless, the green drive is getting a push. The offer from Gyalwang Drupka, who is considered the god reincarnate by his followers, has also asked for VVIP passes for him and his two escorts apart from dozens of VIP and normal passes for others associated with the sect. Several other organisations have also pitched in with plantation drive and Bhanot said they would easily surpass one million mark for trees to be planted in 28 states and seven UTs through which the CWG baton would pass. One of the acknowledged green successes so far has been Thyagaraj Stadium which was termed an “environmental showpiece” by a UN Environment Programme for its initiatives to save energy. Officials say it would be fair to compare the impending New Delhi CWG with Melbourne, which had hosted the event four years back. The Melbourne Games organisers had planted 9 lakh plants, including 5 lakh potted ones, while Delhi has plans for 1 million plants, which would be full-grown trees and do not include potted plants, Bhanot says. The organisers would develop city forests in Aya Nagar and Malikpur in barren patches.
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Day 1: DU freshers high on style and fun
While most girls sported hot pants, short skirts, denims and three-fourths, boys stuck to cool T-shirts, denims and bermudas. "The first day is all about making that perfect style statement. We also enjoy looking at freshers, reminiscing that we too had come all decked up on the first day of college. Especially in co-ed colleges, both girls and boys make an extra effort to look good. It's not necessary, but most people find their friends on the very first day and as the days pass, you tend to look back and smile on your first day," said Keshav Kapoor, maths (hons) final year student at Venkateswar College. Most colleges opened their gates at 8 am and held the orientation for freshers at 10 am. Principals of colleges, including Lady Sri Ram (LSR), Gargi, Miranda, Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and Hindu, formally welcomed the freshers in their orientations. Different societies, including dance, theatre, and music, also performed for freshers giving them a taste of what is in store for them in coming years. Moving on, the fuchchas had their introductory sessions with the department teachers. On the first day itself, most teachers handed over the timetables and introduced the courses in an informal manner. Then followed the session with seniors, which is mainly introduction and ice-breaking session. "Our seniors were exceptionally cool. They just kept cracking jokes to make us at ease. We danced, sang songs and talked about favorite movies and favorite food. They told us about the key places to shop, where to find cheap food and where to find the best jewellery as well," said Ritu Chabbra, English (hons) student, Miranda House. LSR is one of those which follows a unique buddy system. "We ask freshers to pick chits from a box. Each chit carries the name of two senior students. The names that the fresher gets on the chit become her buddies. So every fresher has two buddies, one from the second year and one from the third year. Any questions about studies or any personal problem can be addressed to the buddy," said Eesha Singh, a journalism (hons) passout from LSR. "For us, the first day was just about exploring the college. We are clicking pictures which will be loaded on Facebook as soon as we reach home. Most of the day was just endless interaction in the canteen. Everything seems brilliant; there is a lot of hustle-bustle here. There is no fear of ragging, in stead seniors are sweet and forthcoming," said Ankita Srivastava, a first year BA life sciences student from Gargi College. Around 54,000 students started their graduation courses in several colleges of Delhi University today. Breaking its 30-year-old tradition, the university commenced its academic session for 2010-11 today, instead of July 16 due to the semester system. However, science students had a confused time running to different ends to find out their timetables. "Most teachers did not have answers to most of our questions regarding the course. All they said was that things would become clearer with time and that we should not worry much," said Pratishtha, a physics (hons) student from Swami Shradhanand College.
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DC withdraws powers of
naib tehsildar
Gurgaon, July 21 During an inspection, Kataria found discrepancies and violations in the working of naib tehsildar Kulwant Singh, who is also a joint sub-registrar of Gurgaon tehsil. The DC withdrew his powers to register sale deeds of immovable property. Five counters were opened on July 1 for the registration of immoveable property in Gurgaon tehsil as a measure to facilitate the residents and root out corruption. These counters had been opened in compliance with orders of financial commissioner of revenue department Naresh Gulati. As per the orders, all naib tehsildars appointed in Gurgaon were given powers to register sale deeds and other documents of immoveable property. Earlier, there was only one counter in the tehsil for getting the sale deed of immoveable property registered. The purchaser had to wait for about a week to get the documents because the sub-registrar was not available for signatures due to official engagements. Now, the deputy commissioner, who is also the registrar, has delegated the powers to three other naib tehsildars also and as per the new arrangement, buyers get the documents on the same day. Gulati had also directed the deputy commissioners of all districts under the Gurgaon division that no employee should remain on the post of registry clerk or computer operator performing the job at tehsil office for more than six months.
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Government schools ‘foist’
Sanskrit on pupils
New Delhi, July 21 It has come to light that in many schools, students who have comparatively lower grades are being forced to opt for Sanskrit as a subject in class XI and XII instead of English. Many of these students are upset as they feel that this move threatens their academic prospects. Shahid Ali, a class XI student of the Sarvodaya Bal Vidyala, said, “The principal of my school has forced me to take Sanskrit in place of English. I have always wanted to study English, but the principal is preventing me from taking the subject.” Ali added, “The reason is simple. The principal wants good results and Sanskrit is a subject in which you can get high marks. This is not fair. A good command of English is vital for further studies in college and university.” A teacher of the Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, who did not want to be named, said, “It is wrong to force students to take Sanskrit. Students who want to take English should be allowed to do so. This is just another way of the principal to ensure that results remain high, Sanskrit being a scoring subject.” However, the principal of Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, clarified, “No student is being forced by the school to choose Sanskrit. We are simply helping the students to opt for the subject in which they have an aptitude. The decision is made on the basis of their aptitude and grades.” Ashok Aggarwal, an advocate who has received many complaints on this issue, said, “Most Delhi government schools bent on showing good results are forcing students to take Sanskrit instead of English in class XI. It is not only illegal, but also unethical. We have received many complaints from students of different government schools. This practice needs to be stopped.” |
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Next rain may bring bigger mess
New Delhi, July 21 "We are on a "tool-down strike" from today and have removed all tractors, trollies and trucks from the construction sites," said Sunil Vohra, president of the contractors' association. "We have not been paid for the past 18 months. In fact, in some cases, the dues are as old as four years. Around 3,000 contractors are taking part in the agitation and it will continue till our dues are cleared," he said. Vohra claimed that the contractors undertaking electrical works have also joined the strike. "We will neither pick up the debris nor repair the potholes. We have also withdrawn our 3,000 tempos and trolleys from work. We will chart out further course of action at a meeting tomorrow," said Vohra. However, according to MCD leaders, the Commonwealth Games (CWG) work will remain unaffected by the strike. "The work at CWG sites and it would not be affected by the strike," said Subhash Arya, Leader of House. He also said that MCD owed the contractors Rs 650 crore. The MCD, which is already facing liquidity crunch, has also not paid the wages of its sanitation workers.
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Two arms dealers arrested in Delhi
New Delhi, July 21 “Gavender Singh (32) and Pushpender Singh (35), both hailing from Etah, were arrested from Nandnagri last night when they came here to hand over arms and ammunition to one Akbar,” said the area DCP. Five Chinese and English pistols of 32 bore, five spare magazines of 7.62 mm and 15 cartridges of 7.62 mm were allegedly recovered from them. Interrogation of criminals also revealed that several illicit arms dealers belonging to Etah and Main Puri were supplying arms to these criminals. “These arms suppliers were supplying pistols at a price between Rs 35,000 and 40,000 depending on the quality of the weapon. The supply cost of each round is between Rs 300 and 400,” said the officer, adding that the duo had been involved in the activity for the past six months. According to sources, the duo had come to supply arms to Akbar, a resident of Sunder Nagri. “They claimed that Akbar visited Etah 10-12 days back and contacted them for supply of 10 pistols in Delhi,” said the DCP, adding that efforts are on to apprehend the others involved in the gang. |
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Madhuri’s custody extended by 3 days
New Delhi, July 21 On July 20, the Delhi police had chargesheeted Gupta for allegedly passing secret information to Pakistan’s ISI handlers during her posting in Islamabad. The court was to take cognizance of the chargesheet today. Gupta, 53, has been charged under various provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Indian Penal Code. The police, in the chargesheet, had claimed that she got in touch with Rana and Jamshed after she was introduced to them by Javed Rashid, a journalist with Jung newspaper in Pakistan. The chargesheet stated that Rana had allegedly created an email ID for her and asked her to send information to a particular email ID. It also stated that two mobile phones, one SIM card and a Blackberry having a Pakistani SIM card were allegedly recovered from her. The Delhi police’s special cell had arrested Madhuri Gupta, posted at the Indian high commission in Islamabad, on April 22 from the national Capital on her arrival from Pakistan. She was arrested on the complaint filed against her by Ashok Tomar, additional secretary, ministry of home affairs. In the complaint, Tomar had alleged that Gupta had passed secret information to Pakistan intelligence agents— Mubshar Raza Rana and Jamshed personally as well as by using electronic means.
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Labourer killed in demolition work
New Delhi, July 21 The victim Ramvir of Moradabad succumbed to his injuries at the Aruna Asif Ali Hospital. “The MCD had employed Ramvir to demolish property at 3149-51, Ram Bazar in Mori Gate this morning. It was during the demolition of a
two-storey building here that he came under the impact of a falling wall and was buried in the debris. He was taken out with the help of locals and rushed to hospital where he died,” said the police. A case of negligence has been registered against an unknown person and an MCD junior engineer has been questioned. “We are studying the video tapes of the incident,” said a police officer. Meanwhile, the MCD has ordered an inquiry into the incident. “The deputy commissioner (City Zone) will look into the incident and submit a report to the commissioner within three days. The MCD will subsequently take action,” said the MCD spokesperson. He said the building was earlier declared dangerous under Section 348 (Removal of Dangerous Building) and served a vacation notice. |
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Blueline passengers robbed
New Delhi, July 21 The passengers said the accused looted them at knifepoint. However, deputy commissioner of police (west) Sharad Aggarwal played down the incident and said it was not a case of loot but an act by a gang of pickpockets. "We have received two complaints- one from a woman who lost her 'mangalsutra' and purse and another from a man who lost his purse. These are the handiwork of a gang of pickpockets. It might be that while they were trying to steal the purse, someone must have noticed them and they showed knife. It is not a case of loot," said Aggarwal. Sources said after the loot when the passengers asked the driver to stop the vehicle at a police station, he turned a deaf ear to them and continued driving. Later, when the passengers overpowered the conductor, the driver stopped the bus at Dhaula Kuan. However, nobody was injured in the incident and the police is trying to nab the accused.
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'84 riots: Withdrawal of advocate 'unfortunate'
New Delhi, July 21 Phoolka has withdrawn his name after an allegation by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Paramjit Singh Sarna who accused him of 'financial waste' while campaigning for justice for the riot victims. This development is very unfortunate in the Sikh politics as this has happened at the time when the accused Sajjan Kumar is getting weak in the legal battle, G.K. said. Phoolka has devoted 25 years of his life for the cause of justice for the victims. During this period, he had been threatened by the culprits and making such an allegation is preplanned, he said. G.K. has appealed to Akal Takhat to summon Sarna and request Phoolka to continue the fight. Sarna was not available for comments.
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Realtor shot at by nephew of
Sahib Singh Verma
New Delhi, July 21 "Billu lives in the Dichaon Kalan area and has a property business. He is said to have dispute with Lakra over around Rs 4 lakh. Last night, while Billu was at his home, Lakra along with his friends reached there and the two had a heated argument. Later, Lakra pulled out a pistol and shot at Billu in the hand and knee. Lakra and his friends then fled the spot," said a police officer, adding that Billu was not fit to testify and so the police took the statements of his friends who were present at the spot.
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13-yr-old girl drowns
New Delhi, July 21 The incident took place at Khazan Singh international swimming pool sports complex in south Delhi’s old JNU campus around 9 pm yesterday. The victim has been identified as Amrita Singh, a resident of Vasant Kunj. A guard saw her drowning and pulled her out. He took her to a nearby hospital. The girl was later shifted to the AIIMS where she died. A senior police official said her body had been sent for postmortem and the police was awaiting the autopsy report to ascertain the exact cause of her death. “We are waiting for the postmortem report. Investigations are on to find the reason behind her death. At this stage it looks like a case of drowning,” said a police official. |
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City sees yet another cool and cloudy day
New Delhi, July 21 The meteorological department has predicted rains later tonight. Some areas in south Delhi saw traces of rainfall. "The sky will be cloudy even tomorrow and the city can expect a few spells of rain or thundershowers tonight," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said. "The maximum temperature tomorrow is expected to settle around 33 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature may hover around 26 degree Celsius," added the official. The minimum temperature recorded today was 26 degree Celsius, one notch below average for this time of the year. The maximum humidity level recorded was 92 per cent. |
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5 held with Rs 25-lakh brass scrap
New Delhi, July 21 The arrested accused have been identified as Rakesh (34), Marfat (22), Subhash Yadav (36), Ansaar (26) and Vickey Gaba (21). They were apprehended from Bhajanpura yesterday on a tip off. “They were on way to Sunder Nagri to sell the scrap to a scrap dealer named Shehzad,” said a police official adding that huge quantity of stolen copper and brass scrap worth Rs 25 lakh and a TATA 407 vehicle and a car were recovered from them. The accused men told the police that they had robbed the scrap from a godown in Swaroop Nagar on the intervening night of July 18-19. |
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2 bodies found
Noida, July 21 Another body was found from a park in Sector 7. The deceased could be a factory worker. A passerby saw the body and informed the police. Residents from the nearby colonies were called, but nobody could identify the bodies, said a police officer. |
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New Delhi, July 21