Clock Tower stops ticking again; original patron's kin raise concern
Dehradun: The iconic Clock Tower in Dehradun—one of the city's oldest landmarks—has stopped functioning once again amid ongoing beautification work. For the family that originally commissioned the structure in the 1940s, the sight of malfunctioning clocks and repeated alterations is disheartening.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The maintenance work led to the clocks stopping several weeks ago. Spot visits this week revealed inconsistent functioning—while five of the tower's six clocks showed the correct time on Thursday evening, one remained out of sync.
"The state to which this iconic landmark has been reduced is disappointing and disheartening," said Vijay Singh, grandson of Lala Balbir Singh, in whose memory the structure was commissioned.
Completed in 1953, the tower stands at one of Dehradun's busiest intersections. It was commissioned by Lala Sher Singh, a prominent landlord, in memory of his father, at a cost of nearly ₹1.5 lakh. Originally, six clocks were imported from Switzerland, contributing to its rare hexagonal design. The structure also bears the names of freedom fighters, adding to its historical significance.
Over time, however, the original Swiss clocks were replaced—though authorities are unaware of when or how the change occurred.
"Sometimes we regret handing the tower over to the city council. This was a historic landmark; it still is. It meant so much to our family and the whole city. Now it has become a prop that undergoes a facelift every few months, it seems. Authorities should be focused on maintaining the existing structure.
Instead, they keep revamping the whole thing, adding new embellishments that don't last long," Singh told TOI.
The family also said they only learn about changes through news reports.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"We are never informed or involved in this process. Not even historians are. Authorities keep experimenting with this iconic landmark. At the time of its commission, it created history for its hexagonal structure. Now it is being lost," he added.
In Sept last year, the tower fell silent for two days after unidentified individuals stole its wiring. In Dec, it suffered further damage when a truck rammed into its boundary wall.
Over the years, TOI has reported multiple such incidents that have left the landmark defaced.
Authorities have stated that the current restoration will offer long-term protection, with a double boundary to prevent vehicle collisions and a green belt around the main structure. While the Dehradun Municipal Corporation has jurisdiction over the tower, the ongoing beautification is being executed by Dehradun Smart City Limited.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
10 Jaw-Dropping Facts That Prove Chandigarh Is India's Coolest Planned City
The capital city of Punjab and Haryana known as Chandigarh unites contemporary design structures with orderly urban development alongside picturesque surroundings. Chandigarh stands out as the 'City Beautiful' because of its neat structure and energetic local atmosphere. Chandigarh contains 10 significant facts which will astonish all visitors. 1. Chandigarh Was Designed by a French Architect Chandigarh stands out because of how it came into existence. When India gained its independence in 1947 the Punjab territory experienced partition creating a new border which separated India and Pakistan and placed Lahore as their capital in Pakistan. When the Indian government initiated the construction of a new national capital it took the decision. Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier became the designer of the city when the government contracted him for his expertise in 1950. Through his architectural and urban planning ideas Chandigarh became a modern symbol that defines both aesthetics and organization. The designs created by Le Corbusier focused on both functionality alongside spacious areas and greenery. The design of Chandigarh features a rectangular system with distinct sections to demonstrate his methods of creating an effective urban community. Major business services operate independently from one another in separate sections that retain educational centers, medical services and shopping opportunities. 2. It Is India's First Planned City India established Chandigarh as its very first organized urban development. From traditional Indian times until its foundation the majority of Indian cities developed spontaneously through centuries of spontaneous growth instead of planned development. Le Corbusier worked with architects Pierre Jeanneret and E. Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew during the complete design of Chandigarh from the beginning. The master plan of Chandigarh has distinct zones that separate residential from industrial from commercial from educational and recreational parts of the city. The considered design structure of the city makes Chandigarh rank as one of the cleanest and most habitable cities in India. 3. The Capitol Complex Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Chandigarh features one of its most famous architectural achievements through its Capitol Complex situated in Sector 1. Le Corbusier designed the complex which includes three remarkable buildings: the Secretariat alongside the Legislative Assembly as well as the High Court. The structures at these buildings express Le Corbusier's particular design sense through their combination of large geometric structures and exposed concrete materials and creative lighting patterns. The Capitol Complex received UNESCO World Heritage Site status during 2016 because its modernist architecture qualifies it as an outstanding example for the site designation. The landmarks await visitors who want to view their historical significance together with their cultural value. 4. Rock Garden: A Unique Artistic Creation The Rock Garden of Chandigarh exists as a masterpiece that showcases how people can creatively combine creativity with environmental awareness. Artist Nek Chand constructed this magical 40-acre territory by transforming discarded broken tiles and bangles along with crockery and industrial waste into sculptures for his masterpiece. A clandestine secret development initiated during 1957 transitioned into one of India's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of tourists see the Rock Garden each year because they come to view its interconnected stone pathways and whimsical art statues and waterfalls. The concept demonstrates that art and sustainable practices can exist together peaceably. 5. Chandigarh Has a High Quality of Life Chandigarh stands as one of India's leading cities in terms of safety and cleanliness resulting in a superior life quality. Public spaces together with extensive roads and abundant green areas make Chandigarh recognized as a prime exemplary city. The Swachh Survekshan rankings frequently show Chandigarh taking positions at the top for maintaining cleanliness throughout the city. High-quality healthcare facilities together with educational institutions and recreational opportunities make up the advantages of the city. Residents and tourists can enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Sukhna Lake Rose Garden as well as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden for recreation. 6. The City Is Divided Into Sectors The city of Chandigarh follows a grid pattern distribution system that divides its territory into sectors which range from sector 1 to sector 56 while skipping specific numbers. Each 800 by 1,200 meter sector section includes all necessary amenities that residents can access through walking distance. The zoning arrangement works to reduce traffic problems while keeping movement routes simple. Each sector contains its market located at the central point which provides easy accessibility for all people. Both main roads named Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg have been designed to enable comfortable movement of traffic throughout the city. 7. Chandigarh Hosts One of Asia's Largest Rose Gardens The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden occupies 30 acres space where visitors can find more than 50,000 rose bushes which belong to 1,600 distinct types. The aristocratic establishment dates back to 1967 to become one of Asia's largest rose gardens attracting numerous nature enthusiasts. The month of February transforms the garden through the Rose Festival that brings together colorful flowers and performances along with cultural activities. The celebration of spring through this event welcomes people from different regions across the entire nation. 8. Chandigarh Is Known for Its Green Cover The city receives its name from its 'Garden City' designation because of its extensive green nature. The total land mass of the city comprises about 47% forest area and green zone. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a protected reserve which shelters diverse flora and fauna together with migratory birds while positioned near Sukhna Lake. Natural resource preservation stands as a priority focus area for the municipal leadership in the city. Through its park maintenance and eco-friendly practice promotion along with tree planting initiatives Chandigarh has received recognition as a leading green city in India. 9. Chandigarh Is a Hub for Education and Research Several prestigious educational and research institutions establish their presence in the municipality of Chandigarh. The year 1882 marked the establishment of Panjab University as one of India's oldest educational institutions that continues to secure prestigious positions among national higher education institutions. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) stands out due to its recognized medical facilities whereas the Chandigarh College of Architecture is a prominent educational institution. The educational institutions in this city draw academic bodies from Indian students as well as international students who help maintain intellectual richness. 10. Chandigarh Reflects Cultural Diversity Chandigarh functions as a modern city that accepts multiple cultural elements and various traditional patterns together with multiple culinary styles. The position of Chandigarh as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana enables it to showcase cultural elements from both states and it welcomes additional cultural influences from the rest of India. The city celebrates its local festivals of Lohri , Baisakhi along with Holi in an energetic and joyous manner. Throughout the year Chandigarh presents multiple cultural events combined with fairs and exhibitions that display its artistic diversity together with its culinary traditions. Final Thoughts A strong example of effective planning coupled with leadership inspiration can be found through the city of Chandigarh. The city began as a well-thought-out urban project and today constitutes a diverse cultural and educational and sustainable center which generates continuous admiration. Chandigarh offers attractions that appeal to those who love architecture as well as nature fans alongside people in search of peaceful living. The harmonious fusion between contemporary elements and cultural heritage has made this city genuinely exclusive. Tourists and residents should willingly protect and explore it.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Corp's spl squad to monitor waste dumping near airport
T'puram: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the city corporation has formed three four-member squads dedicated to curb illegal waste dumping in the vicinity of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce bird strikes near the airport, a recurring safety hazard linked to the accumulation of food and poultry waste in nearby open areas. The squad, which will operate 24/7, will be equipped with two vehicles — one designated for patrolling the area and the other for immediate waste removal. Health and enforcement officers will jointly oversee the operations. In the event of any violations, the squad will hand over the offenders to the local police for registering an FIR. Corporation secretary Jahamgeer S told TOI that bird strike incidents already saw a decline due to improved waste management. "With the formation of these special squads, we are aiming to bring the number of bird strikes down to zero," he said. According to the corporation officials, the primary reason for congregation of birds near the airport is dumping of biodegradable and poultry waste, which attracts scavenging birds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Bird activity near the runway poses a critical threat to aircraft during takeoff and landing. The new squad's mandate includes stringent surveillance of key hotspots, awareness creation among locals and strict legal action against repeat offenders. The squad will operate in three shifts every day — 6am to 2pm, 2pm to 8pm and 8pm to 6am, ensuring continuous monitoring. A rotating schedule of staff members, drawn from various departments, including sanitation, health and enforcement, has been created to support the squads' operations. Contact details of the responsible personnel for each shift have also been shared with departments concerned to ensure coordination and accountability. To further support this initiative, the corporation has partnered with local ward-level committees and residents' associations. A WhatsApp number will be released for citizens to report incidents of waste dumping or public nuisance near the airport. Quick-response teams will verify complaints and initiate action. This initiative is part of a larger project under the 'Airport Clean Zone' concept, which includes identification and cleanup of illegal dump sites, deployment of camera surveillance in vulnerable zones and improved coordination between municipal and airport authorities.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
High tide stymies salvage of ferry, fresh attempt today
Panaji: The ferryboat called Betim, which capsized near Chorao on June 23, continued to remain under water on Friday despite day-long salvage efforts by the river navigation department (RND). A team of 15 RND staff, assisted by a professional diver and a special salvager crane, worked through the day but were unable to lift the vessel. The high tide was cited as the primary hurdle. 'We have reached the final stages of the salvage operation. There is a high tide which is hindering us,' RND director Vikram Raje Bhosale told TOI . 'Once we are able to pull out even half of the ferryboat, we will be able to salvage it completely.' Preliminary investigations suggest the vessel sank due to rainwater accumulating in the tanks, which were not drained. Bhosale said the responsibility for this lapse lies with the coxswain, who failed to conduct the required checks and drain the tanks in time. On Thursday, pontoons were hired to aid the salvage, but shallow waters along the riverbank made it impossible to accommodate them, forcing the department to switch strategies. 'This is a learning experience for us as well. We are sure about extricating the vessel on Saturday morning,' Bhosale said. The accident has raised concerns over routine safety checks and operational accountability within the department, with calls from RND minister Subhash Phal Dessai for stricter protocols to avoid similar occurrences in future. He visited the site on the day the ferryboat sank. 'Such accidents should not lead to a calamity in future. A safety and structural audit of all ferries will be done,' Phal Dessai said.
