Tree felling near Sector 43 sparks outcry, audit demand
Locals say the operation—linked, they believe, to road-widening or utility-laying—is proceeding 'without signage, public consultation or displayed permits'. 'When I spoke to the contractor, he casually said all the trees on the road would be cut. It's shocking—no prior notification, no transparency,' said a Sector 29 resident, requesting anonymity.
Neighbourhood groups from Sushant Lok and adjoining sectors have petitioned the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and the Forest Department to halt the work.
'It is disheartening to see tree felling right before the monsoon… We urgently need a stronger Tree Protection Act in Haryana, similar to what Delhi has,' said Rashmi of Jeevantara Apartments, Sector 43.
Residents have also flagged health concerns. 'The damage to the environment and health is irreversible. Authorities must act immediately,' warned Neelakandan of Sanskriti Apartments, Sector 43. 'Trees are being cut indiscriminately. The contractor claims to have permission, but we see no documentation,' added Vasu Sashti, another Sector 43 resident.
Gurugram-based environmentalist Vaishali Rana called the exercise 'disturbing', arguing that development is being pursued 'without compensatory afforestation or public consultation', further imperilling the city's fragile urban ecology. 'Gurugram's urban ecology is already fragile—such actions push it closer to irreversible environmental degradation,' she said.
Responding to the outcry, divisional forest officer RK Jangra confirmed the removal, stating that 'the project has formal sanction for the removal of 250 trees. We have obtained all the necessary clearances from the government. There is no alternative for developing this stretch without cutting these trees.'
Jangra added that compensatory plantation would follow 'as per legal norms'.
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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘Volume IV' at Experimenter Colaba
The body is first taught obedience through fabric. The swaddle before speech, the school uniform before dissent, shame before skin. Clothing is behavioural before — and because — it is cultural. In Volume IV: Truths, Half-Truths, Half-Lies, Lies, Kolkata-based artist and fashion designer Kallol Datta invites us to look at clothing as a long and loaded manual of social instruction. Drawing from Lessons for Women, a 2,000-year-old guidebook written by Chinese historian Ban Zhao for her daughters, Datta unpacks how garments have told people, especially women, how to sit, stand, move, behave, belong, and be excluded. Rules written in thread Zhao's book may have been written as a way for mothers to prepare daughters for survival in a rigid society, but its advice — on how to be modest, obedient, restrained — has stuck around for millennia. It keeps surfacing in new forms: in 16th-century Confucian revivalism, in the 'values' taught to girls across cultures today, in viral videos preaching 'feminine behaviour' and the new aspirational 'trad wife'. All markers of neo-fascism and an imminent recession. Datta was stunned by how familiar the text felt. 'While feminist movements and ideologies have evolved,' they say, 'the dominant forces… continue to subscribe to antiquated notions of social and behavioural propriety.' Even today, lessons dressed up as care — especially from mother to daughter — can quietly reinforce control. Clothing is political Datta, with his kohl-rimmed eyes and love of all things black, was a significant figure on the Indian fashion scene — until the Central Saint Martins-trained 'clothes maker' made the switch a few years ago from mainstream fashion to art. Since then he's tapped into textile, craft and his connections, but this time to explore clothing as sites of tension. Like his 2022 showcase of textile sculptures, titled Volume 3, ISSUE 2, which looked at the role of imperial edicts in Japan's late Shōwa period. Volume IV is structured like a story in four parts: Truths, Half-Truths, Half-Lies, and Lies Our Clothes Have Told Us. It travels across Asian garments — from the Japanese kimono to the Manipuri phanek — to show how fashion has long been used to signal status, enforce gender roles, and mark caste. The sari, often seen as a timeless symbol of Indian femininity, is one of the most revealing examples. The blouse and petticoat, though they now seem inseparable from the unstitched garment, were introduced during colonial rule, shaped by British-Victorian ideas of modesty. These facts, often tucked away from public memory, are central to Datta's work. Their pieces — textile posters, sculptural forms, and layered fabric compositions — are built from donated clothes and stitched with history. In these collages of cloth, Datta asks: who gets to be comfortable? Who gets to move freely? Who gets to be seen? Unbuilding the home One of the most striking parts of the show features two textile floor plans. The first maps out a Korean hanok (a traditional house), where the design reflects rigid gender roles: male quarters in front, female quarters at the back, separate doors for servants and labourers. The second plan reimagines the house with only women living in it. Now, there are wide corridors, shared rooms, spaces for leisure and ease. In Datta's vision, just as clothing teaches us how to shrink ourselves, architecture teaches us to shrink our movement; where we're allowed to go and where we're not. By redrawing these spaces, they ask: what if homes were built around freedom instead of discipline? Inherited stains Each garment used in Volume IV comes with a memory. 'Every donation was accompanied by information from the donor… memories, episodic events connected to the items of clothing,' Datta shares. When old clothes are passed on in elite spaces, they are called vintage fashion; but what's seen as nostalgic for one group is seen as shameful for another. In many Indian homes, for instance, clothes worn by lower caste domestic workers are kept separate, never touched, let alone or reused. In Datta's view, 'class hierarchies and abject caste structures… continue to exist in the regions of my interest'. So, the artist's act of collecting and transforming these textiles becomes a way of rejecting this imbalance and showing how quietly and deeply caste and class shape even something as intimate as a hand-me-down. Slow resistance Where the state uses surveillance and laws to discipline, Datta uses slowness. Stitching, assembling, disassembling, their process becomes a kind of quiet refusal. 'There are recurring motifs in the works that are markers of small acts of resistance, of dissent, lack of access to economic activity… Clothes, and by extension, cloth, will always remain our first line of defence,' says Datta, who collaborated with Kolkata-based Ek Tara Creates, which employs women from vulnerable backgrounds, for the series. In Volume IV, the garment is not precious or sacred, it is strange. Datta, however, doesn't aim to shock. They ask us to look again. At the folds of our garments. At the rules we've absorbed. The exhibition is rife with silences that are full of questions. If every stitch is a sentence, then maybe the clothes we wear are trying to tell us something. If only we'd listen. Volume IV is on till August 20 at Experimenter in Mumbai. The writer is founding editor of Proseterity, a literary and arts magazine.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Mumbai Cook Shocks By Earning ‘Rs 18,000 In 30 Mins From 12 Houses'. Meanwhile, Gurgaon Pays...
Last Updated: A Mumbai-based advocate's post has led to a discussion about how much a cook charges in major Indian cities. A Mumbai-based lawyer's tweet about how much part-time cook charges monthly sparked a debate on X (formerly Twitter). Ayushi Doshi, an advocate, wrote that her cook (also known as Maharaj) charges Rs 18,000 per household for 30 minutes of work. The advocate said that the cook worked daily in 10-12 households. In her post, Doshi also claimed that her cook got free breakfast and tea everywhere. 'Gets paid on time or leaves without a goodbye," Doshi said while talking about her Maharaj. 'Meanwhile I'm out here saying 'gentle reminder" with trembling hands with minimum salary," she added. Post Sparks Debate The remarks stirred up a fierce debate on X. A person claimed that the cook's salary was exaggerated. '18k for part time cook is exaggerated Its 4-6 k even in gurgaon," they wrote. 18k for part time cook is exaggerated Its 4-6 k even in gurgaon— KARTIK CHAUDHARY (@kartik_chau) July 30, 2025 Many were stunned to know that the cook only took 30 minutes for his job. 'Can agree on 18k .. but 30 mins? What does he cook in 30 mins? Paratha and sabzi from scratch take 45 mins atleast," a user wrote. One account claimed that the advocate was either 'extremely gullible to pay 18k for someone who invests 30 mins in your food or this cook must be a mix of a cook , a dietician a nutritionist and barry allen." You have to be extremely gullible to pay 18k for someone who invests 30 mins in your food or this cook must be a mix of a cook , a dietician a nutritionist and barry allen.— Prashu (@oye_prashur27) July 30, 2025 Many were eager to find out how the cook could work in 10-12 households daily. 'If he can cook full meals in 30 minutes flat, forget Maharaj—call him Jadugar. I just want to know what black magic he's using to finish 12 houses a day." If he can cook full meals in 30 minutes flat, forget Maharaj—call him Jadugar. I just want to know what black magic he's using to finish 12 houses a day.— e…. (@sagarmahla) July 30, 2025 Many claimed that the advocate was making things up. 'Nice clickbait. But no cook can make food in 30 mins," a comment read. Nice clickbait. But no cook can make food in 30 mins. No Indian person would pay 18k charges and let the cook run away in half an hour. For 18k they would ask for an army and a leg. Just accept, you read a nice fiction story and then decided to be a writer on X.— Instant Info (@InstantInfo07) July 31, 2025 What Advocate Later Said Doshi later claimed that her story was not 'engagement farming" but her experience of living in one of the costliest cities of India. She added that the amount she stated was what good Maharajs charge in decent localities. 'The same cook charges ₹2.5k a day for a family of 12 isn't overcharging, it's just how things work here," Doshi said. Mumbai folks, back me up ! this is what good Maharajs charge in decent localities. The same cook charges ₹2.5k a day for a family of 12 isn't overcharging, it's just how things work your state still runs on ₹5 thalis, that's great for you , but don't assume everyone…— Adv. Ayushi Doshi (@AyushiiDoshiii) July 30, 2025 The post has led to a discussion on the high cost of living in Mumbai and the amount charged for services like cooking. With long working hours, hectic lifestyles and focus on healthy diets, the demand for cooks and other professionals has gone up in many cities, leading to higher charges in many localities. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Gurugram: Open waste dumps, stench choke residents along SPR
Gurugram: Overflowing garbage bins, open dump yards of waste, construction debris, and a stench that lingers in the air— is the grim reality for many residents of the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) and Sector 55 stretch, once touted as premium locations in Gurugram. Despite flaunting high-rises worth crores, residents claim they are forced to endure a filthy environment due to the complete failure of sanitation services. A garbage and C&D waste dumping point in Sector 55 near the Golf Course Extension Road in Gurugram. (HT PHOTO.) Ruchika Sethi Takkar, founder of Citizens for Clean Air, pointed out that the SPR is flanked by several prominent schools and residential areas. 'Schoolchildren participate in Swachhata events, hear speeches about cleanliness, and watch politicians wielding brooms, but the reality is strikingly different. Roads and vacant plots are lined with all kinds of waste. This dichotomy is alarming, especially when the future of our children is at stake,' she said. Takkar, who has been advocating for cleaner streets for over a decade, highlighted the adverse effects of years of negligence. 'Over the past 16 years, we have watched the Golf Course Extension Road and the SPR landscape turn into mini hillocks of construction and demolition waste. This renders the soil impervious to water recharge, worsening waterlogging,' she explained. Despite repeated complaints, petitions, and meetings with officials, Takkar says residents have not seen any improvements. 'Twelve years later, our spirit is broken. It's time for accountability. Who will hold those responsible for this neglect accountable?' she questioned, raising concerns about the inaction of both the former and current Haryana governments. Bitter reality for residents Daily commuters and residents along these stretches have raised an alarm over the worsening sanitation crisis. 'We didn't pay ₹2-3 crore to live next to trash heaps,' said Richa Malhotra, a resident of a prominent society near SPR. 'Despite submitting repeated complaints to the MCG, nothing has been done. The situation only gets worse.' Similarly, RK Jaiswal, a social worker and resident of Sector 69, a neighbouring area, has similar concerns. 'Gurugram is hailed as India's modern 'Cyber City,' but the ground reality tells a different story. The area has heaps of garbage, stagnant water, and waterlogging that makes daily life unbearable. Local authorities have been informed, but there is no action, and no improvement is in sight. Is this really the 'Cyber City' we once compared to Singapore and Dubai?' he asked. Worst-hit zones The worst-hit zones along SPR and Sector 55 are vacant plots, inner lanes, and public spaces, where construction debris, household waste, and food leftovers are discarded openly. With no regular cleaning or waste management system in place, stray animals and flies roam freely, creating a public health hazard. The pungent smell of decaying waste hangs in the air, and residents say it's become an everyday nuisance. Ajay Sinha, a resident of the City Co-operative GHS, Sector 55, said that they met the newly-elected councillor, who promised to work on the waste management issue, but no real change has been observed. Legal experts demand action Advocate Ritu Bhariok, a legal advisor with the Federation of Affordable Home Buyers, raised questions about the long-term planning of waste management. 'Where is the plan to manage the garbage? Were the officers in charge not aware of the population density and footfall in Gurugram? The government must recycle waste on priority and look into possible interference from local councillors in the execution of recycling plants,' she said. Sanjay Lal, President of the Federation of Apartment Owners Associations in Gurugram, expressed his disbelief at the Municipal Corporation's (MCG) approach to sanitation. 'I don't think the MCG even understands the difference between sanitation and waste management. Their website doesn't even mention 'sanitation,' and if they don't know the difference, what can we expect from them?' he said. Lal pointed out that Gurugram's lack of proper sanitation infrastructure has led to sewage being dumped directly into the Yamuna River, exacerbating pollution levels. 'Gurugram is now number one on the list of failed cities in terms of sanitation. We had no Municipal Corporation for years, and the unplanned development, misuse of land laws and lack of oversight on private builders have left us with this mess,' he said. Officials promise action Ravinder Yadav, additional commissioner of the MCG, assured that immediate measures were being taken. 'I will send a team to conduct a spot check and ensure the waste is cleared at the earliest. Over 100 vehicles are currently deployed in these stretches to remove the waste,' he said, responding to the growing concerns. However, despite these assurances, residents remain sceptical. They say that it is not just about occasional clean-up operations but about ensuring long-term, sustainable waste management solutions that will prevent the city from sinking into filth again.
