Latest news with #EFI
News18
24-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Goodwill of the EFI is being chipped away at global stage: Observer Quraishi
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) The endless bickering among the executive committee members of Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) is eroding the goodwill of the sports body, court-appointed observer SY Quraishi has said in a scathing assessment of the functioning of the NSF while seeking fresh elections. The Delhi High Court had entrusted former Chief Election Commissioner Quraishi with the task of overseeing the functioning of EFI while responding to a petition from the Rajasthan Equestrian Association in November 2019. The high court on May 29, 2024 had revived the executive committee elected in November 2019 as an interim arrangement. However, Quraishi is not impressed with the way the EC members have been behaving in recent past and sought immediate elections to the sports body. 'The EC, after its revival has not been effective in dispensing with the responsibilities bestowed upon it and has unfortunately, resorted to endless quarrelling and expressions of aggression against each other. 'Instead of holding necessary discussions on the developmental issues plaguing the sport or the workings of Respondent 1 (EFI), the members have resorted to settling existing grudges against one another," Quraishi wrote in his highly critical report. The former election commissioner also highlighted how warring factions recognise separate 'acting presidents', leading to conflict as they have been communicating with relevant authorities like the Sports Ministry, Indian Olympic Association and equestrian's world governing body FEI separately. He also mentioned how a new email ID, and an entirely new website has been created and separate annual calendars issued, leading to confusion among riders. 'Certain section of EC members consider Mr. Harish Khokhar (vice president, finance) to be the legally appointed acting president whereas another section of EC members consider Col. Jagat Singh, Retd. (vice president tech) to be the legally appointed acting president of Respondent No. 1." Quraishi also brought to the notice of the court how the conflict among the members escalated during the AGM held on August 18, 2024 when Khokkar was nominated to serve as the acting president. 'Distressingly, at the 62nd AGM, the acrimonious nature of the relationship between the members of the executive committee escalated to the extent of fisticuffs, with an attempt being made to hit Lt Gen MK Yadav, Retd and Maj Gen Sameer Lamba, a serving army officer. 'It is humbly submitted that in the experience of the undersigned, such an incident has not been witnessed in any NSF." Quraishi further wrote that an EC meeting was held on April 11 this year and suspended secretary general Col Jaiveer Singh without court approval. 'Given that the entire EC, including the Secretary General, was reinstated by the order of this Hon'ble Court dated 29.05.2024, the undersigned advised the EC to obtain necessary approvals from this Hon'ble Court before implementing the resolution." '….The undersigned humbly submits that the ultimate sufferers, for problems not of their making, are the young athletes. The endless bickering between the EC members have let down the years of efforts put in by these athletes in trying to represent our nation. It is also setting back the sport by several years as the goodwill of the EFI is being chipped away at the global stage." 'It is essential for this Hon'ble Court to intervene and issue necessary directions to ensure stability and ease of decision making for the foreseeable future, till the pending petitions are finally adjudicated and disposed of. 'To that effect, the undersigned considers it necessary to conduct fresh elections for the EC of Respondent No. 1, expeditiously and, under the supervision of this Hon'ble Court. Quraishi also sought a forensic audit of the books of the federation for the past four terms (from 01.04.2008 to 31.03.2024). It was also brought to the notice of the court that prestigious tournaments such as the Youth Asian Games 2025, Asian Games 2026 and Youth Olympics 2026 are approaching and to ensure that the EFI makes provision of logistical support to the athletes a meeting of the federation should be held at the earliest. PTI AT AT AH AH view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 16:00 IST 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.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
EFI gets GCC nod to restore 22 ponds
Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has given permission to the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) to start work on restoring 22 ponds spread across zones 14 and 15. In June, EFI submitted a proposal to restore the ponds. The group proposed to deepen and widen the ponds, strengthen bunds, improve infrastructure, fence the premises, clean the waterbody of biodegradable debris, desilt the lake during the dry period, and plant native trees along the bunds to increase green cover. The project would be carried out at an estimated 2 crore. "This will prevent localized flooding. We have been a long-standing partner of GCC especially with respect to matters of water conservation and restoration," said EFI founder Arun Krishnamoorthy. Two ponds in Madampakkam, one in Allikulam, Uzhavar Keni Pond near Karapakkam, Paraserikeni Kulam, Periyakeni Kulam, Kannagi Nagar 17th Main Road Pond, Vannan Kulam, and Sathyavanimuthu Street were among waterbodies that will be restored. GCC will provide administrative support for project. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai GCC chief engineer (stormwater drains) Bhaskaran said GCC has independently taken up work to restore canals within its limits. "We are increasing the concrete wall height to five feet and erecting fences to prevent the dumping of waste," he added. EFI has independently taken up bio-remediation drives to restore waterbodies across several cities. It began work on Dargah Pond in Kovalam, planting Canna Indica plants around its surface. "Stem-based plants (such as Canna Indica) technically draw nutrients from waterbodies to grow. This is beneficial as nutrient load in waterbodies often increases the accumulation of algae and brings other pollution-related hazards. This is a biological remedy to water pollution," he said.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Minor irrigation tanks across T.N. undergo major revival; NGO partnerships boost efforts
In its efforts to rejuvenate minor irrigation tanks across Tamil Nadu, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has launched large-scale restoration projects and partnered with voluntary organisations in various districts. Of the nearly 5,000 minor irrigation tanks proposed to be rejuvenated at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, the department has started works on nearly 3,260 tanks under the State fund. A total of 706 minor irrigation tanks are being restored through voluntary organisations at a cost of ₹45.39 crore. The comprehensive restoration efforts aim at enhancing the storage capacity of the water bodies by desilting and deepening them, strengthening of bund and using innovative technologies to recharge groundwater and treat sewage entering tanks, said officials. In Chengalpattu district, which is dotted with numerous water bodies, about 200 of the total 500 tanks have been taken up for revival under 'Mission Blue-Green Chengalpattu'. Officials of the District Rural Development Agency, Chengalpattu, said some of the water bodies have not been dredged for nearly two decades. 'We are open to voluntary organisations seeking no-objection certificates for the rejuvenation of 388 tanks. The district administration has collaborated with the Environmental Foundation of India (EFI), a non-governmental organisation, to rejuvenate and enhance the storage capacity of 100 minor irrigation tanks. We review the progress of the works periodically,' said an official. Some of them belong to the Water Resources Department and support both agrarian and drinking water needs. On innovative methods used in revival efforts, an official said the tank in Mannivakkam Tamaraithangal, a rootzone plant, which is a natural method to treat wastewater, has been added to filter domestic sewage and recharge groundwater. The DRDA expects to complete the works, which aim at a significant increase in storage capacity, by early October. Residents like P. Viswanathan of Chitlapakkam, however, wanted a complete survey of water bodies and their catchment areas to be done to prevent misuse. Besides updating tanks' records, restoration efforts should be sustained to benefit farmers and residents, he said. Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, EFI, said nearly 165 tanks are being revived across T.N. 'We are aiming for quantum-based restoration, demarcate the boundary, and remove impediments. The excavated silt is being used to strengthen bund and create nesting islands.' Those tanks, particularly in flood-prone zones, are being provided with recharge boxes and recharge injection wells to harness more water. In 25 water bodies, including Keelkattalai lake, solar powered aerators are being provided to improve water quality. Works are already being executed in water bodies, including Ozhhalur Kadaperi, Polambakkam periya eri, Arasankazhani, Kalvoy Raman eri, Rathinamangalam eri and Sonalur Thangal. Similar works are being implemented in districts like Erode, Sivagangai and Tiruvallur, he said.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bluetree expands with second digital cutting table
UK-based commercial printer Bluetree Group has bolstered its wide-format production capabilities with the addition of a second JWEI JCUT-3230 digital cutting table. This move follows a significant investment phase for the company, which included the acquisition of its first JWEI cutting table and other advanced equipment from CMYUK. The company's foray into digital large-format production began in early 2024, building on the success of its small format print business. Despite a pandemic-induced delay, Bluetree Group has now fully embraced this new sector. Bluetree Group managing director Mark Young said: "We decided we needed to throw everything at it to make it work and went to drupa with that in mind.' The JWEI JCUT-3230 boasts a 3.2m by 3m bed, aligning perfectly with the width of Bluetree's EFI printers, thus reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. With two cutting lines operational, the company can simultaneously process polyvinyl chloride materials and soft textiles, complementing the multiple EFI printers for a more streamlined workflow. Young added: "CMYUK trained a few guys when they first came in, and then a couple more, and we've had no reported problems." An integral part of the production set-up is the High Roller Carousel, an automated roll storage system that holds up to sixteen rolls and is conveniently located behind the EFI printers.d. Additionally, Bluetree Group has invested in a Neolt XY Matic Plus 165 for poster slitting and four EFI printers, including the EFI VUTEk Q3r, h5, h5+, and FABRIVU 340i+, all contributing to the company's wide format production capabilities. "Bluetree expands with second digital cutting table" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
FEI cancels equestrian events in India due to non-payment of dues
New Delhi: In Amanpreet Singha development that will hurt the riders and the development of equestrian sport in the country, at least 24 domestic and international tournaments have been cancelled due to non-payment of dues to the world governing body, FEI, by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). It has been learnt that EFI was supposed to pay about Rs 27 lakh to the FEI officials as remuneration and allied charges for various events held between January and March 2025. However, the federation's account stands frozen due to the infighting among the warring factions, leading to non-payments of dues, forcing FEI to take off the events from the calendar. The EFI also needs to settle accounts for unpaid salaries, various costs of tournaments hosted in the past year and other expenses running into almost two crore. 'EFI was supposed to pay remuneration to FEI officials for various Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage events held in Delhi, Meerut, and Jaipur. However, the bank has frozen the account due to different factions within the Federation claiming operational access,' an EFI source told PTI. 'It is embarrassing and the athletes are the biggest losers here, but that is the situation. The sports ministry has been apprised of the latest infighting,' the source added. The EFI was supposed to hold its election in September 2023 but litigations delayed the polls, following which a Committee of Administrators (CoA) was appointed by the Delhi High Court on May 21, 2024. The decision was challenged and, on May 29, the court reinstated the Executive Committee of the EFI as an interim measure, keeping in mind the participation of Indian riders in the Paris Olympics. The EC, in a meeting on April 11, 2025, without the presence of court-appointed observer SY Quraishi, decided to suspend Colonel Jaiveer Singh as secretary general of the Federation. Quraishi directed the EC to get the order approved from the court before its implementation. Colonel SS Ahlawat moved the court on May 5, seeking approval. However, the application was rejected on May 7 since the decision was not conforming to the law. 'The faction that removed the secretary general notified the development to FEI and also claimed the ownership of the bank account before getting the approval of the court. The bank then froze the account due to multiple stakes,' the source said. When contacted, Col. Jaiveer Singh confirmed the development.
