Latest news with #JCBs
Time of India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
100m stretch of Yamunotri highway collapses amid heavy rain
Dehradun/Uttarkashi: Continuous monsoon rains on Saturday triggered a major collapse of nearly 100 metres of the Yamunotri highway near Phoolchatti — just 3 km before Jankichatti, a key halt en route to Yamunotri Dham — disrupting movement and halting the pilgrimage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Around the same time, landslides on the Kedarnath trek route near Gaurikund led to a temporary halt in yatra movement. Following the Yamunotri road collapse, vehicular traffic came to a standstill. Small vehicles were diverted through the Kharsali alternative route, but heavy vehicles remained barred. Notably, around 20–25 days ago, the same stretch near Phoolchatti had shown signs of distress, with cracks and road narrowing due to persistent land subsidence, officials said. The PWD deployed two backhoe loaders, four tractors, and labourers to clear debris. Authorities said movement of small passenger vehicles continued via Kharsali, but concerns over supply chains remained. The food department confirmed that ration supplies in Jankichatti and nearby areas were sufficient until Aug. Around 4 am on Saturday, heavy debris and stones buried a 30-metre section of the Kedarnath trek route, about 50 metres from Gaurikund's Ghorapadav. District authorities, along with NDRF, SDRF, and police teams, launched rescue operations promptly. "Around 1,600 people have already been rescued, and efforts to evacuate another 700 were underway," said disaster management secretary Vinod Kumar Suman. Officials confirmed there were no reports of human or animal casualties. In Rudraprayag district, between 1 am and 4 am, sudden flooding and debris flow from the Saudi Gadere and Bedu Bagad streams damaged several structures, including houses, cowsheds, toilets, and roads in Chameli, Rumsi, Chamarara Tok, and Vijaynagar villages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now About 8–10 buildings were filled with silt and stones. Relief operations began by 6 am. Debris was being cleared with the help of JCBs, and affected residents and livestock were shifted to safety at the time of filing this report. The local administration set up relief camps offering temporary housing, medical care, food, and essential services. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami monitored the situation closely, and additional resources were mobilised as needed. Rudraprayag district disaster management officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told TOI, "The yatra was halted during the night but resumed on Saturday morning. Efforts to clear motorable and trek routes were ongoing. "
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Over 1,600 Kedarnath pilgrims evacuated safely as heavy rains lash in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag
Dehradun, More than 1,600 Chardham pilgrims were evacuated to safety on Saturday as heavy overnight rains lashed Rudraprayag district, causing big boulders to slide down the hillside and block the trek route to Kedarnath near Gaurikund. Over 1,600 Kedarnath pilgrims evacuated safely as heavy rains lash in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag Water and debris also entered around a dozen homes in several villages of the district, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman said. Relief and rescue operations were launched from 6 am and continue, he said. There was no loss of human or animal life. "It rained incessantly in the district between 1 and 4 am, flooding the streams whose waters entered about ten buildings in Chameli and Rumsi villages, Chamrara Tok and Vijaynagar area under Rudraprayag. Several roads were breached," he said. Heavy stones and debris blocked a 30-metre stretch of the trek route to Kedarnath at a distance of about 50 metres from Ghorapadav in Gaurikund. Immediately, teams of the district administration, NDRF, SDRF and other related departments started relief work there. The passengers were evacuated safely by making an alternative route. So far, about 1,600 pilgrims have been evacuated safely from Kedarnath. The process of evacuating about 700 other pilgrims is underway, Suman said. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took an update on the situation from disaster management officials and gave them instructions to conduct relief and rescue operations at a fast pace, besides taking care of the pilgrims and their safety. Disaster Management Department, as well as Revenue Department, Public Works Department, Police Department and Health Department got involved in relief and rescue work from 6:00 am. Debris is being removed rapidly with the help of JCBs in the affected areas. Villagers, livestock and other affected people have been taken to safe places. The local administration is ensuring safe accommodation, food, medical and essential services by setting up relief camps. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Irish Post
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Post
Teenager qualifies as Britain's youngest digger driver
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has become the youngest person in Britain to qualify as a digger driver. This month Finlay Gallagher, of the Gallagher Group family, completed his digger driving training. The youngster spent his school holidays mastering the controls of the iconic JCB 3CX Plus backhoe loader, before passing his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test with flying colours at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex. 'He demonstrated a confident grasp of both theory and hands-on operation, including digging, loading, lifting and using machine attachments with precision well beyond his years,' a spokesperson for the Gallagher Group confirmed. The construction firm was founded over 50 years ago by his grandfather, Pat Gallagher, In 1973 Mr Gallagher, who is now cahirman of the Group, launched his business with a single JCB 3C Mk2. Finlay Gallagher, of the Gallagher Group family, is the youngest person in Britain to pass the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test (Pics: Gallagher Group) Now the firm operates more than 300 machines and employs more than 500 people across the South East of England. 'I've always said I wasn't much good behind the controls of a digger – so Finlay is already ahead of me,' Mr Gallagher said of his grandson's achievement. 'I am exceptionally proud of Finlay and everything he has achieved. 'He has always shown an incredible passion and interest for machinery from an early age, and this course has given him a chance to deepen his knowledge and ability. 'I was blown away by how naturally he took to it, and it really does give me great hope for the future.' Mr Gallagher added: 'Hopefully, this inspires many other young people to give it a go and see the construction industry as a fantastic career opportunity.' Finlay's dad, Stephen Gallagher, who is a director of the business, also sees a bright future ahead. 'Finlay's had a passion for diggers since he could walk. He's grown up with machinery all around him and has absorbed so much just by watching and asking questions.' Finlay Gallagher passed his test at the Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex (Pics: Gallagher Group) Reflecting on his achievement, Finlay confirmed he has 'loved diggers since I was really little – probably around three or four'. 'My grandad Dave used to drive me around in his dozer, while he did the pedals and I sat on his lap,' he explained. 'Then my grandad Pat got me interested in excavators and backhoe loaders, which started my love of JCBs,' he added. 'I definitely see my future in the construction industry. :My grandad Pat started the Gallagher Group, and it would mean a lot to me to play a part in helping the business continue to grow. 'This qualification is a great first step, and I'm keen to build on it by learning to operate more types of plant machinery.' Derek Mansfield of Flynne Plant Training, said the teenager was 'one of the most enthusiastic and capable young candidates we've had'. 'His control of the machine and understanding of how it operates were far beyond what you'd expect at his age,' Mr Mansfield said. 'He picked things up incredibly quickly and showed real natural ability. 'He's now officially the youngest person in the UK to pass this qualification, which is a fantastic achievement. T 'he Gallagher family should be very proud. 'We'd welcome Finlay back any time to train on more machines, and I genuinely look forward to seeing where his skills take him next.' See More: Digger Driver, Finlay Gallagher, Gallagher Group
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
UT demolishes Furniture Market, reclaims 10–12 acres of land
The Chandigarh Administration Sunday showed its commitment to planned and sustainable urban development by demolishing the Furniture Market and reclaimed approximately 10–12 acres of land in sectors 53–54. As per a Chandigarh Administration official, the reclaimed land, acquired for the third phase of Chandigarh's urban expansion, has now been handed over to the Engineering Department for its planned development. It is valued at approximately Rs 400 crore. The original landowners have been duly compensated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring a fair and transparent acquisition process, added the official. Chandigarh's Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has urged all citizens to refrain from unauthorised occupation of public land. On Sunday, the demolition drive at the 40-year-old furniture market in Sector 53 began at 7 am. It was backed by nearly 1,000 police personnel, civil defence volunteers, and heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclain machines. Officials from the UT Administration reached the site and made announcements urging shopkeepers to vacate the premises and remove their belongings. While many traders had already shifted their furniture, a few still had stock left. These shopkeepers were given a brief time to clear out before the demolition commenced in their shops. Rajeev Bhandari, brother of Furniture Market Association president Sanjeev Bhandari, expressed disappointment over the drive. 'We did everything we could to save this market — it holds over four decades of memories. Unfortunately, we now have no option but to relocate,' he said. The disputed land, part of a 227.22-acre acquisition made in 2002 for developing sectors 53, 54, and 55, included 10-12 acres allegedly encroached upon by furniture dealers. While 29 shops were already demolished on June 30, another 116 were razed Sunday, marking the final phase of the clearance. Cong slams demolition, demands immediate rehabilitation The Congress has criticised the Chandigarh Administration's demolition of the decades-old Furniture Market, calling the action arbitrary, unjust, and devoid of humanity. The move has displaced hundreds of shopkeepers and rendered numerous daily-wage workers jobless. Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky criticised the administration for ignoring the Punjab and Haryana High Court's advice to take a sympathetic approach and explore possibilities of alternative site allotments for affected traders. 'The administration acted without proper notice, consultation, or arrangements for relocation. This isn't governance — it's a systematic attack on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens,' Lucky said. He accused the administration of repeatedly showing a lack of concern for people's lives and called for an immediate rehabilitation plan and alternative commercial spaces for the evicted shopkeepers. 'Demolition has become their only achievement' The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opposed the Chandigarh Administration move to demolish decades-old furniture market in sectors 53–54, terming the action 'heartless' and 'ill-conceived.' The party accused the administration of systematically targeting the urban poor and small traders. 'The same administration that cleared slum clusters without proper rehabilitation has now bulldozed small furniture businesses, leaving over 100 shopkeepers and their families without livelihood,' said AAP Chandigarh president Vijaypal Singh. Singh added, 'These traders have been part of Chandigarh's economy for decades, contributing taxes and services. Their sudden eviction is unjust. The government must immediately announce compensation and a structured rehabilitation policy.' AAP general secretary Sunny Aulkakh emphasised that the Furniture Market had served the city's needs for nearly 40 years and that the overnight demolition without offering an alternative site was unacceptable. 'All affected shopkeepers must be allotted space in the proposed Sector 56 bulk market and compensated for their losses,' he said. Vikrant A Tanwar, AAP's general secretary (trade) and state media in-charge, declared the party's intent to escalate the issue at every available platform. 'We demand a joint committee with trader representatives to ensure transparency in compensation and fairness in relocation,' he said. The AAP also reminded the administration that true development should be measured by how many lives are improved — not how many livelihoods are destroyed. 'Small traders are the backbone of Chandigarh's economy. Demolition cannot be a substitute for policy,' the party said in a joint statement.
News18
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- News18
GK: What Does JCB Stand For And Why Are All JCBs Yellow?
1/8 Everyone is familiar with the JCB machine, which is commonly seen at construction sites across India. These machines are used for a wide range of tasks, including lifting soil, transporting heavy materials to upper floors during building construction, and even demolishing structures. (News18 Telugu) 3/8 One striking feature of JCB machines is their bright yellow colour. This isn't just limited to JCBs - bulldozers used in construction and demolition are also commonly painted yellow. However, this wasn't always the case. Earlier, machines like these were manufactured in colours such as red and white. (News18 Telugu) Interestingly, many people are unaware that 'JCB' is not the name of the machine itself but the name of the company that manufactures it. The full form of JCB is Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Ltd, named after its founder Joseph Cyril Bamford, who established the company in 1945 in the United Kingdom. (News18 Telugu) 7/8 The actual name of the machine is 'Backhoe Loader'. Over time, however, the brand name JCB has become so commonly used that it is now often used to refer to similar types of excavating machines in general, especially in countries like India, the UK, and Ireland. The word 'JCB' has even found a place in the Oxford English Dictionary, though it remains a registered trademark. (News18 Telugu)
