Latest news with #Kakkar
The Print
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
No other city is like Gurugram—'so mismanaged, yet so highly spoken of'
And now, this impressive exercise has resulted in the detention of a grand total of 10 people, alleged to be Bangladeshis. Ten people in a city of over two million. A city-wide operation which paralysed essential services and disrupted thousands of livelihoods, in service of a problem that barely exists outside of election years. The crackdown itself hinges on absurd, manufactured hysteria. In recent days, over 250 suspected 'illegal immigrants' have been herded into holding areas for document verification. Bengali-speaking workers, even those with proper documentation like Aadhaar and PAN cards, are being harassed by police demanding more proof. In some cases, in the absence of the father's birth certificate, the authorities have demanded the grandfather's papers. The dragnet has terrorised an entire workforce into underground hiding or outright flight. For days now, Gurugram's society WhatsApp groups and Reddit forums have buzzed with a slow-rising panic. The domestic workers have vanished. The cooks, the nannies, the food delivery executives, the sanitation workers—the invisible army that keeps Gurugram functioning—have fled in terror of the crackdown on 'illegal' Bangladeshi immigrants. As kitchen countertops remain dirty and impromptu garbage dumps appear on abandoned plots, the city's residents are discovering what their gleaming towers are actually worth, in the absence of the people who have summarily been branded as threats. An impossible tenuousness defines working-class existence in Gurugram. Women who spend their days scrubbing marble floors in sprawling condominiums return to cramped hutments that could be vapourised overnight without warning. Often built on contested land, these 'unauthorised' settlements are tolerated only as long as they are convenient. Anandita Kakkar, a leader for marketing, Asia and resident of Gurugram since the late 1990s, told me that several domestic workers complain about the system of exploitation in their quarters. Local landlords construct these structures, and then force tenants to buy their daily groceries at inflated prices from designated shops. Anyone who tries to question this system faces eviction. The safety of young girls and women is a source of persistent fear for local communities. Kakkar said that adolescent girls are often sent back to their villages, while older ones work punishing 12-hour shifts, in the belief that longer hours in employer homes might offer protection from the dangers lurking in their own neighbourhoods. But here's the thing about Gurugram. The entire city lives in a state of precarity, just at different price points. Gurugram has a problem of structural abandonment, whether you're a domestic worker speaking an alien language, or the much-celebrated CEO of whatever hot startup is currently keeping the pink papers busy. Floodwaters and sanitation issues don't discriminate, whether your home is an unlit tenement in an unauthorised colony, or a Rs 100-crore apartment in India's toniest gated complex. Also read: Gurugram or Kudagram? Elites are furious over the garbage emergency Not ready for Disneyland The city's news cycle follows a predictable seasonal calendar of crises: monsoon floods, festival traffic snarls, summer power cuts, winter pollution, year-round waste management failures. Yet real estate prices, spurred on by dangerous speculation (they have risen three times since 2021), continue their relentless climb in the face of complete civic breakdown. Meanwhile, as the Chief Minister announced plans for a Disneyland, eight people died in 24 hours during recent rains from electrocution, drowning, and accidents. Writer and poet Manik Sharma moved to Gurugram only a year ago, and already fantasises about leaving the city. Sharma has lived in metros all around the country, but told me that he has yet to encounter a place that is 'so mismanaged, yet so highly spoken of'. In the last few weeks in Sector 56, where Sharma resides, sewage was overflowing everywhere. 'They used to say in my village that during an election, all broken roads get fixed. That does not hold true for Gurugram, where assembly and municipal elections have come and gone,' he said. 'You'd be hard pressed to find public hospitals and functioning public toilets. I can't understand how working women who don't own cars navigate the city.' Sharma suggested that while plenty of Indian cities grapple with traffic, the condition of Gurugram's infrastructure is the absolute worst he has witnessed. All while the city's real estate lobby continues to sing a different tune. 'Gurugram's real estate PR does its own PR,' Sharma said, pointing to the giddy conversations around the prices and how that guides perceptions about the city. 'What anchors this city, other than the price of a DLF Camellias apartment, thekas at every corner, fancy cars, and a SonyLIV show? My respect for Noida has grown tenfold,' Sharma added. Also read: What makes Gurugram's Camellias India's most exclusive pin code? It's not just about money Built on wasteland narrative This shared precarity is the inevitable outcome of a city designed around extraction—you only have to look at its foundational mythology to understand it. In the 1980s, KP Singh of DLF India pioneered the template for India's private city-making. In Planning the Millennium City: The Politics of Place-Making in Gurgaon, India (2019), Shoshana Ruth Goldstein writes: 'To assemble the roughly 3,500 acres he initially planned for his group housing projects, Singh and his associates dealt with nearly 700 families. His pitch involved harnessing the wasteland narrative, convincing farmers that their land was underproductive. If they sold to him, he would arrange for them to get a larger plot further out in the District or in Rajasthan with a better agricultural yield.' Singh, along with Sushil Ansal of Ansals, and Ramesh Chandra of Unitech—two of Gurugram's largest builders—lobbied for extensive changes to town planning laws. In his memoir Whatever the Odds: The Incredible Story Behind DLF (2011), Singh wrote about convincing holders of small land parcels to sell their assets to DLF, and also become 'angel investors' in the company. 'I used to dress in a kurta pyjama, wrap a shawl around my shoulders, and wear a beret on my head. I would squat on the floor of their huts and drink the refreshment they offered. I even shared a few puffs of smoke from their hookahs as it would have been impolite to refuse,' he writes. Several of these deals would go on to sour, but that scarcely made a dent in DLF's profits. The same logic that convinced farmers their fertile land was worthless, now convinces residents that paying Rs 100 crore for flood-prone apartments represents progress. Left in the lurch are upper-middle-class residents like Kakkar, who has witnessed the several facelifts that her city has undergone—from wheat fields to elevated metro lines, from abundant water supply to having to rely on water tankers full of worms. When her family first moved to then Gurgaon, the running joke was that one side of the highway, where the DLF properties were, was the 'gur' (sweetness) and the other side (Udyog Vihar's manufacturing units) was the 'gaon' (village). All that changed with the arrival of global firms, like Microsoft, Google, and the building of Cyber City. Gurugram had plenty of opportunities to fashion itself in the image of, say, Chandigarh, but they've all flown by. Kakkar said the city suffers from a lack of vision. 'I wonder if it's because there are too many builders in the area, or that Gurugram's municipal authorities are just not bothered or cannot foresee the next crisis. The city is surviving on a wing and a prayer,' she told me. Still, some of the optimism of the early days continues to abide. Kakkar said Gurugram offered millions of people from smaller towns in North India the chance to be upwardly mobile and to rewrite the course of their lives. 'People who moved here came with massive aspirations and Gurugram became the gateway to many other opportunities,' she said. 'Things have gotten worse, but they have also gotten better for so many. That too, is Gurugram.' Perhaps that's one of the promises Gurugram has actually kept: That people will find ways to survive even systemic abandonment. If you can endure Gurugram's dysfunction, you can probably endure anything. Karanjeet Kaur is a journalist, former editor of Arré, and a partner at TWO Design. She tweets @Kaju_Katri. Views are personal. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Reduce noise from bldg sites, residents urge PCB
Kolkata: Citizens of a residential locality in south Kolkata have written to the state pollution control board, urging it to regulate noise pollution from construction activities, similar to how it successfully controlled construction dust pollution. Among the suggestions provided is the installation of sound suppression barriers at construction sites. In a letter to the PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, an office bearer of a residents' association at Hindustan Park, a residential neighbourhood near Gariahat that has acquired a commercial character over the past three decades, pointed out that constant high-decibel noise generated at construction sites in the locality is an assault on the senses. Chartered accountant Nina Ghosh, who lives at Hindustan Park, said the use of jackhammers to cut through concrete or the hammering of piling sheets led to severe noise pollution from early morning till late in the evening. "It appears as though our homes have also become construction sites," she said. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata In the letter, Pradeep Kakkar, president of Eleven Hindustan Park Owners' Association and founder of environment action group PUBLIC, said the issue was not only related to Hindustan Park but several other residential areas in the city and urged PCB to address the issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Citing the success that PCB achieved in tackling dust pollution by using dust suppressants, covering materials, and regular water spraying, Kakkar said the PCB should work out similar measures to stop noise pollution. While acknowledging that construction activity involving grinding, cutting, polishing, and drilling requires heavy-duty/high-speed machines that produce high-decibel noise far in excess of the permissible limit for residential areas, he suggested using multiple measures to contain the noise and avoid disturbing residents. "There can be reasonable restrictions on timings for construction activities that generate loud noise. Sound mufflers can be used around machines that generate loud noise to prevent the spread of noise," explained Kakkar. PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, while terming the suggestions constructive, said it would require research and development by an academic institution or institute. "There are specific norms on noise in residential areas. We impose them, but it is for the civic body and police to enforce them. We have given police decibel meters to check infringements and take necessary action."
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Residents urge pollution board to regulate construction noise in Kolkata
KOLKATA: Citizens of a residential locality in south Kolkata have written to the state pollution control board, urging it to regulate noise pollution from construction activities, similar to how it successfully controlled construction dust pollution. Among the suggestions provided is the installation of sound suppression barriers at construction sites. In a letter to the PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, an office bearer of a residents' association at Hindustan Park, a residential neighbourhood near Gariahat that has acquired a commercial character over the past three decades, pointed out that constant high-decibel noise generated at construction sites in the locality is an assault on the senses. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Chartered Accountant Nina Ghosh, who lives in Hindustan Park, said the use of jackhammers to cut through concrete or the hammering of piling sheets led to severe noise pollution from early morning till late in the evening. "It appears as though our homes have also become construction sites. The noise permeates through the walls, making even conversation challenging," she recounted. In the letter, Pradeep Kakkar, President of Eleven Hindustan Park Owners Association and founder of the environment action group People United for Better Living in Calcutta (PUBLIC), said the issue was not only related to Hindustan Park but several other residential areas in the city and urged the pollution watchdog to address the issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brothers showcase turmeric and its golden status in Macanese cuisine MGTO Undo Citing the success that PCB achieved in tackling dust pollution by using dust suppressants, covering materials, and regular water spraying, Kakkar said the PCB should work out similar measures to stop noise pollution. While acknowledging that construction activity involving grinding, cutting, polishing, and drilling requires heavy-duty/high-speed machines that produce high-decibel noise far in excess of the permissible limit for residential areas, he suggested using multiple measures to contain the noise and avoid disturbing residents. "There can be reasonable restrictions on timings for construction activities that generate loud noise. Sound mufflers can be used around machines that generate loud noise to prevent the spread of noise. Buffer shields or noise cutters can be installed around the construction site to contain the noise within it," explained Kakkar, who said the issue was relevant not only to Hindustan Park residents but also to those living in other neighbourhoods across Kolkata where old homes were constantly demolished to construct new ones. PCB Chairman Kalyan Rudra, while terming the suggestions constructive, said it would require research and development by an academic institution or institute. "There are specific guidelines on noise in residential areas. We impose the guidelines, but it is for the civic body and police to enforce them. We have given police decibel meters to check infringements and take necessary action. We have already made the transport of construction waste to recycling plants mandatory," he pointed out. Kakkar earlier wrote to Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Jain, pointing out that despite houses in Hindustan Park and other localities in south Kolkata being among the highest taxed under the Unit Area Assessment formula citing better infrastructure, the absence of any monitoring and enforcement of construction activities has resulted in these areas becoming almost unliveable. Sound Pollution Norms Area Categories and Noise Limits (dB(A) Leq): - Silence Zone: 50 (day), 40 (night). - Residential Area: 55 (day), 45 (night). - Commercial Area: 65 (day), 55 (night). - Industrial Area: 75 (day), 70 (night). Suggestions to reduce construction noise - Use of mufflers around machines like jackhammers to contain noise. - Use of sound cutters around construction sites to prevent noise from spreading. - Limit construction activity to daytime with a break in the afternoon to give relief to local residents. - Check noise levels with decibel meters and take penal action for repeat violations.
The Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Meet Amit Kakkar: One Consultant's Mission to Build Bridges, Not Just Careers
Chandigarh [India], July 14: In a world where most careers follow a straight line, Amit Kakkar's professional path is a rich tapestry of disciplines, causes, and global connections. What began in a small town in Punjab, India, has evolved into a lifelong mission that straddles consultancy, education, technology, and social transformation. For over two decades, Kakkar has worked quietly but impactfully, guiding students to international universities, advising global real estate ventures, crafting travel and healthcare strategies, and, above all, making service to others the cornerstone of his work. His story isn't just about career milestones; it's about how personal drive and ethical leadership can ripple outward into meaningful change. Education as a Launchpad Growing up in a modest household, Kakkar was raised with one unwavering belief: education is empowerment. This ethos carried him through a robust academic journey: earning a Bachelor of Arts, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications, and a Master of Science. Determined to balance technological skill with strategic thinking, he pursued a Master's in Information Technology at the prestigious Manipal Academy and became an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP 8i) database administrator. But his ambitions extended beyond degrees. He immersed himself in global certifications related to international education, laying the groundwork for a career that would open the world to thousands. Building the Backbone of Global Access Kakkar's career began in the thick of India's IT boom, working at Tata Infotech from 1995 to 2001. As a Senior Network Operations Center Engineer, he managed mission-critical systems at a time when the Internet was reshaping global connectivity. From there, he moved to the Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) in Chandigarh, where he maintained complex databases critical to public healthcare delivery. But the real inflection point came in 2004 when he transitioned from tech into international education consulting. For a decade, he led CONSULTANTS LIMITED, helping Indian students realize their dreams of studying abroad. Under his leadership, the firm received the 'Best Consultants' award eight times, no small feat in a crowded, often opaque industry. Through exclusive partnerships with foreign universities and meticulous visa planning, Kakkar demystified global education for Indian families. His name became synonymous with transparency, ethics, and results. 'Reliable advice can change lives,' Kakkar often says. 'My goal has always been to remove the barriers that stop people from pursuing opportunity.' A Consultant Without Borders In 2014, Kakkar embraced freelancing, not to downscale, but to diversify. Over the last eleven years, he's expanded into four key sectors: travel, real estate, event management, and healthcare. He now designs global travel solutions for business executives and medical tourists, helps Indian families invest in international real estate markets, coordinates multicultural events across continents, and advises hospitals on everything from telehealth adoption to international staffing. And recognition keeps coming. His consultancy has earned 'Best Consultant' honors six times in the past eight years, a reflection of his consistency in delivering results across industries. Where Career Meets Compassion While his consulting accolades are impressive, Kakkar's deepest impact is felt through his social work. Through his registered NGO, he supports: • Education access for underprivileged children through free tutoring and scholarship initiatives • Preventive healthcare via mobile medical camps and disease awareness drives • Justice and digital safety, partnering with local law enforcement to combat trafficking and cybercrime • Peacebuilding efforts, helping communities foster conflict resolution and resilience The Leadership Ethos Amit Kakkar is often described by peers as a servant-leader; someone who leads with humility, mentors generously, and upholds ethical standards in an industry that often struggles with transparency. Whether guiding a junior consultant or a client navigating visa complexities, his approach is rooted in empathy and clarity. On platforms like LinkedIn, Kakkar is a steady voice on issues such as ethical immigration practices, inclusive tech, and sustainable development, speaking not as a salesman, but as a seasoned guide. Vision for the Future: Going Digital, Staying Human Now entering his third decade of consultancy, Kakkar is future-focused. He's developing digital tools to automate visa and property documentation, expanding telehealth partnerships, and collaborating with prop-tech ventures to help families access safe, affordable housing globally. It's a natural progression for someone who has always sought to scale impact, balancing the precision of technology with the intuition of human connection. Final Word: Purpose-Driven, People-Focused Amit Kakkar's journey defies simple categorization. He is part IT professional, part education strategist, part real estate guide, and part social architect. But more than any title, he is a connector of people, of ideas, of continents. From Punjab to platforms that span the globe, he has remained true to his vision: a world where access to opportunity isn't determined by background, and where service isn't a sideline but a strategy. In an era of hyper-specialization, Kakkar offers a refreshing model of holistic leadership, one where career success and community upliftment walk hand in hand. To learn more about Amit Kakkar and connect with him professionally, visit his LinkedIn profile at (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Serial bride held for marriage extortion racket in Rudrapur
Rudrapur: A woman blackmailed a man with threats after moving in on the pretext of marriage, extorting lakhs from him, and was caught with ransom money in Rudrapur, police said on Saturday. Hina Rawat, 29, was arrested near Uday Hotel on Kichha road on Friday night following a complaint by Deepak Kakkar, a resident of Bhurarani Road. Rawat, a resident of Kharamasa, Kundeshwari in Kashipur, told the police she befriended Kakkar on a social messaging platform and introduced herself as Ankita Sharma, a high court advocate. She gradually lured him into a romantic relationship and moved into his home with marriage promises. In his complaint, Kakkar said Rawat later began blackmailing him for Rs 30 lakh, threatening to murder him or die by suicide to implicate him and his family in false criminal cases. He had already given her Rs 5 lakh. Kakkar later learnt her real identity, that she was already married and had over a dozen criminal cases registered against her in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh for extortion, cheating, and criminal intimidation. Udham Singh Nagar SSP Manikant Mishra said, "She was arrested red-handed while accepting a Rs 50,000 ransom from the complainant. A fake Aadhaar card was also recovered from her possession. She would impersonate a businesswoman, brand ambassador, contractor, or advocate to con people through fake identities and glamorous façades. She even used matrimonial sites to pose as a bride and frame victims in false rape cases. " An FIR has been registered at Rudrapur police station under BNS sections 308(4), 308(6), and 318(4). Police are now tracking others who may be linked to the racket and have appealed to the public to report such crimes without fear.
