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Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NDMC to plant 4,000 bamboo saplings in annual green drive
New Delhi: In a first, 4,000 bamboo saplings will be planted on prominent city roads and around footpaths as part of New Delhi Municipal Council's yearly plantation drive. Two varieties of bamboo — golden and Buddha Belly — will be planted on the sides of Akbar Road, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Mandir Marg and other key stretches. These will act as natural green screens and enhance biodiversity, the council stated. NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal on Monday said that the drive will emphasise end-to-end covering of brown or open areas on central verges and both sides of roads by increasing the number of shrubs being planted from 13 lakh last year to 35 lakh this time. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "An intensive 'gap filling' campaign is being carried out across 80 major junctions and roundabouts using shrubs like bougainvillea, murraya, justicia, hemelia, karonda, Calliandra and other patterned varieties. The campaign started on July 1 and is being closely monitored. It will significantly contribute to the reduction of pollutants like PM10, PM2.5 and PM1," said Chahal. To ensure survival of these plants, a detailed irrigation strategy has been formed for permanent and smart watering systems through drip irrigation. "Plantation is not sufficient; we must also ensure proper care, including regular irrigation. We aim to lay the pipelines to the green spaces so that treated water can be supplied easily to every corner without waiting for tankers and there is no wastage," said the NDMC vice-chairman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo NDMC will construct nine new decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Bapu Dham, Nehru Park, Akbar Road, AIIMS and other locations to augment the treated water supply. The total plantation target for this year includes 35 lakh shrubs, 2,500 trees and 3,946 bamboo saplings. So far, plantation has been undertaken at 89 locations across six horticulture divisions. These include Shankar Road, Hailey Road, Barakhamba Road, Ferozeshah Road, Janpath, Mahadev Road, Sansad Marg, KG Marg, Peshwa Road, Tansen Marg, Udyan Marg, Bangla Sahib Road, RK Ashram Marg, Tilak Marg, Maulana Azad Road, Akbar Road and Panchsheel Marg, among others. The tree species selected include native and environment-friendly varieties such as Arjuna, peepal, champa, jamun, imli, neem, Cassia fistula (Amaltas), Ashoka, Khirni, silver oak, Harsingar and Gulmohar. NDMC has planted 204 trees and 18,280 shrubs under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. "Launched by PM Modi last year, it forms an integral part of the broader plantation campaign. We expect enthusiastic participation from Union ministers, foreign embassies, RWAs, bar associations, hospitals and private institutions in the plantation campaign," said Chahal. On July 27, on the occasion of Hariyali Teej, 240 trees and 36,200 shrubs will be planted on Tolstoy Road, Mandir Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Jantar Mantar and Lodhi Road. Apart from planting saplings, NDMC has also planned other initiatives under the annual drive. These include introducing rooftop gardens at govt buildings and planting 4,000 flowering baskets on poles at central verges and roadsides. "For the good health of all trees on avenue roads, a tree ambulance has been made fully functional. A plant protection cell with sufficient staff at Lodhi Garden is equipped to conduct tree surgeries, termite and pest control, and soil treatments, supported by a dedicated team of one supervisor and four staff members," said Chahal. NDMC currently maintains 1,150 acres of green area, including six major parks — Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park and Sanjay Jheel — along with 122 colony parks, six nurseries, 981 CPWD-maintained parks, 52 school greens, 14 market gardens, 51 roundabouts, and nearly 15,000 avenue trees. "We are the greenest urban local body in the country. Despite covering only 3% of Delhi's total geographical area, we contribute nearly 55% of the city's green cover, setting a remarkable benchmark in urban ecological planning and environmental sustainability," said Chahal.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
NDMC to turn Lutyens' Delhi into open-air museum with sculpture trail, art park, symposiums
Soon, taking a stroll through the tree-lined avenues of Lutyens' Delhi may feel like walking through a living gallery. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to transform a swathe of the capital's heartland—stretching from Mandi House to Kasturba Gandhi Marg—into a 'sculpture art district', with striking, large-scale installations created by some of India's most acclaimed sculptors. NDMC to turn Lutyens' Delhi into open-air museum with sculpture trail, art park, symposiums Fifteen towering sculptures, each between 10 and 15 feet tall and cast in stone, stainless steel or bronze, will rise at selected sites along cultural landmarks such as Copernicus Marg, the National School of Drama, FICCI Auditorium and Triveni Kala Sangam. These works will be paired with ambient lighting and detailed plaques, turning everyday commutes into encounters with contemporary art. The initiative, part of a broader push to embed art in public spaces, will also see the launch of an international sculpture symposium and a dedicated sculpture garden inside Nehru Park, NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal announced on Tuesday at a press conference. 'We want to take art beyond galleries and museums and bring it to the streets, where everyone can experience it,' Chahal said. 'With the art district, the sculpture park, and the symposium, we hope to position Lutyens' Delhi alongside globally renowned art destinations.' A committee headed by Harsh Vardhan Sharma, former chairperson of the National Gallery of Modern Art's advisory committee, has been formed to oversee execution. 'Just as the Central Vista has been transformed under the Prime Minister's vision, we're extending that ethos of rejuvenation into surrounding zones,' Chahal said. The first phase of installations is expected to begin within three months, with completion slated for later this year. So far, eight prominent artists have confirmed participation, and the NDMC is in talks with several others. Among those on board are Raghav R Kaneria, Ved Nair, Biman B Das, Rajendra Tikku, K Radhakrishnan, and Arun Pandit. The legacy works of Satish Gujral and Nagji Patel will also be represented, Chahal said. 'Alongside all this, the NDMC will host an international sculpture symposium, featuring 15 artists—10 from India and five from abroad—who will create new works in a live studio workshop in New Delhi, which will be featured in sculpture garden,' Chahal added. The garden is likely to come up inside Chanakyapuri's Nehru park. A 'National Painting Symposium', inviting 15 eminent painters from across the country will also be held in September and the resulting artworks will be showcased at various NDMC venues to enhance public spaces. These pieces will later be displayed in the upcoming sculpture garden at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri. A national painting symposium is also scheduled for September, with 15 celebrated painters contributing works that will eventually be displayed across NDMC venues to liven up public spaces. To support this cultural momentum, the civic body has established an Urban Arts and Culture Forum through a council resolution this year. The forum will roll out an annual calendar of festivals, including Bhakti Naad, classical music concerts, open-air cinema, and art flea markets, with events hosted at landmark locations such as Central Park, Lodhi Art District, Talkatora Stadium and Khan Market. Chahal said spaces in Khan Market and Nehru Park will also be earmarked for young artists to showcase and sell their work. 'The Srijan Art Gallery in Nehru Park is expected to open this month, giving emerging talent a platform,' he said.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Night sweeping of all NDMC markets by May
New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council has approved a proposal for buying five more CNG mechanical road sweepers (MRS) to undertake night sweeping in all markets and public places in Lutyens' Delhi by next May. It also plans to acquire a separate set of small machines and equipment for cleaning narrow lanes and common areas in 22 markets, which can't be covered by MRS. The equipment includes 10 litter pickers, seven floor cleaning machines, 10 pressure jetting machines and 10 water sprinklers. "To address worsening air quality and dust pollution, especially during the winter, the council approved the procurement of five new CNG-operated MRS. The existing fleet of seven MRS, deployed in 2017-18, is aged and frequently out of service, severely affecting NDMC's ability to meet its daily cleaning target of 365km road and markets," said vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal. The council granted administrative approval of Rs 6.7 crore for the project through the Central Pollution Control Board funding. Chahal said NDMC's Swachhta division monitors air quality and reports data to agencies, including CPCB, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Commission for Air Quality Management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "Under National Green Tribunal's guidelines prohibiting new diesel vehicle registrations in Delhi, CPCB agreed to fund the procurement of these new CNG-operated sweepers," he added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Currently, night cleaning is performed in three markets, Connaught Place, Prithviraj Market and Khan Market, using 44 sanitation staff and dedicated equipment, while evening cleaning is performed in 12 markets, including Gole Market, Khanna Market, Begum Zaidi Market and Bengali Market. "Eventually, we have plans to cover all markets. We plan to deploy 115 sanitation staff, 10 supervisors, in addition to MRS, floor cleaning machines, pressure jetting machines, garbage collection vehicles and litter picker machines," according to NDMC's detailed report. The sanitation division is also working on a detailed plan to improve air quality and dust control in its area. A proposal will also be worked out for reviving non-performing assets such as restaurants at Lodhi Garden and Coffee House at Chanakyapuri in a time-bound manner after settling legal disputes. "The idea is to reopen them to the public. We are also working on plans for developing public-friendly places, including eateries," said Chahal. Other properties, such as Super Bazaar and Akbar Bhawan, will also be revamped, and NDMC is working on these plans. In the council meeting, members unanimously passed a condemnation resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of the imposition of emergency in India on June 25, 1975. The issue of non-vacation of flats even after the transfer of officers and non-transfer of flats provided under the inter-pool policy was also discussed. It was stated that the NDMC was facing problems in providing accommodation to its officers in Lutyens' Delhi.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
NDMC to prepare 25 year water masterplan for Lutyens' Delhi
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is planning to undertake a comprehensive study of the water supply network in Lutyens' Delhi for development of a 25-year water masterplan in the area, officials said. The civic body has issued tenders to hire a consultant for the project on June 20 and officials said the hiring process is likely to be completed by July 15. Kuljeet Chahal, NDMC vice chairman said the new masterplan will focus on upgrading the water supply system of the area and expanding the 24x7 water supply model. (HT Photos) Kuljeet Chahal, NDMC vice chairman said the new masterplan will focus on upgrading the water supply system of the area and expanding the 24x7 water supply model. 'We have already started the process for implementing the pilot project for 24x7 water supply in areas near Vinay Marg and Moti Bagh. The project will be expanded in other areas as well. The process of making a new masterplan for NDMC will focus on making the area water sustainable, prevent leakages, upgrade supply lines and adding smart metre network,' Chahal added. A senior NDMC official said the area faces unique water supply challenges as it hosts several important national institutions, offices and hotels while the core water supply network was laid down before independence. As per an NDMC report, the 42.7 sqkm area has a resident population of 0.25 million and much larger floating population of around 1.6-2.0 million per day. 'The study will focus on all aspects of the water supply network in the area from replacing old supply lines, upgrading underground water reservoirs, supply to slum clusters as well as steps needed to make New Delhi more water secure through additional storages and back up plans,' the official added. While rest of the city gets water from Delhi Jal Board, NDMC is the water utility for the Lutyens' Delhi area. However, the civic body sources the raw water supply from DJB. An NDMC official said the present demand of water for NDMC area is about 148 MLD (million litres per day) and the average water availability through DJB is about 125 MLD. With Delhi being a water deficient city with demand-supply gap of 250 MGD (million gallons per day), the impact on supply during peak summers is also felt in the region, officials added. It gets raw water from DJB through 18 different inlet points and four water treatment plants. According to an NDMC report, 100% households in the area are covered through water supply network and the remaining slum clusters are being covered under the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme. NDMC oversees 450km of water supply network through 50mm–900mm diameter pipes. The civic body supplies water to around 15,970 residential and 3,157 commercial consumers. 'Most of the connections in the New Delhi area were metred with mechanical metrs. We have started the process of converting all the mechanical metres to smart metres which will be connected to the central SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition),' an official added. NDMC earlier this month cleared a proposal to spend around ₹ 31 crore on converting all existing metres to smart metres including replacement of 5,397 defective mechanical water metres. 'These will have advanced metering capacities, are highly waterproof, magnetically sealed, have no moving parts and are capable of measuring both low and high water flow,' the official added. The council currently manages around 24 underground reservoirs with 10-12 ft depth at places like North Avenue, Mandir Marg, Shivaji stadium, Moti Bagh, Jor Bagh, Vinay Marg among others.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
JPN Library to open to public by Sept
New Delhi: Jai Prakash Narayan Library at Mandir Marg will finally be opened to the public by Sept-end. NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said that work at the site was in the last phase and furniture, IT systems and books would be put in place by Aug. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Our target is to inaugurate the library by Sept, he added. Chahal further said that the library would serve as a hub for the dissemination of knowledge. NDMC operates eight libraries and JPN Library will further strengthen this network, he added. The civic body expedited work on the project after receiving additional funds. During its council meeting on Dec 18, additional funding was approved for civil work, furniture and fire-fighting installations, bringing the total project allocation to Rs 14.6 crore from the initial cost of Rs 6.8 crore. "The under-construction library consists of a ground plus two-storey structure with a lift, including a multipurpose hall on the ground floor and library halls on the first and second floors, respectively. There are toilet facilities for men and women on all floors, and for disabled visitors, the facility has been provided on the ground floor," explained Chahal. A state-of-the-art digital library will also be developed here. "We are developing facilities that will offer quality education and learning opportunities to children, students, senior citizens and the general public. This library will particularly benefit residents of Valmiki Sadan, Mandir Marg, Gole Market and surrounding areas," said the NDMC vice-chairman.
