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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Gujarat CM visits Dharoi dam site, plans afoot to make it ‘world-class sustainable tourism, pilgrimage destination'
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday visited Dharoi dam site in Mehsana district and inspected various ongoing projects to develop the area into a world-class sustainable tourism and pilgrimage destination. During the visit, the CM also chaired a meeting on Dam Safety while reviewing the situation of various reservoirs in the state. An official release stated that the Dharoi development project is being implemented in three phases at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore. The objective of the project is to give impetus to tourism in the region through spiritual, adventure, eco and recreational activities and to create employment opportunities for local residents, it added. The state government is developing the region as an iconic place while creating a tourism circuit covering places like Polo forest, Taranga, Vadnagar and Ambaji, according to the statement. During his visit to Dharoi, the CM chaired a high-level meeting on dam safety in the state. An official release said that Gujarat has a total of 1,124 reservoirs that include 22 big dams, 96 medium dams, and 1,006 small dams. Their pre-monsoon inspection was completed and all of them are in safe condition, it said. A review of the same was done in the meeting. The CM was also given a presentation according to which more than 25 reservoirs are filled to 100% capacity while 56 of them are 70% to 100% full. As many as 42 reservoirs are filled 25% to 30% while 40 of them are running at under 25% capacity. As per the release, the biggest dam of Gujarat, Sardar Sarovar Dam, has 4,889 million cubic metre water at present. During the visit, the CM was accompanied by Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Chief Advisor Hasmukh Adhia and other senior officials along with local MPs and MLAs.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
CM reviews repair works of roads, bridges; asks officials to adopt proactive approach, ensure immediate redressal of complaints
Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing repair works of roads and bridges across the state through the video wall of the CM Dashboard. He directed officials to adopt a proactive approach to road repairs, ensure quick restoration of traffic movement and the immediate redressal of citizens' complaints by prioritising road maintenance. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi; Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, M K Das; CM's advisor S S Rathore, Principal Secretary of Urban Development and Urban Housing Department (UD&UH Department), M Thennarasan; Additional Principal Secretary to the CM, Avantika Singh; Secretary to the CM, Vikrant Pandey; Secretary of Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, P R Patelia and others. Officials from district administration and urban local bodies also participated through video conference. As per an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, CM Patel instructed engineers and officials to ensure that no complaint, however small, remains unresolved and that repair works are prioritised to prevent the public from facing any inconvenience. The CM emphasised that all complaints received through the R&B department's 24×7 control room, GujMarg mobile app, municipal apps, WhatsApp, websites, helpline numbers, city civic centres, and command & control centers must be addressed promptly and satisfactorily, with active monitoring by the officials concerned. At Tuesday's meeting, UD&UH Secretary Thennarasan outlined the mechanism for the prompt redressal of citizens' complaints in urban areas, highlighting that out of 15,424 complaints received from metropolitan cities, 12,023 were successfully resolved. R&B Secretary Patelia informed the CM that 99.66% of the 3,632 complaints received via GujMarg app were resolved. As per the release, the number of users on the GujMarg app increased from 10,767 to 28,449 in just three days. The release stated, 'The CM directed that all ongoing repair works be closely monitored through field visits by officers, local authorities, and district administrations. He instructed thorough inspection and prompt repair of bridges closed for safety, with strict quality checks. For bridges with diverted traffic, he emphasised ensuring safe alternate routes and smooth traffic flow. He further stressed that repairs must continue without interruption, and citizen convenience must be prioritised. On rain-free days, additional manpower should be deployed to expedite road and bridge restoration.' Besides, a comprehensive review was conducted of the ongoing road repair operations, including patchwork and pothole filling, at the meet. 'As of now, 47% of patchwork on damaged roads has been completed, and more than 63% of pothole-filling work has been accomplished. Additionally, a significant portion of road repairs under the jurisdiction of the 17 Municipal Corporations in the state has also been completed,' the CMO release further stated.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
PETA urges Gujarat to ban foreign breeds used in dogfights
People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India, has begun a campaign for banning aggressive foreign dog breeds across Gujarat after a four-mont hold baby was mauled to death by a rottweiler in Ahmedabad. In a letter addressed to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and chief secretary Pankaj Joshi, Peta India called for urgent action to prohibit the breeding, sale and ownership of breeds such as rottweiler, pitbull terrier, Pakistani bully kutta, dogo argentino, presa canario, fila brasileiro, bull terrier and XL Bully, citing public safety and animal welfare concerns. 'These foreign breeds are engineered to be unstoppable weapons and are frequently abused in dogfights . We urge Gujarat to act swiftly to protect both humans and animals by banning the keeping and sale of these dogs,' said Shaurya Agrawal , advocacy associate, Peta India. After the rottweiler attack incident, state govt has indicated its intent to frame a policy around such breeds amid growing concerns regarding their use in illegal dogfighting rings, despite such activities being banned under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Peta India claims that many of these dogs are kept on heavy chains, subjected to ear cropping and tail docking — illegal and painful procedures intended to enhance their fighting capabilities — and are left untreated when injured due to the underground nature of these fights. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo The animal rights body has proposed sterilization and mandatory registration of such dogs, followed by a phased ban on their sale, breeding and ownership. It has also urged the govt to shut down illegal breeders and pet shops and to crack down on organised dogfighting networks across the state. Dr Apoorva Gohil, a veterinarian, says there should be a 100% ban on the sale and breeding of such breeds across India. 'The penalty imposed on offenders should also be raised.'
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
PETA urges Guj to ban foreign breeds used in dogfights
People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India, has begun a campaign for banning aggressive foreign dog breeds across Gujarat after a four-month-old baby was mauled to death by a rottweiler in Ahmedabad. In a letter addressed to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and chief secretary Pankaj Joshi, Peta India called for urgent action to prohibit the breeding, sale and ownership of breeds such as rottweiler, pitbull terrier, Pakistani bully kutta, dogo argentino, presa canario, fila brasileiro, bull terrier and XL Bully, citing public safety and animal welfare concerns. "These foreign breeds are engineered to be unstoppable weapons and are frequently abused in dogfights. We urge Gujarat to act swiftly to protect both humans and animals by banning the keeping and sale of these dogs," said Shaurya Agrawal, advocacy associate, Peta India. After the rottweiler attack incident, state govt has indicated its intent to frame a policy around such breeds amid growing concerns regarding their use in illegal dogfighting rings, despite such activities being banned under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Peta India claims that many of these dogs are kept on heavy chains, subjected to ear cropping and tail docking — illegal and painful procedures intended to enhance their fighting capabilities — and are left untreated when injured due to the underground nature of these fights. The animal rights body has proposed sterilization and mandatory registration of such dogs, followed by a phased ban on their sale, breeding and ownership. It has also urged the govt to shut down illegal breeders and pet shops and to crack down on organised dogfighting networks across the state. Dr Apoorva Gohil, a veterinarian, says there should be a 100% ban on the sale and breeding of such breeds across India. "The penalty imposed on offenders should also be raised."
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Gujarat tightens security across key locations; ups surveillance in coastal, border areas
Gandhinagar: A high-security alert has been issued across several states with Gujarat also intensifying its preparedness measures after the Indian Armed Forces' pre-dawn airstrikes on Wednesday on nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under "Operation Sindoor", an official said. Security agencies in coastal and border areas, particularly in Jamnagar, have launched extensive checking and surveillance operations. The Special Operations Group (SOG), Marine Police, and Task Force commandos have been deployed for patrols along sensitive coastal zones, including Halar beach -- known for its proximity to the Pakistan border. Meanwhile, in line with the directives issued by the Central government, a large-scale Civil Defence mock drill was conducted across Gujarat. Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Pankaj Joshi, oversaw the exercise through a virtual monitoring session held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar. The mock drill aimed to assess the preparedness of various districts in responding to potential emergency situations and to enhance inter-agency coordination. During the virtual review, senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Dr. Jayanti Ravi, Director General of Civil Defence Manoj Agarwal, Transport Commissioner Anupam Anand, and Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey were present. The statewide drill included simulated scenarios to test the effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms, communication networks, and civil protection infrastructure. Authorities emphasised the importance of such exercises to ensure Gujarat remains ready to handle crises with efficiency and speed. In response to the heightened alert, all flights to and from key cities including Jamnagar, Bhuj, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Amritsar, have been suspended. Jamnagar Airport has implemented strict security checks under the supervision of district police, with teams inspecting vehicles and questioning drivers. Flights between Jamnagar and Mumbai will remain suspended for the next three days. Amid these developments, Amit Arora, Joint Administrative Manager of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam and CEO of the Statue of Unity, chaired a review meeting to assess the readiness of the security system at the Narmada Dam. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power and communication lines, while keeping backup systems ready to face any emergencies. The State Reserve Force stationed in Ekta Nagar continues its 24x7 surveillance of the dam and surrounding areas. Mock drills are also being conducted across the state to prepare for emergency scenarios. In Jamnagar, the Fire Department is leading coordinated drills across four city zones, involving over 100 personnel and 30 fire engines. Chief Fire Officer K.K. Bishnoi held a detailed pre-briefing for station officers, ensuring readiness for any disaster resulting from escalated tensions. The Jamnagar district police, led by SP Premsukh Delu, also held a comprehensive review with top law enforcement officials, focusing on maintaining law and order and coordination among various departments. Meanwhile, the state government, in coordination with central agencies, has reinforced surveillance and readiness measures to prevent any potential threats. Key urban centers, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Vadodara, are under increased watch, with additional deployment of police forces and paramilitary units in sensitive zones. High-traffic public spaces like railway stations, airports, religious sites, and major stadia -- including the Narendra Modi Stadium -- are being patrolled regularly while and security checks have been intensified.
