Latest news with #SRajalingam
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Flood check steps in place as Ganga records alarming rise
1 2 Varanasi: There was an alarming rise of water level of Ganga from Saturday night and it had crossed the 66.6 meters mark by Sunday morning. Though the river is flowing about 3 meters below warning level of 70.26 meters, it has inundated most ghats. The threat of flooding in low-lying areas, especially downstream and on Varuna banks, has increased. Central Water Commission said the trend of Ganga's rise was over 30 mm per hour on Sunday, marooning most of ghat steps, leaving limited space for bathing at Dashaswamedh and other ghats. Ganga aarti has been shifted to terrace of buildings and high platforms, while cremation at Manikarnika and Harischandra ghats too is taking place on higher platforms. As sharp rise in water level upstream at Mirzapur and Prayagraj continues, threat of flood looms large on Varuna and localities downstream of this tributary. Ganga was flowing two and one meter below warning level in Ghazipur and Ballia, respectively. Divisional commissioner S Rajalingam convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss flood control measures. In rural areas like Jalhupur and urban areas such as Nagwa, Assi Ghat, Samneghat, Maruti Nagar and in Konia and Saraiya, all shelters should be fully repaired and staffed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Adequate arrangements for spraying bleaching powder are to be ensured, while shelters are to operate with arrangements for drinking water, clean toilets, beds, sheets and quality food supplies. Municipal corporation was directed to conduct cleanliness drive in the city and along Varuna. A total of 46 shelters will be operational, with 25 in urban areas and 21 in rural areas, along with clean community kitchens and timely food distribution. Local councillors are to coordinate to ensure food distribution in the presence of public representatives. The commissioner instructed activation of loudhailers and sirens for emergency situation and mock drill along with deployment of civil defence duties. Control numbers are to remain active and registers maintained. In rural areas, district panchayat raj officer, block development officer, assistant development officer panchayat, and Lekhpal were directed to ensure adequate arrangements for fodder, feed, water and vaccination of animals and to ensure proper arrangements at animal shelter sites. UP Bridge Corporation and Public Works Department were instructed to repair roads, as well as underbridges in the district. Police department was directed to ensure security near shelters, while health department was directed to strengthen health-related arrangements and activate all health centres in affected areas. Proper cleaning of railway tracks was also instructed. The electricity department was directed to oversee power supply to ensure there were no issues of power supply during floods.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Time of India
Pilgrims flood Kashi for Shrawan 1st Mon; long queues at KV Temple for early entry
Varanasi: A huge congregation of pilgrims and gathered in Kashi a day ahead to offer 'jalabhishek' at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the first Monday of Shravan. The barricaded area in the vicinity of Kashi Vishwanath Dham was occupied by pilgrims by Sunday evening to ensure early entry into the temple. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Apart from enforcing traffic diversions and crowd regulation exercises, officials ensured activation of all kanwariyas camps. District administration announced closing of schools up to class 12 on Monday when Yadav Bandhus will take out their traditional jalabhishek procession. Arrangements for crowd management at all other temples of Lord Shiva were also completed. Divisional commissioner S Rajalingam said all preparations to manage crowd in and around Kashi Vishwanath Dham were completed. Necessary arrangements were made for crowd management also at other prominent temples of Lord Shiva in Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli. Police commissioner Mohit Agrawal said police and paramilitary forces deployed at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, other temples, roads and highways were asked to be vigilant and ensure foolproof security by utilising CCTV network and drone cameras and also behave properly with devotees. In view of increased water level in Ganga, extra alertness is being maintained at ghats by roping in NDRF as well. Chief executive officer of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, said kanwariyas and pilgrims would gain entry through Gate-4, Nandu Feria, Silko, Dhundhiraj and Saraswati Phatak entry points. As Ganga is flooded, entry through Ganga Dwar will not be possible. Temple officials have appealed to devotees to join queues to offer prayers and not be misled by any touts for entry without joining the queue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Considering last year's maximum crowd, temple trust advised devotees not to join the queue on an empty stomach. The temple also requested them to avoid bringing bags, mobiles, pens, metal items, etc. In view of the heavy crowd, counters to deposit personal items at the dham will not be operational. Medical teams led by doctors will be stationed at five locations for devotees, while six lost and found centres have been operationalised on temple premises, Shankaracharya Chowk, Gate-1 (Ganga Exit Gate), Gate-2 (Saraswati Phatak), Gate-4 (Main Entry Route) and Lalita Ghat to assist people separated from their families in the crowd.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Varanasi division secures 2nd spot in UP's IGRS rankings
Varanasi: The Varanasi division has secured the second position in Uttar Pradesh in the Public Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS), according to the state govt's June report. The achievement comes under the leadership of Divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam, who emphasized that timely and quality grievance redressal is the govt's top priority. Commissioner Rajalingam stated that a structured framework was introduced across the division to ensure swift and effective resolution of public grievances, aligning with the state govt's priorities. This framework led to noticeable improvements in the quality of reports and resolution timelines. To enforce these standards, the divisional commissioner held meetings with divisional and district officials across the division, adopting a strict stance to enforce improvements. He explained that continuous monitoring was conducted on the online portal, ensuring that the number of pending cases on the portal was zero by 11am and again by 6pm daily. He mentioned that cases where resolution was deemed inadequate were approved within hours of receiving the report. In instances, where it seemed possible to improve the quality of grievance resolution, the report was immediately sent back to the investigating officer on the portal the same day for re-examination and effective resolution.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ahead of Shrawan, fees for KV temple priest services likely to be revised
1 2 Varanasi: A priest would definitely get anything between Rs 800 and Rs 1,100 for performing Rudrabhishek anywhere else, but at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which has undergone a grand rejuvenation, a priest receives just Rs 150 for performing the ritual. This rate has remained unchanged since 2014. Vendors supplying worship material for rituals said the price of a 'thaal' (plate) was fixed at Rs 65 in 2014 and it has not been revised so far. However, now it seems that priests and vendors would start getting a decent payment as divisional commissioner S Rajalingam has asked for a proposal to revise the fees and the price of a 'puja thaal'. The divisional commissioner chaired a coordination meeting hosted by Kashi Vishwanath Dham authorities with all stakeholders at the board room on Sunday evening to discuss preparations for the Shravan month of 2025. During the meeting, the concerns of priests and 'puja thaal' vendors were presented. The priests informed him that they receive only Rs 150 for Rudrabhishek ritual. When TOI inquired about the minimum fee charged by an individual ritualist performing rituals independently, senior ritualists and priests of the holy city stated that even junior priests, who assist 'acharyas' (chief ritualists at events like Rudrabhishek), are currently receiving between Rs 800 and Rs 1,100. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo They mentioned that this fee is given to individuals apart from donations, which depend on the wishes of the 'jajman' (the person who organises any ritual at their preferred place). The 'puja thali' vendors highlighted their problems, mentioning that the price of a worship plate is only Rs 65, which results in providing worship material in limited quantities. This often leads to dissatisfaction among devotees, who then question the vendors and priests about it. Chief executive officer Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said that the rates for performing rituals like Rudrabhishek and 'puja thaal' were set in 2014 and have not been revised. As a result, payments to vendors and priests were done at the old rates. Taking a serious note of the situation, the divisional commissioner asked the temple administration to present a proposal comprising details of changes in the cost of living and increase in the price of 'puja' material over the past 11 years. He assured that once such a proposal is tabled, an appropriate decision would be initiated. The stakeholders, including shopkeepers, security and cleaning agencies, guest houses, refreshment centres and other institutions operating in the area, apprised the officials of the issues they face during large gatherings on major festivals such as the Shravan month, its Mondays, Rangbhari Ekadashi and Mahashivratri. These issues include transportation and the non-accessibility of devotees to shops. Officials were assigned to study the issue for a proper solution through coordination with all parties.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Blanket ban on VIP ‘darshan' at KV Temple during Shrawan
Varanasi: As part of preparation for management of huge crowd comprising kanwariyas and pilgrims, Kashi Vishwanath Temple authorities have decided to suspend VIP 'darshan' facility and entry of dignitaries with special protocol throughout the month of Shrawan, from Jul 11 to Aug 9. The entry points too may be reduced from six to five if the Ganga floods the ghat steps used for reaching Ganga Dwar. Speaking to TOI on Sunday, divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam said all arrangements for crowd regulation and facilitation of pilgrims and kanwariyas had been finalised. "Considering possibility of heavy crowding, as witnessed during Shrawan months in past years and Maha Kumbh this year, it has been decided that there would be no VIP and special protocol 'darshan' facility for the entire month. Arrangements are being made considering all possible challenges, including the rise in level of the Ganga. " Regarding arrangements at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, its administration said kanwariyas and pilgrims will be given entry through Gate-4, Nandu Feria, Silko, Dhundiraj and Saraswati Phatak entry points. Ganga Dwar entry point will also be used, but if Ganga level rises and interconnectivity of ghats ends, entry through Lalita Ghat will be restricted temporarily. The four Mondays in the Shrawan month will fall on Jul 14, 21, 28, and Aug 4, when the deity will be adorned with special 'shringar'. Jhula Shringar will occur on concluding day of Shrawan on Aug 9. Temple officials have appealed to devotees to join queues for visits and not fall for any touts. Considering last year's huge crowd, the temple trust advised devotees not to join the queue on an empty stomach, as it could affect their health. The temple also requested them to avoid bringing bags, mobiles, pens, metal items, etc, as these are not allowed inside, so they should leave these items at home or hotel/lodge. Due to the large crowd, free baggage counters at the dham will not be operational. Medical teams led by doctors will be stationed at five locations for devotees visiting the dham, with two ambulances, including one equipped with advanced life support, also stationed for any emergencies. Six lost and found centres will be operational on the temple premises, Shankaracharya Chowk, Gate-1 (Ganga Exit Gate), Gate-2 (Saraswati Phatak), Gate-4 (Main Entry Route) and Lalita Ghat to assist people separated from their families in the crowd. Security personnel and support staff will also be deployed. A centralised public information system and local public address systems will be in place across the dham. A free e-rickshaw service will be provided from Godowlia to Maidagin for the elderly, disabled and children. Glucose/ORS solutions, light refreshments, biscuits, candies, chocolates, etc, will be distributed periodically for the benefit of elderly and children. Drinking water counters and jaggery will be in adequate supply. With support of Smart City, digital viewing of Lord Vishwanath's aarti and adornments will be available at various locations in the dham complex and city. As in previous years, online viewing will be available for those unable to visit. Online streaming of the deity's viewings will also be available on the official YouTube channel of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
