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Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Rajasthan school building collapse: Death toll reaches six, over 30 injured
Jaipur: Six students died while over 30 were injured in a devastating incident which was reported on Friday in Peeplodi Government School, located in Manoharthana block of Jhalawar district in Rajasthan, where a portion of the school building collapsed. The collapse occurred during the study hours when 35 students of Class 7 were seated in a classroom that suddenly caved in. All the children were trapped under the debris. Local villagers and teachers rushed to the scene and pulled out the injured, who were immediately taken to Manoharthana Hospital. Dr Kaushal Lodha of the hospital confirmed that 11 critically injured children have been referred to the district hospital in Jhalawar for advanced treatment. Villagers reported that the school has seven classrooms, and at the time of the incident, 71 children were present in two of them. The accident occurred in one of the classrooms where Class 7 students were studying. Two teachers were present on campus but were outside the building when the structure collapsed. The identified victims include Payal (14), Priyanka (14), Kartik (8), Harish (8), and Meena Redas. One child is yet to be identified. The injured were students referred to Jhalawar. Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured that repair works of dilapidated buildings are underway, and approximately Rs 200 crore is being allocated for the purpose. 'Right now, our top priority is to ensure the injured children receive the best possible treatment and recover soon,' said Dilawar. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed grief over the loss of young lives and has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. All medical expenses of the injured students will be borne by the government, and senior officials have been dispatched to the site. There is widespread resentment among villagers, who claim the school building has been deteriorating for a long time due to continuous rainfall. Despite repeated warnings, no action was taken by the authorities. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. He described the incident as extremely distressing and heartbreaking. The Union Minister said, 'I have sought detailed information from the local administration regarding the relief and rescue operations and have urged them to ensure swift and effective action.' Extending his condolences, Shekhawat added, 'I pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured children. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may God grant strength and courage to the bereaved families during this difficult time.'
News18
07-07-2025
- Business
- News18
India's 1st Disneyland Park Likely In Haryana, 500-Acre Land Identified In Manesar: Check What CM Says
Last Updated: 'Disneyland in Haryana will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits to the whole country,' says CM Nayab Singh Saini. Disneyland-Themed Park In Haryana: In order to push Haryana's tourism appeal on the global stage, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said the state is preparing to host India's first-ever Disneyland-style amusement park. The proposed site, a sprawling 500-acre land parcel near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar (Gurugram district), has already been identified for the mega project. Strategically located along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, the site is being hailed as an ideal spot due to its robust connectivity and proximity to the bustling Delhi-NCR region. Chief Minister Saini termed the upcoming project as 'game-changing" for Haryana and for the nation at large. 'Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole," he said after meeting Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi to seek support for the tourism-focused vision. The CM said the amusement park is aimed at tapping the market potential of Gurugram, which already hosts headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies and is emerging as a prominent economic engine for the state. 'The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland," Saini added. The ambitious plan is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost regional infrastructure, and attract international tourists — offering a massive economic uplift to the area. 'The objective is to capitalise on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre," the Chief Minister said. Beyond the Disneyland project, Haryana is also pushing to position itself as a hub of cultural and spiritual tourism. The state government has proposed to expand the scale of the annual International Gita Mahotsav, a spiritual and cultural event that celebrates the message of 'karma' from the Bhagavad Gita. The event features cultural programs, a crafts mela, and participation from international artists and artisans. 'The International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination," the CM said, urging the Centre to extend financial assistance to organise it on a grander scale. To further enrich Haryana's cultural landscape, the state plans to organise two new annual events — a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair — at Surajkund, in addition to the world-renowned International Surajkund Mela held every February in Faridabad. This fair attracts artisans, performers, and cultural troupes from across India and overseas, showcasing India's rich handicrafts and folk traditions. With these projects, the Saini government aims to transform Haryana into a leading destination for entertainment, spiritual experiences, and cultural celebration — making a strong pitch to both domestic and international tourists.
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Disneyland In Haryana? Chief Minister Saini Floats Idea For Economic Growth
New Delhi: In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot, the Nayab Singh Saini government is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and firmly place Haryana on the international map. From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of the Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Haryana government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage. Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organise three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government. Leading this vision, the Chief Minister on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, Mr Saini discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state's rich cultural heritage, with the aim of establishing the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map. CM Saini said that Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the project's objective is to capitalise on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas, he said. Nayab Singh Saini said that many Fortune companies have their headquarters in Gurugram, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland, he said. He informed that approximately 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district, have been identified for the project. This site is strategically located on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, said the Chief Minister. He stated that the Disneyland project will significantly contribute to Haryana's economic growth. If Disneyland establishes its park in India, it will boost tourism and attract international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for both the state and the country, he said. The Chief Minister further shared that the International Surajkund Mela is held annually in the Faridabad district to position Haryana as a tourism hub and to provide a large platform for artisans from across India and abroad. The Mela showcases a unique blend of Indian art, culture, handicrafts, music, and cuisine. Every year, artisans, artists, and folk performers from around the world participate and exhibit their regional products and cultural heritage. The theme of the fair changes annually, focusing on a different Indian state to highlight its unique traditions and folk art. The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism, he said. The Chief Minister stated that, considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund as well. This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the Haryana Government organises the International Gita Mahotsav every year to disseminate the message of 'karma' conveyed by Lord Krishna to the world. During the event, a crafts Mela and cultural programmes are held, attracting a large number of international artists and artisans, thereby fostering cultural exchange, he said. He emphasised that the International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination with high potential to attract global tourists. To achieve this vision, active support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is essential. Hence, he urged the Central Government to provide financial assistance for organising the Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale, so that Haryana can emerge as a key pilgrimage destination on the global map.
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Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India's first Disneyland park proposed in Manesar, says Haryana CM Saini
Haryana is planning something big for fun and tourism. Manesar could soon be home to India's first Disneyland-style theme park, promising to turn the state into a major hub for fun and tourism. The National Capital Region (NCR) could soon host India's first Disneyland amusement park, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announcing a 500-acre mega entertainment hub in Manesar. The project, he said, is set to become a landmark in the state's tourism and infrastructure development. The Chief Minister revealed that the site for the park has been earmarked near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district. The site is strategically situated along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. 'Game-changer for Haryana', says CM Saini Calling the project a 'game-changer', Saini said the park will bring widespread economic, cultural, and social benefits, not just for Haryana but for the entire country. 'Manesar's proximity to Delhi, its infrastructure, and corporate presence make it the perfect location,' he said after meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. Saini said that the objective is to leverage Haryana's connectivity and market potential to create a world-class amusement centre. 'It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas,' he said. Gurugram, already home to several Fortune 500 companies, is a key contributor to the state's economy. The proposed Disneyland-style park will further complement the upcoming Global City project. Saini said. 'Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland.' Currently, Disneyland parks operated by the Walt Disney Company are located in California and Florida in the United States, Paris (France), Tokyo (Japan), and Hong Kong. Surajkund to host more cultural events In addition to the entertainment park, the Haryana government is working on positioning the state as a major global destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Saini shared that the state has proposed hosting three annual melas at Surajkund, expanding the scale of celebrations at the International Gita Mahotsav, and seeking financial assistance from the Centre for the same. The Surajkund Mela, already an iconic event, attracts artisans, folk performers, and artists from across India and abroad. Each year, the fair focuses on the cultural traditions of a different Indian state. 'The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism,' Saini said. Haryana eyes spiritual tourism boost To further enrich this platform, the government also plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund. 'This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent,' he said. Highlighting the significance of the International Gita Mahotsav, the chief minister said it offers a strong opportunity to brand Haryana as a spiritual tourism hub. 'To establish Haryana as a key pilgrimage destination globally, we need active support from the Union Tourism Ministry,' he said, requesting the Centre's help in organising the Mahotsav on a much grander scale. [With agency inputs]
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
In 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh, palace complex, 3 heritage-era cottages unveiled after restoration
Once in a dilapidated condition, the palace complex in the 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh in North Delhi has now been restored to its former glory. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday threw open to the public the revived Sheesh Mahal, a baradari (pavilion), and three heritage-era cottages. Of the three restored cottages, two have been adaptively reused — one now houses the 'Readers Café Corner', facilitating literary engagement, while 'Café Shalimar', the other, is where the visitors can come, eat, and enjoy with their loved ones. The third cottage has been repurposed for official use while maintaining its heritage character. The restoration was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the technical supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The work began following the L-G's visit to the site in January 2024. During that visit, the L-G had taken note of the dilapidated condition of the structures, which were buried under layers of silt and overgrown vegetation, according to the DDA. The Shalimar Bagh, DDA underlined, was built in 1653 and has witnessed multiple phases of Delhi's history — from the Mughal period to the British rule. As part of its restoration, while the ASI worked on conserving the architectural elements of Sheesh Mahal, the DDA redeveloped the surrounding garden in the traditional Char Bagh or a Persian-style garden layout. The baradari and cottages were restored using traditional material such as lakhori bricks, lime surkhi, lime concrete, and organic binders like gud, belgiri, and urad. Speaking at the unveiling event, Shekhawat said the Centre was committed to supporting conservation efforts in Delhi in line with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (development with heritage). Hitting out at the previous AAP government, Shekhawat said, 'When this restoration project was first taken up by L-G Saxena, there was a repulsive government in Delhi. Now, there is a double-engine force multiplying government in Delhi, and CM Gupta, this will transform Delhi into 'New Delhi' soon.' L-G Saxena said the project would help preserve Delhi's architectural legacy and urged citizens to safeguard such restored spaces from future neglect. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister gave credit to the L-G for taking the lead in protecting heritage sites across the Capital and thanked him for his 'constant guidance' in developmental work. DDA said the latest project follows its recent conservation work at sites such as Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, St. James Church, and Anangpal Tomar Van.
