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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Delhi may soon get its 3rd flyover with trees
The public works department (PWD) is preparing to open the Nand Nagari flyover to traffic by August—even as trees remain standing in the middle of its carriageway due to pending forest clearances. The 1.5km stretch, part of Delhi's ₹ 157.85 crore push to make Wazirabad Road signal-free, is nearly 85% complete, officials said. But delays in securing tree-felling permissions have left more than 60 trees rooted along the alignment, raising concerns about potential traffic hazards. Trees in the middle of the road on Nand Nagari flyover. (Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times) If opened in its current state, the flyover will become the third in Delhi where vehicles are forced to navigate around standing trees. Earlier this year, the Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh flyovers were inaugurated with full-grown trees left under or even between traffic lanes, as the forest department's nod failed to arrive in time. The PWD is now taking a similar approach here—treating the removal of trees as a 'pending work' to be handled post-opening through a supplementary agreement. 'Opening the traffic flow is a priority as it will offer relief from congestion along the stretch,' said a senior PWD official, adding that the agency aims to make the flyover operational around Independence Day. A report dated June 21 said the core structure will be ready by July-end. However, it flagged multiple safety concerns, including sewer lines and manholes obstructing the retaining wall near the Nand Nagari depot, debris on service roads, and missing drain covers—each posing accident risks. 'Debris, silt and malba near the ramp must be removed immediately… Lighting should also be improved for safe traffic movement at night,' the report stated. The project, which began in February 2023, was originally slated for completion by July 2024. In addition to the elevated corridor, it includes road improvements, footpaths, upgraded drainage, and rainwater harvesting. The six-lane flyover starts from the Nand Nagri junction and ends near the Gagan Cinema T-junction, covering a 1,500-metre stretch of National Highway-9. It serves commuters travelling between North Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and connects densely populated colonies such as Dilshad Garden, Gonda, Mustafabad, and Karawal Nagar. Tree-related delays have proved to be a major stumbling block. While 63 trees are listed for felling or transplantation—36 on the e-Parivesh portal and 27 under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA)—approvals are still awaited. On June 4, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena invoked a special exemption under Section 29 of the DPTA to lift area restrictions and allow the application to be reviewed. However, final clearance from the forest department is still pending. Once operational, the corridor is expected to halve the current 30-minute travel time for those commuting to Bhopura via Signature Bridge. A foot overbridge on the stretch will be demolished and replaced with a subway for pedestrian access.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Only 101 of Delhi's nearly 900 CGHS have fire NOC: DFS
Only 101 of the 898 cooperative group housing societies (CGHS) in Delhi — or barely one in nine — have a valid fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC), according to data from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). Fire at an apartment building in Dwarka Sector 13 on June 10. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo) An additional 73 societies have applied for new licences or renewals, but these have been put on hold after inspections revealed major 'safety shortcomings', according to a DFS report on the matter. DFS officials said that despite repeated warnings, most societies have either failed to apply for fire safety clearance or allowed their certifications to lapse. The officials added that 'majority' of the remaining 724 societies have never applied for a fire safety certificate at all. Cooperative group housing societies (CGHS) are resident-run housing complexes developed under the cooperative model, where ownership and management are collectively handled by members and bodies such as resident welfare associations. According to the National Cooperative Database under the Union ministry of cooperation, Delhi has 898 functional CGHS. CGHS buildings are spread across the city, with a large concentration in southwest Delhi (317), east Delhi (227), and northwest Delhi (166), according to the database. 'Of the 898 registered CGHS in Delhi, only 101 have a fire NOC. Another 73 have applied but were found with major lapses during inspections — such as blocked staircases and exits, non-functional fire equipment, or inaccessible entrances,' said a senior fire official. More than two dozen criteria are checked during inspections which include exits, ventilation, fire safety equipment, working motor, electricity unit position, high-tension wire position, basement exits, lift system, staircases and terrace access etc. Atul Garg, chief of Delhi Fire Services, said the NOC is valid for five years, and buildings that are rejected during inspections can reapply after fixing the problems. From January to May 31 this year, only 26 fire safety certificates were issued to CGHS buildings while 22 applications were rejected, DFS data accessed by HT showed. In 2024, 53 FSCs were issued while 45 societies faced rejection. In 2023, just 22 NOCs were granted, while six applications were turned down. Fire officials said these multi-storey buildings — many of which are over 15 metres tall — are required to have valid fire NOCs under safety norms, yet most fall short of even basic compliance. DFS officials said most societies neglect even basic preparedness, such as installing and maintaining fire extinguishers or clearing escape routes. 'Many of these societies wait until there is a tragedy. That's when the panic starts and applications begin to come in,' said an official. The concern has grown after a fatal fire on June 10 in a CGHS building in Sector 13, Dwarka. A man, his daughter, and nephew died after jumping from their ninth-floor balcony to escape the flames. The fire department confirmed that the society's NOC had expired in 2016, and firefighting systems like hoses and extinguishers were missing or non-functional. Police said that the complex was built by a housing society over 25 years ago after which the upkeep and maintenance of the apartment complex is to be done by the RWA.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Rain triggers landslides at several places in Himachal; orange alert issued
The first spell of Southwest monsoon which reached Himachal Pradesh on Friday triggered landslides at several places. The local Met office on Friday issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places on June 22, 23, 25 and 26. Traffic on the Dharmshala-Chataro-Gaggal road was halted due to a landslide, and officials are currently engaged in road-clearing operations, officials said. Reports also emerged of water logging at the Shahid Inder Singh Middle School in Pandoh, which caused inconvenience for students. The Met Office issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated parts of the state on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and a yellow warning for heavy rains in isolated areas on Tuesday. Some parts of Shimla witnessed power outages along with landslide with many roads getting blocked in Kangra district. In Shimla, power outages were reported in several areas, with residents complaining of no electricity for the past 10 hours as of Friday morning. The affected areas include Kanlog, Sanjauli, and nearby localities. Residents of these areas said that the power supply was disrupted around midnight, and repeated calls to the local electricity department went unanswered. Landslide was reported in Jutogh Cantt area in Shimla. A four-wheeler was completely damaged after coming under the landslide here. Meanwhile, the electricity supply which had gone out around 12 midnight was only restored around 1pm on Friday. The weather department said that the arrival of Southwest Monsoon over Himachal Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall activity very likely over parts of plains/low hills and adjoining mid hills during 20th to 25th June, 2025. The Southwest Monsoon has set in over Himachal Pradesh and covered some parts of the state including Shimla, on Friday. During last 24 hours, heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning reported at isolated places of the state with moderate rainfall at few places of the state. Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest monsoon over remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh during next 2 days. In view of the advancement of Southwest Monsoon over Himachal Pradesh, weather department said that fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over many parts of low hills/plains & adjoining mid hills and light to moderate rainfall over some parts of the high & adjoining mid hills of the state during 20th to 25th June, 2025 with peak intensity on June 22 and June 25. Vipin Kumar, Sub-Divisional Officer, electricity department, said, 'A power panel has developed a technical snag due to increased moisture in the environment during the ongoing rain. It will take some time to repair the panel. Many of its wires have been affected by carbon deposits. We need to repair all the wires and then dry them using small boilers.'Shimla electricity officer Lokesh Thakur admitted there was an issue. 'There is a fault in the main electricity line supplying power to Kanlog, near the Central Potato Research Institute building. Our staff is working to fix the issue. The rain has made the restoration work more challenging. Electricity supply has been restored in some parts of Sanjauli. Our staff members are on the job,' he added.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Four women injured as speeding car rams auto-rickshaw in Noida
Jun 21, 2025 06:02 AM IST Four women sustained injuries after a speeding SUV rammed into an auto-rickshaw near 128 Sector late Thursday night, said police. A video of the incident also circulated on social media platforms where a man standing close to an accidental Maruti Suzuki Brezza could be heard saying, 'Drunk around 3pm in the afternoon.' Initially, the injured and the SUV driver were trying to compromise, but it did not happen. (Representational image) 'On Thursday night, when four women in an auto-rickshaw were heading towards Greater Noida, a speeding Brezza rammed into the auto from behind,' said knowledge park station house officer (SHO), Vipin Kumar. 'The collision was so intense that the front part of the car was damaged while the auto was completely damaged. The auto rickshaw driver escaped with minor injuries,' said SHO Kumar. Upon getting information from the hospital, a team from Knowledge Park police rushed to the spot and called an ambulance to admit the injured to a nearby hospital. 'All injured women, who are undergoing treatment at a hospital, are out of danger,' said SHO Kumar, adding that it came to light that the SUV driver was in an inebriated condition and he did not sustain injuries. Initially, the injured and the SUV driver were trying to compromise, but it did not happen. 'As soon as we receive a complaint, a case under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will be registered,' added SHO Kumar. The identities of the injured women and suspects are not revealed as they are yet to approach the police.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
First of 3 flights evacuating Indians from Iran's Mashhad lands in Delhi
The first of three chartered evacuation flights carrying Indian nationals from conflict-hit Iran arrived in Delhi late Friday night, following Iran's decision to ease airspace restrictions for the operation. Those on board had earlier been moved from Tehran to safer locations. Additional flights may be arranged in the coming days for others wanting to return to India, according to a senior Iranian diplomat. Those on board had earlier been moved from Tehran to safer locations. Additional flights may be arranged in the coming days for others wanting to return to India. (File)(Vipin Kumar/HT Photo) 'Iran's airspace is currently closed, but we're facilitating limited access for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals,' said Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy. Around 1,000 Indians, mostly students pursuing professional courses, were relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad. These evacuees will be flown to Delhi on three Iranian-operated charter flights arranged by India, Hosseini said. Two more evacuation flights are set to arrive on Saturday. This evacuation is taking place as the Iran-Israel war enters its second week, following Israel's large-scale aerial offensive launched last week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is considering joining Israel in the conflict and will make a decision within two weeks, leaving open the possibility of negotiations to end the hostilities. More evacuation flights to land on Saturday Sources familiar with the situation said that another flight is scheduled to bring back more Indian nationals who were earlier moved from Iran to Turkmenistan via a land route. This evacuation flight from Ashgabat is expected to arrive in New Delhi early Saturday morning. None of the evacuation flights are flying over Pakistani airspace. Hosseini noted that additional flights may be arranged in the coming days, including a possible one on Sunday, to help Indians wishing to return home. He added that the Iranian foreign ministry is coordinating closely with India's external affairs ministry and the Indian embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. 'We are arranging for the safe passage of Indians who want to [leave] via air or via road through third countries, or directly from Iran,' Hosseini said. A separate group of 110 Indian students, who had been relocated from Tehran to Qom and then taken to Armenia by land, reached Delhi on a flight from Yerevan on Thursday. At the time the hostilities began, triggered by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites over the weekend, there were around 10,000 Indians in Iran—many of them students. India has not issued any formal advisories urging its citizens to leave Iran or Israel, but it has asked nationals in both countries to remain alert and limit their movement. Indian authorities have also recommended that citizens move out of Tehran. Hosseini said that all Indian nationals in Iran are safe, except for a few who sustained injuries when an Israeli airstrike struck a student dormitory in Tehran over the weekend. (With inputs from Rezaul Laskar)
