Doon activists oppose Rispana-Bindal road project
Dehradun: Various social, women's and environmental organisations in Dehradun announced a public campaign on Sunday to demand pro-people development projects for the city while opposing the proposed Rispana-Bindal elevated road corridor.
According to activists, such projects disproportionately affect marginalised communities and harm the environment.
"Safeguarding the environment, providing relief from traffic congestion and protecting the interests of daily wage earners must be the priorities. We will intensify public agitation in the coming weeks. This project threatens both the environment and the community, and it will not alleviate traffic congestion as claimed," said Dr Ravi Chopra from the Uttarakhand Insaniyat Manch.
Other activists questioned the economic rationale behind the initiative. "If the govt can spend Rs 6,200 crore in Dehradun, the public can certainly help define a target for people-centric development that truly addresses the city's core issues," said social activist Anoop Nautiyal.
The proposed 26 km project, activists said, may benefit private companies and govt officers, but it threatens the settlements and housing rights of labourers. To raise awareness, activists announced plans for signature campaigns, public meetings and citywide protests in the coming weeks.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
UT administration receives bids for construction of verandah outside courtroom
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Indian Express
2 hours ago
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‘Complained to MCD but they give excuses': Garbage woes hit upscale South Delhi colonies
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'We have complained to the MCD so many times, but they come up with some excuse or the other — that we don't have enough workers or tippers. Even when tippers come to collect the trash, they are so small that much of the waste remains uncollected,' says Lal Singh, Office Secretary, New Friends Colony Residents' Welfare Association (RWA). In the backlanes, street ends, or other areas less frequented in Block D, horticulture waste, like branches and leaves, remain lying for weeks and get mixed with construction debris and household waste. According to Rajpal Singh, BJP councillor from the Sri Niwas Puri ward, the problem will be resolved in 15 days. 'While we do get the streets cleaned every day, the entire South Zone is facing a problem with garbage collection due to fewer tippers being used. For the last two-and-a-half years, tenders for appointing a new garbage collection agency were not passed because the Standing Committee had not been formed,' he says. 'So the old contractor was doing a half-hearted job. Once a new contractor is assigned, things will improve.' Green Park A mosquito repellent is plugged into a socket outside the front door of a sprawling bungalow in Green Park Extension, Block D2. Just outside the gate, and slowly creeping up the ramp, is a heap of garbage — green waste like leaves and plastic wrappers. 'Look at the repellent… why do you think I have put this outside?' says the 37-year-old resident of the house as she tries to convince her 10-year-old to eat his food. 'The garbage attracts a lot of mosquitoes, and I am scared for my child,' she adds. 'For the last five-six years, the MCD cleaner has been sweeping the garbage and keeping the heap here. It is collected only after a couple of weeks. I have called the MCD many times, but no one listens to me,' she adds. Green Park councillor, AAP's Sarita Phogat, did not respond when contacted for comment. 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The ward doesn't have a councillor as bypolls have not taken place. Soami Nagar In Soami Nagar, in front of posh Panchsheel Enclave, residents are largely satisfied with cleaning, but there are still complaints about how areas that are less frequented have become a dumping ground. 'Areas that are not residential or abandoned are neglected by cleaners. Sometimes, the cleaners come and dump garbage there,' says Naveen Grover, RWA Member. 'We don't see the benefit of paying so many taxes to the MCD. We always have to run after them to clean up one particular spot or another,' Grover adds. Krishan Jakhar, AAP's councillor from Chirag Delhi, says the MCD is grappling with staff shortage. 'The BJP is now running the MCD, and no new staff have been recruited. Even then, if we get a grievance, we try to get it resolved immediately.' Devansh Mittal is a trainee correspondent with The Indian Express. He studied political science at Ashoka University. He can be reached at ... Read More
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Home minister Parameshwara pledges to make Karnataka drug free
Koppal: Home minister G Parameshwara stated that the state govt is committed to establish Karnataka as a drug-free state. During a press conference on Sunday, he emphasised that actions will be taken to prevent drugs from entering the Anegondi area of the district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "If necessary, a police station will be set up there to protect the interests of the local residents and to curb the availability of drugs for tourists," he confirmed. Addressing Basavaraj Rayareddy's statement about Gangavathi taluk being a ganja centre, he said, "We will address his concerns and suggestions. Measures will be implemented to combat drug issues." Regarding BR Patil's allegations about corruption in the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, the minister said, "If there was any wrongdoing in the housing project, BR Patil should contact the minister of the relevant department or at least file a complaint with our department, and the govt will take suitable action. Responding to minister HK Patil's correspondence about mining irregularities, Dr Parameshwar said, "Patil mentioned in his letter that the govt lost Rs. 1.5 lakh crore due to mining irregularities. However, he did not accuse the govt. He only pointed out that cases of mining irregularities are being delayed. Nevertheless, the govt will take action on this matter." "The police have been given autonomy to function. No officer faces pressure in their duties. We have served the people of the state for two years. We remain dedicated to fulfilling our commitments. Substantial funds have been allocated to guarantee schemes. All development initiatives remain active," Parameshwara explained. Regarding home ministry recruitment, he noted, "After the PSI scam, recruitment had paused. The numerous vacant PSI positions across the state have now been filled. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A Hyderabad-based organisation has recognised Karnataka's police system as exemplary. Our department's officers are performing excellently." In response to a question regarding the change in the KPCC president, Parameshwara said, "I don't know." Chief minister's economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, MP K Raghavendra Hitnal, District Congress general secretary Krishna Ittangi, and others were present.
