Latest news with #HDMC
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hubballi faces recurring flood management challenges
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation seems to have disregarded the lessons from the floods of 2019 in Hubballi, which caused extensive damage to roads and both private and public properties. A survey conducted following the 2019 floods in Hubballi, triggered by heavy rainfall, identified several critical issues: encroachment of nalas, lack of open drainage systems in commercial and residential zones, and clogged nalas. These identical problems have resurfaced now, as the city faces another flood-like situation. Meanwhile, HDMC continues to grapple with flood management issues. Despite the severe flooding in 2019, the essential preventive measures were not implemented effectively. The uncleaned nalas remain a persistent problem, causing waterlogging during heavy rainfall. Most of the residential and commercial areas have been particularly affected due to poor drainage systems. Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of proper stormwater channels and the slow pace of nala retaining wall construction projects. The commercial areas along Koppikar Road, Dajibanpeth, Station Road, and others face similar challenges with inadequate drainage infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The corporation's failure to address encroachments along natural water channels has worsened the situation. Several buildings and temporary structures continue to obstruct the natural flow of water. The absence of proper drainage networks in newly developed areas has added to the problem. The civic body needs to implement a comprehensive flood management plan. This should include regular cleaning of nalas, removal of encroachments, and construction of proper drainage systems. The corporation must also ensure that new developments include adequate drainage infrastructure. Local authorities need to work with urban planners to develop long-term solutions. R Vijay Kumar, Superintending Engineer of HDMC, explained that while the Smart City Mission's green mobility corridor work continues, areas with constructed retaining walls along nalas have remained safe from flooding. However, Old Hubballi regions lacking these protective walls have experienced flooding issues. He noted that they identified the primary flooding causes in Old Hubballi and surrounding areas. Recently, MLA Prasad Abbayya, DC Divya Prabhu, and the HDMC Commissioner advised NHAI officials to remove the low-level bridges at Nekar Nagar, as these structures cause rainwater blockage, leading to flooding in residential and other areas. He further stated that several flood prevention strategies were developed and will be implemented.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Mayor election on June 30; political activities gain pace
For the posts of mayor and deputy mayor of the twin cities, elections will be held on June 30 at 1:00 terms of Ramappa (Ramanna) Badiger as mayor and Durgamma Bijwad as deputymayor will end on June 28. Regional Commissioner S B Shettennavar has issued a notification announcing the elections for both posts on June the coming term of one year, mayor's post is reserved for general woman, and deputy mayor's position is reserved for Backward Class A candidate. Nominations can be submitted from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the HDMC central office in Hubballi, where the election procedures will be held under the leadership of the regional activity picked up pace with the announcement of date for the mayoral election. Political circles are abuzz with speculation: Will the BJP leadership give another chance to a corporator from Dharwad, or will it be a first-time corporator from the Hubballi-Dharwad East constituency?Sources within the BJP, which currently holds power in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), suggest that the final decision will rest with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. However, the choice of candidate will not be unilateral. Consensus will be sought from all elected BJP reserved for womanThis time, the mayoral post is reserved for a woman in the general category, leading to intense competition. Over a dozen aspirants are reportedly eyeing the coveted position.A senior corporator stated that while more than 10 women corporators from Hubballi are in the fray, two from Dharwad have also emerged as strong Dharwad, Jyoti Patil and Anita Chalgeri are seen as front-runners. In contrast, the list of aspirants from Hubballi is significantly longer.'It remains to be seen whether the party will favor a newcomer or stick with its earlier pattern of electing an experienced corporator,' the corporator another corporator offered a different perspective, pointing out that in the last three terms, mayors have hailed from Hubballi-Dharwad West and Hubballi Central he argued, increases the likelihood of a candidate from Hubballi-Dharwad East getting the nod this time. 'But since the candidate from the East constituency is a first-timer, it's uncertain whether the party high command will take that risk,' he this uncertainty, intense lobbying and political maneuvering are already underway. Party sources revealed that the BJP is expected to finalise its candidate by June 29.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Private agency to manage Mahatma Gandhi park for one year
Hubballi: A private agency will handle the maintainance of amenities and activities at the Mahatma Gandhi Park for a year from now. The agency has significant experience in maintaining public places, as evidenced by their successful management of Tolankere Lake. Under the new agreement, they will oversee the daily operations of the park's key attractions, including the Indira Glass House, musical fountains, and the popular toy train service, along with the public toilets, drinking water outlets, and will also maintain the park's cleanliness. The agency plans to introduce new recreational activities and enhance existing ones to make the park more appealing. They will ensure regular maintenance of green spaces, walking paths, and children's play area. Park's lighting system, seating arrangements, and security measures will also be upgraded to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. The Smart City project's redevelopment has transformed the park into a modern recreational space. Proper maintenance is crucial to preserve the upgrades. The agency will employ trained staff for gardening, cleaning, and technical maintenance. The HDMC's decision to outsource the park's management comes with financial benefits, as they will receive an annual revenue of Rs 11 lakhs from the agency without any operational cost. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This arrangement ensures professional maintenance of the park, while also generating income for HDMC. The contract includes specific performance criteria and regular monitoring of service. According to sources in HDMC, the revised entry fees set by the new agency will be Rs 15 for visitors above 6 years of age and Rs 20 for adults. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a 15 minute musical fountain show at Rs 50, and a ride on the toy trains at Rs 50. Toilets at the park were in a deplorable condition without water supply. The park was occupied by stray dogs. Students emphasised the urgent need for a proper park management, suggesting that relevant officials should conduct regular inspections to ensure appropriate maintenance. Vijay Kumar R, superintending engineer of HDMC, said that the agency has already begun preliminary assessment and will gradually implement their management plan while keeping the park accessible to the public. A week ago, the agency commenced operations, with a team of HDMC officials supervising the maintenance activities, he added.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Idgah Maidan wall removed for flyover construction
Hubballi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials removed a portion of the compound of Idgah Maidan on Friday night, to ensure smooth construction works of the flyover. Officials said that the acquisition of a partial portion of the wall and space started after obtaining permission from HDMC. "Metal sheets have been installed at a distance of about 10 metres to protect the Idgah structure. The retaining metal wall from Channamma Circle end to Old Court Circle end is being removed using a gas cutter," they added. NHAI officials said they wrote a letter to HDMC seeking permission to evacuate the compound wall on July 23, 2024. According to the plan, 10-15% of Idgah Maidan space and 20% of the Sub Urban police station will be cleared. Contract company Zandu initiated the wall removal amid tight police security. Police personnel were deployed at Idgah Maidan on Saturday too as a precautionary measure. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Rain wreaks havoc in Dharwad
Dharwad: Heavy and incessant rains in Dharwad for more than three hours on Thursday evening threw life out of gear forcing people to be indoors as the roads and the fields are flooded. Residents of low-lying areas in Dharwad faced several challenges as a heavy downpour caused severe flooding in several areas. The relentless rain overwhelmed the drainage system, inundating homes and leaving property owners frustrated and angry over the authorities' lack of preparedness. The situation was dire in the Old Dharwad area and around the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), where choked drains and neglected gutters exacerbated the flooding, resulting in rainwater flowing onto the streets and inundating homes, leaving residents scrambling to salvage their belongings. Areas such as Haveripeth, Bhavikatti Plot, and the vicinity of the KSRTC bus depot were among the worst affected. Residents spent the night pumping out water from their homes and moving valuables to higher ground. Basavaraj Ghali, a local resident, expressed frustration with the civic authorities, stating that they only seem to respond to such disasters after the damage is done. Similar complaints were echoed throughout the affected areas, with many residents pointing to the lack of action from the authorities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The situation on PB Road, which connects Hubballi and Dharwad, was also problematic. The road, including the BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) corridor, was completely waterlogged, creating further challenges for commuters. Over a dozen new cars were stranded in the rainwater near KMF and NTTF. Local residents, braving the heavy downpour, assisted vehicle owners by helping them move their cars and providing temporary shelter. "This is the fourth time in just 15 days that the roads have been flooded," said Basu Patil, a vehicle owner. Urban flooding Former PWD secretary and chief engineer GC Tallur said solving the problem of urban flooding happens because of unscientific urban planning. "It gets further aggravated by poor engineering skills of urban local bodies. Proper planning, construction and maintenance of urban stormwater drainage is no rocket science. But, lack of knowledge and other reasons of which everyone is aware, from urban planning bodies to urban local bodies sows the seeds of the problem and aggravates it," he said. "Urban planning bodies and urban local bodies should be ashamed of such a situation in this 21st century when India constructed world's highest railway bridge over river Chenab in Kashmir," Tallur remarked. HDMC responds In response to flooding, the HDMC launched a cleaning operation to clear the clogged drains and gutters using an earthmover. A team of pourakarmikas (civic workers) was seen clearing the drainage system at Bhusappa Chowk, with plans for further action in other affected areas. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
