Author: Sharad Natani
Gurgaon’s battle against air pollution has hit another roadblock as the city currently operates only 18 mechanical road sweeping machines (MRSMs) against a required 38, exposing a significant gap in dust-control infrastructure. With nearly 287 kilometres of roads wider than 60 feet, the shortfall of 20 sweepers is raising concerns about compliance with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) guidelines. Despite repeated directives from CAQM mandating strict deployment standards for mechanised sweeping across NCR cities, Gurgaon has yet to bridge the deficit. Officials estimate that filling the gap would require an investment of around Rs 26 crore, but procurement…
The Noida Authority has issued a second tender to develop designated feeding zones for stray dogs across the city, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive to municipal bodies to identify specific feeding areas in every ward. Supreme Court Order Behind the Move The step follows the Supreme Court’s order directing civic agencies to earmark proper spaces for feeding stray dogs to balance animal welfare concerns with public safety and civic order. Authorities are required to ensure that feeding does not obstruct public movement or create disputes in residential areas. 1,200 Feeding Points Planned Citywide The groundwork for the initiative…
The 61st edition of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts (IHGF) Delhi Spring Fair opened with an inaugural preview at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, offering global buyers a glimpse of export-ready collections across home décor, furniture, fashion accessories and lifestyle products. The five-day business-to-business (B2B) exhibition will host buyers and exhibitors from across the world, positioning India’s handicraft sector on the global trade map. Boost for Artisans and Global Market Expansion Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, who inaugurated the event, emphasised strengthening direct linkages between small artisans, weavers and global markets through a hub-and-export model. He…
A parked car slipped into an uncovered drain in Sector 70 on Friday, once again highlighting ongoing infrastructure and safety concerns in the Delhi-NCR region. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. According to police, the car was parked near an open drain in Basai village when it suddenly slid and fell inside. The driver had stepped out moments earlier. Panic-stricken, he immediately alerted local authorities. Personnel from Phase 3 police station reached the spot promptly and, with the help of local residents, managed to pull the vehicle out of the drain. Since there were no passengers inside, the…
Commuters between Greater Noida and Faridabad may soon see their travel time cut dramatically — from nearly two hours during peak traffic to just 30 minutes. The long-pending Manjhawali bridge over the Yamuna River, along with a four-lane link road, is now in its final stages of construction. Once operational, the project will directly connect the two NCR cities without forcing vehicles to pass through Noida or Delhi. Current Commute: Long and Congested At present, travellers must take indirect routes via Noida or Delhi to move between Greater Noida and Faridabad. During morning and evening peak hours, traffic congestion often…
The Directorate of Elementary Education has imposed a Rs 1.5 lakh penalty on Amity International School, Sector 43, for lapses in implementing provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The action follows irregularities in declaring seats reserved for students from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups under Section 12(1)(c) of the Act, which mandates private schools to reserve 25% seats at the entry level for such categories. What Went Wrong? According to officials, the school declared the required seats on the MIS portal but failed to complete mandatory documentation. The district elementary education officer subsequently rejected the…