India Gate To Get A Bath, ASI, CPWD Work Together To Give It A Facelift Before Games

There would be scrubbing, cleaning and also a little shampoo, not to mention the new dressing. No, we are not talking about a person getting a makeover but Delhi's one of the most popular hangouts - the India Gate - being spruced up ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

The 42.35 metre high arch, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built as a war memorial, is set to get a thorough cleaning soon. The structure, built in the 1920s not just weathers heat, dust and rains, it is also showing signs of deterioration like seepage below the side openings on north and south sides and black marks at certain places due to moss and lichen.

DETAILED NEWS CAN BE VIEWED FROM THE LINK IN HEADLINE ABOVE.

with thanks : source : Hindustan Times

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Sheila Taxes Us As Crores Go Unspent

The series of tax hikes effected by chief minister Sheila Dikshit to raise money for urban improvement could have been avoided had her government utilised central funds earmarked for infrastructure development.

The midterm appraisal of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( JNNURM) accessed by MAIL TODAY shows the state government spent a mere Rs 22 crore of the nearly Rs 6,000 crore committed by the Centre for the fiscal years 2005- 06 to 2009- 10.

As a result, the huge amount was allowed to lapse, leading to a funds crunch for the Capital's urban development.

 

JNNURM funds are used for infrastructure development and creating facilities for the urban poor. The midterm appraisal report is prepared by the Union ministry for urban development.

The state government had only to submit detailed project reports on time. But it did not do this for three consecutive fiscal years 2005- 06 to 2007- 08. In 2008- 09, it got only Rs 22 crore against the sanctioned plans.

In 2009- 10, against its city development plans, that is draft proposals, the Centre sanctioned nearly Rs 5,500 crore.

Shockingly, Delhi bureaucrats yet again failed to prepare detailed project reports - the final project plans that include design details and execution plans - allowing the hefty amount to lapse.

DETAILED NEWS CAN BE VIEWED FROM LINK IN HEADLINE ABOVE.

With thanks : source : Mail Today

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Game Set : Delhi Gets Its Latest Architectural Marvel

Delhi will soon have a new tourist spot, just in time for the Commonwealth Games.  

Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial, an architectural marvel that promises to give an insight into the life and teachings of the Ninth Guru of Sikhs, is ready and likely to be inaugurated soon.

Constructed along National Highway 1 (GT Karnal Road) near Singh Border by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the memorial would be known for his architecture, design and world class illumination.

"It has a unique concept. The central pylon represents Guru Tegh Bahadur while the three semi-arches represent his three disciples. Ten mono- liths around it represents ten Sikh Gurus and disseminate their teachings," chief engineer Jose Kurian said.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who also has the charge of the tourism department, visited the memorial on Saturday evening and commented that this architectural marvel would also be known for its greenery and soothing landscape.

With thanks : source : Hindustan Times : Original link from headline above.

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Paint your house, pay for it : MCD

If your house falls on any road that leads to a Commonwealth Games venue, the MCD wants your house repaired and painted. Here’s the catch: You get it repaired, you pay for it. 

And just in case people don’t comply, the civic body is likely to make the renovations mandatory.

Residents of Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, East of Kailash, Bhogal, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk have already received such letters from the MCD.

“We had a meeting in April wherein the government asked us to motivate the residents to take up façade improvement of their houses and buildings. In many cases, it was recommended that the whitewash of buildings also be carried out. I have informed all the deputy commissioners to hold meetings and encourage the residents,” said MCD commissioner K.S. Mehra. The MCD’s central zone, where most of the CWG venues are located held a meeting to this effect on May 8.

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With thanks : source : Hindustan Times

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4,000 e-Ricks To Hit Capital Roads Before Games, Drivers To Be Specially Trained

Rickety rickshaw rides are set to be replaced by a world-class experience the e-rick is on its way to Delhi. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is introducing new rickshaws a hybrid between an  autorickshaw and cycle-rickshaw that will be fitted with GPS systems.

These will be manned by drivers who will not only speak English but will also be trained to take tourists around the city's popular destinations.

While 10 of these battery-operated, eco-friendly rickshaws will be seen on city roads by next month, MCD hopes to launch 4,000 of these before the Commonwealth Games. Said an MCD official: "We hope to replace all rickshaws plying in the city with the new e-ricks. There are a total of 99,000 licenced rickshaws in Delhi."

 
The e-ricks will have space for two to three people and will work as feeder services for Metro in areas like Vikas Marg, Vishwavidyalaya, Chandni Chowk, etc, besides plying near popular tourist sites.

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With thanks : source : Times of India


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Many Central Government Projects 25 years Behind Time

A Government study has found that more than half the big centrally funded projects  i.e. undertakings estimated to cost more than Rs 20 crore are running behind schedule.The delay ranges between 1 month and 324 months says the status report on implementation of central government projects brought out by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation         ( MOSPI).

Of the 937 big projects, 486 are showing time overrun. And while 258 projects are on schedule, only 17 are ahead of schedule.

The study showed that more than 300 of the 937 projects, including those of railways, highways, power, mining and urban development ministries, have accounted for a cost overrun of Rs 77,518 crore i.e. is 54 per cent of their sanctioned cost.

Ministries wise, the railways' cost overrun on projects is pegged at 82 per cent above original. The road transport and highways ministries, meanwhile, are the worst hit by time overruns. As many as 162 out of 184 projects under these ministries are running behind schedule. However, this delay, the study found, has led to a cost escalation of only 0.3 per cent.

detailed news can be viewed from the link in headline above.

with thanks : source : mail today

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Flyover City: Delhi Plans Another 19 To Give Traffic A Leg Up

Traffic in Delhi will literally be a cut above the rest once a web of 19 proposed flyovers is put in place by the state's Public Works Department.

Apart from these, there are two road projects that also promise to shorten travel time road 57 in East Delhi will be widened and a bridge will come up over the Yamuna connecting the third Pushta on M B Road to Majnu Ka Tilla on Ring Road.

Eight of the 21 projects have got the nod from the United Traffic and Transportation (Planning and Engineering) Centre or UPPTEC. The feasibility study of another five is on; the rest are approved but still on the planning table.

Among the first eight, four flyovers are coming up on Outer Ring Road  between Vikaspuri and Wazirabad to make the stretch signal-free. These are from Vikas Puri to Meera Bagh, from Mangolpuri to Madhuban Chowk, from Madhuban Chowk to Mukarba Chowk and from Mukarba Chowk to Wazirabad. There is a recently-completed flyover already at Mukarba Chowk.

Among the rest are two that the Delhi Urban Art Commission has put the breaks on by rejecting the plans one at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and the other on the East West Corridor. But the PWD has not given up hope.

Significant among those undergoing the feasibility study is one at the traffic intersection of Captain Gaur Marg, close to the Modi Mill Flyover. There are major slowdowns here during peak hours because of the intersecting traffic from East of Kailash, turning left towards the Modi Mill flyover and that which goes straight down to the flyover on Outer Ring Road.

With thanks : source :  Indianexpress : with link in headline above for the detailed news.

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In 20 Mins, Get That Heathrow, Hong Kong Ride

Trains From Spain Have Landed At Mundra In Gujarat, On Way To Capital; Promise Comfortable And Novel Experience

In five months from now, Delhiites can bid adieu to unending jams on the way to the airport and harassment by cabbies.

They will reach the airport from Connaught Place (CP) in specially engineered super luxury Metro coaches, which promise a noise-free ride in a plush ambience, in all of 20 minutes.

The first lot of new trains arrived at Mundra port, Gujarat from Spain on Friday and are on their way to the Capital now. The special coaches have specially been designed for the showcase Airport Express Line, which is scheduled to open in September this year.

The new trains are very different from the existing ones running on the Delhi Metro network. These will have seating for all passengers and the seating is transverse commuters will face the direction of movement of the train for added comfort.

The interiors of the trains have been designed keeping commuter comfort in mind. The lighting is diffused, the seats upholstered, and each coach will have LCD screens for entertainment, which will double up as flight information boards for convenience of air travellers.

Even as the trains zip past the city at a speed of about 120 kmph (the designed speed is higher at 135 kmph), one will not feel any discomfort inside the coaches.

The trains are engineered to reach near-zero noise levels and all the components flooring, insulated walls, windows have in-built noise reduction features. The wheels too have added lubrication for less noise and better riding comfort. The train doors are plug-and-shut type, which shut after sliding out a bit and then move back into original position.

DETAILED NEWS CAN BE VIEWED FROM THE LINK IN THE HEADLINE ABOVE.

With thanks : Source : Times of India

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Delhi will have best industrial estates after new law: CM

Expressing confidence that the city will have the best industrial estates after implementation of Delhi Industrial Development Operation and Maintenance Bill, 2010 , Chief Minister Sheila Diskhit said it will reduce multiplicity of authorities.

‘There has been a problem in managing industrial estates due to multiplicity of authorities in Delhi. The government has now decided to transfer management of all estates to the Delhi State Industrial And Infrastructure Development Corporation,’ she said.

Office bearers of traders and industrialist associations today called on the Chief Minister along with her parliamentary secretaries Anil Bhardwaj and Surendra Kumar and conveyed their gratitude for granting an extension of six months to complete construction on the plots allotted to them by the government in industrial estates.

The government recently decided to grant extension to 8123 allottees who have not been able to complete construction due to certain reasons.

‘We have been safeguarding interests of industrialists and traders and it has been expanding arena of the Bhagidari initiative.

The new industrial policy will pave the way for establishment of service sector industries and IT sector enterprises,’ Ms Dikshit added.

Representatives of Narela Industrial Complex Welfare Association, Bawana Chamber of Industry, Narela Re-location Industrial Welfare Association, PVC Compound and Footwear Manufacturing Association, All India Federation of Plastic Manufacturers and Tri Nagar Traders Associations were also present.

UNI

With thanks : Source : IndLawNews.com

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Farmhouses Will Soon Be Let Out For Weddings

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is planning to permit commercial activity in the farmhouses situated on the outskirt of the Capital. A proposal in this regard will be tabled in the standing committee on Thursday for approval.

According to the proposal, after paying a fixed fee depending on the size of the plot, the owners of farmhouses can let out their places for commercial activities like marriage parties etc. An owner of a farmhouse spreading over 2.5 acres will have to shell out Rs 25, 000 for each function held in his premises. If the space is given for two functions on the same day, then the MCD will be liable to charge double fees. Rs 50, 000 has been fixed for a farmhouse built over 2.5-5 acres and Rs one lakh for more than five acres.

A senior MCD official said the decision has been taken in wake of the shortage of space for such function in the city. "With the permission, in addition to the people of the city, who face difficulties to find a suitable place for marriages function 3,600 farmhouse owners will be benefited. Now, they will let out their space legally," he said.

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With thanks : source : Pioneer

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Air-Ambulances: Flying To Your Rescue On Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working on an ambi- tious plan to start an air-ambu- lance service and set up heli- pads on all highways emanat- ing from Delhi for airlifting acci- dent victims to nearest hospi- tals or trauma centres.

As a precursor, it has kicked off a massive exercise of iden- tifying locations where the heli- pads can be built.

Three helipads have been proposed between Gurgaon and Kishangarh (Rajasthan) on the National Highway No. 8 -- one in Haryana and two in Rajasthan.

Other national highways ema- nating from Delhi are NH-1 (meandering through Kundli, Sonepat), NH-2 (Faridabad), NH-10 (Bahadurgarh) and NH- 24 (Ghaziabad ).

Helipads would be set up at a distance of 100 kms on these high-speed roads.

Urban stretches such as Gurgaon Expressway that already have a number of good quality hospitals all along it have not been in- cluded in the plan, NHAI officials said.

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With thanks : Source : Hindustan Times

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Government Scheme To Cover Critical Illnesses

To provide Delhiites with easy access to advanced medical treatment, the city government is all set to introduce a healthcare insurance scheme that will cover critical illnesses. The scheme to be implemented from July 2010 will be called Apka Swasthya Bima Trust (ASBT), which will be headed by Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

According to Delhi health minister Kiran Walia, the process for identifying target population, private partners and sources for funding the scheme has already been initiated. Walia plans to visit Andhra Pradesh soon to study how a similar scheme is being implemented in that state. The Aarogyasri Trust of Andhra Pradesh runs a susidized healthcare scheme under which healthcare solution is offered to those suffering from critical illnesses of the heart, kidney, brain, and cancer, etc.

"Most of the currently operational government-sponsored health insurance schemes for instance, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) of the Central government cover common ailments and are limited to primary and secondary healthcare requirements. The new scheme will address the need for tertiary and superspecialty healthcare. Initially, BPL and other vulnerable sections of society will be covered under the scheme. Later it may be expanded to cover all citizens," said a senior health officer involved with the project.

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With thanks : TIMES OF INDIA

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RENEWABLE ENERGY - Get 30% subsidy for installing solar panels

with thanks : Hindustan Times

Original news from the link from Headline Above.

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Govt Favours Vertical Growth In Cities, Relaxing Of FAR

Government on Friday said that it favoured a "vertical growth" of cities instead of urban sprawl, given the scarcity of land, and would encourage a relaxed floor-area-ratio regime.

"Vertical growth would be facilitated due to scarcity of land. Urban sprawl occupies more land in cities," Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy said. He, however, wanted all civic facilities to be put in place before such a growth in cities like Delhi.

"We are ready for vertical growth except in the heritage zones like the Lutyen's Bungalow Zone. The regime of relaxed FAR (Floor-Area-Ratio) will be encouraged," he said.

A higher FAR --limit imposed on the ratio of the total floor area of the building to the size of the land-- will allow more storeys to be built in the houses.

Speaking at the national conference on 'Indian real estate' organised by the Assocham, he quoted from a report of the UN Habitat to point out that by 2050, one billion people of India will live in cities.

with thanks Source :http://www.zeenews.com/news614284.html

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Now, a plan to make Subhash Marg in Daryaganj one-way

New Delhi: Months ahead of the Commonwealth Games, there are plans aplenty to make Delhi picture-perfect for the hordes of tourists coming for the Games. One such plan doing the rounds is to make Daryaganj a one-way street.

Officials of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRC) revealed that the corporation is mulling a proposal to make Subhash Marg in Daryaganj one way. ‘‘There have been representations from traders and residents of the area to make the road one-way. We have forwarded the proposal to the traffic police and will hold discussions on the proposal to reach a consensus,’’ said Savitur Prasad, managing director, SRC.

The proposal came after issues of safety and security were raised. According to a senior government official, the idea behind making the road one-way is not only to reduce the heavy traffic movement in the area which leads to serious safety issues but also to ensure that the locality remains attractive and visitor-friendly, especially in view of the coming Commonwealth Games.

Delhi traffic police, meanwhile, are opposing the plan. Their contention is that if vehicles are diverted towards the Ring Road via New Daryaganj Road, it will lead to congestion at the Shanti Van crossing.
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With thanks : Source : Times of India

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A Courteous Makeover For Delhi Police

The Delhi Police plan to present their friendly face before the Commonwealth Games. For this purpose, the 32- year- old Delhi Police Act is being amended to introduce a social responsibility code.

Eve- teasers will face a month in jail or a fine of Rs 1,000. Making indecent gestures and utterances at passers- by will be considered a crime, as will be getting so drunk that one is incapable of taking care of oneself in public.

People who make prank calls -- even a single such call to harass or scare someone -- and stalkers will be arrested.

Those who make hoax calls or send emails or any other communication about the presence of explosives or a crime being committed will also be punished.

A policeman found drunk on duty or guilty of gross insubordination will also face tough action, including dismissal or compulsory retirement for misconduct.

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with thanks : source : Mail Today

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Delhi is India's best city to live in: CII Report

NEW DELHI: Delhi is the best Indian city to live in, while steel city Jamshedpur ranks lowest in the Liveability Index 2010 prepared jointly by CII and Institute for Competitiveness.

Country's financial capital Mumbai comes second in the list of 37 cities mapped in the list, prepared on parameters like living standard, socio-cultural environment, education, medical standards and recreational possibilities among others.

Delhi comes on top in education, safety and economic environment; second in housing options, socio-cultural political environment; but medical standards remains the Achilles heel where the national capital finds 17th place.

"In overall quality of life, Delhi outscores on Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and Gurgaon, which take up respective ranks second to ninth," the report said, adding that Faridabad, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Patna, Visakhapatnam and Jamshedpur are the last six ranked cities on overall quality of life.

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with thanks : source : Economic Times

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End of family picnics at india gate rajpath

On Monday evening, Delhiites were formally banished from their favourite evening haunt - India Gate.
Road signs proclaiming the 2-km stretch a ‘No Parking’ area left it looking barren, lifeless.
Families out for an enjoyable evening with loved ones feared stepping out of their cars as patrolling Delhi Traffic Police officers imposed fines on halting vehicles.
“It’s suddenly become very inconvenient to visit India Gate,” said Satvir Singh (23), an MA student of Delhi University.
“I took a long detour as they’ve closed half the carriageway on Rajpath. Then, while I was asking an ice cream vendor where I could park my bike, a traffic police officer came and fined me for improper parking,” he said.
Observing Satvir’s dilemma from a distance, Gurinder Singh (36) and his family decided to go back home.
“The only time that I’ve seen this area under such tight security is a day before the annual Republic Day celebrations,” said Singh, a resident of Rajouri Garden.
Glimmering ice cream carts, which used to do brisk business and provide radiance to the concrete street leading to the cherished war memorial till just a week ago, stood in a corner.
“Doing business here has become almost impossible,” said Shankar, an ice cream vendor.
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Now no parking on Rajpath

Delhites moving to India Gate on every Sunday or Holiday will now face another problem of parking the cars as the Delhi Police will not allow, from Monday, any parking on Rajpath i.e. the road running between India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan.

It's being said that the new parking lot will be near the water channel which will be properly manned. Traffic police will now guide the public for few days to take the vehicles to the new parling & thereafter will start panelizing.

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