Page 174 - Delhi

253 challans issued in Delhi, Rs 32.4 lakh fine imposed over non-compliance

Authorities in Delhi have issued 253 challans and imposed a cumulative fine of Rs 32.4 lakh on user agencies that did not comply with dust control norms, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday. The minister said government officials have so far inspected 6,868 construction sites under the anti-dust campaign under October 6. "A total of 253 notices/challans have been issued and a fine of Rs 32.4 lakh imposed on violators," he said. User agencies of construction and demolition projects larger than 500 square metres are required to register them on the construction and demolition (C&D) portal launched in October last year in a bid to control dust pollution in the capital. The project proponents have to self-audit their compliance with dust control norms and upload a self-declaration on the portal on a fortnightly basis. In September, the Delhi government had also made it mandatory to install anti-smog guns at all construction and demolition sites larger than 500 square ...

BJP conspiring to stop free yoga classes in Delhi: Manish Sisodia

The Bhartiya Janata Party has hatched a conspiracy to stop the 'Dilli ki Yogshala' programme from November 1, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday.

Chhath Puja celebrations only at designated ghats: Delhi LG V K Saxena

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has given his nod to hold Chhath Puja at designated ghats on the Yamuna and directed the officials to ensure basic amenities along with adequate security

Delhi LG Saxena approves Chhath Puja at designated Yamuna ghats: Sources

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has given his nod to hold Chhath Puja at designated ghats on the Yamuna and urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to ensure clean ghats and water for devotees, sources in his office said on Wednesday. The sources said Saxena had also cautioned Kejriwal against "misleading and premature publicity" over the issue. A tweet by Kejriwal a few days ago had caused confusion with many people assuming that the puja could be performed anywhere along the Yamuna, the sources said. "The proposal to hold Chhath Puja approved by the Lieutenant Governor was specific to designated ghats on the Yamuna," a source said. Saxena has also directed the revenue and environment departments to ensure strict enforcement of the National Green Tribunal's orders on Yamuna pollution. The Delhi government's revenue department is the nodal agency for Chhath arrangements. It is working in close coordination with other government departments and civic agencies to make Chh

Resign if you don't have a solution: BJP to CM Kejriwal on Delhi pollution

BJP leaders on Wednesday demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation over his alleged failure to control pollution in Delhi and claimed the city's air quality improved after Diwali. BJP MP and former Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari said the city's air quality index (AQI) levels were worse before Diwali. The AQI had improved after the festival, showing that Diwali is not to be blamed for pollution in Delhi, he said. "Before Diwali, the AQI was 330 and after Diwali this morning (Wednesday) it is 306. (This is) the benefits of bursting green crackers. So those who were blaming Diwali should now worry that if the pollution gets worse from now on then don't blame it on Diwali," Tiwari said in a tweet in Hindi on Wednesday. Delhi's air quality improved on Wednesday morning due to favourable wind speed but it remained in the 'poor' category. The AQI stood at 255 at 10.10 am, improving from 303 at 4 pm on Tuesday. It was recorded at 312 at 4 pm on Monday, the day of Diwali. An AQ

Delhi environment minister to chair meeting on anti-dust campaign

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will on Wednesday chair a high-level meeting to review the progress of the anti-dust campaign in the capital. Rai is expected to share data on the number of sites complying with the guidelines to manage dust pollution and infractions of government directions, an official said. User agencies of construction and demolition projects larger than 500 square metres are required to register them on the construction and demolition (C&D) portal launched in October last year in a bid to control dust pollution in the capital. The project proponents have to self-audit their compliance with dust control norms and upload a self-declaration on the portal on a fortnightly basis. In September, the Delhi government had also made it mandatory to install anti-smog guns at all construction and demolition sites larger than 500 square metres. Action is taken against project proponents found violating this direction. Earlier, construction and demolition sites larger

Delhi minimum temp settles at 14.9 degrees Celsius, 2 notches below normal

Delhi on Wednesday recorded a minimum temperature of 14.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 32 degrees Celsius, the IMD said. The weather department said clear skies and calm winds are expected during the day. On Tuesday, the capital had recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, the lowest for the season so far. Delhi's air quality improved on Wednesday morning on the back of favourable wind speed but it was still not breathable. The air quality index (AQI) stood at 262 at 6 am, improving from 303 at 4 pm on Tuesday. It was 312 at 4 pm on Monday (Diwali day). The neighbouring cities of Ghaziabad (262), Noida (246), Greater Noida (196), Gurugram (242) and Faridabad (243) reported 'moderate' to 'poor' air quality. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401

Delhi's maximum temperature settles at 30.7 deg C, AQI 'very poor'

While the maximum temperature in the national capital dropped by a notch and settled at 30.7 degree Celsius on Tuesday, its minimum temperature was recorded at 14 degrees Celsius -- two notches below the season's average. The relative humidity at 8.30 am was recorded at 65 per cent and 49 per cent in the evening, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) data. The weather office had forecast clear skies during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the city's air quality on the morning after Diwali stood in the 'very poor' category with its Air Quality Index (AQI) being recorded at 326 at 9.15 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. It dropped to 312 at 4.10 pm. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. Delhi's AQI had slipped into the 'very poor' category on

Delhi saw 30% drop in incidents of cracker bursting this Diwali: Gopal Rai

There was 30 per cent less pollution on Diwali in Delhi as compared to last year and the city recorded its best air quality for the day after the festival in five years, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. The air quality index (AQI) stood at 323 on Tuesday (the day after Diwali) as compared to 462 last year, he said. "People of Delhi were very thoughtful on Diwali this year and I want to thank them. Today, the pollution level is the lowest in five years," Rai told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he launched 150 mobile anti-smog guns. He said the anti-smog guns will be deployed at 40 spots across the capital where air pollution is high. The minister said that there has been a decline of 30 per cent in pollution level as compared to the previous year. "The AQI of 323 is still worrying and tells us that air pollution will increase in the coming days," he said. Rai further claimed the Punjab government controlled stubble burning in the state without support

Delhi L-G launches one-time property tax amnesty scheme 'SAMRIDDHI 2022-23'

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena Tuesday launched a one-time property tax amnesty scheme "SAMRIDDHI 2022-23", saying it will provide a major relief to lakhs of residential and commercial property owners in the city. SAMRIDDHI, an acronym for Strengthening and Augmentation of Municipal Revenue for Infrastructure Development in Delhi, will start on October 26 and end on March 31, 2023, with no further extensions. Under the scheme, residential property owners can pay just the principal property tax amount of the current and of the past five years. For commercial properties, owners can pay the principal amount case of the last six years and get a waiver on past pending dues, including penalty and interest, according to an official statement. The L-G said SAMRIDDHI 2022-23 is a people-friendly initiative of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi which will provide a big relief to the residents and encourage property owners to get rid of long-pending disputes and related ...

Delhi records over 900 dengue cases in October, tally rises to 1,876

More than 900 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital in October, taking the total infection tally of the vector-borne disease to 1,876 so far this year, according to a civic report issued on Tuesday. The city has also recorded 194 cases of malaria and 38 cases of chikungunya this year. The dengue infection tally had stood at 1,572 till October 12. Over 300 new cases were logged in the week that followed, taking the total number of cases of dengue reported this year in Delhi to 1,876 till October 19, according to the report released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Out of the total reported cases, 693 were reported in September. It is also the highest number of dengue cases logged during the January 1-October 19 period since 2017, when the corresponding figure was 3,272, the report stated. No death has been reported so far this year due to the disease while in 2021 the dengue had claimed 23 lives, the report said.

Delhi saw 30% drop in firecracker bursting on Diwali this year: Gopal Rai

Incidents of bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi dropped by 30 per cent this year as compared to last year and the city recorded its best air quality for the day after the festival in five years, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. The air quality index (AQI) stood at 323 on Tuesday (the day after Diwali) as compared to 462 last year, he said. "People of Delhi were very thoughtful on Diwali this year and I want to thank them. Today, the pollution level is the lowest in five years," Rai told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he launched 150 mobile anti-smog guns. He said the anti-smog guns will be deployed at 40 spots across the capital where air pollution is high. The minister said incidents of bursting of firecrackers came down by 30 per cent on Diwali this year. "The AQI of 323 is still worrying and tells us that air pollution will increase in the coming days," he said. Rai further claimed the Punjab government controlled stubble burning in the st

Despite ban on firecrackers, 201 fire calls in Delhi reported on Diwali

Despite a complete ban on firecrackers in the national capital, the Fire Department received as many as 201 calls during Diwali, officials said on Tuesday."A total of 201 calls pertaining to fire incidents were received in Delhi, yesterday during Diwali," said Director, of Delhi Fire Services, Atul Garg.Ahead of the festival, the Fire chief had said that the department was prepared to fight fires through drones with which they could access high-rise buildings. Fire tenders were deployed near congested areas.Meanwhile, on Monday evening a fire broke out at an apartment in a residential society in Greater Noida West on Diwali evening, officials said.The fire broke out in the flat located in Vedantam Society in Gaur City 2 area, under Bisrakh police station limits, prompting relief operations at the site, according to police officials.Chief Fire Officer Arun Kumar Singh said that efforts are on to douse the fire completely."We got information at around 10.05 pm about a fire at a flat on .

Delhi records 53 new Covid-19 cases, 1 death; positivity rate at 3.26%

Delhi recorded 53 fresh Covid cases with an increased positivity rate of 3.26 per cent and one death due to the disease on Monday, according to data shared by the health department. With these new cases, the capital's infection tally climbed to 20,05,676 while the death toll stood at 26,508, the department said in its latest bulletin. The new cases were detected from 1,625 tests conducted on Sunday, it said. The Delhi government had on Thursday issued an order withdrawing the Rs 500 fine for not wearing masks in public places in the national capital. Experts, however, said people, especially those in the vulnerable category like pregnant women and the elderly, should continue to wear masks in crowded areas. Doctors at leading government and private hospitals in the city concurred that people should exercise "extra caution" because though cases in Delhi are on the lower side, a new variant of the coronavirus is being reported which is very transmissible. The city on Sunday reporte

Delhi's AQI turns 'very poor'; max temp settle at 31.2 degrees Celsius

Delhi's air quality turned 'very poor' on Monday with its maximum temperature settling at 31.2 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 14.5 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. Humidity levels oscillated between 43 per cent and 90 per cent. Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Monday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 14.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. The relative humidity at 8.30 am was recorded at 82 per cent. The weather department had forecast mainly clear sky for the day with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 31 degrees Celsius. The air quality in Delhi on Diwali Monday turned "very poor" amid an increase in stubble burning, bursting of firecrackers and moderately unfavourable meteorological conditions which allowed accumulation of pollutants, according to Swiss organisation IQAir. Delhi on Diwali was the most polluted city in the world followed by Lah

Delhi not among 10 most polluted cities in Asia: CM Arvind Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said among 10 most polluted cities in Asia, eight are from India and Delhi is not on the list. Citing a report, he said some years back, Delhi was considered to be one of the "most polluted cities in the world" but not anymore. The chief minister posted the media report on Twitter and wrote, "Among 10 most polluted cities in Asia, eight are from India and Delhi not in the list. Some years back, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world. Not any more!" He, however, said there is still a long way to go. "People of Delhi worked very hard. Today, we have improved a lot. While we have improved, its still a long way. We will continue working hard so that we find a place in the best cities of the world," Kejriwal said. "We are committed to making Delhi the best city in the world," he added.

Delhi's air quality remains in poor category, AQI recorded at 247

The national capital on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The air quality in the city continued to remain in the poor category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 247 at 8 am. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. The weather office has predicted mainly clear sky during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 31 degrees Celsius, the IMD said. The relative humidity was recorded at 77 per cent at 8.30 am.

Delhi: AAP accuses BJP of causing loss of Rs 6 cr to MCD over parking fees

There was a company who was given the tender from MCD to manage the parking lots across the city and to collect the parking fees from the people and to deposit that fees to MCD's exchequer, said AAP

Delhi traders urge buyers to return to markets for Diwali shopping

Attractive discount schemes, lucky draws, selfie points and food stalls, markets in the national capital are trying every trick in the book to bring back buyers this Diwali. Markets across the city have been decked up with bright lights, while traders are running campaigns on social media to urge people to visit instead of shopping online, a traders' organisation said. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President Subhash Khandelwal urged consumers to visit markets with their families. "Bring back the radiance to the markets, light the lamp of enthusiasm in the city markets. Avoid online shopping. The fun of shopping is at the shop, not on the screen," Goyal said. Selfie points and food kiosks have been set up, discount schemes and lucky draw coupons introduced to attract customers to the markets, Goyal said. The CTI is also appealing to shoppers through Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, urging them to go to the markets instead of relying on e-commerce

Going to Delhi, wait and watch whether cabinet expansion or rejig: Bommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he will soon be travelling to New Delhi to meet BJP central leadership to discuss the cabinet exercise, but maintained suspense on whether it will be expansion or reshuffle of the Ministry. He said the BJP high command will finally decide on who has to be inducted into the cabinet. "I will soon be going to Delhi (to discuss cabinet expansion)," Bommai told reporters in response to a question. To a question whether opportunity will be given to seniors from the district, which has been subjected to "step motherly" treatment, he said, "it is not step motherly treatment, due to political situation, representation could not be given (to Chitradurga), will try to give representation." Asked whether leaders who had resigned from the Ministry following certain allegations (like K S Eshwarappa, Ramesh Jarkiholi) will be inducted into the Ministry as some of them have reportedly met party leaders, the Chief Minister said, "I can't ..