Key operative of Bishnoi gang arrested in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: An alleged key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been arrested, a top Punjab Police officer said on Tuesday. Himanshu Sood, a resident of Phagwara in the Kapurthala district, was allegedly acting on the directions of Dubai-based Namit Sharma, who is a close-aide of gangster Bishnoi, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Three pistols with seven cartridges have allegedly been recovered from his possession, he said. Recently, Himanshu Sood along with his other gang members fired gunshots at a hotelier in #Haridwar on the directions of Namit Sharma and was further tasked to eliminate other 2 targets in #MadhyaPradesh and #Kapurthala respectively, said Yadav in a post on X. Backed by human intelligence and technical inputs, the team successfully dismantled this targeted killing module, averting a serious threat to public safety, he further said. His arrest marks another significant step in the ongoing crackdown on gangster networks with international linkages, said the DGP. Recovery: 2 pistols (one .30 bore PX3 Pistol with 04 live cartridges and one .32 Pistol with 3 live cartridges), said Yadav. An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Amritsar. Further investigation is underway to identify other associates and establish forward and backward linkages, said police.
UP Man Slits Girlfriend's Throat Over Suspicion Of Affairs: Cops
A man allegedly killed a woman he was in a relationship with by slitting her throat with a knife in Haridwar on Monday, police said.
On the occasion of completing four successful years as the Chief Servant of the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed a traditional worship of Mother Ganga at Brahmakund, Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, praying for the prosperity, peace, and ...
Who are you to ask for Aadhaar?: Uttarakhand police stop Hindutva leader
Hindutva Muzaffarnagar leader Swami Yashveer Maharaj and his supporters were stopped by Uttarakhand Police from entering Haridwar at the Narsan checkpost on the UP-Uttarakhand border, on Friday, July 4. The incident occurred during his Pehchaan Abhiyaan movement, a campaign aimed at identifying Muslim eatery owners through Aadhaar card verification along the Kanwar yatra route. Tum Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kanwar Yatra devotees assault tempo driver after minor collision in Uttarakhand
A tempo driver was brutally assaulted by a group of Kanwar Yatra devotees after his vehicle collided with them in Uttarakhands Haridwar district. The incident took place on July 1 in Bahadrabad village. Tempo driver Dharmendra collided with an auto carrying Kanwar Yatra devotees. Angered, the devotees pulled him out and started attacking him. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
He added that a campaign to prevent food adulteration will be launched across Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi districts during the pilgrimage season.
Three killed, six missing after cloudburst hits Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst that struck the Baligarh area on the Barkot-Yamunotri road early Sunday, sweeping away at least 20 labourers from an under-construction hotel site, killing at least three of them. The rescue teams have so far managed to save 11 of the labourers, and the other six are still missing . The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) recovered one body from the debris, and the police retrieved two bodies at a distance of 18 kilometres. The natural calamity has not only caused significant human loss but also severely impacted critical infrastructure. A crucial 10-meter stretch of the Yamunotri Highway has been completely washed away, effectively cutting off connectivity to the site of pilgrimage here. In response to the escalating crisis, the state government has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the Char Dham Yatra for the next 24 hours. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the decision, adding, As a precautionary measure, I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. The mountainous districts of Uttarakhand have been experiencing relentless, heavy rainfall since Saturday night, leading to an alarming rise in the water levels of major rivers. The Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, which pass through the Badrinath and Kedarnath regions, are now flowing above the danger mark. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi stated, Police in both districts are appealing to people living on riverbanks to move to safer locations. SDRF units are continuously monitoring potential high-risk areas and have urged pilgrims and others to refrain from approaching the riverbanks. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken immediate cognisance of the incident, expressing concern via a tweet about the missing labourers. Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management, shed light on the arduous rescue efforts, explaining, Police and Army personnel from nearby areas have initiated rescue operations. State and national disaster response teams have been deployed. Currently, 15 personnel are actively engaged, with approximately 45 more on the way. Due to the challenging terrain, heavy machinery cannot reach the site, and teams are conducting rescues manually. The labourers are either trapped in debris, stuck on rocks, or have been swept away into the river. Efforts to locate them are ongoing, he said.
Eatery shops to display names on Kanwar Yatra routes: BJP MP
Haridwar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sakshi Maharaj on Sunday demanded that hotel, dhaba and eatery owners on the Kanwar Yatra routes should display their names and identities on boards outside their business establishments. The owners, who hide their identities under fake names, on the Kanwar Yatra routes should not be spared, he told reporters Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Char Dham Yatra suspended for 24 hours due to..., pilgrims stranded in Haridwar, check details here
The suspension followed a cloudburst that hit Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, leaving as many as nine workers missing at an under-construction hotel site.
Char Dham Yatra suspended for 24 hours amid heavy rain alert in Uttarakhand
I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said
Uttarakhand: Char Dham Yatra Suspended For 24 Hours Amid Heavy Rain Alert
Dehradun, Jun 29: The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours following a heavy rain alert, officials said on Sunday. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that the pilgrimage had been halted temporarily as a precautionary measure. I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar, Pandey told. The suspension followed a cloudburst that hit Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in [] The post Uttarakhand: Char Dham Yatra Suspended For 24 Hours Amid Heavy Rain Alert appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kanwar Yatra From July 11: No Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Iron Rods, DJs With Loud Music
Authorities expect over five crore devotees from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh will travel to Haridwar and Rishikesh to collect Ganga Jal
Blame Game Erupts Over Cancelled Mansa Devi Ropeway Tender In Haridwar
Haridwar ropeway tender has drawn criticism from civic leaders and the temple trust after the Uttarakhand High Court flagged safety lapses
Patanjali inks MoUs with three prominent universities
Excelsior Correspondent HARIDWAR, June 25: Patanjali University here today along with Patanjali Research Centre have inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three prominent universities for cooperation in education, medical care, Yoga, Ayurveda, skill development, Indian knowledge culture etc. On this occasion Prof. Inder Prasad Tripathi, Vice Chancellor (VC) of Raja Shankar Shah University, Chhindwara, MP; Dr. Sanajay Tiwari, VC Hemchand Yadav University, Durg Chhattisgarh and Prof. Bharat Mishra, VC Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodyog University Chitrakoot MP were present. All the [] The post Patanjali inks MoUs with three prominent universities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Neurogrit Gold improves memory loss, increases lifespan: Patanjali research
Excelsior Correspondent HARIDWAR, June 19: Novel research conducted by Patanjalis scientists on C. Elegans confirms that the Ayurvedic formulation Neurogrit Gold not only helps improve memory loss caused by Parkinsons disease, but it also increases the lifespan without hampering the growth. This exemplary study has been published in world-renowned Wileys publication journal, CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. On this occasion, Acharya Balkrishna stated that in Parkinsons disease, not only does a person suffers mentally but their social interactions also shrink significantly. [] The post Neurogrit Gold improves memory loss, increases lifespan: Patanjali research appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
UP ATS arrests army jawan with 70 AK-47 rounds; says he planned to sell them
LUCKNOW: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested an army jawan who was carrying 70 cartridges of an AK-47 rifle and was reportedly planning to sell them to a friend in the Pallavpuram area of Meerut district in western UP. According to police sources, when the ATS team tried to take him into custody, the army jawan, named Rahul, attempted to escape by dodging the cops. He got into his car and tried to flee by ramming it into the ATS team. However, the officers surrounded him and managed to catch him soon after foiling his attempt. During questioning, Rahul said that he had come home on leave and was trying to deliver the cartridges to his friend. A case was registered at Pallavpuram police station under sections of the Arms Act. The accused is currently posted at the Army Telecommunication Centre in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Police, ATS, and army officials are jointly investigating the matter. His mobile phone records are also being checked to find out if more people are involved. As per ATS sources, Rahul is a resident of Nangli Azad village under Daurala police station limits. He is currently on leave. Meerut ATS unit inspector Amit Kumar Bhati said that on Tuesday, acting on an informer's tip-off, they were conducting checking under the Delhi-Haridwar bypass Modipur post flyover. During this operation, a Hyundai Venue car was stopped and checked. Inside, 70 restricted cartridges of an AK-47 rifle were recovered from Rahul's possession. During interrogation, Rahul revealed that he is currently posted as a constable in the Army at the CT Battalion MIC & S Training Centre in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. He said that he came on a 30-day leave on June 9. ATS sources further said that Rahul disclosed a friend named Abhinav, who he claimed was with the ATS. Abhinav, a resident of Shastri Nagar, had allegedly asked Rahul for the cartridges back in February, saying he had lost his own. Rahul told investigators that Abhinav had called him at 10:30 pm on Tuesday to meet near A to Z Colony in Pallavpuram. Rahul reportedly reached the location, but Abhinav never showed up. Rahul also revealed that he had procured the cartridges during his earlier posting in Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that during army operations, he and his team were issued weapons and ammunition, and during that period, he stole some cartridges and brought them to Meerut, hidden in his luggage. Rahul further claimed that a doctor from Shastri Nagar had introduced him to Abhinav a few months ago, and that he had also bought his car through Abhinav. Contradictorily, ATS sources said that it was based on Abhinavs input that Rahul was apprehended and the cartridges recovered. Rahul was recruited into the Army in 2013. The ATS said the recovered cartridges were army-grade and used in military operations. Investigators are now trying to determine who the cartridges were meant for, who uses such restricted ammunition, and whether there is a wider network involved. Authorities are also probing Rahuls contacts and movements since he came on leave. According to Daurala Circle Officer PC Agarwal, a man named Rahul was arrested with cartridges. A case has been filed under the Arms Act and he has been sent to jail.
Indian Railways is set to launch a direct train service between Bengaluru and Rishikesh, commencing on June 19, 2025. This Yeshwantpur-Rishikesh Express Special will operate weekly, offering various accommodation classes and catering services. The route includes major cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, and Haridwar, facilitating tourism and pilgrimage to Uttarakhand, with convenient access to Char Dham sites.
Uttarakhand scholarship scam: Rs 91 lakh fraud uncovered in 17 minority institutions, FIRs imminent
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has received crucial investigation report revealing widespread irregularities in a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme for students from minority communities. The reported submitted by the district administration, has flagged serious discrepancies in 17 out of 92 educational institutions under scrutiny. Following the findings, the state government is preparing to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against those involved. Officials confirmed that action would be taken to ensure accountability and recover misappropriated funds. The probe was initiated by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs after receiving multiple complaints and conducting an analysis of the National Scholarship Portal, which flagged several institutions and schools as suspicious. Subsequently, the Uttarakhand government ordered a comprehensive investigation across 92 institutions and schools within the state. District Magistrates were directed to form inquiry committees led by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). The government had recently issued reminders to ensure timely submission of reports. The report reveals prima facie irregularities in scholarship disbursement across 17 institutions of the 92 that were examined, a government spokesperson said. These include instances where scholarships were awarded to students who were not enrolled in the listed institutions. The irregularities involve 1,058 students and an estimated financial fraud of around Rs 91 lakh. Departmental sources said Haridwar district accounted for the highest number of implicated institutions (7), followed by Udham Singh Nagar (6), and Nainital and Rudraprayag with two each. Dhiraj Garbyal, Secretary of the Minority Welfare Department, confirmed that the report had been received and has been forwarded to the Ministry. FIRs and other necessary steps will be taken to ensure accountability, he said.
To Avoid Traffic, They Hired Ambulances To Kedarnath. This Happened Next
Devotees headed from Haridwar to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, booked two ambulances and converted them into taxis.
Appearance Is Must In All Case Hearings: TG Judge Tells Haridwar Banker
Earlier, the bank had issued a notice to auction the pledged gold ornaments
DEHRADUN: Tensions have resurfaced within the Uttarakhand Congress, as former minister Harak Singh Rawat publicly blamed former Chief Minister Harish Rawat for the partys defeat in the 2022 assembly elections. Harish Rawat quickly responded, reviving old political rivalries between the two leaders. According to Congress insiders, the fallout dates back to the 2016 political crisis, when the Congress government faced a toppling attempt. Despite their rocky past, the two leaders were recently seen at a high-level party meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi a moment that added irony to their current public spat, sources said. In a widely shared statement on social media, Harak Singh Rawat directly held Harish Rawat responsible for the party's poor performance in 2022. Had Harish Rawat not contested, Congress would have returned to power, he claimed, accusing Harish of only focusing on Lalkuan and Haridwar Rural, and neglecting the rest of the campaign. Harak said he had advised Harish Rawat at the time to avoid internal conflicts and to focus on giving tickets to winnable candidates. Even family members are not truly your own, so talking about mine and yours in politics is meaningless. Politics is about results those who win are the conquerors, he said. Referring to the 2016 incident, Harak added, Harish Rawat has not forgiven me for what happened. But I didnt join Congress in 2022 by choice it was the 2016 event that exposed the truth to those blinded by power. In a sharp rebuttal, Harish Rawat said, If I hadnt intervened, Harak Singh wouldnt have rejoined Congress. I respected his request. He challenged Harak to prove his worth by winning a single seat, saying that might help heal the bitterness from 2016. Harish also pointed out that Harak was nowhere to be seen during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Harak Singh needs to understand the pain we felt in 2016. That year, democracy and the spirit of Uttarakhand were betrayed. The BJP came to power because of that event, he said. He added that his current campaign, the Nyay Yatra, is aimed at exposing BJPs lies, corruption, and injustice, which have damaged the state.
'Mother Witnessed Crime': BJP Leader Held For Making Boyfriend Rape Her Teen Daughter
According to the police, the minor was gang-raped several times by her mother's boyfriend and his aide, both of whom are in their thirties, in Haridwar, Agra and Vrindavan between January and March this year.
Woman BJP leader's boyfriend rapes minor daughter in front of her; both held in Haridwar
HARIDWAR: A BJP leader and her boyfriend were arrested here for allegedly making him and his aide rape her 13-year-old daughter, the police said on Thursday. The matter came to light on Tuesday when the minor told her father about her ordeal, following which he lodged a police complaint, Haridwar SSP Pramendra Dobhal said. A case was registered under BNS Sections 70 (2) (gang-rape), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (criminal act) by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act. Anamika Sharma and her boyfriend Sumit Patwal were arrested from a hotel here on Wednesday after a medical examination of the girl confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted, Dobhal said. Meanwhile, a search is underway to arrest Sumit's accomplice named Shubham. Anamika formerly headed the BJP Mahila Morcha's Haridwar district unit, however, once her name cropped up in this case, she was stripped of the party's primary membership. BJP sources here claim that she has not held any party post since August 2024. According to the police, the minor was gang-raped several times by her mother's boyfriend and his aide, both of whom are in their thirties, in Haridwar, Agra and Vrindavan between January and March this year. The men perpetrated the crime with her mother's consent and in her presence, the police said, adding that they also threatened to kill the minor's father if she disclosed it to anyone. Anamika had separated from her husband and has been living with her boyfriend in his hotel.
Minor Girl Alleges Mother Let Her Boyfriend Sexually Abuse Her, 2 Arrested
A former BJP office-bearer in the holy city of Haridwar has been arrested for allegedly allowing her boyfriend and others to sexually abuse her 13-year-old daughter.
Mother, lover held in horrific gang-rape of minor daughter in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand police have arrested a former office-bearer of the BJP Mahila Morcha and her lover on charges of facilitating the repeated gang-rape of her minor daughter. The woman is accused of allegedly orchestrating the brutalisation of her own child with her lover and his friend on multiple occasions. According to police sources, the accused woman, who had previously served as a BJP Mahila Morcha official, was living separately from her husband following a domestic dispute. While her son remained with his father, she took her daughter with her and subsequently began living with her lover, Sumit Patwal. The horrific ordeal came to light when the minor daughter visited her father. Observing her withdrawn and dejected state, the father initiated a conversation, during which the girl recounted her harrowing experience. On Tuesday evening, the distressed father brought his daughter to the Ranipur police station to lodge a complaint. The father's complaint alleges that in January, his wife took their daughter on the pretext of an outing in a car, accompanied by her lover Sumit Patwal and his friend Shubham, towards the BHEL Stadium area. There, after consuming alcohol, the two men allegedly gang-raped the minor daughter with the consent of her mother. Preliminary police investigation has further revealed that the child was also subjected to similar gang-rapes in hotels located in Agra, Vrindavan, and Haridwar. The daughter was allegedly threatened with the murder of both herself and her father if she disclosed the abuse to anyone. Speaking to TNIE, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobhal stated, The medical report has corroborated the sexual abuse. On Wednesday, the accused woman and her lover, Sumit Patwal were arrested near Shivmurti Chowk. The search for the absconding accused, Shubham, continues. He further said the accused woman attempted to normalise the sexual abuse to her daughter, allegedly telling her that physical relations were ormal. The child was reportedly gang-raped a total of seven or eight times. Each time, she was allegedly given alcohol, and the former BJP leader was present during the horrific acts. It is also understood that the accused woman was running a hotel on lease with her lover, Sumit Patwal, in Haridwar's Chitra Talkies lane, and it was in this hotel that the daughter was also subjected to gang-rape. The Ranipur police station has registered a case under stringent sections, including gang-rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. After the minor's medical examination and the recording of her statement before the court, police sent both accused to judicial custody. In light of these grave allegations, the BJP has expelled the woman from the party. Ashutosh Sharma, BJP District President, issued a letter confirming her immediate expulsion from the party's primary membership. She had already been removed from her post in the Mahila Morcha in August 2024 following complaints regarding her conduct.
Haridwar DM, Municipal Commissioner among 10 officials suspended for alleged land scam
Dehradun, Jun 3: Cracking the whip, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government in Uttarakhand on Tuesday suspended two IAS officers besides eight others in connection with an alleged Rs 54-crore land scam in Haridwar. Those suspended officials include Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, the then Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary and Sub Divisional Magistrate Ajayveer Singh, according [] The post Haridwar DM, Municipal Commissioner among 10 officials suspended for alleged land scam appeared first on Northlines .
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a stern stance on the land scam in Haridwar Municipal Corporation. Following his directions, seven officialsincluding two IAS and one PCS officerhave been suspended. Earlier, three officials were ...
2 Senior IAS Officers, PCS Officer Suspended In Haridwar Land Scam
Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Jun 3: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took major action and suspended two senior Indian Administrative Officers (IAS) officers and a Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer in the Haridwar land scam, according to an official statement from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). A departmental inquiry will be initiated against the suspended officers. A total of 12 officers have been suspended against the officers including District Magistrate (DM) Kamendra Singh, former Municipal Commissioner (MC) Varun Chaudhary and Sub [] The post 2 Senior IAS Officers, PCS Officer Suspended In Haridwar Land Scam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ganga Dussehra 2025: Ganga Flows Near Delhi Too, Reach In Just 20 Minutes With Namo Bharat
Ganga Dussehra 2025 In Delhi: Located on the banks of the Ganga Canal, Chhota Haridwar has become a popular alternative for those who are unable to visit Haridwar due to time.
Ganga Dussehra 2025: Date, puja timings, and why this day holds deep spiritual meaning
Ganga Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on June 5, 2025, marking Goddess Ganga's descent to Earth. Devotees believe bathing in the Ganga on this day washes away sins and brings peace. Celebrations include visiting holy places like Haridwar, offering prayers, lighting diyas, and participating in the Ganga Aarti.
Uttarakhand: CM Dhami holds virtual meet with district magistrates, reviews development works
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed development projects in a virtual meeting with district magistrates. He inaugurated the Vatsalya Ganga Ashray in Haridwar with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, praising Sadhvi Ritambhara's work for destitute daughters. Gupta lauded Dhami's developmental efforts as an inspiration for Delhi and pledged to clean the Yamuna River.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta embarks on spiritual yatra in Haridwar; vows for a cleaner Yamuna
DEHRADUN: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered prayers at Kedarnath and Badrinath on Monday, capping a spiritual visit to the revered Himalayan shrines this week. Her pilgrimage began on Sunday with a visit to Haridwar, where she performed rituals and sought blessings. On Monday morning, Chief Minister Gupta arrived at Kedarnath Dham, where she offered prayers to Baba Kedar for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. Following her visit to Kedarnath, she proceeded to Badrinath Dham to continue her spiritual journey. Earlier on Sunday, CM Gupta, accompanied by her husband, commenced her tour in Haridwar. Her first stop was the iconic Har Ki Pauri, where she took a holy dip in the sacred Ganga River. The Ganga Sabha extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister, marking her first visit to Haridwar since assuming office. Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Chief Minister Gupta stated, The holy bath in Maa Ganga is very important for me. She added, I have come to the sacred land of Har Ki Pauri after completing 100 days of my government's tenure. I have bowed at the feet of Maa Ganga and prayed for India to become developed, with Delhi also securing its rightful place. During her Haridwar visit, the chief minister also expressed her aspiration for a cleaner Yamuna River. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vatsalya Ganga Ashram in Kankhal on Sunday, she remarked, Like the saints, I too wish that one day we can bathe in the Yamuna. For this, the campaign for Yamuna River's cleanliness will continue throughout my tenure. She further emphasised that she took a solemn pledge after her Ganga bath in the holy city, seeking blessings from the saints before departing.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by her family, visited Kedarnath Dham to offer prayers, seeking strength to develop Delhi and contribute to 'Viksit Bharat'. Following the BJP government's 100-day milestone in Delhi, she also took a dip in the Ganga at Haridwar, vowing to clean the Yamuna River and expressing a commitment to Delhi's progress.
5 media vehicles trailing Delhi CM's convoy crash near Haridwar
Caught in the act: Haridwar police nab chain snatchers - watch video
Uttarakhand police swiftly apprehended two chain snatchers in Haridwar, thanks to clear CCTV footage. The culprits, identified as house painters with prior offenses, were caught following a recent crime spree. Police recovered stolen jewelry, weapons, and cash. In related news, Haridwar police also solved two Roorkee theft cases, arresting three repeat offenders and recovering stolen goods.
5 media vehicles trailing Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's convoy crash near Haridwar
On Sunday morning, a collision involving five vehicles carrying journalists occurred near Haridwar, as they were en route to cover Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's visit to Uttarakhand. The incident took place a few kilometers from Haridwar, reportedly triggered by a sudden brake application within what was believed to be Gupta's convoy.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is planning a two-day religious trip to Uttarakhand in early June, following her first 100 days in office. She is expected to visit Haridwar on June 1 to take a dip in the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri.
Chardham Yatra sees unprecedented offline registration surge; online slots full for May-June
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand's revered Char Dham Yatra is witnessing an unprecedented surge in offline registrations, with over 27,000 pilgrims registering in a single day on Thursday. This significant increase comes as online registration slots for May and June have been completely filled, pushing pilgrims towards the offline channels. The state government has made registration mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. The cumulative figure for both online and offline registrations has now surpassed 3.2 million. The Tourism Department initiated online registrations on March 20, leading to the current unavailability of slots for the peak months of May and June. To facilitate pilgrims, offline registration counters were opened on April 28 in key locations including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Herbertpur, and Naya Gaon Vikas Nagar. May 22 marked the first time over 27,000 offline registrations were recorded in a single day. Meanwhile, Friday witnessed the highest single-day pilgrim footfall of this Yatra season, with a remarkable 67,172 devotees visiting the four shrines. This figure represents the highest daily number since the commencement of this year's Char Dham Yatra. Yogendra Gangwar, Joint Director and Nodal Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, told TNIE , As of Friday, a total of 3,214,250 pilgrims have registered for the Yatra through various means. Out of these, 1,287,836 devotees have already completed their darshan. Gangwar further stated that the number of offline registrations is expected to increase in the coming days. He assured that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that no pilgrim faces any difficulty during the registration process. So far, over 1.2 million pilgrims have successfully visited the Char Dhams against the total registrations.
7 Must-Visit Places on a 2-Day Trip to Haridwar & Rishikesh this Summer
Planning a quick getaway? Discover spiritual vibes, scenic spots, and serene experiences in just two days!
Six Bangladeshi nationals, Indian 'helper' arrested for illegal residence in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Six Bangladeshi nationals, including four men and two women, have been apprehended from locations across Uttarakhand, including the capital Dehradun and the holy city of Haridwar. An Indian woman accused of facilitating their illegal presence in the state has also been taken into custody. The arrests followed confidential intelligence received by the police. Speaking with TNIE , Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh confirmed the operation. We received confidential information regarding the presence of some suspicious individuals residing in Clement Town, SSP Singh stated. Acting on the tip, teams from the Special Operations Group, Local Intelligence Unit, and Clement Town police were dispatched for verification. This led to the apprehension of five Bangladeshi nationals Nirmal Rai, Shem Rai, Lipi Rai, Krishna alias Santosh, and Munir Chandra Rai from Lane Number 11, Post Office Road. An Indian woman, Pooja Rani alias Rosna, was found living with them. The individuals were unable to produce valid documents. Police searches recovered two illegal Aadhaar cards from Munir Chandra Rai and Bangladeshi identity cards from Krishna and Nirmal Rai. Four children found with this group have been taken into protection. The Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for illegally residing in India. Pooja Rani was arrested and booked for assisting them. Delhi police bust illegal Bangladeshi immigration racket, arrest 12 Separately, City Kotwali police and local intelligence units arrested a Bangladeshi woman and her Indian husband from a hut in the Roodki Belawala area on Friday night. They were reportedly living illegally using fake documents. The woman's minor son was also taken into protection. Police are actively searching for two individuals, identified as Mohammad Alam alias Alauddin and Noor Islam, who are believed to have helped the Bangladeshi nationals enter India. A joint team comprising personnel from the police, Military Intelligence, and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) is currently interrogating the arrested individuals. Initial findings indicate that the accused had settled in the area over time, with some having worked as labourers for a significant period. Bangladeshi national arrested in Bodh Gaya; fake Aadhar card, documents recovered
NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday informed Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, that the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway would be ready within three months. Malhotra inspected the entire 210-km stretch of the expressway along with officials from the Authority. The minister took cognisance of the various bottlenecks reported by NHAI officials and directed them to expedite the work and complete the project within the stipulated time frame so that it could be opened to the general public as scheduled. After the inspection, the minister stated that the expressway would be instrumental in decongesting the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and also reduce the load on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other connecting highways. The 210-kilometre-long access-controlled expressway, with an operational speed limit of 100 kmph, will connect the national capital with Uttarakhands capital, Dehradun. It starts from Akshardham Temple in Delhi and passes through several districts of Uttar Pradesh, such as Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur, before culminating at Dehradun. The project was expected to be completed within the deadline of March 2024. It was approved in 2020, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the expressway in December last year. The expressway is being developed at an approximate cost of 12,000 crore and will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Dehradun from the existing 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours. The expressway will also have a spur towards Haridwar and connect to the Char Dham Highway, thereby enhancing connectivity to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The final 20-kilometre stretch passes through the eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji National Park, where Asias longest elevated wildlife corridor (12 kilometres) is being constructed. This includes the 340-metre Daat Kali tunnel.
Professor in Roorkee arrested over alleged misconduct
DEHRADUN: An assistant professor at a reputable college in Roorkee has been arrested following allegations of touching girl students inappropriately during a practical examination. Students also claimed that the professor allegedly wrote his mobile number on the hand of a student and asked her to call him in the evening. The incident occurred on May 15 during a practical exam for BSc fourth-semester students at a college located in the Ganganahar Police Station area in Haridwar district. Assistant Professor Dr Abdul Aleem Ansari was conducting the viva examination. Based on the student complaints, Dr Ansari allegedly touched students inappropriately while conducting viva. Initially, students reportedly thought it might have been accidental, but the alleged misbehaviour continued. The situation escalated when he allegedly held the hand of one student, wrote his mobile number, and instructed her to contact him in the evening. Outraged by the actions, the students created a commotion and immediately approached the college principal, submitting a written complaint detailing the incidents. Simultaneously, the students also informed the Ganganahar Police Station about the matter over the phone. Speaking about the incident, Ganganahar Police Station In-charge R.K. Saklani stated, Upon receiving information, police reached the college and took the professor into custody. Students and staff gathered at the police station, demanding strict action against the accused professor. The victim students filed a formal written complaint (tahrir) against him. Based on the complaint filed by the students, a case has been registered against the accused and he has been arrested, Saklani confirmed. The arrested professor is a resident of Kurkawal, Doiwala, in Dehradun. This incident marks the second such case reported in Roorkee within a fortnight. Just a week prior, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee terminated the services of a 60-year-old Professor Zillur Rahman following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student. The student who was pursuing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Rahman filed her complaint in January. Following the complaint, an internal committee had conducted an inquiry and found the professor guilty, leading to his removal from his position.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant visited Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri for Ganga puja, accompanied by tight security and joined by BCCI President Jay Shah.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Anant Ambani Perform Ganga 'Aarti' In Haridwar
He would now visit the place and seek Ganga Maa's blessing every year, Shad added
Anant Ambani, Wife Radhika Merchant Offer Prayers At Haridwars Har Ki Pauri
Anant Amban and his wife, Radhika Merchant, performed the Ganga pujan with purohits of the Ganga Sabha
Attari-Wagah border completely shut after hundreds cross over; several Pakistani nationals stuck
NEW DELHI: The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was shut completely on Thursday following a week-long heavy rush of people from either side to cross over after the Union government ordered all Pakistani citizens with short-term visa to leave India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Even as sources confirmed the shutting of the border crossing, uncertainty prevailed at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari on Thursday as Pakistani nationals from across India gathered to cross over to Pakistan, only to find the border gates shut, despite the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) having extended the deportation deadline. The confusion was compounded by the fact that no Indian national returned from the other side either. Dozens of Pakistani nationals, men, women and children, had arrived at Attari from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi and other states, expecting to return to their country. However, the gates of the ICP remained closed, and authorities did not permit their passage. This came a day after the deadline for Pakistani nationals to return had officially lapsed. Although the MHA had amended its earlier directive, which had ordered the closure of the border on May 1, and allowed Pakistani nationals to leave India via Attari until further notice, no movement was seen from either side. A Delhi resident, Mohammad Shariq, whose sisters are married in Karachi, said the Pakistani side was not allowing them to cross. I came here with my sisters early in the morning. The border opens at 10 am. When we asked the officials, they said our government has given the order and we are sending people from here, but Pakistani authorities are not allowing them to cross over, he said. The Attari border has witnessed a heavy rush in recent days following the Union Governments order directing all Pakistani nationals on short-term visas to leave India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Over the past week, 911 Pakistani nationals have departed India, including 125 who left on Wednesday. Sources said many of the Pakistani nationals were escorted by local police. Murawat Hussain Shah, who came from Rajouri, accompanied his cousins Saida Zameer Fatima and Saida Saheer Fatima, both of whom are being deported. He said, My cousins came to India in 1983 on valid visas after the death of their father and brother. Now, they have nobody in Pakistan. Everything they have is in India; they do not want to leave. In another case, 16 Pakistani Hindu nationals who had come to Haridwar for post-death rituals of their elders failed to reach the border on time after their taxi broke down. A Pakistani woman from Karachi, whose four-year-old child holds an Indian passport, also found herself in a fix. Either I should be allowed to stay here with my child or let my son accompany me to Pakistan, she said. The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carrying medical visas, the deadline was April 29. The deadline for 12 other categories of visas was April 27. These were visas on arrival and visas for business, film, journalists, transit, conferences, mountaineering, students, visitors, group tourists, pilgrims and group pilgrims. Three defence/military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata on April 23 and were given one week to leave India. Five support staff of these defence attaches were also asked to leave India. India also withdrew its defence attache from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. However, those having long-term, diplomatic or official visas were exempted from the 'Leave-India' order. Sources told PTI that altogether 125 Pakistani nationals left India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing point on April 30; a total of 94 Pakistani nationals, including 10 diplomats, left India on April 29; 145 Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats, their dependents and support staff, left on April 28; 237 Pakistanis, including nine diplomats and officials, left India on April 27; 81 left on April 26; 191 on April 25 and 28 on April 24. Pakistani women from Kashmir, including mother of police officer killed in terror attack, deported Fifteen Indian nationals with Pakistani visa also left India through the international border crossing point on April 30 while eight Indians left India on April 29, the sources said. Similarly, 152 Indian nationals crossed over to India from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border crossing on April 30; 469 Indians, including 11 diplomats and officials, returned from Pakistan through the same route on April 29; 146 Indians returned on April 28; 116 Indians, including one diplomat, returned on April 27; 342 Indians, including 13 diplomats and officials, came back on April 26; 287 Indians crossed over from Pakistan on April 25 and 105 Indians returned on April 24, the sources said. A total of 73 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visas came to the country through the border point on April 30; 22 Pakistani nationals came on April 29, while 129 Pakistanis with the same category of visas entered India on April 28. Sources said some of the Pakistanis might have left India through airports too, pointing out that since India does not have direct air connectivity with Pakistan, they might have left for a third country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 25 called up the chief ministers of all states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the deadline set for leaving the country. After Shah's telephonic conversations with the chief ministers, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a videoconferencing with the chief secretaries of states and asked them to ensure that all Pakistani nationals whose visas were revoked leave India before the deadline. The already-strained relations between India and Pakistan nosedived further after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, with New Delhi announcing a raft of measures, including the cancellation of visas, against Islamabad, which hit back with a string of tit-for-tat measures. Closure of Attari- Wagah border hits dry fruits supplies from Afghanistan
The first batch of devotees left for Haridwar on Tuesday morning ahead of the Char Dham Yatra, which is set to begin from April 30. The portals of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams are set to open on Wednesday whereas the gates of Kedarnath Dham will open on May 2, followed by Badrinath Dham, which is scheduled to open on May 4. As of now, more than 20 lakh people have registered for Char Dham Yatra 2025. According to official estimates, the numbers are expected to go upto 50 lakhs or even more. The online registration for the yatra started on March 20, while the offline mode commenced on April 28.
Uttarakhand courts grapple with mounting backlog; HC case pendency soars 24%, data reveals
DEHRADUN: In a contrasting trend, Court case pendency in Uttarakhand has increased by 9% over the past two years, even as some districts managed to halve their backlogs. As of early 2025, a total of 384,234 cases are pending across the state's courts, comprising 316,369 criminal and 67,876 civil cases. The Uttarakhand High Court alone recorded a 24% rise in pending cases during this period. According to data provided by the Uttarakhand High Court to Kashipur-based RTI activist Nadeem Uddin, the court had 44,512 pending cases at the start of 2023. This figure included 25,635 civil and 18,877 criminal cases. By the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, the total number of pending cases had risen by 24 per cent to reach 55,323, comprising 30,301 civil and 25,022 criminal cases, Uddin told TNIE . In the state's subordinate courts, pending cases rose by 7% from 308,694 at the start of 2023 to 328,911 by early 2025. Criminal cases continue to dominate the dockets, with 270,822 pending in 2023, rising alongside 37,872 civil cases. District-wise data showed a mixed trend. Four districts saw an increase in pending cases, while nine districts managed to reduce their backlogs. Dehraduns pending cases rose by 5%, from 108,760 to 114,155. Haridwar reported a 21% surge, from 80,623 to 97,299 cases. Nainital district recorded a 2% increase, from 25,802 to 26,398 cases. Pauri district saw the sharpest percentage jump, with pendency rising by 52% from 7,071 to 10,777 cases. Tehri district registered a 9% increase, from 3,170 to 3,467 cases. Conversely, Udham Singh Nagar district recorded a 3% drop in pending cases, from 68,785 to 66,577. Uttarkashi district posted the most significant reduction, cutting its backlog by 50% from 2,711 to 1,364 cases.
Pahalgam terror attack: 77 Pakistani Hindus barred from undertaking Uttarakhand Chardham yatra
DEHRADUN: The hopes of 77 Pakistani Hindu pilgrims who had registered for Uttarakhand's world-famous Chardham Yatra, set to begin on April 30, have been dashed. Authorities have reportedly imposed a ban on Pakistani nationals undertaking the pilgrimage this year. The decision is understood to be a direct consequence of the altered security situation following a recent terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Sources within the Uttarakhand Tourism Department's Yatra Division confirmed that besides Pakistan, registrations for this year's pilgrimage have also been received from the United States, Nepal, and Malaysia, among other countries. These three nations reportedly accounted for the highest number of foreign registrations this time. Providing details on the overall registration figures, Pradeep Chauhan of the Yatra Registration Division told TNIE, For the Chardham Yatra, which starts from April 30, online registrations have exceeded 21 lakh, he stated. Among these, 24,729 foreign nationals have registered to visit, including 77 from Pakistan. The situation for the Pakistani registrants is complicated by heightened tensions following a terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam attack. The attack has sparked widespread outrage across the country. In response, the Central Government has reportedly taken strict measures, including a decision to halt the issuance of visas to individuals arriving from Pakistan and a directive for Pakistani nationals currently residing in India to return within 48 hours. According to the government sources, as many as 250 Pakistani nationals have been identified as residing in Uttarakhand across districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Nainital, amidst recent tightening of visa regulations following security concerns. According to Director General of Police, Deepam Seth, a significant majority of these individuals are predominantly Pakistani Hindu citizens holding long-term visas. Out of these, 247 have arrived on long-term visas and are mostly Pakistani Hindu citizens, stated DGP Deepam Seth. Separately, action has been taken regarding the three Pakistani nationals on short-term visas. Two from Dehradun have already been sent back, while the third individual identified in Haridwar was repatriated on Saturday. The developments come in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which led to a high alert being sounded across Uttarakhand, a state bordering China and Nepal. Instructions were also issued to monitor Pakistani nationals residing within the state. Adding to the heightened security measures, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued comprehensive guidelines to all states concerning visas for Pakistani citizens. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's instructions, Additional Secretary Home Nivedita Kukreti issued a formal letter to top officials, including the DGP and district magistrates. The letter states that visa services for Pakistani citizens are suspended with immediate effect due to the Pahalgam incident. Valid visas for Pakistani nationals, except for specific categories, will be cancelled from April 27. Medical visas will remain valid until April 29.
DEHRADUN: In a blow to Uttarakhands two-decade-long quest for a permanent capital, the state government has decided to lift the freeze zone designation from land earmarked for the Assembly and Secretariat, effectively shelving the 2023 master plan aimed at establishing a fixed seat of governance. Housing Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram confirmed the development, stating, A proposal for this will be prepared and brought before the Cabinet. The state has held Assembly sessions alternately in the temporary capital Dehradun and the summer capital Gairsain for 25 years. The freeze zone, intended to block development in areas reserved for key government infrastructure, was imposed in March 2023. A notification was issued by the Town and Country Planning Department, allowing five months to draft a Master Plan. However, more than two years later, the plan has not materialised. A government spokesperson said, Despite the stipulated five-month period, the Master Plan could not be finalised even after two years. The freeze had halted construction and development across a large stretch, from Raipur to Thano Road in the north, the main Haridwar Road in the south, east of the drain to Haridwar Road in the west (excluding the Ordnance Factory boundary), and from Bhopal Pani to Barasi Ground and Kali Mati village boundary in the east. Sources indicated that the Assembly and Secretariat proposal failed due to administrative inertia and practical hurdles. Adding to the delay, the land identified for the Assembly did not get final clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Although in-principle approval had been granted, the state government delayed submitting required details, leading to the approval being revoked. Local pressure also played a role in the government's decision to revoke the freeze. Shantanu, a resident of the affected zone, said, For two years, people in villages like Balawala, Nakraunda, Nathuwawala, Gullarghati, Harrawala, Kuanwala, and Ranjhawala have been unable to carry out construction on their own land, despite owning it. He added that he had appealed directly to the Chief Minister to lift the freeze. Environmental concerns further complicated the project. Environmentalist Dev Raghavendra told TNIE, The state government had previously decided to cut 2,155 trees for the proposed assembly building in Raipurs Bhopalpani area. The building was planned within approximately 60 hectares of reserved forest in Bhopalpani, which could have had a very adverse impact on the environment. The lifting of the freeze zone is now expected to offer relief to affected residents, but it also marks a major retreat from the states longstanding ambition to finalise a permanent capital.
Court acquits Jitendra Tyagi aka Wasim Rizvi in hate speech case
A Haridwar court has acquitted Jitendra Tyagi, formerly known as Wasim Rizvi, in the 2021 Dharam Sansad hate speech case. He has been acquitted on the grounds of benefit of doubt. The verdict was delivered by Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Avinash Kumar Srivastava on April 16. Background of the case The controversy stemmed from a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Uttarakhand MPs sanction zero new projects, hundreds stalled from previous term
DEHRADUN: As per a Right to Information (RTI) disclosure, data reveals that none of the five MPs elected in the 18th Lok Sabha in 2024 have sanctioned any work from their allocated MPLADS funds as of December 2024. This highlights a significant lapse in the utilisation of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds by Uttarakhand's Lok Sabha MPs. Adding to the concern, former MPs from the 17th Lok Sabha tenure have managed to spend only 58 per cent of their allocated funds by the same date, with a striking 795 sanctioned projects yet to even begin. The information was obtained by RTI activist Nadeemuddin from the office of the Rural Development Commissioner, Uttarakhand, the nodal department for MPLADS. Citing the information received, Nadeemuddin confirmed, None of the MPs from the 18th Lok Sabha have sanctioned any work by December 2024. The data for the 17th Lok Sabha shows a total of 5782 works were sanctioned. By December 2024, only 3517 of these were completed, 1470 were ongoing, and 795 had not commenced. Sharing specific constituency details from the previous term of the MPs with TNIE, Nadeemuddin revealed, The former Almora MP, Ajay Tamta, utilised 69% of his funds, with 36 out of 1,763 sanctioned works remaining unstarted. In Haridwar, the situation is also concerning; current MP Trivendra Singh Rawat has sanctioned no work from his available Rs 5 crore allocation. Former Haridwar MP Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal spent only 50 per cent of his funds, with 195 out of 355 works still in progress. Pauri MP Anil Baluni has also not sanctioned any work from his available Rs 5 crore fund for the current term. His predecessor, former MP Tirath Singh Rawat, saw only 38 per cent of his funds spent, leaving a significant 450 out of 986 sanctioned works unstarted. Tehri MP Rajya Laxmi Shah, re-elected in 2024, has not sanctioned any work from her current Rs 5 crore allocation, while 68 per cent of her previous term's fund was spent, with 307 works from 2397 unstarted. Similarly, Nainital MP Ajay Bhatt, also re-elected, has sanctioned no work from his current Rs 5 crore fund; in his previous term, 64 per cent of his funds were spent, with 2 out of 371 works unstarted.
Hero MotoCorp Halts Production For Three Days At Four Plants
Hero MotoCorp has halted production at its plants in Dharuhera, Gurugram, Haridwar and Neemrana to navigate a short-term supply agreement.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Honored by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Mahamanch for Implementing UCC in Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was honored by the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Mahamanch at a program held in Haridwar for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand's demographic shift: Migration threatens hill region's political clout
DEHRADUN: A stark reality is unfolding in Uttarakhand, where a significant demographic shift is underway. The state's nine mountainous districts are witnessing a rapid exodus of people, while its four plains districts - Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital - are grappling with an unexpected surge in population growth. This imbalance is affecting not only the social and economic fabric but also poses a threat to the political representation and existence of the mountainous regions. If no concrete measures are taken to stem this migration before the next delimitation, the political existence of the mountains will be weakened, warns Anoop Nautiyal, an activist and founder of Social Development for Communities (SDC). In the wake of five South Indian Chief Ministers uniting over delimitation, the issue is also gaining traction in Uttarakhand. While the Delimitation Commission is yet to be formed in the state and the census is pending, indicating time before action, unlike South India, Uttarakhand's concerns stem from its own unique demographic shift internal migration. The population is rapidly migrating from the nine hill districts that formed the basis of the concept of a hill state. Concurrently, the population in the state's four plain districts is increasing at the same rate, highlighted Anoop Nautiyal, founder of SDC, in a comparative analysis shared with TNIE. He further emphasized, Election Commission voter lists corroborate these facts. Voter numbers have increased much more rapidly in the plain districts compared to the hills. This demographic trend is reportedly a major concern for political figures deemed influential in the hill state's interests. This migration pattern raises serious questions about political representation and the future voice of the hill regions, remarked Jai Singh Rawat, a historian and analyst on the subject, while speaking to TNIE. According to official sources, In 2018, the Migration Commission reported that over five lakh people had migrated from Uttarakhand. Of these, more than three lakh people had temporarily left their homes in search of work or due to a lack of basic facilities. Official sources added, Since then, the state government has been undertaking measures to curb migration and promote reverse migration. According to the Election Commission's records, the first assembly elections in 2002 saw a total of 5,270,375 voters. Of these, a majority, numbering 3,779,523, resided in the four plains districts of Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar. This constituted 52.7 percent of the total electorate. In contrast, the nine hill districts accounted for 2,490,852 voters, or 47.3 percent of the total. At the time, the difference in voter share between the plains and hill districts was a marginal 5.4 percent. However, this gap has widened considerably over the years. The Election Commission data shows a consistent increase in the plains districts' share of the voter base. By 2012, the total number of voters had risen to 6,377,330. This figure further jumped to 8,266,644 in 2022. In the decade between 2012 and 2022, the electorate swelled by 1,889,314, marking a significant 31 percent increase in voter numbers, stated a source within the Election Commission. Delving deeper into the regional distribution, the data reveals a pronounced trend. In 2012, the four plains districts were home to 3,658,842 voters, representing 57.4 percent of the state's total electorate. By 2022, this number had surged to 5,010,881, now accounting for 60.6 percent of the total voters. Over the span of two decades, the plains districts have witnessed an addition of 1,352,039 voters, a staggering 72 percent growth in their voter base, the source added.
IRCTC pilgrim special towards Haridwar-Rishikesh-Vaishnodevi-Amritsar-Anandpur on April 23
15 prisoners at Haridwar district jail test HIV positive
Haridwar: Fifteen inmates of the Haridwar district jail have tested HIV positive, prison authorities said. More than 1,000 inmates are lodged in the prison. Senior Jail Superintendent Manoj Kumar Arya said prisoners were examined at a health camp organised inside the jail on World Health Day on April 7 and 15 of them tested HIV Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Video: Elephant Strolls Through Haridwar Market, Steals Flour And Runs Away
An elephant was seen wandering through the streets of Bahadrabad village near Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Crackdown on Madrasas: 84 Islamic Schools Shut in Uttarakhand
Muslim Community Condemns Targeted Action Dehradun: The BJP-led Uttarakhand government has shut down 84 madrasas, triggering protests and accusations of discrimination. The closures primarily affected Muslim-majority districts 43 in Dehradun, 9 in Udham Singh Nagar, and 31 in Haridwar and Nainital. Governments Justification & Community Backlash Officials claim the move ensures legal compliance, but critics [] The post Crackdown on Madrasas: 84 Islamic Schools Shut in Uttarakhand first appeared on .
Unrelated Video of Deers on Road Viral as One From Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This old 2020 video was shot in Haridwar and is not related to the Kanchi Ganchabowli area in Hyderabad.
544 accident-prone spots identified for Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: With the Char Dham Yatra set to begin later this month, the authorities concerned in Uttarakhand have identified 544 accident-prone spots along the routes of pilgrimage across four districts. In view of this, the transport headquarters has issued a letter to the National Highways Authority of India, Border Roads Organisation and the Public Works Department, urging immediate action in these areas and requesting a report on the measures taken. In a bid to enhance safety and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience for the Yatra, government sources reveal, road safety committees in Dehradun, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts have been directed to conduct surveys. According to these committees, a total of 544 accident-prone areas have been identified that require immediate attention. The report highlights that there are 38 such areas in Haridwar, 65 in Chamoli, 297 in Tehri and 144 in Dehraduns Vikas Nagar and Rishikesh regions. Sources indicate that the safety measures recommended for these routes include traffic calming interventions, rumble strips, informational signage, pothole repairs, chevron boards, crash barriers, road markings, reflectors, the removal of debris along the roads and addressing unauthorised median openings & blind curves. In a notable first, this years Char Dham travel routes have been divided into 15 super zones, 41 zones, and 137 sectors. Speaking to this daily, Dehradun Traffic SP Lokjeet Singh stated, Each sector will cover an area of 10 kilometres. Police personnel will be on patrol 24 hours a day, ensuring safety and order. He added, Over six thousand police officers and staff will be deployed to manage security and traffic throughout the pilgrimage route. Notably, registrations for the Yatra have now surpassed an impressive 12.5 lakh. Yogendra Gangwar, the nodal officer from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department overseeing Char Dham yatra registrations, told TNIE, We have recorded 3,674 registrations for Kedarnath, 3,045 for Badrinath, 1,918 for Yamunotri and 2,105 for Gangotri from foreign visitors. The online registration process, which requires Aadhaar verification, began on March 20.
Haridwar to close all meat shops in the city
Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits. This follows a municipal corporation resolution from last year. Currently, around 100 butcher shops operate in the area, with only a few holding valid licences. The move aims to improve sanitation and control the stray dog menace. Illegal shops will be sealed.
Haridwar to be butcher-free, meat shops to exit city limits
Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits to improve sanitation and control stray dogs. Around 100 shops, mostly in Jwalapur and Jagjeetpur, will be affected. Validly licensed shops will move to a new site in Sarai village while illegal ones will be sealed. Residents have long complained about the poor hygiene of these shops.
Buckwheat flour food poisoning cases surge to 337 amid Navratri festivities in Dehradun
DEHRADUN: Health authorities in Dehradun are on high alert as the number of patients suffering from consuming contaminated buckwheat flour (Kuttu aata) has surged to 335 across the city. Among them, 227 patients have been hospitalized due to their severe conditions. The situation has escalated quickly, with 70 patients currently admitted at Doon Hospital, a hospital spokesperson reported. The sudden influx of patients has put immense pressure on local healthcare facilities, forcing some hospitals to accommodate two patients per bed. As of Monday evening, 58 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment, while the remaining individuals continue to receive care. According to reports, the Doon Medical College has witnessed the highest influx of patients amid the ongoing health crisis. Following this, individuals have also sought treatment at Coronation Hospital and various other private hospitals in the district. As per data released by health department, by Monday evening at 7 PM, a total of 120 patients had arrived at Doon Medical College. Out of these, 70 patients are still admitted and receiving care, a hospital spokesperson confirmed. Additionally, Coronation Hospital has reported 118 patients, while private hospitals collectively treated a total of 97 individuals. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh visited patients hospitalized due to the consumption of toxic buckwheat flour. During his visit, he instructed the doctors to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to the affected individuals. This incident is quite sensitive, Dr. Rajesh remarked. Speaking with TNIE , Rajesh said, Instructions have been issued to launch a campaign to test the buckwheat flour. Raids and sampling will commence across the state. A thorough investigation will also be conducted to examine what quality control measures are employed from the producers to the market and during the grinding process to convert the seeds into flour. According to data from the Health Department, in the past five years, 600 individuals in Uttarakhand have fallen ill after consuming buckwheat flour. Fortunately, all patients recovered after treatment, and there were no fatalities reported. Notably, in October 2020, 115 people in Roorkee became ill after eating buckwheat flour. In Haridwar, 145 cases of illness related to buckwheat flour consumption were recorded over the past five years, including 20 cases in 2023 and 125 cases in 2022. Additionally, in Rudrapur, US Nagar, nine individuals fell ill in 2021 after consuming the flour. On April 16, 2024, during the 'Kanya Poojan' festival, three people in Kichha reported health issues after eating buckwheat flour. Moreover, on Monday, besides 316 cases in Dehradun, 12 individuals in Laksar also fell ill due to buckwheat flour consumption.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces plan to rename 15 regions known by Mughal-era names
DEHRADUN: Following the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and anti-conversion laws, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced plans to rename 15 regions known by Mughal-era names. This decision includes the renaming of one assembly constituency and a municipal council. Speaking about the changes, Dhami emphasized that the renaming of various locations in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar reflects public sentiment and aligns with Indian culture and heritage. The changes will inspire people to contribute to the preservation of our Indian culture and honor the great personalities who have shaped it, he stated. This announcement comes in the wake of rising tensions between Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat and state bureaucrats, which had escalated over an offensive comment made by Rawat regarding a state official. The situation had sparked considerable anger among IAS officers in the state. Following Rawat's controversial remarks, the opposition Congress party also voiced strong reactions. In the wake of comments made by MP Trivendra Singh Rawat regarding an IAS officer, the Uttarakhand IAS Association has issued a resolution, announcing plans to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister. On Saturday, Rawat refrained from commenting on a statement made by the state's mining secretary, who had denied the MP's allegations of illegal mining raised during a session in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. In a dramatic turn of phrase reminiscent of a film dialogue, Rawat stated, Sher kabhi kuttey ka sheekar nhi karta. (A lion doesnt hunt dogs.) During his address in Parliament on Thursday, Rawat, who represents Haridwar, highlighted what he described as a troubling matter in his home state. He asserted, In Uttarakhands Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, illegal mining is becoming rampant at night. That same evening, in an apparent effort to counter the allegations, the state government released a video featuring Mining Secretary Brijesh Sant, who categorically denied the claims made by Rawat. Garima Mhara Dasoani, the chief spokesperson for the Congress party in the state, has expressed sharp criticism of the Dhami governments recent decision regarding the renaming of certain areas. The government should be more concerned about social harmony in the regions rather than changing their names. Instead of focusing on name changes, the government should pay more attention to altering its working style and make efforts in that direction, she stated. In her remarks, Garima also pointed out that Haridwar MP Rawat has held a mirror to his own party, demonstrating how the state government is functioning. Rawat's comments reflect the reality of the government's operations, she added, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective governance.
Uttarakhand CM Announces Renaming of 11 Places After Hindu Deities, Icons
Pushkar Singh Dhami unveils renaming of locations across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, honoring prominent figures from Indian culture and BJP-RSS leaders
Aurangzebpur now Shivaji Nagar as 11 places renamed in Uttarkhand
Dehradun: In a significant move to pay tribute to prominent figures who contributed to preserving Indias rich cultural legacy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the renaming of various locations in the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. The Chief Minister emphasised that the renaming process reflects public sentiment while Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Aurangzebpur to be renamed Shivaji Nagar, says Uttarakhand CM Dhami
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the renaming of 13 areas and two roads in four districts to reflect Indian culture and heritage. The changes include new names in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, inspired by prominent Indian figures.
Uttarakhand renames 18 places located in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar districts
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says the move is to respect public sentiment and preserve Indian culture and heritage
Bus carrying 50 yatris to Haridwar flagged off
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 27: In a remarkable initiative taken by the Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust to facilitate spiritual fulfillment, this time on the request made by Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister, Trust has facilitated a group of devotees for taking dip in Holy Ganga Maiya ji in Haridwar. The Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust has made their boarding and lodging besides food arrangements in its Haridwar Bhawan and in addition also arranged Yoga Shivir Camp, said Pawan Kumar Shastri, President of [] The post Bus carrying 50 yatris to Haridwar flagged off appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday.
Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday. The post Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Four Fraudsters Pose As Haridwar Akhara Priests At Delhi Aerocity, Flee With Gold Ring
Delhi Police arrested four individuals posing as head priests from Haridwar Akhara for cheating Gagan Jain out of his gold ring. They were identified through CCTV footage
Two Killed as Sand-Laden Dumper Rams Car at Lachhiwala Toll Plaza
Accident on Haridwar-Dehradun Road leaves car mangled; investigation underway
J&K Veteran Cricket team flagged off for North Zone Tourney
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The J&K Veteran Cricket Team was flagged off by DIG of the Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma for North Zone Tournament, set to take place in Haridwar. Sharma was joined by Gaurav Gupta, spokesperson BJP, K S Jamwal, Senior Vice President, and Vivek Suri, General Secretary of the Veteran Cricket Association of J&K. The tournament is being organized by the Veteran Cricket Association of Uttarakhand under the aegis of the Board for Veteran Cricket [] The post J&K Veteran Cricket team flagged off for North Zone Tourney appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board reschedules Friday prayers on Holi, issues directives
The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has rescheduled Friday prayers in mosques from 12:30 PM-1:00 PM to 2:00 PM-3:00 PM on March 14 due to Holi celebrations coinciding with the prayer time. Similar adjustments are made in Haridwar and Gorakhpur to maintain peace during religious observances, with officials emphasizing community cooperation and law enforcement readiness.
Conservation of medicinal plants underscored
Haridwar: A two-day event on the topic regional training for development of agricultural entrepreneurship in cultivation of medicinal plants, sponsored by the National Medicinal Plants Board Scheme under the AYUSH ministry, was recently held at Patanjali Research Foundation in Haridwar. At the programme, emphasis was laid on conservation of medicinal plants, plantation and the protection []
Celebrating a Decade of Aludecor Sand & Rustic Series: Where Nature Meets Design
It all started on the peaceful shores of the Ganga in Haridwara place that holds an almost mystical charm. Watching the golden sands glisten in the evening light, we were struck by an idea: What if we could capture this natural beauty in architectural form using ACP Sheets?
