Solar panel along highways to check pollution
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed installing solar panels along national highways, beginning with a pilot on the under-construction DelhiDehradun Expressway. The move aligns with Indias targets of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. The pilot will cover a 14.75 km stretch of NH-709B, including a 6.9km elevated section from Akshardham to DLF Ankur Vihar on DelhiUP border. Speaking at Delhi Dialogues , the interactive session organised by this newspaper, MoS Harsh Malhotra said the initiative could reshape how highways are built and powered. Based on the outcome, the government plans to replicate the model across highways in several states, he said. Earlier this month, NHAI signed an MoU with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to collaborate on renewable energy solutions for highways, including solar, wind, hybrid power, green hydrogen, and storage systems. The partnership aims to make transport infra greener, he said. The pilot project, estimated at Rs 1,479.22 crore, is expected to generate up to 7 MW of solar power. It will be commissioned within 18 months and run on a 25-year power agreement. SECI has submitted a draft Request for Selection for developers, and a Joint Working Committee is being set up to monitor progress and chart a national rollout. The agency will conduct feasibility studies, manage bidding for renewable energy procurement, oversee project development and invest in EV charging infra. NHAI will make land available for the charging stations. The 210km DelhiDehradun Expressway is set to open next month, Malhotra said. The access-controlled corridor, with a 100kmph speed limit, runs from Akshardham Temple through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur before ending in Dehradun.
Video: Groom refuses Rs 31 lakh dowry at wedding, wins hearts
Muzaffarnagar: A groom won hearts at a wedding here after he refused to accept a dowry of Rs 31 lakh from the family of the bride, whose maternal grandfather painstakingly put aside the money after her father died due to COVID-19. Awadhesh Singh (26), who married Aditi Singh (24) on November 22 in Shahbuddinpur village 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 .
A dramatic twist at a wedding in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar left the guests stunned when the groom refused the dowry given by the bride's family. 24-year-old Awadesh Rana surprised the guests and earned their appreciation when he refused Rs 31 lakh dowry. Locals said the incident has become a talking point across the area.
UP: 3 cops suspended after shop owner attempts self-immolation citing harassment
Muzaffarnagar: Three policemen have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty after a mobile shop owner attempted to set himself on fire claiming police harassment here, officials said on Monday. The suspensions were ordered after a preliminary inquiry into the complaint against the officers, Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar said. According to police, Anas 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 .
Greater Noida: Woman jumps to death from 16th floor apartment at Migsun Twin Society
A 21-year-old woman, Shalu from Muzaffarnagar, tragically died after allegedly jumping from the 16th floor of a Greater Noida residential building on Friday evening. The incident occurred at Migsun Twin Society, with police stating no suicide note was found and investigations are ongoing.
No live-in: All-caste khap makes parental consent must for love marriages
LUCKNOW: An all-caste Sarv Khap Panchayat in Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh, unanimously passed 11 resolutions against what it called the prevalent social evils, including opposition to live-in relationships and homosexuality and making parental consent for love marriage mandatory. The panchayat also recommended ending traditional 13-day death feast. Notably, it set up a committee to enforce the decisions, with the next meeting scheduled for 2035. Organised in Sorum village of Shahpur Nagar panchayat area on Tuesday, it saw former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan and present Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Agarwal among the prominent attendees that attracted around 15,000 people. The khap, which witnessed the participation of khap chaudharis and thumbedars of around 36 communities, along with farmers and common people, held three-day deliberations on what the organisers called social evils, traditions, and vices spreading in the society. Participants came from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The chaudhary of the Balyan Khap and Bharatiya Kisan Union national president Naresh Tikait and national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait also attended the event. Budhana MLA Rajpal Balyan and Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik also participated in it. Its leaders decided that an all-caste panchayat should be held once in a decade to address social evils. What the Sarv Khap Panchayat resolved Ban on death feasts, female feticide, and dowry system Initiative for de-addiction Opposition to live-in relationships, homosexuality Parental consent for love marriage Girl child education Environmental, cow protection
A scooter rider in Muzaffarnagar was mistakenly fined Rs 20.74 lakh for traffic violations. Police called it a technical glitch and reduced the challan to Rs 4,000 after the receipt went viral.
Dalit man's body with stab wounds found in UP village
MUZAFFARNAGAR: The body of a Dalit man with stab wounds was found in a field in a village here, police said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Sonu (29). According to police, Sonu left home on Saturday after receiving a phone call but did not return. His body was found in a sugarcane field in Ghari Firozabad village under the Kakroli police station area. There were multiple stab wounds on the body, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal told reporters. A blood-stained knife and the youth's motorcycle were recovered from the spot. The body has been sent for post-mortem, he said. An investigation has been launched and efforts are on to trace the assailants. Those involved in the crime will be arrested soon, Bansal said.
UP man in Saudi Arabia ends life during video call with wife
Muzaffarnagar: A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday. A police official here said Aas Mohammad Ansari allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his residence in Riyadh on October 26 following 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 .
UP man in Saudi Arabia dies by suicide during video call with wife
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday. A police official here said Aas Mohammad Ansari allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his residence in Riyadh on October 26 following a heated argument with his wife Sania (21) during a video call. After the incident, his wife informed relatives living in Saudi Arabia, who rushed to his residence and found him dead, according to his family. A relative, Amjad Ali, said efforts are underway to bring the body back to Muzaffarnagar for burial. Family members on Wednesday said the couple had married earlier this year on April 7 at Bhopa village. Ansari had travelled to Saudi Arabia around two-and-a-half months ago for work. Family members said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been informed and necessary documentation is being arranged to repatriate the mortal remains. Police said they are probing the details of the matter, including the issue over which the couple had the argument. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Indian In Saudi Dies By Suicide On Video Call With Wife In UP After Quarrel
A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district allegedly died by suicide in Saudi Arabia during a video call with his newly married wife in India, police said on Wednesday.
Criminal carrying bounty of Rs 1 lakh killed in police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli
LUCKNOW: A wanted criminal in western UP, carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh, was shot dead in a police encounter in Bhogi Majra village of Shamli district late on Thursday evening. During the encounter, Special Operations Group constable Deepak suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was hospitalised. The criminal, Faisal, who had 17 criminal cases including those related to murder and robbery, lodged against him, was killed just after committing a robbery with his accomplice. He was associated with the notorious Sanjeev Jeeva gang, Police said. The encounter took place in the forest of Bhogimajra. Just hours before the encounter, Faisal and his associate had robbed Jeetram, a resident of Barnawi village, and his wife of their motorcycle, Rs 3,000 in cash, and a mobile phone, Shamli Superintendent of Police (SP)Narendra Pratap Singh said. According to the police authorities, the encounter broke out near Bhogi Majra on the Bhogi MajraMachroli road when the Jhinjhana police team, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG), tried to intercept Faisal. The police of Jhinjhana police station and the SOG team had received a tip-off about Faisal's arrival. They were informed that some criminals were planning a robbery on the Vedkheri road. Consequently, the team surrounded the criminals. As soon as they saw the police, the criminals started firing. He opened fire on the police, prompting retaliation by the cops...Faisal sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital by the cops. However, the doctors declared him dead upon arrival. His accomplice managed to flee the spot, said an officer. Police recovered a motorcycle and two pistols from the spot. The police team started combing the forest in search of him. Faisal was a resident of Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar. During the encounter, SOG constable Deepak suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was hospitalised. The slain criminal was a sharpshooter of the notorious Sanju Jeeva gang and was wanted in two recent robbery incidents in the district. A cash reward of Rs 1 lakh had been announced for his arrest, said the SP. Police said Faisals associate, Shahrukh Pathan, was killed about one and a half months ago in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF). According to the state government, from March 2017 to October 2025, UP Police has killed 259 criminals in encounters. During this period, more than 15,000 police encounters took place in which more than 31,000 criminals were arrested, and more than 10,000 were injured.
Man beaten to death after minor dispute turns violent in UPs Shamli
Muzaffarnagar: A man was beaten to death following a clash between two groups from different communities over a minor dispute in Shamli district, police said on Thursday. Additional SP Santosh Kumar Singh told reporters that Idrees (35) was killed in the clash at a village under the Jhinjhana police station limits on Wednesday night. Ajit, 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 .
UP Woman Injured As Old Firecrackers Drying On House Roof Explode
A woman was severely injured in an explosion caused by old firecrackers at a house in Khatuli town of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police said.
UP teenager blinded in one eye after police brutality over mosque announcement
A 13-year-old Muslim boy in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, lost vision in his left eye due to alleged police brutality while in detention after his announcement at a local mosque hurt local sentiments. The family lodged complaints with the district authorities, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 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 .
Road crash in UP leaves six dead
MUZAFFARNAGAR: An SUV rammed into a stationary truck here on Wednesday, leaving six persons dead and another seriously injured, police said. The accident took place near a roadside eatery on the Panipat-Khatima highway, officials said. Circle Officer Rupali Rao told PTI that the victims were travelling from Haryana to Haridwar to immerse the ashes of a relative when the accident took place. The deceased were identified as Mohini (44), Anju (30), Vimmi (35), Rajender (50), Shiva (30, driver) and Piyush (30), all residents of Faridpur in Haryana. The injured has been admitted to a hospital.
Man stabbed to death as two groups clash over love affair in Muzaffarnagar
Muzaffarnagar: A 20-year-old man has been allegedly stabbed to death as two groups clashed here over a love affair, police said on Tuesday. Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar told reporters that two people Shiva and Hrithik were critically injured in a clash at Patel Nagar locality in Nai Mandi area of Muzaffarnagar 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 .
15-year-old girl shot dead by father, minor brother in suspected honour killing in UP
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A 17-year-old girl has been allegedly shot dead by her father and minor brother in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh in a suspected case of honour killing, police said on Monday. The incident took place in Ambehta village under Kandhla police station limits on Sunday evening, Superintendent of Police N P Singh told reporters. The victim, identified as Muskan, a Class 12 student, was allegedly taken to the upper floor of their house by her father Julfam and 15-year-old brother, where she was shot dead with a pistol, Singh said. The SP said an FIR has been registered against Julfam and his minor son under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both have been arrested and the weapon used in the crime was recovered. The accused father has confessed to killing his daughter for for tarnishing the family's name, Singh said. According to locals, Muskan had been in a relationship with a boy from the area, which her family opposed. On Sunday evening, when her father caught her chatting on the phone, leading to the fatal incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, the SP added.
People propose AI-powered holographic guides, cultural tech festivals for Viksit UP @2047 vision
LUCKNOW: The Samarth Uttar Pradesh Viksit Uttar Pradesh @2047 campaign, led by the Yogi government, is witnessing significant public participation and feedback, with nodal officers and intellectuals visiting all 75 districts of the state. They are engaging with students, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, business leaders, voluntary groups, labour unions, media representatives and the public. These interactions have not only highlighted the development journey of the past eight and a half years but have also invited discussions and feedback on the roadmap for Uttar Pradeshs future. On the governments dedicated portal, samarthuttarpradesh.up.gov.in, nearly 2.25 lakh feedback entries have already been recorded so far. Of these, around 1.55 lakh are from rural areas and about 70,000 from urban regions. By age group, approximately 77,000 suggestions have come from people under 31 years, over 1.14 lakh from those aged between 31 and 60, and more than 30,000 from people above 60 years. Education remains the top concern, with around 74,000 suggestions received on the subject. About 40,000 suggestions have focused on urban and rural development, 18,000 each on health and social welfare, and over 32,000 suggestions on agriculture. The highest participation has come from Etah, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Mainpuri, Kanpur Dehat and Hardoi, which together have contributed over 78,500 feedback entries. People have suggested enhancing tourism in Uttar Pradesh through innovative measures, including AI-powered holographic guides to present historical facts in visitors friendly languages. They have also proposed an annual Uttar Pradesh Cultural Tech Festival to showcase traditional art, crafts and music alongside modern technologies such as light shows, digital art and music tech. Suggestions have further included connecting each districts unique art and handicrafts with e-commerce platforms and metaverse-based digital marketplaces. For urban centres, people have emphasised the need for smart transport systems, seamless cashless payment facilities and real-time tourist assistance apps. Many have also proposed the launch of a UP Tourism One Card to provide unified access to hotels, transport, museums and religious sites. In addition, there have been strong calls to promote eco-friendly (green) hotels and homestays across the state. People from districts like Bahraich, Maharajganj, Saharanpur and others have suggested key reforms to strengthen and sustain agriculture. They have emphasised promoting modern and organic farming, with a focus on crop diversification, financial assistance for farmers, water management and soil conservation. Citizens have also recommended encouraging agriculture-based businesses to boost rural economies. To address climate change, people have proposed increasing organic matter in the soil, adopting sustainable farming practices, leveraging modern technology and making full use of government schemes. They have further highlighted the importance of scientific farming, integrated farming systems and conserving natural resources.
Couple Dead, 3 Of Family Injured As Car Overturns In UP: Cops
A 60-year-old man and his wife died while three members of their family got injured after their car malfunctioned and overturned on the Delhi-Dehradun national highway in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, police said.
Uttar Pradesh woman on Pashupatinath pilgrimage in Nepal dies in arson
LUCKNOW: Nepals ongoing unrest turned a Ghaziabad familys pilgrimage to the Pashupatinath temple into tragedy after rioters set fire to a luxury hotel in Kathmandu where they were staying, leaving a woman dead. Dozens of Indian tourists are stranded in the violence-hit country. Ramveer Singh Gola, 58, never knew that a spiritual sojourn with his wife Rajesh Gola would become her journey to the heavenly abode. He travelled to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple on September 7. On September 8, violent protests broke out in the Himalayan state demanding transparency in governance and lifting of the ban on social media platforms. The deadly night of September 9 proved to be the nemesis of the Golas as their five-star hotel was set ablaze during the violent protests. Demonstrators tried to storm parliament and torched various government and private establishments as the agitation turned violent. According to relatives, Ramveer Gola and his wife were staying on the upper floor of the hotel when protesters set the lower floors on fire. In panic, Ramveer attempted to rescue his wife to safety using a curtain, but she slipped from his grasp and fell, sustaining severe injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed on the way due to excessive bleeding and injuries. On Friday morning at 10:30 am, family members brought her body to their residence in Master Colony, Ghaziabad. As per family sources, the violent mob stormed the hotel and set it on fire. As the stairways filled with smoke, Ramveer broke the windowpane, tied sheets, and jumped onto a mattress, while Rajesh Gola slipped while trying to climb down and fell heavily on her back. According to the account of Vishal, the elder son of the Golas, communication blackouts hampered their search. For two days, we didnt know about their whereabouts. Finally, my father was found in a relief camp, but my mother died in the hospital, he said while talking to media persons. The son also alleged that he received minimal support from the Indian embassy. Meanwhile, several groups of UP pilgrims remain stranded in Nepal as violent protests continue to disrupt normal life in the Himalayan nation. The India-Nepal border in Maharajganj witnessed a surge of returning tourists as many cut short their trips amid escalating unrest. A group of 10 pilgrims from Muzaffarnagar, in western UP, who had travelled to visit the Pashupatinath temple, have been confined to their hotel for the past three days. The group includes local BJP leader Sunil Kumar Tayal, who has sought assistance from state minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal. Similarly, nine pilgrims from Ayodhya, who set out on the Mansarovar pilgrimage, are stranded in Hilsa at the Nepal-China border. Most of them were preparing to return, but the arson and unrest in Nepal closed the routes. However, according to available information, all the pilgrims are safe and in contact with their families. Ayodhya DM Nikhil Tikaram Funde told media persons that he was observing the situation and was trying to ensure the safe exit of the pilgrims. Nine individuals departed from Ayodhya on September 1 to visit Kailash Mansarovar. On their return journey, they got stuck in Nepal after passing through China. Although their families claim to be in contact with them, efforts are underway to bring them back safely by coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal, said the DM. Those stranded in Nepal include Sushil Rajpal, Chaman Singh, Madan Jaiswal, Vikas Gupta, Ramakant Yadav, Shailendra Agrahari, Anoop Kumar Singh, Prakash Srivastava, and Hari Shyam Tripathi.
UP Man Jailed For 10 Years For Killing Wife Over Dowry, Faking Death As Covid Case
A fast-track court in Muzaffarnagar on Tuesday convicted a man and sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment for killing his wife over dowry demand while falsely showing her death as due to coronavirus.
Lucknow Diary | Now, AI-based solution to help check food fraud
Researchers at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) in Lucknow have developed an AI-based solution to address food fraud and adulteration in the natural medicine industry. Led by senior scientist CH Ratnasekhar, the team established a technique to verify the authenticity of botanicals such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and basil. By combining AI with high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyse chemical fingerprints, the approach reports over 98% accuracy in identifying geographical origin, variety, specific plant parts, and detecting adulterated samples. Silent Diwali in store for NCR districts of state With Diwali inching closer, the UP government has announced a blanket ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the NCR districts of the state Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar. The ban is in compliance with a Supreme Court directive to curb pollution. Violators face up to five-year jail terms and cash fines. Authorities stated that the move was crucial to mitigate the annual spike in air pollution levels during the festive season and safeguard public health. Officials emphasised that strict enforcement and public cooperation would be crucial. BJP allies flex muscles ahead of 2027 trial The 2027 Assembly poll is not too far, and the BJPs allies are flexing muscles to keep the former under pressure. Leaders of the Nishad Party, SBSP, RLD, and Apna Dal (S) gathered in Delhi for the national convention of the Nishad Party, setting the tone for political bargaining. They claimed that they are the PDA within the NDA, representing OBC and Dalit communities. Sharing the stage were Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad, SBSPs Om Prakash Rajbhar, Apna Dal (S) vice president Ashish Patel, and RLD general secretary Chandan Chauhan. Nishad, Rajbhar, and Patel are also ministers in the Yogi government. Namita bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
3 men sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Dalit man, injuring his children
Muzaffarnagar: A special SC/ST court here sentenced three men to life imprisonment for killing a Dalit man and injuring his three children last year, officials said. Special Judge Smt. Asharani Singh also imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 each on Rajender Jat, his son Mohit Jat, and Virender. The court found them guilty under Indian 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 .
Used To Neglect Me Over First Wife: UP Woman Murders Husband In His Sleep
30-year-old wife was arrested for allegedly strangling her husband in his sleep in Muzaffarnagar after claiming he neglected her for his first wife.
'Neglected' By Husband, Uttar Pradesh Woman Murders Him In His Sleep
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have arrested a woman for allegedly strangling her husband to death in his sleep for neglecting her over his first wife, officials said on Sunday.
Man beaten to death in UP's Muzaffarnagar
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A hay trader was allegedly beaten to death by a group of men in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday in Keratu village. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Santosh Kumar said, Ankush Kumar (27) had travelled from his village of Nagla in Muzaffarnagar to Keratu to purchase hay. His body was later discovered near a roadside dhaba on the Meerut-Karnal highway with injury marks. According to a complaint filed by the deceased's family, Ankush was allegedly beaten to death for unknown reasons. A case has been registered based on the complaint, and further investigation is underway, police said.
Two wanted criminals arrested in separate encounters in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar
In Meerut, a criminal carrying a reward of 25,000, who was wanted in a cow slaughter case, was arrested following a police encounter late Friday night
Young man critical after mob assault in UP village
A young Muslim man was viciously attacked by a mob of over 10 people in Barla village of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The attack took place on Thursday, August 21. Fardeen, whose medical condition is said to be critical, said that he was targeted solely for his religious identity. A young man was viciously attacked 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 .
Heavy Rain Lashes Delhi-NCR, IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Over Next Few Hours
Noida is witnessing intense rain in several areas, disrupting traffic. IMD, on Tuesday, forecasted rain and storms in Delhi, NCR, Kaithal, Panipat, and Muzaffarnagar.
23-Year-Old Man, Infant Killed As Speeding Truck Hits Bike In UPs Muzaffarnagar
A speeding truck killed Bharat and his nephew, critically injuring Jayanti in Muzaffarnagar.
Muzaffarnagar Sisters Go Missing, Parents File Complaint. Days Later They Return As Husband-Wife
According to the report, one was dressed as a groom while the other had sindoor (vermilion) in her hair parting when they returned.
Mulayam Singhs Kothi No. 4 in Moradabad to be reclaimed by UP govt
LUCKNOW: The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of the iconic Kothi No.4 in the Civil Lines area of Moradabad city, which served as the Samajwadi Partys (SP) nerve centre in western Uttar Pradesh for over three decades. The sprawling bungalow, originally made in 1994 in the name of SP founder and former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, will not be a part of the partys heritage any more. The Moradabad district administration has cited violation of rules and state governments need to reclaim the property. Confirming that the Samajwadi Party is given a 30-day time to vacate the property, Moradabad District magistrate Anuj Singh said that the Municipal bungalows could only be leased for a maximum of 15 years. This property has remained with the SP for over 31 years. With the growing demand for government offices and residences, we had no option but to reclaim it, said the DM. The notice, issued by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance), directs the SP to vacate the premises within 30 days, failing which a fine of Rs 1,000 per day would be imposed, along with legal proceedings. However, the Samajwadis are exploring legal options and SP Moradabad District president Jaiveer Yadav confirmed receiving the notice. We are consulting lawyers and will pursue this legally, he said. Kothi No.4 is a sprawling 953.71 square meters property just opposite Police Training College in Moradabads most prestigious VIP enclave. With four rooms, a sprawling lawn, and ample parking, the building was inaugurated by SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav on July 26, 1994. It was allotted to him as SPs national president at a token rent of Rs 250 per month. For SP, the bungalow was not just a headquarters but a cradle of its western UP expansion. As per senior Samajwadi Party leaders, the Kothi was more than an officeit was their command centre. During the Mandal agitation, the Rampur Tiraha incident, and later the Kisan Jawan Sangharsh Day protests, this place remained the main meeting point where strategies were drawn, workers assembled, and Mulayam Singhs vision was communicated. They feel that taking it away now was a calculated move by the Yogi government to weaken the morale of Samajwadis and erase their roots from western UP. The infamous incident of police firing on activists demanding a separate Uttarakhand state at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar on October 12, 1994, killing half a dozen people, had turned Kothi number 4 into a crisis centre where emergency meetings were held and strategies were devised to placate the party supporters who were deeply shaken by the incident. Local SP leaders and workers feel that the district administrations move has come as a jolt, particularly at a time when the party is preparing for the upcoming political battles in the state. They say that it is not merely about the rules. The BJP knows the symbolic importance of this Kothi for Samajwadis in western UP. By taking it away, they want to send a message and weaken the morale of party workers. It is a deliberate attempt to shake the confidence of the cadre. On the contrary, the district administration cited three key reasons for the cancellation, stating that the allotment was in the name of Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away on October 10, 2022, and no transfer request was made thereafter. Also, the property lies on Nazul land, officially recorded as government property under the Moradabad Municipal Corporation, which needs it for officers residences and official projects. Additionally, the SP has not been regular in paying the rent in recent years. The loss of Kothi No. 4 means SP will now have to find a new district office a challenge both logistically and symbolically.
Major rivers flowing above danger mark in UP as incessant rains claim a dozen lives
LUCKNOW: At least five rivers in Uttar Pradesh are flowing above the danger mark and many others are in spate owing to the incessant heavy rains during the last 50 hours, which have claimed over a dozen lives so far. Continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers have triggered a major flood crisis affecting at least 20 districts, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Jhansi, Agra, Kanpur Dehat, and Kanpur Nagar. Rising water levels in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal rivers have inundated hundreds of homes and cut off villages. Relief and rescue teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and PAC have been pressed into service in the worst-hit areas. The monsoon remains active in both eastern and western parts of UP due to a strong monsoon trough. Heavy rainfall has been reported in Lucknow prompting the District Magistrate to declare all schools from Classes 1 to 12 closed on Monday. Similar orders were issued in Sultanpur, where government and private schools up to Class 8 were shut. Eastern Uttar Pradesh recorded 18.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, nearly 146% above the normal level of 7.5 mm. Western UP saw 8.2 mm of rainfall compared to an expected 7.2 mm, 14% above normal. The IMD has issued warnings of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for over 60 districts. The Met department issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Sambhal, and Badaun. Alerts for heavy rain have also been issued in 40+ additional districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ayodhya, Moradabad, and Etawah. Lightning warnings are in effect for nearly the entire state. The flood situation is grim across the state with the Team 11, constituted by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, comprising ministers, on ground zero to oversee the rescue and relief. With the CM personally monitoring the situation, the flood relief and rescue operations intensified across the state. Varanasi, Prayagraj and Kanpur are among the worst-affected divisions. In Varanasi, families have been waiting for hours for their turn to perform the last rites of their near and dear ones at the ghats as rising waters of the swollen Ganga spilled on to the streets on Monday leaving the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghat cremation grounds completely inundated. While pyres were being laid at the upper platform at Manikarnika Ghat, cremations took place in the streets near Harishchandra ghat. With the majority of the 84 ghats along the Ganga submerged, flood waters had been flowing on roads especially in upstream areas. The fury of the Ganga is not only gripping Kashi but also affecting the lives of thousands in neighbouring Ballia district as well. The fields with ready paddy crops are completely marooned in Ghazipur and Chandauli districts. In Prayagraj, with water levels of Ganga and Yamuna having breached the danger mark by around 50 centimetres at Naini, Phaphamau and Chhatnag, more than 107 wards of the district stood flooded forcing more and more residents to take refuge at makeshift flood relief camps. Over 1747 families, comprising 7500 people, have already moved to 18 relief camps, which are getting crowded by the day. The administration has deployed over 168 boats and one motorboat to rescue and assist flood victims. While the Ganga breached the danger mark in Ballia and Ghazipur, the Yamuna is above the danger mark in several areas, including Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur, and Banda. The Betwa River is also overflowing in Hamirpur. According to Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami, 40 tehsils and 694 villages in 17 districts were in the grip of floods impacting over 1.16 lakh peopleall of whom have received assistance and moved to relief camps. Over 25,000 people and 4,682 cattle have been relocated. However, 11,386 hectares of land lie flooded. Relief is being delivered via 738 active boats, with 4,867 kept on standby. So far, 9,467 food packets and 1.18 lakh lunch packets have been distributed, while 39 langars (community kitchens) continue to serve fresh meals to those hit by rains and flood fury, added Goswami. With senior officials holding ground in sensitive and hypersensitive districts, 14 NDRF teams, 15 SDRF teams, and 48 PAC teams have been deployed across 57 districts to aid affected populations. Goswami said that a total of 924 flood shelters were housing 18,772 displaced individuals, all being attended to by 778 medical teams. Additionally, 1,193 flood posts were monitoring the situation, and 25,586 people were relocated to safer areas. The most-affected districts include Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Banda, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Hamirpur, Etawah, and Fatehpur. Relief operations are underway at a rapid pace, with NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams conducting continuous patrolling in affected areas.
