Neha Lalchandani, TNN | 28 September 2011, 02.17AM IST
NEW DELHI: Another proposal to usurp a substantial part of the Yamuna floodplain has raised the hackles of environmentalists. An RTI query has revealed Noida Authority's plans of building an embankment on the left bank of the Yamuna, stretching from NH-24 to the Chilla Regulator. While the proposal to the Yamuna Standing Committee claimed it is a flood control measure, senior officials of the authority accept that it is only a bid to reclaim land.
Interestingly, the authority has not even decided what to do with the over 15-lakh sqm land that it will gain through this. "It will take about three years for the embankment to come up and only then will we decide how to use the land. Flood control measures are not required as the Noida link road serves that purpose. The project is under consideration," said a senior official. He was unable to explain why the authority is eyeing the land even though it has no use for it at present.
The proposal was mooted by the UP government in August 2008 and sent to the Yamuna Standing Committee in 2009. The committee cleared it conditionally, asking the government to ensure that all required environmental clearances were obtained before work started. The authority has already marked the area on ground using poles and barbed wire.
"It was by sheer chance that we learnt about the project. We first managed to access the minutes of the YSC meetings through RTI and then applied once more to get details of the project. The LG has been apprised of the situation and we hope some action will be taken," said Manoj Mishra of the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan.
The project report states that the length of the embankment would be about 4km, stretching from 280m at NH-24 to 660m at the Chilla Regulator in width. The embankment will be 6m high with a 6m width on top and about 40m wide base. "The project is worth Rs 92.1 crore. The area under consideration is the only relatively secure floodplain we have in Delhi and it is highly important for groundwater regeneration. In the 2010 floods, there was 3-4m water in the area. The right side of the river has already been concretized under Commonwealth Games Village and the Akshardham Temple. This will be the death of the river," added Mishra.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Flood alert sounded in Bihar (Hindu 27 September 2011)
Making merry: Children playing in the water-logged Gandhi Maidan after heavy rain that lashed Patna on Monday. Photo: Ranjeet Kumar
An alert was sounded on Monday as the overall flood situation in Bihar worsened following heavy rain in the catchment areas of the rivers and the discharge of water from two dams in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the State Water Resources and Disaster Management departments to be on high alert and intensify relief and rescue operations.
Following discharge of 9.50 lakh cusec of water from the Bansagar dam in Madhya Pradesh and the Rihand dam in Uttar Pradesh into the Sone during the past 48 hours several villages of Rohtas, Arwal, Patna, Aurangabad and Bhojpur districts were inundated, official sources said.
The water discharge from Bansagar on Sunday was recorded at 9.58 lakh cusec, the highest ever since 1975, forcing the State government to send letters to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand governments registering its protest over erratic discharge to the Sone.
In view of the worsened flood situation, the government has cancelled leave of all engineers till October 15 and postponed the State-level meeting of the chief engineers scheduled on September 29 and 30 to October 15 and 16.
The government has also sounded alert in Vaishali, Chapra, Samastipur, Katihar and Bhagalpur districts as the water level of the Ganga is rising due to heavy discharge into the Sone which culminates in the Ganga near Haldi-Chapra.
Heavy downpour in the catchments areas of the Sone led to the collapse of several mud houses in Rohtas.
Rohit Kumar (8) was killed and his sister Gudia (6) critically injured when their mud house collapsed at village Jamuna-Nawadih under Rohtas block on Sunday, sources said.
The government has taken up immediate relief and rescue operations and pressed into service a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue the marooned people.
Reports said the NDRF team reached Rohtas to rescue villagers stranded on small islands in the Sone area.
An alert was sounded on Monday as the overall flood situation in Bihar worsened following heavy rain in the catchment areas of the rivers and the discharge of water from two dams in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the State Water Resources and Disaster Management departments to be on high alert and intensify relief and rescue operations.
Following discharge of 9.50 lakh cusec of water from the Bansagar dam in Madhya Pradesh and the Rihand dam in Uttar Pradesh into the Sone during the past 48 hours several villages of Rohtas, Arwal, Patna, Aurangabad and Bhojpur districts were inundated, official sources said.
The water discharge from Bansagar on Sunday was recorded at 9.58 lakh cusec, the highest ever since 1975, forcing the State government to send letters to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand governments registering its protest over erratic discharge to the Sone.
In view of the worsened flood situation, the government has cancelled leave of all engineers till October 15 and postponed the State-level meeting of the chief engineers scheduled on September 29 and 30 to October 15 and 16.
The government has also sounded alert in Vaishali, Chapra, Samastipur, Katihar and Bhagalpur districts as the water level of the Ganga is rising due to heavy discharge into the Sone which culminates in the Ganga near Haldi-Chapra.
Heavy downpour in the catchments areas of the Sone led to the collapse of several mud houses in Rohtas.
Rohit Kumar (8) was killed and his sister Gudia (6) critically injured when their mud house collapsed at village Jamuna-Nawadih under Rohtas block on Sunday, sources said.
The government has taken up immediate relief and rescue operations and pressed into service a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue the marooned people.
Reports said the NDRF team reached Rohtas to rescue villagers stranded on small islands in the Sone area.
Nitish reviews Bihar flood situation (Hindu 26 September 2011)
No respite: Vehicles trudging through a waterlogged road after heavy rain lashed Patna on Sunday. -Photo: Ranjeet Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday reviewed the flood situation in several districts, with rivers Sone and Ganga in spate after release of over nine lakh cusecs from Indrapuri barrage.
The Chief Minister, who spoke to the district officials of Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Munger and Bhagalpur, directed them to issue alert and warn people about the flood situation.
Kumar also held a review meeting with the Water Resources Development (WRD) Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee, WRD Principal Secretary Afzal Amanullah and Disaster Management Principal Secretary Vyasji.
He urged the officials to constantly monitor the situation and carry out rescue and relief works as required.
The meetings took place in the backdrop of 9.58 lakh cusecs of water, the highest since 1975, being discharged from Indrapuri barrage this morning.
While the water level in Sone river has abated from this afternoon bringing respite to the central districts, the surging Ganga water flooded Haldichapra and moved downstream to Digha and Gandhighat at Patna on way to Hathidah, Munger, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon, official sources said.
The Punpun river too was in spate and flowing 1.93 meters above danger mark due to incessant rains since the past three-four days, they said.
In view of the sitution, the WRD minister has cancelled the leaves of the engineers till October 15 next and postponed the State-level meeting of the WRD engineers that was scheduled to be held in Patna on September 29-30, the sources added.
The Minister said he will write letters to his counterparts in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand saying they had given wrong information to Bihar about release of water from their dams/barrages. “The authorities in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand discharge more water during floods than the quantum intimated to Bihar, while during drought situation, the release of water was less than promised for irrigation,” he alleged. This led to a piquant situation for the State government in management of water resources, the Minister said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday reviewed the flood situation in several districts, with rivers Sone and Ganga in spate after release of over nine lakh cusecs from Indrapuri barrage.
The Chief Minister, who spoke to the district officials of Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Munger and Bhagalpur, directed them to issue alert and warn people about the flood situation.
Kumar also held a review meeting with the Water Resources Development (WRD) Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee, WRD Principal Secretary Afzal Amanullah and Disaster Management Principal Secretary Vyasji.
He urged the officials to constantly monitor the situation and carry out rescue and relief works as required.
The meetings took place in the backdrop of 9.58 lakh cusecs of water, the highest since 1975, being discharged from Indrapuri barrage this morning.
While the water level in Sone river has abated from this afternoon bringing respite to the central districts, the surging Ganga water flooded Haldichapra and moved downstream to Digha and Gandhighat at Patna on way to Hathidah, Munger, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon, official sources said.
The Punpun river too was in spate and flowing 1.93 meters above danger mark due to incessant rains since the past three-four days, they said.
In view of the sitution, the WRD minister has cancelled the leaves of the engineers till October 15 next and postponed the State-level meeting of the WRD engineers that was scheduled to be held in Patna on September 29-30, the sources added.
The Minister said he will write letters to his counterparts in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand saying they had given wrong information to Bihar about release of water from their dams/barrages. “The authorities in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand discharge more water during floods than the quantum intimated to Bihar, while during drought situation, the release of water was less than promised for irrigation,” he alleged. This led to a piquant situation for the State government in management of water resources, the Minister said.
Water under the bridge
Water under the bridge
Manoj Misra, Hindustan Times
September 25, 2011
India has officially been ‘battling’ floods in its rivers since 1954. This is manifested in the construction of multipurpose dams over rivers with flood control as one of their ‘multiple’ roles. The raising of embankments to keep flood waters away along some 33,000 km of India’s river banks is also a prime example of this ongoing ‘battle’.
And yet, according to the World Bank, over the past 50 years, flood-affected areas in India have almost doubled from a mere 5% to about 12%. Is there an explanation for this progressively ‘losing’ war?
Nature doesn’t indulge in wars. Humans do. Our rivers flood every monsoon, especially during a good monsoon, something every farmer prays for.
High rainfall naturally results in flooded streams and rivers spreading over their plains as flood waters race downstream to the seas. Can there be anything more natural than this?
This is akin to a ‘cold wave’ during winter or a ‘hot wave’ in summer. If a cold wave or a hot wave is endured by humans and never spoken of in terms of their being ‘natural disasters’, why are river floods thought of in those terms and grand plans made to ‘combat’ them?
That we continue — and shall continue — to fail in this meaningless combat has once again been brought home in a telling manner by the recent Mahanadi floods in Odisha.
The ‘multipurpose’ dam over river Mahanadi at Hirakud stands as one of the first such dams created in independent India. Many experts now wonder if the dam has actually worsened, rather than helped, the flood situation in the state.
In monsoonal India, we must first understand floods in rivers and then prepare ourselves through non-structural ways and methods to remain safe.
The first of these measures is improved and state-of-the-art flood forecasting. Monitoring methods through the use of technological props like satellite imageries and climate watch techniques are necessary.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is quite up-to-date on these technologies.
Second, legislative measures can secure the flood plains against rampant encroachment by vested interests of all kinds. The River Regulation Zone (RRZ) notification by the ministry of environment and forests is yet to see the light of day.
Third, the natural drainage systems in different parts of the country — badly truncated or mutilated by the building of roads, highways and railways with little regard to the natural path that flood waters have traced over the ages — must be restored. The situation is further confounded by the relentless urbanisation seen in recent times.
For example, the manner in which the city of Delhi is flooded by a few hours of rainfall is a testimony to the results of an utter disregard by the city planners for the city’s natural drainage system.
Can any Mumbaikar forget July 25, 2005, when almost the entire city went under floodwaters with natural drains built upon or lost?
So, shall we let our rivers and their flood plains be? Shall we let the natural drainage systems created by the flowing water over the years be respected and restored?
Shall we utilise the advantages of the latest advancements in climate prediction and flood forecasting, communicating them far and wide for people in vulnerable sites to move to safe locations?
An affirmative on all those questions would make for less misery during the monsoons.
(Manoj Misra, is the convener of the Delhi-based Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan. The views expressed by the author are personal)
Manoj Misra, Hindustan Times
September 25, 2011
India has officially been ‘battling’ floods in its rivers since 1954. This is manifested in the construction of multipurpose dams over rivers with flood control as one of their ‘multiple’ roles. The raising of embankments to keep flood waters away along some 33,000 km of India’s river banks is also a prime example of this ongoing ‘battle’.
And yet, according to the World Bank, over the past 50 years, flood-affected areas in India have almost doubled from a mere 5% to about 12%. Is there an explanation for this progressively ‘losing’ war?
Nature doesn’t indulge in wars. Humans do. Our rivers flood every monsoon, especially during a good monsoon, something every farmer prays for.
High rainfall naturally results in flooded streams and rivers spreading over their plains as flood waters race downstream to the seas. Can there be anything more natural than this?
This is akin to a ‘cold wave’ during winter or a ‘hot wave’ in summer. If a cold wave or a hot wave is endured by humans and never spoken of in terms of their being ‘natural disasters’, why are river floods thought of in those terms and grand plans made to ‘combat’ them?
That we continue — and shall continue — to fail in this meaningless combat has once again been brought home in a telling manner by the recent Mahanadi floods in Odisha.
The ‘multipurpose’ dam over river Mahanadi at Hirakud stands as one of the first such dams created in independent India. Many experts now wonder if the dam has actually worsened, rather than helped, the flood situation in the state.
In monsoonal India, we must first understand floods in rivers and then prepare ourselves through non-structural ways and methods to remain safe.
The first of these measures is improved and state-of-the-art flood forecasting. Monitoring methods through the use of technological props like satellite imageries and climate watch techniques are necessary.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is quite up-to-date on these technologies.
Second, legislative measures can secure the flood plains against rampant encroachment by vested interests of all kinds. The River Regulation Zone (RRZ) notification by the ministry of environment and forests is yet to see the light of day.
Third, the natural drainage systems in different parts of the country — badly truncated or mutilated by the building of roads, highways and railways with little regard to the natural path that flood waters have traced over the ages — must be restored. The situation is further confounded by the relentless urbanisation seen in recent times.
For example, the manner in which the city of Delhi is flooded by a few hours of rainfall is a testimony to the results of an utter disregard by the city planners for the city’s natural drainage system.
Can any Mumbaikar forget July 25, 2005, when almost the entire city went under floodwaters with natural drains built upon or lost?
So, shall we let our rivers and their flood plains be? Shall we let the natural drainage systems created by the flowing water over the years be respected and restored?
Shall we utilise the advantages of the latest advancements in climate prediction and flood forecasting, communicating them far and wide for people in vulnerable sites to move to safe locations?
An affirmative on all those questions would make for less misery during the monsoons.
(Manoj Misra, is the convener of the Delhi-based Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan. The views expressed by the author are personal)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Supreme Court reserves verdict on Ghaggar river bundh (The Hindu 20 September 2011)
Punjab says flooding due to bundh will be grave “nuisance”
The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on Punjab's application to restrain Haryana from strengthening the Ghaggar river bundh . Punjab filed this application in its main suit opposing construction of the Hansi-Butana canal.
A Bench of Justice J. M. Panchal and Justice H. L. Gokhale reserved the verdict at the end of arguments from counsel for both parties. Senior counsel Harish Salve and senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan appearing for Punjab strongly opposed the work on the bundh , contending that such a construction would prevent natural flow of flood waters and result in drowning of 70 of Punjab's villages under eight feet of water.
They questioned Haryana's unilateral action in strengthening the bundh and said it was in violation of cooperative federalism. They argued that strengthening the bundh to save Haryana from flooding would be a grave “nuisance” to Punjab.
However, senior counsel Gopal Subramaniam appearing for Haryana said Punjab's fears were misplaced and its application was misconceived as it had nothing to do with the main suit objecting to the construction of the Hansi-Butana canal. While Haryana cited a Central Water Commission report that said the work would not pose any problem for Punjab, the latter argued that the CWC report was not acceptable to it.
During an earlier hearing, Haryana had argued that Punjab should make better use of the Mirapur drain to deal with flooding in the monsoon. Haryana said the 3.5-km-long toe-wall along the bundh was below the surface and as such would not push back the flood waters to the surface.
The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on Punjab's application to restrain Haryana from strengthening the Ghaggar river bundh . Punjab filed this application in its main suit opposing construction of the Hansi-Butana canal.
A Bench of Justice J. M. Panchal and Justice H. L. Gokhale reserved the verdict at the end of arguments from counsel for both parties. Senior counsel Harish Salve and senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan appearing for Punjab strongly opposed the work on the bundh , contending that such a construction would prevent natural flow of flood waters and result in drowning of 70 of Punjab's villages under eight feet of water.
They questioned Haryana's unilateral action in strengthening the bundh and said it was in violation of cooperative federalism. They argued that strengthening the bundh to save Haryana from flooding would be a grave “nuisance” to Punjab.
However, senior counsel Gopal Subramaniam appearing for Haryana said Punjab's fears were misplaced and its application was misconceived as it had nothing to do with the main suit objecting to the construction of the Hansi-Butana canal. While Haryana cited a Central Water Commission report that said the work would not pose any problem for Punjab, the latter argued that the CWC report was not acceptable to it.
During an earlier hearing, Haryana had argued that Punjab should make better use of the Mirapur drain to deal with flooding in the monsoon. Haryana said the 3.5-km-long toe-wall along the bundh was below the surface and as such would not push back the flood waters to the surface.
No clearance for Yamuna bridges: NGO (Times of India 20 September 2011)
New Delhi: More projects of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are meeting with resistance from environmentalists.The Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan has lodged a complaint with the lieutenant-governor against two bridges that DMRC has proposed over the Yamuna.It has alleged that though tenders have been invited for the projects,no formal clearance has even been applied for.
The plans for both bridges,one downstream of the Nizamuddin bridge and the other downstream of the Okhla barrage,are irregular and illegal.Any new bridge on the Yamuna requires prior approval from the Yamuna Standing Committee,Delhi Urban Art Commission,Delhi Development Authority and the Yamuna River Development Authority.The bridges find no mention in the zonal plan for zone O and if they are to come up,at least a modification in plans is necessary.We are not against the bridges but want that DMRC does not circumvent the rules, said Manoj Mishra,convener,YJA.
Metro officials said the plans had been submitted to the Central Water Research Station (CWRS) in Pune,which will submit its recommendations to the standing committee (YSC).DDA is a member of YSC and if needed,we will apply to the Delhi Urban Art Commission.The projects were tendered before approval to fast-track the process.No plan has been finalized, said an official.
But sources say the tender contains details of the project and DMRC should have first approached YSC for approval.
The plans for both bridges,one downstream of the Nizamuddin bridge and the other downstream of the Okhla barrage,are irregular and illegal.Any new bridge on the Yamuna requires prior approval from the Yamuna Standing Committee,Delhi Urban Art Commission,Delhi Development Authority and the Yamuna River Development Authority.The bridges find no mention in the zonal plan for zone O and if they are to come up,at least a modification in plans is necessary.We are not against the bridges but want that DMRC does not circumvent the rules, said Manoj Mishra,convener,YJA.
Metro officials said the plans had been submitted to the Central Water Research Station (CWRS) in Pune,which will submit its recommendations to the standing committee (YSC).DDA is a member of YSC and if needed,we will apply to the Delhi Urban Art Commission.The projects were tendered before approval to fast-track the process.No plan has been finalized, said an official.
But sources say the tender contains details of the project and DMRC should have first approached YSC for approval.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
अधर में कालिंदी बाईपास (Dainik Jagran 17 September 2011)
कालिंदी बाईपास योजना का निर्माण पिछले पांच वर्षो से रुका पड़ा होना निश्चित ही दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है। इस योजना पर 52 करोड़ रुपये खर्च हो जाने के बाद अब इसके अधर में लटक जाने से न सिर्फ इतनी बड़ी धनराशि बेकार गई है, अपितु इससे लाभ मिलने की उम्मीद कर रहे लोगों को घोर निराशा भी हुई है। यह योजना लोक निर्माण विभाग की महत्वाकांक्षी परियोजना थी। योजना को लेकर एक ऐसी परिकल्पना की गई थी कि जिन लोगों को दिल्ली से बाहर आगरा की तरफ जाना होता या उधर से आना होता तो लोग हरियाणा के बल्लभगढ़ से पल्ला, मीठापुर, कालिंदीकुंज होते हुए सीधे आइटीओ तक आ-जा सकते। इसका प्रमुख उद्देश्य दिल्ली से आगरा के बीच लगने वाले समय को कम किया जाना था। इसके तैयार हो जाने से आश्रम से बदरपुर तक जाने में भी अपेक्षाकृत कम समय लगता। साथ ही फरीदाबाद जाने के रास्ते में आइटीओ से बदरपुर तक लगने वाले जाम में वाहन चालकों को नहीं जूझना पड़ता और उनके समय व ईंधन दोनों की बचत के साथ ही प्रदूषण भी कम होता। लेकिन 62 करोड़ रुपये की अनुमानित लागत के साथ वर्ष 2003 में शुरू की गई इस योजना पर 2006 में कार्य बंद हो गया। इस दौरान सिर्फ 2.8 किलोमीटर की दूरी तक मिट्टी डालने का ही कार्य हुआ। अब हालात यह हैं कि जहां एक ओर यमुना के सौ मीटर के दायरे में निर्माण पर अदालती रोक है, वहीं जसोला के पास करीब डेढ़ किलोमीटर के हिस्से को लेकर उत्तर प्रदेश के सिंचाई विभाग और दिल्ली विकास प्राधिकरण के बीच विवाद है। परियोजना के प्रथम चरण का कुछ भाग ओखला पक्षी विहार से होकर गुजरना है, जिस पर उत्तर प्रदेश का वन विभाग राजी नहीं है और यूपी सरकार परियोजना को सिंचाई विभाग की कॉलोनी व वीआइपी गेस्ट हाउस के नजदीक से गुजरने देने के लिए भी तैयार नहीं है। विभाग अब पूरी योजना को एलीवेटेड बनाने की सोच रहा है, जिसके लिए नए सिरे से कार्य करने के उद्देश्य से कंसल्टेंट की खोज की जा रही है। परियोजना से होने वाले लाभ को देखते हुए यह काफी महत्वपूर्ण है, लिहाजा इसे तैयार करने के लिए पूरी इच्छाशक्ति से प्रयास किए जाने चाहिए। विभाग को चाहिए कि वह योजना के मार्ग में आने वाली सभी रुकावटों को फौरन दूर कर इसका निर्माण कार्य जल्द से जल्द शुरू कराए।
यमुना की बेहतरी के लिए हरियाली योजना जल्द (Dainik Jagran 17 September 2011)
नई दिल्ली, जागरण संवाददाता : दिल्ली विकास प्राधिकरण (डीडीए) की शुक्रवार को हुई बोर्ड बैठक में कई बड़ी परियोजनाओं पर चर्चा की गई। इसमें यमुना किनारों की हरियाली का मामला भी शामिल है। इस परियोजना के तहत यमुना के 42 किलोमीटर आसपास के इलाके के साथ दोनों किनारों को विकसित किया जाएगा। यह दूरी दिल्ली क्षेत्र के अंतर्गत आती है। इस क्षेत्र में 97 सौ हैक्टेयर जमीन आएगी। बोर्ड बैठक में दिल्ली के विकास को लेकर कई मामलों पर चर्चा की गई। डीडीए बोर्ड के चेयरमैन तेजेंद्र खन्ना ने सभी सदस्यों से सुझाव मांगे कि वे डीडीए द्वारा तैयार की जा रही मुख्य योजना की समीक्षा के लिए अपने सुझाव दें। इसके अलावा कई अन्य मुद्दों पर भी चर्चा की गई। डीडीए बनाएगा कम लागत के मकान डीडीए ने जानकारी दी कि वह दिल्ली में 67 हजार 846 कम कीमत वाले मकान बनाएगा। इसमें ईडब्ल्यूएस व एलआइजी फ्लैट शामिल होंगे। इसमें से 19,560 फ्लैटों का निर्माण शुरू कर दिया गया है, जबकि 24 हजार एलआइजी मकान का निर्माण शीघ्र पूरा कर लिया जाएगा। डीडीए आवास योजनाओं के अंतर्गत 87 सौ ईडब्ल्यूएस आवासीय योजनाएं प्रस्तावित हैं। इसके अलावा 47 सौ फ्लैट अन्य निम्न श्रेणी के अंतर्गत हैं। इसके अतिरिक्त स्व स्थाने पुनर्वास परियोजनाओं के अंतर्गत लगभग 10 हजार 886 फ्लैटों का निर्माण किया जाएगा। जबकि अन्य 24 सौ फ्लैट अभी योजना के स्तर पर हैं। प्रीफेब टैक्नोलॉजी को दिया जाएगा बढ़ावा बैठक में फ्लैटों के निर्माण के लिए डीडीए द्वारा प्रमुखता से लाई जा चुकी प्रीफेब टैक्नोलॉजी के विस्तार पर जोर दिया गया। इस तकनीक से फ्लैटों का निर्माण तेजी से हो सकेगा। ऐसे फ्लैट टिकाऊ होंगे और पर्यावरण के लिए अनुकूल भी नरेला व द्वारका में ऐसे फ्लैट बनाए जा रहे हैं। धार्मिक स्थान बनाने वालों को राहत डीडीए से जमीन लेकर धार्मिक स्थान बनाने वालों को बड़ी राहत देते हुए उनके द्वारा शुरू किए गए निर्माण कार्य को पांच साल और दे दिए गए हैं। जबकि डीडीए की ओर से निर्माण करने की समय सीमा पूरी हो चुकी है। इनमें से कई काम धन की कमी के चलते पूरे नहीं हुए हैं।
Delhi Metro to build two more bridges across Yamuna (The Hindi 16 September 2011)
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will build two more bridges across the river Yamuna as part of its Phase- III project, which will be part of the Mukundpur to Yamuna Vihar and Janakpuri to Kalindi Kunj corridors.
Bids invited
The Delhi Metro has invited bids for construction of the two bridges across the river, which has been put up on its website www.delhimetrorail.com.
The DMRC had earlier built two bridges on the Yamuna during its Phase-I and Phase- II of metro construction. One bridge connects Kashmere Gate with Shastri Park station and the other one connects Indraprastha with Yamuna Bank in East Delhi.
According to the tender document, the bridge on the Janakpuri to Kalindi Kunj corridor will cover 14 spans across the river, including Okhla Barrage at Kalindi Kunj and will be constructed “about 85 metres downstream of the existing Okhla Bridge”.
The stipulated time for construction of the bridge once the tender is awarded is 24 months.
The bridge piers will be such that these do not obstruct the water way of the existing Okhla Barrage bridge upstream.
The bridge on the Mukundpur to Yamuna Vihar line will cover 15 spans, constructed about 83 metres downstream of the existing Nizamuddin Road bridge.
• Bridge on Janakpuri-Kalindi Kunj corridor to cover 14 spans across the river
• Bridge on Mukundpur-Yamuna Vihar line to cover 15 spans
Bids invited
The Delhi Metro has invited bids for construction of the two bridges across the river, which has been put up on its website www.delhimetrorail.com.
The DMRC had earlier built two bridges on the Yamuna during its Phase-I and Phase- II of metro construction. One bridge connects Kashmere Gate with Shastri Park station and the other one connects Indraprastha with Yamuna Bank in East Delhi.
According to the tender document, the bridge on the Janakpuri to Kalindi Kunj corridor will cover 14 spans across the river, including Okhla Barrage at Kalindi Kunj and will be constructed “about 85 metres downstream of the existing Okhla Bridge”.
The stipulated time for construction of the bridge once the tender is awarded is 24 months.
The bridge piers will be such that these do not obstruct the water way of the existing Okhla Barrage bridge upstream.
The bridge on the Mukundpur to Yamuna Vihar line will cover 15 spans, constructed about 83 metres downstream of the existing Nizamuddin Road bridge.
• Bridge on Janakpuri-Kalindi Kunj corridor to cover 14 spans across the river
• Bridge on Mukundpur-Yamuna Vihar line to cover 15 spans
Need for better water management highlighted (Hindu 15 September 2011)
The Delhi Jal Board in association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised the first consultative workshop on formulating a water policy for Delhi on Wednesday.
Chief executive officer of DJB Ramesh Negi spoke on the need to bring about effective policy instruments through consultative processes in order to better manage the state water resources. He pointed out that there are huge technological and political issues that have to be tackled in the wake of an increasing density of population in different command areas, and highlighted the need to call for a change in the culture towards water to bring about a change in the water distribution system.
Various issues pertaining to demand-management of water were discussed at length as were issues related to raising the standard of sewage treatment, decentralising treatment of water and increasing the quality of recycled water.
Chief executive officer of DJB Ramesh Negi spoke on the need to bring about effective policy instruments through consultative processes in order to better manage the state water resources. He pointed out that there are huge technological and political issues that have to be tackled in the wake of an increasing density of population in different command areas, and highlighted the need to call for a change in the culture towards water to bring about a change in the water distribution system.
Various issues pertaining to demand-management of water were discussed at length as were issues related to raising the standard of sewage treatment, decentralising treatment of water and increasing the quality of recycled water.
After Ganesha immersion, now pray once more for water (The Hindu 13 September 2011)
COST OF WORSHIP: Devotees immersing an idol of Lord Ganesha in the Yamuna on the last day of Ganesha Chaturthi in Delhi. Photo: S. Subramanium
Immersed idols and other pollutants block filters of two water treatment plants
A day after idols of Lord Ganesha were immersed in the Yamuna, water production at two of the Capital's water treatment plants had to be scaled down on account of pollutants floating in the waters.
According to Delhi Jal Board officials, water production at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants was scaled down by 10-12 million gallons a day on Monday on account of heavy pollutants in the river water.
“After the immersion of idols and flowers on Sunday, the level of impurities in the water rose considerably. We had to lower the production of water at both the plants and depute extra forces to clean up the choked filters,” said a senior DJB official.
Water production is expected to resume full capacity in the next 48 hours. “As of now about 20 lakh consumers are going to be affected by the dip in production, but we are hopeful production will be normalised by Wednesday,” said the official.
Separate enclosures for immersion needed
“Immersion of idols, flowers and other material of religious significance leads to pollution and a lot of these things block the filters of the water treatment plants. Because the quantity of pollutants is so high, we have no option but to stop or scale down production as is the case,” he added.
Non-government organisations that are campaigning for the revival of the Yamuna have been fighting for establishment of separate enclosures for immersion of idols and other religious rituals. “There was also a High Court order that said 13 enclosures should be built across the city for immersion of idols and other religious material, but so far the task remains incomplete,” said Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas, that filed a petition in the Court for preventing the immersion of idols and such in the Yamuna.
Among the areas that will face a shortfall of water supply on account of the recent pollution are North Delhi, North-West Delhi, parts of West Delhi, Central Delhi, parts of South Delhi, the NDMC area and the Cantonment Board.
Immersed idols and other pollutants block filters of two water treatment plants
A day after idols of Lord Ganesha were immersed in the Yamuna, water production at two of the Capital's water treatment plants had to be scaled down on account of pollutants floating in the waters.
According to Delhi Jal Board officials, water production at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants was scaled down by 10-12 million gallons a day on Monday on account of heavy pollutants in the river water.
“After the immersion of idols and flowers on Sunday, the level of impurities in the water rose considerably. We had to lower the production of water at both the plants and depute extra forces to clean up the choked filters,” said a senior DJB official.
Water production is expected to resume full capacity in the next 48 hours. “As of now about 20 lakh consumers are going to be affected by the dip in production, but we are hopeful production will be normalised by Wednesday,” said the official.
Separate enclosures for immersion needed
“Immersion of idols, flowers and other material of religious significance leads to pollution and a lot of these things block the filters of the water treatment plants. Because the quantity of pollutants is so high, we have no option but to stop or scale down production as is the case,” he added.
Non-government organisations that are campaigning for the revival of the Yamuna have been fighting for establishment of separate enclosures for immersion of idols and other religious rituals. “There was also a High Court order that said 13 enclosures should be built across the city for immersion of idols and other religious material, but so far the task remains incomplete,” said Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas, that filed a petition in the Court for preventing the immersion of idols and such in the Yamuna.
Among the areas that will face a shortfall of water supply on account of the recent pollution are North Delhi, North-West Delhi, parts of West Delhi, Central Delhi, parts of South Delhi, the NDMC area and the Cantonment Board.
Bihar flood situation likely to aggravate (The Hindu 13 September 2011)
Looking for safer haven: A woman leads her cattle in search of a safer place after increase in water level in areas around the Ganga near Patna on Monday. — Photo: Ranjeet Kumar
The flood situation in Bihar is likely to aggravate following discharge of 8.3 lakh cusecs of water from Bansagar dam in Madhya Pradesh, said State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday after making an aerial survey on Sunday.
The flood situation in several districts of central and north Bihar is likely to aggravate once the water discharged from the dam enters the Sone river in central Bihar and the Ganga in north-central part of the state, he told journalists.
Flood waters have already entered villages situated on either side of the Sone, trapping a large number of people. A flood-like situation will be created in north-central Bihar when the released water enters the Ganga, Mr. Kumar said.
The Disaster Management Department has pressed into service National Disaster Relief Force teams to evacuate people trapped by the flood waters.
Some people who had taken refuge at higher places have been evacuated and provided with succour, the Chief Minister said, adding that rescue operations are under way to evacuate the remaining.
Ruling out help from the Air Force for rescue and relief operations as of now, Mr. Kumar said the disaster management department was competent enough to tackle the situation.
The water was released from the Bansagar dam into Sone river two days ago.
The flood situation in Bihar is likely to aggravate following discharge of 8.3 lakh cusecs of water from Bansagar dam in Madhya Pradesh, said State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday after making an aerial survey on Sunday.
The flood situation in several districts of central and north Bihar is likely to aggravate once the water discharged from the dam enters the Sone river in central Bihar and the Ganga in north-central part of the state, he told journalists.
Flood waters have already entered villages situated on either side of the Sone, trapping a large number of people. A flood-like situation will be created in north-central Bihar when the released water enters the Ganga, Mr. Kumar said.
The Disaster Management Department has pressed into service National Disaster Relief Force teams to evacuate people trapped by the flood waters.
Some people who had taken refuge at higher places have been evacuated and provided with succour, the Chief Minister said, adding that rescue operations are under way to evacuate the remaining.
Ruling out help from the Air Force for rescue and relief operations as of now, Mr. Kumar said the disaster management department was competent enough to tackle the situation.
The water was released from the Bansagar dam into Sone river two days ago.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Underpass flooding in E Delhi annual ritual (Time of India 11 September 2011)
Tags: PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, ITO chungi underpass
NEW DELHI: Flooded with water and a scene of complete chaos after Friday's heavy downpour, the ITO chungi underpass in east Delhi was waiting to be cleaned up even on Saturday. The carriageways of the underpass – a crucial link with NOIDA on one hand and Shastri Park, Laxmi Nagar and Geeta Colony on the other – remained under water. The PWD's explanation: The rain was just too much and the booster pumps couldn't do the job.
Till Saturday afternoon, commuters were forced to slow down as they tried to negotiate the underpass. This was better than Friday night when commuters just couldn't use the underpass, where may cars were under water. So, they used alternative routes.
PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said he had no information that the underpass was flooded, but if that was the case, he would look into it. After checking with his officials, Chauhan told TOI the water was being removed and that by evening the place would be dry. "The clean-up is happening and about four to five inches of water remain in some sections which too will clear up shortly," Chauhan told TOI around 6.00 pm on Saturday.
Though Chauhan blamed the unprecedented rain, this underpass has been plagued with this problem ever since it was inaugurated in 2009. The PWD is seen firefighting every time it rains.
TOI had reported in October 2009 that barely two hours after Chauhan opened one carriageway for traffic, the stretch got flooded due to the bursting of an old Delhi Jal Board pipeline. This resulted in a massive traffic jam at the crossing on Vikas Marg during the evening peak hours. At that time the city was all dug up and work was on at a frenetic pace to meet the Commonwealth Games deadline.
In July 2010 too the underpass had got flooded after a heavy downpour and the PWD had struggled for one nearly an entire day to clean the mess. Then the agency had claimed that though they had procured two pumps to drain out water, they could not be put to use.
On August 13 last year once again it was reported that rain water had collected in the underpass at ITO Chungi. The official reason was that the two pumps installed at the underpass had failed to work. The PWD engineers stepped in to fix the problem.
NEW DELHI: Flooded with water and a scene of complete chaos after Friday's heavy downpour, the ITO chungi underpass in east Delhi was waiting to be cleaned up even on Saturday. The carriageways of the underpass – a crucial link with NOIDA on one hand and Shastri Park, Laxmi Nagar and Geeta Colony on the other – remained under water. The PWD's explanation: The rain was just too much and the booster pumps couldn't do the job.
Till Saturday afternoon, commuters were forced to slow down as they tried to negotiate the underpass. This was better than Friday night when commuters just couldn't use the underpass, where may cars were under water. So, they used alternative routes.
PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said he had no information that the underpass was flooded, but if that was the case, he would look into it. After checking with his officials, Chauhan told TOI the water was being removed and that by evening the place would be dry. "The clean-up is happening and about four to five inches of water remain in some sections which too will clear up shortly," Chauhan told TOI around 6.00 pm on Saturday.
Though Chauhan blamed the unprecedented rain, this underpass has been plagued with this problem ever since it was inaugurated in 2009. The PWD is seen firefighting every time it rains.
TOI had reported in October 2009 that barely two hours after Chauhan opened one carriageway for traffic, the stretch got flooded due to the bursting of an old Delhi Jal Board pipeline. This resulted in a massive traffic jam at the crossing on Vikas Marg during the evening peak hours. At that time the city was all dug up and work was on at a frenetic pace to meet the Commonwealth Games deadline.
In July 2010 too the underpass had got flooded after a heavy downpour and the PWD had struggled for one nearly an entire day to clean the mess. Then the agency had claimed that though they had procured two pumps to drain out water, they could not be put to use.
On August 13 last year once again it was reported that rain water had collected in the underpass at ITO Chungi. The official reason was that the two pumps installed at the underpass had failed to work. The PWD engineers stepped in to fix the problem.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
यमुना और हिंडन के डूब क्षेत्र में सजेगी फूलों की घाटी (Dainik Jagran 09 September 2011)
नोएडा शहर के सबसे उपेक्षित और गंदे रहने वाले हिंडन और यमुना के डूब क्षेत्र लोगों के आकर्षण का केंद्र होंगे। प्राधिकरण इन डूब क्षेत्रों में फूलों की घाटी तैयार करेगा। इससे इन क्षेत्रों की सुंदरता बढ़ने के साथ ही यहां अतिक्रमण की आशंका भी समाप्त हो जाएगी। प्राधिकरण ने उद्यान विभाग की इस योजना को प्राथमिक मंजूरी दे दी है। डूब क्षेत्र में फूलों की खेती कराने के लिए प्राधिकरण विशेष नीति तैयार करेगा, जिसके तहत क्षेत्र के किसानों को यह ठेका दिया जाएगा। हिंडन और यमुना के डूब क्षेत्र का पाट (चौड़ाई) 50 मीटर से लेकर 200 मीटर तक है। इसकी लंबाई कई किलोमीटर है। डूब क्षेत्र होने की वजह से यहां पक्का निर्माण नहीं किया जा सकता। इस हिस्से को हरित क्षेत्र घोषित कर छोड़ दिया गया है। बावजूद इसके यहां अतिक्रमण की शिकायतें मिलती रहती हैं। प्राधिकरण का मानना है कि अगर जगह खाली रही तो उस पर कब्जा होगा ही। प्राधिकरण काफी समय से डूब क्षेत्र में कुछ विशेष तरह की गतिविधियां करने की योजना तैयार कर रहा था। प्राधिकरण ने मास्टर प्लान 2031 में भी हिंडन और यमुना किनारे अस्थाई तौर पर कुछ जनसुविधाएं विकसित करने का प्रस्ताव बना रखा है। इसके तहत डूब क्षेत्र में मनोरंजन पार्क, सैर-सपाटे के स्थान और कुछ आकर्षक पार्क सहित अन्य सुविधाएं विकसित की जा सकती हैं। इसी के तहत प्राधिकरण के उद्यान विभाग ने सेक्टर 140, 143 और 144 में हिंडन किनारे बांध के भीतर की जमीन पर फूलों और विशेष प्रजाति के आकर्षक पौधे लगाने की योजना तैयार की है। उद्यान विभाग की योजना पर विचार करने के लिए प्राधिकरण के अपर मुख्य कार्यपालक अधिकारी (एसीईओ) अनिल राजकुमार ने बृहस्पतिवार को डूब क्षेत्र के इस हिस्से का दौरा किया। निरीक्षण के दौरान उन्होंने फूलों की खेती पर प्राथमिक मंजूरी दे दी है। बनाई जाएगी विशेष नीति : एसीईओ अनिल राजकुमार ने कहा कि इस जमीन को अतिक्रमण से बचाने के लिए उद्यान विभाग का प्रस्ताव अच्छा है। इससे क्षेत्र के किसानों को अपना व्यवसाय करने का जरिया और खेतिहर मजदूरों को भी रोजगार मिलेगा। फूलों के शौकीन यहां घूमने-फिरने और पौधों की खरीदारी के लिए भी आ सकेंगे। चेयरमैन से इस संदर्भ में निर्देश प्राप्त कर डूब क्षेत्र में फूलों की खेती के लिए नीति बनाई जाएगी। फूल मंडी को भी मिलेगा बढ़ावा : फूलों की घाटी से किसानों को रोजगार तो मिलेगा ही, नोएडा के फेज दो स्थित पश्चिमी उत्तर प्रदेश की सबसे बड़ी फूल मंडी के लिए भी यह संजीवनी बूटी साबित होगी। ज्ञात हो कि फेज दो में कुछ साल पहले करोड़ों रुपये खर्च कर पश्चिमी उत्तर प्रदेश की सबसे बड़ी फूल मंडी तैयार की गई थी। फूल मंडी में दुकानों की नीलामी भी करीब एक साल पहले हुई थी। बावजूद आज तक यहां व्यापार शुरू नहीं हो सका।
आतंक के बाद बारिश का कहर (Dainik Jagran 09 September 2011)
नई दिल्ली बुधवार को आतंकी हमले से सहमी दिल्ली वालों के लिए शुक्रवार को बारिश आफत बन कर आई। भारी बारिश से दिल्ली में जगह-जगह हुए जल भराव के कारण सड़क, मेट्रो और रेल सहित हवाई यातायात बुरी तरह प्रभावित हुआ। हजारों लोगों को कदम-कदम पर परेशानियों का सामना करना पड़ा। दिल्ली का कोई भी प्रमुख मार्ग ऐसा नहीं रहा जहां लोगों को जाम के झाम से जूझना नहीं पड़ा हो। यह सब हुआ शुक्रवार को तड़के चार बजे से शाम साढ़े पांच बजे तक 96.1 मिलीमीटर बारिश से। हाल के समय में इतने कम समय में इतनी बारिश कभी नहीं हुई। इस बारिश ने जल निकासी और जाम से बचने के सारे उपायों को धोकर रख दिया। बारिश के कारण नरेला के गौतम कॉलोनी में दिल्ली नगर निगम के एक अस्पताल की दीवार गिर गई, जिसमें दबकर एक लड़की की मौत हो गई। लगभग 40 किमी लंबे रिंग रोड पर यातायात ठप रहा और जाम के कारण सुबह के पीक आवर में दिल्ली वाहनों से पटी दिखी। शार्टकट के चक्कर में लोगों को तीन से चार किमी की यात्रा के लिए 20-25 किमी की दूरी तय करनी पड़ी, लेकिन वह भी दुखद भरी रही। इस दौरान लोगों को गंतव्य तक पहुंचने में मशक्कत करनी पड़ी और यात्रा में आम तौर पर लगने वाले 10-20 मिनट के स्थान पर 3-4 घंटे खर्चने पड़े। प्रशासन की लाख कोशिशों के बावजूद सड़क पर वाहनों की अधिकतम गति दो से तीन किमी प्रतिघंटा से अधिक नहीं बढ़ पाई। बारिश की वजह से संसद भवन और कनॉट प्लेस की ओर जाने वाली सड़कों पर भी यातायात बाधित हुआ। दक्षिण दिल्ली की रिहायशी कॉलोनियों और वसंत विहार से भी जल भराव की शिकायत मिली। कुछ ऐसा ही हाल दिल्ली से गुड़गांव और नोएडा को जोड़ने वाली सड़कों का भी रहा। डीएनडी फ्लाईओवर घंटों बंद रहा। कई इलाकों में शाम तक भी जाम से निजात नहीं मिली। कई जगह यातायात सिग्नल ने काम करना बंद कर दिया। कश्मीरी गेट बस टर्मिनल पर एक फुट तक पानी जमा हो गया। तीस हजारी मेट्रो स्टेशन पर भी पानी प्रवेश कर गया। दिल्ली नगर निगम के अनुसार 183 स्थानों से जल भराव की शिकायतें मिलीं, जबकि 17 पेड़ गिरने और 19 भवनों के क्षतिग्रस्त होने की शिकायत है।
सड़कें बनीं नदियां, रेंगते रहे वाहन (Dainik Jagran 09 September 2011)
नई दिल्ली गुरुवार रात से शुरू हुई बारिश के कारण शुक्रवार का सवेरा सड़कों पर निकले राजधानी वासियों के लिए बुरे सपने सरीखा रहा। पिछले चौबीस घंटे में राजधानी में रिकार्ड 60.1 मिली बारिश दर्ज की गई। पानी निकासी की ठोस व्यवस्था नहीं होने से बारिश ने राजधानी की रफ्तार पर ब्रेक लगा दिया। अंडरपास व फ्लाईओवर के नीचे पानी दो से तीन फुट तक जमा हो चुका था। सामन्य मार्ग पर भी पानी की निकासी नहीं हो पा रही थी। दूसरी ओर सुबह लगभग साढ़े सात बजे नरेला की गौतम कॉलोनी में एक एमसीडी अस्पताल की दीवार ढहने एक लड़की की मौत हो गई। जलनिकासी की सुचारू व्यवस्था के लिए जिम्मेदार सीपीडब्लूडी, एनडीएमसी, एमसीडी, जल बोर्ड आदि विभागों द्वारा एक बार फिर से समस्या का कारण दूसरे विभागों के सिर मढ़ने का काम शुरू हो गया। जलभराव के कारण सभी राष्ट्रीय व राजमार्गो पर यातायात पूरी तरह से ठप रहा और वाहनों की लंबी कतारें देखने को मिलीं। पूरी दिल्ली को जोड़ने वाले 40 किमी लंबे रिंग रोड पर तो जाम का आलम यह रहा कि एक छोर से दूसरे छोर तक सिर्फ वाहनों की कतारें ही दिख रहीं थीं और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी वाहनों के वलय में घिरी रही। सबसे ज्यादा प्रभावित मार्गो में एनएस-1, एनएच-8, एनएस-24, आइटीओ चौक, विकास मार्ग, डीएनडी फ्लाईओवर, महारानी बाग, आश्रम, भोगल, मथुरा रोड, मिंटो रोड, अरबिंदों मार्ग, एमबी रोड, एमजी रोड व बीआरटी कारिडोर रहे। इसके अतिरिक्त लक्ष्मी नगर, शकरपुर, लाजपत नगर, निजामुद्दीन, सराय काले खां, डिफेंस कालोनी, मूलचंद अंडरपास, मुनिरका, जिया सराय, मोरी गेट, कश्मीरी गेट, तीस हजारी कोर्ट, पटपड़गंज, युसूफ सराय, केशव चौक आदि इलाकों में सड़कों पर कहीं घुटने तक तो कहीं कमर तक जलभराव रहा। रेल पटरियों पर पानी भरने के कारण रेल यातायात भी बुरी तरह चरमरा गया। पुरानी दिल्ली, सब्जी मंडी, किशन गंज आदि स्टेशनों पर जलभराव के कारण ट्रेनों का परिचालन बाधित रहा। हवाई यातायात में भी व्यवधान उत्पन्न हुआ और सौ से ज्यादा उड़ान प्रभावित हुई। बृहस्पतिवार की रात से ही राजधानी में बारिश होने की वजह से शुक्रवार को अधिकतम तापमान सामान्य से पांच डिग्री सेल्सियस कम रहा। आगामी 48 घंटों के दौरान राजधानी तथा आसपास के इलाकों बारिश होने की संभावना है। सड़क पर ही बन गया दफ्तर : राजधानी में जहां एक ओर हजारों लोग जाम से परेशान होकर गुस्से से लाल हो रहे थे, वहीं दूसरी ओर कुछ ऐसे लोग भी थे जो बरसात के बाद लगे भयंकर जाम में ही सुकून के पल ढूंढ कर बारिश और जाम का आनंद ले रहे थे। कुछ लोग ऐसे भी थे जिन्होंने सड़क को ही दफ्तर बना लिया और कार में बैठकर ही दफ्तर का कामकाज निपटाना शुरू कर दिया। आयकर अधिकारी आर. कक्कड़ आइटीओ स्थित कार्यालय आने के लिए निकले। वह करीब तीन घंटे तक जाम में फंसे रहे। फिर भी दफ्तर नहीं पहुंच सके। रिंग रोड पर जब इंतजार काफी लंबा हो गया तो जाम में फंसे होने के दौरान ही उन्होंने दफ्तर का काम शुरू कर दिया। दिल्ली हाई कोर्ट में अधिवक्ता तनुज खुराना, पंकज कपूर, मनोज शर्मा एक साथ कोर्ट के लिए निकले थे। वे भी कई किलोमीटर लंबे जाम में फंस गए। उन्हें लगा कि घंटों तक इस जाम से मुक्ति नहीं पा सकते हैं तो दोस्तों के साथ सड़क पर ही गाने गाकर बारिश का आनंद उठाना शुरू कर दिया। तनुज का कहना था कि समय से कोर्ट न पहुंचने से पैसों का तो नुकसान हो ही गया है। उस नुकसान को रोने से तो यह अच्छा है कि कुछ पल बारिश का मजा ले लिया जाए। 42 से अधिक ट्रेनें प्रभावित, तीन रद : राजधानी में शुक्रवार को हुई बारिश की वजह से पुरानी दिल्ली स्टेशन के यार्ड, सब्जी मंडी और किशनगंज के नजदीक ट्रैक में पानी भरने से करीब सात घंटे तक रेल यातायात प्रभावित रहा। पुरानी दिल्ली स्टेशन यार्ड में पानी भरने से दिल्ली-पानीपत तथा दिल्ली-रोहतक ट्रैक पर ट्रेनों की आवाजाही बंद हो गई। रेल प्रशासन ने शुक्रवार को तीन ट्रेनें रद और 18 ट्रेनों को आंशिक रूप से रद किया, जबकि 21 ट्रेनों के प्रारंभिक एवं समाप्ति स्टेशनों में बदलाव किए गए। ट्रेनों की आवाजाही बाधित होने से लाखों यात्रियों को परेशानी झेलनी पड़ी। बस रही खाली, पैदल ही किया सफर : बस में यात्रा करने वाले लोगों ने टिकट तो लिया, लेकिन सफर पैदल ही तय किया। थोड़ी बहुत दूरी नहीं बल्कि चार से पांच किलोमीटर तक। दरअसल दफ्तर और जरूरी कामों से जा रहे लोग जब घंटों बस में बैठे रहे और बस एक कदम भी आगे नहीं बढ़ी तब उन्हें ऐसा करना पड़ा। यही कारण था कि जाम में फंसी बसों से अधिकतर यात्री उतर गए थे और बस खाली थी। रिंग रोड पर जाम में फंसी बस के कंडेक्टर अरविंद ने बताया कि लोगों को दफ्तर, कालेज आदि के लिए देरी हो रही थी। इससे यात्री गंतव्य तक पहंुचने के लिए बीच रास्ते में बस को छोड़ कर पैदल ही निकल लेते थे। इस वजह से बसें खाली चलीं।
दिल्ली के जाम से नोएडा पस्त नोएडा (Dainik Jagran 09 September 2011)
बारिश की वजह से जाम हुई दिल्ली ने नोएडा को भी पस्त कर दिया। आश्रम में जाम लगा तो डीएनडी फ्लाईओवर बंद कर दिया गया। नोएडा-दिल्ली के बीच सफर करने वाले वाहन चालकों को वैकल्पिक मार्ग का प्रयोग करना पड़ा। इससे शहर के भीतरी मार्गों पर वाहनों का दबाव बढ़ गया, जिसके लिए न तो यहां की यातायात पुलिस तैयार थी और न ही सड़कें। शहर में जगह-जगह बने बॉटेल नेक और जलभराव ने आग में घी का काम किया। इससे जाम की समस्या और गंभीर हो गई। सुबह ऑफिस के लिए निकले लोग घंटों जाम में फंसे रहे और ज्यादातर लंच के बाद किसी तरह दफ्तर पहुंच सके। डीएनडी की पीआरओ निरंजनी जैन ने बताया कि बारिश की वजह से दिल्ली में कई जगह लंबा जाम लग गया था। आश्रम क्षेत्र में वाहनों की लंबी कतार लगी थी। इससे नोएडा से दिल्ली जा रहे लोग जाम से बचने के लिए विपरीत दिशा में वापस लौटने लगे। इससे दुर्घटना होने का खतरा था। इसे देखते हुए कुछ समय के लिए नोएडा से दिल्ली जाने वाले रास्ते को बंद किया गया था। आश्रम (दिल्ली) में यातायात सामान्य होते ही इसे दोबारा खोल दिया गया। दिल्ली से नोएडा आने वाला मार्ग बंद नहीं किया गया था। इस मार्ग पर लोग आराम से नोएडा आ रहे थे। नोएडा से नेहरू प्लेस जा रहे वैभव सरन ने बताया कि उन्हें साढ़े दस बजे तक दफ्तर पहंुचना होता है। साढ़े ग्यारह बजे तक वह डीएनडी पर ही थे। जाम की स्थिति को देख उन्होंने दफ्तर में फोन कर बता दिया कि वह लंच के बाद ही पहुंच सकेंगे। भीषण जाम की वजह से उनके पास घर लौटने का भी विकल्प नहीं था।
Water collects even on 1-yr-old elevated road (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: The authorities blame the old drainage system for the city's waterlogging problems.
Wednesday's downpour smashed that claim when parts of the Ring Road bypass, an elevated road built before the Commonwealth Games, came under knee-deep water.
Waterlogging on the arterial bypass, a Rs 650 crore project connecting Salimgarh fort to IGI stadium, caused more 3km-long traffic jams. PWD officials said the unprecedented rain led to the flooding. Rainwater also collected outside the Jangpura Metro station which had come up during the Games.
Wednesday's downpour smashed that claim when parts of the Ring Road bypass, an elevated road built before the Commonwealth Games, came under knee-deep water.
Waterlogging on the arterial bypass, a Rs 650 crore project connecting Salimgarh fort to IGI stadium, caused more 3km-long traffic jams. PWD officials said the unprecedented rain led to the flooding. Rainwater also collected outside the Jangpura Metro station which had come up during the Games.
NIA officer rescues girl from drowning (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency has a life-saving operation to its credit, thanks to 51-year-old Sanjeev Singh, an IPS officer on special duty.
Around 10.45am on Friday, Mamta Pant, 23, was walking to office from the Jia Sarai bus stand. Singh was heading to work in a car, and noticed the girl walking on the road, wading in some 6-7 inches of water.
The next moment, all he could see was "her hair and umbrella floating in muddy water". She had plunged into an open ditch. Singh jumped out of the car and pulled Pant out by her hair. I could not even cry out or find footing to reach out of the hole. "If it hadn't been for him, my body would have been found after a few days, said Pant.
Around 10.45am on Friday, Mamta Pant, 23, was walking to office from the Jia Sarai bus stand. Singh was heading to work in a car, and noticed the girl walking on the road, wading in some 6-7 inches of water.
The next moment, all he could see was "her hair and umbrella floating in muddy water". She had plunged into an open ditch. Singh jumped out of the car and pulled Pant out by her hair. I could not even cry out or find footing to reach out of the hole. "If it hadn't been for him, my body would have been found after a few days, said Pant.
When roads became waterways (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: With seven vital intersections flooded within hours on Friday, the capital was locked in a traffic gridlock for the better part of the day. Peak-hour traffic was badly hit, both in the morning and evening, but there was little respite otherwise too. Major jams were reported from all across the city and commuters had horror stories to tell, one surpassing the other. People spent hours on the road over distances which usually take one-third of the time.
The key reason for life in the capital getting derailed was the flooding of Salimgarh bypass that connects north Delhi with the rest of the city; Moolchand underpass and Ashram Chowk connecting areas of south Delhi; Tilak Bridge that connects crossover traffic from all over the city; Bhairon Road and Vikas Marg underneath IP flyover that connect east Delhi with the rest of the city; and Naraina Chowk which gives access to west Delhi.
"Even a few minutes of traffic getting stalled at these key points result in traffic congestion. With these key links getting cut off, there were spiralling jams on other roads and massive pile-ups. Waterlogging elsewhere and breaking down of vehicles only added to the mess. We tried to make the best of an impossible situation," said joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg.
There was massive waterlogging under Salimgarh bypass. Being an arterial road giving access to north Delhi, it had a spiralling effect with massive jams reported from all across north Delhi. Traffic movement was also affected at Rajghat on Ring Road, IP College, Shyamlal College, Guru Nanak Chowk, Rani Jhansi Road and Boulevard Road.
In the east, the worst-hit, perhaps, was IP flyover with water accumulating underneath on Vikas Marg that wasn't cleared till late on Friday evening, causing the stretch to be closed for traffic moving from central to east Delhi. The Laxmi Nagar underpass remained flooded till late at night.
East Delhi was virtually cut off from the city with both Vikas Marg and Bhairon Road near the zoo heavily waterlogged. "The tail of traffic stretched as far back as NH-24 and there was little movement in front of Akshardham. Commuters going from east Delhi towards south and central Delhi edged forward inch by inch till mid-afternoon. The pile-up was massive," said a senior traffic police officer.
Ashram Chowk, too, was waterlogged, bringing traffic on Mathura Road to a halt. "As traffic was not allowed to turn underneath the flyover, the tail on either side stretched to more than a kilometre. Even the traffic crossing over the Chowk on the flyover was stuck in the jam. The Moolchand underpass was once again under water, adding to the mayhem," explained a senior traffic police officer.
As a result, traffic on Ring Road and Mathura Road remained congested all through the day, causing jams all over south Delhi for hours in the morning and afternoon. Geeta Balakrishan, a civil servant, said, "I was rushing for a meeting at Chanakyapuri. I was to reach at 11am and left two hours early, hoping that I would reach in time, but I had just about inched my way through to Amar Colony when I got into the middle of a two-and-a-half hour jam. It was terrible."
Heavy jams were reported from DND flyover, Maharani Bagh, Kalindi Kunj, Malviya Nagar Road, Chhatta Rail and Yusuf Sarai Road. The commuters as a result used colony roads in Defence Colony, Greater Kailash I and II, Chittaranjan Park and South Extension.
With the annual nightmare of Tilak Bridge going under water being repeated, crossover traffic from all parts of Delhi was affected.
Traffic in west Delhi was thrown out of gear with Naraina Chowk getting flooded. "Vehicles could not exit Ring Road from Naraina. There was a jam from Raja Garden to Dhaula Kuan as a result, " said a senior traffic police officer. Mayapuri Cowk and Rajouri Garden too were waterlogged.
The key reason for life in the capital getting derailed was the flooding of Salimgarh bypass that connects north Delhi with the rest of the city; Moolchand underpass and Ashram Chowk connecting areas of south Delhi; Tilak Bridge that connects crossover traffic from all over the city; Bhairon Road and Vikas Marg underneath IP flyover that connect east Delhi with the rest of the city; and Naraina Chowk which gives access to west Delhi.
"Even a few minutes of traffic getting stalled at these key points result in traffic congestion. With these key links getting cut off, there were spiralling jams on other roads and massive pile-ups. Waterlogging elsewhere and breaking down of vehicles only added to the mess. We tried to make the best of an impossible situation," said joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg.
There was massive waterlogging under Salimgarh bypass. Being an arterial road giving access to north Delhi, it had a spiralling effect with massive jams reported from all across north Delhi. Traffic movement was also affected at Rajghat on Ring Road, IP College, Shyamlal College, Guru Nanak Chowk, Rani Jhansi Road and Boulevard Road.
In the east, the worst-hit, perhaps, was IP flyover with water accumulating underneath on Vikas Marg that wasn't cleared till late on Friday evening, causing the stretch to be closed for traffic moving from central to east Delhi. The Laxmi Nagar underpass remained flooded till late at night.
East Delhi was virtually cut off from the city with both Vikas Marg and Bhairon Road near the zoo heavily waterlogged. "The tail of traffic stretched as far back as NH-24 and there was little movement in front of Akshardham. Commuters going from east Delhi towards south and central Delhi edged forward inch by inch till mid-afternoon. The pile-up was massive," said a senior traffic police officer.
Ashram Chowk, too, was waterlogged, bringing traffic on Mathura Road to a halt. "As traffic was not allowed to turn underneath the flyover, the tail on either side stretched to more than a kilometre. Even the traffic crossing over the Chowk on the flyover was stuck in the jam. The Moolchand underpass was once again under water, adding to the mayhem," explained a senior traffic police officer.
As a result, traffic on Ring Road and Mathura Road remained congested all through the day, causing jams all over south Delhi for hours in the morning and afternoon. Geeta Balakrishan, a civil servant, said, "I was rushing for a meeting at Chanakyapuri. I was to reach at 11am and left two hours early, hoping that I would reach in time, but I had just about inched my way through to Amar Colony when I got into the middle of a two-and-a-half hour jam. It was terrible."
Heavy jams were reported from DND flyover, Maharani Bagh, Kalindi Kunj, Malviya Nagar Road, Chhatta Rail and Yusuf Sarai Road. The commuters as a result used colony roads in Defence Colony, Greater Kailash I and II, Chittaranjan Park and South Extension.
With the annual nightmare of Tilak Bridge going under water being repeated, crossover traffic from all parts of Delhi was affected.
Traffic in west Delhi was thrown out of gear with Naraina Chowk getting flooded. "Vehicles could not exit Ring Road from Naraina. There was a jam from Raja Garden to Dhaula Kuan as a result, " said a senior traffic police officer. Mayapuri Cowk and Rajouri Garden too were waterlogged.
City almost makes up for rain deficit (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: The tsunami everybody joked about during Wednesday night's quake finally hit the city on Friday morning. As the capital woke up to one of the heaviest September showers - totalling 96.1 mm rainfall since 4am on Friday - in a decade, roads and underpasses went under water at the height of rush hour. For most residents accustomed to a difficult drive to office, the morning commute became a nightmare without end. While drivers were caught inside their cars for hours, those who use buses were stranded as 200 DTC buses broke down.
Many of the morning commuters made it to office only by the afternoon. Preet Vihar resident Sanjana Joshi, who set off for her Gurgaon office at 9.30 am, reached after 3 pm. "It took three-and-a-half hours just to reach AIIMS as cars would stop moving after every few metres. I decided to leave my car in office overnight and take the Metro home as I can't face such traffic again,'' she said. The severest flooding was reported from some of the busiest road stretches, such as Rajghat, ITO, Kashmere Gate, Ring Road, Akshardham, Nizamuddin bridge, Sarai Kale Khan, Vikas Marg, Moolchand, Greater Kailash-I and Defence Colony.
The heaviest downpour was recorded between 5am and noon, though it kept raining till late afternoon. Between 4am and 5.30 pm, the city had recorded 90.1 mm rainfall, the second highest for a 24-hour period in September since 2000. September 13, 2002 was wetter with 126.8 mm rainfall. However, the month's all-time high was recorded on September 16, 1904, when 176.5 mm rain fell. The Met office predicted more rain through Friday night with the intensity coming down on Saturday. Met officials said rainfall in the past week had been exceptionally good over the city, several parts of which were witnessing a severe deficiency. The heavy rain brought down the minimum temperature to an average 25.1 degrees Celsius but the maximum was below average at 28 degrees. Humidity remained high with the maximum at 98% and the minimum at 89%.
Friday's heavy rain has almost wiped out the season's overall shortfall. Till 8.30am on Friday, 514 mm rain had been recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, counting from June 1. This is only 68mm below the season's normal. With 60.6mm recorded after 8.30am, the deficit is now negligible. At Palam, where the deficiency till Thursday was more than 100mm, the shortfall now is only 67 mm.
Of the 574mm rain recorded at the Safdarjung observatory till 8.30pm on Friday, September itself has contributed 182 mm so far till 5.30pm on Friday. In fact, since the monsoon broke over Delhi, only seven days have contributed to over half of the total 300 mm. Met officials have said northwest India, including Delhi, usually sees a lot of rain in September even though this is the month when the monsoon system starts withdrawing from the country, starting with west Rajasthan.
BP Yadav, director of the Met office, said: "The heavy rain over northwest India is due to interaction between a western disturbance and the monsoon system. Alow pressure area exists over Jharkhand because of which strong easterly winds carrying moisture from Bay of Bengal are blowing into northwest India. Simultaneously, a low pressure area exists over south Pakistan adjoining Rajasthan. A confluence of the two systems has formed over Haryana and it is their interaction that has brought so much rain."
Many of the morning commuters made it to office only by the afternoon. Preet Vihar resident Sanjana Joshi, who set off for her Gurgaon office at 9.30 am, reached after 3 pm. "It took three-and-a-half hours just to reach AIIMS as cars would stop moving after every few metres. I decided to leave my car in office overnight and take the Metro home as I can't face such traffic again,'' she said. The severest flooding was reported from some of the busiest road stretches, such as Rajghat, ITO, Kashmere Gate, Ring Road, Akshardham, Nizamuddin bridge, Sarai Kale Khan, Vikas Marg, Moolchand, Greater Kailash-I and Defence Colony.
The heaviest downpour was recorded between 5am and noon, though it kept raining till late afternoon. Between 4am and 5.30 pm, the city had recorded 90.1 mm rainfall, the second highest for a 24-hour period in September since 2000. September 13, 2002 was wetter with 126.8 mm rainfall. However, the month's all-time high was recorded on September 16, 1904, when 176.5 mm rain fell. The Met office predicted more rain through Friday night with the intensity coming down on Saturday. Met officials said rainfall in the past week had been exceptionally good over the city, several parts of which were witnessing a severe deficiency. The heavy rain brought down the minimum temperature to an average 25.1 degrees Celsius but the maximum was below average at 28 degrees. Humidity remained high with the maximum at 98% and the minimum at 89%.
Friday's heavy rain has almost wiped out the season's overall shortfall. Till 8.30am on Friday, 514 mm rain had been recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, counting from June 1. This is only 68mm below the season's normal. With 60.6mm recorded after 8.30am, the deficit is now negligible. At Palam, where the deficiency till Thursday was more than 100mm, the shortfall now is only 67 mm.
Of the 574mm rain recorded at the Safdarjung observatory till 8.30pm on Friday, September itself has contributed 182 mm so far till 5.30pm on Friday. In fact, since the monsoon broke over Delhi, only seven days have contributed to over half of the total 300 mm. Met officials have said northwest India, including Delhi, usually sees a lot of rain in September even though this is the month when the monsoon system starts withdrawing from the country, starting with west Rajasthan.
BP Yadav, director of the Met office, said: "The heavy rain over northwest India is due to interaction between a western disturbance and the monsoon system. Alow pressure area exists over Jharkhand because of which strong easterly winds carrying moisture from Bay of Bengal are blowing into northwest India. Simultaneously, a low pressure area exists over south Pakistan adjoining Rajasthan. A confluence of the two systems has formed over Haryana and it is their interaction that has brought so much rain."
Flyers and airline crew reach airport late (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: Traffic jams across the city following Friday's heavy downpour affected airline schedules and flyers alike. Many passengers couldn't make it to the IGI Airport on time and missed their flights. Several crew members of different airlines were also caught in traffic jams, which resulted in flight delays of 10 to 20 minutes.
"My friend had to catch a flight to Mumbai around 11am and set out from his home in Nirman Vihar; but when he saw that there was no way he could make it on time by road, he boarded the IGI Metro at 10am. This didn't help as he reached terminal 3 at 10.30pm and was refused a boarding pass. After hearing his story, I left home for the airport at 10.30 as I, too, had a flight to catch at 2pm. But still, I reached only a few minutes before 2pm and missed my flight," said Tarun Mehta, a businessman.
The airport recorded 64.3mm rain overnight and another 3.6mm rain through the day. Director in-charge of IGI Met, RK Jenamani, said that visibility fell twice: once between 5am and 8am when it went down to 800m, and again in the afternoon when it reached 1,500m.
"Palam and Gurgaon Road saw very heavy rain. There were periods since Thursday night when the airport witnessed rain, strong winds and CV clouds because of which aircraft might have faced some problems," he said.
Airport sources said that for a large part of the day, mixed operations had to be suspended and the main and new runways were used for segregated operations. "The new runway was used for arrivals and the main runway was used for departures. Since wind direction had changed, the arrivals were from the Dwarka side. This led to a slight delay in all operations. Aircraft were also getting deviated from their set routes due to strong winds," said an official.
Sources said there was waterlogging in several patches in and around the airport. With the new tunnel road leading to terminal 3 waterlogged for several hours, passengers who finally managed to get to the airport and were using that route had to turn back and go via the main highway because of which they got stuck in another jam. Sources said that for over two hours, only one side of the tunnel road could be used and all incoming traffic had to be stopped.
"My friend had to catch a flight to Mumbai around 11am and set out from his home in Nirman Vihar; but when he saw that there was no way he could make it on time by road, he boarded the IGI Metro at 10am. This didn't help as he reached terminal 3 at 10.30pm and was refused a boarding pass. After hearing his story, I left home for the airport at 10.30 as I, too, had a flight to catch at 2pm. But still, I reached only a few minutes before 2pm and missed my flight," said Tarun Mehta, a businessman.
The airport recorded 64.3mm rain overnight and another 3.6mm rain through the day. Director in-charge of IGI Met, RK Jenamani, said that visibility fell twice: once between 5am and 8am when it went down to 800m, and again in the afternoon when it reached 1,500m.
"Palam and Gurgaon Road saw very heavy rain. There were periods since Thursday night when the airport witnessed rain, strong winds and CV clouds because of which aircraft might have faced some problems," he said.
Airport sources said that for a large part of the day, mixed operations had to be suspended and the main and new runways were used for segregated operations. "The new runway was used for arrivals and the main runway was used for departures. Since wind direction had changed, the arrivals were from the Dwarka side. This led to a slight delay in all operations. Aircraft were also getting deviated from their set routes due to strong winds," said an official.
Sources said there was waterlogging in several patches in and around the airport. With the new tunnel road leading to terminal 3 waterlogged for several hours, passengers who finally managed to get to the airport and were using that route had to turn back and go via the main highway because of which they got stuck in another jam. Sources said that for over two hours, only one side of the tunnel road could be used and all incoming traffic had to be stopped.
19 houses collapse, rain water floods homes in city (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: Friday’s incessant downpour resulted in water entering homes and shops in areas like Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Gagan Vihar, Lalita Park and Laxmi Nagar. Water even seeped into basements in these areas. People complained that due to the heavy downpour on Friday knee-deep water had collected on the streets and main roads. Almost every household reported damage to furniture and other items. The MCD received 19 complaints of building collapse from across the city.
“All the sewer lines in our block were flooded. We contacted Delhi Jal Board officials but nobody responded,” said Paramjeet Kaur, who lives in C block of Defence Colony. She added that whenever it rains, the houses adjacent to main drain in the colony get flooded. Ashok Mehta, who lives in Lajpat Nagar, said similar problems were faced by resident in his area too. “The basements of many shops in central market were flooded. Traders suffered financial losses as costly items stored there got damaged,” he added.
Ishrat Akram, who lives in Gagan Vihar, said many east Delhi residents complained of water entering their homes. “Though my house is built on higher ground, our whole driveway was flooded with rainwater today. Even drains in the area are overflowing, leaving no recognizable difference between the drain and road,” she said. MCD officials said that in many areas people have built concrete structures in the middle of the drainage system leading to waterlogging in those areas.
“All the sewer lines in our block were flooded. We contacted Delhi Jal Board officials but nobody responded,” said Paramjeet Kaur, who lives in C block of Defence Colony. She added that whenever it rains, the houses adjacent to main drain in the colony get flooded. Ashok Mehta, who lives in Lajpat Nagar, said similar problems were faced by resident in his area too. “The basements of many shops in central market were flooded. Traders suffered financial losses as costly items stored there got damaged,” he added.
Ishrat Akram, who lives in Gagan Vihar, said many east Delhi residents complained of water entering their homes. “Though my house is built on higher ground, our whole driveway was flooded with rainwater today. Even drains in the area are overflowing, leaving no recognizable difference between the drain and road,” she said. MCD officials said that in many areas people have built concrete structures in the middle of the drainage system leading to waterlogging in those areas.
Even Games showpieces sink (Times of India 09 September 2011)
NEW DELHI: Friday's downpour proved that even engineering marvels showcased by the Delhi government during the Commonwealth Games are vulnerable. Tall claims by town planners fell flat when the Ring Road bypass linking Salimgarh Fort to IGI stadium near ITO was flooded for several hours, triggering a three-km bumper-to-bumper jam on the stretch. Public Works Department officials, however, said unprecedented rain had sparked the crisis. Even the area outside Jungpura metro station that was built before the Games was waterlogged.
"There was knee-deep water on the elevated road near Salimgarh Fort, below the old railway bridge. A DTC bus going towards Rajghat broke down in the middle of the road, triggering more traffic jams," said Rajeev Mehta, a trader. He said the elevated road was constructed last year and flooding of the stretch reflects poorly on our engineers and town planners. What's even more shocking, the ITO underpass was waterlogged till late on Friday, several hours after the rain had stopped.
"Unlike other roads, the Ring Road bypass was a new project. It was built at a cost of Rs 650 crore and already cracks are showing. The drainage system has crashed and there are no alternative arrangements to flush out water to ensure smooth traffic flow," he said. The Ring Road bypass was built to ensure signal-free movement of traffic from north-to-south and south-to-north Delhi from Salimgarh to IGI stadium near ITO.
"The pumps proved ineffective in the face of heavy rain. Last year, there was no such problem," said a PWD official. Another shocking example of poor engineering was the stretch near the Jangpura Metro station, which was built before the Games to enable spectators to reach the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. On Friday, people had to cross through knee-deep water to reach the main road. "I paid a rickshaw-wallah extra money to take me to the other side," said Rashmi Pandit, a resident of Jungpura.
Moolchand flyover, one of the vulnerable waterlogging points, remained submerged for several hours on Friday. Traffic was diverted. Similar problems were witnessed at the AIIMS underpass and main flyover. MCD claimed that lack of planning to drain out water on the flyovers led to traffic jams. "PWD and other agencies that have built the flyover did not plan for drainage," said Mayor Rajni Abbi
"There was knee-deep water on the elevated road near Salimgarh Fort, below the old railway bridge. A DTC bus going towards Rajghat broke down in the middle of the road, triggering more traffic jams," said Rajeev Mehta, a trader. He said the elevated road was constructed last year and flooding of the stretch reflects poorly on our engineers and town planners. What's even more shocking, the ITO underpass was waterlogged till late on Friday, several hours after the rain had stopped.
"Unlike other roads, the Ring Road bypass was a new project. It was built at a cost of Rs 650 crore and already cracks are showing. The drainage system has crashed and there are no alternative arrangements to flush out water to ensure smooth traffic flow," he said. The Ring Road bypass was built to ensure signal-free movement of traffic from north-to-south and south-to-north Delhi from Salimgarh to IGI stadium near ITO.
"The pumps proved ineffective in the face of heavy rain. Last year, there was no such problem," said a PWD official. Another shocking example of poor engineering was the stretch near the Jangpura Metro station, which was built before the Games to enable spectators to reach the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. On Friday, people had to cross through knee-deep water to reach the main road. "I paid a rickshaw-wallah extra money to take me to the other side," said Rashmi Pandit, a resident of Jungpura.
Moolchand flyover, one of the vulnerable waterlogging points, remained submerged for several hours on Friday. Traffic was diverted. Similar problems were witnessed at the AIIMS underpass and main flyover. MCD claimed that lack of planning to drain out water on the flyovers led to traffic jams. "PWD and other agencies that have built the flyover did not plan for drainage," said Mayor Rajni Abbi
One downpour, Delhi comes to a halt (Hindu 09 September 2011)
Heavy rain on Friday morning brought life in the Capital to a standstill with water-logged roads causing massive jams across the city, leaving thousands of fuming commuters stranded.
According to the Meteorological Department, the city received 36.1 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours up to 8-30 a.m. and 60.6 mm between 8-30 a.m. and 5-30 p.m.
Almost all major areas in the city saw huge traffic jams due to water-logging from ITO to Patparganj flyover, Defence Colony flyover, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, GTB Road, Vikas Marg, Mayapuri intersection, Naraina, Indraprastha flyover, Kalindi Kunj, Malviya Nagar, Yusuf Sarai, Adhchini, Africa Avenue, Ring Road, DND flyover, sections of Maharani Bagh, Moolchand underpass, Ashram, M. B. Road, Saket Court, Lado Sarai T-point, Nehru Place, Tilak Bridge, Mathura Road T-point , Purana Qila Road, Pragati Maidan, Shahadra underpass, CGO complex, Shanti Van, Akshardham temple, Geeta Colony and Chungi underpass.
“With all major roads in the city water-logged, it was very difficult to manage traffic. This is the most difficult situation I have seen in the past two years,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg, adding that alternative routes were also water-logged, making it difficult to divert traffic. Traffic movement remained slow at several stretches until well after 9 p.m. The heavy showers led to the death of a minor girl when a boundary wall of a Municipal Corporation of Delhi health centre in Gautam Colony, Narela, collapsed around 7-30 a.m. Commuters also complained of traffic lights not working at several places, in addition to bad road conditions and falling trees, which further impaired road travel. The MCD received 17 complaints of fallen trees and 183 of water-logging on Friday. Traffic was also affected at some places because of Delhi University Student Union elections.
While subscribed users received regular traffic updates from Delhi Traffic Police's SMS service, commuters complained of little or no traffic police presence at several congested stretches like Saket. The attempt to negotiate nearly knee deep water in several places also led to vehicles, including buses, breaking down in the middle of the road, causing further slowdown.
“Water-logging at the Chungi underpass on Vikas Marg led to complete traffic chaos in East Delhi. Incessant rain led to accumulation of water in the underpass leading from Akshardham Temple towards Geeta Colony. Even ITO-bound vehicles were stuck near the Akshardham Temple,” said Loveleen Bhatnagar, who was stuck in traffic near the Akshardham Temple for over an hour.
This underpass was, in fact, one of the showcase projects of the Delhi Government's Public Works Department in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. It has experienced similar instances of acute water-logging in the past, but no lessons on improving the drainage or installing pump sets to remove the water have been learnt.
Manager with a communications firm, Varun Sharma said: “It took me one-and-a-half hour to cover 4 km from AIIMS towards Lajpat Nagar. Things improved after the Moolchand underpass, but DND to Lajpat Nagar stretch was also jammed.”
Most people went back home or took the Delhi Metro to commute, avoiding roads completely wherever possible. Services on Delhi Metro's Dilshad Garden-Rithala Line (Red Line) were also affected for around three hours from 11-30 a.m. between Shastri Park and Seelampur, where the metro runs at ground level. Bus commuters said water gushed into buses at heavily water-logged places.
Even on social networking site Twitter, “Delhi Rains” was one of the most talked about subjects during the day. Comparisons with Mumbai's rain woes were also abundant, questioning the inability of Delhi to deal with even one downpour.
According to the Meteorological Department, the city received 36.1 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours up to 8-30 a.m. and 60.6 mm between 8-30 a.m. and 5-30 p.m.
Almost all major areas in the city saw huge traffic jams due to water-logging from ITO to Patparganj flyover, Defence Colony flyover, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, GTB Road, Vikas Marg, Mayapuri intersection, Naraina, Indraprastha flyover, Kalindi Kunj, Malviya Nagar, Yusuf Sarai, Adhchini, Africa Avenue, Ring Road, DND flyover, sections of Maharani Bagh, Moolchand underpass, Ashram, M. B. Road, Saket Court, Lado Sarai T-point, Nehru Place, Tilak Bridge, Mathura Road T-point , Purana Qila Road, Pragati Maidan, Shahadra underpass, CGO complex, Shanti Van, Akshardham temple, Geeta Colony and Chungi underpass.
“With all major roads in the city water-logged, it was very difficult to manage traffic. This is the most difficult situation I have seen in the past two years,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg, adding that alternative routes were also water-logged, making it difficult to divert traffic. Traffic movement remained slow at several stretches until well after 9 p.m. The heavy showers led to the death of a minor girl when a boundary wall of a Municipal Corporation of Delhi health centre in Gautam Colony, Narela, collapsed around 7-30 a.m. Commuters also complained of traffic lights not working at several places, in addition to bad road conditions and falling trees, which further impaired road travel. The MCD received 17 complaints of fallen trees and 183 of water-logging on Friday. Traffic was also affected at some places because of Delhi University Student Union elections.
While subscribed users received regular traffic updates from Delhi Traffic Police's SMS service, commuters complained of little or no traffic police presence at several congested stretches like Saket. The attempt to negotiate nearly knee deep water in several places also led to vehicles, including buses, breaking down in the middle of the road, causing further slowdown.
“Water-logging at the Chungi underpass on Vikas Marg led to complete traffic chaos in East Delhi. Incessant rain led to accumulation of water in the underpass leading from Akshardham Temple towards Geeta Colony. Even ITO-bound vehicles were stuck near the Akshardham Temple,” said Loveleen Bhatnagar, who was stuck in traffic near the Akshardham Temple for over an hour.
This underpass was, in fact, one of the showcase projects of the Delhi Government's Public Works Department in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. It has experienced similar instances of acute water-logging in the past, but no lessons on improving the drainage or installing pump sets to remove the water have been learnt.
Manager with a communications firm, Varun Sharma said: “It took me one-and-a-half hour to cover 4 km from AIIMS towards Lajpat Nagar. Things improved after the Moolchand underpass, but DND to Lajpat Nagar stretch was also jammed.”
Most people went back home or took the Delhi Metro to commute, avoiding roads completely wherever possible. Services on Delhi Metro's Dilshad Garden-Rithala Line (Red Line) were also affected for around three hours from 11-30 a.m. between Shastri Park and Seelampur, where the metro runs at ground level. Bus commuters said water gushed into buses at heavily water-logged places.
Even on social networking site Twitter, “Delhi Rains” was one of the most talked about subjects during the day. Comparisons with Mumbai's rain woes were also abundant, questioning the inability of Delhi to deal with even one downpour.
Monsoon lashes North; four killed (Hindu 09 September 2011)
Vigorous monsoon activity continued in North India on Friday, including the national Capital, resulting in water-logging and power cuts, while four persons were killed in separate rain-related incidents.
Heavy showers drenched Delhiites, leaving many of them stuck on the roads for hours as traffic went haywire due to water-logging. The rain gauges measured 91.1 mm in the Capital while the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.1 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year.
A minor girl died when the boundary wall of a hospital in Gautam Colony of Narela collapsed around 7-30 a.m.
In Uttar Pradesh, two women were killed in separate incidents of wall collapse as rain lashed large parts of the State, throwing normal life out of gear.
Mirzapur received a maximum rainfall of 148 mm, while 74 mm was recorded in Lucknow. All major rivers in the State were flowing below danger mark though at some places they have started rising, a Central Water Commission report said.
Moderate to heavy rain lashed several areas in Punjab and Haryana inundating low-lying areas in the region.
The intermittent rainfall also snapped power and water supply at a few places in the twin States, officials said.
Most of the rivers criss-crossing the two States, including Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Som, Ghaggar and Markanda, are flowing in spate in the wake of the rain in the catchment areas, causing a flood-like situation in villages along the banks.
Ranjeet Sagar Dam was lashed by 66.9 mm of rainfall, followed by Bhagauta with 66.2 mm.
Among other places, Chandigarh received 66.1 mm of rain disrupting normal life in the city. While Nangal Dam received 45.8 mm of rain, Patiala 33 mm. Shahpur Kandi recorded 23.2 mm followed by 20.7 mm at Ambala, 19 mm at Madhopur, 13 mm at Narnaul, and 5.8 mm at Amritsar.
The weatherman has forecast more rainfall at a few places in the region on Saturday. The maximum temperature has also dipped a few notches in the region.
In Himachal Pradesh, a man was killed and his son injured due to lightning at Vikasnagar in Dehra Dun.
Pilani in Rajasthan recorded 55.2 mm of rainfall followed by Sriganganagar at 23.7 mm.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Orissa has worsened with the opening of 59 gates of Hirakud dam to discharge excess rain water, even as the State government geared up to meet the threat.
A high alert has been sounded in 11 districts of the State
Heavy showers drenched Delhiites, leaving many of them stuck on the roads for hours as traffic went haywire due to water-logging. The rain gauges measured 91.1 mm in the Capital while the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.1 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year.
A minor girl died when the boundary wall of a hospital in Gautam Colony of Narela collapsed around 7-30 a.m.
In Uttar Pradesh, two women were killed in separate incidents of wall collapse as rain lashed large parts of the State, throwing normal life out of gear.
Mirzapur received a maximum rainfall of 148 mm, while 74 mm was recorded in Lucknow. All major rivers in the State were flowing below danger mark though at some places they have started rising, a Central Water Commission report said.
Moderate to heavy rain lashed several areas in Punjab and Haryana inundating low-lying areas in the region.
The intermittent rainfall also snapped power and water supply at a few places in the twin States, officials said.
Most of the rivers criss-crossing the two States, including Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Som, Ghaggar and Markanda, are flowing in spate in the wake of the rain in the catchment areas, causing a flood-like situation in villages along the banks.
Ranjeet Sagar Dam was lashed by 66.9 mm of rainfall, followed by Bhagauta with 66.2 mm.
Among other places, Chandigarh received 66.1 mm of rain disrupting normal life in the city. While Nangal Dam received 45.8 mm of rain, Patiala 33 mm. Shahpur Kandi recorded 23.2 mm followed by 20.7 mm at Ambala, 19 mm at Madhopur, 13 mm at Narnaul, and 5.8 mm at Amritsar.
The weatherman has forecast more rainfall at a few places in the region on Saturday. The maximum temperature has also dipped a few notches in the region.
In Himachal Pradesh, a man was killed and his son injured due to lightning at Vikasnagar in Dehra Dun.
Pilani in Rajasthan recorded 55.2 mm of rainfall followed by Sriganganagar at 23.7 mm.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Orissa has worsened with the opening of 59 gates of Hirakud dam to discharge excess rain water, even as the State government geared up to meet the threat.
A high alert has been sounded in 11 districts of the State
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
अन्न उत्पादक राज्यों में उर्वरक का संकट (Dainik Jagran/Delhi :- 03 Sep. 2011)
नई दिल्ली, जागरण न्यूज नेटवर्क:
देश के कई इलाके इस समय उर्वरक की कमी की समस्या से जूझ रहे हैं। ट्रांसपोर्टरों द्वारा उठान में कमी किए जाने से उत्तर प्रदेश के कई जिलों में किसानों के बीच यूरिया को लेकर जबरदस्त मारामारी है। कई सहकारी समितियों द्वारा ही उर्वरक की कालाबाजारी की जा रही है। पंजाब में भी उर्वरक काफी कम मात्रा में उपलब्ध है। प्रमुख अन्न उत्पादक हरियाणा में भी हालात अच्छे नहीं हैं। वहां भी कई जिलों में किसानों को खाद संकट का सामना करना पड़ रहा है।
खरीफ की फसलों के लिए यूरिया की कमी को देखते हुए उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार ने केंद्र से गत अगस्त माह तक 25 लाख मीट्रिक टन यूरिया की मांग की थी, लेकिन उसे 22.5 लाख मीट्रिक टन ही उपलब्ध हो सकी। इस कमी के कारण तमाम वितरण केंद्रों पर किसानों को निर्धारित मूल्य 297 रुपये प्रति बोरी से 50 रुपये अधिक चुकाने पड़ रहे हैं। न्यायालय के आदेश के पर परिवहन विभाग ने प्रति ट्रक की लदान क्षमता दस मीट्रिक टन से घटाकर नौ मीट्रिक टन कर दी है। इससे ट्रांसपोर्टर सरकार द्वारा निर्धारित पुरानी दरों पर उर्वरक उठाने में आनाकानी कर रहे हैं। यह भी समस्या का एक कारण है। जबकि सरकार का दावा है कि किसी भी जिले भी उर्वरक की कोई दिक्कत नहीं है। लखनऊ, अंबेडकरनगर, बलरामपुर, गोंडा, सुल्तानपुर, सीतापुर, फैजाबाद, बहराइच आदि में खाद की कमी को लेकर किसान परेशान हैं। जबकि बहराइच, महराजगंज, गोरखपुर, कुशीनगर, सिद्धार्थनगर में नेपाल सीमा पर खाद की तस्करी के कारण संकट बना हुआ है।
इलाहाबाद में कई सहकारी समितियां ही कालाबाजारी कर रही हैं। पंजाब में खाद की उपलब्धता कुछ जिलों में ही ठीक है। अमृतसर में स्टॉक में कुछ कमी है, हालांकि अधिकारी इसे मानने से इंकार कर रहे हैं। अमृतसर के कृषि अधिकारी परमजीत सिंह संधू के अनुसार, किसानों द्वारा स्टॉक करने के कारण खाद की आपूर्ति में कमी आई है। लुधियाना के कृषि अधिकारी राजिंदर सिंह पंधेर का कहना है कि जिले में खाद का पूरा स्टॉक है
डीडीए अधिकारियों के खिलाफ लामबंद हुए किसान (Dainik Jagran/Delhi :- 03 Sep. 2011)
पूर्वी दिल्ली, जागरण संवाददाता :
यमुना खादर क्षेत्र में किसानों की फसल उजाड़ने के मामले को लेकर दिल्ली पैजेंट्स को-आपरेटिव मल्टीपरपज सोसाइटी की ओर से एनएच-24 पर खेलगांव के सामने किसानों की बैठक का आयोजन किया गया। अध्यक्षता सोसाइटी के प्रधान चौधरी विभूति सिंह और महासचिव मास्टर बलजीत सिंह ने की। बैठक में मैग्सेसे अवार्ड विजेता राजेंद्र सिंह मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में मौजूद थे। बैठक में यमुना खादर क्षेत्र में खेती करने वाले 100 से अधिक किसानों ने भाग लिया। बैठक के माध्यम से किसानों ने डीडीए अधिकारियों के प्रति अपना रोष जाहिर किया और बैठक के माध्यम से डीडीए के खिलाफ अदालत में केस दायर करने का निर्णय लिया गया।
किसान सभा के दौरान चौधरी विभूति सिंह ने कहा कि सरकार से किसानों ने यमुना खादर क्षेत्र की जमीन 99 साल के लिये खेती करने को लीज पर ली थी। मगर, डीडीए अब बिना किसी सूचना के उन पर जमीन छोड़ने का दबाव बना रहा है। आये-दिन डीडीए अधिकारी बिना किसी नोटिस एवं पूर्व सूचना के अपने दस्ते के साथ आते हैं और उनकी खड़ी फसल को नष्ट कर चले जाते हैं। एक तरफ डीडीए अधिकारी किसानों की मेहनत पर पानी फेर रहे हैं, वहीं हर साल यमुना नदी में आने वाली बाढ़ से भी किसानों का बुरा हाल है। उन्होंने बताया कि डीडीए अधिकारी कहते हैं कि उनका सरकार से लीज एग्रीमेंट वर्ष 1966 में ही रद्द कर दिया गया था, जबकि किसानों के पास वर्ष 1977 तक के लीज पेमेंट जमा कराने के सबूत हैं। डीडीए उनसे जमीन खाली कराकर उनके पेट पर लात मारते हुए यहां बायो डाइवर्सिटी पार्क बनाना चाहती है। लेकिन किसान ऐसा नहीं होने देंगे। वे आखिरी सांस तक अपनी जमीनों को बचाने के लिये संघर्ष करेंगे। इसके लिये वे जल्द ही सुप्रीम कोर्ट का दरवाजा खटखटाएंगे।
इस मौके पर मनोज मिश्रा, सुधा मोहन, झील खुरंजा मिल्क प्रोडयूसर सोसायटी के मैनेजर बिछत्तर सिंह और जय प्रकाश चौहान सहित दर्जनों किसान नेता मौजूद रहे
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Maharashtra, Karnataka take steps to avert floods after dams overflow (The Hindu 30 August 2011)
After heavy rain lashed western Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the authorities of Maharashtra and Karnataka are working in coordination to avert a flood-like situation in the region. Maharashtra dam officials have informed their Karnataka counterparts about the water released from the Koyana Dam, which reaches Almatti dam in Karnataka's Bijapur district.
“We have already informed officials at the Almatti dam, after water was released from Koyana. Till now, Koyana's water discharge has reached 1.03 lakh cusecs. Karnataka officials told us that they too have increased the water release from the Almatti Dam up to 1.25 lakh cusecs,” P.P. Mane, Sangli division Sectional Engineer, told The Hindu .
In the past 24 hours, the catchment area of the Koyana Dam, which is situated in Satara district, received 143 mm of rainfall. Water released from Koyana reaches Almatti in Bijapur through the Krishna river. In 2005, heavy water discharge from Koyana led to a significant increase in the Almatti's water level, resulting in heavy floods at the backwaters of Almatti.
High alert
According to Koyana Dam officials, the dam is 99 per cent full to its capacity. All six doors of the dam have been lifted up to nine feet. Villages adjoining the Koyana have been put on high alert. In Sangli and Kolhapur districts, heavy rains disrupted normal life.
Pune district administration officials said dams in the district were full following incessant rain in their catchment areas since Sunday. According to Vitthal Balote of the Disaster Management Cell, 1.26 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Bund Garden point. The administration had issued flood alert to localities of Deccan, Sinhgad Road and Hadapsar after the water discharge from Khadakvasla Dam on the Mutha was increased to 47,000 cusecs. Torrential rain also affected life in Nashik. A person was washed away on the Dindori-Unhala river. A flood-like situation near the Gangapur Dam prompted officials to issue warnings in the nearby villages.
Forecast
The India Meteorological Department in Pune on Monday predicted heavy rainfall in central and western Maharashtra. Its daily forecast stated that cyclonic circulation over Madhya Pradesh and northern Maharashtra and a low pressure belt area created over the Bay of Bengal was the cause of the heavy rainfall.
“We have already informed officials at the Almatti dam, after water was released from Koyana. Till now, Koyana's water discharge has reached 1.03 lakh cusecs. Karnataka officials told us that they too have increased the water release from the Almatti Dam up to 1.25 lakh cusecs,” P.P. Mane, Sangli division Sectional Engineer, told The Hindu .
In the past 24 hours, the catchment area of the Koyana Dam, which is situated in Satara district, received 143 mm of rainfall. Water released from Koyana reaches Almatti in Bijapur through the Krishna river. In 2005, heavy water discharge from Koyana led to a significant increase in the Almatti's water level, resulting in heavy floods at the backwaters of Almatti.
High alert
According to Koyana Dam officials, the dam is 99 per cent full to its capacity. All six doors of the dam have been lifted up to nine feet. Villages adjoining the Koyana have been put on high alert. In Sangli and Kolhapur districts, heavy rains disrupted normal life.
Pune district administration officials said dams in the district were full following incessant rain in their catchment areas since Sunday. According to Vitthal Balote of the Disaster Management Cell, 1.26 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Bund Garden point. The administration had issued flood alert to localities of Deccan, Sinhgad Road and Hadapsar after the water discharge from Khadakvasla Dam on the Mutha was increased to 47,000 cusecs. Torrential rain also affected life in Nashik. A person was washed away on the Dindori-Unhala river. A flood-like situation near the Gangapur Dam prompted officials to issue warnings in the nearby villages.
Forecast
The India Meteorological Department in Pune on Monday predicted heavy rainfall in central and western Maharashtra. Its daily forecast stated that cyclonic circulation over Madhya Pradesh and northern Maharashtra and a low pressure belt area created over the Bay of Bengal was the cause of the heavy rainfall.
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