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Monday, 29 July 2019
Hardlook: Down to the wire
In the last 10 days, two cases of electrocution by overhead wires have been reported in the city. In the first, a biker died on July 21 when an overhead wire snapped and fell on him. A man who attempted to save him was also electrocuted. In the second incident, on July 27, a kanwaria died when speakers mounted atop a truck he was travelling in touched a high-tension wire. The problem is far more pronounced in Old Delhi and a majority of unauthorised colonies in the capital where, experts believe, putting the wires underground could be a possible solution. For guides who accompany foreign tourists to Shahjahanabad, the tour includes a visit to Jama Masjid, Red Fort and popular eating joints at Gali Kababian. But there's another marvel the tourists are shown, purely for the shock it generates: The criss-crossing overhead wires at Sita Ram Bazar. In fact, such floating wires are a common feature throughout the Walled City, and the police post adjoining Jama Masjid is no exception. A portion of the post on the first floor remains hidden from public view as bands of thick cables run along its length, perilously close to a balcony overlooking the courtyard of the 17th Century mosque. To an outsider, the sight of 30-odd wires for electricity, cable and telephone services can be unsettling. But life goes on in Shahjahanabad, with that air of indifference finding an echo in the words of shopkeepers and even police officers. The in-charge of the police post insisted the wires pose no threat: 'Show me even one naked wire? They are all covered. What is there to fear?' The sense of optimism, however, is not shared by officers at the Pai Walan fire station in Old Delhi. 'I can tell you, the fact that an area as congested and crowded as this has not seen any major fire incident in recent memory is purely due to the grace of the almighty. Sab bhagwan bharose hai,' said Vidyasagar, a firefighter. The Pai Walan fire station, which has two fire tenders, is among the four stations that serve Old Delhi. Vidyasagar said Pai Walan attends around 300 calls per year. 'Around 50% are caused by wires. But yes, we have not seen any major, serious or even medium intensity fire in the last four years that I have been stationed here.' According to officials, overhead wires are not just potential fire hazards, they also pose a danger to birds and monkeys. 'We carry bamboo poles at all times to rescue them. It's not as if the government has equipped us to tackle these problems, but we are expected to double up as bird and animal rescuers. Why not provide us equipment then?' said an official, on condition of anonymity. Asked if shifting of these wires underground will help, Vidyasagar said: 'An underground cable network comes with its own set of issues. It takes time to spot snags and correct them. And secondly, during monsoon, there are short circuits even underground as water manages to seep through at times.' A power official explained: 'World over, services beneath the surface is a well-accepted practice. As a practice, road-owning agencies build service ducts to lay various services, including electricity cables. In Delhi, if land-owning agencies take ownership and build dedicated ducts for various utilities, it would be a major milestone in refining civic conditions.' While the problem is more apparent in Old Delhi, also the first area in the national capital to be electrified in 1903, more than 30% of the areas in the city have overhead wires lurking around, according to official data. This year alone, there have been 12 reported incidents of electrocution (both fatal and non-fatal) in the capital. This figure was 40 in 2018 and 25 in 2017. The constraints Official data suggests around 60-70% of the BSES network is underground. BSES is Delhi's largest discom, catering to around 42 lakh consumers in Delhi through its two subsidiaries, BRPL (BSES Rajdhani) and BYPL (BSES Yamuna). TPDDL, a joint venture between Tata Power and the Delhi government, has a customer base of 16.4 lakh in North and North West Delhi. The Walled City comes under the jurisdiction of BSES, a Reliance ADAG company. According to both private discoms, the plan to shift all cables underground comes with a set of challenges which are almost insurmountable in certain unauthorised colonies due to a lack of space and scale of encroachments. 'The illegal extensions have brought balconies in many such colonies within arm's length of the distribution box or transformer fuse, exposing residents and the property to danger,' a power department official said. There have been cases of people encroaching to such an extent that electricity poles have merged with the buildings, he said. This encroachment is compounded by power theft in these areas by way of 'hooking (katia)' into an electricity system. This, officials warned, poses a serious safety hazard, especially during the monsoon months. In the last two-three years, BSES discoms have issued over 55,000 notices to such offenders. Areas that top the list are Shaheen Bagh, Madanpur Khadar near Sarita Vihar, Khanpur, Khirki Extension, Aya Nagar, Saidulajab, Vikaspuri, Yamuna Vihar and Karkardooma. When The Indian Express visited Jaunapur, where the biker and the person trying to save him were electrocuted, the stretch was once again waterlogged after just an hour of rainfall. Surendar, who owns a factory in the area, recalled the day the two men died: 'Casualties could have been more because this is a busy stretch. But we made phone calls to houses on one end and factories on the other, and asked them to stop people from letting people pass as there was current in the water.' Area councillor Ved Pal said there are several stretches where wires are not insulated: 'They should ideally shift them underground but if there has been a delay, at least it should all be insulated to prevent accidents.' According to power experts, around 10% of the BSES network that reaches homes or populated areas is not insulated; while in the remaining areas, where 30-40% network is above ground, wires remain largely uninsulated in cases where they are of 33 and 66 kilo volts. In case of 11 Kv wires, half are insulated. According to estimates prepared by discoms, funds required for conversion of the entire existing high-tension overhead network to an underground network in Delhi is around Rs 2,400 crore, while for low-tension network, it comes to around Rs 4,000 crore, which includes the cost to restore roads. 'For conversion from overhead network to underground network, TPDDL has worked out two options. One involves conversion through open cutting and trenchless while the second involves building of dedicated service ducts by land-owning agencies, which can later be used by discoms. However, TPDDL also appreciates the fact that several areas are extremely congested, where it would be difficult for land-owning agencies to build dedicated ducts. Hence, it is proposed that a composite solution, having a combination of both options, be used to convert the existing overhead network to an underground one,' a TPDDL spokesperson said. But the possibility of release of funds on such a large scale looks bleak at the moment, given the mistrust between the state government and the discoms, an official said. Discoms have been petitioning the government for tariff revision, while the government believes discoms have allegedly been inflating dues, the official explained. Apart from funds, work on such a large scale would also require permission from multiple authorities, which is challenging in Delhi's complex administrative structure. 'Wherever cable shifting is to be done, it needs to start with a study on what all assets are below the surface and the possible space available to lay cables. There are already too many assets beneath the surface, such as gas and fiber optic lines. It is risky to keep some services, like gas and electricity, adjacent to each other,' a discom executive said. 'The government also needs to decide up to what voltage level they intend to go for underground cabling. In case the wiring that goes to homes (service line cables) also needs to be made underground, support from residents to allow civic agencies to dig in front of their front lawns and gates will be essential.' Let there be light The Walled City area was the first in Delhi to be electrified in 1903 as Viceroy Curzon wanted to receive King Edward VII, historian Sohail Hashmi told The Indian Express. King Edward VII's visit was later shelved but Delhi started its date with electricity. Initially, there were generators installed at Town Hall and a British company supplied electricity by installing poles at the homes of people who wanted it, he said, adding, 'While some showed reluctance as they thought nights are meant to sleep, some showed interest.' In Europe, wires went largely underground, but in India, since it was a costly affair, the intention was to keep the expenditure to a minimum and still serve the purpose. But even as times changed, wires in the Walled City were left hanging and, in fact, more kept being added to the overhead mess. 'It shows plain lack of will to develop the area,' Hashmi said. The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, which has been working on redevelopment of Chandni Chowk for the past few years, has underground cabling of wires on a 1.3-km stretch from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid as part of its mandate. The project, now being monitored by the Delhi High Court, is still not complete though. The court has directed authorities to complete installation of transformers on the main road by August 31. 'We deal with limited resources and people. The underground cabling for the whole of the Walled City is a challenging task which has to be done by telecom companies,' Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation managing director Garima Gupta said. A senior official in the North MCD admitted that 'lack of will' was partly to blame. 'We recently shifted several internet and cable wires by asking service providers to move them underground and giving them a deadline,' the official said, adding that this ought to be extended to electricity as well. This work was expedited as Delhi was hosting the ASEAN summit in January 2018, and the Jama Masjid and Red Fort were supposed to be the centre of attraction for international guests. A BSES official said, 'A large part of our network is underground. There are several areas where the EHV (extra high voltage) network/cables have been shifted underground or are being shifted in the next few months. We are working very closely with stakeholders and agencies. Having said that, there are several challenges and practical difficulties that need to be resolved.' The official added: 'Encroachment of our network in unauthorised colonies is a big challenge. Not only does it lead to tripping, it is also a huge safety hazard. We have been continuously appealing and advising residents of such areas. to adhere to rules and maintain the specified distance from electricity wires and installations. But a few residents continue with illegal construction, even at the cost of their own safety.' DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Indian Expresshttp://www.penninetroutfarmandfishery.co.uk/UserProfile/tabid/61/userId/2084561/Default.aspx
Attack at Afghanistan Vice presidential candidate's office kills 20, injures 50
Some 85 civilians were rescued from inside. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but both Taliban insurgents and the Islamic State group are active in the capital and have carried out attacks there in the past. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The New Indian Expresshttps://www.gapyear.com/members/gibranjeenr/
Ramadan 2019 Date: When is ramadan starting in 2019?
It is an exercise in practicing self-restraint. The holy month of Ramadan is a time to detach oneself from worldly pleasures and look inwards. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Ramadan 2019 Moon Sighting Today Time in India, UAE, Saudi Arabia How do Muslims Ramadan fast? Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the entire month of Ramadan. Couples also abstain from sexual intercourse during the day. How Muslims break Ramadan fast? They traditionally break their fast with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. After performing the evening prayers, they partake in a social feast known as 'iftar'. Ramzan Mubarak Wishes Images, Quotes, Status, Wallpaper, Messages, SMS, Greetings and Photos Who are exempted from Ramadan fast? Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant or menstruating and people traveling, which could include athletes during tournaments. How do Muslims mark the end of Ramadan? Ramadan 2019 in India: Date, Time Table, Prayer Times, Significance and Rules The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during 'Laylat al-Qadr' or 'the Night of Destiny.' It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first verses of the Quran. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Indian Expresshttp://krachelart.com/UserProfile/tabid/43/userId/202294/Default.aspx
Tale of neglect in Salt Lake parks
The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation has been in limbo since Sabyasachi Dutta quit from the mayor's post on July 18," an official in the civic body said.The councillor of Ward 41, Anindya Chatterjee of Trinamul, said he had requested Sudhir Saha, the mayoral council member in charge of parks, to do the needful.Saha said he had issued a circular asking the councillors of all 41 wards to start tending to the parks in their respective areas. "We will begin the repairs soon. The respective councillors need to take care of the swings and rides in the parks," he said.Asked about the non-functional lights, Saha said a survey had been done to install LED lights in all parks of Salt Lake.A detailed project report for the installation of lights has been prepared by the civic body, he said. At the GC Block park, a swing hangs lopsided as one of the chains snapped because of lack of maintenance, residents said. A rusted iron pole stands at the spot where a monkey-bar once stood.The FD Block park, resident Ayantika Nath said, plunges into darkness every evening."None of the lights works properly. We feel unsafe to take a walk in the park after sunset. It was spruced up just before last year's Durga Puja," said Nath, 21, a Jadavpur University student.Not a single child was spotted in the AD Block park despite the presence of colourful swings, slides and merry-go-rounds. Reason: none works and many of them are broken."The children's section of the park has at least 10 rides. All of them stopped working because of lack of maintenance," a resident said.The broken base of a merry-go-round lies hidden under overgrown grass and anyone can trip over it and get injured. The merry-go-round itself lies overturned near the wall. Parks in Salt Lake, managed by the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, are in a sorry state with defunct lights and tall weeds, a far cry from the popular hang-outs they once were.The civic body had in 2015 cleaned and decked out the parks in all three sectors of the township spending more than Rs 30 lakh.Just four years later, most of them are in such a state that residents shun them.The grounds of almost all the parks are covered by creepers and tall weeds and children's rides such as seesaws, swings and merry-go-rounds lie in tatters. The lights are either defunct or they fail to illuminate the entire premises.At the HA Block park, for instance, a lamp post that was broken during a thunderstorm last year still hangs dangerously near the gate.A portion of the wall on the western side of the park has a gaping hole. Two broken tree trunks lie right in front of it.Several trident lights have been broken and most of the lights became defunct months ago. Some of the lamp posts had electrical wires sticking out dangerously. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Telegraphhttps://issuu.com/ioneesesneme
'Stark facts' stand out in CJI inquiry: Ex-judge
hah said the entire process had been "shrouded in secrecy" in the name of protecting judicial independence."Without passing judgement on the truth or falsity of the allegations, I must admit there are certain stark facts that stand out which demand consideration," he said.Justice Shah, who was speaking on the topic "Judging the judges - need for transparency and accountability", noted that after the allegations against the CJI came to light, an "unusual hearing" took place on a Saturday in the apex court.He was referring to the April 20 hearing in the apex court in which the CJI had described the allegations of sexual harassment against him as "unbelievable" and said a larger conspiracy was behind it."She made allegations of sexual harassment against the Chief Justice of India, in response to which there was an unusual hearing that took place on a Saturday without a petition having been moved. In what was termed as a 'matter of great public importance touching upon the independence of the judiciary'..." Justice Shah said."Three judges attended that hearing, but the order that emerged was surprisingly signed only by two of those three, with the Chief Justice choosing to abstain."Justice Shah said that later, the registrar-general of the apex court had issued a public statement saying the complaint was false. He said a committee of judges was set up to look into the matter with the "judges being selected by the Chief Justice of India himself"."The process of inquiry was also questionable," he said, adding that the complainant was not allowed to be represented by a "lawyer" or "a next friend" and the in-house process was not explained to her. He said the complainant withdrew from the case. "The entire process was shrouded in secrecy in the name of the protection of judicial independence," he said. "All this demands a re-look at the accountability system for judges in India, and throws up many questions." He said that judicial independence was an "essential pillar" of liberty and the rule of law.Justice Shah said the collegium system of appointing judges to the higher judiciary should go, as the decisions to elevate judges "tend to be arbitrary". "There is a complete lack of transparency, and perhaps names are even finalised over a cup of tea, as a judge of the Allahabad High Court said," he said. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Telegraphhttps://anotepad.com/notes/biyq4y
Coloured dustbins for Dhanbad
We will be distributing green and blue dustbins to ensure source segregation of waste at each of the 2.75 lakh households of 55 wards of Dhanbad spread over five circles of Dhanbad, Jharia, Sindri, Katras and Chhatatand by the next month," Agarwal said, adding that they would soon begin work on setting up a waste-to-energy plant at Sindri as a part of SWM project."We will be expanding door-to-door garbage collection to various wards of Jharia circle within the end of the month. Gradually, we will cover all 55 wards of all five circles, hopefully by August," he said.Elaborating on the land required to set up the waste-to-energy plant in Sindri, Agarwal said around 30 acres had already been provided to Ramky Enviro Engineers by Hindustan Uravarkan and Rasayan Limited. "Another 40 acres is required from the Fertilizer Corporation of India and we will be visiting Delhi soon to complete the formalities," he said.Pattanaik of Ramky Enviro Engineers said that the basic aim of distributing green and blue dustbins was to ensure segregation of waste at source."Wet waste, like leftover food, vegetables and fruit peel, milk or juice, matchsticks and paper cartons, collected from the each household will go to garbage compactors, while dry waste like plastic jars, tubs and bottles, toys, make-up articles, cups, milk cartons, paint material, cane, aluminium materials, will be go for recycling," he explained. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Telegraphhttps://wanelo.co/raamjureenshe
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Karnataka's skewed monsoon dashes Cauvery farmers' hopes
This year as well, the hopes of the community, which should have begun sowing in June, have been dashed. The region has recorded less than 53 per cent sowing and agriculture activities are yet to take off in many places, including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts. In Mysuru and Bengaluru districts, the sowing of pulses and crops like cotton and tobacco have seen some progress. But a dry spell during July will hit the yield of these crops. Farmers have lost groundnut crops in Tumakuru, Kolar and Mandya districts and are now dependent on cattle for their survival. Around 60 per cent of the sown pulses crop has been wiped out due to the erratic monsoon. According to Jayarame Gowda, a farmer from Shettihalli in Pandavpura, there was no fodder available to feed his four cows and a dozen sheep. "With no sign of rains, I am grazing cattle in the dried up groundnut farm. If this is the situation now, what will happen to us after December?" he asks. With Kharif crops failing, the agriculture department has suggested growing Ragi, maize, horsegram and minor millets in Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajnagar districts. After losing their Kharif crops however, farmers are not making preparations for the Rabi crop fearing they would end up in debt. Drinking water supply in many districts is being carried out with water tankers by local bodies and the situation will turn grim if copious amounts of rain are not received in the next one month. According to Sugar Cane Growers Association President Kurbur Shantha Kumar, farmers did not have enough water to save standing sugar cane crops. "We fear that there will be large scale migration and this will increase rural distress and farmer suicides. If they don't get water for cultivation in the coming months, how will they survive with just 7 kilos of rice given by the Government?" he asked. Agriculture Department Joint Director Mahantheshappa said that sowing is completed in 2.13 lakh hectares against the target of 4 lakh hectares in Mysuru district. Meanwhile, water levels in reservoirs of the Cauvery basin have hit rock bottom. The KRS, Kabini, Hemavathi and Harangi reservoirs are yet to get a steady inflow as the region is yet to see good rains. The hot temperatures and failure of monsoon have also affected borewells in many Southern Karnataka districts as they have dried up. With the Government also going slow on drilling borewells under the Ganga Kalyana scheme, the level of borewells has already crossed 1000 feet, farmers say, with the success rate of finding water falling to less than 60 per cent while at the same time pushing up project costs for drilling such deep borewells. DailyhuntDisclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The New Indian Expresshttps://www.aeriagames.com/user/junavenomes/
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