DELHI (national capital territory)

Tackling the severe pollution crisis in Delhi and the NCR region will require a massive investment of ₹8–10 lakh crore, according to experts. Measures such as road paving, promotion of electric vehicles, and adoption of cleaner industrial technologies will necessitate both government funding and private sector participation. Comprehensive Plan NeededTo effectively reduce pollution, authorities must implement a comprehensive plan that includes: Reconstruction and paving of roads to control dust emissions. Establishing a widespread electric vehicle infrastructure. Electrifying public transport systems. Enforcing strict emission standards and using only high-quality fuels. Providing government subsidies and incentives to encourage adoption of clean technologies. Offering...

In a bid to tackle increasing traffic congestion and pollution, the Delhi government is considering the relaunch of a shared taxi service across the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to hold discussions with app-based cab operators to roll out the initiative, with a focus on electric vehicles and enhanced safety measures for women passengers. Reducing Traffic, Ensuring ConvenienceThe shared taxi service, suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to reduce the number of vehicles on Delhi roads while ensuring commuters enjoy affordable, safe, and comfortable travel. Government officials are exploring adjustments in aggregator policies to facilitate the initiative, allowing fewer vehicles to serve more passengers efficiently. Promoting Electric MobilityAs part of the plan, a...

Once famous for its tailors and long queues of customers getting shirts and pants stitched, Meherchand Market in Delhi has now undergone a striking transformation. The bustling market, originally established by refugees after Partition, is gradually evolving into a modern shopping plaza where people now line up outside cafes instead of tailor shops. A Market Born from PartitionMeherchand Market’s origins trace back to post-Partition Delhi. Refugees from Pakistan set up roughly 240 temporary stalls in Lodi Colony. By 1964, these were replaced with 152 permanent shops, officially christened Meherchand Market. The market became known as “Delhi’s Wonder Market”, where around 20 tailors worked together, rapidly altering clothes for customers. For decades, tailoring remained the market’s core...

Air quality in the national capital has worsened once again, reaching severe levels in several areas. Residents are struggling to breathe through the toxic air, and visibility on roads was notably low during early morning hours. Critical Pollution Levels RecordedAccording to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 410, placing them in the severe category. Other hotspots included Dhaula Kuan at 252 AQI and ITO at 379 AQI. On Friday evening, the city’s 24-hour average AQI was 332, compared to 234 on Thursday. Rapid Deterioration on SaturdayOn Saturday morning at 11 am, AQI stood at 320, up from 218 the previous day at the same time. By 2 pm, many areas had entered the severe category: Jahangirpuri recorded 40...

Ahead of New Year and Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police has intensified its vigilance against organized and habitual criminals. The South-East District Police conducted a major crackdown under Operation Aghaat 3.0, resulting in the arrest of 966 individuals. Seizures and ArrestsDuring the operation, the police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, 27 switchblade knives, and over 12,258 quarters of illegal liquor. Additionally, 6 kilograms of high-quality cannabis were recovered. Among the arrested, 116 individuals were specifically marked as habitual offenders. Property and Cash ConfiscatedPolice also seized 310 mobile phones, 232 vehicles including scooters, motorcycles, and cars, and cash exceeding ₹2.3 lakh from gambling dens. Operation Leadership and Object...

The North East Delhi police dealt another blow to notorious gangster Sabir Chaudhary’s criminal network. Sealampur police have arrested his wife, Famida, and son, Sameer Chaudhary, in connection with an attempted murder case registered at Sealampur Police Station. Several other suspects are still at large, with police conducting raids to apprehend them. Incident DetailsThe victim, Rashid, had to undergo surgery at GTB Hospital after the attack. Rashid, also known as Chhota Rashid (35), resides in New Sealampur with his family and runs a business. He told police that on the night of December 22, around 10:30 pm, he went to meet a relative near K-Block’s slum area. Upon arrival, Sameer Chaudhary, Ashraf alias Fory, Famida, and other accomplices confronted him. Famida reportedly shouted, “...

Fire incidents, whether in India’s second metro cities or elsewhere, often have implications for Delhi. Schools, hospitals, hotels, and clubs—all are at risk. Following recent tragedies such as the Goa fire, senior officers of the Delhi Fire Brigade have intensified inspections. Yet experts warn that a crucial part of the system—the Station Officer (STO)—is being overlooked. Station Officers: The First Responders Left Out of InspectionsStation Officers are the backbone of the Delhi Fire Service. They are the first responders at fire sites and play a critical role in assessing the situation and directing the team. However, during routine inspections, STOs are often not included, despite fire service regulations mandating their participation. Current and retired officers alike agree this ...

A long-pending dispute over 42.46 acres of land in Sultanpur/Ghitorni village has been resolved through an agreement between NBCC (India) Limited and the Delhi Government. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena. Equal Division Between NBCC and Delhi GovernmentUnder the terms of the settlement, the 42.46-acre land parcel will be divided equally between NBCC and the Delhi Government, giving NBCC 21.23 acres for development. NBCC will be required to make pending payments related to its share before proceeding with development. Payment DetailsNBCC will pay the Land and Building Department a total of ₹150 crore, comprising a one-time land premium of ₹135 crore and ₹15 crore as lump-sum interest. Additionally, the land premium will inclu...

The Delhi Government is planning to construct an elevated road from Bihari Colony in East Delhi to Telco T-Point over Drain No. 1, aiming to relieve severe traffic congestion on Swami Dayanand Marg. Government Officials Inspect the SiteRecently, Delhi’s PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and Arvinder Singh Lovely, Chairman of the Yamuna Vihar Development Board, conducted an inspection of the drain to finalize plans for the elevated road. Millions to Benefit from Reduced TrafficThe elevated road is expected to significantly ease traffic for residents of the surrounding four assembly constituencies and for the millions who commute daily via Swami Dayanand Marg (Swarn Cinema Road). Chronic traffic jams in the area are largely attributed to the numerous closely spaced traffic signals along the r...

Delhi now has 13 districts instead of the previous 11, prompting changes in administrative structures and services. The Revenue Department of the Delhi Government has issued an official notification regarding the formation of the new districts. Consequently, the number of SDM offices will increase from 33 to 39, effective immediately. Census to Follow New DistrictsResidents will now apply for certificates and property registration according to the boundaries of the new districts. Next year’s census will also be conducted based on these updated districts. To ensure better coordination, the 12 MCD zones have been aligned with administrative districts, while NDMC and Delhi Cantonment have been merged to form the 13th district. Government’s RationaleOfficials state that the move aims to ...