What's Delhi upto this Thursday?
In a freak accident, a Delhi Metro coach caught fire at Patel Nagar station earlier today. Fog continues to disrupt lives in the NCR region. In neighbouring Gurugram, thousands of labourers are heading home as demonetization has hit them hard. Delhi reeling from severe pollution should expect worse weather in the next few days. To read more on this, tap in.
Metro coach catches fire at Patel Nagar
At around 4 pm today, fire broke out in a stationary metro train at the Patel Nagar station. The incident occurred on the Dwarka-Vaishali metro train; passengers were immediately evacuated and several fire tenders were put in action. The incident disrupted services on the Blue line which connects Dwarka in Delhi to areas such as Vaishali and Noida in UP.
Delhi blinded with fog again
The capital was again engulfed with dense fog today morning. According to weather officials, visibility around 8:30 am was 100 metres but the rest of the day is expected to be clear. Travellers were inconvenienced as 94 trains and over a dozen international and domestic flights were delayed. Delhi government has ordered schools to open only at 9:00 am due to severe cold.
Horrific attack on puppy
In a brutal attack, a puppy's legs were 'severed' by a man in Dwarka. The incident happened last week when the puppy entered the man's house when he offered it food. When the puppy scratched the accused on his leg, he flew into a rage and cut off his two legs. Police have initiated action under 'Prevention of cruelty to Animals Act.
13,000 DDA flats up for sale
DDA will soon offer 13,000 flats for sale; this scheme was supposed to roll-out on Diwali but will now be launched on January 26, 2017. Most of these flats were surrendered or cancelled under the 2014 scheme: over 11,000 flats belong to the Lower Income Group flats category and majority are 1BHK. Flats are located in areas such as Jasola, Dwarka, Pitampura, Rohini etc.
Pollution to get worse; Delhiites brace yourself
Several parts of Delhi are already experiencing 'severe pollution' and air quality is set to worsen further. Pollution levels are categorized as 'severe' when the 'Air Quality Index' ranges between 401-500. According to air quality weather forecasting systems, people have been advised to avoid outdoor activities. People with heart and lung diseases, senior citizens and children are vulnerable and are advised to remain indoors.
Daily wagers hit hard by cash crunch
Over 1 lakh daily wagers employed predominantly in the construction sector have been hit hard since demonetization. According to the Labour department, 10,000-12,000 daily wagers have already returned home as they're struggling to get by in Gurugram. Payments to daily-wagers are stalled due to cash-crunch and workers refuse to accept payments in scrapped notes. Labour department has ordered a survey to understand ground reality.
'Safety awareness' for children
Gurugram's district administration will soon instruct schools to organize a safety awareness program in January. The program will teach children to distinguish between 'good touch' and 'bad touch' and make them aware of threats that exist around them. School teachers will also be trained to deal with children who maybe victims of such circumstances. The administration intends to minimize incidences of sexual harassment.
Hundreds rendered homeless
Slums at Kishangarh village in Mehrauli were demolished by the municipal corporation; over 300 jhuggis or hutments were razed in the two-day drive. DDA officials claimed drive was conducted in accordance with Delhi HC's order. Land was encroached upon by a local resident who rented out spots to jhuggi dwellers. The slum dwellers claimed that they weren't given prior information or intimation of demolition.
15-year old commits suicide
A 15-year-old girl committed suicide at her house in Sahibabad village yesterday; her mother found her body. Mother and daughter had moved to Ghaziabad from Punjab six-months ago. Investigations revealed that her mother was opposed to her relationship with a boy. Her suicide note contained an apology for the mother and said "I have fallen in love and this is why I should die."
