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  • Gujarat HC Clears Two Former Rajkot Municipal Comm
    My India Times      2024-11-08  9

    Gujarat HC Clears Two Former Rajkot Municipal Comm

    Rajkot, November 5, 2024 – The Gujarat High Court recently cleared two former municipal commissioners of Rajkot in connection with the illegal operation of the TRP Game Zone, where a devastating fire claimed the lives of 27 people in May. The court's decision, handed down on October 25, found that the necessary approvals and procedures for the establishment of the TRP Game Zone were conducted illegally at the level of the Town Planning Officer, and neither of the municipal commissioners had been involved in the approvals process.

    The division bench, led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi, concluded that at no point did the file concerning the TRP Game Zone reach the level of the municipal commissioners during their respective tenures. The bench also acknowledged that the matter was being heard as part of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), initiated just a day after the tragic fire on May 26, which resulted in significant loss of life.

    While the two former commissioners, Anand Babulal Patel and Amit Arora, were exonerated in terms of their direct involvement in the approvals process, the court made it clear that the issue of providing compensation to the victims of the fire remains unresolved. The bench emphasized that the question of holding officials accountable for compensation would be considered when the occasion arises.

    Patel, who served as Rajkot Municipal Commissioner from April 2023 to May 2024, expressed deep regret for the tragedy, stating that the incident had personally affected him despite his efforts to fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities. "This has been a personal toll, and I wish I could have done more," Patel said in his affidavit submitted to the court.

    Arora, who held the position from June 2021 to April 2023, similarly expressed his remorse. While attending a birthday celebration at the TRP Game Zone on the day of the fire, Arora mentioned that he had no prior knowledge of the establishment operating without proper permits. "Had I known about the illegal operation of the TRP Game Zone, I would have taken immediate and strict action," Arora stated. "The tragedy was heart-wrenching, and I deeply regret what happened."

    The fire, which started on May 25, 2024, engulfed the TRP Game Zone during a celebration, trapping many inside. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the lack of safety measures and illegal operations in public entertainment zones.

    The Gujarat High Court’s ruling, while clearing the officials of direct responsibility, has put the spotlight on the deeper issues of oversight and accountability within local government bodies. Legal experts and community leaders have called for more stringent enforcement of safety regulations and more transparency in the approval process for such establishments.

    Community Outrage and Calls for Justice

    The victims' families and the local community have been left devastated by the tragedy. The loss of young lives, many of whom were reportedly attending the celebration in a festive mood, has prompted calls for justice and accountability. "This tragedy should have been prevented. The government officials should have known what was happening in their own city," said Neha Shah, a local activist.

    Survivors of the fire have also raised concerns about the lack of proper safety measures at such entertainment venues. "There were no clear evacuation routes, no fire extinguishers, and the doors were locked. We just didn’t stand a chance," said Rajkot resident Harish Patel, who narrowly escaped the flames.

    Looking Ahead: A Call for Greater Accountability and Safety Regulations

    As the legal proceedings continue, there is growing pressure on local authorities to review the regulations governing entertainment and public venues. “We cannot allow such incidents to happen again,” said Rajkot Mayor Meera Desai. "It’s not just about the officials who are responsible. The system itself needs reform to ensure that safety comes first."

    With compensation for the victims still to be decided, the people of Rajkot are left searching for justice, not just for the families of the victims but also for a system that has failed to protect its citizens.

    …
  • Surat Plans to Become India’s Second City with W
    My India Times    2024-11-08  7

    Surat Plans to Become India’s Second City with W

    Surat, November 5, 2024 – Following in the footsteps of Kochi, Surat is poised to become the second Indian city to introduce a water metro system, setting the stage for a transformative leap in the city’s transportation infrastructure. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has unveiled plans to construct a 33-kilometer water metro route along the Tapi River, offering a green alternative to the city's traditional transport methods. The ambitious project aims to ease growing traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and improve overall connectivity for Surat’s rapidly expanding population, which has reached over 70 lakh people.

    The water metro system will be integrated into Surat’s broader transportation network, which includes city buses, metro railways, and now, the river-based water ferries. Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal outlined the vision for seamless intermodal transport: “The goal is to make commuting smooth and efficient for our residents by connecting all modes of transport — whether it’s the metro, buses, or the new water metro. This is part of our larger vision to reduce travel time and make the city more accessible for everyone.”

    The water metro will stretch from Valak to Rundh, utilizing the Tapi River as its main corridor. With the ongoing Tapi Riverfront development and a new embankment wall under construction on both riverbanks, the project is poised to be a game-changer in how Surat connects its key areas. The proposed ferry services will provide an efficient and eco-friendly option for daily commuters, tourists, and businesses that rely on quick transport.

    A Vision for the Future of Urban Mobility

    The idea of using Surat’s natural waterways for public transport was inspired by Kochi’s successful water metro, which began operations in December 2021. Surat's municipal team plans to visit Kochi in the coming weeks for a study tour, learning firsthand from the experiences of the Kochi Municipal Corporation. Surat has also gained the support of the French Development Agency, which has pledged technical assistance to help develop low-cost water metro solutions tailored to Surat’s unique needs.

    “I believe Surat is on the cusp of a transportation revolution. With our city’s rapid growth, it’s essential to explore alternative modes of transport that are not only effective but also sustainable,” said Agrawal. She added that the water metro is expected to complement the city’s other ongoing transport upgrades, including the metro rail project and extensive road network improvements.

    A Sustainable Future

    In addition to the practical benefits of faster and cleaner travel, Surat's water metro project aligns with the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Environmental groups have hailed the initiative as a positive step toward combating pollution. “Surat has always been an industrial powerhouse, and now it’s taking the lead in green initiatives. A water metro system will not only help the environment but also encourage people to use public transport instead of private vehicles,” said Amit Kumar, an environmentalist based in Surat.

    Local Excitement and Community Involvement

    Local residents are eagerly anticipating the new water metro service, with many excited about the prospect of shorter commutes and cleaner air. “This is great news! I often travel to work in the city center, and if I can take a ferry instead of being stuck in traffic, it will make my daily routine much easier and stress-free,” said Kiran Patel, a working professional in Surat.

    Surat’s plan to expand its water-based transportation system is not only seen as a milestone for the city but also as a model for other growing metropolitan areas across India. “The city’s commitment to blending modern infrastructure with sustainability will set an example for the entire country,” said Rina Shah, a city planner.

    Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision

    As Surat progresses with the initial phase of the water metro, plans are already in motion to further expand the network. In the future, the water metro could connect more parts of the city and surrounding regions, potentially linking Surat to other cities along the Tapi River and even neighboring states.

    SMC officials are confident that the project will bring substantial benefits to Surat’s economy, including boosting tourism, enhancing accessibility to business districts, and creating new jobs in the transport and tourism sectors.

    Surat’s water metro project is expected to begin its pilot phase within the next two years, with full-scale operations slated for 2026. If successful, it could serve as a major catalyst for water-based urban mobility across India, marking Surat’s position as a forward-thinking city committed to both progress and sustainability.

    …
  • Gujarat Witnesses Sharp Rise in Road Accidents and
    My India Times    2024-11-08  8

    Gujarat Witnesses Sharp Rise in Road Accidents and

    Gujarat, November 5, 2024 – This Diwali, Gujarat experienced an alarming spike in both vehicular trauma and physical assault cases, with data showing a significant surge in the number of accidents and violence. According to statistics from the GVK-EMRI control room, the number of road traffic accident victims in Gujarat nearly doubled, rising by 91.48%. On Diwali day, the state recorded 921 cases of vehicular trauma, compared to an average of 481 on normal days.

    Meanwhile, cases of physical assault also saw a staggering increase of 124.31%, with the number of victims soaring from 144 on average to 323 on October 31, marking a sharp rise in violence during the festive season.

    Experts attribute the rise in road accidents to increased traffic, festive celebrations, and a general disregard for traffic rules, especially as revelers took to the streets to celebrate. "With more people on the roads, there’s a tendency to drive recklessly, often under the influence of alcohol or while distracted by the festivities. These accidents are preventable with more awareness and stringent enforcement of traffic laws," said Dr. Rajesh Patil, a road safety expert in Ahmedabad.

    While the increase in vehicular trauma cases is concerning, the rise in physical assaults is equally alarming. According to police officials, many incidents were linked to alcohol-fueled violence, where disputes between individuals escalated rapidly. "The increase in assaults is often a result of heated arguments turning into physical altercations. We need to focus on creating awareness about peaceful celebrations and ensuring better public safety during festivals," said Inspector Meena Desai of the Gujarat Police.

    Community leaders and social workers have called for greater attention to safety measures, urging both authorities and residents to work together in curbing these distressing trends. "Diwali should be a time for joy and togetherness, not for unnecessary violence or injury. We must encourage people to celebrate responsibly, with empathy and care for others," said Rina Shah, a social activist working in Gujarat.

    As Gujarat reflects on the outcomes of this Diwali, calls for more proactive measures are growing louder. These include stricter enforcement of road safety laws, better traffic management during peak festival hours, and increased public awareness campaigns to combat alcohol abuse and promote non-violent celebrations.

    The rise in incidents this Diwali underscores the urgent need for a collective effort to ensure that future festivities are safe and enjoyable for all.

    …
  • Vande Metro Train's First Trial Run from Ahmedabad
    My India Times   2024-11-08  8

    Vande Metro Train's First Trial Run from Ahmedabad

    Ahmedabad, November 5, 2024 – In a significant step towards transforming travel between Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Vande Metro Train successfully completed its first trial run earlier this week, setting the stage for a new era of high-speed rail travel in India. The train, designed on the lines of the Vande Bharat Express, made its way from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, reaching the financial capital at an impressive speed of 130 km/h.

    The trial run, which took place on Monday, was conducted under the close supervision of the Railway’s Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO). The team meticulously tested various factors, including the train's stability, vibration, and shock absorption during the journey, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of safety and performance.

    "We are witnessing history in the making. This trial is a precursor to a state-of-the-art high-speed metro network that will dramatically improve travel times and comfort for millions," said an official from the Western Railway.

    The Vande Metro Train, designed with cutting-edge technology, features 12 ergonomically designed coaches that can accommodate up to 1,150 passengers. Each coach is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities such as CCTV surveillance, a talk-back system for communication, and digital passenger information display boards, making it one of the most advanced rail systems in the country.

    The Ahmedabad to Mumbai route, one of the busiest in the country, will see a dramatic reduction in travel time once the Vande Metro becomes operational. Currently, the journey takes over 7 hours by conventional trains, but the Vande Metro aims to cut that down significantly, with expectations of connecting the two cities in less than 5 hours.

    Experts believe that the Vande Metro will not only revolutionize regional connectivity but also set a benchmark for high-speed rail development across India. This project, part of the government’s vision for modernizing the Indian railway system, is expected to be a game-changer for both business and tourism sectors, bringing ease and efficiency to millions of commuters.

    As the Vande Metro Train makes its way toward final approval for commercial operations, the excitement among passengers is palpable. “We’re excited to see the future of train travel in India. It’s going to make our daily commutes much easier and faster,” said Priya Desai, a commuter from Mumbai, echoing the sentiments of many hopeful travelers.

    With its sleek design, impressive speed, and advanced safety features, the Vande Metro is poised to become a flagship project that will reshape how Indians travel long distances in the coming years.

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  • Ahmedabad Sees Significant Drop in Fire Incidents
    My India Times    2024-11-08  2

    Ahmedabad Sees Significant Drop in Fire Incidents

    Ahmedabad, November 5, 2024 – Diwali in Ahmedabad this year was marked not only by a brighter skyline but also by a significant reduction in fire-related incidents. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) reported a remarkable 40% drop in the number of fire calls received during the festive period, compared to the previous year, signaling a positive shift in safety awareness among the city’s residents.

    Between October 31 and November 5, AFES received 189 calls, down from 307 during the same period in 2023. This year, Diwali day (October 31) alone saw a reduction in calls, with only 80 fire-related emergencies, a drastic decrease from the 136 calls in 2023.

    Experts attribute the decline to multiple factors: improved public awareness about fire safety, more stringent regulations on firecracker use, and advanced firefighting technology deployed by local authorities.

    “People are becoming more cautious, and that is reflected in the number of fire calls. We also witnessed better compliance with the city’s fire safety norms, which contributed to fewer incidents,” said Jayesh Khadia, Chief Fire Officer of Ahmedabad. He emphasized that while the number of incidents was lower, the scale of some of the fires remained considerable, with major blazes occurring at storage units and warehouses.

    The largest fire of the Diwali period occurred at the Mirzapur scrap market, where firecrackers caused a devastating blaze, engulfing 30 out of 50 shops. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, and the situation was brought under control swiftly with over 80 firefighters and 21 firefighting vehicles. Khadia assured residents that such rapid response efforts prevented a more significant tragedy.

    In line with the city’s evolving fire safety practices, more fire stations were deployed to high-risk zones, especially in densely populated areas like western Ahmedabad. The increase in public awareness campaigns and firecracker restrictions also played a key role in reducing the number of fire incidents.

    While Ahmedabad celebrated with grandeur this Diwali, the city has made considerable progress in its approach to safety, marking a new chapter in the balance between celebration and prevention.

    …
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