Yamuna waterway project: Solar boats set to sail from Gokul to Vrindavan by May-end

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Mathura, April 28 (IANS) The long-awaited Yamuna waterway project between Gokul and Vrindavan is nearing reality, with solar-powered boats expected to begin service soon.

Under the initiative led by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), eight jetties will be constructed in the first phase, with the target to complete some by the end of May.

An online meeting chaired by IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar was recently held to review the project’s progress. Officials from UPBTVP, the municipal corporation, the irrigation department, and environmental experts were also present.

In the meeting, it was decided that the 22-kilometre stretch between Vasudev Vatika in Gokul and Jugal Kishore Ghat in Vrindavan would feature a total of 11 jetties. Of these, three will be in Mathura and five in Vrindavan during the first phase.

IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar confirmed that the jetty construction process has already begun. However, due to navigational limitations and shallow stretches in the Yamuna, larger vessels will not be used. Instead of this, lightweight fibre boats, which will be powered by solar and battery systems, have to be deployed.

To address low water levels at certain points, a joint committee will conduct a detailed survey. Moreover, boat registrations will be managed through the local ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Office).

UPBTVP Vice President Shailja Kant Mishra stressed the need to avoid diesel and petrol-powered boats to ensure environmental sustainability. He also raised concerns about the pontoon bridges at Devraha Baba Ghat and Keshi Ghat, which currently obstruct smooth navigation. A technical team has been assigned to find solutions.

Meanwhile, UPBTVP CEO Shyam Bahadur Singh stated that tenders have been issued for developing public amenities around the proposed jetties. Local boat operators will also be allowed to use these facilities, thereby promoting local livelihoods.

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 28.35 crore. The IWAI will oversee the construction of the jetties, while the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) will be responsible for developing public infrastructure and access roads around them.

–IANS

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Mauritius ministers thank PM Modi for visit, talk about further strengthening ties with India

New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a community programme in Port Louis during his visit to Mauritius at the invitation of the country’s Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Speaking on the occasion, he hailed the deep-rooted cultural connection between India and Mauritius, which he said is evident in the warmth of the diaspora present in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

“Our forefathers were brought here from various regions of India. When we consider the diversity in language, dialects, and eating habits, this place truly represents a mini-Hindustan — a miniature India!” said PM Modi.

On the occasion, Mauritian ministers and NRIs spoke exclusively to IANS on PM Modi’s historic visit to the country.

Mahend Gungapersad, Minister of Education and Human Resources, said, “We are very, very delighted, first of all, that PM Narendra Modi came to Mauritius for this National Day celebration. We are grateful because we are further consolidating our relationship… We are very grateful to India for this visit and for strengthening the ties with Mauritius…”

Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, stated, “It is a beautiful relationship that is constantly being strengthened. This bond is not only significant but also unique. When India asks, Mauritius never hesitates –whether at the United Nations or elsewhere. And when Mauritius seeks support, India is always the first to respond positively, helping us build our economy and further consolidate our cultural ties. We look up to India and express our gratitude. The relationship between our Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of India is evident here today…”

Ajay Gunness, Minister of National Infrastructure, said, “You know, the relationship between Mauritius and India is like a blood relationship because we must not forget — and Prime Minister Modi is right in saying — that we are family. Prime Minister Modi has come to visit his family in Mauritius. We are truly honoured that, despite his tight schedule, he has taken the time to spend a day or two with us on our Independence Day…”

A woman, who attended the community programme addressed by PM Modi, said, “This is a matter of great pride for us that we got to see Modi Ji up close like this. All our Indian women are here today, chanting for Modi Ji. We love Modi Ji…”

Another woman shared, “First of all, we welcome PM Narendra Modi to Mauritius, and we are happy to know that the cooperation between Mauritius and India is still ongoing. He conveyed to us that he is committed to reinforcing the relationship we have with India…”

One attendee said, “It’s a great pleasure for Mauritians, for the whole community in Mauritius. It’s an honour for us because of the contribution between India and Mauritius. We are just a family here. It’s not just that India is India and Mauritius is Mauritius. India has a great connection with us. So, India means a lot to us.”

–IANS

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5 terrorists, 4 policemen killed in J&K’s Kathua (2nd Ld)

Jammu, March 28 (IANS) The body of the fourth police personnel was sighted near the site of the gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Friday as the anti-terrorist operation continued in the area.

Officials said that the body of the fourth policeman was sighted through a drone near the encounter site today taking the toll of J&K police personnel martyred in this operation to four.

Five terrorists have been killed in this operation which continues as per officials.

Seven security personnel including a Deputy SP, five policemen and a para commando of the army were injured in this operation.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah have paid tribute to the policemen who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

Officials said that five terrorists have been killed while five jawans of special operations group (SOG) of J&K police were martyred in the anti-terrorist operation in Ghati Heights of Sufiyan Jakhole village of Kathua district.

The injured have been shifted to hospital in Jammu city while the Dy.SP is being treated at the government medical college (GMC) hospital in Kathua.

The operation against the terrorists was started today morning with the first light.

Given the number of terrorists those were seen at Sanyal village on Sunday and the fact that five terrorists have been killed in Ghati Heights of Safiyan Jakhole village, it is confirmed that this is the same group, which had escaped from Sanyal village and was now trying to cross over to Billawar in Kathua district through Ghati Heights.

Official sources said that civilians observed movement of terrorists at village Safiyan Jakhole Ghati heights at 7 a.m. on Thursday and alerted the police.

“Teams of local police and the SOG headed by SDPO Border, Dheeraj Katoch rushed to the spot and engaged terrorists in the gunbattle, who were well equipped with sophisticated weapons like M4 Carbines. Later, army personnel including para commandos were air dropped and reinforcements of police and paramilitary personnel reached to the spot to join the operation.

“Three SOG personnel who were part of first team to reach the spot were martyred in the operation while the Deputy SP Border was injured. One Para Commando and six policemen including the Deputy SP sustained injuries,” an official said.

The official further said: “Three terrorists have been neutralized till last evening. Their bodies are lying in a hill and will be brought down once the operation is over. Body of one of the terrorists has been burnt. All of them are believed to be Pakistanis.”

“The police martyrs have been identified as Tariq Ahmad, Jaswant Singh and Balwinder Singh, all selection grade constables of J&K police. Terrorists are believed to be part of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. They appeared to be well trained.”

It has been learned that the gunfight triggered intense firing and explosions with the army using rocket launchers to eliminate the terrorists, who fired heavily with M4 Carbines and other sophisticated weapons and also used grenades.

Local youth were seen assisting the security forces to carry heavy weapons and ammunition deep inside a gorge.

“Senior police officers are camping at the spot supervising the operation. Special army para commandos were airdropped in the evening on Thursday to further strengthen the cordon around the area. “The dead bodies of five terrorists were sighted by drones and would be retrieved on Friday morning,” official sources said.

–IANS

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Development in PoK facilitated by China not Pak: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, March 4 (IANS) After heated verbal exchanges between the National Conference (NC) and the BJP MLAs on Tuesday in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the development in PoK was ‘facilitated’ by China.

CM Omar Abdullah said today the development seen in PoK is primarily driven by China, with no significant role played by the Pakistan government in its progress.

The Chief Minister made the statement after heated verbal exchanges between members of the BJP and the NC over the condition of border areas in the region.

“We have to accept that while there is limited development in our frontier areas, on the other side, there have been deliberate attempts to showcase progress.

“However, this so-called development was facilitated by China, not Pakistan,” the CM said.

He said that India has not sought assistance from any foreign country for infrastructure development in border regions.

Criticising the portrayal of growth in PoK, he remarked, “PoK government made people wear coats to create the facade of development. However, in reality, the pockets of those coats are empty.”

In another development in the Assembly, allegations of malpractice in the Rs 401 crore National Saffron Mission (NSM) rocked the House after legislators demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter.

NC MLA Pampore, Justice (Retd), Hasnain Masoodi, backed by CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the ambitious scheme aimed at boosting saffron production in Kashmir.

They urged the government to order a probe to ascertain if funds were misused or the project was mishandled.

Responding to the allegations, Agriculture Minister Javed Dar acknowledged the concerns and assured the House that the department was examining the matter. “If needed, a departmental inquiry will be ordered,” he said.

The National Saffron Mission was launched in 2010 by the then UPA government under the leadership of Manmohan Singh to revive saffron cultivation in Kashmir.

The multi-crore initiative sought to introduce modern techniques, improve irrigation facilities, and enhance overall saffron yield.

Allegations of project failure, mismanagement of funds and failure to achieve the desired results have raised doubts over its execution.

In yet another development, Sajad Gani Lone MLA from Handwara constituency of Kupwara district walked out in protest after the Speaker disallowed his motion of amendment regarding Article 370, Public Safety Act (PSA) and police verification.

–IANS

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