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Tell us of the steps taken on depletion of groundwater, asks SC
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central government about the steps taken on the issue of depletion of groundwater in Delhi, and sought the presence of the Central Ground Water Board’s Member Secretary before it for assistance on the issue.
A bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta, during hearing pleas relating to the validity of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislation protecting unauthorised construction from being sealed in Delhi, was told that steps are being taken on depletion of groundwater here.
The bench had raised the issue of groundwater during the previous hearing of the matter on April 9.
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General N.S. Nadkarni, appearing for the government, also told the bench that the special task force (STF), proposed to be set up to monitor issues relating to unauthorised constructions, would also deal with the safety aspects of buildings built legally.
The STF will also examine the safety aspects in buildings like hospitals, schools, restaurants and theatres, he said, adding that a representative from the office of Delhi’s Lt Governor has also been added to the STF.
On the issue of security to the court-appointed monitoring committee, the Central government said proper security arrangements would be provided so that the committee could carry out the sealing drive in Delhi as per the top court’s direction.
Earlier, the committee had complained to the bench about the lack of police protection for carrying out the sealing drive.
The court then posted the case for further hearing on April 24.
The government on April 9 told the apex court that it has proposed to set up an STF to monitor issues relating to unauthorised constructions in the national capital and will take steps to demolish them.
The STF, to be chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and having representatives of the DDA, the three civic bodies as well as the the New Delhi Municipal Council, the Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Police, Traffic Department, and Delhi’s Transport, Revenue and Fire departments, will identify encroachments on the government land in Delhi and reclaim it.
It would also identify areas of congestion of traffic in Delhi and suggest measures to remedy the same to local bodies and other agencies.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.