Delhi govt to redevelop five markets to make them 'world class', says Kejriwal
New Delhi, Jun 13: The Delhi government will redevelop the Kamla Nagar, Khari Baoli, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Kirti Nagar markets to make them "world class", Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday.
This is in accordance with the announcement in Delhi government's Rozgar Budget 2022-23 to create more job avenues.
"We have finalised the names of five markets to be redeveloped in the first phase. We have also listed out their USPs," the chief minister said.
"Kamla Nagar, for instance, is a youth hangout zone, Khari Baoli is known for the best spices, Lajpat Nagar is a one-stop destination for wedding shopping, Sarojini Nagar is known for its street fashion while Kirti Nagar is a popular furniture and household decor market," Kejriwal said, listing the markets chosen.
He added that there will be a design competition to finalise the redevelopment plan.
"The next step would be a design competition in which the country's best designers and architects will participate. We will announce this design competition in the next six weeks. These markets will be redeveloped on the basis of best designs from the competition," Kejriwal said.
However, he did not divulge the details and modalities of the competition.
The chief minister said the redevelopment will not only enhance footfall and business at these markets but will also help in generating employment.
He also said that in the redevelopment plan, roads of markets will be strengthened, sewer lines and water lines will be streamlined along with beautification of the markets.
On April 22, the government had given an advertisement inviting applications from market associations for redevelopment of markets. As many as 49 traders' associations from 33 markets showed interest, he said.
"We had formed an eight-member selection committee that screened the applications and shortlisted nine markets out of which five were picked for the redevelopment," Kejriwal said.
The selection committee had representatives from the School of Planning and Architecture, Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board and two traders' associations, he said.
The panel was headed by the chief project manager of Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation.
According to the Delhi government, Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the programme in the 2022-23 financial year and it is estimated that 1.5 lakh job opportunities would be created through the initiative.
The government aims to redesign, decongest and redevelop the selected markets to create job opportunities by stimulating business activities there.
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Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on 'disappearance' of 70,000-kg heroin from seizure records
New Delhi, May 2: The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre's stand on a plea alleging disappearance of 70,772.48 kg of heroin from seizure records between 2018 and 2020.
Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice on a petition filed by B R Aravindakshan and asked the Centre to file its response within four weeks.
The petitioner, a journalist, has claimed that there is a huge discrepancy between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report and the data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding seizure of drugs in the country from 2018 to 2020.
"He (petitioner) states that cumulatively, 70,772.48 kg of heroin has
disappeared from seizure records between 2018 and 2020. Issue notice. Let replies be filed within four weeks," the court said in its order passed on Wednesday.
The petitioner has said "the alarming disappearance" of more than 70,000 kg of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh crore in the international market, raises concerns of national security, social stability and economic repercussions.
The plea says the magnitude of the "discrepancy" is so large that if not sorted promptly, it may result in chaos in the society, but no action has been taken on the issue.
"On 12.09.2022, the petitioner filed a complaint before the MHA representing the data relating to the mismatch of data provided by NCRB and the data provided by Hon'ble Nityanand Rai, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, concerning seizure of heroin during the year 2018 and 2020.
"The petitioner insisted that 70,772.54 kg heroin worth Rs 5 lakh crore seized in India has been missing, thus insisting the ministry that an immediate investigation should be ordered for the safety and welfare of the country," the petition says.
The petitioner has sought several directions with respect to the alleged mismatch, including a direction to the MHA to order an investigation in a stipulated time period.
The matter would be heard next on September 9.
