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Assam’s Kamrup Metropolitan District Bans Unplanned Earth Cutting and Filling Until October 31


1. Prohibition targets hilly terrains, water bodies, and low-lying areas.
2. Aims to prevent landslides, artificial floods, and persistent waterlogging.
3. Addresses historical issues causing significant loss of life and property.


Kamrup, May 19: In a decisive move to mitigate the risks associated with the monsoon season, the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan District issued an order on May 18, banning unscientific and haphazard earth cutting and filling activities from May 1 to October 31, 2024.

This prohibition targets operations in hilly terrains, water bodies, and low-lying areas, aiming to prevent the occurrence of landslides, artificial floods, and persistent waterlogging that have historically led to significant loss of life and property.

District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan underscored the inherent dangers of unplanned construction activities in the issued order.

Sattawan highlighted that unscientific and erratic earth cutting destabilizes natural earth slopes, obstructs drainage systems, and instigates severe landslides and artificial floods.

These practices not only degrade the environment but also disrupt the ecological balance within the district.


Also Read: Safety Concerns Keep Sikkim’s Prime Attraction Gurudongmar Lake Inaccessible

To enforce this prohibition effectively, all pertinent departments and enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance.

These entities include Revenue Circle Officers, District Police, Forest Departments, Public Works Department (PWD), Transport Department, Soil Conservation Department, and regulatory bodies such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).

Commissioner Sattawan’s directive was explicit: “No earth cutting should be allowed until the monsoon season is over, regardless of existing permissions.”

Additionally, the order stipulates a ban on the transportation of earth obtained from hill cutting activities.

The directive also necessitates a thorough review and the immediate cancellation of any existing permissions granted for earth cutting and filling in vulnerable areas.

Sattawan instructed that “All permissions in the most vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods must be reviewed and cancelled forthwith.”

This measure aims to safeguard these regions from the potential catastrophic impacts of unplanned construction activities during the monsoon.

Historically, the Kamrup Metropolitan District has faced significant challenges during the monsoon season. Unplanned earth cutting and filling have led to destabilized slopes and obstructed drainage systems, resulting in frequent landslides and flooding.

These incidents have caused substantial damage to property and posed severe risks to human life. The new order aims to address these issues by imposing stricter controls on earth cutting and filling activities, ensuring that such operations are conducted in a scientifically sound and environmentally sustainable manner.

Enforcement agencies are expected to carry out regular inspections and impose penalties on violators to ensure adherence to the ban.

The district administration’s proactive stance is intended to avert the adverse effects of the monsoon season and protect the district’s residents and infrastructure.

The Kamrup Metropolitan District’s new directive reflects a comprehensive approach to environmental conservation and public safety.

By curbing unplanned earth cutting and filling activities, the district aims to prevent environmental degradation and enhance resilience against natural disasters, ultimately promoting sustainable development and ecological balance.

Safety Concerns Keep Sikkim’s Prime Attraction Gurudongmar Lake Inaccessible


1. Gurudongmar Lake, a prime tourist spot in Sikkim, is closed due to safety reasons.
2. Ongoing concerns stem from a recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood incident.
3. Despite its stunning beauty, tourists are currently unable to visit Gurudongmar Lake.


Gangtok, May 18: Tourists flocking to Sikkim this season find themselves unable to visit the state’s renowned attraction, Gurudongmar Lake, due to ongoing safety concerns.

The picturesque high-altitude lake, known for its breathtaking beauty, remains inaccessible following a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incident.

Lachung and Lachen, typically bustling with activity during peak tourist seasons, have seen a notable absence of visitors this year. While Lachung and its surrounding areas have welcomed tourists, Lachen, and particularly Gurudongmar Lake, have remained devoid of visitors.

Despite over 4 lakh tourists visiting Sikkim since January, with a significant portion arriving in the first quarter alone, the route to Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake remains closed. The continued risk of landslides along the scenic route has necessitated this closure.

District Commissioner of Mangan, Hem Kumar Chettri, elaborated on the situation, stating that tourists are currently restricted from accessing Lachen areas due to safety concerns. Efforts are underway to reopen the road; however, the fragile terrain and frequent landslides have caused delays.


Also Read: Landless Tripura Families Spend Nights in Forest to Draw Government’s Attention

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department reported significant disruptions in tourist activities following the GLOF incident on May 10.

The event, which caused extensive damage across the state, resulted in a notable decline in tourist arrivals, adversely affecting Sikkim’s tourism-dependent economy.

Data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department illustrates the impact of the GLOF on tourist inflow.

Domestic tourist arrivals plummeted to 41,905 in October 2023, down from 100,174 in September of the same year. Similarly, foreign tourist arrivals saw a significant decrease, with only 3,744 recorded in October compared to 5,912 in the previous month.

The GLOF in October 2023 caused widespread devastation in Sikkim, triggering flooding in various districts, including Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.

The breach of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River exacerbated the situation, posing significant challenges to the region’s infrastructure and economy.

Landless Tripura Families Spend Nights in Forest to Draw Government’s Attention


1. Families from North Tripura seek attention by spending nights in the Peku Cherra forest.
2. Plight of landlessness drives families to forest areas for government notice.
3. Residents of North Tripura highlight landlessness by camping in the Peku Cherra forest.


Agartala, May 18: Dozens of families from various parts of North Tripura district have taken to spending their nights in the forest areas of Peku Cherra, located in the Panisagar subdivision of the district.

Their purpose is to draw the government’s attention to their plight of being landless.

These families claim to have had homes built on government lands, leaving them vulnerable to eviction at any time. They seek permanent settlement through individual land titles issued by the Tripura government.


Also Read: Nagaland: Angami Students Union Directs Members to Refuse Aid from Indian Army

In pursuit of a lasting solution to their housing insecurity, these families have relocated to the forest areas, erecting makeshift huts using tarpaulin sheets and bamboo.

While they are uncertain about the outcome of their unconventional protest, they view it as a means to make their grievances heard by the government.

Among these families, Kartik Nama recounts how his house in the Jayashree area was situated on land recently allocated for the construction of a police station.

Despite being a beneficiary of the PM Awas Yojana, Nama faces the prospect of losing his newly constructed dwelling due to the government’s efforts to reclaim the land.

Krishna Nath, another resident, reveals that his family sought refuge in the forest area to escape ethnic tensions arising from the settlement of displaced Brus in their neighborhood. Lacking legal ownership of their previous land, Nath’s family hopes for a resolution from the government.

A delegation from the opposition CPIM party, led by two MLAs, visited the forest area to engage with the affected families. While some families have returned home, others await a resolution to their predicament.

Chief Minister Manik Saha acknowledged the issue, emphasizing that while there are no provisions for human settlement in reserve forest areas, the government would consider the matter on humanitarian grounds.

Nagaland: Angami Students Union Directs Members to Refuse Aid from Indian Army


1. Angami Students’ Union (ASU) reaffirms no cooperation with Indian armed forces.
2. ASU opposes the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958.
3. ASU condemns AFSPA as a draconian measure imposed on their homeland.


Kohima, May 18: In alignment with the directive from the Naga Students’ Federation, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has reiterated its firm stance against extending any form of cooperation to the Indian armed or paramilitary forces.

This decision reinforces the Union’s long-standing opposition to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958, which they vehemently condemn as a draconian measure imposed on their homeland.

The ASU’s opposition to AFSPA is rooted in the belief that the Act has led to significant suffering and human rights violations against the Naga people. They characterize the actions of the Indian armed forces under AFSPA as cowardly and highlight the torment endured by innocent Nagas over decades. The Union asserts that the peace-loving Naga community continues to live in tranquility despite the longstanding suffering inflicted by the Indian armed forces.

In a strong demand directed at the Union Government, the Angami Students’ Union has called for the immediate repeal of AFSPA. They further urged the apex court to restore the human rights of the Nagas by abolishing the Act.

The ASU emphasized the need for the government to recognize and address the grievances of the Naga people by ending what they see as an oppressive law.


Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma: “Want Reservations for Muslims? Go to Pakistan”

The Union has issued clear directives to its units, emphasizing strict adherence:

  1. No individual or union under Angami jurisdiction is to accept any form of aid from the Indian armed forces.
  2. No individual or union shall invite the Indian armed forces to any event organized within its jurisdiction, nor participate in any official events of the armed forces.

These directives are part of a broader effort to ensure that the Naga people remain united in their stance against AFSPA and the perceived injustices carried out under its provisions.

The ASU has also cautioned all Indian armed forces stationed in Angami-inhabited areas to refrain from actions that could provoke situations contrary to the issued directive.

This warning is intended to prevent any escalation of tensions and to ensure that the directives are respected by all parties involved.

The ASU declared its intention to mobilize all its networks to ensure strict compliance with the resolutions set forth by both the Naga Students’ Federation and the Angami Students’ Union.

This mobilization includes preventing any violations by individuals, groups, or armed forces. The Union’s efforts are aimed at fostering a sense of solidarity among the Naga people and reinforcing their collective demand for the repeal of AFSPA and the restoration of their human rights.

Overall, the Angami Students’ Union’s directives and statements reflect a deep-seated commitment to the welfare and rights of the Naga people.

Their unwavering stance against AFSPA and their proactive measures to prevent cooperation with the Indian armed forces underscore their dedication to achieving justice and peace for their community.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: “Want Reservations for Muslims? Go to Pakistan”


1. During a rally in Siwan, Bihar, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma opposed reservations for Muslims.
2. Sarma’s comments were in response to politicians advocating for religion-based reservations.
3. His remarks sparked a heated debate on the issue.


Guwahati, May 18: During a public rally in Siwan, Bihar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made emphatic remarks opposing the idea of providing reservations to Muslims in India.

Sarma’s statements came in response to suggestions from some politicians advocating for reservations based on religion, sparking a heated debate on the issue.

In his address, Sarma said, “If you want to give reservations to Muslims, then go to Pakistan and give reservations there. It will never happen in India.”

This comment was aimed at underscoring his firm stance against religious-based reservations, which he believes contradict the principles laid out in the Indian Constitution.

Sarma emphasized the constitutional provisions for reservations, saying, “Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us the Constitution. In the Constitution, it is mentioned that Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) should get the reservations.”

His assertion highlights that the Indian Constitution specifically designates these categories for affirmative action policies, without including religion as a criterion for reservation.

The Assam Chief Minister criticized specific instances where reservations for Muslims were implemented, pointing to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as examples.


Also Read: Assam’s Nayeem Hussain Clinches Gold in Under-14 Asian Tennis Tournament in Dhaka

He alleged that such measures were executed at the expense of other backward classes, thus creating a sense of injustice among those who were originally intended to benefit from reservations.

“In Karnataka, the decision to grant reservations to Muslims was made after robbing the reservations of backward classes,” Sarma stated, expressing his disapproval of the policy shifts in these states.

Sarma’s remarks reflect broader concerns among some political factions in India regarding the allocation of reservations based on religious identity.

They argue that such policies could undermine the merit-based and constitutionally mandated framework for reservations.

Sarma’s reference to Pakistan was likely intended to draw a sharp distinction between India’s secular policies and the religious-based governance of its neighbor, emphasizing his view that India should not adopt similar measures.

The rally in Siwan saw Sarma articulating his vision for maintaining the integrity of India’s reservation system as defined by the Constitution. His comments are part of a larger narrative within Indian politics, where the debate over reservations and affirmative action continues to be a contentious issue.

The mention of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, underscores the reliance on constitutional principles in framing policies related to social justice and affirmative action.

Sarma’s speech in Bihar is expected to resonate with a segment of the electorate that supports maintaining the current reservation framework.

It also reflects the ongoing political strategy of using reservations as a significant talking point in public discourse, especially in the context of upcoming elections.

As this debate unfolds, it is likely to provoke further discussion on how best to balance the needs for social equity and constitutional adherence in India’s diverse society.

Assam’s Nayeem Hussain Clinches Gold in Under-14 Asian Tennis Tournament in Dhaka


1. Nayeem Hussain, representing Assam, clinched gold at the Under-14 Asian Tennis Tournament 2024 in Dhaka.
2. Her victory came in the girls’ doubles category, showcasing her promising talent on the international stage.
3. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Nayeem’s burgeoning tennis career.


Guwahati, May 18: Assam’s rising tennis star, Nayeem Hussain, secured the gold medal at the prestigious Under-14 Asian Tennis Tournament 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

She triumphed in the girls’ doubles category, marking a significant milestone in her promising career.

The tournament, held at the Sheikh Jamal National Sports Complex from May 13 to May 17, showcased emerging talents from across the continent.

Nayeem’s exceptional performance garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

The closing ceremony, graced by Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of State for the Shipping Ministry, honored outstanding athletes, including Nayeem Hussain.


Also Read: New Tender Committee Approved for 108 Ambulance Services in Meghalaya

Her achievement brought pride to her hometown of Guwahati and the nation.

Nayeem, a ninth-grade student at Maria’s Public School in Guwahati, has consistently demonstrated determination and skill.

Her recent success in Dhaka adds to her accomplishments, following her commendable performance in the All India Championship Series Tennis Tournament held in April.

New Tender Committee Approved for 108 Ambulance Services in Meghalaya


1. Meghalaya government approves new tender committee for 108 ambulance services management.
2. The Health Minister stresses the need for a smooth tender process for efficient service delivery.
3. The state committed to prioritizing key departments to ensure effective execution of new tender.


Shillong, May 18: The Meghalaya government greenlit the formation of a new tender committee tasked with selecting a firm to manage the state’s 108 emergency ambulance services.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth and effective tender process this time around. She highlighted the state’s commitment to prioritizing crucial departments to facilitate the seamless execution of the new tender.

Previously, the tendering process faced three cancellations, prompting calls for the establishment of a high-powered committee comprising healthcare officials and experts to oversee the ambulance services.

While the National Health Mission (NHM) has been overseeing the ambulance services temporarily, Lyngdoh expressed reservations about NHM’s suitability for the task, indicating that it might not be the ideal platform for running such services effectively.


Also Read: Tripura: Agartala-Akhaura railway link and Maitri Setu to be operational soon, confirms CM Manik Saha

The state’s ambulance services were initially managed by GVK EMRI.

However, following a closure notice issued to the firm in August 2022, the government has been endeavoring to appoint a suitable entity to take over operations.

Expressing empathy for the affected workers, Lyngdoh pledged to explore avenues to support them during this transition.

She acknowledged that the employees would prefer a functional company to continue providing EMRI services, indicating a desire for stability and continuity in service provision.

Tripura: Agartala-Akhaura railway link and Maitri Setu to be operational soon, confirms CM Manik Saha


1. Tripura CM announces nearing operationalization of Maitri Setu and Agartala-Akhaura Railway Link.
2. Maitri Setu at Sabroom to provide access to Chittagong port of Bangladesh.
3. Significant milestones ahead for Tripura’s connectivity and trade prospects.


Agartala, May 18: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has revealed that the Maitri Setu and the Agartala-Akhaura Railway Link are on the verge of becoming operational, marking significant milestones for the state.

The Maitri Setu, constructed over the river Feni at Sabroom in the South District of Tripura, is poised to facilitate access to the Chittagong port of Bangladesh.

This development positions Tripura as the ‘Gateway of North East’, offering direct connectivity to the Chittagong Port, merely 80 kilometers away from Sabroom.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and fostering an environment conducive to investment, CM Saha highlighted the state’s growing appeal to investors.


Also Read: Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Elections: Casting Votes for 49 Seats on Monday | Complete List

“With the elections nearly concluded, and a new government on the horizon, under the visionary leadership of PM Modi and his unwavering commitment to the Act East Policy and the HIRA Model, the operationalization of Maitri Setu is imminent. The trial run for the Agartala-Akahura railway link has been successfully completed, and its inauguration is also imminent. We are witnessing a surge in investor interest, as evidenced by recent meetings. The future of Tripura is promising, and with the establishment of rail connectivity, we anticipate faster access to Kolkata,” he affirmed.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project marks a significant milestone as the first railway initiative between the North Eastern States and Bangladesh.

This project holds immense national importance, with the Indian portion executed by the Ministry of Railways through M/s Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

Simultaneously, the Bangladesh portion is managed by Bangladesh Railways and financed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

The Agartala–Akhaura railway link is anticipated to enhance connectivity between India and Bangladesh, facilitating increased trade and economic exchanges between the two nations.

The project spans a length of 5.46 km in India and 6.78 km in Bangladesh, with a total project cost of Rs. 972.52 crore for both segments.

Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Elections: Casting Votes for 49 Seats on Monday | Complete List


1. The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections covers 49 constituencies across 8 States/UTs.
2. 695 candidates are contesting for these constituencies according to Election Commission data.
3. Voting scheduled for Monday.


New Delhi, May 18: Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, covering 49 constituencies across eight States/Union Territories, is slated for Monday.

As per the Election Commission’s data, a total of 695 candidates are vying for these constituencies.

This figure emerged after the scrutiny of 1,586 nomination forms filed for the fifth phase. Out of these submissions, 749 were deemed valid after the deadline on May 3.

Of notable concern is the gender disparity among candidates, with only 82 out of the total 695 contenders being women, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms.

Here is a breakdown of the constituencies participating in the fifth phase across various regions:

Maharashtra:

  1. Mumbai North
  2. Mumbai North-West
  3. Mumbai North-East
  4. Mumbai North-Central
  5. Mumbai South-Central
  6. Mumbai South
  7. Thane
  8. Kalyan
  9. Palghar
  10. Dhule
  11. Dindori
  12. Nashik
  13. Bhiwandi

Uttar Pradesh:

  1. Lucknow
  2. Amethi
  3. Raebareli
  4. Mohanlalganj
  5. Jalaun
  6. Jhansi
  7. Hamirpur
  8. Banda
  9. Kaushambi
  10. Fatehpur
  11. Gonda
  12. Barabanki
  13. Faizabad
  14. Kaiserganj

West Bengal:

  1. Howrah
  2. Hooghly
  3. Arambagh
  4. Bangaon
  5. Barrackpur
  6. Srerampur
  7. Uluberia

Also Read: PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi to Hold First Campaign Rallies in Capital Today; Security Tightened

Bihar:

  1. Muzaffarpur
  2. Madhubani
  3. Hajipur
  4. Sitamarhi
  5. Saran

Jammu and Kashmir (UT):

  1. Baramulla

Ladakh (UT):

  1. Ladakh

Jharkhand:

  1. Chatra
  2. Kodarma
  3. Hazaribagh

Odisha:

  1. Bargarh
  2. Sundargarh
  3. Bolangir
  4. Kandhamal
  5. Aska

Polling for the fifth phase will commence at 7 am and conclude at 6 pm. The average number of contesting candidates per parliamentary constituency in this phase stands at 18, according to the Election Commission.

PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi to Hold First Campaign Rallies in Capital Today; Security Tightened


1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his 2024 Lok Sabha campaign with a rally in North East Delhi on Saturday evening.
2. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold his first campaign rally at Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency on the same day.
3. These events come as all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are set for polls on May 25.


New Delhi, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off his campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with a public meeting in North East Delhi on Saturday evening.

On the same day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold his first campaign rally at the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, marking a significant day in the run-up to the elections, as all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are slated for polls on May 25.

Preparations for the PM’s Rally

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Virendra Sachdeva, along with North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari and other party leaders, visited the rally site on Friday evening to review preparations.

Sachdeva expressed confidence in the rally’s success, emphasizing the historic nature of the event and the enthusiasm of party workers.

He predicted a large turnout, underscoring the excitement surrounding PM Modi’s visit.

Manoj Tiwari echoed Sachdeva’s sentiments, highlighting the pride the region feels in hosting a global leader like Narendra Modi.

“The PM is coming to guide us in North East Delhi, and it is a matter of pride for our region. People are very excited to see and hear him up close,” said Tiwari.

The rally is scheduled to take place at the DDA ground in the Yamuna Khadar area of the Ghonda assembly constituency at 4 PM.

Ghonda MLA Ajay Mahawar emphasized the significance of the rally, noting that PM Modi will seek blessings for Manoj Tiwari, who is contesting for the North East Delhi constituency for the third time.

Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign in Chandni Chowk

Simultaneously, Delhi Congress leader Anil Bharadwaj announced that Rahul Gandhi would address a massive public meeting at the Ramlila Ground near the sports complex in Ashok Vihar at 6 PM. This rally is part of the Congress’s efforts to galvanize support for its candidates under the INDIA bloc.


Also Read: Manipur: 34 UNLF(P) Insurgents Surrender to Assam Rifles

Security Arrangements for PM Modi’s Rally

To ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and manage the large crowds, a robust security plan has been put in place.

According to two police officers familiar with the arrangements, a four-layer security cordon will be established, comprising the Special Protection Group (SPG), the security wing of the Delhi Police, and local police units.

More than 2,000 security and traffic personnel will be deployed around the venue to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.

Pre-rally security measures include scanning the venue and surrounding areas, with final inspections by sniffer dogs, bomb detection, and disposal squads scheduled for Saturday before the rally begins.

The SPG commandos will provide the innermost layer of security, while the Delhi Police’s PM security wing will form the second layer.

The outer two layers of security will be managed by personnel from the city police and armed paramilitary forces.

Delhi Police Chief Sanjay Arora held a meeting with senior officers on Friday to review the security preparations.

The officers confirmed that PM Modi would arrive at the rally venue by helicopter, directly after attending an election rally in Sonepat, Haryana.

Impact on the Political Landscape

These rallies by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi mark a critical phase in the election campaigns for their respective parties.

The simultaneous rallies in different parts of Delhi reflect the high stakes and intense efforts by both the BJP and Congress to secure voter support.

PM Modi’s address is expected to bolster the BJP’s campaign momentum, particularly in North East Delhi, a constituency where Manoj Tiwari is vying for a third term.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s rally aims to rejuvenate the Congress base and attract undecided voters in Chandni Chowk.

With comprehensive security measures in place, both rallies are anticipated to proceed smoothly, providing a platform for the leaders to articulate their visions and appeal to the electorate.

As the campaign season heats up, these events underscore the dynamic and competitive nature of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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