Auction

The recent auction held by DDA for 10 hotel sites in Dwarka, Paschim Vihar and Rohini drew a total blank response from bidders. This was inspite of the fact that a similar auction a few months back had generated extremely good response and infact properties in Dwarka had created a record of sorts in terms of price bids. DDA was expecting to make a make at least Rs 2700 crores as indicated by the reserve price. Two thirds or around Rs 1800 crores were from the four plots at Dwarka itself. But it was a different story this time around. As a result of this recent debacle, DDA has now decided to reduce the reserve price by 10-20 percent. The re-auction is expected to be held sometime next month. The reserve price for the four sites at Dwarka which were unrealistically high, would be reduced by approximately 20 percent. Of the four sites the land use for two plots in Sector 14 is for hotel, general and commercial multiplex. The land size of these two plots is 7.39 acres and 6.06 acres and had a reserve price of Rs 592.73 crores and Rs 723.10 crores respectively. This worked out to Rs 22484 per sq feet and Rs 22452 per sq feet respectively.  In comparison, residential properties in some of south Delhi localities such as GK II, Defence Colony and Panchasheel Park sell at these prices.

ASARAM BAPU IN DWARKA- SPREADING SPIRITUALITY

Thanks to the vast stretches of open ground, Dwarka was once again the venue for a 3 day discourse programme by much revered Asaram Bapu. This programme came close on the heels of the recent camp held by Baba Ramdev a few months back. For Dwarkaites, it was a golden opportunity indeed, to listen to the discourses of the godman for three days from 6-8th October at Meghdoot Hospital Grounds, Sec-10.

Asaram Bapu's discourses centred on the need to follow a simple, healthy and happy lifestyle. It would seem easier said than done in the present day context characterised by a mad rush to outdo others in the elusive rat race. But it is to the credit of Asaram Bapu's way of addressing the gathering that the discourses and preachings have such a profound impact on the thousands of young and old, men and women who derive so much solace and satisfaction from them.

Asaram Bapu is a familiar name, thanks to his programmes on Sony and Sadhana channels. But seeing him and listening him in real life was an experience that some devotees would never forget. Says Shanti Sood, a resident of Sector 11, “I had heard that Bapu's preachings had soothed lakhs of troubled souls. After seeing his calm radiance, I can now understand why he is seen by many as Bhagwaan.” The benefits of attending satsang were echoed by a large number of other people as well, who claim to have benefited from his teachings. Victims of alcoholisms, stress and depression have achieved something that no medicine has perhaps been able to achieve.

The first day of the camp in Dwarka ie 6th September was the special day as it was Sarad Poornima. Late at night the same day, Kheer kept in moonlight for enriching it by the moon's medicinal properties was distributed to the devotees. For three days Bhog was given to all devotees free of cost. There were stalls where ayurvedic medicines, cassettes, incense sticks and books on Bapu's preachings were displayed.

DPS honours the scholars

DPS Dwarka held its annual scholar badge ceremony last week to felicitate the meritorious students. Present on the occasion were Pramod Grover, member DPS Society and Ashok Das, Deputy Director General, ICCR. A cultural performance, Parampara the Unbroken Lineage was presented by the students of the school depicting the Guru-Shishya parampara. The performance was appreciated by both the audience and the guests.

Humming With Activity

It's Diwali yet again and markets in Dwarka are beginning to come alive and bustle with activity. They are already decked up to welcome hordes of shoppers who are all set for the splurge. The mithai and other shops are spilling over the sidewalks. Festival shopping days are at their peak and the very many stores, outlets and boutiques backed by mega promotional campaigns have ensured that they have the latest collections to capture the high-profile clientele.

Dwarka's shopping centres though few in number, cater to every taste and budget. The market of Sec 6 and 10 continues to remain the favourite of Dwarka's residents. The market is always teeming with crowd and with Diwali just a day away it is great to be a part of the atmosphere and feel the excitement in the crowd. The market is choc a block with peddlers selling diyas and decoration. The market has decent showrooms for clothes (though the variety is only in ladieswear), utensils, electronics, white goods, jewellery and much more.

Voter ID Camp draws large crowds

Every Indian over the age of 18 is permitted to vote and exercise their right of franchise. With the government issuing a rule to allot voter ID cards to all eligible voters, this has also helped citizens get a proof of identity and residence proof. Till some time back, the ration card served this purpose. But with the relative decline of people using the public distribution system, the ration card has gone out of use and vogue.

However, there had been a lot of delays and complaints relating to the issue of election ID cards. A large number of people had either not been issued their voter ID cards or there was a mistake in the identity or address. To sort out these issues as well answer general queries from the public a voter ID camp was organized by Association of Social and Cultural Events, Dwarka and Dwarka Chitragupta Samaj for two days, ie 14th and 15th October, at Sector 6 and 10 Market, Dwarka.

This camp drew nearly 8000 citizens from Dwarka. They appreciated and lauded the efforts made by the organizers and said that such voluntary efforts went a long way in helping sort out common problems and issues relating to government and public authorities. They also thanked the organizers for getting this arranged at a very convenient place thereby facilitating a large number of senior citizens and ladies. M K Sinha, Managing Editor of Dwarka City and President of the Association, said that they were happy that the efforts of the organisers has paid off and benefited a number of Dwarkaites who has been brought under the electoral fold.  A large number of residents have enrolled in the voters list of Delhi .

CELEBRITIES TO GLITTER AT 1 ST DWARKA MAROTHON

The forthcoming Mini Marathon at Dwarka is slated to be a hig

h profile event with celebrities such as Kiran Bedi and ____, pledging their support for the run and having confirmed their participation. According to MK Sinha, Managing Editor of Dwarka City, which is spearheading the effort along with the Society for Haemophilia Care (SHC)  to make this run popular and spread the message of the noble cause that it is promoting, "this SHC Mini Marathon is being held to kick start a change in the lifestyle of people. This Marathon is a major athletic event happening for a cause of hemophilia for the first time in Dwarka". More than 2000 persons are expected to participate in this event comprising of racing events and open to anyone above 10 years.  Moreover, it is happening in the pollution free environment of Dwarka. It is going to benefit the residents in maintaining a happy and healthy living. According to the organisers, participants are free to walk, jog or run. Crossing the finishing line is the most important factor since it would indicate the commitment to the cause of fighting hemophilia. Everyone completing the race will receive the commemorative ribbon specially made for this event. There are prizes in each category to be won.

Such kind of events for the cause of hemophilia are held world over and have become a motivating factor to participants in their wellbeing as well. It also helps in spreading awareness and fundraising so that under privileged children are supported for treatment and rehabilitation. Such events are keenly awaited in Europe, USA and other parts of the world as these have not only become inspiring for keeping happy and healthy but also a source of fun and enjoyment as well.

  Old parents of Lift Accident Victim needs help

Arjun Rai, the brother of Tun Tun Rai, the victim who lost his life in a lift accident at Sabka Ghar Apartment, Sec.-6 is running pillar to post for compensation for his brother. Geeta Devi, the victim's wife and victim's father Jagarnath Rai spent almost a week in expectation of monetary help from the society as well as other concerned agencies. However, the only help they could get was Rs. 10,000/- from Sabka Ghar Apartment and Rs.17,000/ from AIMO Apartment, Sec.-22, where the victim's brother Arjun works as electrician. The administrator of Sabka Ghar, Kapila has not been of any help till date despite promises made to the victim's family.

Lt Col. Shot Dead

Lt. Col. Saket Saxena a resident of Air Force & Navel Officers Apartment lost his life recently in a gruesome attack by his junior. A junior colleague of Lt. Col. shot Saxena with his service rifle. The 39 year old Saxena was an outstanding army officer and was posted at Srinagar . The body was brought to Dwarka and cremated at Brar Square Crematorium with full army honour.

The residents of AFNO Society and Dwarka City join in the mourning of the grieved family.

Annual Day celebration of News Paper venders

Dwarka Newspaper distributors Association recently organised its annual day at sec.-6, DDA Park . The managing committee highlighted the efforts and contribution made in development of Dwarka for the last 7 - 8 years. R.K. Trivedi, introduced the association members to the audience. On this occasion Hindustan Times organised a cultural programme. The light and sound musical programme had variety of entertainment such as film songs, dances and mimicry. Vicky of chupke se album fame enthralled the audience with his peppy songs. He also distributed his album brought by GTM Music to the all the dancers who danced on his numbers. The gathering had a gala time as it was one of the unique events for Dwarka.

Bandh against Sealing

Stepping up their agitation against the sealing drive which resumed on 1 st November, traders called for a three-day bandh from 30th October to protest the MCD action. The traders took out rallies and held demonstrations in all markets in the capital to mark their protest during the 72-hour bandh. The traders' bandh against sealing on 20 th September had turned violent, with five persons losing their lives in the violence, prompting the Centre to urgently constitute a Group of Ministers headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil to find a solution to the imbroglio. According to the traders if the centre does not find any solution to the sealing issue, they will go on an indefinite strike. The centre has been already dilly dalling on it. The CAIT has appealed to the government to make a clarification on the MCD Act 1957, claiming that the MCD Commissioner has no powers to order sealing under the law. The sword of sealing continues to hang over the heads of the 45,000-odd traders who had filed affidavits in the Supreme Court.

Broken Boundary Wall

The boundary wall of Sec-12, Pocket 6, has been broken near the gate since long. Inspite of repeated reminders the DDA has not repaired the wall. In wake of rising incidents of robberies and car stereo thefts in the sub city, the residents are gripped with fear. Hope the DDA pays some heed to the concern of the residents.

SOLID WASTE OF BINS

The efforts of the government were laudable when it finally took the pain to put up bins and manage waste more efficiently. One can see green and blue dustbins all over the city in line with the segregated waste disposal system. The green dustbins are to be used for biodegradable waste like kitchen waste and the blue dustbins are to be used for non-biodegradable items like plastic, bottles and tin cans. However it is disappointing to see people not following the colour code since they are still clueless about the purpose of the coloured bins. The bins are broken and in missing or turned upside down. Many places the waste is all spilled around the bins for days. It seems that in some sectors regular cleaning of the bins is not done. It is high time the MCD replaces the broken bins and replace the missing ones.

BIG BANG DUSSEHRA CELEBRATIONS


Dussehra celebrations in Dwarka have become an event that the residents have started looking forward to with great expectations and enthusiasm. This is because of the grand scale of the celebrations as well as the accompanying fun and frolic for everybody. This time too, Dwarkites had a real good time as the festival symbolising the victory of good over evil was celebrated with added fun and excitement. The Association of Social and Cultural Events put up the tallest ever effigies of Ravan (60 feet), Kumbhakaran and Meghnad and had a variety of cultural programmes.

The enthusiasm was very much visible and crowds thronged the Sector 11 DDA park near the Sports complex, well before the start of the event of Ravan dahan on 2nd October. More than 70, 000 people came to witness the end of Ravana. Before the burning of effigies, there was an impressive cultural programme and lively presentation of Ram Ravan Yudh.

MK Sinha, organizer of the event, informed that this is the fifth year of Dussehra celebration and each year, they aim at having a unique theme and try to make the celebrations more grand. This years' 60 ft effigy of Ravana was really impressive.  The event was sponsored by GTM Builders and Developers. He also thanked the Delhi Police and Bhag Singh, ACP, Dwarka, for providing all support in making the celebrations successful, enjoyable and peaceful

Mishap raises issues of safety in Apartments

The gory and tragic accident in which a 22year electrician was crushed in a lift has raised many critical questions about safety precautions being followed in many multistoreyed housing societies. The accident happened at 6.30 am in Sabka Ghar Apartments Sector 6 when the society electrician entered a lift for doing some repairs. All of a sudden the lift started moving downwards and crushed the electrician between the shaft. According to Dhiraj Kumar, brother of the disceased and himself an electrician at AIMO apartments Sector 22, this accident was the result of negligence and lack of proper safety precautions. An Administrator had been appointed for overseeing the security. The society residents are an angered lot and wants the Adminstrator Mr Kapila a CBI- SP, be removed and security issues be handed over to the residents. Mukesh Sinha, Managing Editor of Dwarka City tried to diffuse the matter but has demanded that adequate compensation be paid to the family of the electrician. Shakti Sansthan, an NGO has also asked for financial help for the victim's family. Meanwhile, the residents of the Sabka Ghar society and AIMO have started collecting money and aid for the family of the electrician. 

Iron grills getting stolen

A number of cases of iron grills of public parks getting stolen has come to light. In fact there are no grills left in the parks of Sec-20, 5, 11, 22. Residents wonder if this is the handiwork of an organised gang. It is possible that these grills are removed and sold off to make a quick buck. People feel that DDA and the police should be more vigilant and catching the thieves red-handed can prevent this from recurring.

Uncertainties continue for 10,000 society members.

The hapless members who had been allegedly duped into becoming members of cooperative group housing societies face an uncertain future. The Delhi High Court has ordered a fresh CBI inquiry into the memberships of all these people and asked the investigating agency to examine if there was any nexus between them and the builders. The bench was hearing a case pertaining to the controversial Section 24 (2) of the Delhi Cooperative Societies Act, 1972. The section says that in case of vacancies in a society, the management committee has to invite new members only through advertisements at least in two newspapers. In case the number of applications received is more than the vacancies, the committee has to hold draw of lots in the presence of an official of the RCS office. However the rule was not followed and many builder-controlled societies, in connivance with the registrar's office, inducted their own people as members. In many cases, they duped people by not advertising vacancies and charged lakhs of rupees. Thus the fate of about 10,000 people who became members between January 2003 and April 2004 remains hanging.

RSS leaders converged for Viraat Hindu Sammelan

In a mammoth gathering at Viraat Hindu Sammelan national level leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad homed on to Dwarka on 3rd December at the MRV School grounds, Sector 13. This sammelan was organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad to commemorate the birth anniversay of the second Sarsanghchalak Madhavrao Sadashiv Golwalkar Guruji.  The organization works towards developing the spirit of brotherhood amongst Hindus and the basic aim of the organisation is to bind the society together as inseparable organs of the human body. Dharam Palji of MDH Group graced the occasion by being the chief guest. Also present were other leading members such as Praveen Togadia, President of VHP who was the main speaker. The other speakers included Mahant Naval Kishor Das, Ashwin Mahajan of Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Ram Krishan Chaudhary, Sangh Sanchalak, RSS, Janakpuri branch. Among other local dignitaries who were special invitees were area MLA Dharam Dev Solanki, Ajay Pandey and M.K. Sinha, Managing Editor, Dwarka City , who had also helped Hari Om Gupta, Secretary, in organizing the massive programme.

Peaceful Candle March By AOCAM

The office-bearers of AOCAM went again on a hunger strike from December 1 at Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street , to press for their demands. They also took out a procession starting from Jantar Mantar to Parliament Street . The affected members of CGHS housing scam who have now formed AOCAM had earlier in last fortnight took out a procession holding candles in Dwarka. The protestors took out a silent march from Ashadeep Housing Society, Sector 2 and assembled at Sec-10 market. The protestors were members of various CGHS in Dwarka who have not been allotted residential flats despite making full payments

According to DPS Rajesh, convenor of the Association of CGHS Affected Members (AOCAM), “More than 50 societies are ready for occupation whereas about 100 are in different stages of completion. Many societies have already submitted their lists for approval of the Registrar of Co-operative Societies (RCS) for transfer to DDA for holding a draw of lots. It is a matter of great regret that since July 1, 2004 no list has been approved by the RCS office.” The AOCAM has decided to intensify the agitation in order to compel the registrar to find the solution soon.

Weekly Markets - Life of Dwarka

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been relentlessly carrying out its efforts of clearing unauthorised commercial structures all over Delhi . The sealing drive has of course raised a lot of dust and heat. On a separate front, MCD has come down heavily on encroachments, unauthorised business activities and weekly markets too. The move to uproot the small patriwallahs typically those putting up their wares at weekly bazaars in different parts has had its fair share of support and protests. There is perhaps more to it than meets the eye in a developing subcity like Dwarka. Homemakers and working women are up in arms against this move, which they say is shortsighted and unrealistic. Gayatri Sathyan, a housewife in Sec-22 opines, “At Dwarka, corner shops are yet to develop and the distances are such that we cannot easily go to the main markets for each and every small item.

Health Facility- Urgent Need of the Hour.

Good infrastructural facilities for a developing area presuppose basic essentials such as health services, transport, shopping places. It goes without saying that lack of such facilities proves to be a severe handicap for certain sections, particularly the elderly and senior citizens. Dwarka has more than 75,000 senior citizens and majority of them are retired central government employees. The absence of government health facilities or more popularly known as the CGHS dispensary in Dwarka has led to quite a lot of hardships to the increasing population of government servants, both serving and retired. Says M.N. Dikshit, a former civil servant and now residing in Dwarka, “For senior citizens, proximity of health services is very critical. This is found wanting in the otherwise well planned subcity. To compound this shortage and aggravating it to some extent is the fact that the local transport services still continues to be in poor shape.” Gurvinder Pal Singh, a retired senior citizen complains, “Dwarka has a large percentage of retired government servants. To avail the facility of CGHS dispensary one has to drive to Janakpuri. We cannot think of entering the overcrowded buses”.

Dwarka stunned by suicide
Dwarka's Jagran Apartments in Sector 22 witnessed a tragic suicide by a resident which ended with another family member getting killed The tragedy occurred last fortnight, when a psychiatric patient jumped to his death from his eighth-floor bedroom, landing on his son who was trying to dissuade him from committing suicide. Seventy four year old Kailash Chand Garg, was being treated for psychiatric problems for many years. Around 8 am on the fateful day, he locked himself in his bedroom and started shouting that he would kill himself. His son, Sudhir, 47, ran to the ground floor and persuaded his father not to take this step. However, Kailash jumped down and ended up falling right on top of his son. While Kailash died on the spot, Sudhir, a 47-year-old engineer, had severe injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he died of internal fractures later in the day. Senior police officers said that Kailash Chand Garg, had been undergoing psychiatric problems for the last few years. Sudhir is survived by his wife and two children, aged 8 and 12. Kailash, who has another son - a doctor, had retired as a professor from a university in Rajasthan. A senior police officer said inquest proceedings are on.

Two LeT ultras held with RDX, cash in Dwarka
The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested two militants of Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) from Sector 6, along with 1.65 kg of RDX, two ABCD timers and cash Rs 4.5 lakh. According to the police, Imran Ahmad Kirmani (25) was an aircraft engineer and his brother is a Pak-trained militant. Imran and another terrorist Ghulam Rasool Bafanda (45) were caught by cops in the Sector six Dwarka main market on November 16. Rasool was handing over the consignment to Imran at that time. Rasool disclosed that he is working with Lashkar from last one year and Lashkar Commanders directed him to collect the consignment from one Shabbir in Azadpur fruit market. According to police officials involved in the arrest, he had to deliver this consignment to one Tariq at Sector 9 Metro station in Dwarka and take back the cash for using in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir .  Imran told the cops in interrogation that he had been living in Dwarka sector 9 DDA flats for the last one year and he joined Lashkar through his brother, whose name has not been disclosed yet. This incident has again brought Dwarka's security concern to the forefront and has raised fears of Dwarka becoming operational base of the terrorist outfits. The gunning down of Lashkar-e Taiba terrorist in Sector-6 market last year had proved that the sub city can be a perfect hide-out. Its high time again that the problem should be addressed with firm hand and the citizens should be educated accordingly to report to the police about any neighbour that arouse suspicion.

Shops in DDA flats - The next ceiling target

For those operating business and commercial establishments particularly in DDA flats or groups housing societies the future is looking bleak. MCD has now targeted such small establishments and the drive has already commenced with the sealing squads moving in and tightening the noose on thousands of such establishments all over Delhi . The scene in Dwarka's DDA flats is no different from other places. The traders affected by the Monitoring Committee's decision are now on their edge. While the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced intensification of its agitation against the MCD drive, it has said that the move to include commercial establishments located in DDA flats had caused much anger and resentment among traders of Delhi . The CAIT has taken up the issue with Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken. The traders' body demanded immediate cessation of sealing drive in DDA flats, arguing that the Supreme Court had allowed commercial activities in about 25 categories of shops dealing in items of daily need in shops measuring less than 20 square meter area. Small shopowners say that it is their only source of income and being neighbourhood shops, they not only fulfill the daily needs of the residential community but also provide employment directly and indirectly to others.

Dwarka IGI Metro expansion stayed

The Delhi Cabinet has decided to postpone the decision for expanding the Delhi Metro link from Dwarka to Indira Gandhi International Airport because the project is not financially viable at this stage. It was pointed out during the Cabinet meeting that since the Dwarka was still not adequately populated, getting enough commuters on this stretch to make the Metro a financially viable venture was doubtful. The 4 km stretch is expected to cost Rs 525 crores. It was proposed that instead of this extension, a high capacity bus service could be more viable financially.   

  Nursery admissions – more confusion than clarity

The Delhi High Court has ruled that admissions for nursery classes in public school in the Capital this year would be held without conducting any interview of the children. A division bench of acting Chief Justice Vijender Jain and Justice Kailash Gambhir said the schools would not conduct any interview of the children or any interaction with their parents for the admission to the nursery classes. The Court asked the schools to carry out the order at least for this year on trial basis.  In addition to forbidding interviews of parents or children, the rules ordered schools to give weightage to children who live near by. Siblings or parents who are from the same school will also earn extra points.