Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his intention to surrender on June 2, despite facing potential harassment in jail. Kejriwal, who was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court for Lok Sabha election campaigning, stated that he is proud to be going to jail for protecting the country from dictatorship. He also revealed that he has lost 6 kg in jail and is awaiting further medical tests to rule out underlying medical conditions.
The Delhi government has taken stringent steps to combat the severe water shortage plaguing the national capital during the intense heatwave. To curb water wastage, the government has directed the Delhi Jal Board to impose a penalty of INR 2,000 on violators. Additionally, the use of portable water at construction sites has been strictly prohibited. The government has also established a central water tanker war room and deployed 200 enforcement teams to crack down on water wastage in the city. Steps have been taken to disconnect illegal water connections at construction sites and commercial establishments, and to ration water supply if necessary.
Delhi, India’s capital city, has experienced a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures reaching 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of dangerous heat levels, highlighting the potential for heat-related illnesses and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the cumulative stress on the human body during prolonged periods of high temperatures, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. To mitigate the effects of heatwaves, the NDMA advises seeking shade, hydration, and medical attention as necessary. Heatwaves in India typically occur from March to June, with May witnessing the peak of the current heatwave.
To combat the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, the Delhi Education Minister has announced fines for individuals found washing their cars using excessive water or with pipes. Illegal water connections at construction sites and commercial establishments will also be disconnected. The minister emphasized the importance of water conservation amidst an acute heat wave and Haryana’s failure to release Delhi’s share of water. The Delhi Jal Board has deployed 200 teams to enforce these measures and impose fines of 2,000 rupees on water wasters.
Delhiites experienced extreme heat on Tuesday, May 28, with maximum temperatures reaching close to 50 degrees Celsius. Multiple weather stations recorded record-breaking temperatures, including Mungeshpur and Narela, which observed 49.9 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a red alert for the coming days, warning of severe heatwave conditions in six states. With no respite in sight, the severe heatwave is pushing power demand and leading to water shortages across the country.
A major fire erupted in the Madhu Vihar area of Delhi on Tuesday midnight, destroying approximately 18 to 20 cars. Eight fire tenders rushed to the scene and successfully contained the blaze. There were no reported injuries, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi, where a fire claimed the lives of seven infants, had grave safety lapses and violations. The hospital’s second exit was blocked by medical supplies, and its fire safety systems were non-functional. The hospital admitted twice the number of infants allowed and employed unqualified staff who were not prepared for emergencies. These findings underscore the need for stringent hospital regulations and qualified personnel to ensure the safety of vulnerable newborns.
A fire broke out on Tuesday at Eye Mantra Hospital located in the Paschim Vihar area of west Delhi. Firefighting personnel responded swiftly and successfully evacuated all individuals from the building, preventing any injuries. Six fire tenders were deployed to suppress the blaze, which originated on the hospital’s second floor.
The AAP Rajya Sabha MP, Swati Maliwal, expressed concerns to a Delhi magisterial court that granting bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, would pose a threat to her and her family. Maliwal’s statement came during a hearing on Kumar’s bail plea in an assault case filed by the MP. Maliwal also alleged being labeled a BJP agent and facing a massive troll campaign orchestrated by the Aam Aadmi Party. She further pointed out that Kumar held a position of influence and enjoyed privileges comparable to those of ministers.
A devastating fire has claimed the lives of six infants and left several others injured at a children’s hospital in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area. Officials report that at least 11 newborn babies were successfully rescued from the inferno, which broke out on Saturday night. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
