DH Speak Out Jan 31, 2026: Public Opinions Highlighted
The January 31, 2026 edition of DH Speak Out features diverse public opinions on current affairs, governance, and societal issues, reflecting citizen perspectives in India.
Category : Governance
RTI Act: Governance Enhancer, Not Constraint
The Economic Survey's suggestion to re-examine RTI Act provisions is misguided. RTI has exposed major scams like Vyapam and Adarsh, enhanced transparency, and reduced information asymmetry between citizens and state.
Bhopal's Urban Hazards: Open Drains, Pits Pose Daily Risks
Following a techie's drowning in Noida, TOI spot check reveals Bhopal's similar hazards: deep pits, exposed sewer chambers, open drains near roads and footpaths, endangering pedestrians and motorists across the city.
ECoR Cancels 8 MEMU Trains for Jakhapura Safety Works
East Coast Railway cancels 8 MEMU trains between Feb 1-13 for safety modernization at Jakhapura station in Jajpur district, Odisha, affecting multiple routes including Cuttack-Bhadrak and Puri-Jaleswar.
Sreedharan: Kerala RRTS Not Workable, High-Speed Rail Needed
E Sreedharan criticizes Kerala's RRTS project as an election stunt, advocating for high-speed rail with 135km/hr speed versus RRTS's 70-75km/hr.
Bengaluru's Rs 30,000 Crore Waste Tender Nears Decision
Bengaluru's ambitious Rs 30,000 crore PPP tender for integrated solid waste management facilities in north and south zones is in final evaluation stages, marking a major shift in the city's waste ecosystem.
Delhi Water Bill Waiver Scheme Extended to August 15
Delhi government extends LPSC waiver scheme deadline to August 15, allowing domestic consumers to pay principal dues for full surcharge relief. Over 3.3 lakh consumers have already benefited.
NCR Achieves 100% Fire Safety System Installation in AC Coaches
North Central Railway becomes India's first railway zone to equip all 730 AC coaches with advanced fire and smoke detection systems, enhancing passenger safety through automated alarms and emergency braking.
Nashik Level Crossings May Close Temporarily for Kumbh Mela
Sixteen railway level crossings around Nashik may be temporarily closed during the 2027 Kumbh Mela due to ongoing construction work. Authorities are conducting surveys to plan alternative routes and minimize commuter inconvenience.
Delhi Govt Approves Rs 500 Cr Grant for MCD Sanitation
The Delhi government has sanctioned a one-time grant of Rs 500 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to enhance sanitation services and dust control measures across the capital.
Nashik Pay-and-Park Project Launching at 28 Sites
Nashik Municipal Corporation is set to implement its pay-and-park system at 28 key locations by late February or early March to address traffic congestion and unregulated parking issues in commercial zones.
AMC to Cut 700 Trees for Water Tank, Sell Parking Complex
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's standing committee approved cutting 700 trees planted 1.5 years ago for a new water tank in Isanpur and selling the Prahladnagar multi-level parking complex.
Chennai: Sewage Floods Streets After Manholes Buried in Road Work
Residents of Annai Theresa Nagar in Avadi Corporation struggle with raw sewage flooding streets after roads were paved over manholes, blocking drainage maintenance and causing health hazards.
Gujarat Deputy CM Reviews Bhavnath Mahashivratri Fair Prep
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi chaired a meeting in Gandhinagar to review arrangements for the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair in Junagadh, with enhanced security and extended procession routes.
Nagpur Pipeline Work Disrupts Life, Safety Concerns Rise
Pipeline laying near Chhatrapati Bus Stop in Nagpur's Chandak Layout has blocked access routes for months, creating safety hazards, sanitation issues, and daily inconvenience for residents.
Chandni Chowk Cleaning Stops Over Funds, Area Returns to Neglect
The 1.3km Chandni Chowk stretch near Red Fort in Delhi has slipped back into civic neglect after a specialized cleaning agency stopped work due to alleged lack of funds, despite recent maintenance efforts ahead of major events.
Equity Push Needed in Mobility Budgets for Bengaluru
Urban congestion in cities like Bengaluru stems from skewed mobility budgets favoring vehicular movement. Experts call for equitable transportation policies to address this growing crisis.
Chennai GCC Issues New Guidelines for Homeless Shelters
Greater Chennai Corporation introduces operational guidelines to standardize homeless shelters, including three daily meals, infrastructure upgrades, and improved monitoring systems.
Haryana Minister Suspends Officials Over Illegal Tree Felling
Haryana minister Anil Vij suspended two officials and ordered a criminal case regarding illegal tree felling in Sirsa. He also announced electric buses and digital upgrades for Haryana Roadways.
Ahmedabad Gets 467 MLD Narmada Water for Western Expansion
Ahmedabad's western expansion drives water demand surge. State approves 467 MLD raw water from Narmada canal, with Jaspur plant upgrade to add 200 MLD capacity for residential and commercial growth.
Chennai Mandates Cattle Licences, Microchipping to Curb Strays
Greater Chennai Corporation mandates licences and microchipping for cows and buffaloes by March 18 to regulate urban rearing and reduce stray animals on roads, addressing traffic and health concerns.
DRDO Seeks Indian Partner for Next-Gen Aero Engine
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited bids from domestic partners to co-develop a next-generation aero engine, marking a significant push for self-reliance in defence technology.
Nagpur's Hot Mix Plant Shuts for Maintenance After Overuse
Nagpur Municipal Corporation temporarily closes its upgraded hot mix plant at Wathoda for essential repairs after excessive production caused operational stress and pollution risks.
Delhi Water Bill Penalty Waiver Extended to 2026
Delhi government extends late payment surcharge waiver on water bills until August 2026, providing relief to domestic consumers burdened by inflated dues. Over 3.3 lakh consumers have benefited, with Rs 1,500 crore in penal interest waived.
Mumbai Power Outage: Western Suburbs Hit for 1.5-2 Hours
A widespread power outage affected multiple western suburbs of Mumbai on Tuesday evening, lasting up to 2 hours and impacting Adani Electricity and Tata Power consumers across areas including Andheri, Bandra, and Malad.
Nagpur IAS Officer Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar Named ACS Home
Senior IAS officer Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar from Nagpur takes charge as Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Home Department, bringing Nagpur's strong imprint to the state's key administrative wing.
Goa to Issue Conversion Sanads Online, Ending Office Visits
The Goa government has introduced draft rules to enable online issuance of conversion sanads, eliminating the need for applicants to visit revenue offices physically. This digital initiative aims to streamline the process and reduce the time frame from 60
Mallavaram-Kanigiri Railway Line Inspection Completed
Commissioner of Railway Safety completes statutory inspection and speed trial for Mallavaram-Kanigiri new railway line, bringing connectivity to drought-prone Prakasam district closer to reality.
Delhi's New 3-Level Grievance System with Auto Escalation
Delhi government introduces corporate-style grievance redressal system with automatic escalation and mandatory feedback. Complaints resolved within 21-41 days through unified platform.
Goa to Install AI Traffic Signals at 92 Locations
Goa's transport department announces AI-based traffic signals with cameras at 92 locations to detect violations like triple-seat riding and number plate offenses, alongside electric vehicle procurement and road safety education initiatives.
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