Aakash Ghosh is a correspondent with Hindustan Times and is based out of Lucknow. Apart for covering local crime and policing in the state capital, he covers other significant beats including Railways, Science & Technology, Culture and heritage. He loves to write off-beat, human-interest stories as he believes it makes an instant connect with the readers. Prior to Lucknow, he is trained and worked with multiple print & digital newsrooms-based Mumbai, Patna, and Kolkata.
Articles by Aakash Ghosh
In e-tail era, Lucknow’s Aminabad is still the go-to market for festive shoppers
The market is chock-a-block with people flocking to shops from early morning to well past midnight; decor and gift outlets are the biggest magnets for shoppers
Updated on Nov 10, 2023 06:32 AM IST
Air Quality Woes: Revenue dept to extracting UPPCB-imposed penalties
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lalbagh and Talkatora areas of Lucknow has consistently remained at ‘very poor’ levels, exceeding 350 marks daily.
Updated on Nov 09, 2023 06:16 AM IST
Silencing The Bang: Firecracker sales take a tumble as young eco-warriors push climate consciousness
The number of firecracker shops in Yahiaganj, Aishbagh, and Alambagh has significantly dwindled as consumer preferences have evolved over the years.
Updated on Nov 08, 2023 07:30 AM IST
Smoke and the City: Talkatora, Lalbagh most polluted as AQI inches close to ‘severe’ mark
Areas surrounding Talkatora and Lalbagh in Lucknow recorded the highest pollution levels with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 and 350, raising concerns for residents. Six live monitoring stations have been established to monitor pollution. PM2.5 and PM10 reached as high as 436 and 432 respectively. All six pollution control board stations in Lucknow recorded a 'poor' AQI for the first time. The overall AQI in Lucknow reached 274, the highest recorded so far this year. Low temperatures may increase the AQI further by trapping pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
Updated on Nov 06, 2023 06:42 AM IST
Flyover Construction: Boon or Bane? As construction contaminates the air, UPPCB imposes ₹1.85 cr fine on firms ‘violating norms’
These findings are part of the “Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City Post Monsoon Report 2023,” presented by Lucknow’s CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Report (IITR).
Updated on Nov 05, 2023 05:58 AM IST
Greater Noida breathes ‘most’ toxic air, AQI near 500
Air quality in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh reached a "severe" level with an AQI of 494, while nearby Delhi recorded an AQI of 468. Other cities in Uttar Pradesh also experienced poor air quality. Authorities have been urged to take emergency responses to tackle the situation.
Updated on Nov 04, 2023 08:08 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh, Lucknow
Earthen diyas stage a comeback with contemporary shapes and designs
In the weeks leading up to Diwali, with the availability of modern earthen lamps, people are once again choosing them over electric lights.
Updated on Nov 03, 2023 09:24 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh, Lucknow
‘Vehicular combustion is the root cause of air pollution in Lucknow’
On Wednesday, the city once again recorded a ‘poor’ AQI of 202, marking the second time in six months after it recorded a ‘moderate’ level on Tuesday.
Updated on Nov 02, 2023 06:16 AM IST
India-England WC clash: Sea of blue inside, swathe of black market outside
Bootleggers were caught on camera dealing in illicit tickets despite the presence of heavy police vigilance.
Updated on Oct 29, 2023 10:22 PM IST
Match & PET: Cops put up brave face, 3,800 cops to manage twin challenges
A large crowd is expected in Lucknow, India for the India-England cricket match and the UPSSSC PET exam. The police have made security arrangements to manage the crowds.
Updated on Oct 28, 2023 06:14 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh, Lucknow
World Cup: Fake website selling Ind vs Eng tickets exposed in Lucknow; FIR lodged
Fake tickets for the India vs. England cricket match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow are being sold on a fake website, iccworldcuptickets.com. The Lucknow Police have lodged an FIR against unknown individuals and are investigating the matter. In addition, there are reports of ticket black marketing through social media platforms, with tickets being sold at inflated prices. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association is struggling with ticket availability for the match. The police have warned that stern action will be taken against those involved in such activities.
Updated on Oct 25, 2023 09:22 PM IST
Festive Farewell: Lucknow pandals gear up for eco-friendly ‘visarjan’ after 10 days of festivities
In an effort to prevent Gomti River pollution, the LMC has dug four 10-foot-deep ditches at Jhulelal Park and filled them with water.
Updated on Oct 24, 2023 06:08 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Lucknow second home: Bengal Dhakis strive to drum out poverty during Puja
Dhakis from West Bengal travel to Lucknow for Durga Puja festival, as it provides better earning opportunities compared to their remote villages.
Updated on Oct 21, 2023 07:43 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh Sreya Deb, Lucknow
Mother of all Durga Pujas: Bengali Club’s time-honoured grandeur shines amidst modern-day glitz
The Lucknow Bengali Club, established in 1914, is celebrating its 109th year of Durga Puja. The club has preserved its Bengali traditions and has deep-rooted connections within the community. The oldest living member shares memories of historic visits by Netaji and Tagore.
Updated on Oct 20, 2023 07:30 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Painting the Town with Tradition: Durga idol crafted from Kashi brothel soil adorns Lucknow pandal
The creation of the deity’s structure begins in Varanasi and comes to life in Lucknow, following an age-old tradition that starts on the first day of Rath Yatra
Updated on Oct 19, 2023 07:00 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Chhau dance-inspired Durga pandal to grace Lucknow with 3D marvel & artistic splendour
This unique dance form encompasses martial arts, acrobatics, and athletic elements, woven into the tapestry of festive folk themes.
Published on Oct 18, 2023 05:59 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Faith In Colours: Muslim Patua artisans bring Bengal’s Chalchitra magic to Lucknow’s Durga Puja
Vikas Nagar Pandal Showcases Over 200 Chalchitra/Patachitra Paintings, Bridging Art and Religion; Durga Adorns Dhoti, Spreads the Message of Unity.
Published on Oct 10, 2023 09:28 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh
“Aye Mohabbat…”: Begum Akhtar’s ghazal wafts again, as admirers visit grave to pay tribute
Pasandbagh, where she rests in peace and which was once her orchard, is shrinking today due to the inevitable pressures of the modern times, including city sprawl
Updated on Oct 08, 2023 06:44 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Drums of change: Kolkata ‘dhakis’ to echo sounds of women’s empowerment
The popular Rabindra Palli Puja Committee in Lucknow is constructing a replica of the UP Vidhan Bhawan for this year's Durga puja. The committee is also focusing on women empowerment by appointing women office bearers and inviting women dhakis from Kolkata. The pandal will reflect the new Parliament building in Delhi and will be constructed by skilled artisans from West Bengal.
Updated on Oct 07, 2023 08:14 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh, Lucknow
Businesses honk for help as e-rickshaws stall streets and sales
In bustling market areas like Aminabad, Latouche Road, and Hewett Road, e-rickshaws have become a common sight, often utilised for transporting goods rather than passengers.
Updated on Oct 06, 2023 06:54 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
E-rickshaw Encumbrance: Policy suggestions only leaving a paper trail, implementation awaited
A game of passing the buck persists between the police and transport office as battery rickshaws continue to flood the streets of Lucknow unabated.
Updated on Oct 05, 2023 06:28 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Eco-friendly, Economical & ‘Exceedingly’ Everywhere: As e-rickshaws swamp streets, police slam the brakes on new registrations
Cruising beyond 44k, battery rickshaws inundate Lucknow roads; lack of defined routes compounds conundrum.
Updated on Oct 04, 2023 07:24 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
‘Vacate monuments or face action’: Hussainabad Trust issues ultimatum to encroachers
The Hussainabad and Allied Trust in Lucknow has served eviction notices to encroachers on historic monuments, giving them 15 days to vacate or face legal consequences. The Trust has issued a total of 55 notices to families residing in six historic monuments, including the Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered the removal of encroachments from monuments and instructed the state government and municipal corporation to submit an affidavit detailing the measures taken for removal.
Updated on Sep 28, 2023 05:16 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Long ignored Chhoti Baradari in Lko finally getting a face-lift
Though most part of the structure is destroyed, the remaining part will help in restoration work. “About 1/4th part is still there which will be used to make the new structure. Marble similar to the one used in the old edifice will be brought from Rajasthan.
Updated on Sep 27, 2023 07:34 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
From Mexico, Thailand to U.P. villages; dragon fruit farming a growing trend among farmers
In several districts of Uttar Pradesh, numerous farmers are opting to cultivate this exotic fruit alongside traditional crops.
Updated on Sep 24, 2023 08:18 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Landlords flouting tenant verification rules: Police
Despite directive, only 300 house owners applied for police verification of tenants between August 25 and September 22, says joint commissioner of police
Published on Sep 22, 2023 11:55 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh
New Heights, Old Problems: Faulty lifts raise Noida-like mishap threat in Lucknow
Reportedly, there are over 1,000 high-rise projects underway in Lucknow, including initiatives by the Lucknow Development Authority, Housing Board (Awas Vikas), and private builders.
Published on Sep 21, 2023 09:30 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Unlocking the Legacy: ‘Lucknow’s French Connection Goes Beyond Claude Martin’
The book also uncovers that Claude Martin owned approximately 30 properties that showcased his dominance in Lucknow, with some vanishing over time and others being sold.
Published on Sep 17, 2023 12:22 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh
New Heights, Old Problems: Faulty lifts raise Noida-like mishap threat in Lucknow
Reportedly, there are over 1,000 high-rise projects underway in Lucknow, including initiatives by the Lucknow Development Authority, Housing Board (Awas Vikas), and private builders.
Published on Sep 15, 2023 07:56 PM IST
Aakash Ghosh
Encroachers evicted from Makka Darzi Imambada in UP’s Sitapur
As many as 15-20 zardozi workers, who occupied the place, evicted. The settlement was causing damage to the said structure, says sub-divisional magistrate
Updated on Sep 14, 2023 12:27 AM IST
Aakash Ghosh