News / Author / Maria Khan

Maria Khan

Senior Correspondent, Hindustan Times. Reports on district administration, health, civic issues, and environmental concerns in Noida and Greater Noida. Graduated from MJP Rohilkhand University in 2015 and started career in journalism in 2016, at The Times of India, UP West (Bareilly, Rampur, Moradabad and Sambhal) where reported on a range of issues including crime and politics till November 2021. Working with Hindustan Times since June, 2023.

Articles by Maria Khan

Farmers oppose land acquisition by govt at mahapanchayat in Jewar’s Thora

AIKS leaders pointed to disparities between market rates and compensation offered, especially near the upcoming airport. . Leaders vowed to continue their fight until the new laws were fully implemented in their favour

Hundreds of farmers, supported by All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), took part in the mahapanchayat on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Jan 09, 2025 07:16 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: Order to hire women trainers at fitness centres gets tepid response

The order, issued on January 5, mandated both government and private fitness establishments to appoint at least one woman trainer alongside male counterparts within two days

The mandate applies to over 800 registered fitness facilities across the district, including 400 gyms, 300 swimming pools, and 100 sports academies. Operators must also ensure CCTV coverage, maintain digital video recording systems, and provide ID proofs of all trainers to the administration, officials said. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Jan 08, 2025 06:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

234 power connections severed in Jewar uner OTS phase II

90 consumers registered themselves under the OTS scheme and contributed ₹10.79 lakh in dues during the drive

The PVVNL under Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has instructed officials to intensify efforts and adopt strict measures to ensure compliance. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Jan 08, 2025 06:48 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida, Greater Noida see improved air quality, rain likely next week

The recent spell of rain and increased wind activity have contributed to the dispersion of pollutants, leading to better air quality in the region, said a Skymet Weather official

The anticipated rainfall is expected to further aid in improving air quality by washing away suspended pollutants. However, the accompanying drop in temperatures may lead to cold wave conditions in certain areas, said weather scientists. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 07:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar farmers secure key assurances from Uttar Pradesh CM

They delegation presented a comprehensive list of grievances to the chief minister, emphasising the need for policy changes and swift administrative action to resolve their concerns

Representatives from the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad, All India Kisan Sabha, and Kisan Ekta Sangh met Adityanath in Lucknow on Monday to discuss their long-standing issues. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 07:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Bid to secure police job land four in jail in GB Nagar

The matter was discovered on December 30, 2024, at the Reserve Police Lines in Gautam Budh Nagar, when the document verification (DV) and physical standard test (PST) process was underway. An FIR was registered under multiple sections and the accused have been sent to judicial custody

Four people were arrested on Saturday for attempting to secure a position illegally during the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable Direct Recruitment held in 2023. (Representational Image)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: GNIDA clears encroached land in Bisrakh village

Illegal settlers had been attempting to develop plots in the notified area, which included land acquired and occupied by the authority. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts by the authority to curb encroachments.

The operation, which went on for three hours on Saturday, was carried out under the supervision of senior officials of GNIDA, supported by security personnel, using three JCB machines and two dump-trucks. (HT PHOTO)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Farmers meet DM, police chief; seek justice

During the meeting, the delegation, led by senior farmer leaders Rupesh Verma, Sukhbir Khalifa, and Soran Pradhan, demanded withdrawal of “false cases” against farmers, allocation of 10% Abadi (population) plots, and discussions on the new land acquisition laws at the chief secretary level

A farmers leaders’ delegation representing the All India Kisan Sabha, Bhartiya Kisan Parishad, and Kisan Ekta Sangh on Friday met Laxmi Singh, the police commissioner to discuss urgent issues needing attention. (HT PHOTO)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 04, 2025 06:52 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida power defaulters get offer for 80% interest waiver

The second phase of the scheme began on Wednesday (January 1). The first phase had offered a 100% waiver on interest for overdue electricity bills, while the second phase will provide an 80% interest waiver. The second phase will remain active until January 15

According to discom officials, the first phase ended on a high note, with 1,140 defaulters registering on the final day and contributing <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>27.5 crore in revenue. (HT PHOTO)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 06:10 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

As mercury drops, Gautam Budh Nagar orders schools to remain shut

The closure applies to all CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board and other recognized schools in the district and will remain effective until further notice, officials said. The decision comes as temperatures dipped, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 16 degrees Celsius on Thursday

School children going to school amid severe cold and dense fog in Noida Sector 25. School timings changed in Gautam Budh Nagar due to increasing cold. (SUNIL GHOSH/HT)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 05:48 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Traffic congestion in Gr Noida (West) likely to ease with key infra changes

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has proposed a series of measures aimed at resolving the persistent jams in the high-traffic corridor. A key change will be the redesigning of Char Murti Chowk to accommodate more traffic

Greater Noida (West) may see significant improvements in traffic management soon as the authority has increased efforts to address the severe congestion which occurs there. (HT PHOTO)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 06:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Farmers demand higher land compensation at ‘Mahapanchayat’

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait underlined the need to open communication channels with the administration through the Mahapanchayat

The Mahapanchayat witnessed participation of farmers from across several districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Bulandshahr, Meerut, Aligarh, Mathura, and Hapur. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 07:50 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

PVVNL Noida holds recovery drive in Jewar

Consumers were reminded that only one day was left for the first phase of the OTS scheme, lasting till December 31

The drive focused on villages and areas connected to the 33/11 kV substations at Jewar tehsil, Jewar rural, R&R Bankapur, and Jahangirpur. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 07:48 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Farmers to hold Mahapanchayat on Yamuna e-way on Monday, seek compensation

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait is expected to join the protest on the expressway. Meanwhile, some farmers remain in jail following their arrest at the Zero Point during demonstrations in the first week of December

The farmers’ agitation, which reignited earlier this month, has already caused significant disruptions. (HT PHOTO)

Noida

Updated on Dec 28, 2024 05:34 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Excise dept busts illegal liquor party at Noida farmhouse, 5 arrested

The joint team discovered a party where alcohol was being served without the requisite FL-11 licence (a type of licence issued by the excise department for sale and for serving liquor at parties and gatherings). The team also found that liquor from another state was being served, which is a clear violation of excise laws

The Gautam Budh Nagar excise department conducted a raid at Siddiqui Farmhouse in Green Beauty Farms, near Sector 135, on Wednesday and arrested five people for serving liquor from another state. (Getty Images)

Noida

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 07:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Ambulances at Noida district hospital fleecing patients, probe initiated

The incident has prompted immediate disciplinary action, with two government-appointed drivers being removed from their roles and a probe initiated by the hospital authorities

In his complaint to Dr Sunil Sharma, chief medical officer , and Dr Renu Agarwal, chief medical superintendent, the emergency and ICU in-charge, Dr Asad Mahmood has alleged that the family of a deceased patient, was charged <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1,500 for transportation by a private ambulance driver. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 25, 2024 07:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Admin calls for action on illegal road cuts, black spots

These black spots have been identified based on accident data analysis conducted by the district administration, transport department, and traffic police

Data provided by Gautam Budh Nagar police Commissionerate reveals a total of 853 road accidents as of September 2024 killed 331 people. In 2023, 1,176 road accidents killed 470 people and in 2022, a total of 1,122 road accidents left 437 dead. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 25, 2024 07:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

NGT rules ignored: uncovered construction materials causing dust pollution in Noida

The construction material, allegedly dumped by residents of a nearby village, remain exposed to the air, leading to significant dust emissions

Hefty penalties are being imposed on violators. So far, around <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2 crore environmental fine has been imposed on Grap violators in Noida, said Utsav Sharma, regional officer, UP Pollution Control Board Noida. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 24, 2024 08:46 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida: Theft in store of mall, one arrested for stealing ₹3.5 lakh

The alleged theft took place on December 20, following a complaint filed by Amit Kumar, the store owner, who discovered the cash missing from the store’s locker.

Initial analysis of CCTV footage revealed an unidentified individual unlocking the store’s shutter with a key, entering the premises, and stealing the cash, investigators said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 22, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida: Mobile thief held after shootout

The suspect worked as a delivery boy for a quick e-commerce company and allegedly used to steal mobile phones

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a serial offender, specialising in mobile thefts across the National Capital Region, targeting unsuspecting victims and snatching phones , a senior official said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 22, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Playschool director arrested for installing ‘spy camera’ in staff washroom

During interrogation, the director admitted to ordering the installation of the hidden camera, which he procured from an online site for ₹2,200 in April 2024. He admitted that the camera was used for live monitoring but claimed it did not record any footage

Police said the same teacher had previously found another damaged spy camera the same day and handed it over to the school administration for investigation, but no response was received in this regard either. (REpresentational image only)

Noida

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Noida police bust fake insurance renewal scam; four arrested

The suspects were allegedly running a fake call centre for past two months, deceiving policyholders with false promises of renewals and discounts

The suspects would call policyholders for policy renewals and if policyholders resisted, they resorted to threats, claiming it would result in financial recovery actions. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida: Police nab suspect for ‘provocative’ video on UP CM Yogi Adityanath

The suspect, identified as Sheikh Ataul (40), a resident of Delhi who hails from Malda, West Bengal, was apprehended near Sector 37 bus stand in Noida.

Gautam Budh Nagar police, however, said the suspect has no prior criminal record but investigations are ongoing to determine whether he is part of a larger network. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 04:55 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: 86 farmers get bail at the CJM court

Though eight farmers were released on bail last week, 128 others remain in judicial custody despite the bail orders, as they are yet to fulfil the condition of furnishing a ₹20,000 surety each

Around 150 farmers led by Sheoraj Singh of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lokshakti on Tuesday gathered outside Jewar police station, demanding immediate release of the arrested farmers. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 05:30 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Schools in Gautam Budh Nagar to start at 9am amid cold wave

The district inspector of schools has instructed all school principals to strictly adhere to the revised timings and prioritise student safety

The directive, issued by the district inspector of schools (DIOS) Dharmveer Singh on Monday, applies to schools affiliated with the UP Board, CBSE, ICSE, and IB Board. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 07:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Greater Noida: Woman kills husband with male friend’s help, held

She alleged that her husband was an alcoholic and would often abuse her, leading to growing resentment between them

Police said that the duo was apprehended using technical surveillance and intelligence—Mamta from Peripheral bridge and Bahadur near JIMS hospital—and the knife was recovered from a drain near Sirsa roundabout. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Violence at freshers’ party, two bouncers arrested for assaulting student

The incident took place on December 14, but it triggered widespread outrage among the academic community after a video of the alleged incident was widely shared on social media

According to police, during the freshers’ party, a dispute arose between some students and the bouncers. The argument quickly escalated into violence, with bouncers physically assaulting a student. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: Honeytrap, extortion gang busted, five arrested

The victim had visited dating websites and shared his contact details on various platforms and later, he received photos of women and calls from one of them

The suspects used to lure victims with fake photos and establish contact via WhatsApp. Once the victim agreed to meet, they were coerced into secluded locations where the women would accuse them of misconduct and threaten a legal action unless a ransom was paid. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 15, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Traffic woes at Char Murti, Shahberi Road may end soon

The construction of the underpass at “Kisan Chowk” (Char Murti Chowk) has witnessed delays despite its announcement in 2022

Noida

Updated on Dec 15, 2024 05:50 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

NGT orders immediate halt on illegal constructions in Noida, Greater Noida

The petitioner had highlighted rampant violations of environmental laws in 56 villages of Greater Noida and 18 villages of Noida

The order, issued on December 9, came in response to a petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former municipal councillor Rajendra Tyagi, who, in March 2024, apprised the tribunal that rampant illegal constructions are taking place in Noida and Greater Noida. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 14, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

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Maria Khan

AIKS leaders pointed to disparities between market rates and compensation offered, especially near the upcoming airport. . Leaders vowed to continue their fight until the new laws were fully implemented in their favour

The order, issued on January 5, mandated both government and private fitness establishments to appoint at least one woman trainer alongside male counterparts within two days

90 consumers registered themselves under the OTS scheme and contributed ₹10.79 lakh in dues during the drive

The recent spell of rain and increased wind activity have contributed to the dispersion of pollutants, leading to better air quality in the region, said a Skymet Weather official

They delegation presented a comprehensive list of grievances to the chief minister, emphasising the need for policy changes and swift administrative action to resolve their concerns

The matter was discovered on December 30, 2024, at the Reserve Police Lines in Gautam Budh Nagar, when the document verification (DV) and physical standard test (PST) process was underway. An FIR was registered under multiple sections and the accused have been sent to judicial custody

Illegal settlers had been attempting to develop plots in the notified area, which included land acquired and occupied by the authority. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts by the authority to curb encroachments.

During the meeting, the delegation, led by senior farmer leaders Rupesh Verma, Sukhbir Khalifa, and Soran Pradhan, demanded withdrawal of “false cases” against farmers, allocation of 10% Abadi (population) plots, and discussions on the new land acquisition laws at the chief secretary level

The second phase of the scheme began on Wednesday (January 1). The first phase had offered a 100% waiver on interest for overdue electricity bills, while the second phase will provide an 80% interest waiver. The second phase will remain active until January 15

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has proposed a series of measures aimed at resolving the persistent jams in the high-traffic corridor. A key change will be the redesigning of Char Murti Chowk to accommodate more traffic

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait underlined the need to open communication channels with the administration through the Mahapanchayat

Consumers were reminded that only one day was left for the first phase of the OTS scheme, lasting till December 31

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait is expected to join the protest on the expressway. Meanwhile, some farmers remain in jail following their arrest at the Zero Point during demonstrations in the first week of December

The incident has prompted immediate disciplinary action, with two government-appointed drivers being removed from their roles and a probe initiated by the hospital authorities

These black spots have been identified based on accident data analysis conducted by the district administration, transport department, and traffic police

The construction material, allegedly dumped by residents of a nearby village, remain exposed to the air, leading to significant dust emissions

The alleged theft took place on December 20, following a complaint filed by Amit Kumar, the store owner, who discovered the cash missing from the store’s locker.

The suspect worked as a delivery boy for a quick e-commerce company and allegedly used to steal mobile phones

During interrogation, the director admitted to ordering the installation of the hidden camera, which he procured from an online site for ₹2,200 in April 2024. He admitted that the camera was used for live monitoring but claimed it did not record any footage

The suspects were allegedly running a fake call centre for past two months, deceiving policyholders with false promises of renewals and discounts

The suspect, identified as Sheikh Ataul (40), a resident of Delhi who hails from Malda, West Bengal, was apprehended near Sector 37 bus stand in Noida.

Though eight farmers were released on bail last week, 128 others remain in judicial custody despite the bail orders, as they are yet to fulfil the condition of furnishing a ₹20,000 surety each

The district inspector of schools has instructed all school principals to strictly adhere to the revised timings and prioritise student safety

She alleged that her husband was an alcoholic and would often abuse her, leading to growing resentment between them

The incident took place on December 14, but it triggered widespread outrage among the academic community after a video of the alleged incident was widely shared on social media

The victim had visited dating websites and shared his contact details on various platforms and later, he received photos of women and calls from one of them

The construction of the underpass at “Kisan Chowk” (Char Murti Chowk) has witnessed delays despite its announcement in 2022

The petitioner had highlighted rampant violations of environmental laws in 56 villages of Greater Noida and 18 villages of Noida

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