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

Noida sectors to see 14-hour power outage today owing to maintenance work

They said aged and damaged 11 kV incoming and outgoing VCB panels at the Sector 124 substation will be replaced during the maintenance work

The disruption will affect sectors 94, 95, 124, 125, and 126, along with Raipur area, for 14 hours -- from 10am to midnight. (HT Archive, representational image)

Noida

Updated on Nov 16, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Grap Stage 3 in force from today, wedding venues in Noida told to stop using diesel gensets

Venue owners can apply for temporary metered connections that allow tailored power usage. Alternatively, for those requiring power for just a few days, PVVNL is providing unmetered short-term connections at a daily rate, said officials

Noida

Updated on Nov 15, 2024 06:40 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

1,000 trees to make way for Gaur Chowk underpass, experts, Greater Noida officials to oversee tree transplants

Notably, a scientific approach to tree transplantation involves assessing the site and tree species, preserving root systems, and transplanting during the right season

Local environmentalists gather around the trees that are set to be either felled or transplanted from Gaur Chowk. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 14, 2024 07:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Smog makes Noida, Greater Noida air quality ‘very poor’ once again

The air quality Index (AQI) in the two cities was ”very poor“ on Wednesday, for the second time since Diwali (October 31), with Noida recording an AQI of 359,and Greater Noida 364, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s 4pm bulletin

Noida

Updated on Nov 14, 2024 06:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

18% GST relief on power related services in Greater Noida

The services, now exempt from the GST, include application fees for new electricity connections, rental charges for meters, and testing fees for meters, transformers, and capacitors

This exemption aligns with broader efforts to make essential utilities more affordable, especially as households and businesses grapple with rising costs in other areas. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 13, 2024 07:06 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida authority takes help from residents’ body to address issues in sectors 119,120

During the inspection, several issues were flagged, with the most urgent being unauthorised structures

There were requests for the maintenance of streetlights, signboards, and parks, with specific attention to the boundary wall repairs near Eldeco Amantran, said NHRF officer bearers. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 12, 2024 05:32 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Anti-smog tower near DND flyway removed without notice; activists question efficacy

Inaugurated in 2021 by then Union heavy industries minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, the tower was intended as a solution to high pollution levels, especially during winter months

There is no confirmed timeline for its repair; however, we have been assured that once the issue is resolved, the tower will be reinstalled and made operational again, said officials. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 12, 2024 05:18 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Noida authority assures Sector 11 residents help on civic issues

Orders for urgent action have been issued under the initiative that aims to provide timely solutions of problems, bringing officials in touch with residents

Noida

Updated on Nov 10, 2024 05:52 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Warmer temperatures, swift winds clean up Noida air post Diwali

On Friday, Noida’s AQI was 271 and Greater Noida’s was 286, in the ”poor” zone whereas, in 2023, eighth day AQI post Diwali for the twin cities stood at 331 and 318 (very poor) respectively

In 2023, the post-Diwali air quality index (AQI) remained mostly in the “very poor” to “severe” zones, frequently reaching levels as high as 360. However, this year’s AQI has stayed within the “poor” category. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 09, 2024 07:26 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Noida: FIRs filed, payments recovered in power theft crackdown

Inspections were carried out on a total of 25 connections and of these five instances of electricity thefts were identified with a cumulative load of 4,126 watts

The drive aimed to reduce power losses, enforce compliance, and penalise unauthorised power use. It focused on Unchi Dankaur, an area with high power transmission losses, and disconnected 12 long-unpaid connections apart from recovering dues. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 09, 2024 07:24 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida authority urges public to report incidents of waste burning

To curb airborne dust from construction sites and roads, 132 anti-smog guns have been installed across the city while 66 water tankers have been deployed for regular dust suppression measures

Noida

Published on Nov 06, 2024 10:46 PM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: 67-yr-old woman falls victim to cyberfraud, duped of ₹65 lakh

Manipulated through video calls and intimidation tactics, the woman said she revealed sensitive financial information and also transferred large sums from her account

An FIR was registered against one unidentified person under sections 308(2) (extortion), 318(4) (cheating and fraud) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of BNS and provisions of the Information Technology Act. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 09:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Traffic curbs for Chhath Puja in Gautam Budh Nagar

Among the key locations to face traffic diversions during the period will be Kalindi Kunj route, Noida Stadium Sector 21A, Chotpur/Behlolpur, Hindon bridge, Kulesara

This year, the festival began on November 5 and will culminate with the main rituals getting performed on November 7 (Thursday) and 8 (Friday), when devotees will worship the Sun God. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 07:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

DM inspects key interchange road near Jewar airport

Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the concessionaire, has rescheduled the completion date from September 29, 2024, to April 2025

The construction of the interchange road connecting the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to Jewar Airport is progressing significantly, with an investment of around <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>537crore by NHAI. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 06:22 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida, Gr Noida gear up for grand Chhath Puja with over 100 ghats

Noida and Greater Noida authorities, along with various local and cultural committees, are making extensive arrangements to ensure the devotees and visitors have a hassle-free experience

To be sure, while rituals are performed at home on the first two days of the festival, on the last two days of the festival, rituals have to be performed while standing in a water body. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

GB Nagar: Month-long traffic awareness drive launched

This year’s campaign focuses on traffic awareness, enforcement of regulations, and community involvement through traffic volunteers and traffic angels

As per the data provided by the Gautam Budh Nagar police commissionerate, a total of 853 road accidents recorded till September this year left 331 people killed. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Nov 03, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida and Greater Noida’s AQI see post-Diwali decline, air quality improves to ‘poor’

Noida’s AQI was recorded at 269 on Saturday, indicating “poor,” a slight improvement from 274 on Friday.

Noida

Updated on Nov 03, 2024 06:38 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida/greater Noida

Noida: Fake drug syndicate busted; 94 vials, banned drugs seized on Diwali

Acting on a tip off, an inspection was launched amid the festive night’s heightened security measures, leading to the arrest of the suspected supplier who was living in Delhi for past some time

Vials of mephentermine sulfate—a powerful drug misused in various medical settings— have been recovered. The cost of one vial of the drug in black market is around <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2,000, officers said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 02, 2024 05:32 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

UPPCB says noise levels in Noida lower this Diwali than last year

The data, gathered by the UPPCB Noida at its Sector 1 regional office, points to a modest improvement in noise levels as compared to last year

Post diwali ambient air quality has not shown significant spikes due to favourable meteorological conditions but we have to be cautious as wind speeds and temperatures will drop in the coming days and pollutants will not get dispersed easily, said a UPPCB Noida official. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 02, 2024 05:36 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Pre-Diwali air quality of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad better than last year, shows CPCB data

Between November 4 and 10 last year, AQI levels frequently reached the “severe” or “very poor” range, showed the data. By contrast, this year’s readings on October 30, on Diwali eve, stood at 230 in Noida, 221 in Greater Noida, and 237 in Ghaziabad -- all within the “poor” category

Noida

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 05:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Greater Noida gets 4 more weeks from NGT to submit status on sewers in villages

The case, filed in 2021 by Greater Noida resident Pradeep Dahaliya, had alleged rampant discharge of untreated sewage in open areas, on roads, and into stormwater drains from numerous villages under the Greater Noida authority

Noida

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 05:00 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

UP Lift and Escalator Act: Registration delay to incur heavy fines, says DM

On Tuesday, officials outlined substantial fines and possible shutdowns for owners who failed to register their lifts and escalators within specified deadlines

Earlier this month, the DM had formed a five-member safety committee to monitor and review safety and functioning of lifts, escalators in high-rise buildings in Gautam Budh Nagar. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Oct 30, 2024 06:06 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Supertech Ecovillage projects fined ₹27.3 lakh over pollution

By penalising, officials said, the UPPCB aims to reinforce the need for eco-conscious development practices, urging developers to adopt clean energy solutions

The projects drew official attention after some residents complained through social media platform X, highlighting the deteriorating air quality due to emissions from diesel generator (DG) sets installed on-site. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Oct 30, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida halts footpath tile removal in Sector 34 after residents raise dust pollution concerns

Sector 34 RWA President KK Jain said the footpaths in the sector were in a poor condition before the tiles were laid and the dust pollution was making life difficult for residents, especially the elderly

Noida

Updated on Oct 30, 2024 06:00 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: 370 kg sweets, 750 ltr oil seized in food safety checks

Multiple teams of the Gautam Budh Nagar Food Safety and Drug Administration are conducting raids and collecting samples to ensure good quality of sweets

The inspection drives have been ramped up following directions of Manish Kumar Verma, the district magistrate, to ensure safe and unadulterated food for residents during the days-long festive season. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Oct 29, 2024 06:44 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida, Greater Noida record better air quality

The improvement came after a weekend of increased pollution levels that pushed the AQI into the red zone, with levels categorised as ‘very poor’ and sparking public concern

Noida

Updated on Oct 29, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Diwali preparations: PVVNL, NPCL set up dedicated safety teams

With both NPCL and PVVNL focused on uninterrupted service, teams will remain on standby to swiftly address any faults or incidents, according to officials

(Representative image) Residents are also advised not to overload appliances, handle electrical connections with dry hands, and keep wet wires or open sockets away from commonly used areas in the home, NPCL said in its advisory. (HT Archive)

Noida

Updated on Oct 27, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida traffic police challan 30 people for drink driving, seize 6 vehicles

Areas like Sector 18 and Gardens Galleria Mall in Sector 38 are hot spots, filled with lively pubs, bars and lounges, besides Sector 32, Sector 104, among others

Noida

Updated on Oct 27, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

UP environment minister calls for strong anti-pollution steps before Diwali

It is crucial to raise public awareness during festive season, about harmful effects of firecrackers, which significantly contributes to respiratory diseases, particularly among kids, the minister said

In line with the state government’s initiative of “Save Trees, Save Environment” campaign, the minister also inspected various tree plantation activities in Gautam Budh Nagar. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Oct 26, 2024 05:48 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Ghaziabad DM accuses state govt agency of ‘fund embezzlement’, FIR lodged

The DM has alleged that instead of using appropriate soil for landfilling, officials intentionally used ”garbage” and “debris” to fill up the foundation, potentially embezzling funds for the project

To be sure, UP Projects Corporation is a state-owned enterprise, established to undertake civil and construction projects on behalf of the government. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Oct 26, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Ghaziabad

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Maria Khan

They said aged and damaged 11 kV incoming and outgoing VCB panels at the Sector 124 substation will be replaced during the maintenance work

Venue owners can apply for temporary metered connections that allow tailored power usage. Alternatively, for those requiring power for just a few days, PVVNL is providing unmetered short-term connections at a daily rate, said officials

Notably, a scientific approach to tree transplantation involves assessing the site and tree species, preserving root systems, and transplanting during the right season

The air quality Index (AQI) in the two cities was ”very poor“ on Wednesday, for the second time since Diwali (October 31), with Noida recording an AQI of 359,and Greater Noida 364, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s 4pm bulletin

The services, now exempt from the GST, include application fees for new electricity connections, rental charges for meters, and testing fees for meters, transformers, and capacitors

During the inspection, several issues were flagged, with the most urgent being unauthorised structures

Inaugurated in 2021 by then Union heavy industries minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, the tower was intended as a solution to high pollution levels, especially during winter months

Orders for urgent action have been issued under the initiative that aims to provide timely solutions of problems, bringing officials in touch with residents

On Friday, Noida’s AQI was 271 and Greater Noida’s was 286, in the ”poor” zone whereas, in 2023, eighth day AQI post Diwali for the twin cities stood at 331 and 318 (very poor) respectively

Inspections were carried out on a total of 25 connections and of these five instances of electricity thefts were identified with a cumulative load of 4,126 watts

To curb airborne dust from construction sites and roads, 132 anti-smog guns have been installed across the city while 66 water tankers have been deployed for regular dust suppression measures

Manipulated through video calls and intimidation tactics, the woman said she revealed sensitive financial information and also transferred large sums from her account

Among the key locations to face traffic diversions during the period will be Kalindi Kunj route, Noida Stadium Sector 21A, Chotpur/Behlolpur, Hindon bridge, Kulesara

Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the concessionaire, has rescheduled the completion date from September 29, 2024, to April 2025

Noida and Greater Noida authorities, along with various local and cultural committees, are making extensive arrangements to ensure the devotees and visitors have a hassle-free experience

This year’s campaign focuses on traffic awareness, enforcement of regulations, and community involvement through traffic volunteers and traffic angels

Noida’s AQI was recorded at 269 on Saturday, indicating “poor,” a slight improvement from 274 on Friday.

Acting on a tip off, an inspection was launched amid the festive night’s heightened security measures, leading to the arrest of the suspected supplier who was living in Delhi for past some time

The data, gathered by the UPPCB Noida at its Sector 1 regional office, points to a modest improvement in noise levels as compared to last year

Between November 4 and 10 last year, AQI levels frequently reached the “severe” or “very poor” range, showed the data. By contrast, this year’s readings on October 30, on Diwali eve, stood at 230 in Noida, 221 in Greater Noida, and 237 in Ghaziabad -- all within the “poor” category

The case, filed in 2021 by Greater Noida resident Pradeep Dahaliya, had alleged rampant discharge of untreated sewage in open areas, on roads, and into stormwater drains from numerous villages under the Greater Noida authority

On Tuesday, officials outlined substantial fines and possible shutdowns for owners who failed to register their lifts and escalators within specified deadlines

By penalising, officials said, the UPPCB aims to reinforce the need for eco-conscious development practices, urging developers to adopt clean energy solutions

Sector 34 RWA President KK Jain said the footpaths in the sector were in a poor condition before the tiles were laid and the dust pollution was making life difficult for residents, especially the elderly

Multiple teams of the Gautam Budh Nagar Food Safety and Drug Administration are conducting raids and collecting samples to ensure good quality of sweets

The improvement came after a weekend of increased pollution levels that pushed the AQI into the red zone, with levels categorised as ‘very poor’ and sparking public concern

With both NPCL and PVVNL focused on uninterrupted service, teams will remain on standby to swiftly address any faults or incidents, according to officials

Areas like Sector 18 and Gardens Galleria Mall in Sector 38 are hot spots, filled with lively pubs, bars and lounges, besides Sector 32, Sector 104, among others

It is crucial to raise public awareness during festive season, about harmful effects of firecrackers, which significantly contributes to respiratory diseases, particularly among kids, the minister said

The DM has alleged that instead of using appropriate soil for landfilling, officials intentionally used ”garbage” and “debris” to fill up the foundation, potentially embezzling funds for the project

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