Articles by Neeraj Santoshi
Heatwave, dry conditions push Uttarakhand forest fires to new high
A combination of heatwave conditions, dry weather, and poorly equipped responders has led to a fivefold increase in major forest fires in Uttarakhand this year.
![According to state officials, 11 people have died in Uttarakhand forest fires that have ravaged at least 1,747 ha of land this year.(File) According to state officials, 11 people have died in Uttarakhand forest fires that have ravaged at least 1,747 ha of land this year.(File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/19/148x111/image_1718831021953_1718831030398.jpg)
Updated on Jun 20, 2024 02:36 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
Uttarakhand: Death toll in Almora forest fire incident rises to 5
On June 13, four forest personnel were killed in the forest fire incident in the Uttarakhand district’s Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
![Flames engulf the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary after a massive fire broke out in Almora, Uttarakhand last week. (ANI Photo) Flames engulf the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary after a massive fire broke out in Almora, Uttarakhand last week. (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/19/150x84/Flames-engulf-the-Binsar-Wildlife-Sanctuary-after-_1718795050663.jpg)
Updated on Jun 19, 2024 04:34 PM IST
Fire in Uttarakhand’s Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary kills 4 forest dept staffers, 4 injured
Conservator of Forests (North Kumaon Circle) Koko Rose said the four people died when they were trying to douse the fire
![(X/Nishant68260070) (X/Nishant68260070)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/13/150x84/-X-Nishant68260070-_1718295400739.jpg)
Published on Jun 13, 2024 09:47 PM IST
BJP sweeps two hill states of Himachal and Uttarakhand
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the two hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Tuesday with some retaining their seats and other candidates who registered win for the first time
![BJP candidate from Shimla constituency Suresh Kashyap celebrates with party workers as he leads during counting of votes for Lok Sabha elections in Shimla on Tuesday. (PTI) BJP candidate from Shimla constituency Suresh Kashyap celebrates with party workers as he leads during counting of votes for Lok Sabha elections in Shimla on Tuesday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/04/150x84/BJP-candidate-from-Shimla-constituency-Suresh-Kash_1717532085564.jpg)
Updated on Jun 05, 2024 08:54 AM IST
BJP wins all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand
In Tehri Garhwal, BJP’s Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah won by a margin of 2,68,347 votes after defeating Congress candidate Jot Singh Gunsola
![In Almora, BJP’s Ajay Tamta beat Congress candidate Pradeep Tamta by 2,25,893 votes. (HT photo) In Almora, BJP’s Ajay Tamta beat Congress candidate Pradeep Tamta by 2,25,893 votes. (HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/04/150x84/In-Almora--BJP-s-Ajay-Tamta-beat-Congress-candidat_1717507948626.jpg)
Published on Jun 04, 2024 07:03 PM IST
BJP leads in all 5 seats in Uttarakhand
BJP leader and former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat is leading from Haridwar, while Anil Baluni is ahead in Garhwal constituency
![BJP supporters during a campaign rally. (ANI Photo) BJP supporters during a campaign rally. (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/04/150x84/BJP-supporters-during-a-campaign-rally---ANI-Photo_1717480067430.jpg)
Updated on Jun 04, 2024 11:18 AM IST
Forest fires resurface in the hills amid dry spell, soaring mercury
In the last 7 days, Himachal Pradesh has reported 1,343 forest fires, followed by 540 in Uttarakhand and 452 in J&K, according to Forest Survey of India data.
![Smoke billows during a forest fire in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand on Wednesday. (PTI) Smoke billows during a forest fire in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand on Wednesday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/30/150x84/Smoke-billows-during-a-forest-fire-in-Uttarkashi-i_1717096604095.jpg)
Updated on May 31, 2024 04:26 AM IST
Uttarakhand forest fires: Death toll rises to 5, highest since 2019
Uttarakhand has reported 5,702 forest fire alerts since April 29, most for any state in India
![Forest personnel attempt to control the fire that broke out in the forest of Uttarakhand’s Nainital district on Friday. (ANI) Forest personnel attempt to control the fire that broke out in the forest of Uttarakhand’s Nainital district on Friday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/06/150x84/Forest-personnel-attempt-to-control-the-fire-that-_1715001237077.jpg)
Updated on May 06, 2024 06:44 PM IST
Uttarakhand records highest number of large forest fires in India in last 7 days
Uttarakhand reported 201 large forest fire incidents in the last seven days compared to 11 large forest fire incidents in the same period last yea
![Forest fire being doused in Dhanpur range of Kedarnath wildlife division. (HT photo) Forest fire being doused in Dhanpur range of Kedarnath wildlife division. (HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/30/150x84/Forest-fire-being-doused-in-Dhanpur-range-of-Kedar_1714473221959.jpg)
Published on Apr 30, 2024 04:04 PM IST
Patanjali sent notices, but not under key 1954 law
This happened not once but five times between April 2022 and February this year.
![Yoga guru Baba Ramdev (HT File Photo/ Sunil Ghosh) Yoga guru Baba Ramdev (HT File Photo/ Sunil Ghosh)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/11/148x111/Yoga-guru-Baba-Ramdev--HT-File-Photo--Sunil-Ghosh-_1694527610390_1712878192494.jpg)
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 06:51 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, New Delhi
“Youngsters leave the state for jobs and education, but they should return"
Meet Uttam Rawat, recently appointed co-convenor of Uttarakhand BJP unit's foreign cell, who has lived and worked in Paris for over two decades
![Uttam Rawat (left) with Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami. Rawat was recently made co-convenor of state BJP's foreign cell. The other co-convenors of the cell are residents of Uttarakhand.(Courtesy Uttam Rawat) Uttam Rawat (left) with Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami. Rawat was recently made co-convenor of state BJP's foreign cell. The other co-convenors of the cell are residents of Uttarakhand.(Courtesy Uttam Rawat)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/05/148x111/uttam_rawat_1709657015372_1709657022544.jpg)
Published on Mar 05, 2024 10:20 PM IST
India’s first Uniform Civil Code gets nod in U’khand house
The Uttarakhand assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, becoming the first state in India to do so. The bill, which overrides several national laws, will be sent to the President for approval before implementation. The UCC aims to provide a common legal framework for marriage and property inheritance, ensuring equal rights for women and banning polygamy. The Congress party has called for further discussion on the bill before its passage.
![Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami speaks during discussions on the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024 Bill in the state Assembly on Wednesday. (ANI) Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami speaks during discussions on the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024 Bill in the state Assembly on Wednesday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/07/150x84/Uttarakhand-chief-minister-Pushkar-Singh-Dhami-spe_1707330142879.jpg)
Updated on Feb 08, 2024 05:48 AM IST
Uniform Civil Code bill passed in Uttarakhand assembly
The CM said will the UCC will give equal rights to all without discriminating in matters like marriage, maintenance, adoption, succession and divorce
![CM Dhani addressing the House before the UCC bill was passed in the state assembly in Dehradun on Wednesday evening (Photo/Uttarakhand govt information department) CM Dhani addressing the House before the UCC bill was passed in the state assembly in Dehradun on Wednesday evening (Photo/Uttarakhand govt information department)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/07/150x84/CM-Dhani-addressing-the-House-before-the-UCC-bill-_1707312677049.jpg)
Published on Feb 07, 2024 07:01 PM IST
UCC guarantees equal rights in marriage, bans polygamy
The law will be applicable to all residents of Uttarakhand. A resident has been defined as one staying in the state for one year or more
![Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code bill in state assembly, in Dehradun (ANI) Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code bill in state assembly, in Dehradun (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/06/150x84/Uttarakhand-CM-Pushkar-Singh-Dhami-tables-the-Unif_1707248276467.jpg)
Updated on Feb 07, 2024 12:18 PM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
Register live-ins or face jail term up to 3 months, says UCC bill
In case the live-in relationship is terminated, the registrar will have to be informed, who will then inform the other partner
![Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code in state assembly, in Dehradun (ANI) Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code in state assembly, in Dehradun (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/06/150x84/Uttarakhand-CM-Pushkar-Singh-Dhami-tables-the-Unif_1707247976479.jpg)
Updated on Feb 07, 2024 09:38 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
Uttarakhand 1st state to bring uniform code bill
The bill allows marriages under Nikah (Muslim marriage), Saptpadi (Hindi marriage), Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage) or any other religious form not otherwise prohibited under the proposed law
![Security personnel deployed near the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly as the Uniform Civil Code bill being debated following its presentation by the state CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in the state assembly, in Dehradun, on Tuesday. (PTI) Security personnel deployed near the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly as the Uniform Civil Code bill being debated following its presentation by the state CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in the state assembly, in Dehradun, on Tuesday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/06/150x84/Security-personnel-deployed-near-the-Uttarakhand-L_1707245815570.jpg)
Updated on Feb 07, 2024 07:30 AM IST
Historic moment, says Uttarakhand chief minister Dhami as he tables UCC Bill
UCC has been among key promises of the BJP apart from the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple and ending Jammu and Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status
![Parliamentary affairs minister Premchand Aggarwal gave a historical background of the UCC. (PTI) Parliamentary affairs minister Premchand Aggarwal gave a historical background of the UCC. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/06/150x84/Parliamentary-affairs-minister-Premchand-Aggarwal-_1707217006145.jpg)
Published on Feb 06, 2024 04:26 PM IST
Ban polygamy, says Uttarakhand UCC panel
CM Dhami plans to introduce a draft bill based on the report in the upcoming assembly session.
![Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami (ANI) Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/02/148x111/Uttarakhand-CM-Pushkar-Singh-Dhami--ANI-_1706898304377_1706899217171.jpg)
Updated on Feb 03, 2024 12:21 AM IST
Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: After 422 anxious hours, families rejoice
As the quaint mountain town of Kotdwar in Uttarakhand was lighting up on Diwali day, Jaimal Singh Negi’s life descended into darkness.
![Locals and family members of trapped workers near the under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway,(PTI) Locals and family members of trapped workers near the under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway,(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/28/148x111/PTI11-18-2023-000095B-0_1701206008498_1701206039897.jpg)
Updated on Nov 29, 2023 04:45 AM IST
NGT notice seeks mitigation measures for unstable slopes on Gangotri national highway
The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to various authorities regarding landslide mitigation measures on the Gangotri national highway in Uttarkashi. The authorities are required to reply within eight weeks and a spot inspection has been ordered. The next hearing is scheduled for January 2024.
![The NGT principal bench issued these directions on November 9 but a copy of the order was made available on Saturday (HiT Photo) The NGT principal bench issued these directions on November 9 but a copy of the order was made available on Saturday (HiT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/18/150x84/The-NGT-principal-bench-issued-these-directions-on_1700321152958.jpg)
Updated on Nov 18, 2023 08:56 PM IST
, Dehradun
Neeraj Santoshi I Edited by Shilpa AmbardarFragile Nainital: Hillside survey planned after landslide, house collapse
Number of buildings in Nainital, most built on hill slopes, increased from 520 in 1901-02 to over 7000 at present including over 150 hotels and resorts
![The Nainital administration is erecting a wall of “geo bags” , bags that are filled with granular material, to check landslides. (PTI) The Nainital administration is erecting a wall of “geo bags” , bags that are filled with granular material, to check landslides. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/02/150x84/The-Nainital-administration-is-erecting-a-wall-of-_1696252988343.jpg)
Published on Oct 02, 2023 06:53 PM IST
Geological factors to rampant development: Decoding reasons for Joshimath crisis
The reports were commissioned by the state and the central governments to understand different aspects of sudden emergence of cracks.
![Cracks emerged in the town between November 2022 and January 2023 (HT Photo) Cracks emerged in the town between November 2022 and January 2023 (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/25/150x84/Cracks-emerged-in-the-town-between-November-2022-a_1695668219603.jpeg)
Updated on Sep 26, 2023 04:43 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
Joshimath cracks likely due to constructions in spring zone, says report
The panel’s “Hydrological investigation report on land subsidence in Joshimath”, submitted before the Uttarakhand high court on Wednesday.
![In Joshimath, 868 structures have developed cracks and 181 have been declared unsafe so far. (AP) In Joshimath, 868 structures have developed cracks and 181 have been declared unsafe so far. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/22/150x84/In-Joshimath--868-structures-have-developed-cracks_1695408081781.jpg)
Updated on Sep 23, 2023 08:30 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
HC orders Uttarakhand to respond to plea against stone crushers in residential areas
A division bench comprising chief justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Rakesh Thapliyal issued notice on a petition filed by Independent Media Initiative Society Haldwani
![Lawyer Dushyant Mainali, who appeared for the petitioner, said the Uttarakhand high court has given the state government four weeks to file its response (Uttarakhand high court) Lawyer Dushyant Mainali, who appeared for the petitioner, said the Uttarakhand high court has given the state government four weeks to file its response (Uttarakhand high court)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/20/150x84/Lawyer-Dushyant-Mainali--who-appeared-for-the-peti_1695222553476.jpg)
Published on Sep 20, 2023 08:39 PM IST
Uttarakhand HC takes cognisance of Virat Kohli's video, seeks Centre's reply
The Uttarakhand high court sought a reply from the state and central governments on the matter in two weeks.
![Virat Kohli attends playing members during a break in the Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and India in Colombo. (AP) Virat Kohli attends playing members during a break in the Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and India in Colombo. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/18/148x111/AP09-15-2023-000162B-0_1695063162580_1695063208511.jpg)
Published on Sep 19, 2023 12:27 AM IST
Neeraj Santoshi, Dehradun
U’khand HC orders CBI inquiry into illegal felling of 6,000 trees in Corbett
The high court noted that there has been felling of trees more than the stipulated member of 163 in the approval for the Tiger Safari and work was started without Stage II approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
![The high court said that all the authorities in the state are directed to cooperate with the CBI in conducting fair investigation of the case. (File Photo) The high court said that all the authorities in the state are directed to cooperate with the CBI in conducting fair investigation of the case. (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/06/150x84/The-high-court-said-that-all-the-authorities-in-th_1694003159560.jpg)
Updated on Sep 06, 2023 05:56 PM IST
Uttarakhand HC reserves judgment on CBI inquiry into Corbett tree felling
The high court is hearing two cases, one filed by Dehradun-based Pant and another in which it had taken suo motu cognisance of the media reports over illegal constructions and felling of trees in Corbett on October 27, 2021
![In October last year, the NGT, while taking suo motu cognisance of a media report on the illegal felling of over 6,000 trees in CTR (File Photo) In October last year, the NGT, while taking suo motu cognisance of a media report on the illegal felling of over 6,000 trees in CTR (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/02/150x84/In-October-last-year--the-NGT--while-taking-suo-mo_1693645204533.jpg)
Updated on Sep 02, 2023 02:30 PM IST
Uttarakhand chief secretary summoned for hearing on Joshimath crisis
The Uttarakhand high court has summoned the chief secretary over non-compliance of its order to form a committee on land subsidence in Joshimath town. Hundreds of buildings developed cracks earlier this year, forcing families to shift to temporary relief camps. The court has directed the chief secretary to appear during the next hearing on September 22.
![HT Image HT Image](https://images.hindustantimes.com/images/app-images/2021/10/148x111.png)
Updated on Sep 02, 2023 12:32 AM IST
Corbett tree felling: U’khand HC to decide on transferring case to CBI on Sep 1
The high court on Monday asked the Uttarakhand government why a CBI inquiry should not be initiated in the case of illegal constructions and felling of 6,000 trees in Corbett Tiger Reserve
![The high court said that on September 1, the next date of hearing in the case, it will decide whether to refer the investigation into the case to CBI. (HT Photo) The high court said that on September 1, the next date of hearing in the case, it will decide whether to refer the investigation into the case to CBI. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/22/150x84/The-high-court-said-that-on-September-1--the-next-_1692706640301.jpg)
Updated on Aug 22, 2023 05:47 PM IST
Tiger numbers, and fears of surge in man-animal conflict, up outside Corbett
According to the latest tiger census report, there are 260 tigers inside Corbett and 229 outside the reserve, Deepchand Arya, conservator of forests, western circle, Kumaon, said
![The tiger population in Uttarakhand has risen from 178 in 2006, 227 in 2010, 340 in 2014, 442 in 2018 and 560 in 2022. (Representative file image) The tiger population in Uttarakhand has risen from 178 in 2006, 227 in 2010, 340 in 2014, 442 in 2018 and 560 in 2022. (Representative file image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/21/150x84/The-tiger-population-in-Uttarakhand-has-risen-from_1692620412984.jpg)
Updated on Aug 21, 2023 05:50 PM IST
Neeraj Santoshi Ankur Sharma