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

SP leaders denied access to jailed farmers; party slams BJP for stifling democracy

The delegation was stopped by police near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on Thursday while on its way to Luksar jail to meet incarcerated farmer leaders

The delegation, comprising prominent SP leaders Naresh Uttam Patel and Harendra Malik, Sudhir Bhati, Fakir Chand Nagar, Gajraj Nagar, Sunil Chaudhary, Veer Singh Yadav, Inder Pradhan, Mahendra Nagar, metropolitan president Ashray Gupta, Sunil Devta, Narendra Nagar, Sudhir Tomar, and Rambir Yadav, later met farmer families and assured them of the party’s unwavering support in their fight for justice. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 13, 2024 06:26 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Greater Noida to allot land to 615 farmers from seven villages

As per the directives of the chief secretary and the revenue council chairman, the authority has started the process to allocate residential plots to 615 farmers from villages of Saini, Sirsa, Patwadi, Thapkheda, Ghaghola, Roza Yakubpur, and Itahera

A 16-member delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP), including prominent leaders Naresh Uttam Patel, Harendra Malik, Lalji Verma and Kamal Akhtar, were on Thursday stopped by the police from meeting farmers lodged in Luksar jail. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 13, 2024 06:24 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: Delay in releasing jailed leaders spark outrage among farmer groups

Over the past three days, 20 individuals were released from jail. Currently, 129 farmers remain lodged in Luksar jail, said jail superintendent of police Brajesh Kumar

Noida

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 08:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

SP delegation to visit jailed farmers today; Congress leaders turned back midway

Deepak Bhati, district president of Congress, said their delegation led by three MPs travelled from Delhi to Noida via the DND Flyway with the intention of visiting Luksar jail to meet the arrested farmers. However, they were stopped at Pari Chowk by a police team

The three Congress MPs (in garlands) were turned away from Pari Chowk while on their way to Luksar jail. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 08:36 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

2 cow shelters in Greater Noida to produce biofuel

NG Ravi, CEO, Greater Noida authority, has asked the public health department to develop these shelters as self-funded entities through the installation of dung-based gas plants

The Pauvari plant will have a daily processing capacity of 50 tons, with an estimated cost of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>17 crore to be borne by the executing company. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 07:10 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Lawyers abstain from work for protesting farmers

Joining the protests, lawyers demanded justice for people whose land was acquired by the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities

Noida

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 07:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: Farmers seek admin permission to meet jailed leaders

Farmers highlighted the spike in unrest in the region following arrests of farmers, including prominent leaders like Sukhveer Khalifa and Rupesh Verma, detained recently during protests

Urging the administration and the government to halt arrests, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha stressed that farmers’ protests in Gautam Budh Nagar should not be linked to other national movements but as region specific issues. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 06:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Light rain brings chill, cold wave not far away

On Monday, the IMD recorded the minimum temperature in Gautam Budh Nagar at 8.7 degrees Celsius (°C) and the maximum at 21.4°C. Both are normal for this time of the year

Noida

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 06:26 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida to host 3-day flower festival in February

Officials said that the festival is designed to be a community-driven event, with active participation encouraged from horticulture experts, organisations, societies, companies, and residents

The flower show related suggestions can be sent to the authority’s horticulture department officials, Natholi Singh (director of horticulture) at 9205691109 or Pawan Kumar, the manager, on 8800300036. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 06:12 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Resolve farmers’ land related issues on priority: UP chief secy

The chief secretary has directed the authorities to prepare comprehensive lists of farmers and ensure that they receive their due benefits without delay

The chief secretary, accompanied by director general of police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, was presiding over the meeting participated by officials of the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida), along with police and district administration officials at the Greater Noida authority office. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 06:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

GB Nagar DM directs officials to strengthen power supply grid

Gautam Budh Nagar is enhancing electricity supply for critical services, deploying extra manpower, and implementing contingency plans for emergencies.

The administration has engaged power agencies, outsourcing firms, and meter-reading agencies to ensure seamless coordination, officials said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:17 PM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

GB Nagar DM directs officials to strengthen power supply grid

Gautam Budh Nagar administration enhances electricity supply measures for critical facilities, deploying extra staff and contingency plans to ensure reliability.

Noida

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:17 PM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Greater Noida: Pond revamp halted midway; residents contend with foul smell, dug-up area

Spanning approximately 25-30 acres, these ponds were part of a clean-up and fencing project initiated by local authorities. However, the work was reportedly abandoned midway, leaving the area in a hazardous and unhygienic condition

Noida

Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Greater Noida: 123 farmers released, protest leaders reject govt’s new committee

Rejecting the committee outright, farmer representatives said past experiences with similar committees have taught them that it was futile to expect any tangible results from such panels

The farmers were released after farmer leader Rakesh Tikait’s son Gaurav Tikait refused to engage in any negotiations with officials, stating unequivocally that discussions would only commence once all arrested and detained farmers were released. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:00 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: District forest officer seeks Hindon river restoration plan from irrigation department

The directions from the green tribunal came on December 15, 2023, while hearing a petition filed by a Noida resident seeking measures to combat pollution in river Hindon

The irrigation department’s plan is expected to align with sustainable development goals and focus on pollution mitigation, floodplain protection, and aesthetic improvements along the riverfront. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: Schools to hold monthly environ meetings

To instil environmental consciousness among students and encourage their active participation in green initiatives, these committees will have to hold monthly meetings

The schools in the Gautam Budh Nagar district are required to act promptly to set up these committees, with accountability measures in place for non-compliance. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:30 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

One-time settlement scheme for defaulting consumers to begin Jan 31: PVVNL Noida

The district has over 350,000 electricity consumers of which 190,000 have not paid their bills since September 30, 2024

The OTS scheme, covering arrears accumulated until September 30, will be implemented in three phases. To enrol, consumers must pay at least 30% of their total outstanding bill during registration. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:16 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Clash, firing over construction contract in Dadri; 10 held

The altercation sparked off after a clash erupted between a 12-member group of one Sumit Bhati and an eight-member group of Vishal

The incident left one person Rahul, a resident of Maycha, injured. He already has charges slapped against him in a murder attempt case filed under Indian Penal Code. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 01, 2024 06:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida: Travel scam racket busted, 32 including 17 women arrested

The complaint was filed on November 28, 2024, after the victim alleged that the company failed to provide promised hotel bookings or process a refund

Noida

Updated on Dec 01, 2024 06:00 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Family accuses Noida ESIC hospital doctor of negligence after patient dies

The family of the deceased then accused the treating doctor of negligence, and claimed that the death could have been avoided had the patient been offered proper care

The incident caused a brief disruption in out-patient department services at the hospital and normal operations were restored within an hour, said hospital authorities. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 30, 2024 06:12 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Greater Noida factory fire: DM orders probe, panel formed to address safety violations

The incident also brought to fore alarming lapses in safety protocols and the operation of industrial units without mandatory clearances

Additionally, all factories in the district will undergo an immediate review to ensure that they meet safety requirements. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 30, 2024 06:06 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Farmers reach Yeida office, say will march to Delhi if demands are not met by Dec 2

Farmers are demanding the allocation of 10% developed plots for families displaced by land acquisition, implementation of new legal benefits, and the adoption of recommendations by a state committee for farmer welfare, among others

Noida

Updated on Nov 29, 2024 05:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Power woes loom as tenders for 12 Noida substations stalled

PVVNL officials have raised concerns with the Noida authority on multiple occasions, warning of dire consequences if the substations are not built in time, they alleged

The proposed substations, intended to be built in Sectors 48, 75, 151, 155, 156, 167, 164, 145, 68, and 121, aim to reduce the load on neighbouring substations (HT Archive)

Noida

Updated on Nov 28, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar records 583 dengue, 113 malaria cases till Nov 2024

The decline in dengue cases this year compared to previous years can be attributed to heightened public awareness and proactive measures

The rise in malaria cases could be due to inadequate drainage during monsoon and an increase in rural exposure, said an official. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 27, 2024 08:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar admin urges AOAs, RWAs to register lifts, escalators

The step came in the wake of rising use of lifts and escalators in both public and private buildings across Uttar Pradesh

The Act, that came into effect on September 25, 2024, aims to regulate construction, registration, and safe operation of lifts and escalators, making it mandatory for all premises owners intending to install these facilities to register them. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 26, 2024 06:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Farmers protest over land acquisition policies

The agitation was marked by demands for fair compensation, including 10% developed land and 64.7% enhanced compensation for acquired land

Farmers from around 20 districts, including Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Agra, joined the protest on the day that began with a tractor rally on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway early in the morning. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 26, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Diya-shaped lights to beautify Greater Noida

These diya lights now adorn prominent roads, including the 105-metre road, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway near Pari Chowk, Surajpur-Kasna road, and 60-metre road

Noida

Updated on Nov 24, 2024 06:16 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

GB Nagar admin to strictly enforce Grap Stage 4 over rising pollution

Strict penalties must be imposed on violators, including those engaging in illegal construction activities and burning waste materials, the DM has said

Officials said that transport and police departments have been tasked with ensuring compliance with GRAP IV rules in vehicular movement, including curbing the entry of non-essential trucks into the district. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 20, 2024 06:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida residents point out crumbling horticulture infra

Some RWAs also pointed out that grass in many parks and green belts have dried up, leaving them unkempt and unusable

With key concerns of several RWAs including the deteriorating condition of parks, damaged amenities, and ill-maintained green belts, the issues were flagged during the meeting held at FONRWA office on Saturday. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Nov 17, 2024 05:20 AM IST

ByMaria 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

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Maria Khan

The delegation was stopped by police near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on Thursday while on its way to Luksar jail to meet incarcerated farmer leaders

As per the directives of the chief secretary and the revenue council chairman, the authority has started the process to allocate residential plots to 615 farmers from villages of Saini, Sirsa, Patwadi, Thapkheda, Ghaghola, Roza Yakubpur, and Itahera

Over the past three days, 20 individuals were released from jail. Currently, 129 farmers remain lodged in Luksar jail, said jail superintendent of police Brajesh Kumar

Deepak Bhati, district president of Congress, said their delegation led by three MPs travelled from Delhi to Noida via the DND Flyway with the intention of visiting Luksar jail to meet the arrested farmers. However, they were stopped at Pari Chowk by a police team

NG Ravi, CEO, Greater Noida authority, has asked the public health department to develop these shelters as self-funded entities through the installation of dung-based gas plants

Joining the protests, lawyers demanded justice for people whose land was acquired by the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities

Farmers highlighted the spike in unrest in the region following arrests of farmers, including prominent leaders like Sukhveer Khalifa and Rupesh Verma, detained recently during protests

On Monday, the IMD recorded the minimum temperature in Gautam Budh Nagar at 8.7 degrees Celsius (°C) and the maximum at 21.4°C. Both are normal for this time of the year

Officials said that the festival is designed to be a community-driven event, with active participation encouraged from horticulture experts, organisations, societies, companies, and residents

The chief secretary has directed the authorities to prepare comprehensive lists of farmers and ensure that they receive their due benefits without delay

Gautam Budh Nagar is enhancing electricity supply for critical services, deploying extra manpower, and implementing contingency plans for emergencies.

Gautam Budh Nagar administration enhances electricity supply measures for critical facilities, deploying extra staff and contingency plans to ensure reliability.

Spanning approximately 25-30 acres, these ponds were part of a clean-up and fencing project initiated by local authorities. However, the work was reportedly abandoned midway, leaving the area in a hazardous and unhygienic condition

Rejecting the committee outright, farmer representatives said past experiences with similar committees have taught them that it was futile to expect any tangible results from such panels

The directions from the green tribunal came on December 15, 2023, while hearing a petition filed by a Noida resident seeking measures to combat pollution in river Hindon

To instil environmental consciousness among students and encourage their active participation in green initiatives, these committees will have to hold monthly meetings

The district has over 350,000 electricity consumers of which 190,000 have not paid their bills since September 30, 2024

The altercation sparked off after a clash erupted between a 12-member group of one Sumit Bhati and an eight-member group of Vishal

The complaint was filed on November 28, 2024, after the victim alleged that the company failed to provide promised hotel bookings or process a refund

The family of the deceased then accused the treating doctor of negligence, and claimed that the death could have been avoided had the patient been offered proper care

The incident also brought to fore alarming lapses in safety protocols and the operation of industrial units without mandatory clearances

Farmers are demanding the allocation of 10% developed plots for families displaced by land acquisition, implementation of new legal benefits, and the adoption of recommendations by a state committee for farmer welfare, among others

PVVNL officials have raised concerns with the Noida authority on multiple occasions, warning of dire consequences if the substations are not built in time, they alleged

The decline in dengue cases this year compared to previous years can be attributed to heightened public awareness and proactive measures

The step came in the wake of rising use of lifts and escalators in both public and private buildings across Uttar Pradesh

The agitation was marked by demands for fair compensation, including 10% developed land and 64.7% enhanced compensation for acquired land

These diya lights now adorn prominent roads, including the 105-metre road, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway near Pari Chowk, Surajpur-Kasna road, and 60-metre road

Strict penalties must be imposed on violators, including those engaging in illegal construction activities and burning waste materials, the DM has said

Some RWAs also pointed out that grass in many parks and green belts have dried up, leaving them unkempt and unusable

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

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