Ahmedabad, 3 May 2013

-A Division Bench of Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala today while disposing of a PIL challenging the allocation of forest land measuring 2.07 lakh sq meters to Essar Steel Ltd near Hazira asked Gujarat Government to demolish the constructions made by the company at the site in the next six weeks, if the Government of India decides not to grant approval in four weeks. Petitioner Farook Shaikh who is formr Congress MLA said that the state govt sold Rs 6228 crore land at Suvali village to Essar at a throwaway price without tender and without centre’s prior approval. The company illegally took possession of land and constructed houses and staff facilities.

-Gujarat Water Supply Board has activated a special state level control room to see that there’s no drinking water problem in any part of state. The control room has been activated at Jalseva Bhavan, Gandhinagar. It will operate during 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Its telephone number is 232 20 859. Villagers can contact the govt on drinking water related issues.

-11 students of Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) have completed final stage of UPSC exam/interview. Total 32 students reached final stage. Of them 11 are successful in Civil service exam/interview.

-The Gujarat High Court today asked private blood banks to stop selling blood plasma. High Court asked state government to start blood collection drive and invite people to blood camps with regular announcements in media.

-Gujarat High Court as directed the state government to regularize forest land tilled by tribal farmers as agriculture land.