Representational Image | Source: PTI

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning of a heatwave expected to continue till April 9.

Daytime temperatures are likely to stay between 40°C and 42°C until Tuesday, with a slight dip expected on Wednesday. Night temperatures may also rise gradually, ranging from 20°C to 24°C. On Sunday, Delhi’s Safdarjung Observatory recorded a high of 38.2°C — about 3 degrees above normal.

A yellow alert means the heat is manageable for most but could affect infants, the elderly, and those with health conditions. People are advised to stay indoors during peak hours, wear loose cotton clothes, and keep themselves hydrated.

Much of north India — including parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh — is also dealing with heatwave conditions. Barmer in Rajasthan hit a scorching 43.6°C on Sunday, the highest in the region so far.

The IMD has also noted a new western disturbance likely to affect the Western Himalayan region from April 8, which could bring some relief later in the week.

The Delhi government has decided to stop illegal meat and fish sales in the city. Minister Pravesh Verma has asked officials to take action against people selling these items without permission. He clearly stated that no one should sell meat or fish illegally, and strict steps will be taken to remove such vendors.

Issue Raised in Assembly

This matter was discussed in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday. BJP MLA Karnail Singh from Shakur Basti asked when action would be taken against meat and fish shops running near religious places. Minister Verma replied that all illegal meat and fish shops in Delhi would face action, and orders have already been given to the officials.

Tough Time for Small Sellers

With this decision, people selling meat and fish on roadsides will have a tough time. Many of them belong to lower-income groups and rely on this business for their livelihood. Customers, especially those from poor backgrounds, may also find it difficult to buy meat and fish easily. This step by the government is likely to have a big impact.

Representational Image | Source: Business Standard

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday (March 25) that the government will build a new prison on the outskirts of the city to replace Tihar Jail. As part of the 2025-26 budget, ?10 crore has been set aside for surveys and consultancy services to plan the project.

Tihar Jail is the largest and most high-security prison in India. It houses a mix of inmates, including gangsters, politicians, and well-known personalities. The prison was originally built in 1958 with space for just 1,273 prisoners. Over the years, its capacity was increased to about 6,000, but today, it holds over 13,000 inmates—far beyond what it was designed for.

Tihar was first set up in a small village near Delhi and was under Punjab’s administration until 1966, when it was handed over to the Delhi government. It later became the main prison for the capital, eventually expanding into a complex of nine jails. By the 1980s, overcrowding had become a major concern, leading to various reforms.

One of the most significant changes came in 1994 when Kiran Bedi, the first woman Inspector General of Prisons, introduced programs to improve the lives of inmates. These included education, job training, and even meditation sessions, which received international recognition.

Tihar Jail also runs a prison industry where inmates make and sell products like bakery goods, furniture, and textiles under the ‘Tihar’ brand.

With the increasing number of prisoners, the need for a new, better-equipped facility has become urgent. The government’s plan to shift Tihar Jail is aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving prison conditions. The exact location and timeline for the project are yet to be finalized.