Murad in the News
Murad Qureshi Criticises Boris' New Policing Model
Following the Mayor of London’s announcement earlier this month about the future of policing in London, spare a thought for just how valuable our Safer Neighbourhood Teams were while they lasted. [more]
There is an alternative
As the Conservative Mayor of London presents his budget that fails to meet the needs of ordinary Londoners, Murad Qureshi AM outlines Labour’s alternative plan to invest in community energy and address fuel poverty. [more]
Brigade under fire as residents are put in ‘jeopardy’ by Westminster fire station closure plans
Residents’ safety will be “jeopardised” by fire brigade cutbacks in as little as nine months, the firefighters’ union warns, as it was today confirmed that Westminster fire station is slated for closure. [more]
Westminster fire station closure plans: ‘Everyone should worry’
A leaked list which suggests Westminster fire station is earmarked for closure as part of a cost-cutting exercise has sparked warnings that lives could be put in danger across the borough as a result.[more]
Mayor's scandalous approach to dealing with poor air quality is failing Londoners – and causing thousands of premature deaths
RARELY do you see central London boroughs of different political colours unite for their residents. Central London’s notorious poor air quality, however, has managed to bring together the unlikely union of City of Westminster,...[more]
London Assembly member calls on elite school to share its sports field with comprehensive pupils
IT is one of the country's most exclusive independent schools, charging fees of up to £10,450 per term, but now Westminster School has been accused of being uncharitable to less exalted educational establishments nearby. [more]
Politician wants measures introduced as Paralympics legacy
The lack of access for disabled people at local tube stations has been described as “a scandal” by a London Assembly politician, who called on the Mayor to take action in the wake of the Paralympics. [more]
Keep yourself informed about items in the news on Murad's campaigns
Tuesday 26th January 2010
Mayor's new waste strategy criticised
The chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee has criticised Boris Johnsons new waste strategy for its lack of "strategic leadership".
The strategy, released last Monday, focused on plans to reduce the amount of municipal waste sent to landfill in the capital.
Speaking to MRW, Assembly Environment Committee chair Murad Qureshi explained that, while he had no problems with the targets outlined in the strategy, he is concerned about how it will be implemented.
He said: "I support the targets outlined in the strategy but I am not sure where the strategic leadership is being given. It seems to be too dependent on small organisations and voluntary bodies." read more
Wednesday 20th January 2010
Committed to a more co-operative future
Greater London Assembly member Murad Qureshi is a man on a mission to make the capital more co-operative. "Boris is a mixture of charm, bluster and hot air talking to him is like talking to a chat-show host."
Labour's spokesman on the environment in the city is a Co-op Party member and a champion of social housing. He says the Movement should put more effort in offering mutual solutions to people unable to afford a home. read more
Friday 15th January 2010
Kicking antisemitism out of football
The more you delve into this area the more complicated it gets. Perhaps that is a good thing. Lines blur. Allegiances shift. No chance to be complacent.
This one is about Murad Qureshi, a member of the London Assembly, and though he doesn't often talk about it, he's a Muslim. "I don't like to wear my religion on my sleeve," he says. There are many like him.
Being an Assembly member has its perks and one such occurred last October when he was invited to a Show Racism the Red Card event at Chelsea's ground, Stamford Bridge. He's a Manchester United man himself Chelsea versus Blackburn would not be his first choice but he was enjoying the game nonetheless when the chants rang out from the Matthew Harding stand. "We hate Yids" and "He's only a poor little Yiddo" were the most audible to him. Not nice, and given the rationale for his trip, very unfortunate. read more
Friday 15th January 2010
Clean up London's bad air or cough up 300m, Boris is told
Boris Johnson is being urged to clean up London's air to avoid 'coughing up' 300 million for an EU fine.
The London Assembly this week had "deep concern" that this was the only area in the country still exceeding European limits on air pollution.
It called on the Mayor to revise his Air Quality strategy to make sure the next draft contains measures to meet limits by the end of the year.
Assembly member Murad Qureshi said: "Reducing air pollution is not just an abstract environmental consideration. It's about addressing lower life expectancy issues in areas that suffer from poor air quality in particular."
He was anxious to avoid a potential EU 'fine' of 300m. read more
Friday 8th January 2010
Chelsea chants denounced by Muslim leader
A leading Muslim politician campaigning against antisemitic chanting at Chelsea Football Club has been told that fans who shout We hate Yids! about Tottenham fans are not expressing hatred of Jews.
Chelsea has rejected the proposal of the Labour London Assembly member, Murad Qureshi, that the club should introduce an anti-racism programme for fans and stewards to show it is taking the problem seriously. read more
Sunday 20th December 2009
Murad charges into US dispute
It was always going to be a long shot but that wasn't going to stop Labour London Assembly member Murad Qureshi from asking the leader of the free world to take time out from saving the planet to sort a little local difficulty.
Sadly, it seems Barack Obama is just too busy cutting global pollution and tackling terrorism to take on the US Ambassador over London's 8 a day congestion charge.
The US, along with a quarter of all foreign diplomats, has branded former Mayor Ken Livingstone's hated charge a tax and refuses to pay, notching up a 3.5million backlog in fees and fines.
The US President has failed to buckle under pressure from Mr Qureshi to issue a decree forcing Ambassador Louis Susman to cough up the arrears. Mr Qureshi even marvels that the President has not bothered to reply. What can Mr Obama be thinking?
In all, Transport for London is now owed 28million by foreign embassies, making them the envy of millions of motorists. Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson is not amused. He once stated he would cheerfully slap an Asbo on the charge-dodging diplomats. (From Sunday Express)
Friday 4th December 2009
Boris faces brick wall reducing household carbon emissions
Boris Johnson is facing a brick wall trying to persuade energy companies to bring in schemes to make heating homes more efficient, the London Assembly has been told.
The response from big energy companies to start carbon reduction schemes was "not brilliant", according to the Mayor's environment advisor Isabel Dedring.
"Smaller players in the London market are more interested," she told the Assembly's environment committee. "They know they have to be innovative to try and gain a market share in London. But the bigger players have been quite disappointing."
Environment Chair Murad Qureshi said: "Some energy companies do not perceive reducing CO2 emissions in London as a priority. Utilities must now address this issue and take action if London is to meet its 60 per cent carbon reduction target by 2025." read more
Thursday 3rd December 2009
Marylebone crossing still puts lives at risk
A dangerous school crossing in Marylebone Road has not been fixed by Transport for London (TfL) despite a petition with signatures from more than 800 residents and assurances it had been done.
Actress Olivia Williams, who appeared in the Bruce Willis film Sixth Sense, has led a sustained campaign to get the lights altered on the crossing between the Landmark Hotel and Enford Street, close to St Mary's Bryanston Square Primary School.
Ms Williams was in discussions with TfL to amend the green man timings to allow people to cross in one movement and officials told her it had been done. But a test one morning this week by the Wood & Vale and London Assembly member Murad Qureshi revealed that it was still not possible to cross in one go. read more
Tuesday 1st December 2009
Clean up your air strategy, London Assembly tells Boris
Members of the London Assembly have warned Boris Johnson that his plans for improving air quality is "missing key data" and needs more work to make them effective.
Important information showing the effectiveness, timescale and how his Draft Strategy is to be paid for has not been included, the Assembly's environment committee points out.
The next draft outline must include health benefits, costs, timescales which recognise urgency, projections for concentrations of pollution and what would happen without such a plan, the committee insisted.
"It is essential the Mayor gets his strategy right," said environment chair Murad Qureshi. "Poor air quality can contribute to serious ill-health and premature deaths. Our suggestions will improve air quality, reduce the harm done by air pollution and give the strategy some credibility." read more
Monday 30th November
The Sun is accused of 'giving comfort to racists'
The Sun newspaper was today accused of "giving comfort to racists" with their front page story singling out a family who were housed in a "luxury" flat.
The Sun's message board was inundated with hate-filled comments praising the far right British National Party and calling for the Somali-born former asylum seeker and his family to be sent "back home."
But Murad Qureshi, who sits on the London assembly, called the article "inflammatory", and criticised the newspaper for a number of "factual inaccuracies."
Qureshi, a former Westminster councillor who represented the ward where the Eden family are housed, said that the flats had been built at the height of the property boom and he believed the units had been lying empty for the last few years.
He was "extremely surprised" at the rent of 1,600 per week, the figure quoted by The Sun, which was significantly more than other comparable flats in the area would be let for.
Qureshi added: "The property is neither in or near the West End. No property in the neighbourhood worth 1.8 million, nor can it be called desirable given it directly backs onto the Marylebone flyover." read more
Thursday 12th November 2009
London airports night flight 'secret plans' for 2012 Olympics
Plans to let night flights into London during the 2012 Olympics have been condemned by London Assembly members.
It follows information said to have been unearthed by the airports umbrella campaign group Hacan about the Civil Aviation Authority "drawing up secret plans" to remove controls on Londons airports during the Games which could include the de-restriction of night flights.
"Londoners already put up with the noise of the busiest airport in Europe," the London Assembly's environment chair Murad Qureshi said last night. "But at least they have some respite overnight.
"Enduring weeks of sleepless nights is simply too much to ask of people. The Aviation authority needs to look at other ways of handling the extra volume of air traffic coming into London for the Games." read more
Wednesday 28th October 2009
'Turn rubbish into electricity for 2million London homes'
Rubbish could be transformed into enough electricity for two thirds of London homes, according to a report out today.
The London Assembly hopes councils will stop burning waste or transporting it to landfill sites. Instead it wants to convert everything that cannot be recycled from tyres to old furniture into electricity.
The report, "Where there's Muck there's Brass", suggests several ways of converting non-recyclable waste. These include breaking matter down using bacteria and "thermal treatment" using a super-high temperature oxygenated heating processes, called gasification.
Only one fifth of the 22 million tonnes of waste London produces each year is recycled and much of the rest goes to incineration plants some of which produce electricity.
The report estimates that if every tonne of rubbish was re-used, it would generate enough power to heat up to 625,000 homes and supply electricity to two million of London's 3.3 million households.
Members of the Assembly's environment committee want waste companies and councils to invest in conversion systems. Committee chairman Murad Qureshi said: "Waste-to- energy technology will help the capital reduce greenhouse gases, cut down on waste sent to landfill, increase renewable energy generation, benefit the economy and create jobs."
But he said a stumbling block was that council contracts with waste firms can last up to 30 years. read more
Thursday 22nd October 2009
London 2012 chief forced to defend 'super-league' salary
The leaders of the publicly funded Olympic Delivery Authority were accused on Wednesday of being the "bankers of the Olympics" for refusing to curb salaries and bonuses at a time of public-sector cutbacks.
John Armitt and David Higgins, the ODA chairman and chief executive, came under fierce personal attack for their "super-league" pay levels and bonuses during an appearance before the London Assembly to update members on the progress of the London 2012 construction project.
Armitt defended his own salary of 250,000 for what he admitted was three days' work a week, as well as the decision of the ODA board to award substantial bonuses to Higgins and other directors on top of six-figure wages.
Higgins received a performance-related payment of 209,566 for the last tax year, though he has voluntarily deferred half of the amount until no later than December 2012.
Conservative Assembly member Brian Coleman said: "In local government across London we're talking about perhaps 20 per cent cuts over the next three years in things like social services, education and all sorts of other vital areas. So why won't you be adjusting your terms and conditions?"
Labour member Murad Quershi continued the attack, describing the pair as the "bankers of the Olympics" because, like the banks that had to be bailed out by the Government, they were spending taxpayers' money on staff bonuses. read more
Wednesday 1st October 2009
BBC accused of bias for letting Boris Johnson appear on EastEnders
The BBC is facing fresh accusations of bias for allowing Boris Johnson to make a guest appearance on EastEnders despite rejecting advances from his predecessor as Mayor of London. The Times has learnt that Ken Livingstone approached the BBC to highlight a recycling campaign on the soap, but was refused on the ground that it was too political.
The corporation appears to have had a change of mind, and Mr Johnson will become the first elected politician to appear on the soap when he wanders into the Queen Vic pub. In the episode, to be aired this evening, the Conservative Mayor plays himself and crosses paths with Peggy Mitchell, the pub landlady.
The Labour group on the London Assembly said that the rules of impartiality that governed BBC currrent affairs should also apply to its entertainment programmes. Murad Qureshi, a Labour member, said that the corporation had handed Mr Johnson free publicity. "The BBC need to be even-handed when they are dealing with the mayor's office, no matter who is in there," he said. read more
Friday 4th September 2009
Lawrence Bloom and Murad Qureshi AM Green Economy Initiative
Lawrence Bloom and Murad Qureshi AM discussed the alternatives facing London as a city and the world as a whole due to climate change. Lawrence Bloom, is the Chair of the United Nations Environment Programme and the former chairman, current Council Member, of the World Economic Forum, Global Agenda Council on Urban Development, Davos. Murad Qureshi AM is the Chair of the Environment Committee of the Greater London Authoritys London Assembly.
There were a number of notable contributions from the audience including Nicky Gavron AM who, as the former Deputy Mayor, was leading the climate change response on behalf of London during the Ken Livingston Mayoral administration.
Murad Qureshi began by emphasising the role of big cities like London in working with environmental issues because 50 % of humanity lives in cities and towns. Nation states will meet in Copenhagen but there is a lot of capacity for cities to collaborate and make their own impetus. He acknowledged Nicky Gavrons work with the C40 Cities. London made a goal of 60% reduction from 1990 levels by 2025. There is a localised green economy initiative possible through city level leadership. Transport and housing sectors can be handled locally. He added that a Plan B could be a city level agreement if the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit fails. read more
Monday 17th August 2009
Obama's ambassador refuses to pay London congestion charge
The United States is refusing to pay more than 3 million in congestion charge fines, despite a change in ambassador.
The State Department has announced that President Obama's new representative in London will not change the policy, meaning that the Embassys penalties will continue to be ignored.
Mr Obama's new ambassador in London, Louis Susman, was sworn in two weeks ago, raising hope that the US Administration might pay off its fines in light of its green credentials. As of June 3, the US embassy owed TfL 3,478,200.
Last month, Murad Qureshi, a member of the London Assembly, wrote to Mr Obama urging him to overturn the "mean-spirited" policy implemented under the USs former ambassador to the UK, Robert Tuttle.
He wrote: "Many here feel this was an ignoble attitude from the ambassador of the wealthiest country on Earth, and one that has set an unfortunate tone, and a poor example for other embassies to follow."
Mr Qureshi called on Mr Obama to issue a presidential decree ordering the new ambassador to reverse Mr Tuttles decision.
Washington ignored the plea and has insisted that the fines will continue to go unpaid. read more
Tuesday 11th August 2009
Anyone care for food leftovers?
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has joined forces with London Food Board chair Rosie Boycott and top chefs Oliver Rowe and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall to urge Londoners to use tasty leftovers for great recipes, rather than throw away edible food.
London Assembly Environment Committee chair Murad Qureshi said: "First of all we need to clear our plates. The best way of dealing with food waste is to put it into your stomach. The human digestive system is the best way to deal with food. I am still staggered by the amount of food thrown away by restaurants.
"When I cook I am adamant that I keep the bones on the meat because the food tends to taste better. But the bone normally comes out of the food waste chain. I think a curry taste better with the meat on the bone. But you have a lot of restaurants these days who take it off the bone because they say that their customers like it better. This creates food waste." read more
Monday 18th May 2009
Mayor's words 'will not make London greener'
Labour on the London Assembly have welcomed the Mayor's desire to make London the cleanest and greenest city on earth, but warn to look at his actions not just listen to his warm words.
Speaking after the Mayor's speech at the C40 conference in Seoul, Labour's environment spokesman, Murad Qureshi, said: "We want London to become the cleanest and greenest city on earth and if Boris' actions matched up to his words we might even have a chance of succeeding." read more
Monday 4th May 2009
Boris gets a bashing on anniversary
Boris Johnson's year as mayor has been "marked by incompetence, failure and broken promises", according to one London Assembly member. The anniversary broadside at Mr Johnson came from Labour's Murad Qureshi but he was by no means alone. read more
Thursday 2nd April 2009
The inaugural London Twenty20 cricket tournament
London T20 is a new and revolutionary Twenty20 cricket league launched this summer for all of Londons cricketers. Based on the successful Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 concept, the London T20 league is an annual contest incorporating all thirty-three London boroughs over a ten-week period.
The franchise system of London T20 offers both communities and individuals the opportunity to bid for representation of a London borough and secure a place within the tournament.
Demand for franchises will be high an 11,000 grand prize for the winning team is unprecedented in amateur cricket. Businesses are simultaneously offered the chance to promote their local teams and act as sponsors for the duration of the tournament.
The relevance of the London T20 tournament to the city and Twenty20 cricket is recognised by Murad Qureshi, member of the Greater London Assembly and renowned patron of the sport. "The IPL may not have come to London, but Twenty20 cricket certainly has arrived with London T20."
This enthusiastic support comes on the back of Mr Qureshis own public campaign calling for the inclusion of Twenty20 cricket as a demonstration sport at the 2012 Olympics. "I strongly welcome this initiative. With the professional and dedicated team behind the concept, it is sure to become a permanent fixture on the London sporting calendar for many years to come." read more
Tuesday 25th March 2009
Never mind the April showers, bring IPL to England
The cold and rain notwithstanding, leading Britons of Indian origin are ready to roll out the red carpet to the Indian Premier League (IPS) should the cricket tournament choose to play its second season in England.
Not only Indians, but other South Asian lovers of cricket are expected to line up for tickets if the IPL comes to England.
Murad Qureshi, a Labour member of the London Assembly a watchdog for the British capital said London was best suited to support "this key celebration in the world of cricket."
"This would also play a significant part in relieving some of the economic pressures on London's tourist industry, fill up hotel places, increase restaurant bookings and swell visits to other exciting destinations," he said. read more
Wednesday 18th March 2009
Boris Johnson urged to think again on low emission zone
Boris Johnson was today urged by a cross-party coalition to revoke the "reckless and irresponsible decision" to suspend the next phase of London's low emission zone (LEZ) amid fears that British taxpayers could be forced to pay a 300m fine for the capital's poor air quality.
Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green party members on the London assembly passed a motion by 12 votes to eight calling on the mayor to proceed with the next phase of the scheme, which aims to reduce air pollution, improve Londoners' health and help meet European air quality standards.
Murad Qureshi, from the Labour group, who seconded the motion, said the mayor's decision "beggars belief".
"Poor air quality can significantly reduce the lung capacity of children, causes asthma and affects the quality of life of the elderly. Boris Johnson must take his public health responsibilities seriously and reinstate the third phase of the LEZ." read more
Thursday 12th March 2009
Debate over 393 bus route heats up
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to keep the 393 bus travelling along Leighton Road in Kentish Town. The signatures were handed over to London Assembly member Murad Qureshi this week as the campaign to keep the service in place hots up. read more
Monday 9th February
Rambling, incoherent and nazi to boot
Calling Richard Barnbrook, the British National Party's London Assembly member, a nazi was not a breach of the Greater London Authoritys Code of Conduct for members. read more
Monday 2nd February 2009
LEZ: bad news for health buried under foot of snow
Murad Qureshi AM makes the point that Boris Johnson has rushed out his announcement about the cancellation of the next phase of the Low Emission Zone on a day when attention is diverted by the weather.
In his statement Labour's environment spokesperson on the Assembly says: "It is shameful, but no big surprise, that Boris Johnson has attempted to bury his bad news under today's snow. London's air quality is already the worst in the UK and is responsible for over 1,000 deaths a year more than are killed on our roads." read more
Tuesday 27th January 2009
Capital SERA, the London branch of SERA, was launched on 26th January at an event held in Westminster. Capital SERA's Chair, Murad Qureshi AM, welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the guest speaker and SERA member Rt Hon David Lammy MP. read more
Wednesday 14th January 2009
Thames estuary airport would have 'disastrous' environmental impact, London mayor told
Boris Johnson was today warned of "disastrous" environmental consequences if his plans for a new airport on the Thames estuary went ahead.
The Conservative London mayor, who is opposed to a proposed third runway at Heathrow, is pushing the case for a third London airport on the Thames estuary.
The Labour assembly member Murad Qureshi challenged Johnson to explain how his enthusiasm for a third airport fitted with his climate change agenda during a transport question and answer session today. read more
Tuesday 25th November 2008
Boris Johnson's speech to the environment agency
This has been Johnson's big environment policy day, with the launch of his Help A London Park programme and a speech to the Environment Agency conference this afternoon. The Labour group has responded sharply, claiming that the mayor has cut half a million pounds from the environment budget. read more
Friday 21st November 2008
London Assembly wants T20 cricket in 2012 Olympics
The London Assembly has unanimously passed a motion calling for Twenty20 cricket to be included as a showcase sport at the 2012 Olympic Games to be hosted by the capital city.
Members agreed a motion urging the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to work with the International Cricket Council and International Olympic Committee so that the sport is included. read more
Thursday 20th November 2008
Embassies owe 23m in unpaid congestion charges
Foreign embassies refusing to pay the capital'congestion charge have accrued a bill in excess of 23 million, new figures show.
Today's disclosure of such a high sum will fuel an ongoing battle over the 8 daily charge between Transport for London and the embassies, which claim that diplomatic immunity exempts them from paying it. read more
Saturday 15th November 2008
Fairtrade pressure on Wandsworth
Wandsworth is coming under further pressure to become a Fairtrade borough after the London Assembly called on Mayor Boris Johnson to back its campaign and encourage all councils to achieve Fairtrade status.
Wandsworth is one of 13 remaining councils out of the 33 that have so far refused to increase availability and take up of Fairtrade marked products despite repeated calls from the assembly and other campaign groups. read more
Wednesday 12th November 2008
Scores of disappointed residents were denied the chance to grill London Mayor Boris Johnson after organisers issued too many tickets for a question time event.
Organisers of Boris Johnson's first Mayoral People's Question Time (PQT) held at Bromley Civic Centre were criticised by residents and Assembly members after they issued 1,300 tickets for a venue which holds 650. read more
Wednesday 6th August 2008
London legislator heads for Beijing, wants cricket in 2012 Olympics
An Asian member of the London Assembly is taking to Beijing his campaign to have Twenty20 cricket showcased in the 2012 London Olympics.
"We should definitely have Twenty20 cricket as an official game in the Olympics, and the London Games offers the perfect opportunity for a test-run," Murad Qureshi of the Labour Party said before leaving for the Beijing Olympics. read more
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
'Grab-a-cab Coleman' under fire
'Grab-a-cab Coleman' the deputy chairman of the London Assembly ran up a 4,147 taxi bill to 'carry his bling around'.
Brian Coleman, who has resurrected the tradition of wearing civic chains of office, notched up a taxi bill equal to all 25 members of the London Assembly, including Ken Livingstone. read more
Friday 25th January 2008
Battle won to replace 'treacherous' tunnel
A rise in traffic triggered by the congestion zone extension has spurred the council to act on safety fears over the Harrow Road subway.
Commuters have long been fearful of the subway running under the Harrow Road leading to Royal Oak tube station. read more
Sunday 13th January 2008
A pair of Labour London Assembly members have waded into the row over crime on London buses.
Assembly Members John Biggs (City and East) and Murad Qureshi (Londonwide) accused assembly transport committee chairman Roger Evans, a Tory, of "scaremongering and reinforcing urban myths." read more
Tuesday 8th January 2008
Appeal to recycle London Christmas trees
London's iconic Christmas tree has been recycled as city officials launched a campaign encouraging residents and businesses to think green when they deal with festive waste. read more
Monday 22nd October 2007
London Soccer Tickets Should Be Valid on Trains, Report Says
London's soccer fans may soon be using their match tickets to board trains and buses following proposals from the U.K. capital's transport committee aimed at relieving overcrowding on match days. read more
Friday 14th September 2007
Call to rename twin Tube stations
Calls are being made for one of the two Edgware Road Tube stations to be renamed to end confusion.
London Assembly member Murad Qureshi wants the central London station's Bakerloo Line stop to be called Church Street Market. read more
Friday 7th September 2007
Battle is on to keep Test cricket at Lord's
Lord's is contributing around £30million a year to the St John's Wood and Marylebone economy thanks to visitors to the historic ground.
A study of the Test match between England and the West Indies in May revealed that the game generated a whopping £10million for the local economy – the equivalent of 133 to 151 full-time jobs. read more
Tuesday 9th August 2007
Climate literate and climate-proof, these two words and ideas associated with them were tossed about at a roundtable on “Cities on the River — Preparing for Climate Change” by Murad Qureshi, member, London Assembly and chair, London Waterways Commission (LWC), on Wednesday, held significantly in the floating hotel at Calcutta jetty. read more
