Plantation drive planned after survey flags green concerns
1
2
Bhubaneswar: To increase the green cover and meet World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation of nine square metres per capita, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has drawn up a plan for a plantation initiative in and around the city's biggest slum, Salia Sahi.
This area is recognised as a high extreme heat risk zone by iForest, an international organisation working on environmental issues.
"We have made arrangements to start the plantation drive during monsoon. The locations have been selected and pits will be dug soon. Trees that can withstand wind and cyclones will be planted. We have selected species such as harida, ashoka, neem, radhachuda and krushnachuda. The saplings will be procured soon.
Dedicated personnel will also be deployed for maintenance in subsequent years," BMC deputy commissioner (environment) Kajal Pradhan said.
iForest conducted a survey in all 67 wards for heat mapping, factors affecting it and for evaluating green coverage. Salia Sahi, comprising Ward Nos. 20, 21 and 26, has the least amount of green cover, while five more wards do not meet the WHO-recommended standard of green cover per person.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
25 new Covid cases in city; state reports 112 patients
Mumbai: On Thursday, the state reported 112 Covid-19 cases, of which 25 were in Mumbai. Health officials said all the patients had mild flu-like symptoms. Until earlier this month, the city accounted for most of the state's cases on a daily basis. However, the trend has started to shift since late last week, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reporting either nearly equal or more Covid-19 cases daily. On Thursday, the PMC recorded 48 cases. Since the surge in cases began in mid-May, there have been 21 deaths, four of which occurred in Mumbai — all patients with severe comorbidities. Doctors said most of the deceased patients were elderly. A few patients are admitted at Seven Hills Hospital, where the BMC has created a separate Covid ward. All patients there are elderly and stable. Similarly, KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goyal told reporters that as part of Covid-19 preparedness, 10 isolation beds have been kept ready at Bai Rukmini Bai Hospital and five at Shastri Nagar Hospital. TNN Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Business Standard
Bharat Biotech signs pact with GSK to develop Shigella vaccine candidate
Bharat Biotech on Thursday announced its partnership with UK-based pharma company GSK for the development and potential use of the Shigella vaccine candidate altSonflex1-2-3. As part of the agreement, Bharat Biotech will lead the further development of altSonflex1-2-3, including Phase 3 clinical trials, regulatory advancement and large-scale manufacturing. GSK, on the other hand, will support the programme by assisting with clinical trial design, securing external funding and contributing to the access and delivery plans and commercialisation strategy. The company said that the agreement marks a significant step in advancing the vaccine, which targets shigellosis, a severe form of bacterial diarrhoea that disproportionately affects children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 'The vaccine candidate has already demonstrated a strong safety and immunogenicity profile in both European and African trials, including in the primary target population of nine-month-old infants,' it added. Commenting on the development, Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman at Bharat Biotech, said that with no approved vaccine currently available and antimicrobial resistance on the rise, there is an urgent need for scalable, science-backed solutions focused on LMICs. 'This collaboration combines our strengths in innovation, manufacturing and global health commitment.' According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Shigella was the second-leading cause of diarrhoeal mortality in 2016 (latest data) among all ages and the leading bacterial cause of diarrhoea, accounting for approximately 212,000 deaths and about 13 per cent of all diarrhoea-associated deaths. The disease is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains underscores the urgent need for a preventive vaccine. The standard of care for shigellosis primarily involves managing dehydration and using antibiotics. While mild cases often resolve with rest and fluid replacement, more severe cases or those with weakened immune systems may benefit from antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin. Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer at GSK, said that by helping reduce illness and antibiotic use, this vaccine has the potential to play a critical role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The companies claimed that the vaccine candidate has broad serotype coverage, an innovative Generalised Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA)-based platform and robust early clinical results. 'GMMA technology is a platform that uses bacterial outer membranes to deliver the O antigen to the immune system, allowing for high-yield production, which creates affordable vaccines for underserved populations,' they added in a statement.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Neurologist debunks myths about autism in children: Not caused by poor parenting or emotional deprivation
Autism spectrum disorder – known as ASD or, simply, autism – is estimated to affect roughly 1 in 100 children, according to World health Organization (WHO). However, despite its prevalence, there are several misconceptions about this disorder. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Yeshwanth P, consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad said 'autism is often misunderstood, leading to myths that hinder early intervention and inclusion'. Also read | Swimming classes for kids with autism: Here's how it can help them He said: 'It's crucial to know that autism is not caused by bad parenting, vaccines, or emotional trauma — these are harmful misconceptions. Every child with autism is unique, with their own strengths and challenges. Early diagnosis and support can make a world of difference. Instead of focusing on what a child can't do, we must embrace neurodiversity and support them in thriving their own way. As a society, we need to replace judgment with understanding, and stereotypes with science-backed awareness.' Dr Kothari added, 'The conversation around autism must shift from fear and stereotype to fact and inclusion. Our focus should be on amplifying neurodiverse voices and supporting parents, educators, and clinicians in identifying and nurturing the unique strengths of every child on the spectrum. Let's replace judgment with understanding and make room for every child to flourish.' Here are some common myths about autism in children: 'In today's digital era, misinformation spreads fast — especially when it comes to developmental conditions like autism. One of the most persistent myths is that autism is caused by poor parenting or emotional deprivation. This couldn't be further from the truth. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition rooted in brain development and genetics—not external blame or faulty upbringing,' Dr Kothari said. She added, 'Another common misconception is that all autistic children exhibit the same behaviours or challenges. In reality, autism is a spectrum, meaning every child experiences it differently. Some may have speech delays, others may communicate fluently but struggle with social interactions. It's time we moved beyond one-size-fits-all assumptions and recognized the individuality of each child.' Dr Kothari said, 'There's also a troubling myth that children with autism cannot learn or lead independent lives. Many autistic children thrive in mainstream education systems when supported with early intervention, tailored therapies, and inclusive environments. With the right support, they can develop meaningful relationships, pursue higher education, and excel in their careers.' Labelling children with autism as 'difficult' or 'incapable' only deepens the stigma and isolates families. Dr Kothari suggested, 'Instead, we must cultivate awareness and empathy. Schools, caregivers, and society at large need training to understand sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, and behavioral patterns associated with autism.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
