Dry promises: Tap water eludes UP's Bundelkhand despite government claims
advertisementSimilarly, Ranjana, a 12th-grade student in the village, relies on hand pumps for water. She repeatedly fills bucket after bucket, demonstrating her endurance in the face of adversity.
"They promised water connections that never materialised," a resident said, frustrated by the negligence affecting her community.The progress in providing tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttar Pradesh is slow. The Chitrakoot District Magistrate said that efforts are underway to improve supply, promising, "Plans are in place to saturate the area with tap water connections within six months."The Jal Jeevan Mission has approved 40,951 schemes in Uttar Pradesh, with a total budget of Rs 1,52,521.82 crore. Officials have reported 100 per cent tap water coverage in 24,576 villages, benefiting over 4.86 crore people. However, the stark reality in Chitrakoot tells a different story, exposing the gap between policy promises and everyday struggles.Must Watch
IN THIS STORY#Uttar Pradesh
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
In a 1st in India, Goa to negotiate lower prices for life-saving therapies
Representative image PANAJI: In a move aimed at giving people greater access to high-cost medical treatment for cancer and rare diseases, Goa rolled out an innovative pricing policy for life-saving therapies. Under the policy, the state govt will procure drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics from pharmaceutical firms at a lower negotiated price from the listed price, enabling budget allocation to cater to more patients or support a longer duration for therapies. Vishwajit Rane, health minister, said on Wednesday the govt is the first in the country to adopt this policy framework, which enables confidential pricing agreements between govt and pharmaceutical innovators. The rollout is likely to begin with lung cancer treatment. Innovative therapies for diseases like cancer, rare genetic disorders, and autoimmune conditions can cost upwards of Rs 50 lakh per year, making them difficult for most patients, he said. "Goa's adoption of this pricing policy is a vital and timely step to advance health equity in the state. This value-based approach to pricing will improve access for patients and marks a new era focusing on helping more patients," Rane said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola This new innovation will prove beneficial to Goa, which is in the upper quartile of the list of highest cancer incidence rates in the country. The state sees around 1,500 new cancer patients every year, which is set to increase by 5% each year, with the most common cancer being breast cancer, accounting for over 300 annual cases, followed by oral cavity cancer, which accounts for 20-25% of all cancers. The healthcare system must be better equipped to handle the growing burden of cancers and rare disease cases, Rane said. A committee chaired by the additional or joint secretary of health and comprising the dean of GMC, director of health services, and pharmacy heads will be constituted to recommend appropriate pricing for approval by govt. The committee will also be empowered to negotiate with firms to secure the best rate for patented drugs and equipment after signing agreements.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
New rice variety tests fertiliser habits of farmers in Punjab, overuse to drop yield
Chandigarh: Punjab farmers are caught in a dilemma over a new rice variety promising a higher yield but clashing with their traditional practices of fertiliser usage. The PR-132 — touted as a high-yield, nitrogen-efficient variety with superior milling and grain quality — offers a solution to rising input costs. It requires approximately 25% less urea than other non-basmati varieties — only 1.5 bags per acre compared to the typical two bags (90 kg each) needed for other popular varieties. But farmers who continue to follow their usual dosage of subsidised fertilisers face a major risk, as excessive use can cause the crop to fall over — a condition known as lodging. While drawn to the promise of a high yield, some farmers are hesitant because the crop is susceptible to lodging if nitrogen application guidelines are not strictly followed. Jaskaranvir Singh, a farmer from Makhano village in Fatehgarh Sahib, expressed the predicament of cultivators . "Most farmers want to stick to their traditional ways of using fertilisers and were thus wary of opting for it," he said. He is, however, testing the variety himself, he said. "I have sown PR-132 over one acre as a test case and would expand the area if the yield is higher," he added. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the developer of the new variety, has issued a clear caution, stating, "During the current season PAU recommended a new rice variety, PR-132. It yields best with 75% recommended dose of urea (1.5 bag). Excess application of urea to PR-132 may result in lower yield owing to lodging." The new variety also promises an impressive average yield of 31.5 quintals per acre, surpassing varieties like PR-126, which yields about 30 quintals per acre. It is a medium-duration variety, maturing in approximately 110 days, slightly longer than the short-duration PR-126, which matures in about 93 days. An agriculture officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the claims of a higher yield for the new rice variety will be put to the test during harvesting in a few weeks. He explained the risks of over-fertilisation, noting that if the crop receives more nitrogen than required, it becomes "succulent", making it more susceptible to insect attacks and diseases. This excess weight also leads to lodging, where the plant falls over. "The agriculture department is making farmers aware that a higher amount of fertilisers is actually detrimental for the crop. While other paddy varieties require 90 kg of urea per acre, farmers are often tempted to use a higher dose of this fertiliser, which costs Rs 265 per bag at a subsidised rate," he said. During the Kharif 2024 season, the short to medium-duration rice varieties recommended by PAU were widely adopted, covering about 74% of the total area. The most popular varieties were PR-126, which accounted for 43% of the area, and PR-131, which covered 19%. PAU currently recommends 12 of these varieties, including the newly introduced PR-132, along with PR-131, PR-129, PR-128, PR-122, PR-114, PR-113, PR-127, PR-130, and PR-126. According to the varsity, these varieties have been well-received by farmers since their release in 2012. Their widespread adoption has not only helped to curb the declining water table but has also contributed to a reduction in farm fire incidents. This is because the varieties have a lower straw load and provide a longer window for farmers to manage their crop residue. PR-132 RESULT OF 8 YRS OF RESEARCH: RICE BREEDER According to PAU's senior rice breeder and additional director of research, G S Mangat, the PR-132 is the result of eight years of extensive research. This paddy season marked the first time the variety was made available to farmers, with approximately 1,500 quintals of seeds distributed in 4 kg packets. Mangat said the new PR-132 rice variety is a collaborative effort with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. The variety was developed by crossing a sister line from IRRI with existing PAU varieties, specifically PR-121 and PR-126. The release of PR-132 follows the successful development of other varieties like PR-131. Mangat explained that the PR-132 will undergo further testing over the next three years at PAU's five research stations, using feedback gathered from farmers. This process of "multi-location testing" is crucial for evaluating the new variety's adaptability and performance in various conditions. "PR-132 has been developed keeping in view the demands of the farmers, millers, and end consumers," he said. MSID:: 123283265 413 | Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Drainage system to be upgradedto resolve waterlogging issues
1 2 Prayagraj: One of the long-standing problems of waterlogging is set to become a thing of the past here in city. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has announced ambitious plans to upgrade the city's drainage system to tackle frequent waterlogging issue, which will be resolved by reconstructing several important drains. The PMC has decided to widen and reconstruct several drains that were previously replaced with pipes, which have proven inadequate to siphon out water during heavy rains. According to Mayor Ganesh Kerserwani, the solution will come through comprehensive repairs and infrastructure upgrades funded under 15th Finance Commission. Over Rs 100 crore will be invested initially to widen drains and remove old pipelines that have caused blockages, leading to water accumulation in many neighbourhoods. Several localities such as Sadiyabad, Daraganj, Allapur, Baghambari Housing, Pura Padhain, Teliyerganj, Rasulabad, Mehdauri, Salori, Chakia, and Pura Manohardas have been affected by the use of 16 to 18-inch diameter pipes instead of open drains. While these pipes manage to drain water during light rainfall, they have been found to get choked during heavy downpours, causing severe waterlogging in streets and homes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become Fluent in Any Language Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo For instance, on Baghambari Math Road, about 200 to 250 metres of 18-inch pipes were installed, while near Allapur police chowki and other key locations like Malakaraj and near the flyover at Alopidevi, similar pipe-based drainage systems have been set up. However, these are now set for removal and replacement with proper open drains to ensure effective water flow. Municipal Commissioner Sai Tej said that on Baghambari Gaddhi Road, old pipes will be removed, and a new standard-compliant drain will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 to 60 lakh. Following this, a detailed work plan and budget will be formulated for drainage improvements across the city. Drainage improvement plans are already underway for multiple areas with proposed drain lengths: Mehdawari (2,200 metres), Ashok Nagar (1,100 metres), Ganganagar (2,400 metres), Rajapur (1,800 metres), Chaka (4,250 metres), Mahewa (2,700 metres), Chaman Ganj (3,000 metres), Chhatnag (1,200 metres), Shantipuram (1,800 metres), Malaka (1,600 metres), Balrampur (1,600 metres), Gohari (1,500 metres), Malak Harhar (2,000 metres), Bhadri (1,200 metres), and Karelabag (1,100 metres). Mayor Ganesh Kerserwani emphasised that these measures will provide a permanent solution to waterlogging in Prayagraj. A thorough survey will be conducted to assess the current drains' depth and width, followed by upgrades to bring them to standard specifications. Pipes that do not meet the standards will be removed to ensure smooth drainage during monsoons. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
