Villupuram collector explores Auroville's eco-tech for low-cost rural housing under PMAY
VILLUPURAM: District Collector S Shiek Abdul Rahman, accompanied by Additional Collector (Development) JE Padmaja and other officials, visited the Auroville Foundation on Tuesday to examine cost-effective and sustainable building techniques for potential implementation in rural housing development projects in Villupuram.
The official team was joined by Auroville Town Development Council (ATDC) member Sindhuja, Admissions and Terminations Scrutinising Committee (ATSC) member Antim, and Senior Consultant to Auroville Foundation Koshy Varghese. The secretary of the Auroville Foundation is Jayanti S Ravi.
The delegation toured various structures in Auroville, showcasing alternative construction methods. They observed low-cost roofing and walling systems, including buildings constructed without the heavy use of concrete, which support two- to three-storey structures. A visit to the Centre for Scientific Research (CSR) included demonstrations of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) and FC channel roofing systems.
The team also visited Kinisi, a unit focused on electric vehicle and cycle manufacturing and maintenance, which operates in a sustainably constructed building. A furniture workshop using wood from cyclone-felled trees was also inspected, promoting a zero-waste approach.
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New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Villupuram collector explores Auroville's eco-tech for low-cost rural housing under PMAY
VILLUPURAM: District Collector S Shiek Abdul Rahman, accompanied by Additional Collector (Development) JE Padmaja and other officials, visited the Auroville Foundation on Tuesday to examine cost-effective and sustainable building techniques for potential implementation in rural housing development projects in Villupuram. The official team was joined by Auroville Town Development Council (ATDC) member Sindhuja, Admissions and Terminations Scrutinising Committee (ATSC) member Antim, and Senior Consultant to Auroville Foundation Koshy Varghese. The secretary of the Auroville Foundation is Jayanti S Ravi. The delegation toured various structures in Auroville, showcasing alternative construction methods. They observed low-cost roofing and walling systems, including buildings constructed without the heavy use of concrete, which support two- to three-storey structures. A visit to the Centre for Scientific Research (CSR) included demonstrations of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) and FC channel roofing systems. The team also visited Kinisi, a unit focused on electric vehicle and cycle manufacturing and maintenance, which operates in a sustainably constructed building. A furniture workshop using wood from cyclone-felled trees was also inspected, promoting a zero-waste approach.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Waterbody revival raises transparency questions
1 2 3 4 Guwahati: Residents of Guwahati have expressed concern regarding transparency and public involvement in the restoration of Dighalipukhuri, as the Assam govt assigns a fresh agency for its maintenance and cleaning. The ATDC's recent decision to implement SABRE technology for water treatment has sparked worries among locals. They argue this solution might be temporary and question whether any lasting remedies have been considered to address the fundamental issues. 'Reclaim Guwahati' member Milin Dutta criticised the lack of public consultation in selecting the technology, particularly following the sudden termination of a previous TERI project. "Had they consulted the public before moving forward with the decision, especially after the abrupt discontinuation of an earlier project taken up by Energy and Research Institute (TERI), it is causing justifiable fear this could be another expensive, short-lived initiative," Dutta said. Dutta highlighted the voluntary efforts at Dighalipukhuri Park, stating, "This proposal by ATDC totally overlooks the maintenance of the Dighalipukhuri Park for the past six months by a handful of dedicated volunteers from different parts of Guwahati. Apart from installation of bamboo baskets and anti-littering signs, through weekly clean-up drives over 1,100 kg of waste has been collected by these volunteers so far. Involving these active residents and other local residents in govt initiatives would not only make them more sustainable in the longer term but would also pave the the way for a stewardship approach to maintaining public facilities." The waterbody holds roughly 285 million litres of water, with ongoing pollution affecting its aquatic health. ATDC managing director Padmapani Borah said SABRE technology, developed by Irish environmental scientist Liam Ryan, has demonstrated success in other states. The technology aims to increase water oxygen levels to 6 mg/L, promoting aquatic life and ensuring safe public usage. Borah acknowledged the community's contributions while emphasising the need for a long-term maintenance strategy. "What these residents are doing is a noble initiative, and we also want them to work for its development. But I urge them to understand that once the development activities are completed, there will definitely be a proper mechanism in place for its upkeep," Borah said. The citizen's forum also expressed concern about two recent accidents near the under-construction GNB Road flyover. They identified issues including inadequate site management, dangerous proximity to high-tension wires, and persistent waterlogging around construction areas, calling for enhanced oversight from relevant govt bodies.
Time of India
13-05-2025
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Auroville pioneer faces deportation after sixty years in india
At 86, all that Frederick Schulze-Buxloh wants is to live out the rest of his life in his adopted home, Auroville . However, the grand patriarch of the township was asked to book a one-way ticket to Germany after spending 60 years of his life was just 10 when he was made to go to Dachau with other schoolchildren and witnessed the atrocities committed against Jews in the concentration camp. While it was common practice in Germany to inculcate hatred toward Jews in children, the visuals never left his mind. As soon as he reached adulthood, a disillusioned Frederick left Germany for India. "Four Indian personalities inspired the world at that point: Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Vivekananda, and Aurobindo. The moment I met Mother (Mira Alfassa, the spiritual collaborator of Aurobindo), I left it all and joined Aurobindo's Ashram in 1960," says donated his family inheritance to Mother and dedicated his life to "manifest Aurobindo and Mother's vision of human unity" to become one of the pioneers of Auroville, where he spent the next 60 years setting up the township from scratch. "There was nothing but barren land here. We built a few huts, bought bread from Pondicherry, and soon, others started coming in. Roads had to be built, and the children's education had to be arranged, but we got help from all over the world and the govts," he the years, Frederick became an indispensable part of the community, involving himself in sports, social projects, educational projects, governance, fundraising, and community building. "We built community centres and kitchens while working on education and afforestation within the township," he today, Frederick's future is uncertain. Non-Indian residents in the township stay on X2 and X3 visas made for Aurovillians, which can be renewed only with a recommendation letter from the foundation secretary. Frederick says he has not received the letter. "Auroville is my only home and India, my country. I have no one in Germany except step-siblings. Four of my five children and all my grandchildren are here," he Jagadeesh, spokesperson for Auroville Foundation , says a "leave India notice was issued to Frederick by the Ministry of Home Affairs". The notice was a result of an inquiry committee's report which named Frederick among others for buying benami properties in Puducherry and Kodaikanal, she says. "He has also obstructed development activities at Auroville and organised mob attacks."Frederick says he has not received a notice from the govt. "Allegations of illegal activity can be levelled at anyone, but I'm yet to get any communication in this regard. I hope I get the visa on humanitarian and medical grounds." A petition seeking the immediate renewal of Frederick's visa is going around, which has garnered more than 1,000 signatures of Aurovillians, and another 2,000 of well-wishers. "Frederick's visa denial is like a warning to the rest of us," says Chali Grinnell, an international resident, adding that anyone who opposes the new administration is being denied visa renewals.
