logo
Mock drone swarm attack tests readiness, Chandigarh residents unite

Mock drone swarm attack tests readiness, Chandigarh residents unite

Time of India6 days ago

1
2
3
4
Chandigarh: As part of the central government's decision to conduct the second civil defence exercise titled 'Operation Shield' on Saturday across all districts of states and Union territories adjoining the western border of the country, a scenario was simulated at the Air Force Station, Chandigarh, involving an attack by a swarm of enemy drones.
In response to the simulated threat, the Station Commander sought immediate assistance from the civil administration to evacuate families from the station premises to a safer location.
Upon receiving the request, the health department, fire services, and civil defence units were promptly activated. The 'injured' were triaged on site, and those with 'serious conditions' were swiftly transported to the nearest hospital.
Remaining evacuees were relocated to the community centre in Sector 47, where comprehensive medical check-ups and treatment were provided.
Also, a coordinated 10-minute blackout drill from 8-8.10 pm was observed by all the residents of Kishangarh and IT Park, showcasing exceptional unity, discipline, and community spirit.
Nishant Yadav IAS, deputy commissioner, Chandigarh, said the response of residents during the blackout drill reflects our shared commitment to collective safety and civil defence preparedness. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the residents, civil defence volunteers, and all departments involved, noting the seamless execution of the drill without disruption or confusion.
The exercise aimed to test and enhance the coordination, preparedness, and response capabilities of civil and defence agencies in the event of an emergency.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

In 10 years, Goa loses a fifth of its tree cover
In 10 years, Goa loses a fifth of its tree cover

Time of India

time8 hours ago

  • Time of India

In 10 years, Goa loses a fifth of its tree cover

Margao: The state has lost over a fifth or 22% of its tree cover in recent years. Centre's data shows that Goa's tree cover peaked at 334sqkm in 2010-11, but fell to 258sqkm by 2021-22 — a loss of 76sqkm over a decade. This represents a 22.8% drop from the peak coverage. According to the latest data released by the Union ministry of statistics and programme implementation in the 'EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics' report, Goa's tree cover peaked at 334sqkm in 2010-11, but declined to just 258sqkm by 2021-22 — a loss of 76sqkm over a decade. This represents a 22.8% reduction from the peak coverage. The data shows a significant initial recovery period from 2000 to 2010-11, when tree cover expanded from a mere 62sqkm to 334sqkm — a more than five-fold increase. However, this positive trend reversed sharply after 2010-11, with consistent year-on-year losses. The steepest decline occurred between 2015-16 and 2017-18, when tree cover dropped from 323sqkm to 272sqkm — a loss of 51sqkm in just two years. Experts said this period coincides with increased development pressures and infrastructure expansion across the state. The current tree cover of 258sqkm represents approximately 7% of Goa's total area of 3,702sqkm. Activists have already been calling for immediate action to reverse this trend and protect the remaining green cover in the state. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 released by the Union environment ministry in Dec showed that from 2021 to 2023, Goa's total forest cover came down by 1.50sqkm or 150ha. Goa's total forest cover now stands at 2, loss of forest cover was higher in North Goa at 90ha, besides a loss of 60ha of forest cover in South Goa. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !

Fake biodegradable plastic a worry, no regulation or crackdown
Fake biodegradable plastic a worry, no regulation or crackdown

New Indian Express

timea day ago

  • New Indian Express

Fake biodegradable plastic a worry, no regulation or crackdown

BENGALURU: Plastic waste management continues to be a challenge for the authorities: Plastic materials are often passed off as biodegradable items, while at the household level. the way plastic items are handled is a concern. The Union government banned single-use plastic and issued directions to encourage other recyclable items on July 1, 2022. It was part of Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. The government issued a notification for the ban on August 12, 2021. However, there has been little impact on ground. Experts say that despite awareness, people continue to use plastic bottles and carry bags as the government has been unable to regulate their manufacture and use. A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official from Delhi admitted that the drive to control plastic menace has reduced over time. An official from Karnataka regional CPCB office said that earlier. inspections were done on a monthly basis and urban local bodies officials were also guided. This has now come down. Divya Tiwari, adviser, Saahas, NGO working on waste management said, despite clear definitions on plastic waste management rules, ground operations continue to be an issue. Biodegradable plastic is seen as an alternative to plastic, but most are fake. 'We are demanding the government have a colour code of them with proper identification for people to know. Visual distinction of biodegradable plastic is a challenge,' she said, adding that ideally biodegradbale plastic should self degrade in 90 days, but fake items take 180-200 days. Experts also pointed out that the government has no method of collection and disposal of biodegradable plastic, which makes matters worse. Industries handling plastic waste are not accepting biodegradable plastic items due to their poor quality. This apart, small plastic items are adding to the menace. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, Chairperson and co-founder of Adamya Chetana Foundation, said more awareness on plastic waste management is needed. People can do their little bit by simply not cutting the edge of their milk/curd plastic packets. 'This is being told since 2019. Collecting and recycling small plastic is difficult. It has become a large contributor to plastic pollution and has now entered the food chain. Another concern is the use of paper glasses for they have plastic linings and in 15 minutes, a cup filled with tea/coffee generates 25,000micro plastic.'

End plastic pollution, says Majhi
End plastic pollution, says Majhi

Hans India

timea day ago

  • Hans India

End plastic pollution, says Majhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday raised alarm over the escalating menace of plastic pollution in the State. While addressing the World Environment Day celebration in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said unbridled use of plastic poses a triple threat- climate change, loss of biodiversity and affects the ecosystems with pollution and waste. He called for a mass movement to eliminate plastic use from everyday life. On tackling pollution, the Chief Minister underlined the State's firm stance against single-use plastic. 'We've banned single-use plastic and are actively promoting long-term sustainable alternatives. Waste management systems are being strengthened to ensure a cleaner and greener future,' Majhi added. He also highlighted that the State government has launched the Clean Air Programme to reduce air pollution in densely populated urban areas and improve overall air quality. The Chief Minister also announced that Odisha government will undertake the plantation of 7.5 crore trees this year as part of its aggressive green initiative. He noted that Odisha has seen a net increase of 560 sq km in forest cover, ranking fourth among all States. 'This achievement is a testament to our collective effort. Through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, we've already planted over 6 crore saplings,' he said. The Chief Minister said Similipal was recently designated as the 107th National Park by the Union government. Under 'Ama Similipal' scheme, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for enhanced protection of wildlife and biodiversity in the region. Meanwhile, speaking to mediapersons, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, said the State will soon introduce reverse vending machines (RVMs) for plastic waste collection in major urban centres. Sahu said seven cities across Odisha will also see the launch of a new Clean City Pilot Programme to intensify urban sanitation and waste segregation. He also stressed that single-use plastic continues to be a serious threat, and enforcement will be strengthened to strictly regulate its usage, especially during mass gatherings, picnics and tourist seasons. 'Plastic pollution is silently choking our environment. We urge citizens, institutions and vendors to shift to eco-friendly alternatives. Enforcement will be tighter this year,' said Sahu.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store