Latest news with #CDO
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Small Malaita Constituency Launches Phase 2 Of Its Road Infrastructure Program
The Small Malaita Constituency (SMC) officially launched Phase II of its Road Infrastructure Program on July 9th, 2025, at Ou'oumatawa, Small Malaita. This milestone was made possible through the active involvement of the Member of Parliament for SMC, Honourable Rick Nelson Houenipwela. Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Brown Honimae explained that the original Phase 2 road project, which aimed to connect Rorongo to Tawaro in Asimeuri Ward, was not completed due to land issues. This is now focused on a new road segment from Mwenio'a to Ro'one, marking the second attempt to develop infrastructure in Asimeuri Ward. Mr. Honimae highlighted that the event was attended by key stakeholders, including MP Hon. Rick Hou, The Right Reverend Rickson Maomaoru, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana (DOSMS), chiefs, church leaders, community representatives, landowning groups, resource owners, and constituents from Asimae and Asimeuri Wards. The ceremony commenced with the escorting of Hon. Rick Hou, Bishop Maomaoru and other invited guests by the Tapa'atewa Women's Singing Band and followed on with a short church service officiated by Bishop Maomaoru. In his address, Honourable Hou emphasized that the primary goal of SMC's development plan is to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities by providing access to government services and creating an enabling environment for economic opportunities. Hon. Hou stated that the road infrastructure program has achieved its primary objective as the highland communities such as Ou'oumatawa, Tapa'atewa, Ruru'uhe, and Rorongo now have direct road access to Matangasi Port. This is a major achievement; villagers can now travel and transport goods by motor vehicle from the seaport to their homes and vice versa. Hon. Hou also appealed to land and resource owners from Iolairamo, Ueniusu, Loutowa and the Port Adam area to uphold their commitments under the MOU signed with SMC regarding road construction. 'The road is passing through your land as you have intended, and the SMC Office pledges to ensure the successful completion of this phase,' Hon. Hou assured. Hon. Hou further highlighted that once Phase II is completed, residents of Asimeuri Ward on the eastern side of the island will also gain improved access to essential government services, aligning with the primary goal of improving connectivity and service delivery. 'So, we have every reason to celebrate this day,' he said. According to CDO Honimae, the main highlight of the program was the dedication and blessing of the machineries and the project team as officiated by Bishop Maomaoru. A cutting of a ribbon by Hon. Hou, Bishop Maomaoru, and landowner representatives, officially initiated the phase two of the construction work from Mwenio'a to Ro'one. On congratulating SMC and Hon Hou, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), John Misite'e congratulated SMC on this fine achievement and call on all communities to support the road development and expand their social and economic opportunities created by this infrastructure. PS Misite'e emphasized the importance of improving rural livelihoods and ensuring people's meaningful participation in development activities, aligning with the ministry's vision to supporting, all rural Solomon Islanders to improve their social and economic livelihood. PS Misite'e also acknowledged the ongoing active commitment of MP Houenipwela, his project team, and officers, recognizing their efforts in establishing essential infrastructure that will enable rural communities to access government services and economic opportunities. The road project was constructed by a project team that was directly employed by the Constituency Development Office, in accordance with Section 17 of the CDF Act 2023. The SMC Road Infrastructure Project dates back to 2012, beginning with land consultations, public awareness and mobilization of project teams. Technical work, including surveys, scoping, design, costing, and procurement of machineries, started from 2015 to 2016, with actual construction starting in mid-2017. To date, the constituency has made an investment cost including works and machineries over SBD$20 million to the project. The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), is funding the project under its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) program.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
48-km Noon revival inspires green restoration across UP
Kanpur: The Noon river in Kanpur Nagar underwent a remarkable revival from its previously barren condition under the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's 'One District-One River' programme. The successful restoration of the Noon has become a model across Uttar Pradesh. The river, once essential for agriculture and community activities in Bilhaur, Shivrajpur, and Chaubepur, severely declined due to unauthorised constructions and accumulated silt blocking its flow. District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh said, "The 48-km river's original course was identified using multiple sources: revenue documents, local knowledge, drone surveillance, and satellite imagery. Elderly residents provided valuable information about the river's historical path and gradual disappearance." The MNREGA scheme facilitated cleaning, excavation, and embankment works, said the DM adding, "The project engaged 6,000 workers from 58 village councils across 23 km, prioritising manual labour over machinery. The initiative cost Rs 57 lakh and generated over 23,000 man-days of employment." Chief development officer Diksha Jain said that beyond water restoration, the project aimed at environmental and social integration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo "July witnessed the planting of 40,000 trees, including neem, peepal, pakar, and moringa along the banks, promoting biodiversity and soil conservation," said the CDO further. The CDO said that after identifying the Noon river, comprehensive surveys using drones and satellites revealed extensive encroachment and vegetation obstruction. "The Feb revival initiative, launched with public participation through MNREGA, addressed industrial pollution and received corporate support. The successful restoration accumulated significant water reserves, with recent plantations of 40,000 trees along the banks generating considerable local enthusiasm. " The restoration improved groundwater levels in nearby wells, while the restored banks became sanctuaries for local wildlife. The project combined traditional wisdom with contemporary technology, using elderly residents' knowledge alongside satellite data to accurately restore the river's original path. Local communities established maintenance groups to monitor the river health and organise cleaning activities. Educational institutions near the river now include environmental awareness programmes. The planted trees show good growth potential, with expected survival rates above 80%. These plants receive regular monitoring from forest officials and community volunteers. Industries installed water treatment facilities, reducing pollution significantly. Water quality tests indicate higher oxygen levels and decreased chemical presence. The improved water quality will for sure encourage the return of fish species, enabling sustainable fishing activities, said a senior official associated with the project. "The project's achievements motivated other districts to undertake similar restoration work, with officials visiting to study this successful model," added the official.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prayagraj to identify 10 underdeveloped villages monthly for targeted development
To boost rural development, the Prayagraj district administration, under chief development officer (CDO) Harshika Singh, is launching a new initiative. Each month, the administration will identify the 10 most underdeveloped villages in the district and carry out targeted development projects to address persistent challenges, said officials. A village of Prayagraj district (For Representation only) With 1,540 gram panchayats in the district, many villages have been consistently flagged for lack of basic infrastructure and services. Responding to complaints received during public hearings, CDO SIngh has directed district development officer (DDO) GP Kushwaha and district panchayati raj officer (DPRO) Ravi Shankar Dwivedi to prepare a comprehensive report identifying the most neglected villages. Based on this report, at least ten villages will be chosen each month for targeted development efforts, officials added. Village development officers will be assigned to these areas to ensure swift progress on key issues. The initiative aims to enhance living conditions but significantly reduce the volume of complaints from rural communities, said the CDO. The development work will focus on several key areas, including road construction within the village, the condition and connectivity of approach roads, availability of street lighting, and adequacy of irrigation resources. The officials will also assess whether schools have been upgraded under Operation Kayakalp, the current status of panchayat buildings, and the feasibility of setting up libraries for children. Other focus areas include the proximity of public service centers and the availability of clean drinking water. The administration has given the DDO a three-day deadline to submit the initial report, after which the development activities will begin. Officials said that the initiative is aimed as a proactive step toward inclusive development, with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life in the district's most neglected rural pockets.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Flowing through 14 villages, 32.5-km Loni set for revival in Prayagraj
The initiative to revive vanishing small rivers in Uttar Pradesh is gaining momentum, with a restoration campaign now underway for the Loni River, which passes through 14 village panchayats in Shankargarh, Prayagraj district. Prayers marking the start of the Loni river rejuvenation efforts in Prayagraj. (HT PHOTO) A comprehensive plan has been prepared to rejuvenate the Loni river, widely regarded as the 'lifeline of Shankargarh' in the trans-Yamuna region of the district. Spanning around 32.5 kilometers, the river flows through 14 villages, informed chief development officer (CDO) of Prayagraj, Harshika Singh. The restoration work has officially commenced in the village panchayat of Gadha Katra in Shankargarh, marking a significant move toward ecological renewal and water conservation in the region, CDO Harshika Singh informed. Reviving rivers demands inclusive and collective efforts. Recognising this, the administration has called upon voluntary organisations, village head groups, public representatives, and women's self-help groups to actively participate and support the initiative. According to the CDO, excavation work will be undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alongside plantation drives and the construction of embankments. She added that the district coordinator for MGNREGA has been directed to ensure the complete excavation of the river, removal of encroachments from both banks, and implementation of tree plantation along the river. During the monsoon season, small streams feed into the Loni, but numerous blockages along its course obstruct the natural flow. Officials stated that efforts will now be made to clear these obstructions and guide the water along its intended path. Earlier this year, two other small rivers in Prayagraj — the Lapari and Karnawati— were successfully revived. Once on the brink of disappearing, both rivers are now flowing freely and vibrantly once again. The Lapari, which originates from Koraon in Prayagraj, flows through more than 12 village panchayats over a stretch of approximately 18 kilometers before merging with the Belan river. Similarly, the Karnawati River—stretching about 19 kilometers and passing through over 15 village panchayats in the Manda region—was on the verge of extinction. The administration stepped in to revive both rivers. With a budget of ₹102.44 lakh under MGNREGA, the initiative generated 44,539 person-days of employment. Over 40,000 trees were planted on both sides of the river. After two years of hard work, the river's entire course has got filled with water.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Radial gates of 64k cusec discharge capacity to be fitted in Maha's oldest dam
Kolhapur: Radial gates with a discharge capacity of 64,000 cusecs will be fitted into Radhanagari Dam — the oldest in Maharashtra — built across Bhogawati river, one of the five tributaries of Panchganga in Kolhapur. The construction of the dam started in 1909 and was funded by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. It was completed in 1935 and came into full use three years later. The design of the dam was made by M Visvesvaraya, who later came to be known as the "father of engineering" in India. The decision to fit radial gates, which can be operated remotely, was taken to ensure that the dam has adequate buffer capacity to accommodate water inflow during monsoon. Currently, the automatic gates can open only after the dam is full, posing a risk of floods after sudden discharge. "The radial gates will help us carry out the discharge beforehand and make space for inflow. We have got the design of the radial gates prepared by Central Designs Organisation (CDO) Nashik. The hydraulic hoists will also be fitted to lift the automatic gates whenever required. The total cost of the project is Rs88 crore," said Smita Mane, executive engineer, Kolhapur Irrigation Circle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Global Indices Are on the Move — Time to Trade! IC Markets Learn More Undo Recently, district guardian minister Prakash Abitkar visited the dam. He said that to stop Panchganga river from flooding, various measures have been suggested by experts, one of which is fitting radial gates into the dam. "The World Bank has approved Maharashtra Resilient Development Programme through which the works will be carried out. The hydraulic hoists will be installed to open three service gates," said Abitkar. Rainfall intensity in Kolhapur city has decreased, but heavy rainfall continues in dam catchment areas of Kolhapur district. The dams in the district are filling up quickly, and out of 17 dams, discharge is on from 16. Except for Chikotra dam, water is being discharged from all other dams. Radhanagari has been discharging 3,100 cusecs, Warna 4,500 cusecs, Dudhganga 1,500 cusecs, Kasari 1,000 cusecs, Ghatprabha 5,800 cusecs, and Dhamani 2,803 cusecs, among others, have the highest discharge in the district. According to district disaster management officials, the ongoing discharge from dams has caused the rivers in the district to flow above their water-holding capacity. A total of 29 roads and 48 barrages in the district are inundated, significantly affecting local traffic movement. On Monday evening at 7 pm, the water level of Panchaganga river dropped slightly to 31.1 feet at Rajaram barrage in Kasba Bawda area of Kolhapur city. The warning level is 39 feet, and the danger level is 43 feet. A discharge of 32,456 cusecs was on from Rajaram barrage. Kolhapur district received 16.1 mm of rainfall over last 24 hours till 10am on Monday. Gaganbawda received the highest rainfall of 40.3 mm, followed by Shahuwadi with 27.7 mm, and Panhala with 27.5 mm.
