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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Chandigarh pollution control committee issues notices to government bodies to curb air pollution
1 2 Chandigarh: In a first, the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC), to mitigate air pollution in the city, issued notices to different govt bodies, including the UT engineering department, municipal corporation, Panjab University, and Indian Railways, delineating steps to be taken to curb air pollution. CPCC gave 15 days to the different govt agencies to respond to the notices. Saurabh Kumar, member secretary, CPCC, said, "Chandigarh comes under non-attainment cities because of not meeting prescribed ambient air quality standards, especially in the winter season, and the level of pollutants of particulate matter concentration (PM2.5 & PM10) goes beyond the prescribed standards for ambient air quality. Dust pollution is one of the major sources of air pollution, contributing high levels of PM concentration, i.e. , PM10 & PM2.5." Notices were issued as the whole of the Union Territory of Chandigarh was declared an Air Pollution Control area under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Under Section 17(1) of the Air Act, 1981, the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee is to plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution and to secure execution thereof. The Committee is of the view that to tackle the problems of road dust resulting from road construction, re-modeling, repair, unpaved roads, and the open land from where soil is easily blown into the air because of traffic or winds, such activities are required to be monitored and regulated. The govt bodies like the municipal corporation and UT engineering department have been asked to take proactive steps in this direction as the owning/maintaining and road construction agencies have to play a greater role in the effective monitoring and implementation of dust control measures. Meanwhile, the Railways were issued notices as the loading and unloading area under its control in the Daria area of Chandigarh is causing a lot of air pollution in contravention of the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Kumar said, "To curb air pollution, particularly during the winters, collective institutional effort is required." **BOX1: SOME OF THE MEASURES OUTLINED** **UT Engineering Department** - Shall cover the central verge with eco-friendly honeycomb paver blocks or with other aggregates. - Shall explore the possibility of washing roads at night time with tertiary treated wastewater. - Shall also explore the possibility of laying pipelines for the transportation of tertiary water on each main road and sub-road so that a mechanism can be worked out for spraying water at fixed intervals. - Shall use the by-products generated out of the Construction and Demolition Waste Processing Plant as rejects to use on the exposed soil wherever required. - Dust mitigation plan shall be incorporated in all construction projects. - Thick vegetation cover or pebbles, whichever is feasible, on vacant exposed ground. **Addition to Above for Municipal Corporation** - The municipal corporation shall purchase an adequate number of vehicles (preferably e-Vehicles) to cover the entire city to sprinkle water during the morning hours on the roads before manual sweeping. - Shall work out the mechanism for proper collection of fallen leaves and their disposal as it further leads to air pollution. **Railways** - To make arrangements to sweep the entire jurisdiction of the railway, including the loading and unloading area, and shall identify potential dust hotspots and make arrangements for spraying water in all such areas to suppress the dust. - To provide provisions for the washing of wheels of the vehicles entering and exiting from the loading/unloading/weighing area. - To take measures to ensure that there should be no exposed ground in railway premises and cover the exposed soil either with thick vegetation or pebbles, whichever is feasible. - To cover all the loading and unloading areas, including the roads and weighing bridge area, with eco-friendly honeycomb paver blocks or any other suitable material to restrict dust suspension. **BOX2: WINTER AIR POLLUTION** In the past few years, the Chandigarh winters witnessed severe air pollution. At one point in November last year, it was reported to have the worst air quality in the country. On several occasions in the last couple of years, it was among the top three worst air-polluted cities in the country. On average, though, spanning the year-long period, the air quality hovers around moderate air quality. MSID:: 121653902 413 |
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Chandigarh observes World Environment Day with cleanliness drive to beat plastic pollution
Chandigarh: In observance of , a was organised on Thursday by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) in collaboration with the department of forest & wildlife, Chandigarh, and the Centre for Public Health, Panjab University. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aligned with this year's global theme, 'Ending Plastic Pollution Globally', the initiative was a powerful call to action under the govt of India's Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement. Centred around the slogan 'Beat Plastic Pollution', the drive focused on spreading awareness about the dangers of plastic waste, the importance of sustainable alternatives, and effective waste management. The cleanliness campaign was conducted along the Sukhna Choe drain in the areas of Bapudham and Kishangarh, mobilising around 70–80 volunteers, including students, environmentalists, and concerned citizens. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, as volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear plastic waste from the drain areas while pledging to adopt eco-friendly habits and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Addressing the gathering, Mr Anup Soni, conservator of forests, department of forest & wildlife, Chandigarh, stressed the invisible yet growing threat of microplastics. He explained how plastic particles infiltrate ecosystems and even human bodies through contaminated food and water, posing long-term health hazards. Highlighting innovative solutions, he shared a successful example from Bangalore where plastic waste is being effectively used in road construction, thereby extending road durability and offering an environmentally sound use of plastic refuse. He encouraged participants to embrace sustainable alternatives in daily life and emphasised the critical role of collective responsibility. "Integrated efforts between govt agencies, academic institutions, and the public are essential if we are to ensure a cleaner and healthier Chandigarh," he said.
IOL News
5 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Baboons or bureaucracy? Uproar over Cape Peninsula's suggested plan to remove 121 Baboons
A review process is under way for the proposed removal of several baboon troops from the Cape Peninsula, prompting public concern and calls for further consultation. Image: Barry Wood A major conservation controversy is brewing in the Western Cape after authorities announced plans to remove five baboon groups from the Cape Peninsula—representing approximately a quarter of the region's managed baboon population. The proposal was disclosed following the latest meeting of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT), a multi-agency task force comprising SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town. The Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG), a civic advisory body of residents' associations and conservation organisations, was also in attendance. The affected groups and their most recent recorded numbers from June 2024 are: Waterfall troop, Simon's Town – 42 baboons Seaforth troop, Simon's Town – 16 baboons CT1 troop, Constantia – 41 baboons CT2 troop, Constantia – 18 baboons Da Gama 'Creamies', Glencairn – 4 baboons Together, the groups account for 121 baboons out of an estimated 490 living on the Peninsula. According to the CPBMJTT, the proposal stems from a combination of factors: the troops' limited access to natural habitat, poor welfare conditions, and a significant increase in conflict with residents. In many cases, the baboons are heavily urbanised, injured by human interaction, or increasingly dependent on unnatural food sources. In some areas, rangers have had little success keeping the animals out of residential zones. While the decision has not been finalised, the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) called the proposals 'deeply shocking', despite having anticipated such a move. 'To remove—most likely by killing—a quarter of the Cape Peninsula's managed baboon population raises serious ethical dilemmas,' said CPCC chairperson Lynda Silk. 'Our community and members are reeling at this news.' During the CPBAG meeting it was reportedly said that humane killing may result in the 'best outcomes in terms of ethics and welfare.' Other options being considered include translocation to a sanctuary or rewilding elsewhere. Final decisions are due after expert review, with feedback from CPBAG expected by mid-June. The Creamies, referred to as the Da Gama 4, are up for removal. Image: Debra Coull Further controversy surrounds a proposed shortening of the tolerance period for dispersing males, who may be euthanised if they fail to integrate into existing troops quickly. A contraception trial is also under consideration for northern subpopulations, though such programmes have not previously been used in wild baboon populations and remain socially contentious. The CPCC urged residents and stakeholders to investigate, question, and give feedback. According to the CPBMJTT, the targeted troops face ongoing welfare risks due to limited access to natural habitat and increasing reliance on urban areas. The Seaforth troop is also said to pose a threat to the endangered African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Meanwhile, the Cape Baboon Partnership, which took over field operations in March, continues managing ranger teams, the Baboon Hotline, and community liaison. Baboon-proof bins are expected to be rolled out by January 2026. For Jenni Trethowan of Baboon Matters, a long-time advocate for coexistence, the excuse as to why it's taken so long to have the bins rolled out is inexcusable. She criticised the authorities' failure to implement basic mitigation measures. 'After 26 years, there are still no baboon-proof bins. The new service provider says they 'underestimated how strong baboons are'—it's simply inexcusable,' she said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP govt's rationalisation anti-education & anti-employment, will protest soon: Cong
Raipur: The Congress on Monday alleged that the BJP govt plans to shut down 10,000 schools and eliminate approximately 45,000 teaching posts through the rationalisation process. The Chhattisgarh govt and the school education department has repeatedly claimed that schools will not close under the ongoing rationalisation, but teachers' bodies in the state asserted that the govt is not acknowledging their issues, staging demonstrations on the district level. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress committee (CPCC) president Deepak Baij alleged that the rationalisation will lead to a shortage of schools in remote areas, particularly in Bastar, Surguja, and Jashpur. Baij refuted the govt's claims, calling them a 'lie'. He reminded reporters that during the Assembly elections, the state govt claimed 58,000 teaching positions were vacant. While the Assembly announced 35,000 posts would be filled and the current year's budget mentioned recruitment for 20,000 teachers, Baij asserted that 45,000 posts are being eliminated to avoid these recruitments. "When there are no vacant positions, how will they recruit?" Baij questioned, terming the rationalisation process as 'anti-education' and 'anti-employment'. He warned that closing 10,000 schools will also result in the loss of jobs for thousands of cooks, watchmen, and service staff. The Congress will launch a grassroots movement against this decision, with details on protests in all districts and blocks to be announced shortly. Baij Raises Concerns Of Fertiliser, Seed Shortage Baij also raised concerns about a severe shortage of fertilisers and seeds in cooperative societies across the state due to negligence of the govt. He pointed out that while 3 lakh metric tonnes of DAP are required this year, only 81,000 metric tonnes are currently available. The monsoon has arrived, and Baij stressed that fertilisers should have already reached the societies, leaving farmers worried. He alleged that the govt does not want farmers to achieve a full harvest and is intentionally withholding supplies to reduce paddy procurement. 'Paddy MSP Hike By Govt Inadequate' Meanwhile, CPCC communication department head Sushil Anand Shukla criticised the Union govt's recent increase of Rs 69 in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy, calling it 'inadequate.' Shukla highlighted that last year, paddy MSP increased by 5.36%, rising by Rs 117 from Rs 2,183 to Rs 2,300 per quintal. This year's mere 3% increase is too low, considering the inflation rate is around 8%, Shukla further stressed on the matterss.
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Nearly half of Gen Z admits to lying on job applications, survey finds
New survey data indicates that one in four job applicants has lied, exaggerated or provided inaccurate information on their applications in some way, shape or form — and Gen Z leads the trend. The findings from — a career services platform — indicate nearly half (approximately 47%) of the age group admitted to falsifying some aspect of their job applications to fit the mold they think employers are looking for, followed by 38.5% of millennials, 20.4% of Gen Xers and 9.4% of baby boomers. Advertisement A spreadsheet detailing the survey data, provided to Fox News Digital, indicates that a majority of zoomers (slang for Gen Z) lied in key areas such as 'work experience' (22.97%), and job 'responsibilities' (28.38%), with 'job title' coming in third at 17.57%. The large percentages indicate some survey participants falsified more than one area of their job applications. Across all generations, 'work experience' and 'responsibilities' ranked the highest out of all falsified categories, but to a lesser degree than zoomers. Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) Amanda Augustine told Fox News Digital the prevailing reason for the falsehoods is that young applicants with limited experience are desperate to make a good first impression and get their foot in the door. Advertisement 3 The large percentages indicate some survey participants falsified more than one area of their job applications. David – 'You hear so much of people complaining about this big resume hole their applications have fallen into, and it's out of sheer desperation that they're trying to enhance their experience in a way that will hopefully land them at least that interview,' she said Tuesday. Augustine has worked with multiple clients over the years to help them reach their full professional potential. She has heard many of these clients say they would be great for a role, even if they don't appear perfect on paper, and they only need the chance to prove themselves. Advertisement 3 Data indicates a majority of zoomers (slang for Gen Z) lied in key areas on their job applications. Seventyfour – 'I think it's that sentiment across all generations, but especially this younger generation that has not necessarily had to face the job market before, is really fueling some of these white lies, some of these flat-out lies that they're putting on applications,' Augustine said to Fox News Digital. The data appears to reflect a desperation to appear 'experienced' that steadily declines with age, indicating those still relatively new to the job market are uncertain about the navigation techniques they need to employ to find work. The dropoff between zoomers and millennials who admitted to lying with regard to job responsibilities was approximately 8 percent, with Gen Xers and baby boomers continuing to dial back the intensity. Advertisement In the 'work experience' area, zoomers' 22.97% still sat a few points higher than millennials' 18.70%. Compare that to Gen Xers and baby boomers at 9.51% and 3.59%, respectively. Augustine says some of the falsehoods, such as lengthening the time worked at a specific location, are done to mitigate the stigma of employment gaps, something job applicants are forced to confront from time to time. 'I think people are really trying to find ways to do little stretches of the truth that they believe will land them that interview so that those small inconsistencies will just kind of be swept under the rug and ignored if they make a great impression during the interview process,' she said. But lies and fabrications can lead to big problems and have done so in some high-profile cases. Veritas Software CFO Kenneth E. Lonchar for instance, lost his position after an investigation uncovered that he had falsified his academic records and USPS vice president of corporate communications William (Bill) Whitman Jr. was fired shortly after being hired for falsifying information about his academic background and work achievements. Augustine says, for those with limited experience who want to appear as capable as possible for a role, focus on taking an inventory of your skills. 3 Lies and fabrications can lead to big problems and have done so in some high-profile cases. fizkes – Advertisement 'There is such a greater emphasis placed on the soft skills such as collaboration, communication, problem solving. I mean, who doesn't need a creative problem solver for their business these days? I can't think of an industry where that wouldn't be helpful in some shape or form,' she said. But providing examples of times you have had to use the skills you profess to have or closing skill gaps through means such as taking an online course or learning from free demos are also important, she noted. Then there's networking — another useful tool in your tool belt if you're trying to get your foot in the door. 'I can't say it enough. Especially in this current economy and job market, networking is always going to be key. I don't care if you just graduated from school, or you have 30-plus years of experience. Everybody has a network, whether they realize it or not — that is your classmates, your mentors, your career advisors, your professors, people you've mentored in the past, people that you've worked with previously… If you aren't connecting with those people on LinkedIn and growing your professional network and investing in managing those relationships, you are doing your job search a major disservice.'
