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Time of India
29-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Madurai corpn goes rangoli way to check waste dumping
Madurai: In an attempt to clean up its act after the poor showing in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, Madurai corporation has rolled out a mix of creative and enforcement-driven initiatives to tackle its long-standing garbage problem. Among the most striking efforts is the use of rangoli — colourful traditional designs — at garbage-vulnerable points to dissuade people from dumping waste. The corporation began drawing rangolis at spots notorious for illegal waste disposal, aiming to trigger a behavioural shift through visual appeal and cultural symbolism. "The initiative has been in place for about a month now, and while it's helping reduce waste in some areas, changing public habits takes time," said a senior health official. In certain neighbourhoods, green nets have also been used to enclose dumping spots, and saplings have been planted to reclaim and beautify these areas. J Abisekh, assistant city health officer, said the corporation made significant progress in recent months. "The rankings released this year were based on 2024 data. Since then, we've made major improvements in cleanliness. The number of garbage-vulnerable points dropped from 1,152 to 749 in the last four months," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ClarityPro Micro CIC Rechargeable: $97 For Today Only ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo "Apart from ongoing issues with sanitary workers, all other parameters improved — we increased collection vehicles and are issuing more fines for violations," he added. Strict enforcement is another improvement of the city's renewed efforts. Fines are being levied on uncovered construction sites, debris-laden vehicles, and repeat waste offenders. Officials say fines of up to ₹1 lakh will be imposed on those who repeatedly flout norms. Recently, the corporation also mandated green nets to be installed around construction sites and cover construction material-laden vehicles. The corporation has approved installation of 80 AI-powered cameras to monitor overflowing garbage bins and improve clearance response times. The project, part of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) by State Planning Commission, will be implemented in the next two months at a cost of ₹75 lakh. The corporation also recently launched a QR code-based tracking system in south zone. Around 200 QR codes have been installed across 18 wards to monitor movement of sanitary workers and offer residents a channel for grievance redressal. "The system works, but people need to know what it's for. We're planning better outreach," a senior official said. Residents and civic activists while welcoming the mixed approach said more consistency is needed. N Nagendran, a resident of Nethaji Street, said that while waste dumping has reduced, the problem hasn't gone away entirely. "The rangoli is drawn once or twice a week. It helps, but some people still dump waste — the change has to come from the people too," he said. M Raj Kumar, a civic activist, said such initiatives have been tried successfully in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. "It's good to see Madurai replicating these ideas. But unless the daily garbage collection improves — especially with so many worker protests — the impact will be limited. In some wards, five workers are assigned, but only two or three report for duty," he added.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Neglect Chokes Kokar Industrial Area: Drainage Failures, Potholes, Waste Pile-Up Trigger Alarm
Ranchi: Despite being a revenue-generating industrial hub in the heart of the capital, Kokar Industrial Area is battling civic neglect and infrastructural decay. From clogged drains to pothole-riddled roads, the condition of this key economic zone paints a dismal picture, with workers, residents, and even industry leaders sounding the alarm. "Trucks often get stuck in the mud. It's difficult to move in or out, especially after rain. Sometimes, we wait for hours," said Shiv Prasad, a truck driver who regularly navigates the industrial zone. Poor drainage has left the area waterlogged after every spell of rain, creating craters and stagnant pools across the roads. Garbage lies in the open, with industrial waste dumped without regulation, leading to serious environmental and health concerns. There's no public toilet, and the few facilities that exist remain unusable. For residents and students nearby, the conditions are no better. "There's a library close by, but I can't reach it during rain. The road gets flooded. I miss several classes because of this," said Puja Bharti, a student who lives in the area The Moreish Bread factory, along with other manufacturing units like AVI Polymers, Berger Paints, and several other small-scale production units, operate under grim circumstances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ClarityPro Micro CIC Rechargeable: $97 For Today Only ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo Yet, they continue to contribute significantly to the state's industrial revenue. Paresh Gattani, President of FJCCI (Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries), expressed deep concern. "Multiple letters have been sent to the government demanding proper maintenance. Industrial waste is scattered openly, the drainage system is completely clogged, and potholes are countless. Stagnant water is seen across the area. Being an industrial zone, it's shocking that there's no fire station. Recently, a fire broke out in one of the factories. This shows how unprepared we are," he said While the problems are plenty, some hope seems to be on the horizon. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of JIADA (Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority), confirmed that revival plans are underway. "A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, tenders have been floated, and cost estimations finalised. Post-monsoon, we will begin comprehensive work on drainage, road repairs, lighting, and waste management. The state government will provide 50% of the funding. Not just Kokar, all major industrial areas across Jharkhand are set for redevelopment soon," he said Until then, Kokar's industrial ecosystem continues to struggle under layers of filth, water, and silence.
