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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ganesh Chaturthi: Coimbatore district collector chairs review meeting, issues guidelines
COIMBATORE: Coimbatore district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar has chaired a coordination meeting with officials from various departments to review preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Aug 27 and to outline safety and environmental guidelines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meeting, held at the district collectorate on Wednesday night, was attended by district superintendent of police K Karthikeyan, corporation commissioner M Sivaguruprabakaran, district revenue officer M Sharmila, Pollachi sub-collector R Ramakrishnasamy, revenue divisional officers and officials from the Hindu religious and charitable endowments department, highways, police and fire rescue services. The collector directed that all organisers installing Vinayagar idols should obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the jurisdictional assistant commissioner of police (within city limits) or the sub-collector/revenue divisional officer (in rural areas). For idols placed on private property, consent from the landowner is mandatory; for govt land, permission from the respective department and local bodies is required. Organisers should secure police permission for using loudspeakers, fire department clearance for fire safety arrangements and approval from Tangedco for temporary power connections. Idols must be made of natural clay and painted only with eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-soluble colours. The use of Plaster of Paris, banned dyes and chemicals prohibited by the Control Board (TNPCB) is strictly forbidden. The height of idols should not exceed 10 feet, and they should not be installed near hospitals, educational institutions and other places of worship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cone-shaped loudspeakers are banned; only box-type speakers are permitted. Temporary pandals must not be made of highly flammable materials, and first-aid and emergency medical facilities must be arranged nearby. Idol processions may be carried on minitrucks or tractors, with the number of participants complying with the . The use of firecrackers along the route or at immersion sites is banned. Flowers, plastic and other decorative items must be removed before immersion. The collector also instructed the TNPCB to inspect idol-making units to ensure compliance, while relevant departments were directed to repair damaged procession routes and address low-hanging power lines.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Odisha to plant 7.5 crore trees this year: CM Mohan Majhi
BHUBANESWAR: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced an ambitious plan to plant 7.5 crore trees across Odisha this year. This announcement was made during the state-level World Environment Day celebration held at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. Speaking at the event, Majhi highlighted the state's significant progress in environmental conservation. He noted that Odisha recorded an increase of 560 square km in forest cover in two years from 2021 to 2023, placing it fourth among all Indian states. "Plastic pollution has become a triple threat, impacting climate change, biodiversity, and waste management," said Majhi. He emphasised the govt's commitment to eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. The state govt has launched several key initiatives, including the State Clean Air Programme aimed at reducing urban air pollution. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign has already successfully planted over 6.5 million trees, while citizens and organisations have set a record by planting more than 20 million saplings. In a significant development, Similipal was officially designated as India's 107th national park. The state allocated Rs 500 million under the 'Our Similipal' scheme for wildlife and plant conservation. During the ceremony, the CM honoured 185 Prakriti Mitra and 211 Prakriti Bandhu award winners for their environmental conservation efforts. He also unveiled several key publications, including the State Pollution Control Board FAQs Book and the Coastal Health Status Report. The event was attended by forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other senior officials. The programme began with a tree plantation drive and featured an exhibition by students from various districts. "A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," Majhi concluded, calling for increased public awareness and participation in environmental protection efforts.
