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Time of India
09-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
30 years on, another attempt in works to save Upper Lake now mocked by weeds
Bhopal: Nearly three decades after the Japan-funded Bhoj Wetland Project brought Rs 2,100 crore worth of conservation efforts to Bhopal's lakes, the city is preparing a new rejuvenation plan for Upper Lake—at roughly one-third the cost. This marks the first integrated restoration initiative for Bada Talab in 30 years. Led by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) in collaboration with EPCO, the plan is being shaped by experts from SPA Bhopal and MANIT. Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO) established in 1981 and which functions as an advisory body on ecological and sustainability issues, to integrate environmental planning into Madhya Pradesh's development process. Bada Talab, the manmade lake built by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, remains India's only artificial water body still capable of supplying potable water. Over the years, it has suffered from unchecked weed growth, siltation, and pollution. De-weeding, particularly along the Bhopal–Sehore stretch, is a priority, as the Kolans River—one of the lake's main feeders—has become choked with nutrient-rich sediment. BMC commissioner Harendra Narayan said a preliminary plan has been submitted to EPCO, which is serving as the nodal agency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo "Experts from MANIT and SPA are formalizing the integrated development plan. It will be submitted to the union govt for funding approval as part of the national initiative to preserve UNESCO Ramsar sites," he said. The plan includes lake and river restoration, water treatment, catchment protection, and infrastructure upgrades around sensitive zones. Officials hope the project will not only restore Bada Talab's ecological balance but also reinforce its Ramsar site status and viability as a drinking water source. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Iraq Business
21-07-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraqis Join Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Training Programme
By John Lee. On 12 July 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) welcomed 524 young participants from Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon to the Japan-funded "RISE LAB: Igniting Youth Potential through Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Resilience" training programme. Designed as a multi-phase approach, this programme aims to empower motivated entrepreneurs and leaders, both men and women, from Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon, who are eager to create and implement innovative local solutions to enhance food security and improve the broader private sector. Thanks to the support of the Government and People of Japan, this capacity-building programme is provided free of charge. The 524 participants, aged between 18 and 40, come from diverse backgrounds in the three countries: 291 participants from Iraq, 123 from Egypt, and 110 from Lebanon. The flexible online learning format encourages inclusive participation, allowing participants to learn from anywhere at any time. The first phase of the programme runs online from July to August 2025. This phase focuses on helping participants develop practical skills and competencies to establish their businesses through interactive online modules, expert-led webinars, and peer-to-peer exchanges. The programme is implemented by the Resilient Ideas and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Lab team (RISE LAB) , whose main programmatic focus is sustainable entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, financial literacy, and digital literacy. This initiative reflects UNITAR's commitment to fostering locally driven solutions in fragile and transition-affected contexts. (Source: UNITAR)
