Latest news with #ResidentWelfareAssociations
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
TN govt invites applications to empanel waste recyclers
Chennai: In a move that will formally recognise and integrate Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs, and community-based groups into Tamil Nadu's solid waste management ecosystem, the state govt has invited applications to empanel waste collection and recycling agencies. The Clean Tamil Nadu Company Limited (CTCL), under the Special Project Implementation Department, is spearheading the initiative as part of its 'Thooimai Iyakkam' or Clean Movement. The aim is to build an integrated, sustainable, and decentralized waste management system across both urban and rural areas. The empanelment will cover agencies involved in collecting, processing, and recycling all types of solid waste. Selected firms will be authorised to support local bodies and coordinate with informal waste workers while adhering to environmental regulations. Officials said this is a step towards creating a robust circular waste economy while ensuring scientific handling, accountability, and social inclusion. Applications and related documents can be submitted at: Raman of Panneer Nagar RWA, in Mogappair, who segregates waste daily, said empanelling vendors and publishing their details online will encourage more people to hand over recyclable waste directly to them. "At the moment, people get information only through social media. A formalised system will help reduce the volume of waste going to landfills," he said.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Delhi CM pitches for year-round anti-pollution plan
NEW DELHI Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday highlighted the Delhi government's initiatives, such as the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) scheme, hi-tech machines for water sprinkling and road sweeping, and new policies to prevent garbage burning at both localities and landfills as key measures to combat the Capital's air pollution. Speaking at Aironomics-2025, an event where policymakers and experts discussed clean air as a driver of India's economic growth, Ms. Gupta underlined the need for public involvement. She said the government will seek people's participation, from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), ensuring proper disposal of construction waste to providing heaters to guards in winter so they don't burn firewood. Year-round problem 'The previous governments treated pollution as a winter issue. But pollution is not seasonal. In winter, slowed air flow makes pollution more visible, but we must work to control it all year,' the CM said, stressing long-term reforms. 'We've backed our ambition with resources. ₹300 crore has been allocated in this year's budget for pollution control,' Ms. Gupta said. She also noted that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's vacancies had been reduced from 60% to 34%, with a target of 25% by June. The CM also said the government will continue to promote electric vehicles, with subsidy plans in the pipeline. A blueprint is being prepared to establish 48,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Delhi by 2026 under the DEVi initiative. Aironomics 2025, hosted by the Council for International Economic Understanding (CIEU) and organised under the Bharat Climate Forum in collaboration with advisory firm Dalberg, brought together representatives from the WHO, UNEP, the World Bank, IITs, TERI, NGT, CPCB, and others. Key discussions included carbon markets, green bonds, real-time air quality monitoring technology, and grassroots engagement. The CIEU projected investment opportunities worth ₹35,000 crore and job creation potential in the biogas and EV sectors. National priority The key discussions included financing models like carbon markets and green bonds, technology for real-time air quality monitoring and community-driven initiatives. The summit reiterated that poor air quality is a year-round, pan-India crisis, costing the economy an estimated $95 billion annually. Ashwani Mahajan, Co-convener of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), stressed the need for coordinated action across ministries and States to bridge gaps in enforcement, funding, and institutional mandates. The event concluded with a call to transform policy consensus into coordinated implementation across institutions and sectors, reaffirming clean air as a national development priority.
India Today
12-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Greater Noida authority directs societies to provide data on community animals. Know more
In a proactive move to address the challenges associated with community animals in residential societies, the Greater Noida Authority has issued a directive requiring all societies to compile and submit comprehensive data on community animals within their premises within a month. This initiative is part of the authority's revised policy on pets and community animals, approved in June of the previous authority has instructed Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Apartment Owners' Associations (AOAs), facility management teams, and individual feeders to gather detailed information, including:Estimated number of community dogs and cats Existing feeding pointsVaccination and sterilisation statusContact details of feeders and responsible personnelThis data collection aims to create a streamlined system that balances animal welfare with residents' safety. The initiative responds to numerous complaints received through social media, government portals, and RTI applications, primarily concerning disputes over feeding locations and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the authority emphasises that feeding points must be jointly decided by RWAs and feeders. These locations should be safe, away from high-traffic areas such as gates, play areas, and staircases, and should avoid times when children or elderly residents are is a key component of the guidelines, with feeders responsible for maintaining hygiene at the designated spots and cooperating with sterilisation, vaccination, and related OF ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEESTo resolve disputes and ensure smooth implementation of these guidelines, the Greater Noida Authority plans to form animal welfare committees. These committees will include officials from the veterinary department, local police, animal welfare organisations, and representatives from RWAs or collaborative approach aims to address concerns effectively and promote harmonious coexistence between residents and community RESPONSE AND COOPERATIONResidents' bodies have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the authority's directives. Alok Nagar, General Secretary of Sector Delta 2 RWA, stated, "We will cooperate with the Greater Noida Authority and work out a way so that society becomes more compassionate towards the community's animals, including dogs."The issue of stray animals has been a longstanding concern in Greater Noida. In December 2024, the authorities decided to engage expert agencies to develop animal shelters for abandoned cats and dogs, acknowledging the rising need for dedicated facilities. These shelters aim to provide a safe environment for stray animals and reduce conflicts in residential in March 2024, the Greater Noida Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HCL Foundation to sterilise 600 stray dogs in specific sectors. This initiative aimed to control the stray dog population and address residents' RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIPadvertisementIn addition to managing community animals, the authority has taken steps to promote responsible pet ownership. In August 2024, the free pet registration service was launched through the Mitra app, enabling residents to register their pets and ensure mandatory could result in penalties, emphasising the importance of adhering to the Greater Noida Authority's comprehensive approach reflects its commitment to fostering a balanced and compassionate environment for both residents and community involving all stakeholders and implementing structured guidelines, the authority aims to mitigate conflicts and promote harmonious coexistence in residential Watch
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Hyd's east & northeast pockets join west in groundwater crisis
Hyderabad: What began in the west is now hitting the east and northeast — Hyderabad's groundwater crisis is deepening citywide, driven by unchecked construction and over-extraction. Areas like Malkajgiri, Trimulgherry, Uppal, and Saroornagar are witnessing alarming depletion of water tables, despite receiving excess rainfall between June 2024 and April 2025. According to the groundwater department, Malkajgiri recorded the lowest average depth to water level (DTWL) among all 46 mandals in Greater Hyderabad in April — 25.02 metres — surpassing even severely affected western pockets like Kukatpally and Ramachandrapuram. This sharp decline has triggered a spike in water tanker demand, with nearly 10,000 tankers booked daily in April drop has been steep and sudden. Malkajgiri's groundwater level fell from 18.78 metres in March to 25.02 metres in April — a decline of 6.3 metres in just one month. In Trimulgherry, another densely populated northeastern locality, the depth nearly doubled year-on-year, falling from 7.99 metres in April 2024 to 17.58 metres this year. Similar patterns are seen across eastern Hyderabad. In Ibrahimpatnam, for instance, groundwater levels dropped to 19.26 metres in April, compared to 10.71 metres in March. Other mandals such as Uppal, Medipally, and Saroornagar now report water tables between 15 and 20 metres deep. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are raising concerns over the dried-up water bodies. "The Ramakrishnapuram lake, which once spanned 30 acres and recharged our groundwater, has dried up. So has the nearby Kapra lake. Rampant construction and encroachments over the past four years have devastated these natural resources," said BT Srinivasan, general secretary of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations. Officials from the groundwater department attribute the crisis to unchecked extraction and rampant urbanisation. In Hayathnagar, for example, 135% of the annual extractable groundwater has already been used — 426 hectare-metres (ha.m) extracted against a sustainable limit of 326 ha.m. Saroornagar has also crossed the red line, with 117% groundwater exploitation. "Lakhs of borewells have sprung up across eastern Hyderabad, drastically reducing groundwater levels. To make matters worse, increasing concrete surfaces are blocking natural percolation," said K Laxma, director of the groundwater department. "The solution lies in promoting rainwater harvesting pits and recharge borewells across new and existing developments." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Residents forced to rethink water habits
1 2 Hyderabad: From taking a bucket bath instead of a shower and asking their domestic helps to mop the floor only once a week instead of daily, the water shortage in the city has forced residents to forgo a way of life they had once taken for granted. Laundry routines are no longer the same. Many who were until now solely dependent on washing machines are now grudgingly switching to more water-saving measures. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad "I come from a town where water scarcity is unheard of, and I've grown up using washing machines for all of my laundry. Here, however, things are different. As the water tankers started to arrive at my apartment in April, I started hand-washing small batches of clothing using as little water as I could. While it was difficult initially, I very quickly started to realise how much water I was able to save by doing this," said Charan Tej, a techie living in a highrise in Narsingi. "I switched to taking bucket baths instead of showers, after I was made aware that this method conserves around 70% of water that would otherwise go waste," said Kamal Teja, a resident of Kukatpally. "Our day would start with our house help thoroughly mopping all the rooms, every day of the week. Now, we have asked her to mop the floor only once a week," said Prashanth Reddy, a resident of Gachibowli. Resident welfare associations too have embarked on strict conservation measures. "We have mandated low-flow taps in kitchens and washrooms. Treated water from the STP is being utilised for toilet flushing systems. Additionally, our gated community has enforced a strict ban on washing of vehicles this summer," said Sai Ravi Shankar, president of the Federation of Gated Communities, Cyberabad. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have also taken initiatives to promote water conservation awareness. "We distributed an informative booklet to 4,000 RWA members, which reached thousands of residents, providing guidance on water-saving methods, household water requirements, and efficient usage practices. The booklet was made available in both printed form and as a PDF document, which was shared across social media platforms," said B.T. Srinivasan, general secretary, United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations, in Malkajgiri.
