Latest news with #RudreshGhali
Time of India
05-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
HDMC streamlines permissions for Ganeshotsav mandals
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has devised a streamlined approach by establishing a single-window clearance mechanism for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals. This system aims to facilitate timely permissions whilst enabling authorities to monitor the use of palster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols effectively. The system aims to streamline the process of granting permissions and enforce regulations effectively. Under this system, Ganeshotsava mandals are required to submit their applications via the single-window system no less than 20 days prior to the festival. They must include the purchase receipt of their Ganesha idol. The Corporation will examine several factors, including the venue, safety protocols, environmental adherence, and whether the ordered Ganesha idol is made of clay or PoP. The system will maintain digital records of all registered mandals and track their compliance with eco-friendly practices. Officials will conduct regular inspections to ensure no PoP idols are installed or sold within the municipal limits. HDMC plans to coordinate with local artisans and encourage them to create clay idols instead. To support this transition, the municipal body will organise workshops for its officials and staff to educate them about PoP and clay idols, and how to identify them. They will also provide designated spots for idol immersion with proper facilities to collect the remnants. The Corporation has decided to impose stern action on mandals found violating the guidelines. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that the single-window system would commence operations on Tuesday. The system will feature two offices - one each in Hubballi and Dharwad. These offices will incorporate staff from various departments including HDMC, Hescom, forest, fire, and other relevant authorities responsible for issuing necessary permissions. The early implementation of this process aims to effectively enforce the prohibition on PoP idols. He further stated that Ganeshotsav Samitis will need to present purchase receipts or bills for the idols, facilitating easier verification of PoP usage and promoting the adoption of clay idols. This time, the single-window system to receive applications for installing community Ganapati idols will be opened well in advance. This proactive approach aims to ensure that mandals have sufficient time to secure their bookings for clay Ganesha idols, said Ghali.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mayor directs cleanup of Nucchambali Bhavi for Ganesh idol immersion
Pic: HDMC Mayor Jyothi Patil and commissioner Rudresh Ghali inspect the condition of Nucchambali Bhavi in Dharwad. The waterbody is used for immersing large sized idols of Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi Dharwad: The century-old Nucchambali Bhavi in the Hosayellapur area of Dharwad, which had fallen into disrepair after years of being used as a dumping site by locals, is now being revived for the immersion of Ganesh idols during the upcoming festival. With the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaching, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) faced the challenging task of cleaning and preparing the open well for the immersion of large-sized idols by various Mahamandals. Following a ban imposed by the HDMC and the district administration on immersing idols in natural water bodies, Mahamandals were struggling to find suitable alternatives. Although the HDMC, with support from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), has arranged mobile immersion tanks for idols installed in households, these tanks are not equipped to handle the larger idols typically used by Mahamandals. In response, representatives from various Mahamandals submitted a petition requesting the HDMC to restore and prepare the Nucchambali Bhavi for idol immersion. Acting on their appeal, Mayor Jyothi Patil and HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali inspected the site and reviewed the ongoing cleanup efforts.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Petrol allowance proposed instead of car hire for HDMC officials
Hubballi: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) aims to reduce vehicle-related costs by providing petrol allowances to officials instead of hiring vehicles annually. HDMC commissioner's proposal aims to implement a cost-effective solution by adopting the BBMP model for official vehicle usage. Under the new system, eligible officials in group A and B categories would receive petrol allowances instead of being provided with hired vehicles. If the plan gets a nod in a forthcoming general body meeting, the system is expected to be implemented. The modification would impact roughly 47 officials across different sections and regions of the municipal corporation. HDMC maintains a fleet of 7 vehicles, allocated to the mayor, deputy mayor, superintending engineer, and other officials, while additionally contracting vehicles on annual rental arrangements. Currently, the annual expenditure on hired vehicles amounts to over Rs 1.4 crore. The situation became more challenging as the vehicle providing agency expressed its inability to supply vehicles with drivers and discontinued its services from June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Find The Best Results For Fuerteventura Holiday Offers Now! Yahoo Search | Fuerteventura Holiday Offers Search Now Undo The proposed allowance system would enable officials to use their personal vehicles for official duties. The estimated annual expenditure under the new allowance system would be around Rs 90 lakh, resulting in significant savings of around Rs 50 lakh for the municipal corporation. This reduction in expenditure would help HDMC manage its resources more efficiently without compromising the mobility requirements of its officials. The corporation plans to establish clear guidelines for the allowance system, including the monthly allocation based on the official's rank and responsibilities. This systematic approach will ensure transparent and fair distribution of allowances while maintaining proper records. The HDMC's initiative demonstrates a practical approach to resource management and cost optimisation, following successful models implemented in other municipal corporations, said Mohan C, social activist. Rudresh Ghali, commissioner, HDMC, explained that after observing the initiative taken by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), they decided to implement a similar approach in Hubballi-Dharwad. The proposal has been included in the general body meeting's agenda. He further stated that upon receiving approval during the general body meeting, they would execute this plan as a trial and conduct a practical cost assessment.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aadhaar-based biometric and facial recognition attendance system launched for pourakarmikas in Hubballi-Dharwad
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched a new Aadhaar-based biometric and facial recognition attendance system to boost the performance of pourakarmikas. The corporation introduced this system to enhance the efficiency of over 2,500 pourakarmikas and auto tipper drivers working across 82 wards, while improving the cleanliness standards of the city. The attendance system incorporates both biometric and facial recognition capabilities. Henceforth, the officials of HDMC will take attendance thrice a day. Pourakarmikas will give attendance in the morning while reporting to duty at 6am, and then again at 10am and 2pm. The govt of India's Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially sanctioned this advanced system. It ensures precise attendance tracking, timely wage disbursement, and enhanced administrative transparency. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said the system offers several advantages, including accurate attendance monitoring, reduced tardiness, punctual payment of wages to civil servants, elimination of paper-based attendance records, and improved administration with a user-friendly interface featuring Kannada voice guidance. Geo-fencing enables location-based attendance verification. "The corporation aims to enhance civic worker recognition, improve city cleanliness, and strengthen administrative efficiency through this technological advancement," he added. The HDMC's IT department awarded the contract for implementing this biometric and facial recognition system to Swasthi Private Limited, a start-up founded by Vijay Bhajantri and Siddalinga Latti. According to sources, this initiative aligns with the digital governance reforms being implemented across urban local bodies. The system is expected to benefit both the corporation and the workers by establishing transparent work documentation. HDMC plans to gradually expand the system's capabilities to include real-time location tracking and work completion verification. The executive engineer of SWM, Santosh Kumar Yarangali, explained that the system effectively tracks working hours. The technology allows supervisors to efficiently oversee workforce allocation across zones, leading to enhanced accountability and operational efficiency. The new attendance system has been implemented in zones 10 and 11, with zone 12 scheduled for implementation shortly, encompassing a total of 27 wards. He further stated that the biometric and facial recognition attendance system would be extended to all wards within two months. Additionally, he confirmed that 90 attendance points have already been identified and geo-tagged.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Road construction from waste plastic - HDMC's bold step towards sustainable devpt
Hubballi: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) demonstrated environmental responsibility by incorporating plastic waste into road construction, effectively transforming waste into a valuable resource, while reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic. The environmental impact is especially noteworthy. By repurposing plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or pollute water bodies, the municipality has effectively turned an environmental hazard into a valuable construction material. This approach aligns with sustainable development goals and circular economy principles. The municipality initiated an experimental project utilising plastic waste in asphalt road construction at Lingaraj Nagar, Hubballi. The daily household waste collection in Hubballi-Dharwad undergoes initial processing at the compactor station. Suitable plastic waste is identified and processed through a shredding machine before being transported to the asphalt mixing facility. The technical specifications reveal that 8% of plastic waste is blended with bitumen in the asphalt mixing process. This mixture, when combined with jelly and tar, creates a durable road surface that exhibits enhanced strength and resistance to water damage. The plastic-infused roads show remarkable resilience against pothole formation, addressing a common urban infrastructure challenge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience three trade fairs with just one ticket Undo automatica 2025 Undo Laser World of Photonics Undo World of Quantum Undo Visit automatica: June 24-27, Munich Undo Looking ahead, the municipal corporation plans to incorporate this technology into all future road construction projects under their jurisdiction. This commitment showcases its dedication to sustainable urban development and environmental conservation. The initiative serves as a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges with plastic waste management and road infrastructure development. It demonstrates how local govts can implement practical solutions that address multiple civic issues simultaneously while promoting environmental sustainability. Vijay Kumar R, superintending engineer of HDMC, highlighted that adopting this eco-friendly method leads to savings of Rs 1.5 lakh per kilometre when compared to traditional asphalt roads. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali expressed intentions to extend this plastic waste utilisation throughout the upcoming corporation road projects. He further explained that this initiative serves the dual purpose of preventing environmental pollution while recycling plastic waste for road construction. HDMC successfully transformed plastic waste into a valuable resource for enhancing road quality. The engineer noted that low-density plastics prove beneficial for road construction. Presently, a 1.1 km stretch in Lingaraj Nagar is under construction using plastic waste materials, while a 1.7 km road near the construction and demolition plant in Shivalli village will employ this technology. He also mentioned that the Indian Road Congress established clear directives regarding the use of plastic waste to enhance road longevity. BOX: Advantages of plastic roads The strength of the road increases Better resistance to water and water stagnation No stripping and no potholes increased binding and better bonding of the mix increased load-wielding property Overall consumption of bitumen decreases Reduction in pores in aggregate and hence less rutting and raveling Better soundness property. The maintenance cost of the road is almost nil. The road life period has substantially increased No leaching of plastics
