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Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Indian cities keen to develop riverfronts but cleaning polluted rivers lags
While riverfront projects have given residents a public space, a key challenge cities face are the polluted rivers. PHOTO: REUTERS NEW DELHI – As Indian cities roll out plans to build attractive riverfront s , the improvements on land are outpacing attempts to clean up the waters of the polluted rivers below them . In the western state of Gujarat, a plan to extend the riverfront from the existing 11 .25 km in Ahmedabad city along the Sabarmati R iver to 38km includes the development of a 17.5km stretch by Singapore firm Surbana Jurong (SJ). The urban planning and design specialist is creating the masterplan for the last phases of the development, covering 591ha of land. The first phase was completed in 2012 but other earlier phases are in different stages of development by other companies. 'When completed, it will be the longest riverfront project in the world, with a total length of over 38km,' said Mr Abhishek Malhotra , SJ's regional director, South Asia. While the riverfront projects have given residents a much-needed public space, a key challenge for Ahmedabad and other cities with riverfront plans, however, are the extremely polluted rivers, which are clogged with sewage, toxic chemicals discharged by factories, and rubbish from rapidly growing cities. On the 371km-long Sabarmati R iver, which flows from the north-western state of Rajasthan into Gujarat, multiple cleaning operations have taken place but with limited success, said environmentalists. In the latest initiative to clean up the river, some 60,000 residents of Ahmedabad have since May 15 picked up 945 tonnes of waste from the riverbed after water was drained to repair the Vasn a B arrage, which controls the flow of water into the Sabarmati River near the riverfront. This is among other initiatives both short term and long term to clean the river – from using trash skimmers to collect floating rubbish to tackling the problem of untreated sewage. However, the pollutants coming into the river have continued to outpace clean-up efforts, noted environmentalists. 'The cleanliness drive is also to ensure wider awareness so that people don't throw waste into the river. We want river waters to be clean,' said Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani. A boy looks for recyclables as he walks on the banks of Yamuna river in New Delhi on April 11. PHOTO: AFP But it is not just the discarded rubbish that is the problem. A report released recently by Toxics Link, an Indian environmental research and advocacy organisation, said high levels of nonylphenol – a chemical with carcinogenic properties that can cause prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women – were detected on the surface water of four rivers including the Sabarmati, downstream of the riverfront project . The chemical, which also kills aquatic life , is used in the textile industry in particular. The report found the highest concentration of the chemical in Cooum River in Tamil Nadu. 'It is not enough to keep the riverfront water clean and not the rest of the stretch,' said Mr Mahesh Pandya, director of Paryavaran Mitra, a Gujarat-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting the environme nt. In September 2024 , the Gujarat High Court rebuked the local authorities for failing to come up with a concrete plan for cleaning up the river. The court initiated a Public Interest Litigation on its own and has kept a close scrutiny of the clean-up efforts. 'All your claims are on paper,' the court noted, according to a report in Gujarat Samachar newspaper. Untreated sewage flowing into the river is a common problem in India' s polluted rivers. According to some estimates, 38,000 million litres of waste water enter Indian rivers due to the lack of functioning sewage treatment plants and poor waste disposal. Many riverfront projects in the pipeline Polluted rivers present a jarring challenge to local governments' plans to spruce up riverfronts and turn them into attractive urban community spaces. A report by the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) said 61 riverfront projects have been initiated under the Smart Cities Mission, an urban renewal and retrofitting programme by the government to improve facilities and infrastructure in Indian cities. Many more are being developed outside the mission as well. Along the Sabarmati, the first 11.25km of the riverfront development, completed in 2012, has been held up as an exemplary instance of riverfront development in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 , hosted world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014 and late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2017 on the riverfront. SJ, which has joined further development of the riverfront, aims to foster 'a vibrant and engaging urban-river interface', said Mr Malhotra. He said the masterplan 'embraces the natural slope of the riverbanks to create a convenient transition from the street level to the lower terrace, enhancing the connection between riverfront and the surrounding urban fabric'. The firm would be using a 'blend of design strategies – from landscaped stepped terraces to natural, soft edges', he added, allowing 'inclusive public access for people of all abilities'. In addition, the Gujarat government is proposing to build a Singapore-style Cloud Forest – a greenhouse-like structure featuring exotic trees and plants under a dome – covering an area of over 2,500 sq m, which is smaller than a football field. The trend to develop riverfronts in India is part of a larger push to boost urban infrastructure and make cities liveable. A study on waterfront development projects by the SPA, a public higher education institution, noted that waterfront development projects were significant as cities were 'grappling with multiple issues of pollution, biodiversity loss and extreme pressure on open spaces'. Thousands perform yoga together on the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, India on World Yoga Day, on June 21. PHOTO: REUTERS It added that these developments lead to 'an increase in available and usable open spaces, re-establishing the lost connection between the people and the waterbody, an increase in livelihood options and property prices'. The SPA study noted that the development of the Ganga riverfront in the eastern city of Patna in Bihar state had led to significantly enhanced recreational facilities, improved public transport connectivity, and addressed waste management issues. It further noted that anecdotal evidence suggested potential increase in property values and economic activity. In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board identified 311 polluted river stretches, calculated through levels of biochemical oxygen demand, an important indicator of water quality, on 279 rivers. Clean up rivers before developing riverfronts In some cities, residents are putting pressure on the authorities to pay as much attention to environmental concerns as developing the riverfront. Angry citizens of Pune, a city in the western state of Maharashtra, have staged protest marches, filed lawsuits, and planted trees to demand that the Mula R iver be cleaned up and that riverfront developments take environmental concerns into account. A concrete heavy riverside development would affect the natural aqueducts that charge the groundwater and the biodiversity along the river, said Pune-based environmentalist Mukund Mavalankar. 'We have pointed out that the river is dying because of untreated sewage going into the river. This needs to be tackled first,' said Mr Mavalankar. The capacity of sewage treatment plants along the Mula River is 500 million litres per day, when the required capacity is 1,000 million lit res, he added. While the protests and legal cases have not stalled plans as yet, they have brought focus on the issue of rejuvenating rivers and ensuring that wanton construction does not take place along their banks. A key problem has also been the lack of a holistic approach to clean rivers that flow through multiple states, water experts noted, arguing that piecemeal efforts are often unsuccessful despite the best intentions. Ms Jaya Dhindaw, the executive programme director of Sustainable Cities at WRI India, an independent research organisation, said important initiatives and institutional mechanisms have been set up by the government like the National Mission for Clean Ganga to clean the river Ganga and the surrounding areas. The Ganga is a 2,525km-long river that crosses multiple states in India before flowing into Bangladesh. But she noted: 'There still remains a lot to be done in terms of addressing issues such as checking and stopping source pollution, integrating ecosystem preservation and restoration, and ensuring financial and institutional wherewithal for maintenance of clean-ups.' 'A data-led approach which helps identify the sources of pollution, strong enforcement of pollution control, integrating nature-based solutions to manage water quality and enabling community ownership and stewardship of rivers are essential to the long-term success of clean-up efforts,' she added. Test case in Delhi A test case for whether river rejuvenation can happen with riverfront development is in the capital city. The Delhi government, which like Gujarat's is led by Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, has promised a Sabarmati type riverfront makeover along the Yamuna R iver. Plans include creating a central piazza, topiary park, shopping centre and river promenade along a 22km stretch of the river. The Yamuna flows through multiple states, with the stretch in Delhi among its most polluted. Between 2017 and 2022, the Delhi government spent more than 68 billion rupees (S$1 billion) to clean the Yamuna, but it still has high levels of pollutants from untreated sewage and industrial waste. The Delhi government recently announced a 30-point action plan to clean the river which includes building 40 sewage treatment plants. For residents, a riverfront to go to for a stroll or a cruise down the river is an attractive proposition. 'It would be great to have a riverfront,' said Ms Rit u Sharma, a Delhi resident, who added that she would love to take a walk along the riverfront. 'But I hope they can clean the pollution too.' Nirmala Ganapathy is India bureau chief at The Straits Times. She is based in New Delhi and writes about India's foreign policy and politics. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Irish Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Baby name experts list six 'outdated' names new parents should steer clear of
Choosing a name for your newborn can be a tricky and daunting task, but two baby name consultants have shared six old-fashioned names that new parents might want to avoid. British professional baby namer SJ Strum and Boston-based consultant Colleen Slagen have compiled a list of names they recommend to clients, but there are a select few they suggest bypassing. Colleen advises against sturdy, old-school monikers like Linda, Karen, and Janet, which she believes are falling out of fashion, while SJ warns parents off what she terms "1990s norm-core dad names" such as Gary, Stuart, and Ian. Speaking to the Daily Mail, SJ described pregnancy as "such a bamboozling time. She added that picking a name is just one of the overwhelming number of decisions expectant parents face, reports the Mirror. She believes that enlisting an expert to choose a baby's name can transform the process into "one of the most joyous and bonding parts of your pregnancy." "Couples want a name that tells their story," she says, delving into personal details such as hobbies, university studies, and where they first met to find the perfect fit. SJ also mentioned receiving last-minute messages from delivery rooms, with parents desperate for help naming their newborn. She offers sage advice for resolving deadlocks when one parent is fixated on a name the other detests. SJ offers a cheeky tip for those stuck with a partner's preferred boys' name they can't stand: "That normally gets them off it pretty quick," she reveals, suggesting you claim it's the name of an ex. For parents-to-be mulling over names for their little girl, SJ recommends timeless options like Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, or Sofia, while James, Henry, Lucas, or William are equally classic choices for boys. SJ also highlights some novel trends in baby naming, noting: "'Nature names are becoming popular: River is rising up the ranks. I'm also seeing a lot of whimsical names that hark back to virtues, such as Sage." She observes that following the passing of celebrities or notable figures, there's often a spike in the popularity of their names, adding: "We saw lots of variations on Elizabeth after the late Queen passed away, and Bowie after David died in 2016." Before finalising a name, SJ advises giving it a test run: "What does it feel like to say it out loud?". Sharing her own experience, SJ points out practical aspects to consider: "Will you be asked to spell it in a coffee shop? "I had a client who loved the name Persephone, but did the coffee shop test and decided it was far too much of a mouthful".
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Baby name expert shares six names parents should never give their child
Two baby name consultants have revealed the half-dozen names they believe are 'old-fashioned' and should be avoided by new parents when choosing a the perfect name for their newborn Choosing a name that your newborn will happily use for the rest of their lives can be tricky, but two baby name consultants have shared six old-fashioned names that new parents might want to avoid. British professional baby namer SJ Strum and Boston-based consultant Colleen Slagen have compiled a list of names they recommend to clients, but there are a select few they suggest bypassing. Colleen advises against sturdy, old-school monikers like Linda, Karen, and Janet, which she believes are falling out of fashion, while SJ warns parents off what she terms "1990s norm-core dad names" such as Gary, Stuart, and Ian. Speaking to the Daily Mail, SJ described pregnancy as "such a bamboozling time. She added that picking a name is just one of the overwhelming number of decisions expectant parents face. She believes that enlisting an expert to choose a baby's name can transform the process into "one of the most joyous and bonding parts of your pregnancy." "Couples want a name that tells their story," she says, delving into personal details such as hobbies, university studies, and where they first met to find the perfect fit. SJ also mentioned receiving last-minute messages from delivery rooms, with parents desperate for naming assistance. She offers sage advice for resolving deadlocks when one parent is fixated on a name the other detests. If your partner is fond of a boys' name you simply cannot abide, SJ suggests claiming it's the name of an ex. "That normally gets them off it pretty quick," she reveals. For those pondering what name to bestow upon a bouncing baby girl, sticking with the classics such as Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, or Sofia is a solid choice; James, Henry, Lucas, or William hold the same charm for boys. On the other hand, SJ points out some fresh twists in naming trends: "'Nature names are becoming popular: River is rising up the ranks. I'm also seeing a lot of whimsical names that hark back to virtues, such as Sage." Following the deaths of celebrities or other notable individuals, there's a tendency for their names to surge in popularity, SJ says: "We saw lots of variations on Elizabeth after the late Queen passed away, and Bowie after David died in 2016." Before settling on a potential name, SJ stresses the importance of trying it out: "What does it feel like to say it out loud?". She underscores practical considerations with a personal anecdote: "Will you be asked to spell it in a coffee shop? I had a client who loved the name Persephone, but did the coffee shop test and decided it was far too much of a mouthful."
Business Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Grow greener: Home-grown firm expands urban design expertise to over 40 countries
You step out for lunch. The heat and humidity hit you immediately. Within minutes, your skin is sticky, your shirt clings to your back and you long for the cool embrace of air-conditioning. Scientists estimate that Singapore endured 122 extra days of dangerous heat in 2024 due to climate change. These are defined as days when the mean temperatures were higher than the warmest 10 per cent of readings from 1991 to 2020. Compounding this is the urban heat island effect, says Mr Henry Woon, director of Environment, Buildings + Cities, at Surbana Jurong Group (SJ). Headquartered in Singapore and wholly owned by investment company Temasek, SJ is a global consultancy specialising in urban development, infrastructure and managed services, with offices in more than 40 countries. It brings together 10 global member brands to design and develop smarter, more sustainable solutions for the future. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up Speaking to The Straits Times along the Read Bridge in Clarke Quay, Mr Woon explains that the urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where cities tend to be hotter than rural areas. 'It is more pronounced in areas that are densely built-up and lack sufficient greenery and wind flow,' says the 44-year-old, who has over 20 years of experience in environmental and sustainable design. Familiar urban materials such as concrete, glass and steel are key contributors, Mr Woon explains. They trap heat and raise temperatures in the surroundings. So what can we do? Use the art and the science of design to create cooler, smarter, and friendlier urban spaces, he says. Expanding expertise Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has helped shape Singapore's housing and industrial landscapes, including designing over a million homes. The company has broadened its global reach and expertise in recent years – especially in sustainability. One ongoing project: Exploring ways to protect Singapore's coastline from rising sea levels. A key driver of this transformation was Temasek's investment in 2015. 'Cities are increasingly integrating smart technologies, sustainable materials and resilient urban design into their built environments,' says Mr Russell Tham, head of Emerging Technologies, Temasek, and former board member of SJ. The Singapore-headquartered investment firm saw growing opportunities in the urban development sector, he adds. 'As an active shareholder, we (Temasek) are committed to engaging our portfolio companies, such as SJ, on their growth strategies to create sustained long-term value.' For SJ, this has meant strategic investments to accelerate expansion, including the acquisition of 10 companies to offer a wider range of sustainable solutions, says Mr Tham. Mr Sean Chiao, group chief executive officer of SJ, adds: 'Temasek's support has been crucial in fuelling our growth, by bringing together companies who are leaders in their respective fields, to form a collective of problem solvers.' Today, SJ operates in over 40 countries and employs 16,000 globally. Its annual revenue has surged from $400 million in 2015 to $2.3 billion in 2024, with 7,000 active projects worldwide. Expand Designing comfort Stepping under the shade of the iconic CQ @ Clarke Quay canopies, Mr Woon points out how the temperature immediately feels about 2.5 deg C cooler – even though the actual temperature hasn't changed. Mr Henry Woon, director of Environment, Buildings + Cities, SJ, is part of the team that worked on making CQ @ Clarke Quay more conducive for daytime activities. PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA The canopies are made from a lightweight, transparent plastic membrane called ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). The ETFE material enables the canopies to reduce solar heat gain by more than 60 per cent, says Mr Woon, improving comfort during the day. The goal of the CQ @ Clarke Quay rejuvenation project – completed in 2024 as part of a $62 million asset enhancement initiative by CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust – was to make the precinct more conducive for daytime activities. Mr Woon, who contributed to the project, shares how SJ uses environmental design elements to improve urban spaces and buildings. Cooler The new ETFE canopies at CQ @ Clarke Quay reduce the surface temperature of the concrete floors from over 40 to around 32 deg C at mid-day, says Mr Woon. This same material is used to shelter the indoor gardens at SJ's headquarters, located within CleanTech Park at Jurong Innovation District, keeping temperatures down while allowing natural light to filter through. Smarter For CQ @ Clarke Quay, SJ designed a customised misting fan system that provides an evaporative cooling effect to the surrounding food and beverage zones. This new fan design reduces energy consumption by about 50 per cent compared with the original fan system, he says, and helps lower the environmental temperature in the surrounding area by about 2 deg C. Greener Situated between Fort Canning and the Singapore River, CQ @ Clarke Quay 'has open spaces in all directions, allowing for natural ventilation', says Mr Woon. The team worked with CQ @ Clarke Quay's unique location to create a comfortable outdoor environment without relying on energy-intensive cooling. The enhanced natural ventilation, combined with the customised misting fans, helps counter the urban heat island effect by preventing heat from accumulating in the surrounding street area, he adds. SJ applied this same approach – of integrating a building with its natural surroundings – to one of its latest projects: Mandai Rainforest Resort. Nestled within the lush Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort was designed with nature-based principles. It was carefully built around existing trees in the area to preserve them, while maximising natural ventilation and shading. Building better Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has over 120 offices in more than 40 countries across its 10 global member brands. Here's how it's helping to shape more sustainable and resilient cities. Snowy 2.0 in Australia. PHOTO: SJ Snowy 2.0, Australia: The pumped-hydro project will deliver 2,000 megawatts of on-demand renewable power and about 350,000-megawatt-hours of large-scale energy storage, helping to stabilise Australia's electricity supply. Sarawak Energy Transition Masterplan, Malaysia: The project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Sarawak and drive sustainable economic growth through renewable energy resources like hydropower, and low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. Google London King's Cross, United Kingdom: Google's London headquarters integrates green roofs, energy-efficient lighting and natural ventilation to reduce its environmental impact and improve employee well-being. Kigali City Master Plan, Rwanda: This urban development blueprint aims to transform Rwanda's capital into a modern financial hub while addressing residents' needs through affordable housing, transport and infrastructure services. King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), Saudi Arabia: As the project management consultant, SJ helped KAIA expand capacity and enhance traveller experiences, especially for the millions of pilgrims transiting through the airport annually during haj and Umrah. Expand For people and planet, a positive impact Over half of the global population (55 per cent) currently resides in urban areas, according to data from the United Nations (UN). This figure is projected to reach 70 per cent by 2050. But every building carries an environmental cost. Already, the built environment is responsible for 37 per cent of global energy-related emissions, says a 2023 UN Environment Programme study. As part of the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment, SJ has pledged to develop and implement a decarbonisation roadmap. This will outline key actions and milestones to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2030. Carbon neutral means that any carbon emissions released into the atmosphere is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. But is reducing or offsetting carbon emissions enough? No, says SJ's Mr Woon. 'For those of us shaping urban spaces, our responsibility shouldn't stop at just minimising impact,' he adds, introducing the concept of regenerative design in the built environment. Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability, Mr Woon explains, by moving away from doing less harm to creating a 'net-positive impact'. It is about designing spaces that are better for the planet and people, he adds, enhancing the well-being of those who use it. SJ group chief executive officer Sean Chiao says the company is focused on a 'regenerative future', beyond just carbon reduction. PHOTO: CMG 'We're driving towards a regenerative future,' says Mr Sean Chiao, group chief executive officer of SJ. 'Beyond carbon reduction, we're committed to shaping cities and buildings that regenerate, not just sustain, in the long term.' The transformation of CQ @ Clarke Quay, which reimagined the precinct for daytime use and integrated the space with its natural surroundings, reflects this vision. The goal wasn't to change CQ @ Clarke Quay's identity but to breathe new life into it, says Mr Woon. It's an approach that embodies SJ's mission – designing urban spaces that create a positive impact for people and the planet. 'The growth of Temasek's portfolio companies from local to regional and global leaders reflects Singapore's pioneering spirit and its DNA of determination, innovation and vision. 'As an active shareholder, Temasek engages them to enhance shareholder value as they grow their competitive edge and generate sustainable long-term returns, while fostering meaningful change for people and communities – so every generation prospers.' – Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, executive director and chief executive officer, Temasek Our Singapore DNA, a series in partnership with Temasek, spotlights how home-grown companies in its portfolio have grown into regional and global leaders. It also explores how Temasek has partnered them throughout their journeys. Expand This was first published in The Straits Times.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Night Moves returns: Drogheda's summer of after-dark arts and culture is back
Drogheda Independent Today at 10:42 Get ready for another summer of late-night culture as Night Moves returns to Drogheda and East Meath. The programme, produced by Droichead Arts Centre, delivered with curators, promoters and alternative venues, and supported by the Night-time Economy Advisor, Mark Davies, along with The Arts Council, brings a fresh mix of music, art and immersive experiences to local venues after hours. It all kicks off on Friday, May 2 at 10pm with Night Moves at Droichead. For €15, audiences can explore every corner of the arts centre, transformed into a late-night creative hub. Curated by SJ McArdle, the late-night club includes ambient music from DJ Emmie Lou in the gallery, a specially commissioned bespoke art installation by Vivienne Byrne and live performances in the theatre, featuring Oisin Leech with support from Dotts O' Connor. Taking to the stage is Oisín Leech, whose solo album, Cold Sea made waves in 2024. Best known from the Lost Brothers, Leech's new material is unhurried, steeped in folk. His songs map exile, love, loss and healing, and are shaped by the wild coastline of Donegal, backed by collaborators like Steve Gunn, Roisín McGrory, Dónal Lunny and Bob Dylan's bass player Tony Garnier. He's joined by Dotts O'Connor, celebrated guitarist of RTE Choice-nominated band Come On Live Long and Dirty Dreamer, who just released his own critically acclaimed debut album Sorrow Won't Find Us.. If you're after something chilled, Night Tones is back on May 23 and June 27 at 8.30pm and 9.45pm. These relaxed sessions mix ambient electronic music from Ógy Collins with yoga and meditation guided by Elaine Tobin, presented in the round in the Droichead gallery space. The first session is a yoga (8.30:pm), a slow, gentle flow. The second (9.45:pm) is a guided meditation session with less movement and more stillness. Bring a mat, a cushion, maybe even a blanket, and settle in for some deep listening downtime. You can go to one session for €12 or stay for both for €20. Also returning are the Night Moves Late Night Cafés, happening on Friday, May 30 and Friday, June 20 from 10pm until late. These free events will pop up in some of Drogheda's favourite cafes and restaurants, offering live music, poetry and spoken word. The full line-up will be announced soon. Then there's The Stowaway Sessions on Saturday June 7, and Sunday June 8 at 8.30 pm – two nights of music under the shadow of the viaduct at Drogheda Port, complete with refreshments. On Saturday, June 7, SJ McArdle plays his critically-acclaimed song cycle PORT, right on the Port itself! A song cycle born of a year-long research and writing project around the history and stories of Drogheda's ancient Port, conducted during SJ's tenure as Artist in Association at Droichead Arts Centre in 2019. SJ's songs and performances have featured on radio, film, and television, and he has toured and recorded extensively in Ireland, Europe, and North America, gathering a loyal following and critical accolades along the way. On Sunday, June 8, local seven-piece The Cacks take to the stage. Their debut album Celebrity blends Americana, Irish folk, rock, electronic and blues is unique and interesting. Support on the night will be announced soon. The Stowaways Sessions, taking place in a covered warehouse on the port by the viaduct, is a seated event. These events will go ahead rain or shine, so attendees are reminded to consider the weather when dressing for the event. More details will be provided when the sessions go on sale on April 23. Tickets are €20. For all bookings or 041 9833946.
