Latest news with #TANII
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Madurai corpn goes rangoli way to check waste dumping
Madurai: In an attempt to clean up its act after the poor showing in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, Madurai corporation has rolled out a mix of creative and enforcement-driven initiatives to tackle its long-standing garbage problem. Among the most striking efforts is the use of rangoli — colourful traditional designs — at garbage-vulnerable points to dissuade people from dumping waste. The corporation began drawing rangolis at spots notorious for illegal waste disposal, aiming to trigger a behavioural shift through visual appeal and cultural symbolism. "The initiative has been in place for about a month now, and while it's helping reduce waste in some areas, changing public habits takes time," said a senior health official. In certain neighbourhoods, green nets have also been used to enclose dumping spots, and saplings have been planted to reclaim and beautify these areas. J Abisekh, assistant city health officer, said the corporation made significant progress in recent months. "The rankings released this year were based on 2024 data. Since then, we've made major improvements in cleanliness. The number of garbage-vulnerable points dropped from 1,152 to 749 in the last four months," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ClarityPro Micro CIC Rechargeable: $97 For Today Only ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo "Apart from ongoing issues with sanitary workers, all other parameters improved — we increased collection vehicles and are issuing more fines for violations," he added. Strict enforcement is another improvement of the city's renewed efforts. Fines are being levied on uncovered construction sites, debris-laden vehicles, and repeat waste offenders. Officials say fines of up to ₹1 lakh will be imposed on those who repeatedly flout norms. Recently, the corporation also mandated green nets to be installed around construction sites and cover construction material-laden vehicles. The corporation has approved installation of 80 AI-powered cameras to monitor overflowing garbage bins and improve clearance response times. The project, part of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) by State Planning Commission, will be implemented in the next two months at a cost of ₹75 lakh. The corporation also recently launched a QR code-based tracking system in south zone. Around 200 QR codes have been installed across 18 wards to monitor movement of sanitary workers and offer residents a channel for grievance redressal. "The system works, but people need to know what it's for. We're planning better outreach," a senior official said. Residents and civic activists while welcoming the mixed approach said more consistency is needed. N Nagendran, a resident of Nethaji Street, said that while waste dumping has reduced, the problem hasn't gone away entirely. "The rangoli is drawn once or twice a week. It helps, but some people still dump waste — the change has to come from the people too," he said. M Raj Kumar, a civic activist, said such initiatives have been tried successfully in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. "It's good to see Madurai replicating these ideas. But unless the daily garbage collection improves — especially with so many worker protests — the impact will be limited. In some wards, five workers are assigned, but only two or three report for duty," he added.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- The Hindu
Eco-tourism infrastructure gets a boost with two more eco huts getting ready in Pachamalai hills
The Forest Department has enhanced eco-tourism infrastructure in the lush green and serene Pachamalai, falling under the Tiruchi Forest Division near Thuraiyur, which has been attracting nature lovers and tourists. The infrastructure enhancements have been carried out under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) 2024-25 with an allocation of ₹1.1 crore. Two eco huts have been constructed at Top Sengattupatti atop the Pachamalai as part of the department's ongoing eco-tourism infrastructure enhancement, said a senior official. The eco huts have been provided with double cots, a separate dining place, restroom, and a verandah for visitors to enjoy the verdant environment on the hills. A British-era bungalow has been renovated as part of this initiative and made ready to accommodate tourists. The eco huts and the revamped British bungalow would be thrown open to the visitors soon, the official said. A part of the Eastern ghats, the scenic Pachamalai, which comes under the Thuraiyur Forest Range, is endowed with thick forest areas, ridges and valleys. It is home to various animal and bird species besides butterflies. A study undertaken by the Forest Department in December 2024 recorded as many as 126 butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population in the hill region. The hilly terrain has the popular Koraiyar and Mangalam waterfalls besides dedicated trekking routes at Sholamathi, Kalaimman Koil, and Kuthirai Paathai for the trekkers and adventure lovers. Amenities at waterfalls The officials said bathing facilities had been improved at the Koraiyar falls. This includes construction of safe access steps and provision of safety rails for secure bathing in the stream. Safety measures have also been put in place at Mangalam falls. All these developments complement the existing two tree top accommodations which were established in 2015 to promote eco-tourism at Pachamalai.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- The Hindu
Eco-tourism infrastructure gets a boost with two more eco huts getting ready in Tamil Nadu's Pachamalai hills
The Forest Department has enhanced eco-tourism infrastructure in the lush green and serene Pachamalai, falling under the Tiruchi Forest Division near Thuraiyur, which has been attracting nature lovers and tourists. The infrastructure enhancements have been carried out under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) 2024-25 with an allocation of ₹1.1 crore. Two eco huts have been constructed at Top Sengattupatti atop the Pachamalai as part of the department's ongoing eco-tourism infrastructure enhancement, said a senior official. The eco huts have been provided with double cots, a separate dining place, restroom, and a verandah for visitors to enjoy the verdant environment on the hills. A British-era bungalow has been renovated as part of this initiative and made ready to accommodate tourists. The eco huts and the revamped British bungalow would be thrown open to the visitors soon, the official said. A part of the Eastern ghats, the scenic Pachamalai, which comes under the Thuraiyur Forest Range, is endowed with thick forest areas, ridges and valleys. It is home to various animal and bird species besides butterflies. A study undertaken by the Forest Department in December 2024 recorded as many as 126 butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population in the hill region. The hilly terrain has the popular Koraiyar and Mangalam waterfalls besides dedicated trekking routes at Sholamathi, Kalaimman Koil, and Kuthirai Paathai for the trekkers and adventure lovers. Amenities at waterfalls The officials said bathing facilities had been improved at the Koraiyar falls. This includes construction of safe access steps and provision of safety rails for secure bathing in the stream. Safety measures have also been put in place at Mangalam falls. All these developments complement the existing two tree top accommodations which were established in 2015 to promote eco-tourism at Pachamalai.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Bioearth mined from dumpyards may be used to restore degraded land, says Anna University study
Legacy garbage dumpyards may be of some use after all. Bioearth mined from these sites may be used to enhance soil quality in degraded lands, according to a study by Anna University. Bioearth is a type of fine residual soil that is formed in legacy dumpyards through long-term microbial degradation of organic matter. It constitutes about 30 to 40% of the total waste volume. Two scientific papers on the studies, published earlier this year in Environmental Science and Pollution Research and Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, throw light on the physical, chemical and nutrient characteristics of bioearth, besides assessing heavy metal content and related risks. Carried out by Centre for Environmental Studies of Anna University, the studies analysed multiple samples from 13 dumpsites across Tamil Nadu and found that the bioearth contained nutrients in adequate proportions to support plant growth. Although the presence of heavy metals was a concern, the alkalinity of the bioearth (pH of 7.75 to 8.5) ensured that the solubility of the heavy metals was greatly reduced, thereby limiting their intake by plants and soil organisms, said Saranya Kuppusamy, visiting professor, Centre for Environmental Studies and co-author of the papers. Only chromium and nickel were found to be marginally over the permissible limits as per Indian standards, Dr. Saranya said, adding that there were remedial measures to 'immobilise' or 'stabilise' this heavy metal content as well. For example, phyto-remediation that involved planting hyper-accumulating plants to absorb the soluble fraction of heavy metals or use of organic amendments like biochar could be considered. Both the studies recommended remediation strategies to be developed and implemented before bioearth is used for agricultural or ecological purposes. S. Kanmani, Head, Department of Civil Engineering and Director-in-charge, Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, who is the lead researcher for the study, said that the study results have policy implications for the government, especially in the fields of afforestation, wasteland reclamation and environmental management. She also suggested pilot afforestation trials across diverse climatic zones to collect data on growth performance and soil health recovery. To this end, a pilot project was undertaken to regenerate a degraded forest area in Madurapakkam near Nanmangalam forest on the outskirts of Chennai using bioearth from the Perungudi dumpyard. The results were stated to be encouraging. The bioearth study was funded by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission under its Tamil Nadu Innovations Initiative (TANII) scheme.
