Latest news with #Urban
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt team visits Silchar to assess waste management
1 2 3 4 Silchar: The city's ambitious journey towards a cleaner environment received a significant push with a comprehensive field assessment by the Urban Management Centre (UMC), the Technical Support Unit (TSU) for Assam govt under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). The UMC team undertook an extensive field study, assessing the entire solid waste management value chain across the municipal area. Their in-depth observations of operational aspects and direct engagement with stakeholders aimed at identifying existing gaps and exploring avenues for improvement. The assessment kicked off with a thorough review of key urban sites, including bustling market areas, the transfer station, and selected municipal wards. A significant highlight of the visit was the collaborative discussions held with door-to-door waste collection agencies and Silchar Municipal Corporation officials. "This assessment highlights the areas where we have improved and, the areas that need work," Cachar DC Mridul Yadav said.
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Shillong bags Promising Swachh Shehar award at Swachh Survekshan 2024-25
Shillong, Jul 21 (PTI) Shillong has earned the title of 'Promising Swachh Shehar of State/UT' under Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 Awards, marking a remarkable turnaround in the city's urban sanitation journey, officials said on Monday. The Meghalaya capital had been trailing in national rankings for years before emerging as a frontrunner this year. The recognition was announced as part of the nationwide Swachh Survekshan initiative conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), government of India. According to officials, the award reflects sustained efforts of the Shillong Municipal Board, along with active public participation and awareness drives that have helped improve the city's waste management systems and sanitation standards. Reacting to the honour, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said it reflects the state government's strong commitment to improve. He told PTI, 'This award reflects our strong commitment to building clean, green, and sustainable urban spaces in Meghalaya. The city has shown significant improvement in key indicators such as door-to-door waste collection, processing of waste, citizen feedback, and public cleanliness." The award marks a significant shift in Shillong's Swachh Survekshan performance over the years. The city ranked 371st in 2021 and 348th in 2022, and was listed among the bottom-tier cities in 2023. The Swachh Survekshan, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), is the world's largest urban cleanliness survey and aims to foster healthy competition among cities to improve sanitation outcomes. Shillong's recognition is seen as a major boost for Meghalaya's ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment across urban centres. PTI JOP MNB (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 17:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kolkata 5th on global list of airports in congested areas
1 2 Kolkata: An international study found that residents around Kolkata airport are at 17% more risk of being affected by pollution and accidents than those in Ahmedabad, where a flight crashed last month, killing 260 people, including 19 who were not on the flight and 67 others who were seriously injured. The study raises concerns about the safety of airports surrounded by dense urban development, placing Kolkata airport fifth among the world's 50 most enclosed airports. Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is ranked behind Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which leads this unenviable list. Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, where Air India flight AI 171 crashed into a medical college hostel on June 12, is the third Indian airport at number 12 on the list. This list includes five other Indian airports: Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Patna, and Surat. The 2022 study titled "You Are Surrounded! Measuring the Enclosure of Airports in Urban Areas" by Belgian researchers Taïs Grippa and Frédéric Dobruszkes highlighted the dangers of airports surrounded by residential zones. Published in The Professional Geographer, the paper introduced an enclosure index based on population density within a 15 km radius around airports. Densely populated areas near flight paths increased risks on the ground in case of accidents, as well as escalated long-term exposure to noise and air pollution. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The study found people living near Kolkata airport (enclosure index of 12,69,788) were at 17% higher risk of being exposed to pollution and accidents than residents in the vicinity of Ahmedabad airport (10,82,503). Those living near Mumbai airport (21,82,819) face a 72% greater risk than those living near Kolkata airport. According to the study, in all airports with an enclosure index higher than 2,00,000, the population is exposed to aircraft noise, air pollution, and risk of accidents. The implications of an airport being situated in a densely packed urban environment were tragically demonstrated in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar area on June 12 when Air India flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off, narrowly missing residential clusters and the Civil Hospital campus but crashing into a medical college hostel. Despite the evident risks, large populations continue to live in close proximity to busy airports. In Mumbai, the Dharavi slum borders both airport terminals. At Kolkata airport, buildings on Jessore Road, Michael Nagar, New Barrackpore, Durganagar, Madhyamgram, and Barasat line directly in the flight path to the north of the airport, and those in Kaikhali, Rajarhat, New Town, Salt Lake, and Science City lie to the south. Kolkata airport currently faces over 200 obstacles in its vicinity, posing potential risks during aircraft take-off and landing. A recent Obstacle Limitation Surface study identified 377 hazards around the NSCBI Airport, including 118 buildings and other structures deemed "problematic." Of these, only 15 have been removed so far, with action yet to be initiated against the remaining 103. These include mobile towers, water tanks, dish antennas, lightning arresters, and unauthorised high-rise structures. Obstructions include high-rises in Rajarhat and New Town, dish antennas in Madhyamgram, lightning arresters in New Town, large hoardings near BT College More, mobile towers in Michael Nagar and New Barrackpore, and electric poles along Jessore Road. The urgency of these concerns was highlighted at a high-level meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee held at NSCBI Airport on May 23. Urban planning guidelines recommend a 20 km low-development zone around airports to prevent encroachments and ensure safety. However, enforcement remains inconsistent. While new airports are advised to maintain 6-8 sq km of clear space, city expansion steadily encroaches upon older airports built on former outskirts.
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Western Telegraph
German kayaker pops into Pembrokeshire on incredible European tour
Urban Heupgen from Germany and Dylan Davies, who teaches at Haverfordwest High, had a chance encounter last August while Dylan was on a summer tour in his camper van. Dylan, from New Hedges, near Tenby, was astonished to learn that Urban had paddled thousands of miles on his incredible journey, encountering all kinds of marine hazards on his way. 'I bumped into Urban last August in Spain, and when I asked how far he had come, he surprised me and said 'Germany," explained Dylan 'We got talking and it turned out he was on a multi-leg trip over a few years from Estonia through the canal and river system in Germany into the Med. "He has been met with range safety vessels, multiple species of whales, container ships, ferries and even a close call with a helicopter.' Dylan was fascinated by Urban's voyage which the solo kayaker has documented on his social media pages. Urban can be followed via on Instagram and his blog The Pembrokeshire reunion was 'a special moment', said Dylan, pictured here as he greeted Urban (centre). (Image: Dylan Davies) 'He was so unassuming," said Dylan. "When I met him, he had around 100 followers and minimal specialised kit - his sea kayak, paddle and lifejacket. "Though he isn't doing it for any fanfare or recognition he will be the first to circumnavigate Europe when complete." Dylan kept in touch with Urban through his social media, and last Saturday, July 12, he boarded his own boat to sail out for a rendezvous on Caldey Island. 'It was a very special moment," said Dylan. "The weather couldn't have been better and as he didn't have any shorts with him, as he didn't expect a hot British summer I gifted my swim shorts and a bag of Welsh cakes.' Dylan's dog Larry, was all aboard for his master's meet-up. (Image: Dylan Davies) Urban is now paddling his way across the Irish sea to the east coast of Ireland, from where he will work his way clockwise around Ireland, then to Scotland, hoping to finish this year in the Shetlands. Added Dylan: "It would be great if people could give him a follow to watch his epic and unassuming journey." You can follow Urban's voyage on his social media pages, linked above.
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
‘Na bijli aayegi, na bill aayega': BJP minister takes sarcastic jibe at ally Nitish Kumar's free electricity promise
In a sarcastic jibe aimed at the Bihar Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh's Energy and Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma on Saturday said electricity in Bihar will be free only when it will be supplied. The UP minister was commenting on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's announcement that free electricity will be provided up to 125 units in the state. 'Electricity is free in Bihar but it will be free only when it will be supplied... na bijli ayegi na bill ayega... free ho gayi. Hum bijli de rhe hain," news agency PTI quoted Sharma as saying. The Bihar Cabinet on Friday cleared a proposal for providing 125 units of electricity free of cost every month to domestic consumers across the state starting August 1. The cabinet cleared the proposal of the energy department during a meeting in Patna chaired by CM Nitish Kumar. 'The state government will pay additional ₹ 3,797 crore on electricity consumption to the Bihar State Power Holding Corporation Ltd for the purpose,' a statement issued by the state's Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) said. The Bihar government will also provide financial assistance for installing 1.1-KW capacity solar power plants on rooftops to domestic consumers, it said. Kumar had on July 17 announced that all domestic consumers across the state will receive up to 125 units of electricity free of cost every month starting August 1. The decision is expected to benefit nearly 1.67 crore families in the state. CM Kumar said that the government has also decided to install solar power plants on the rooftops or in the nearby public places of domestic consumers in the next three years. "We have also decided that in the next three years, with the consent of all these domestic consumers, solar power plants will be installed on their rooftops or at nearby public places to provide benefits," the CM said. Kumar further stated that the state government will fully cover the cost of installing solar power systems for extremely poor families, while others will receive suitable financial assistance under the Kutir Jyoti scheme. He stated that the state could have up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy available within the next three years. The announcements came as a move to woo voters ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for later this year. Continuing with his string of poll sop announcements, a day earlier, Bihar CM Kumar directed the Education Department to promptly assess vacancies for teachers in government schools and initiate the process for conducting the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.
