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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Green technology at STPs to focus on sustainability
In a move towards sustainability and self-reliance, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to integrate green technologies into its Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the World Bank-supported Urban Water Security and Disaster Management project. The initiative will prioritise the scientific and sustainable management of wastewater through innovative models such as solar power generation and fertiliser production from sewage sludge. Sludge drying systems in STPs A BWSSB official said that solar panels will be installed to generate electricity at the Saul Kere STP. 'In Chikkabegur Lake, BWSSB plans to introduce solar sludge drying systems that will help produce both electricity and organic fertiliser from dried sewage sludge. The objective is to reduce dependency on external energy sources and make STPs financially self-sustaining,' said the official. Mega project to enhance water resilience The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,323 crore — including a Rs 1,000 crore loan from the World Bank — aims to improve wastewater treatment, groundwater conservation, and flood control across Bengaluru. BWSSB has already prepared detailed project reports and is ready to begin implementation. Nine new STPs are proposed under the project, with a major portion of the funds — about Rs 706 crore — allocated for the Bommanahalli zone. The plan includes works like lake rejuvenation, laying of pipeline networks, lift pumping stations, and installation of green technology solutions at Saul Kere and a new 15 MLD unit at Chikkabegur. Dual benefits through plants A BWSSB official further explained that the solar sludge drying system will convert wet sewage by-products into reusable dry sludge using solar energy. This dried sludge can then be repurposed as organic fertiliser. If solar panels are also installed at these sites, they can simultaneously generate electricity to power the operations, making the process both eco-friendly and cost-effective. BWSSB is already generating 2.5 MW of electricity at five major STPs: two units (60 MLD and 150 MLD) at K&C Valley, 150 MLD at Vrishabhavathi Valley, 100 MLD at Hebbal, and 90 MLD at Bellandur — all using biogas. Building on this model, the agency now plans to set up a 500 kW biogas-powered unit at the upcoming 35 MLD STP in Anjanapura, Bommanahalli zone, under the World Bank project .
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
17 Municipal Corporations will be declared as plastic-free by next October, says CS
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has said that steps are being taken to declare 17 Municipal Corporations as plastic-free corporations by next October and the drive is also under way in all government offices. During a video-conference with District Collectors on the implementation of various programmes on Thursday, Mr. Vijayanand said awareness should be created about the harm posed by single-use plastic items, and called upon the manufacturers to pay due attention to curb the menace. He said the government has launched the Swarnandhra P-4 Foundation program for eradicating poverty and eliminating economic inequalities in the society, and that the Collectors should strive to make it a success. Also, he stressed the need for proper implementation of the population policy, the draft of which was released a few days ago, given the consideration of population by the government as an asset. Adarsh Gram Yojana Mr. Vijayanand said that 1,027 villages have been selected under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, of which 765 have already been declared as model villages as per the Village Development Plans. He directed the Collectors to work towards declaring the remaining 262 villages as model villages at the earliest. The Central government would provide ₹20 lakh as a gap-filling grant to each selected village for the creation of infrastructure. Drawing attention to the Rising and Accelerating MSME Performance program, the Chief Secretary said it was a World Bank-supported Centrally Sponsored Scheme and Collectors should make it a success.
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Mamata blames DVC water release for Bengal floods, cites Centre's neglect
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 9 slammed the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for discharging huge volumes of water from its reservoirs, which she said has caused widespread flooding across parts of the state, and accused the Centre of not doing enough dredging downstream to accommodate the extra water. The DVC has released around 27,000 lakh cubic metres of water into West Bengal's rivers since June 18, she claimed, according to a report by the Press Trust of India. Appeals to DVC ignored: West Bengal CM Mamata accused the DVC of ignoring repeated appeals from her government to consult the state before releasing such large volumes of water, especially during peak monsoon season when downstream areas are already vulnerable. 'I am sorry to inform you that the DVC is releasing water in a sustained manner from its reservoirs, including those at Maithon and Panchet. They are doing this to save themselves without caring for the consequences our state is suffering on account of their actions. We have been fighting this menace for the last 14 years without any positive result,' said Banerjee during a high-level meeting at the state secretariat to review the flood situation. Flooding in low-lying areas despite infra Despite the creation of more than 500,000 ponds and 500 check dams under a World Bank-supported project to manage rainwater, several areas in south Bengal, including the flood-prone Ghatal block in Paschim Medinipur, have been repeatedly inundated this season. 'We have sent multiple teams in the past to address the issue; our irrigation department has repeatedly raised concerns, and I have written to the PM about this. We raised the matter at meetings of the eastern regional council as well as the Niti Aayog. But all our appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears,' said Banerjee. Centre accused of neglect, inequity The CM blamed the central government for not dredging Bengal's downstream rivers, which she claimed could have created capacity for an additional 400,000 cubic metres of water. She alleged that the Centre has failed in its responsibility towards Bengal. 'States like Assam, unlike Bengal, receive central grants to tackle floods. For Bengal, their responsibility ends after releasing water and flooding our lands,' she said. Instructions for relief and rescue operations Banerjee directed district officials and the police to evacuate residents from low-lying, vulnerable areas and shift them to safe shelters. She assured that funds for relief materials would not be an issue. 'We already have flood shelters in some areas. We must build temporary shelters in areas where we don't and move people there. There will be no dearth of funds for relief materials,' she said. She also asked the health department to stock essential medicines, including anti-venom for snake bites, and instructed the power department to launch safety awareness drives about avoiding electric poles during rain. She further directed the district administration to set up control rooms for round-the-clock flood monitoring and ensure constant coordination with the state chief secretary in case of emergencies. Long-term flood mitigation, housing plans Banerjee said that work on the Ghatal Master Plan has already begun and is expected to be completed within two years. 'We have already started implementing the Ghatal Master Plan and we plan to complete it in the next two years. That will provide relief to a few lakh people from the recurring floods in that area,' she said. On the housing front, she spoke about expanding the rural housing initiative Banglar Bari. The state plans to build another 2.8 million homes by May next year, in addition to the 4.7 million already constructed with partial funding from the Centre. 'We will release funds for 1.2 million houses in December this year and for another 1.6 million houses by May next year. We will keep releasing funds in phases and plan to finish the project for the entire state in the next three to four years,' she added.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KAU, KERA sign MoU for implementing climate-smart farming practices in Kerala
The Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for jointly implementing climate-smart and low-emission farming practices in the State. The Agriculture department has described it as a major step towards building climate resilience in Kerala's agriculture sector. Vishnu Raj, additional project director, KERA, and KAU registrar A. Sakeer Husain signed the MoU in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. KERA and KAU will work together to develop and promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices across Kerala's diverse agro-ecological zones, the department said. 'The partnership aims to upgrade soil testing laboratories, modernise advisory systems, and pilot low-carbon paddy cultivation techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in priority districts,' it said. Mr. Vishnu Raj said that by combining KAU's scientific expertise with KERA's development mandate, the State we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and improve livelihoods. Under the partnership, the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre (KACRC) will be established at KAU with the support of IT cell of the Agriculture department. The partnership also aims to strengthen the development of climate-smart crop advisories and support research and capacity building for farmers and agricultural extension workers. The World Bank-supported KERA project is a five-year programme aimed at modernising agricultural value chains and enhancing the State's preparedness for climate-induced risks. K.N. Anith, Director of Research, KAU, and other senior officials were present at the signing of the MoU.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala government signs pact with International Rice Research Institute to promote low-emission rice cultivation
The Kerala government has signed an agreement with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to promote low-emission rice cultivation in the State. The initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Kerala Climate Resilient Agriculture Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA). The Agriculture department described the agreement as a 'landmark' initiative aimed at promoting climate smart agriculture in the State. The agreement was signed by Vishnuraj P., Additional Project Director, KERA, and Virender Kumar, Research Director, Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS), IRRI on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram. With Palakkad and Thrissur as focus areas, the collaboration will focus on developing Low Emission Packages (LEPs), promoting digital water management systems and introducing farmer-centric solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water-use efficiency, and enhance agricultural livelihoods. Across 22,000 hectares The project will be implemented across 22,000 hectares, targeting 45,000 farmers in major rice-producing zones, including Palakkad's canal-irrigated uplands and Thrissur's kole wetlands. 'These regions are significant contributors to methane emissions in Kerala's agricultural landscape. The project introduces Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation techniques, digital monitoring, and sustainable agronomic practices to help transition to low-emission rice systems,' the Agriculture department said in a statement. The partnership includes key institutions such as the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) and Paadasekhara Samitis. 'The IRRI's water-saving interventions are pivotal in enhancing water utility without compromising crop productivity. These sustainable technologies also pave the way for future participation in carbon trading mechanisms,' said Mr. Vishnuraj.
