Think India Foundation

Elementary, but only 54 pc schools have them

DHNS: The State government has identified eight basic facilities elementary and high schools must have.

At the elementary school level, playgrounds rank the lowest, with only 54.42 per cent having them. The second worst facility is, ironically, the compound wall, which only 66.6 per cent schools have. The drastically low figures are, however, better than the previous years’. A face-saver of sorts for the State education department, playgrounds have seen a marginal 4.5 per cent increase in the last three years. Read more

Source : deccanherald.com

E-pension scheme hits roadblock in Haryana

Haryana’s plans to become the first state in the country to electronically transfer pension across its 21 districts has hit a roadblock due to inadequate banking infrastructure. The Haryana government had earlier claimed that it was the first state in the country to have opened bank accounts for more than two million beneficiaries under the Social Security Schemes for electronic transfer of pension.

However, it seems to have faltered in the very first step of implementing this. After CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda recently reviewed the progress made under the scheme and noted with concern that the state consisted of “grossly inadequate infrastructure deployed by the banks and their appointed Business Correspondents Agents (BCAs)”, the state government halted progress on it until adequate banking infrastructure is created. It has now planned to allot fresh funds through the bank accounts after the proposed BCA centres are verified and notified by the department. Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Is Sonipat-Kundli region another Gurgaon in the making?

With realty prices soaring in Delhi in recent years, action is shifting to the suburbs and the satellite towns. Affordable property prices, proximity to the metro city, enhanced infrastructure and the availability of spacious residential and commercial spaces are the key factors driving the growth of these towns and suburbs.

And one such fast-developing region is the Sonipat-Kundli region in Haryana. In fact, the Sonipat-Kundli region has developed so fast in the past few years that some industry observers have already started viewing this region as the next Gurgaon in the state. Read more

Source : articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Housing conundrum: FICCI report on urban infrastructure reveals uncomfortable truths

In 2001, about 286 million persons were living in urban areas of India and it was the second largest urban population in the world. According to the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, the urban population in India over the next 25 years is expected to grow 38 per cent and become 534 million in 2026. Furthermore, as per the Census of India, 2001, 640 cities/towns in 26 States/Union territories have reported slum populations. 

Andhra Pradesh has the largest number of towns (77) reporting slums followed by Uttar Pradesh (69), Tamil Nadu (63) and Maharashtra (61). As many as 42.6 million people lived in slums in 2001. This constitutes 15 percent of the total urban population of the country and 22.6 percent of the urban population of the states/union territories reporting slums. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

A sustainable makeover for NCR

Delhi : Germany, India pledge funds for environmental urban infrastructure development

The agreement with Germany will help towards a better NCR. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

To boost the environmental sustainability of fast-growing towns in India's National Capital Region (NCR), the German Government-owned development bank KfW has signed a loan agreement worth 100 million euros (approximately Rs. 700 crore) and a financing agreement for project development and capacity building grant of 1 million euro (approximately Rs. 7 crore) with the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB).

The Agreement was signed in New Delhi by Naini Jayaseelan, Member Secretary, NCRPB and Mr. Uwe Ohls, Director General Europe and Asia of KfW, in the presence of Prabodh Saxena, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Cord Meier-Klodt, acting Ambassador of Germany to India. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

Simians fight for survival as humans encroach on their space

THE northern part of Mumbai, encompassing an area of over 100 sq km, and stretching from Borivali in the west to Thane in the east, is a sprawling national park, teeming with wild animals, and rich flora. 

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), basically a reserve forest, includes a thousand species of plants, more than 250 species of birds, 50,000 insect species and over 40 species of mammals and an equal number of reptile species. Read more

Source : khaleejtimes.com

'25% elderly population depressed'

NEW DELHI: One in every four among India's elderly population is depressed, and one in three suffers from arthritis, while one in five cannot hear.

While one in three suffers from hypertension in rural India and one in two in urban areas, almost half have poor vision. Around one in 10 experiences a fall that results in fracture, while two in five are anemic. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Karnataka govt to introduce Ayush as mainstream treatment

Bangalore : Treatment based on Ayush(ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha andhomeopathy) may soon be available at taluk-level hospitals.

With yoga and naturopathy emerging as preventive cure for lifestyle diseases and ailments, the state government plans to introduce Ayush as mainstream treatment in all taluk hospitals in phases. Read more

Source : dnaindia.com 

Experts, youths exchange ideas in Kolkata

KOLKATA: 'Role of cultural institutions in shifting urban landscapes and shaping urban reality on an international level' This was the agenda for the joint podium discussion at the German Consulate General on Saturday. which saw an exchange of innovative ideas and approaches in tackling urban and cultural changes between the panelists. 

The conference, organized under the aegis of "Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities", witnessed an exchange of innovative ideas between the panelists. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Idea of B2 bypass in Jaipur was conceived 36 years ago

JAIPUR: The idea of constructing the B2 bypass was first conceived some 36-years-old, when the area was actually on the city outskirts. In 1975, it was incorporated in the master plan. Following various problems including the availability and acquisition of land, the project remained on paper.

The B2 bypass finds itself surrounded by controversies ever since. While the project got delayed time and again, several colonies mushroomed in the area over the years. The housing board too developed residential colonies here. As on date, it is one of the most populated areas and part of the city. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Bhujbal, Chavan lash out at civic administration

NASHIK: Launching a scathing attack on the saffron alliance that rules the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, while promising better civic amenities and development, hinted at administrative changes for improving civic amenities and law and order in the city.

Chavan was speaking in Nashik on Friday, a day after municipal commissioner B D Sanap and police commissioner Vinod Lokhande were transferred out of Nashik, which was described recently by the state election commission as the most sensitive place in the state after Gadchiroli in the run-up to the local polls. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

JNNURM projects suffer as panel yet to complete manual

Mumbai : To prevent disastrous situations like the July 2005 Mumbai deluge, the Ministry of Urban Development had set up an expert committee in September 2008 to prepare a separate urban storm drainage manual for India by 2012. The group consists of experts from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc-Bangalore). However, sources said the group had met only twice so far and the manual is yet to be complete.

A storm water drainage system is meant to drain excess rain and ground water from roads, streets, parking lots and sidewalks among others. Experts said that drainage problems plaguing Indian cities are owing to the old, outdated design practices being followed and these are compounded due to rapid urbanisation. Experts also said such a manual is the need of the hour as the country is entering the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) this year. Sources said the delayed manual has been a setback to the JNNURM drainage programmes. Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Resources, implementation bugbears for environment management

Issues concerning the quality of air, water, soil, trees and other environmental and ecological attributes are at the top of the agenda in almost all discussions of our transforming society. However, the economic linkages that these issues deserve are not coming together owing both to India's economic position and individual commitment. As a result, we see a huge environmental and economic imbalance resulting in a slow pace of environmental improvements in the country.

If only intent and the content of policy are taken into account, India's environment should have been on a par with the rest of the developed world as legislations are comparable. Water, air and other waste are expected to be managed effectively and there are obligations to protect the ecology and the environment. However, implementation is far from satisfactory. Read more

Source : articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Farmers of Aurangabad oppose land acquisition

AURANGABAD: Farmers and activists affiliated to different social organizations joined hands on Thursday to oppose land acquisition by the government for the proposed Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, under which 10,000 hectares land would be acquired for setting up four mega industrial projects in the district.

"The activists have planned a meet at Bidkin, about 20 km from the city, on February 11 to chalk out the future course of action. Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar has been invited to address the meet", said Vijay Diwan and Subhash Lomte, members of the action committee. Thousands of affected farmers from Aurangabad and Jalna districts would attend the Bidkin meet, they said. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

‘Collect toll or lose PPP project’ Karnataka govt warned

Bengaluru : The central government has warned the Karnataka government that if it does not go ahead with collection of toll on the Bellary Road (NH 7), it will lose national highway development projects under the public private partnership (PPP) across the State.

The State government, which is facing a revolt by various transport organisations who object to paying the toll on this road until the entire project is completed, will have to abide by the Union government’s directive, said a minister on condition of anonymity. Read more

Source : deccanchronicle.com

Plan panel, UD ministry headed for showdown on financing of Metro projects

NEW DELHI: The stage is set for another slugfest between the Planning Commission and urban development minister Kamal Nath over the viability of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Metro projects. The plan panel has been vigorously advocating PPP for new Metro projects while the UD ministry has asked states to look at innovative financing mechanisms to fund capital intensive projects under public sector mode. 

The ministry, quoting a global study on urban rail transit, said PPP in Metro rail projects was not very successful. The analysis of Metro rail systems in 132 cities found that in 113 cities, 88% projects were developed and were being operated in the public sector whereas only in 12% cities some form of PPP existed. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Jaipur metro rail corp seeks more funds from govt

Jaipur: The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) is all set to demand financial grants from the ministry of finance for the first phase of metro project, which has been extended in principle up to Bari Chopar. However, the grants will be varying accordingly on whether the extension is approved or not.

When the project was conceived, a sum of Rs 1,250 crore was estimated as the cost for civil works of the 9.2-km-long route from Mansarovar to Chandpole project. Read more

Source : daily.bhaskar.com

Low-floor buses hit a road block in Jaipur

JAIPUR: The fleet of low-floor buses in the city, introduced in 2010, are becoming more of a burden than a luxury. Due to lack of proper maintenance, a number of new buses, introduced as part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) are rusting away in garages than providing comfort rides on roads.

Out of the total 280 buses operated by Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL), only 90 are in perfect condition. Bald tyres, dirty interiors and broken glasses are common in any low-floor bus which indicate how poorly these buses are maintained. Despite costly machines installed at the premises of Sanganer depot, daily cleaning and maintenance is not up to the mark and spare parts too are in short supply. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Panchkula MC facing manpower crunch

The Civic body’s manpower and resource crunch in Panchkula is affecting development in the city. Though the MC is taking help from Haryana urban Development Authority, how long can the makeshift arrangement help?

All’s not well with the Panchkula Municipal Council, which is facing a manpower and equipment crunch. That has a direct bearing on developmental work, which is being held up. You can see the effect of the resource crunch in the MC on the infrastructure of the city, such as roads, streetlights and parks. Read more

Source : dayandnightnews.com

DLF, state govt get HC notice over allotment of 350 acres in Wazirabad

GURGAON / CHANDIGARH: Allotment of around 350 acre prime land, acquired for public purpose by Haryana government, to real estate giant DLF for developing luxurious golf villas and golf course in Gurgaon has come under the scanner of Punjab and Haryana high court.

The HC on Thursday issued notices to the state government and DLF seeking their response on the issue. Division bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi has also issued notices to Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) asking them to file a reply by April 19. DLF is developing air conditioned apartments/villas and an 18-hole golf course on the land under the project 'The Magnolias'. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

CCTV cameras to keep an eye on garbage disposal

Gurgaon : In a bid to keep the city clean and healthy, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) has taken some measures. It has decided to install CCTV cameras at all dumping sites across the city to ensure a timely disposal of garbage. 

Huda administrator Praveen Kumar has sought the details of number of dumping sites in each sector, list of JCB machines and number of workers deployed from the zonal executive engineers. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com

Haryana to launch State Urban Health Mission

Chandigarh (PTI) : Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced a State Urban Health Mission would be launched to provide comprehensive health services particularly targeting the slum areas. The Chief Minister also announced that under the Indira Bal Swasthya Yojna (IBSY), free treatment would henceforth be provided to all children.

Earlier, free treatment was being provided to only children hailing from Below Poverty Line families, an official release said here. Hooda announced these decision while presiding over a meeting with senior officers of Health Department here. The State Urban Health Mission will seek to set up Urban Health Centres over a population of one lakh which would provide curative, promotive and preventive health services. Read more

Source : ibnlive.in.com

Bad news for vehicle thiefs of Indore : New number plates from April

Indore : Indore’s over 14 lakh vehicles will start having a slightly different look and their owners will have a greater sense of security about the vehicle from April this year. Reason: the new high security registration plate. Of course, this change will entail some expense to the vehicle owners but the authorities affirm this is money well spent. On one hand the new registration plate will make the vehicle more secure and, on the other hand, help police track vehicle lifters more expeditiously as well as efficiently. HSRPs are tamper-proof and meant to aid law enforcement agencies in tracing vehicles that are involved in crimes.

The state governments are, any way, left with no option but to implement the scheme. For, the Supreme Court has been closely monitoring its implementation. On February 8, the Supreme Court set a deadline of April 30 for implementation of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) for motor vehicles with a warning that failure by state governments and Union Territories to comply with its order would invite contempt action. Madhya Pradesh government has agreed to implement the scheme by March 31. Read more

Source : daily.bhaskar.com

Bangalore Metro to float tax-free bonds

New Delhi, DHNS : Rs 2,000 crore to be raised for first phase of the project

The Bangalore Metro Corporation (BMRC) will issue a tax free Metro Bond 
to raise Rs 2,000 crore  for the first phase of the project. 

The bond, pending with the Union Finance Ministry at present for clearance, is expected to hit the market in  a few days, the Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna said on Friday. Read more

Source : deccanherald.com

Urban Development ministry proposes higher FAR charges

NEW DELHI: To meet funding requirements for Metro projects, the Urban Development ministry has proposed to the states that Floor Area Ratio (FAR) be relaxed along Metro corridors and higher FAR charges should go in to funding projects.

"In respect of metro corridors or transport corridors, because these urban transport systems allow for higher mobility, people can move faster, therefore higher FAR can be permitted," Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna said today. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Double shelters confuse people

Mysore, DHNS : Shelterless take refuge at old bus shelters ; turn it into makeshift homes

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) celebrated its 11th bus day in the city on Thursday with the main objective of popularising use of public transport by bringing bus travel nearer to passengers.

Waiting : Homeless turn shelters in temporary homes. DH Photo by Prashant HG

But in reality, travelling by bus especially, KSRTC, is becoming a confusing affair with almost every bus stop sporting two bus shelters. Not only this, the old bus stops are being slowly occupied by homeless people — turning it into a comfortable place to live in, leaving little place for those choosing buses as a mode of transport. Read more

Source : deccanherald.com

Dist level review and monitoring committee for JNNURM constituted

Dimapur (MExN): In pursuance to the Government of India, Ministry of Urban Development's Order No. K-14012/201(18)/2010-NURM II dated 28.11.2011, the Governor of Nagaland has constituted the District Level Review and Monitoring Committee under JNNURM for all Districts in Nagaland comprising of the following members. C.M. Chang, MP (XVth Lok Sabha) as Chairman, Khekiho Zhimomi, MP (Rajya Sabha) as Vice Chairman and other members includes all MLAs in respective Constituencies/Districts in Nagaland; Chairpersons/Chief Executive Officers/Administrators in respective Municipal/Town Councils in Nagaland; Project Director, DUDA in all Districts of Nagaland; One member from a reputed NGO to be nominated by Ministry; One Professional from the field of Social Work/Social Science to be nominated by Ministry; One representative each of SC/ST and Women to be nominated by the Ministry and Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner of all Districts in Nagaland as Member Secretary. Read more

Source : morungexpress.com

BRTS drives in social change

AHMEDABAD: A team of US researchers looking to study the impact of traffic on society decided to take the road less travelled. Rather than going for usual parameters such as pollution, fumes emitted or how many people travel per car, they decided to take three streets with high, moderate and low traffic.

The results showed that people having heavy traffic right outside their homes were leading a lonely life with one friend in vicinity and less space that they accessed everyday. Compared to that, people with low traffic said that they were happy with their surroundings, had three or more friends and had the entire stretch as their activity zone everyday. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

No tax hike for next 5 yrs: Cong manifesto

Pune : The alliance of Congress, Republican Party of India (Kawade group) and Dalit Panther released its 25-point manifesto on Thursday with promise of improving public transport and traffic conditions in the city. The manifesto also promised not to increase taxes in the next five years and a plan to start a transport service in Mula-Mutha river.

The manifesto was released at Congress Bhavan by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chairman Manikrao Thakre and general secretary of All India Congress Committee Mohan Prakash. Like the Nationalist Congress Party, the Congress too has promised to start the Metro rail. The Congress manifesto, however, is silent on whether it will be underground or elevated. Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Raj-era cemetery set for restoration in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: Around 50 graves dating back to the 1800's at the Navagraha Christian Cemetery are set to be restored by experts from Kolkata within the next few months. Spread over two acres, the cemetery is one of the oldest in the northeast and was founded by Bishop Cotton in 1878 after the land was purchased during his tenure. The consecration of the cemetery took place on August 18, 1881, while the first burial here was sometime in 1882.

According to the experts, the restoration process will give old gravestones a facelift by installing fresh stone tablets over it. Old and ruined tablets and statues on gravestones will also be repaired to return them to their past splendor. A small chapel for prayers will also be constructed in the graveyard, a fence will be built around the compound. New plants and trees will also be planted in the cemetery. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Govt orders 6 hospitals to treat poor for free

NEW DELHI: The ministry of urban development has said in a recent order that charitable societies and trusts which got land at concessional rates to set up hospitals will have to provide free treatment to poor patients. 

The six hospitals named in the order include Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, St Stephen's Hospital, VIMHANS, Moolchand Hospital, Primus Ortho Hospital and Jessa Ram Hospital. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Who's who to attend summit on changing Bihar

PATNA: Top honchos of various fields are expected to attend the three-day Global Summit on Changing Bihar, scheduled to open here on February 17.

To be inaugurated by Nepal PM Baburam Bhattarai, the summit will be spread over various sessions and workshops on themes like agriculture, health, industries, urban development, infrastructure, finance, tourism, education and socio-cultural renaissance. It is being organized by Bihar Foundation, Institute for Human Development (IHD) and Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI). Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

GPS, dedicated rail lines to update PDS: minister

Thomas said Kerala, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) had spoken against the Bill, adding that the parliamentary standing committee examining the draft Bill and the food ministry will discuss the issues

New Delhi: Special vehicles, dedicated rail lines, global positioning systems, new silos and biometric identification are a part of the revamp of the public distribution system (PDS), minister for consumer affairs and food and public distribution K.V. Thomas said on Thursday, a day after agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said the National Food Security Bill can’t be implemented given the dire state of the network. 

“Almost all the states have taken action to modernize the PDS system, either by computerization or Aadhaar and this has given results,” Thomas told reporters, referring to a two-day meeting of state food ministers that ended on Thursday. “States have also raised certain issues connected with the Food Security Bill.” Aadhaar refers to the government’s unique identity programme that’s aimed, among other things, at ensuring that benefits reach the right people. Read more

Source : livemint.com

Govt to provide all facilities to Kashmiri migrants at Jagti

Jammu (Scoop News) – Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla has said that the Government would provided all facilities to Kashmiri migrants at Jagti like road connectivity, regular power supply, safe drinking water, healthcare, sanitation, education besides sports infrastructure.

This was stated by the Minister while interacting with Kashmiri migrants after assessing their development related problems during his tour to Jagti Migrant Township, here today. Read more

Source : groundreport.com

Multi-storey industrial centre at Edayar

KOCHI : Complex will house light engineering, manufacturing units and garment makers

Kerala's first multi-storey industrial complex is nearing completion at the Edayar Industrial Estate near here. It is scheduled for inauguration in March.

Industry sources said that this was the first of a series of such facilities, which would be plug-and-play complexes, catering to the needs of non-polluting industries. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

Less Than Half of India’s Kids Can Read at Grade 2 Level

Two years after the Indian government passed the Right To Education Act, only 48 percent of all Indian school children can read at second grade levels, concluded the Annual Status of Education Report, released Jan. 16 by the non-profit organization Pratham.

India’s schoolchildren are receiving a poor quality of education, says Pratham.

Reading scores have declined across the country by five percent from the previous year. And alarmingly, only 30 percent of children in third grade and two-thirds of fifth graders can solve a simple two digit problem, a decline of six percent from the previous year. Read more

Source : indiawest.com

Old Gurgaon, Huda sector residents up the ante for Metro connectivity

Gurgaon : The residents of Old Gurgaon localities, including Huda sectors, on Wednesday demanded a change in the plan of the proposed high-speed Metro link between Iffco Chowk and IGI Airport (Dwarka). According to them, making the link high speed would not serve public interest and wanted “six to seven halts” on the line to cater to the needs of residents of south-west Gurgaon. 

The demand gained momentum after more residents put their weight behind the cause. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com

CNG station not at the cost of green cover, says Gurgaon court

Gurgaon : In a major relief for residents of Sector 15-I, a city court ordered status quo to be maintained on the proposed setting up of a CNG station on the land of Rose Garden. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Sector 15 residents’ welfare association (RWA) on Wednesday. The Haryana City Gas Distribution Limited (HCGDL) had decided to set up a CNG station and land for the same had been allotted to it by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda). 

The court's decision comes as a victory for residents who had strongly opposed the move which would have reduced the size of the park drastically and resulted in the loss of green cover. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com

Court stays ‘free parking’ in Sector 29

Gurgaon : The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the Haryana Urban Development Authority’s move to make parking lots at two Sector 29 sites — Bikanerwala and Pind Baluchi — free. Huda had taken this decision in December 2011. It had planned an elaborate beautification initiative for the Sector 29 market. This order is likely to upset the Huda’s plan. 

The parking sites were allotted to a private agency, Development Services, on contract basis. The agency had not renewed the contract after December. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com

Parking woes in Panchkula

Hotels in sector 10, Panchkula may be grand but you need to be able to make your way into them first, a process which may put your vehicle at risk. Well, parking remains a major problem here but former chief of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation B.B. Singhal has proposed solutions to the Haryana Urban Development Authority.

Parking in front of several hotels in Sector 10, Panchkula is a major hassle for residents. Inadequate space leads to choked parking lots which forces people to park their cars on the roads, thus creating traffic bottlenecks. Former chief of Panchkula Municipal Corporation, B.B. Singhal has suggested ways out to the Haryana Urban Development Authority. Read more

Source : dayandnightnews.com

Munda worried over tardy pace of development

Ranchi : Expressing concern over lower expenditure by the Departments, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said that the Government was worried about the pace of development and willing to expedite the efforts in this direction. A mere Rs 4,023 crore out of total plan outlay of Rs 15,300 crore, had been utilised by all the departments till December last year.

Talking to reporters after the review meeting, the CM said that apart from keeping an eye on expenditure, his Government was also committed to come down hard on corrupt officials, siphoning the money meant for development works. “We are worried about the lesser expenses. We have formulated some other ways that would be reflected in the days to come. Instructions have been passed to all the departments in this regard.” Read more

Source : dailypioneer.com

Central funds for infrastructural upgrade to be earmarked for NE: Gogoi

Kolkata/ Guwahati : Underlining the “huge gaps in urban infrastructure in North Eastern Region”, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded that at least 10 per cent of the total Central funds, meant for infrastructural upgrade, be earmarked for the North Eastern states.

He also demanded 10 per cent of funds under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) II be earmarked for the North Eastern states. Read more

Source : business-standard.com

Uttarakhand to move SC on Tehri dam

New Delhi/ Dehradun : Uttarakhand has decided to move the Supreme Court for the transfer of its share in the multi-purpose 2,400-Mw Tehri hydel project which is being held by Uttar Pradesh.

For this purpose, the hill state has hired top lawyers, including Gopal Subramanium, to file the petition on its behalf to get back 25 per cent of the equity. This is equal to approximately 350 Mw of power from the mega project on Bhagirathi river. The third phase of 1,000 Mw is currently under construction. Read more

Source : business-standard.com

Is India well equipped to battle cancer?

Mumbai: Cricketer Yuvraj Singh's battle against cancer has put the spotlight once again on the disease that claims 20,000 lives a day worldwide. The question is whether India is well equipped to battle the world's biggest killer.

Diagnosed with germ cell cancer, cricketer Yuvraj Singh is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the United States. While it is a shocking news for his fans, but a cancer diagnosis in the 30s is not rare anymore. In fact, eight per cent of all cancers in India strike people under 35. Read more

Source : ibnlive.in.com

Mangalore City Corporation team returns from Gujarat tour

MANGALORE : The 46-member team studied amenities at three cities

A 46-member team of councillors and officials of Mangalore City Corporation returned from their seven-day study tour of Gujarat on Wednesday.

The team members included 27 councillors of the Bharatiya Janata Party, seven councillors of the Congress, a councillor of the Communist Party of India (Marxists) and an Independent. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

Call to segregate waste at home

Chennai : The Germans and most other families in the developed world have four bins to segregate garbage at home — one is for glass, the second for metal, the third for paper and the fourth for organic waste.

In contrast, we continue to dump all garbage together, ignoring the repeated pleas from the civic administration and environmentalists to segregate waste between biodegradable and non-degradable by keeping just two separate bins at home. Read more

Source : deccanchronicle.com

Improper urban planning in Northeast

Kohima : Airing concern over the improper urban planning in the north eastern states, the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy and road map for securing a holistic development and reformation of urban areas has been stressed here today at the regional workshop on “Urban Governance, Management and Municipal Finance” for the north eastern states.

Chief Secretary Lalthara told the workshop that the vulnerability of earthquake is very high in North East. Lalthara said most of towns/cities in North East are in congestion coupled with water, sanitation and drainage problem, adding that it is very difficult to rectify now as proper urban planning was not taken into account. Read more

Source : morungexpress.com

In Delhi, Leaders Call for Sustainable Action Today, Not Promises for Tomorrow

As I traveled through Mumbai and Delhi over the past few days, I’ve been awed by the rapid growth taking place in Indian cities. Statistics about urbanization abound, but experiencing the dynamic, jammed-packed streets firsthand is much more revealing.

India’s leaders are committed to helping cities keep pace with this growth, but many do not stop there. They are also working to ensure that cities grow as sustainably as possible. Read more

Source : switchboard.nrdc.org

Ahmedabad's dog sterilization drive to finally kick off

AHMEDABAD: After a prolonged wait for agencies showing interest in the city's dog sterilization drive, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) finally got offers from four organizations for the project. The standing committee of the AMC has agreed to offer the job of sterilizing the 2.5 lakh dogs of the city, which was recently counted in a census by an animal welfare board of India approved body.

The four organizations that have offered to do the job include Animal Help Foundation, Peoples For Animals, Ahmedabad, Animal Rights Fund from Bangalore and Animal Protection Club from Maharashtra. "The four organizations have been assigned the work for the entire city as we wanted to eliminate any allegations that the AMC has been partial towards few. We have a MoU with AWBI which will be monitoring the process," says a senior official of the AMC. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Airport link bus service hits norms roadblock in Delhi

New Delhi : The city government’s ambitious plan to run luxury buses for domestic and international airport from various parts of Delhi and NCR has hit a roadblock. Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) — the firm that had signed a pact with the government to start the service — has failed to get buses that meet the tough specifications laid down by the government. Company officials said no bus manufacturer in India produces the kind of buses that are required for the service. 

“We need 15-seater buses, which are BS IV complaint, CNG-propelled and air-conditioned. We’ve checked with the manufacturers, but such buses are not available. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com