PUNE: Ten new swimming pools will come up in different parts of the city by next summer. Officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said that most of the swimming pools are coming up in the fringe areas of the city as it has been a long pending demand of the residents in these areas.
The establishment department of PMC is implementing this project. "The construction of the pools is underway. It will be ready by the end of this financial year," said Sandeep Khandwe, executive engineer of the department.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Pune-to-have-10-new-pools-by-next-year/articleshow/34446214.cms
Sunday, 18 May 2014
SMC to build elevated swimming pool for public
SURAT: It is not uncommon to have swimming pool either made in terrace or on floors of the private multi storey apartments. However till now in Diamond city of Surat, Local civic body doesn't have any swimming pool for public purpose that is an elevated structure.
Keeping this fact in mind, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)'s Public works committee has approved the estimates of Rs 8.86 crore to construct the city's first elevated swimming pool. This pool will be built on reserved plot of SMC located opposite DRB Bhana College
In Vesu . The pool will be of 25x50 meters and there will be a man empowerment center . There will be parking on ground level , plant room , change room, exercise room, reception, refreshment segment , store and passage also come up on ground level of the structure.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/SMC-to-build-elevated-swimming-pool-for-public/articleshow/31096405.cms
Keeping this fact in mind, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)'s Public works committee has approved the estimates of Rs 8.86 crore to construct the city's first elevated swimming pool. This pool will be built on reserved plot of SMC located opposite DRB Bhana College
In Vesu . The pool will be of 25x50 meters and there will be a man empowerment center . There will be parking on ground level , plant room , change room, exercise room, reception, refreshment segment , store and passage also come up on ground level of the structure.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/SMC-to-build-elevated-swimming-pool-for-public/articleshow/31096405.cms
Admin order to shut 'illegal' swimming pools
GURGAON: The district administration issued an order on Thursday stating that all the swimming pools in the city lacking requisite permissions should be closed immediately, failing which they would face legal action.
The order came from deputy commissioner Shekhar Vidyarthi, who is also the chairman of the district sports council. He said that the swimming pools without licences would be sealed and owners or operators would face action.
He said that several housing societies, hotels, firms, educational institutions and resorts had swimming pools on their premises without a valid licence.
The order came a couple of days after two children drowned in a pool in a school on Sohna Road. Most of the establishments TOI spoke to claim to have requisite permissions and said they will remain unaffected by the edict. "All the pools in DLF are run only after necessary permissions. The approvals are taken without fail," said Sudhir Kapoor, president of DLF City RWA.Authorities claim to have all the necessary permissions at the pools being run in clubs. "We can't run the pools without necessary permissions," said Rohit Malik, director (estate) of DLF Limited.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Admin-order-to-shut-illegal-swimming-pools/articleshow/34846659.cms
The order came from deputy commissioner Shekhar Vidyarthi, who is also the chairman of the district sports council. He said that the swimming pools without licences would be sealed and owners or operators would face action.
He said that several housing societies, hotels, firms, educational institutions and resorts had swimming pools on their premises without a valid licence.
The order came a couple of days after two children drowned in a pool in a school on Sohna Road. Most of the establishments TOI spoke to claim to have requisite permissions and said they will remain unaffected by the edict. "All the pools in DLF are run only after necessary permissions. The approvals are taken without fail," said Sudhir Kapoor, president of DLF City RWA.Authorities claim to have all the necessary permissions at the pools being run in clubs. "We can't run the pools without necessary permissions," said Rohit Malik, director (estate) of DLF Limited.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Admin-order-to-shut-illegal-swimming-pools/articleshow/34846659.cms
High & dry: Water supply to be disrupted today
BHOPAL: Water supply in several areas of the city would remain disrupted on Sunday and Monday due to repair works in Kolar water scheme pipeline.
On Sunday, morning water supply would be affected in E1-5 of Arera Colony, Railway Colony, Habibganj, Janta Quarters, Char Imli, Panchsheel Nagar and others.
Similarly, evening water supply would be affected in JP Nagar, PGBT College, Shahjehanabad, Chandbad, Arif Nagar, Ibrahimganj, Bhopal Memorial Hospital, Congress Nagar, Janta Quarters, Sai Baba Nagar......
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/High-dry-Water-supply-to-be-disrupted-today/articleshow/35277565.cms
On Sunday, morning water supply would be affected in E1-5 of Arera Colony, Railway Colony, Habibganj, Janta Quarters, Char Imli, Panchsheel Nagar and others.
Similarly, evening water supply would be affected in JP Nagar, PGBT College, Shahjehanabad, Chandbad, Arif Nagar, Ibrahimganj, Bhopal Memorial Hospital, Congress Nagar, Janta Quarters, Sai Baba Nagar......
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/High-dry-Water-supply-to-be-disrupted-today/articleshow/35277565.cms
Lose weight with water exercise
Working out and staying fit is a lifestyle many people desire, but many of them just find the environment of the gym intimidating and boring. An expert suggests that water exercises can be a nice variation to loose weight and stay active.
Cristiana Pipoli, aqua aerobics trainer at Jaypee Vasant Continental, feels that aqua aerobics can work wonders for those who do not believe in "working out" in the conventional way.
"This water workout reduces the weight of a person by up to 90 per cent, thus reducing the stress burden on your body's joints. The water also provides a natural resistance to your movements, making your aerobatics workout intense without you realising it. Aqua Aerobics also provides you with cardiovascular and strength training," Pipoli said in a statement.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Lose-weight-with-water-exercise/articleshow/34051623.cms
Cristiana Pipoli, aqua aerobics trainer at Jaypee Vasant Continental, feels that aqua aerobics can work wonders for those who do not believe in "working out" in the conventional way.
"This water workout reduces the weight of a person by up to 90 per cent, thus reducing the stress burden on your body's joints. The water also provides a natural resistance to your movements, making your aerobatics workout intense without you realising it. Aqua Aerobics also provides you with cardiovascular and strength training," Pipoli said in a statement.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Lose-weight-with-water-exercise/articleshow/34051623.cms
Two months on, water woes continue in city
AURANGABAD: Even as the country celebrates the new government, Devanagri residents are still going through tough times. Despite efforts, their plea for regular supply of drinking water from the AMC has fallen on deaf ears.
Since February, the water supply system of the entire city has collapsed. At that moment the AMC authorities had shifted the blame to the erratic power supply. "The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation's water distribution system cannot afford disruption in power supply or any technical glitches since it takes long time to restore the water supply to the city," AMC executive engineer Hemant Kolhe had said on March 18.
But even after two months, the supply system has not been regularised in the city. Recently when citizens of many parts complained of irregular water supply, the AMC authorities claimed that they had increased the quantity of water pumping from Jayakwadi reservoir.
"The AMC normally pumps 135-140 MLD water from the reservoir for the city. But due to summer the demand has risen and the AMC is now pumping 156 MLD water and is also recycling about 3 MLD water," Kolhe had said a fortnight back.
But citizens remain unfazed "It is a mystery that even after all efforts to pump extra water from the reservoir, the AMC is neither able to check water loss nor find any solution to tackle water crisis," said Sneha Naldurgkar, resident of Devanagri.
She said, "I have not been receiving drinking water from the last one month and nor has my neighbour. In spite of repeated pleas, ward corporator Sadhana Suradkar has failed to take concrete measures."
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Two-months-on-water-woes-continue-in-city/articleshow/35271953.cms
Since February, the water supply system of the entire city has collapsed. At that moment the AMC authorities had shifted the blame to the erratic power supply. "The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation's water distribution system cannot afford disruption in power supply or any technical glitches since it takes long time to restore the water supply to the city," AMC executive engineer Hemant Kolhe had said on March 18.
But even after two months, the supply system has not been regularised in the city. Recently when citizens of many parts complained of irregular water supply, the AMC authorities claimed that they had increased the quantity of water pumping from Jayakwadi reservoir.
"The AMC normally pumps 135-140 MLD water from the reservoir for the city. But due to summer the demand has risen and the AMC is now pumping 156 MLD water and is also recycling about 3 MLD water," Kolhe had said a fortnight back.
But citizens remain unfazed "It is a mystery that even after all efforts to pump extra water from the reservoir, the AMC is neither able to check water loss nor find any solution to tackle water crisis," said Sneha Naldurgkar, resident of Devanagri.
She said, "I have not been receiving drinking water from the last one month and nor has my neighbour. In spite of repeated pleas, ward corporator Sadhana Suradkar has failed to take concrete measures."
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Two-months-on-water-woes-continue-in-city/articleshow/35271953.cms
West Kochi's wait for water just got longer
KOCHI: After postponing the commissioning of 100 million litres a day (MLD) drinking water project many a time, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is now planning to commission the project with half its capacity. The KWA has decided to supply only 50 MLD after the railways failed to give permission to lay a pipeline under the road at the Aroor rail under bridge (RUB).
This would in turn affect residents of Kumbalanghi, Chellanam, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in west Kochi, the major beneficiaries of the project, who would now have to continue their wait for the essential supply. "We plan to commission the project by the month-end. We will first supplying water to Kumbalam panchayat and Maradu municipality," said R Jayachandran, executive engineer, KWA.
"We hope to supply to areas such as Kumbalanghi, Chellanam, and Mattancherry within three months after completing the laying of the pipeline under the road at Aroor RUB. We will then be able to supply to our 100 MLD capacity," he said.
"The railways has not yet given us the permission to lay the pipeline at Aroor RUB. We have to only lay about 40 metres of pipe under the road," Jayachandran said. The KWA has completed all work, including laying the pipeline along the 22-km stretch from Pazhoor near Muvattupuzha to Maradu and the construction of the treatment plant at Maradu.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/West-Kochis-wait-for-water-just-got-longer/articleshow/35179672.cms
This would in turn affect residents of Kumbalanghi, Chellanam, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in west Kochi, the major beneficiaries of the project, who would now have to continue their wait for the essential supply. "We plan to commission the project by the month-end. We will first supplying water to Kumbalam panchayat and Maradu municipality," said R Jayachandran, executive engineer, KWA.
"We hope to supply to areas such as Kumbalanghi, Chellanam, and Mattancherry within three months after completing the laying of the pipeline under the road at Aroor RUB. We will then be able to supply to our 100 MLD capacity," he said.
"The railways has not yet given us the permission to lay the pipeline at Aroor RUB. We have to only lay about 40 metres of pipe under the road," Jayachandran said. The KWA has completed all work, including laying the pipeline along the 22-km stretch from Pazhoor near Muvattupuzha to Maradu and the construction of the treatment plant at Maradu.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/West-Kochis-wait-for-water-just-got-longer/articleshow/35179672.cms
NMC notice to OCW over delays in water works
NAGPUR: Mayor Anil Sole has directed municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane to issue a show cause notice to Orange City Water for failing to start construction of a water tank in Killa area of Mahal. "Due to the delay, people in Mahal area are getting very low pressure supply," Sole said at Thursday's review meeting of Nagpur Environmental Services Limited, the special purpose vehicle formed to monitor city's ambitious 24X7 water project.
The meeting discussed various water related issues, like low pressure water supply in Central Nagpur due to disruption in valve operation at Boriyapura Main Feeder tank. Wardhane assured to convene a meeting of people's representatives and residents to speed up work of household connections in Central Nagpur. He also directed NESL to take action against OCW if it fails to ensure proper supply of water through tankers in network areas where water crisis is being reported.
Read More Here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NMC-notice-to-OCW-over-delays-in-water-works/articleshow/35176126.cms
The meeting discussed various water related issues, like low pressure water supply in Central Nagpur due to disruption in valve operation at Boriyapura Main Feeder tank. Wardhane assured to convene a meeting of people's representatives and residents to speed up work of household connections in Central Nagpur. He also directed NESL to take action against OCW if it fails to ensure proper supply of water through tankers in network areas where water crisis is being reported.
Read More Here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NMC-notice-to-OCW-over-delays-in-water-works/articleshow/35176126.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Water-woes-Only-36-tankers-for-932-villages/articleshow/35171789.cms
PUNE: Pimpri Chinchwad has over 4,200 unmetered water connections belonging to former corporators, educational institutions, cooperative banks, commercial establishments among others, stated the municipal corporation in response to a RTI query.
Social activist Vitthal Vinod had sought information about unmetered water connections and also the recovery of water tax in the past three years. Apart from the 4,200 unmetered residential connections, there are 94 unmetered commercial water connections in the city, Vinod said. He demanded that municipal commissioner Rajeev Jadhav take this up.
In Pimpri Chinchwad, there are a total of 1,39,421 water connections. The performance of the water supply department in recovering arrears and current demand has also been poor. The water tax dues have been going up every year.
City engineer MT Kamble pointed out that in 2007 under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the civic body had started installing water meters. "Over 1.4 lakh water meters were installed till 2010. But people complained of exorbitant bills and did not pay their bills due to which the collection of water tax was low initially. The civic body then implemented the amnesty scheme to reduce the grievances and encourage people to pay taxes. As a result the collection of water tax and recovery of arrears has increased significantly," he said.
He added that one and a half years around 22,000 water connections without meters found in the municipal limits. "We have installed water meters on 17,700 connections and started collecting water tax as per the meter readings. Now only around 4,200 unmetered connections are remaining where we will install water meters in the next three months and start collecting water tax," said Kamble.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/4200-unmetered-water-connections-in-PCMC/articleshow/35175640.cms
Social activist Vitthal Vinod had sought information about unmetered water connections and also the recovery of water tax in the past three years. Apart from the 4,200 unmetered residential connections, there are 94 unmetered commercial water connections in the city, Vinod said. He demanded that municipal commissioner Rajeev Jadhav take this up.
In Pimpri Chinchwad, there are a total of 1,39,421 water connections. The performance of the water supply department in recovering arrears and current demand has also been poor. The water tax dues have been going up every year.
City engineer MT Kamble pointed out that in 2007 under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the civic body had started installing water meters. "Over 1.4 lakh water meters were installed till 2010. But people complained of exorbitant bills and did not pay their bills due to which the collection of water tax was low initially. The civic body then implemented the amnesty scheme to reduce the grievances and encourage people to pay taxes. As a result the collection of water tax and recovery of arrears has increased significantly," he said.
He added that one and a half years around 22,000 water connections without meters found in the municipal limits. "We have installed water meters on 17,700 connections and started collecting water tax as per the meter readings. Now only around 4,200 unmetered connections are remaining where we will install water meters in the next three months and start collecting water tax," said Kamble.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/4200-unmetered-water-connections-in-PCMC/articleshow/35175640.cms
Traces of cyanide found in packaged drinking water
PUNE: Traces of cyanide, a powerful poison and chemical contaminant, have been found in packaged drinking water during a routine exercise of the Food and Drugs Administration to check samples. This is the first time cyanide has been found in packaged drinking water in the state.
The FDA had collected the samples from two plants located in Jalna and Parbhani districts. The samples were tested at FDA's referral laboratory that confirmed the presence of cyanide in unsafe proportion, following which the body filed an FIR against both the plant owners.
Officials said they will now move court against the plant owners for violating norms of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, there should be no trace of cyanide in packaged drinking water. Both the plants have been closed down after FDA issued temporary prohibitory orders.
The major source of cyanide in drinking water is discharge from industrial chemical factories. People who drink water containing cyanide for many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.
FDA officials had picked up samples of bottled water from the packaged water plant located in Ner village in Jalna district as part of a routine check. They sent the samples to Pune-based State Public Health Laboratory for testing, which found it unsafe for human consumption as it had rod-shaped bacteria called coliform in high proportion.
When the plant owner was informed about the negative test results, he rejected it and asked the officials to reconfirm the results with the government's referral laboratory in Ghaziabad. Officials then sent another bottled water sample drawn from the same plant in the prescribed format to this laboratory. The referral laboratory cited the presence of cyanide about a month and a half ago.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Traces-of-cyanide-found-in-packaged-drinking-water/articleshow/35175871.cms
The FDA had collected the samples from two plants located in Jalna and Parbhani districts. The samples were tested at FDA's referral laboratory that confirmed the presence of cyanide in unsafe proportion, following which the body filed an FIR against both the plant owners.
Officials said they will now move court against the plant owners for violating norms of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, there should be no trace of cyanide in packaged drinking water. Both the plants have been closed down after FDA issued temporary prohibitory orders.
The major source of cyanide in drinking water is discharge from industrial chemical factories. People who drink water containing cyanide for many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid.
FDA officials had picked up samples of bottled water from the packaged water plant located in Ner village in Jalna district as part of a routine check. They sent the samples to Pune-based State Public Health Laboratory for testing, which found it unsafe for human consumption as it had rod-shaped bacteria called coliform in high proportion.
When the plant owner was informed about the negative test results, he rejected it and asked the officials to reconfirm the results with the government's referral laboratory in Ghaziabad. Officials then sent another bottled water sample drawn from the same plant in the prescribed format to this laboratory. The referral laboratory cited the presence of cyanide about a month and a half ago.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Traces-of-cyanide-found-in-packaged-drinking-water/articleshow/35175871.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Water-woes-Only-36-tankers-for-932-villages/articleshow/35171789.cms
PUNE: Pimpri Chinchwad has over 4,200 unmetered water connections belonging to former corporators, educational institutions, cooperative banks, commercial establishments among others, stated the municipal corporation in response to a RTI query.
Social activist Vitthal Vinod had sought information about unmetered water connections and also the recovery of water tax in the past three years. Apart from the 4,200 unmetered residential connections, there are 94 unmetered commercial water connections in the city, Vinod said. He demanded that municipal commissioner Rajeev Jadhav take this up.
In Pimpri Chinchwad, there are a total of 1,39,421 water connections. The performance of the water supply department in recovering arrears and current demand has also been poor. The water tax dues have been going up every year.
City engineer MT Kamble pointed out that in 2007 under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the civic body had started installing water meters. "Over 1.4 lakh water meters were installed till 2010. But people complained of exorbitant bills and did not pay their bills due to which the collection of water tax was low initially. The civic body then implemented the amnesty scheme to reduce the grievances and encourage people to pay taxes. As a result the collection of water tax and recovery of arrears has increased significantly," he said.
He added that one and a half years around 22,000 water connections without meters found in the municipal limits. "We have installed water meters on 17,700 connections and started collecting water tax as per the meter readings. Now only around 4,200 unmetered connections are remaining where we will install water meters in the next three months and start collecting water tax," said Kamble.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/4200-unmetered-water-connections-in-PCMC/articleshow/35175640.cms
Social activist Vitthal Vinod had sought information about unmetered water connections and also the recovery of water tax in the past three years. Apart from the 4,200 unmetered residential connections, there are 94 unmetered commercial water connections in the city, Vinod said. He demanded that municipal commissioner Rajeev Jadhav take this up.
In Pimpri Chinchwad, there are a total of 1,39,421 water connections. The performance of the water supply department in recovering arrears and current demand has also been poor. The water tax dues have been going up every year.
City engineer MT Kamble pointed out that in 2007 under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the civic body had started installing water meters. "Over 1.4 lakh water meters were installed till 2010. But people complained of exorbitant bills and did not pay their bills due to which the collection of water tax was low initially. The civic body then implemented the amnesty scheme to reduce the grievances and encourage people to pay taxes. As a result the collection of water tax and recovery of arrears has increased significantly," he said.
He added that one and a half years around 22,000 water connections without meters found in the municipal limits. "We have installed water meters on 17,700 connections and started collecting water tax as per the meter readings. Now only around 4,200 unmetered connections are remaining where we will install water meters in the next three months and start collecting water tax," said Kamble.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/4200-unmetered-water-connections-in-PCMC/articleshow/35175640.cms
Water woes: Only 36 tankers for 932 villages
THANE: Water scarcity in rural areas of Thane district has become worse as the Thane zilla parishad administration has arranged for only 36 tankers which are able to supply drinking water to just 144 villages, out of 932. Shahpur taluka has been affected the most as 247 villages are facing water shortage.
As many as 35 villages and 109 tribal areas have been added to the list where potable water is being supplied. But many other villages are battling under water shortage problems. Besides tankers, water is supplied to some remote areas via bullock carts.
Although a remedial plan has been formulated by the administration, the ground reality is different. Villagers are upset with the entire mismanagement as they are facing tough times, especially because of the scorching heat. They feel that the administration must resolve the problem at the earliest.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Water-woes-Only-36-tankers-for-932-villages/articleshow/35171789.cms
As many as 35 villages and 109 tribal areas have been added to the list where potable water is being supplied. But many other villages are battling under water shortage problems. Besides tankers, water is supplied to some remote areas via bullock carts.
Although a remedial plan has been formulated by the administration, the ground reality is different. Villagers are upset with the entire mismanagement as they are facing tough times, especially because of the scorching heat. They feel that the administration must resolve the problem at the earliest.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Water-woes-Only-36-tankers-for-932-villages/articleshow/35171789.cms
Infected water giving rise to diarrhea cases in city
LUCKNOW: With the outset of summer, surge in cases of diarrhea has raised concern of authorities in the state capital. Within five days there were more than 100 cases reported of people suffering from diarrhea after consuming contaminated water.
Talking to TOI, medical superintendent of Sarojninagar community health center Dr A K Verma said "About 50 cases of diarrhea were reported on Tuesday from Rajnikhand of LDA colony, but as of now the situation is under control as we have treated every patient in the area and distributed chlorine tablets to every household."
"This sudden outbreak of diarrhea is the result of Jal Sansthan's sluggish approach towards and poor maintenance of drainage and water system," alleged Dr Verma.
Responding to the allegation of poor maintenance, an official of Jal sansthan of zone-5 said "there was breakage in one of the service lines and sewer water mixed with the supply water polluting it, but we repaired it on Sunday. We are always alert about wear and tear of water and sewer pipelines and it's only this time the situation got serious."
As per another report from a local health officer "at least five more cases of diarrhea were reported in Luv Kush area of Indira Nagar a couple of days back."
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Infected-water-giving-rise-to-diarrhea-cases-in-city/articleshow/35174992.cms
Talking to TOI, medical superintendent of Sarojninagar community health center Dr A K Verma said "About 50 cases of diarrhea were reported on Tuesday from Rajnikhand of LDA colony, but as of now the situation is under control as we have treated every patient in the area and distributed chlorine tablets to every household."
"This sudden outbreak of diarrhea is the result of Jal Sansthan's sluggish approach towards and poor maintenance of drainage and water system," alleged Dr Verma.
Responding to the allegation of poor maintenance, an official of Jal sansthan of zone-5 said "there was breakage in one of the service lines and sewer water mixed with the supply water polluting it, but we repaired it on Sunday. We are always alert about wear and tear of water and sewer pipelines and it's only this time the situation got serious."
As per another report from a local health officer "at least five more cases of diarrhea were reported in Luv Kush area of Indira Nagar a couple of days back."
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Infected-water-giving-rise-to-diarrhea-cases-in-city/articleshow/35174992.cms
Friday, 25 April 2014
Yavatmal district administration ready to tackle water shortage
YAVATMAL: Despite heavy rainfall in last monsoon, remote villages and high altitude areas in Yavatmal district are likely to face an acute drinking water shortage this summer. Considering this, the district administration is ready with a few measures. According to district collector Ashwin Mudgal, water tankers have already been deployed in three villages.
Mudgal told TOI that he has sanctioned seven short-term works for which Rs30 lakh has been given to Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran." He added that the fund would be utilized for removing topographic problems including repairing of defunct water supply schemes.
The city is supplied water from Nilona tank. Though the treatment plant's capacity is 7.5 lakh litres per day but it is treating only 3 lakh litres per day. "The filtration plant is not working to its full capacity due to water shortage," Mudgal said, adding that the administration has also sanctioned another scheme to lay pipeline between Nilona jackwell and the Chapdoh dam reservoir so that adequate water would be made available to the Nilona plant. "Another Rs30 lakh were sanctioned for this work," Mudgal said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Yavatmal-district-administration-ready-to-tackle-water-shortage/articleshow/34176873.cms
Mudgal told TOI that he has sanctioned seven short-term works for which Rs30 lakh has been given to Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran." He added that the fund would be utilized for removing topographic problems including repairing of defunct water supply schemes.
The city is supplied water from Nilona tank. Though the treatment plant's capacity is 7.5 lakh litres per day but it is treating only 3 lakh litres per day. "The filtration plant is not working to its full capacity due to water shortage," Mudgal said, adding that the administration has also sanctioned another scheme to lay pipeline between Nilona jackwell and the Chapdoh dam reservoir so that adequate water would be made available to the Nilona plant. "Another Rs30 lakh were sanctioned for this work," Mudgal said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Yavatmal-district-administration-ready-to-tackle-water-shortage/articleshow/34176873.cms
Heath sub-centres equipped sans power, water supply
KARAULI: A lot of efforts have been made to improve healthcare facilities in the rural areas, but most of the health sub-centres do not have proper water supply and electricity.
The sub-centres in the rural areas have facilities to help women give birth but there is no electricity and water supply, which leave the facility unused. One such sub-centre is at Mahmadpur. The sub-centre is located in Karauli district on the Sawai Madhopur-Karauli road catering to a population of more than 6,000 people. But it has no electricity and water supply.
Staff members including GNMs and ANMs have to collect water for drinking purposes from houses in the nearby areas. "We have a labour table and other facilities for delivery and there is a trained ANM in the maternal care," said Nand Kishore, a GNM of the sub-centre.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Heath-sub-centres-equipped-sans-power-water-supply/articleshow/34175747.cms
The sub-centres in the rural areas have facilities to help women give birth but there is no electricity and water supply, which leave the facility unused. One such sub-centre is at Mahmadpur. The sub-centre is located in Karauli district on the Sawai Madhopur-Karauli road catering to a population of more than 6,000 people. But it has no electricity and water supply.
Staff members including GNMs and ANMs have to collect water for drinking purposes from houses in the nearby areas. "We have a labour table and other facilities for delivery and there is a trained ANM in the maternal care," said Nand Kishore, a GNM of the sub-centre.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Heath-sub-centres-equipped-sans-power-water-supply/articleshow/34175747.cms
Forest fire hits water supply in Itanagar
ITANAGAR: A massive forest fire suspected to have been caused by miscreants or illegal timber dealers has disrupted water supply to the state capital.
The fire in the Mopung Mike Hills on Sunday caused severe damage to Itanagar's main water supply line that provides 11 MLD potable water daily to the water treatment plant at Gekar Putung, Itanagar public health engineering and water supply division executive engineer Tadar Mangku said here on Thursday.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Forest-fire-hits-water-supply-in-Itanagar/articleshow/34171065.cms
The fire in the Mopung Mike Hills on Sunday caused severe damage to Itanagar's main water supply line that provides 11 MLD potable water daily to the water treatment plant at Gekar Putung, Itanagar public health engineering and water supply division executive engineer Tadar Mangku said here on Thursday.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Forest-fire-hits-water-supply-in-Itanagar/articleshow/34171065.cms
18 villages and colonies will get canal water
CHANDIGARH: Following a detailed study of areas in the city, the municipal corporation's engineering wing has resolved to supply Kajauli canal water to over one-and-a-half dozen villages and colonies having a population between 1.5 and 2 lakh. The study suggested that direct canal supply would be a better means to balance the existing water supply in these areas.
Following its study report, MC has proposed to connect Dhanas village, Sarangpur adjoining colonies, institutional areas with the existing water works situated in Sector 39. Village Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu have been proposed to be connected to the water works, situated in Sector 12. Village Khuda Ali Sher and Kamibwala have been proposed to be connected with the existing distribution line near capitol complex.
The report further proposed connecting villages Kishangarh and IT Park with the existing main line near IT Park, and village Raipur Kalan, Mauli Jagran and adjoining colonies with water works situated in Manimajra area. Lastly, Makhan Majra, Raipu Khurd, Behlana would be connected with water works situated in Sector 32.
Read More Here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/18-villages-and-colonies-will-get-canal-water/articleshow/34169966.cms
Following its study report, MC has proposed to connect Dhanas village, Sarangpur adjoining colonies, institutional areas with the existing water works situated in Sector 39. Village Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu have been proposed to be connected to the water works, situated in Sector 12. Village Khuda Ali Sher and Kamibwala have been proposed to be connected with the existing distribution line near capitol complex.
The report further proposed connecting villages Kishangarh and IT Park with the existing main line near IT Park, and village Raipur Kalan, Mauli Jagran and adjoining colonies with water works situated in Manimajra area. Lastly, Makhan Majra, Raipu Khurd, Behlana would be connected with water works situated in Sector 32.
Read More Here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/18-villages-and-colonies-will-get-canal-water/articleshow/34169966.cms
Water supply schedule on DJB website
NEW DELHI: Now, residents can log on to Delhi Jal Board's website to know what time water is supplied in their area. In a bid to streamline the water distribution system in the capital, DJB has uploaded the water supply schedule on its website, and has also uploaded numbers of officials concerned.
"This will help in quick redressal of water and sewerage related complaints and will also bring transparency in the water distribution system," a DJB official said.
New Delhi: Now, you can just log on to Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) website to know the timing of water supply in your area. In a bid to streamline the water distribution system in the city, the DJB has uploaded the schedule of timing of water supply in different zones on its website.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Water-supply-schedule-on-DJB-website/articleshow/34169384.cms
"This will help in quick redressal of water and sewerage related complaints and will also bring transparency in the water distribution system," a DJB official said.
New Delhi: Now, you can just log on to Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) website to know the timing of water supply in your area. In a bid to streamline the water distribution system in the city, the DJB has uploaded the schedule of timing of water supply in different zones on its website.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Water-supply-schedule-on-DJB-website/articleshow/34169384.cms
Lose weight with water exercise
Working out and staying fit is a lifestyle many people desire, but many of them just find the environment of the gym intimidating and boring. An expert suggests that water exercises can be a nice variation to loose weight and stay active.
Cristiana Pipoli, aqua aerobics trainer at Jaypee Vasant Continental, feels that aqua aerobics can work wonders for those who do not believe in "working out" in the conventional way.
"This water workout reduces the weight of a person by up to 90 per cent, thus reducing the stress burden on your body's joints. The water also provides a natural resistance to your movements, making your aerobatics workout intense without you realising it. Aqua Aerobics also provides you with cardiovascular and strength training," Pipoli said in a statement.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Lose-weight-with-water-exercise/articleshow/34051623.cms
Cristiana Pipoli, aqua aerobics trainer at Jaypee Vasant Continental, feels that aqua aerobics can work wonders for those who do not believe in "working out" in the conventional way.
"This water workout reduces the weight of a person by up to 90 per cent, thus reducing the stress burden on your body's joints. The water also provides a natural resistance to your movements, making your aerobatics workout intense without you realising it. Aqua Aerobics also provides you with cardiovascular and strength training," Pipoli said in a statement.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Lose-weight-with-water-exercise/articleshow/34051623.cms
Pope in hot water over 'personal' phone calls
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis's habit of picking up the phone and cold calling people who write to him is landing the Vatican in hot water and spokesman Federico Lombardi has had enough.
Lombardi said on Thursday the calls were part of the pope's "personal pastoral relationships" and "do not in any way form a part of the pope's public activities".
The spokesman said media reports about the phone calls have been "a source of misunderstanding and confusion".
"Consequences relating to the teaching of the Church are not to be inferred from these occurrences," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Pope-in-hot-water-over-personal-phone-calls/articleshow/34167132.cms
Lombardi said on Thursday the calls were part of the pope's "personal pastoral relationships" and "do not in any way form a part of the pope's public activities".
The spokesman said media reports about the phone calls have been "a source of misunderstanding and confusion".
"Consequences relating to the teaching of the Church are not to be inferred from these occurrences," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Pope-in-hot-water-over-personal-phone-calls/articleshow/34167132.cms
Allahabad high court orders inquiry into underground water crisis
ALLAHABAD: Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking preservation of underground water and implementation of the rainwater harvesting system, the Allahabad high court on Wednesday directed the district magistrate, Allahabad and vice chairman of Allahabad Development Authority to set up an inquiry committee and submit a report before the court on May 28. The committee will submit a report on the underground water crisis at Allahabad and also the implementation of rainwater harvesting system.
The above order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Dilip Gupta and Justice Suneet Kumar on a PIL filed by the team of law interns working with the Human Rights Law Network, Allahabad Adarsh Srivastava and others.
The petitioners' counsel Smriti Kartikeya assisted by Vishal Kashyap argued that underground water is fast going down in the city and as a result, there is going to be a serious problem of underground water in the city in future.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Allahabad-high-court-orders-inquiry-into-underground-water-crisis/articleshow/34148071.cms
The above order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Dilip Gupta and Justice Suneet Kumar on a PIL filed by the team of law interns working with the Human Rights Law Network, Allahabad Adarsh Srivastava and others.
The petitioners' counsel Smriti Kartikeya assisted by Vishal Kashyap argued that underground water is fast going down in the city and as a result, there is going to be a serious problem of underground water in the city in future.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Allahabad-high-court-orders-inquiry-into-underground-water-crisis/articleshow/34148071.cms
Severe water crisis grips Imphal
drying up owing to scanty rainfall, Imphal valley is witnessing a mad rush for potable water even as the government is contemplating pumping water from the Loktak lake in Bishnupur district to combat the growing crisis.
Water levels in Singda dam, Imphal and Iril rivers, which provide drinking water to the state capital after being routed through several treatment plants, have drastically decreased, compelling the state public health engineering department (PHED) to cut down on the normal supply rate of drinking water.
Imphal residents are coughing up Rs 1,000 for 5,000 litres of water from private suppliers. Despite paying such exorbitant rates, residents are being forced to wait for a couple of days for the water to reach them, with demand overtaking supply.
"After waiting for two days, I purchased 5,000 litres of water from a private supplier today. But this will last only for a week and I have already booked for the next delivery," said SG Sharma, an Imphal resident on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Rs 1,000 would have fetched 12,000 litres of water, he added.
Doubts remain about the quality of water being sold by private companies as no government agency has checked whether it is suitable for human consumption.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Severe-water-crisis-grips-Imphal/articleshow/34144729.cms
Water levels in Singda dam, Imphal and Iril rivers, which provide drinking water to the state capital after being routed through several treatment plants, have drastically decreased, compelling the state public health engineering department (PHED) to cut down on the normal supply rate of drinking water.
Imphal residents are coughing up Rs 1,000 for 5,000 litres of water from private suppliers. Despite paying such exorbitant rates, residents are being forced to wait for a couple of days for the water to reach them, with demand overtaking supply.
"After waiting for two days, I purchased 5,000 litres of water from a private supplier today. But this will last only for a week and I have already booked for the next delivery," said SG Sharma, an Imphal resident on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Rs 1,000 would have fetched 12,000 litres of water, he added.
Doubts remain about the quality of water being sold by private companies as no government agency has checked whether it is suitable for human consumption.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Severe-water-crisis-grips-Imphal/articleshow/34144729.cms
On Bangalore outskirts, water price doubles
BANGALORE: Water is GS Ramanna's biggest headache. The 65-year-old resident of Sidedahalli, north-west Bangalore, buys water from private operators who supply through tankers. Ramanna's water bill has doubled in the past 12 months. He paid Rs 250-300 for a tankerful of water, about 4,000 litres, last year; he shells out Rs 600 now. And summer demand will push prices higher.
Ramanna says: "Cauvery water is still a distant dream. The groundwater level has fallen to 1,100 feet. Those who dig borewells get contaminated water. Supply through BWSSB tankers is just once a week."
Amrutha G Katte of Channasandra in the Mahadevapura zone says residents depend on private tankers despite exorbitant rates. "Those who can't afford tankers buy water in pots. A pot costs Rs 3-5. We are in no man's land. While erstwhile panchayat representatives are not bothered because we are not their voters, the corporators are yet to connect with our problems. We don't come under the erstwhile CMCs either."
Private suppliers have jacked up rates because the demand is high. Ramesh S of Siddalingeshwara Water Supply in the Byatarayanapura zone says: "If the destination is close by, we charge Rs 350-400. As the distance increases, the rate goes up."
The 110 villages (covering 225 sqkm) added to Greater Bangalore are spread across different zones: Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura, Byatarayanapura, Rajarajeshwarinagar and Dasarahalli. The IT City tag holds no meaning for them because they lack one of the most basic facilities.
Of the 490 borewells maintained by the BWSSB, 169 have been declared contaminated; the level of dissolved solids in them has crossed the permissible 500 mg/litre. Eighty other borewells are defunct. Water from the remaining 241 borewells is just not enough.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/On-Bangalore-outskirts-water-price-doubles/articleshow/34132760.cms
Ramanna says: "Cauvery water is still a distant dream. The groundwater level has fallen to 1,100 feet. Those who dig borewells get contaminated water. Supply through BWSSB tankers is just once a week."
Amrutha G Katte of Channasandra in the Mahadevapura zone says residents depend on private tankers despite exorbitant rates. "Those who can't afford tankers buy water in pots. A pot costs Rs 3-5. We are in no man's land. While erstwhile panchayat representatives are not bothered because we are not their voters, the corporators are yet to connect with our problems. We don't come under the erstwhile CMCs either."
Private suppliers have jacked up rates because the demand is high. Ramesh S of Siddalingeshwara Water Supply in the Byatarayanapura zone says: "If the destination is close by, we charge Rs 350-400. As the distance increases, the rate goes up."
The 110 villages (covering 225 sqkm) added to Greater Bangalore are spread across different zones: Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura, Byatarayanapura, Rajarajeshwarinagar and Dasarahalli. The IT City tag holds no meaning for them because they lack one of the most basic facilities.
Of the 490 borewells maintained by the BWSSB, 169 have been declared contaminated; the level of dissolved solids in them has crossed the permissible 500 mg/litre. Eighty other borewells are defunct. Water from the remaining 241 borewells is just not enough.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/On-Bangalore-outskirts-water-price-doubles/articleshow/34132760.cms
Saturday, 12 April 2014
New technique converts astronaut pee into fuel, drinking water
LONDON: Researchers are developing a technique that can convert human waste aboard space stations into fuel and much-needed drinking water that would otherwise have to be delivered from earth at a tremendous cost. Space organisations have been pondering over the challenge of what to do with astronaut pee, other than ejecting it into space.
Researchers Eduardo Nicolau and Carlos Cabrera from the University of Puerto Rico and NASA'S Ames Research Centre point out that human waste on long-term journeys into space makes up about half of a mission's total waste. Recycling it is critical to keeping a clean environment for astronauts, especially when onboard water supplies run low.
Previous research has shown a wastewater treatment process called forward osmosis in combination with a fuel cell can generate power. Nicolau's team decided to build on these initial findings to meet the challenges of dealing with urine in space. They collected urine and shower wastewater and processed it using forward osmosis, a way to filter contaminants from urea, a major component of urine and water.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/New-technique-converts-astronaut-pee-into-fuel-drinking-water/articleshow/33581681.cms
Researchers Eduardo Nicolau and Carlos Cabrera from the University of Puerto Rico and NASA'S Ames Research Centre point out that human waste on long-term journeys into space makes up about half of a mission's total waste. Recycling it is critical to keeping a clean environment for astronauts, especially when onboard water supplies run low.
Previous research has shown a wastewater treatment process called forward osmosis in combination with a fuel cell can generate power. Nicolau's team decided to build on these initial findings to meet the challenges of dealing with urine in space. They collected urine and shower wastewater and processed it using forward osmosis, a way to filter contaminants from urea, a major component of urine and water.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/New-technique-converts-astronaut-pee-into-fuel-drinking-water/articleshow/33581681.cms
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Moon may not have much water
LOS ANGELES: The amount of water present on the Moon may have been overestimated by scientists studying the lunar rock samples, a new study has claimed.
Researchers led by Jeremy Boyce from the University of California - Los Angeles created a computer model to accurately predict how mineral apatite would have crystallized from cooling bodies of lunar magma early in the Moon's history.
Their simulations showed that the unusually hydrogen-rich apatite crystals observed in many lunar rock samples may not have formed within a water-rich environment, as was originally expected.
This discovery has overturned the long-held assumption that the hydrogen in apatite is a good indicator of overall lunar water content.
"The mineral apatite is the most widely used method for estimating the amount of water in lunar rocks, but it cannot be trusted," said Boyce.
"Our new results show that there is not as much water in lunar magma as apatite would have us believe," said Boyce.
For decades, scientists believed the Moon was almost entirely devoid of water.
However, the discovery of hydrogen-rich apatite within lunar rocks in 2010 seemed to hint at a more watery past.
Scientists originally assumed that information obtained from a small sample of apatite could predict the original water content of a large body of magma, or even the entire Moon, but Boyce's study indicates that apatite may, in fact, be deceptive.
Boyce believes the high water content within lunar apatite results from a quirk in the crystallisation process rather than a water-rich lunar environment.
When water is present as molten rock cools, apatite can form by incorporating hydrogen atoms into its crystal structure.
However, hydrogen will be included in the newly crystallising mineral only if apatite's preferred building blocks, fluorine and chlorine, have been mostly exhausted.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Moon-may-not-have-much-water/articleshow/33140979.cms
Researchers led by Jeremy Boyce from the University of California - Los Angeles created a computer model to accurately predict how mineral apatite would have crystallized from cooling bodies of lunar magma early in the Moon's history.
Their simulations showed that the unusually hydrogen-rich apatite crystals observed in many lunar rock samples may not have formed within a water-rich environment, as was originally expected.
This discovery has overturned the long-held assumption that the hydrogen in apatite is a good indicator of overall lunar water content.
"The mineral apatite is the most widely used method for estimating the amount of water in lunar rocks, but it cannot be trusted," said Boyce.
"Our new results show that there is not as much water in lunar magma as apatite would have us believe," said Boyce.
For decades, scientists believed the Moon was almost entirely devoid of water.
However, the discovery of hydrogen-rich apatite within lunar rocks in 2010 seemed to hint at a more watery past.
Scientists originally assumed that information obtained from a small sample of apatite could predict the original water content of a large body of magma, or even the entire Moon, but Boyce's study indicates that apatite may, in fact, be deceptive.
Boyce believes the high water content within lunar apatite results from a quirk in the crystallisation process rather than a water-rich lunar environment.
When water is present as molten rock cools, apatite can form by incorporating hydrogen atoms into its crystal structure.
However, hydrogen will be included in the newly crystallising mineral only if apatite's preferred building blocks, fluorine and chlorine, have been mostly exhausted.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Moon-may-not-have-much-water/articleshow/33140979.cms
Civic body to promote rain water harvesting
AURANGABAD: The civic body on Tuesday said it would conduct regular seminars in the city to motivate people to adopt rain water harvesting. City engineer Sakhram Panzade said such seminars would encourage people to go for it and eventually increase the ground water level in the water-starved region.
The civic body has not yet finalized schedule for the seminars, but said that it would be done very soon. "We will organise it for the builders, architects, plumbers and general masses. Experts in the field will guide the participants. Besides, the AMC engineers will also elaborate on the topic and promote the concept," Panzade said.
He said the civic body is also encouraging people for rain water harvesting by way of offering special concessions in tax payment. People going for it can claim rebate of 5% on general tax, a sub-head in the civic body's property tax format.
Nearly 8,000 properties in the city have opted for rain water harvesting so far. However, sources said that very few of them have claimed the rebate. "The AMC offers only one time rebate in property tax. Moreover, it is very a small amount and hence, most of the people do not claim it," sources said.
However, Panzade said focusing on new properties alone would not yield positive results. "There are more than 1.87 lakh property owners in the city and there is need to create awareness among them," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Civic-body-to-promote-rain-water-harvesting/articleshow/33095514.cms
The civic body has not yet finalized schedule for the seminars, but said that it would be done very soon. "We will organise it for the builders, architects, plumbers and general masses. Experts in the field will guide the participants. Besides, the AMC engineers will also elaborate on the topic and promote the concept," Panzade said.
He said the civic body is also encouraging people for rain water harvesting by way of offering special concessions in tax payment. People going for it can claim rebate of 5% on general tax, a sub-head in the civic body's property tax format.
Nearly 8,000 properties in the city have opted for rain water harvesting so far. However, sources said that very few of them have claimed the rebate. "The AMC offers only one time rebate in property tax. Moreover, it is very a small amount and hence, most of the people do not claim it," sources said.
However, Panzade said focusing on new properties alone would not yield positive results. "There are more than 1.87 lakh property owners in the city and there is need to create awareness among them," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Civic-body-to-promote-rain-water-harvesting/articleshow/33095514.cms
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Finally, work begins on phase-II of Common Effluent Treatment Plant
AURANGABAD: The much-awaited work of the second phase of conveyance system for carrying the effluent from individual industry to Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) facility in MIDC area at Waluj has finally started. The Rs 9-crore project, which was supposed to be completed in December 2011, will connect around 125 industries in Waluj.
Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) executive engineer Rajendra Gawde said, "The phase-II project having a capacity of 5 MLD includes construction of four effluent water tanks and laying of a pipeline. The project would cover about 80% of the Waluj industrial belt."
He said, "Four tanks for collection of effluent would be constructed bearing 600 cubic metre capacity each. A 23-km pipeline would be laid to which about 125 industries would be connected. We are aiming to complete the work of critical components before monsoon and the deadline to complete the entire work is within 18 months."
Sources said that about 1,200 industries exist in the Waluj industrial belt generating around 10 MLD effluent every day. The first phase of CETP, which was functional in 2011, is also under-utilised. "The capacity of phase-I CETP facility is 5 MLD," said authorities of the Waluj Industries Association (WIA).
They said that the plant is receiving only 1.5 to 2 MLD effluent. At present, the industries are supplied with 22 MLD water. About 50% is used as raw material and the rest is used for domestic purpose.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Finally-work-begins-on-phase-II-of-Common-Effluent-Treatment-Plant/articleshow/31810458.cms
Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) executive engineer Rajendra Gawde said, "The phase-II project having a capacity of 5 MLD includes construction of four effluent water tanks and laying of a pipeline. The project would cover about 80% of the Waluj industrial belt."
He said, "Four tanks for collection of effluent would be constructed bearing 600 cubic metre capacity each. A 23-km pipeline would be laid to which about 125 industries would be connected. We are aiming to complete the work of critical components before monsoon and the deadline to complete the entire work is within 18 months."
Sources said that about 1,200 industries exist in the Waluj industrial belt generating around 10 MLD effluent every day. The first phase of CETP, which was functional in 2011, is also under-utilised. "The capacity of phase-I CETP facility is 5 MLD," said authorities of the Waluj Industries Association (WIA).
They said that the plant is receiving only 1.5 to 2 MLD effluent. At present, the industries are supplied with 22 MLD water. About 50% is used as raw material and the rest is used for domestic purpose.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Finally-work-begins-on-phase-II-of-Common-Effluent-Treatment-Plant/articleshow/31810458.cms
TNAU denies discharging effluents, PCB to detect nature of pollution
COIMBATORE: Officials from Pollution Control Board and TNAU took samples of sewage water and soil from the open canal at Gokulam Colony at PN Pudur in the city on Saturday to detect the nature of the pollution and the origin of the stench that caused panic in the area on Friday.
They are yet to ascertain the origin of chemical pollution. "We have taken sewage water and soil samples from the canal. It will be tested at our laboratory and the result will be known in four days. There are no chemical-related factories and we are trying to understand the nature of pollution," said K Ravichandran, district environmental engineer, TNPCB, Coimbatore. He added that some unidentified persons might have dumped chemicals in the canal in Gokulam Colony area.
TNAU officials denied the allegations that effluents were released from the varsity campus. "There is no possibility of the effluents coming from the varsity," said K Ramasamy, vice-chancellor, TNAU. At the same time, they have taken the samples of water and soil from the place. The results of the test will be released in a few days, he added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/TNAU-denies-discharging-effluents-PCB-to-detect-nature-of-pollution/articleshow/31700547.cms
They are yet to ascertain the origin of chemical pollution. "We have taken sewage water and soil samples from the canal. It will be tested at our laboratory and the result will be known in four days. There are no chemical-related factories and we are trying to understand the nature of pollution," said K Ravichandran, district environmental engineer, TNPCB, Coimbatore. He added that some unidentified persons might have dumped chemicals in the canal in Gokulam Colony area.
TNAU officials denied the allegations that effluents were released from the varsity campus. "There is no possibility of the effluents coming from the varsity," said K Ramasamy, vice-chancellor, TNAU. At the same time, they have taken the samples of water and soil from the place. The results of the test will be released in a few days, he added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/TNAU-denies-discharging-effluents-PCB-to-detect-nature-of-pollution/articleshow/31700547.cms
Safe or unsafe water?
Tucked away in nature's lap, Uguem, a small village housing South Goa's lifeline, Selaulim dam, should have been a paradise in the hinterland. Lying in the foothills of the verdant Sahyadri range, the village has been devastated by mining activities in the past and now industrial activity is polluting its main water source.
Uguem panchayat is surrounded by Bhati panchayat on the eastern side, Sanguem municipality from the western side, Calem panchayat from the northern side and Rivona panchayat from the southern side.
Selaulim water reservoir supplies water for drinking as well as for irrigation projects in major talukas of South Goa. This was achieved by the state's biggest irrigation project which was estimated to cost Rs 8.5 crore in 1970s, but shot up to Rs 153 crore when it was completed. The serene surroundings of the dam in the village with a population of 4,812 in the seven-member panchayat attracts visitors from other parts of the state and tourists, but undesired development is affecting its natural resources.
The famous dam and the botanical garden nearby attracts thousands of tourists and rakes in revenue for the government, but Uguem panchayat is not receiving even a few rupees from this source. The collection of entry ticket fees is taken by the forest department. The only income Uguem panchayat can rely on is around Rs 50,000 from house tax collections.
The Selaulim dam has four big water treatment plants atop the hill on the south-western side of the dam atop the hill. Water is being chemically treated in these reservoirs and the water get filtered and goes in the reservoir tank for distribution. It supplies drinking water to places as far as Cavelossim in Salcete and Vasco in Mormugao taluka and other surrounding areas.
All the four treatment plants have a diameter of around 70m. But what shocks residents is the apathy and disinterest shown for many years by the local bodies, pollution control board and the state government to the presence of an ore processing steel plant in the close proximity of the treatment plant. "The plant is barely 150m away and is polluting the drinking water teatment plant, reservoirs and the surrounding area with hazardous gas," a local resident alleged.
Francis Carvalho a social activist and president of 'Farmers Club- Uguem' said that the ore-processing steel plant is not more than 200m from the main Selaulim water treatment plant and reservoirs. "Due to the pollution done by this factory, the drinking water from the reservoirs gets contaminated with dust and hazardous gas pollution. Major part of South Goa which connects to the Selaulim drinking water pipeline gets polluted water because of the factory's pollution," Carvalho stated.
"I have raised this issue in many gram sabhas, even the panchayat had taken a resolution which I proposed and sent to the pollution control board to take necessary action against the factory owner. Pollution control board failed to do the inspection till date," stated Carvalho.
Another resident John Sequeira from Uguem said that people of Uguem and Sanguem town came onto the streets and several morchas were staged at Sanguem bus stand in protest against the factory polluting drinking water reservoirs. "The previous panchayat members including the sarpanch lent support to the people's agitation, even the then parish priest of Sanguem church joined hands with the agitators against the rampant pollution done by the factory," stated Sequeira.
"Why is the mines department numb on this issue? How can the pollution control board give no objection clearance to this factory when the reservoirs are located at mere distance of 200m," asked Carvalho.
Diogo Fernandes, a farmer from Uguem, said that the government must come up with a solution to solve this problem. A major part of South Goa is being affected by the pollution from the factory. "I had opposed this pollution issue several times during gram sabhas but no action has been initiated yet. How can Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) allow a factory near Selaulim dam," said Fernandes.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Safe-or-unsafe-water/articleshow/33038925.cms
Uguem panchayat is surrounded by Bhati panchayat on the eastern side, Sanguem municipality from the western side, Calem panchayat from the northern side and Rivona panchayat from the southern side.
Selaulim water reservoir supplies water for drinking as well as for irrigation projects in major talukas of South Goa. This was achieved by the state's biggest irrigation project which was estimated to cost Rs 8.5 crore in 1970s, but shot up to Rs 153 crore when it was completed. The serene surroundings of the dam in the village with a population of 4,812 in the seven-member panchayat attracts visitors from other parts of the state and tourists, but undesired development is affecting its natural resources.
The famous dam and the botanical garden nearby attracts thousands of tourists and rakes in revenue for the government, but Uguem panchayat is not receiving even a few rupees from this source. The collection of entry ticket fees is taken by the forest department. The only income Uguem panchayat can rely on is around Rs 50,000 from house tax collections.
The Selaulim dam has four big water treatment plants atop the hill on the south-western side of the dam atop the hill. Water is being chemically treated in these reservoirs and the water get filtered and goes in the reservoir tank for distribution. It supplies drinking water to places as far as Cavelossim in Salcete and Vasco in Mormugao taluka and other surrounding areas.
All the four treatment plants have a diameter of around 70m. But what shocks residents is the apathy and disinterest shown for many years by the local bodies, pollution control board and the state government to the presence of an ore processing steel plant in the close proximity of the treatment plant. "The plant is barely 150m away and is polluting the drinking water teatment plant, reservoirs and the surrounding area with hazardous gas," a local resident alleged.
Francis Carvalho a social activist and president of 'Farmers Club- Uguem' said that the ore-processing steel plant is not more than 200m from the main Selaulim water treatment plant and reservoirs. "Due to the pollution done by this factory, the drinking water from the reservoirs gets contaminated with dust and hazardous gas pollution. Major part of South Goa which connects to the Selaulim drinking water pipeline gets polluted water because of the factory's pollution," Carvalho stated.
"I have raised this issue in many gram sabhas, even the panchayat had taken a resolution which I proposed and sent to the pollution control board to take necessary action against the factory owner. Pollution control board failed to do the inspection till date," stated Carvalho.
Another resident John Sequeira from Uguem said that people of Uguem and Sanguem town came onto the streets and several morchas were staged at Sanguem bus stand in protest against the factory polluting drinking water reservoirs. "The previous panchayat members including the sarpanch lent support to the people's agitation, even the then parish priest of Sanguem church joined hands with the agitators against the rampant pollution done by the factory," stated Sequeira.
"Why is the mines department numb on this issue? How can the pollution control board give no objection clearance to this factory when the reservoirs are located at mere distance of 200m," asked Carvalho.
Diogo Fernandes, a farmer from Uguem, said that the government must come up with a solution to solve this problem. A major part of South Goa is being affected by the pollution from the factory. "I had opposed this pollution issue several times during gram sabhas but no action has been initiated yet. How can Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) allow a factory near Selaulim dam," said Fernandes.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Safe-or-unsafe-water/articleshow/33038925.cms
Water costlier from today
NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has announced a 5% increase in water tariff from April 1. The tariff has now gone up by 20% in the last four years. TOI was the first to report about the expected hike on March 31.
The water tariff has increased to Rs 6.07 per unit/1,000 litres for residential consumers. The rate will be applicable for consumption up to 20 units. The tariff will steeply increase to Rs 9.73 per unit for water consumption up to 30 units. The new tariff would be Rs 17.37 per unit to Rs 23.15 per unit for commercial consumers.
"There is a huge gap between the expense and revenue in water works. NMC is supplying 600 million litres per day (MLD) but billing stands below 250 MLD. Reducing losses is a solution but we need to ensure meters in all houses. Around 6 lakh families reside in the city but there are only 1.80L with water connections. Besides, the payment to private water operator Orange City Water Private Limited (OCW) has to be made according to contract conditions," said municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane justifying the hike.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Water-costlier-from-today/articleshow/33038361.cms
The water tariff has increased to Rs 6.07 per unit/1,000 litres for residential consumers. The rate will be applicable for consumption up to 20 units. The tariff will steeply increase to Rs 9.73 per unit for water consumption up to 30 units. The new tariff would be Rs 17.37 per unit to Rs 23.15 per unit for commercial consumers.
"There is a huge gap between the expense and revenue in water works. NMC is supplying 600 million litres per day (MLD) but billing stands below 250 MLD. Reducing losses is a solution but we need to ensure meters in all houses. Around 6 lakh families reside in the city but there are only 1.80L with water connections. Besides, the payment to private water operator Orange City Water Private Limited (OCW) has to be made according to contract conditions," said municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane justifying the hike.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Water-costlier-from-today/articleshow/33038361.cms
Monday, 31 March 2014
Water tariff to increase to Rs 6 per unit tomorrow
NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to hike the water tariff to Rs 6.07 per unit from April 1. This would be the fourth consecutive year when water tariff is hiked. The civic body is increasing the tariff every year since it is paying high rates to private water operator Orange City Water Private Limited (OCW).
The proposal to hike the water tariff has nothing to do with raw water cost or the power tariff, say sources. If any of these costs go up, NMC revises the water tariff immediately in the next quarter. The citizens will have to bear higher tariff in case there is a revision in raw water and power tariff in 2014-15 beginning from April 1.
The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) has already kicked off the process to hike raw water tariff and a decision likely in the coming days. Besides, power tariff hike also cannot be ruled out.
The NMC water works department proposed a 5% increase in water tariff on Saturday. The existing tariff is Rs 5.79 per unit/1,000 litres and this will increase to Rs 6.07. The rate will be applicable for consumption up to 20 units. The tariff will steeply increase to Rs 9.73 per unit for water consumption up to 30 units followed by Rs 13.37 per unit up to 80 units and Rs 18.23 per unit for over 80 units.
NMC sources told TOI the accounts and finance department approved the proposal and sent it back to the water works department. Now, the department will submit the proposal to municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane for approval followed by implementation of new tariff.
According to the NMC data, the civic body used to bill less than 190 million litres per day (MLD) in 2010-11. However, NMC agreed to pay OCW for 250 MLD water. Also, the water tariff was Rs 5 per unit but NMC agreed to pay Rs 7.90 per unit to OCW.
To cope with the high rate promised to OCW, NMC hiked the water tariff to Rs 8 per unit in 2009-10. But the BJP-ruled civic body had to reduce the tariff to Rs 5 per unit following strong opposition from various organizations and citizens. While bringing down the tariff, a resolution was passed to give powers to the civic chief to hike the tariff by 5%, if required, every year. Since then, water tariff has been hiked 5% every year.
Unfortunately, NMC has been unable to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure by increasing the billing and reducing high water losses. Instead, the losses have only increased in the last two years under the private operator.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Water-tariff-to-increase-to-Rs-6-per-unit-tomorrow/articleshow/32991370.cms
The proposal to hike the water tariff has nothing to do with raw water cost or the power tariff, say sources. If any of these costs go up, NMC revises the water tariff immediately in the next quarter. The citizens will have to bear higher tariff in case there is a revision in raw water and power tariff in 2014-15 beginning from April 1.
The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) has already kicked off the process to hike raw water tariff and a decision likely in the coming days. Besides, power tariff hike also cannot be ruled out.
The NMC water works department proposed a 5% increase in water tariff on Saturday. The existing tariff is Rs 5.79 per unit/1,000 litres and this will increase to Rs 6.07. The rate will be applicable for consumption up to 20 units. The tariff will steeply increase to Rs 9.73 per unit for water consumption up to 30 units followed by Rs 13.37 per unit up to 80 units and Rs 18.23 per unit for over 80 units.
NMC sources told TOI the accounts and finance department approved the proposal and sent it back to the water works department. Now, the department will submit the proposal to municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane for approval followed by implementation of new tariff.
According to the NMC data, the civic body used to bill less than 190 million litres per day (MLD) in 2010-11. However, NMC agreed to pay OCW for 250 MLD water. Also, the water tariff was Rs 5 per unit but NMC agreed to pay Rs 7.90 per unit to OCW.
To cope with the high rate promised to OCW, NMC hiked the water tariff to Rs 8 per unit in 2009-10. But the BJP-ruled civic body had to reduce the tariff to Rs 5 per unit following strong opposition from various organizations and citizens. While bringing down the tariff, a resolution was passed to give powers to the civic chief to hike the tariff by 5%, if required, every year. Since then, water tariff has been hiked 5% every year.
Unfortunately, NMC has been unable to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure by increasing the billing and reducing high water losses. Instead, the losses have only increased in the last two years under the private operator.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Water-tariff-to-increase-to-Rs-6-per-unit-tomorrow/articleshow/32991370.cms
Centre approves funds for 3 water treatment plants
AHMEDABAD: The Union urban development ministry has approved funds under JNNURM for three critical water treatment plants in the city, just before the model code of conduct for polls came into force. The projects had been pending with the JNNURM committee for sometime.
The first is a water recycling and reuse project near Bhavans college. To cost Rs 91 crore, the project will have a water treatment capacity of 60 million litres per day (MLD). Rs 8 crore has been released for the project by the central government. The second project concerns a similar plant at the Pirana water treatment facility which witnesses a large amount of sewage flowing into the Sabarmati. The third water treatment project worth Rs 58.75 crore is being planned for Jal Vihar and Juna Vadaj. "The total worth of these projects is Rs 105.60 crore. The Centre will bear 35% of the total cost," said a senior AMC official.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Centre-approves-funds-for-3-water-treatment-plants/articleshow/32984071.cms
The first is a water recycling and reuse project near Bhavans college. To cost Rs 91 crore, the project will have a water treatment capacity of 60 million litres per day (MLD). Rs 8 crore has been released for the project by the central government. The second project concerns a similar plant at the Pirana water treatment facility which witnesses a large amount of sewage flowing into the Sabarmati. The third water treatment project worth Rs 58.75 crore is being planned for Jal Vihar and Juna Vadaj. "The total worth of these projects is Rs 105.60 crore. The Centre will bear 35% of the total cost," said a senior AMC official.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Centre-approves-funds-for-3-water-treatment-plants/articleshow/32984071.cms
Sinnar faces water scarcity for 3rd year running
NASHIK: With the rise in day temperatures, the number of tankers supplying water to the villages in the district has gone up in last twenty days. Despite good rainfall in 2013, the water levels have failed to increase enough to give relief to Sinnar residents, who are facing scarcity-like situation for the third consecutive year.
District administration officials said that the number of tankers supplied in the district has gone up from 34 to 47 within this month. As many as 147 villages and hamlets are getting water through tankers.
Sinnar taluka has the maximum number of villages being supplied water through tankers as of now. Of the 47 tankers deployed in the district, 29 are supplying water in the taluka.
"As many as 15 villages and 108 hamlets in the taluka are facing water scarcity. Hence, 29 tankers have been pressed into service to provide drinking water to the villagers," officials from scarcity branch said.
The number of villages requiring water supply as their own sources of water have dried down has gone up from 24 to 37. Similarly, the number of hamlets requiring water supply to meet daily requirements has from 90 to 110 in the last three weeks.
"There are nine measures that have to be undertaken before opting for starting water tanker supply to any village. The steps include temporary repairs to water sources, identification of water sources nearby and channelising water from them to the village, taking up bore wells to get the water supply source and others before starting of water supply tanker to the area," the official said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Sinnar-faces-water-scarcity-for-3rd-year-running/articleshow/32980933.cms
District administration officials said that the number of tankers supplied in the district has gone up from 34 to 47 within this month. As many as 147 villages and hamlets are getting water through tankers.
Sinnar taluka has the maximum number of villages being supplied water through tankers as of now. Of the 47 tankers deployed in the district, 29 are supplying water in the taluka.
"As many as 15 villages and 108 hamlets in the taluka are facing water scarcity. Hence, 29 tankers have been pressed into service to provide drinking water to the villagers," officials from scarcity branch said.
The number of villages requiring water supply as their own sources of water have dried down has gone up from 24 to 37. Similarly, the number of hamlets requiring water supply to meet daily requirements has from 90 to 110 in the last three weeks.
"There are nine measures that have to be undertaken before opting for starting water tanker supply to any village. The steps include temporary repairs to water sources, identification of water sources nearby and channelising water from them to the village, taking up bore wells to get the water supply source and others before starting of water supply tanker to the area," the official said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Sinnar-faces-water-scarcity-for-3rd-year-running/articleshow/32980933.cms
Thursday, 27 March 2014
SMC to build elevated swimming pool for public
SURAT: It is not uncommon to have swimming pool either made in terrace or on floors of the private multi storey apartments. However till now in Diamond city of Surat, Local civic body doesn't have any swimming pool for public purpose that is an elevated structure.
Keeping this fact in mind, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)'s Public works committee has approved the estimates of Rs 8.86 crore to construct the city's first elevated swimming pool. This pool will be built on reserved plot of SMC located opposite DRB Bhana College
In Vesu . The pool will be of 25x50 meters and there will be a man empowerment center . There will be parking on ground level , plant room , change room, exercise room, reception, refreshment segment , store and passage also come up on ground level of the structure.
"The design of the pool is made in such a way that base of the pool would be touching the ground level but people will have to enter the pool from the first floor. " said an official of SMC." As the land cost in the area is very high we have converted the project in to a multi purpose complex as it will also house an administrative building." he added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/SMC-to-build-elevated-swimming-pool-for-public/articleshow/31096405.cms
Keeping this fact in mind, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)'s Public works committee has approved the estimates of Rs 8.86 crore to construct the city's first elevated swimming pool. This pool will be built on reserved plot of SMC located opposite DRB Bhana College
In Vesu . The pool will be of 25x50 meters and there will be a man empowerment center . There will be parking on ground level , plant room , change room, exercise room, reception, refreshment segment , store and passage also come up on ground level of the structure.
"The design of the pool is made in such a way that base of the pool would be touching the ground level but people will have to enter the pool from the first floor. " said an official of SMC." As the land cost in the area is very high we have converted the project in to a multi purpose complex as it will also house an administrative building." he added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/SMC-to-build-elevated-swimming-pool-for-public/articleshow/31096405.cms
Untreated sewage water: NGT pulls up Centre, state
BHOPAL: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has served notices to Union and state government agencies over untreated sewage water for irrigation of vegetables and fisheries in many parts of state, here on Tuesday.
Central zone bench of NGT comprising Justice Dalip Singh and expert member PS Rao pulled up MoEF, CPCB, state government, farmer welfare, water resource department, fisheries and urban administration to explain why there is neither any sewage water management policy nor policy measures to encourage reuse of treated sewage.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Untreated-sewage-water-NGT-pulls-up-Centre-state/articleshow/32703095.cms
Central zone bench of NGT comprising Justice Dalip Singh and expert member PS Rao pulled up MoEF, CPCB, state government, farmer welfare, water resource department, fisheries and urban administration to explain why there is neither any sewage water management policy nor policy measures to encourage reuse of treated sewage.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Untreated-sewage-water-NGT-pulls-up-Centre-state/articleshow/32703095.cms
With sources going dry, water suppliers hike prices
MADURAI: Water tanker suppliers who supply regularly to residential areas in the city have been forced to increase the rates for each load, as most of the water sources have dried up already due to the scorching summer heat. With most of the borewells inside the city limits have dried up, the non-potable water has been supplied by the private tanker trucks.
The truck operators depend on private wells - big agricultural wells on the outskirts - at Kadachanenthal, Oomachikulam and Kochadai areas. Around 100 truck operators are catering the non-potable water needs of the city in a day with more than 200 trips. However, finding water has turned laborious and the price hike has become inevitable, the truck operators say. Based on the distance from these water sources, the truck operators have hiked the prices from Rs 50 to 200. A 2,000 litre load is priced somewhere from Rs 250 to 350; 4000 litre load between Rs 450 and 500 and 6,000 litre load from Rs 700 to 900. Last year, the price per load did not exceed Rs 700 including the bigger tanker trucks which can supply 12,000 litres. With the present rates, 12,000 litres load can be availed only if the customer is ready to shell out Rs 1,200 and more.
K Muthumurugan, a truck operator says that though the demand for water is increasing day by day, finding it has become difficult. "The regular wells we used to fetch water from Kochadai area are drying up and some of them were known to be perennial water sources till last year. We have to wait for hours to get a tanker load of water," he explained. A Alagar, another tanker operator who ferries water from Ooamchikulam area says that they have to hike prices due to the rise in operating costs. "The farm owners have increased the prices per load and we need to travel farther places looking out for water now," he said.
M Ilangovan from Anna Nagar says that the demand for water is so high that the truck operators supply for the highest bidder. "If we bargain on prices, the truck operators are ready to move out looking out for better prices. We end up paying the money they demand. I paid Rs 750 per 6,000 litre load recently which was priced somewhere at Rs 450 last year," he stated.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/With-sources-going-dry-water-suppliers-hike-prices/articleshow/32693773.cms
The truck operators depend on private wells - big agricultural wells on the outskirts - at Kadachanenthal, Oomachikulam and Kochadai areas. Around 100 truck operators are catering the non-potable water needs of the city in a day with more than 200 trips. However, finding water has turned laborious and the price hike has become inevitable, the truck operators say. Based on the distance from these water sources, the truck operators have hiked the prices from Rs 50 to 200. A 2,000 litre load is priced somewhere from Rs 250 to 350; 4000 litre load between Rs 450 and 500 and 6,000 litre load from Rs 700 to 900. Last year, the price per load did not exceed Rs 700 including the bigger tanker trucks which can supply 12,000 litres. With the present rates, 12,000 litres load can be availed only if the customer is ready to shell out Rs 1,200 and more.
K Muthumurugan, a truck operator says that though the demand for water is increasing day by day, finding it has become difficult. "The regular wells we used to fetch water from Kochadai area are drying up and some of them were known to be perennial water sources till last year. We have to wait for hours to get a tanker load of water," he explained. A Alagar, another tanker operator who ferries water from Ooamchikulam area says that they have to hike prices due to the rise in operating costs. "The farm owners have increased the prices per load and we need to travel farther places looking out for water now," he said.
M Ilangovan from Anna Nagar says that the demand for water is so high that the truck operators supply for the highest bidder. "If we bargain on prices, the truck operators are ready to move out looking out for better prices. We end up paying the money they demand. I paid Rs 750 per 6,000 litre load recently which was priced somewhere at Rs 450 last year," he stated.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/With-sources-going-dry-water-suppliers-hike-prices/articleshow/32693773.cms
Five girls fall unconscious after drinking water in school
NAWADA: Five primary school girls, all below 10 years, besides two school cooks of Jogna village primary school under Warisaliganj police station fell unconscious after consuming poison-laced water drawn from the school hand pump on Tuesday. Nawada DM Lallanjee visited the sadar hospital where the victims were admitted for treatment and directed the DEO to submit an inquiry report at the earliest.
The school headmistress, Premlata Kumari, said possible mixing of poison was the outcome of a conspiracy to defame her. The civil surgeon said the children are responding well to the treatment and that all the victims are out of danger.
According to Premlata, the two female cooks, Sunaina Devi and Sunaina Chouhan besides students Veena Kumari and Sonmati Kumari (Class V), Khushbu and Poonam (Class III) and Babita Kumari (Class I) started vomiting soon after drinking the water. Before falling unconscious they complained of stomach ache and burning sensation in the eyes.
The news spread like wild fire and panic-stricken guardians helped the victims to be carried to sadar hospital for treatment, where the DM and the DEO, Ehtram Hussain besides the civil surgeon, Madheshar Sharma, monitored the treatment and pacified the agitated parents.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Five-girls-fall-unconscious-after-drinking-water-in-school/articleshow/32683304.cms
The school headmistress, Premlata Kumari, said possible mixing of poison was the outcome of a conspiracy to defame her. The civil surgeon said the children are responding well to the treatment and that all the victims are out of danger.
According to Premlata, the two female cooks, Sunaina Devi and Sunaina Chouhan besides students Veena Kumari and Sonmati Kumari (Class V), Khushbu and Poonam (Class III) and Babita Kumari (Class I) started vomiting soon after drinking the water. Before falling unconscious they complained of stomach ache and burning sensation in the eyes.
The news spread like wild fire and panic-stricken guardians helped the victims to be carried to sadar hospital for treatment, where the DM and the DEO, Ehtram Hussain besides the civil surgeon, Madheshar Sharma, monitored the treatment and pacified the agitated parents.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Five-girls-fall-unconscious-after-drinking-water-in-school/articleshow/32683304.cms
Sunday, 2 March 2014
NGT panel submits report on effluent discharge in drain
NOIDA: The high-level expert panel formed to ascertain levels of toxic pollutants released by industries into the Simbhaoli drain near Ghaziabad that empties into the Ganga, submitted its report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday.
The inspection report has highlighted instances of discharge of untreated and toxic effluents by at least two industrial units in the region.
The committee, comprising Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) member-secretaries, inspected the levels of adherence to pollution control norms in Simbhaoli Spirits, Simbhaoli Sugars and Gopalji Dairy Foods. The panel, formed by the principal bench of the tribunal, had conducted the inspection on February 13.
The bench had ordered the formation of the panel based on an application filed by UP-NCR activists regarding pollution of the Ganga.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/ngt-panel-submits-report-on-effluent-discharge-in-drain/articleshow/30641526.cms
The inspection report has highlighted instances of discharge of untreated and toxic effluents by at least two industrial units in the region.
The committee, comprising Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) member-secretaries, inspected the levels of adherence to pollution control norms in Simbhaoli Spirits, Simbhaoli Sugars and Gopalji Dairy Foods. The panel, formed by the principal bench of the tribunal, had conducted the inspection on February 13.
The bench had ordered the formation of the panel based on an application filed by UP-NCR activists regarding pollution of the Ganga.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/ngt-panel-submits-report-on-effluent-discharge-in-drain/articleshow/30641526.cms
National Green Tribunal stays discharge of untreated effluents into Sahibabad drain
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday imposed a stay upon discharge of 'untreated effluents' into the Sahibabad drain in Ghaziabad apart from restraining unauthorized cutting of trees in notified green belt areas of Vaishali. The tribunal has also directed that no unauthorised coverings should be placed upon the Sahibabad Drain No 1, which begins at Loni in Ghaziabad to empty at Kalindi Kunj in Delhi.
A bench of the tribunal headed by Justice P Jyothimani issued the directions based upon an application filed by Ghaziabad-based environmental activist Hazi Arif. Apart from imposing the stay order, the bench has also issued notices to the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), the UP Pollution Control Board, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation and the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) directing them to strictly implement the orders.
The bench has further restricted private individuals from raising any constructions upon the drain, which are considered to cause obstructions to the free flow of effluents, unless they have valid permissions from authorities.
It had been alleged by the applicant that not only are industrial effluents being discharged but also private individuals are putting up covers on the drain so as to prevent its testing at regular intervals by concerned authorities.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/National-Green-Tribunal-stays-discharge-of-untreated-effluents-into-Sahibabad-drain/articleshow/29962781.cms
A bench of the tribunal headed by Justice P Jyothimani issued the directions based upon an application filed by Ghaziabad-based environmental activist Hazi Arif. Apart from imposing the stay order, the bench has also issued notices to the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), the UP Pollution Control Board, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation and the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) directing them to strictly implement the orders.
The bench has further restricted private individuals from raising any constructions upon the drain, which are considered to cause obstructions to the free flow of effluents, unless they have valid permissions from authorities.
It had been alleged by the applicant that not only are industrial effluents being discharged but also private individuals are putting up covers on the drain so as to prevent its testing at regular intervals by concerned authorities.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/National-Green-Tribunal-stays-discharge-of-untreated-effluents-into-Sahibabad-drain/articleshow/29962781.cms
Sewage plants to generate electricity power
RAJKOT: Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has designed a project in which electricity will be generated through methane gas emanating out of sewage treatment plants proposed to be set up at Raiyadhar and Bedigam.
RMC commissioner Ajay Bhadoo told reporters that the plants in Raiyadhar and Bedigam will be of the capacity of 56 MLD and 76 MLD respectively.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Sewage-plants-to-generate-electricity-power/articleshow/31332585.cms
RMC commissioner Ajay Bhadoo told reporters that the plants in Raiyadhar and Bedigam will be of the capacity of 56 MLD and 76 MLD respectively.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Sewage-plants-to-generate-electricity-power/articleshow/31332585.cms
Rs 242-cr tender for sewage works floated
NASHIK: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued e-tender for various sewage-related works to the tune of Rs 242.06 crores to be done through a private agency in the city.
The sewage-related works include laying RCC (reinforced cement concrete) pipes, gutters, drainage lines, repairing chambers, in various prabhags of the city through a contractor. The tender for the works was floated on Sunday and the bids will be opened this month-end.
"The private agency should be approved by the state government, central government or semi-government and should have experience of working in this field," said an NMC official. "In some places, new pipes have to be laid, in others, they have to be replaced or repaired as they have become old," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Rs-242-cr-tender-for-sewage-works-floated/articleshow/31298623.cms
The sewage-related works include laying RCC (reinforced cement concrete) pipes, gutters, drainage lines, repairing chambers, in various prabhags of the city through a contractor. The tender for the works was floated on Sunday and the bids will be opened this month-end.
"The private agency should be approved by the state government, central government or semi-government and should have experience of working in this field," said an NMC official. "In some places, new pipes have to be laid, in others, they have to be replaced or repaired as they have become old," he said.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Rs-242-cr-tender-for-sewage-works-floated/articleshow/31298623.cms
MPCB proposes tougher sewage treatment norms
PUNE: Stringent and uniform standards for sewage treatment in residential buildings and industries with more than 20,000 sq m built-up area is in the offing.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has proposed that all sewage treatment plants should meet inland freshwater discharge standards to promote recycling and reusing of treated waste. The pollution control board has invited suggestions for and objections to the proposal.
MPCB officials said all residential buildings and industries with over 20,000 sq m built-up area must have a sewage treatment plant (STP). In industries, reuse and recycling of water is being promoted. For residential buildings, according to revised environmental consent norms, nearly 80% of the treated waste should be recycled.
If discharged treated water is being reused and recycled in residential projects, the officials said, wherever standards are met, such water is recycled. There is also much acceptance from the residents about reuse of treated sewage water. Such water is used for flushing, and gardening. In some areas, the treated water is released in drainage lines. Recycling of water depends on local constraints and conditions, the officials added.
The pollution control board said in the earlier treated sewage discharge standards, it was assumed that sewage after treatment will be used for agriculture. Environment clearance was granted with standards equivalent to irrigation norms. In all such environmental clearances, it has been mandatory that treated water is reused and recycled.
The pollution control board, officials said, has been given powers to prescribe more stringent standards than those specified by the union ministry of environment and forests. MPCB officials said with newer technologies for STPs, levels of treated water have improved.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/MPCB-proposes-tougher-sewage-treatment-norms/articleshow/31063856.cms
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has proposed that all sewage treatment plants should meet inland freshwater discharge standards to promote recycling and reusing of treated waste. The pollution control board has invited suggestions for and objections to the proposal.
MPCB officials said all residential buildings and industries with over 20,000 sq m built-up area must have a sewage treatment plant (STP). In industries, reuse and recycling of water is being promoted. For residential buildings, according to revised environmental consent norms, nearly 80% of the treated waste should be recycled.
If discharged treated water is being reused and recycled in residential projects, the officials said, wherever standards are met, such water is recycled. There is also much acceptance from the residents about reuse of treated sewage water. Such water is used for flushing, and gardening. In some areas, the treated water is released in drainage lines. Recycling of water depends on local constraints and conditions, the officials added.
The pollution control board said in the earlier treated sewage discharge standards, it was assumed that sewage after treatment will be used for agriculture. Environment clearance was granted with standards equivalent to irrigation norms. In all such environmental clearances, it has been mandatory that treated water is reused and recycled.
The pollution control board, officials said, has been given powers to prescribe more stringent standards than those specified by the union ministry of environment and forests. MPCB officials said with newer technologies for STPs, levels of treated water have improved.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/MPCB-proposes-tougher-sewage-treatment-norms/articleshow/31063856.cms
Sewage overflow result of faulty infrastructure in Gomtinagar
LUCKNOW: LDA's faulty sewerage work in Vinamra Khand-I of Gomtinagar has been resulting in large sewage overflow on roads over past few years. Last two days' rains have made the situation worse with logged sewage flowing back into houses situated in low lying areas.
When people started settling in colony around 2008, little they knew about poor infrastructure being handed over to them. Locals complain that the contractor had not connected sewer connections of houses to the main trunk line hence the sewage back flowed into houses.
Ramji Lall, a senior citizen and resident of the locality said, "We could not trace the problem initially as very few families had come to live in 2009. But with time when more people came to stay in Vinamra Khand, the pipelines could not sustain the pressure and sewage started flowing back into houses."
Locals have reported about the issue to Nagar Nigam many times in the past but no action has been taken to help them. More than a thousand people live in Vinamra Khand who have to daily bear with the stinking sewage flowing on road. After much hue and cry, Jal Sansthan connected sewer pipelines to the drains to ensure sewage disposal but even that could not hold the overflow.
During excessive water flow in drains, sewage comes out and gets logged on roads. "We all cannot bathe or use water at the same time, as sewer lines get choked and water comes on the surface of kitchens and bathrooms", said residents. Besides no connection with the trunk line, the manholes are also open and covered with broken cemented lids, unable to hold water.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Sewage-overflow-result-of-faulty-infrastructure-in-Gomtinagar/articleshow/31058132.cms
When people started settling in colony around 2008, little they knew about poor infrastructure being handed over to them. Locals complain that the contractor had not connected sewer connections of houses to the main trunk line hence the sewage back flowed into houses.
Ramji Lall, a senior citizen and resident of the locality said, "We could not trace the problem initially as very few families had come to live in 2009. But with time when more people came to stay in Vinamra Khand, the pipelines could not sustain the pressure and sewage started flowing back into houses."
Locals have reported about the issue to Nagar Nigam many times in the past but no action has been taken to help them. More than a thousand people live in Vinamra Khand who have to daily bear with the stinking sewage flowing on road. After much hue and cry, Jal Sansthan connected sewer pipelines to the drains to ensure sewage disposal but even that could not hold the overflow.
During excessive water flow in drains, sewage comes out and gets logged on roads. "We all cannot bathe or use water at the same time, as sewer lines get choked and water comes on the surface of kitchens and bathrooms", said residents. Besides no connection with the trunk line, the manholes are also open and covered with broken cemented lids, unable to hold water.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Sewage-overflow-result-of-faulty-infrastructure-in-Gomtinagar/articleshow/31058132.cms
Sewage responsible for 70% of river pollution
MUMBAI: A government survey reveals that the sewage from cities, villages and towns is polluting the state's rivers in a much bigger way than industrial wastes. According to the government data, 70% pollution in the catchment areas of 20 major rivers is caused by untreated sewage flowing in from towns and villages as against 30% of river pollution being caused by the industrial wastes. According to the study, this pollution has led to a growing number of jaundice and diarrhoea cases.
Keeping this in mind, the state cabinet on Tuesday approved a river conservation plan. Under this, the government will provide funds to villages, towns and cities to treat sewage and ensure that only purified water is released in the rivers.
"To stop pollution of river, sewage following from cities and towns will be diverted and treated for farming and industrial purposes under the scheme. Initially, small municipal corporations, councils and village panchayats will be funded by the state to set up sewage treatment plants," said the Tuesday's resolution.
"The river catchments along the towns, which are religiously, historically, industrially important will be given priority under the scheme," it added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/sewage-responsible-for-70-of-river-pollution/articleshow/30637433.cms
Keeping this in mind, the state cabinet on Tuesday approved a river conservation plan. Under this, the government will provide funds to villages, towns and cities to treat sewage and ensure that only purified water is released in the rivers.
"To stop pollution of river, sewage following from cities and towns will be diverted and treated for farming and industrial purposes under the scheme. Initially, small municipal corporations, councils and village panchayats will be funded by the state to set up sewage treatment plants," said the Tuesday's resolution.
"The river catchments along the towns, which are religiously, historically, industrially important will be given priority under the scheme," it added.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/sewage-responsible-for-70-of-river-pollution/articleshow/30637433.cms
Saturday, 1 March 2014
CM inaugurates Navelim sewage treatment plant
MARGAO: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar and Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado inaugurated the 20 MLD sewage treatment plant in Navelim on Sunday.
The 20 MLD STP, which also includes a pumping station, will now take care of all the sewage that was earlier being dumped into the nullah and Salpem lake. The sewage will now be treated at the STP and the treated water will be discharged into the river Sal.
For years Navelim locals had been complaining about the contamination of river Sal by the indiscriminate dumping of sewage into the nullah and Salpem lake, which are connected to river Sal. The construction of sewerage chambers at strategic points will now resolve this issue.
"The work of cleaning river Sal had started two months back and will be completed in one year's time. As assured, the river will be free from the sewage pollution from next year," said Parrikar while addressing the gathering.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/cm-inaugurates-navelim-sewage-treatment-plant/articleshow/30531445.cms
The 20 MLD STP, which also includes a pumping station, will now take care of all the sewage that was earlier being dumped into the nullah and Salpem lake. The sewage will now be treated at the STP and the treated water will be discharged into the river Sal.
For years Navelim locals had been complaining about the contamination of river Sal by the indiscriminate dumping of sewage into the nullah and Salpem lake, which are connected to river Sal. The construction of sewerage chambers at strategic points will now resolve this issue.
"The work of cleaning river Sal had started two months back and will be completed in one year's time. As assured, the river will be free from the sewage pollution from next year," said Parrikar while addressing the gathering.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/cm-inaugurates-navelim-sewage-treatment-plant/articleshow/30531445.cms
Sewage pipes pouring into Mandovi troubles greens
PANAJI: Waste water and sewage pipes from nearby residences in Penha da Franca have been illegally passed through the newly-constructed retaining wall with their spouts in River Mandovi, raising a concern about the worsening pollution of Goa's lifeline.
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms
Sewage pipes pouring into Mandovi troubles greens
PANAJI: Waste water and sewage pipes from nearby residences in Penha da Franca have been illegally passed through the newly-constructed retaining wall with their spouts in River Mandovi, raising a concern about the worsening pollution of Goa's lifeline.
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms
State cancer hospital gets only 3% of its water quota
AURANGABAD: Barely one-and-half-year since the first Government Cancer Hospital (GCH) in Marathwada was inaugurated; it is facing severe water supply problems as it receives barely three percent of its daily requirement from the civic body.
The hospital, which was built at a cost of Rs 50 crore, gets water supply at very low pressure every two days, like the rest of Aurangabad city. The supply of 5000-10,000 litres once in two days is woefully short of daily requirement of almost two lakh litres.
While the hospital administration relies on private water tankers for their daily needs, the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has blamed the Public Works Department (PWD) for failing to inform them about the water requirement during the construction of the premises.
To add to the hospital authorities woes, the AMC issued a notice a few days back asking them to pay pending water bills of Rs 51,69,167 since September 2012 based on the 8-inch pipeline water connection. The hospital authorities replied to the notice by requesting the civic body to charge as per the meter reading.
The hospital requires about two lakh litres of water every day and has to rely on tankers. The hospital had to hire at least 5-6 tankers of 10,000 litres capacity every day and incur the expense of about Rs one lakh per month.
"Though an independent water supply pipeline of 8 inches has been laid, the water is supplied by the AMC in low pressure. The hospital receives only 5000-10,000 litres of water every second day, the civic body should reconsider the charges levied," hospital authorities said.
"Moreover, the meter at the hospital has been non-functional since it was installed. We have repeatedly requested the civic body to repair the meter and levy charges as per the readings. But, the civic body officials told us to get the water supply arrangement done from the PWD instead of approaching the AMC," hospital authorities alleged.
"In spite of repeated pleas to consider the revision of water bills, the civic body is stern in its move and has demanded the hospital to clear the bills after which the meter would be repaired," said hospital sources.
Hospital authorities said that they had also requested the civic body to lay a separate pipeline from Harsul lake, which is two kilometre away from the hospital premises. "They are citing financial crisis and have asked the hospital to bear the financial burden. Since this comes under emergency services, it should be treated with priority," said a hospital official.
AMC's executive engineer Hemant Kohle said, "The PWD should have consulted and informed about the hospital's water requirement to the civic body before developing the project. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Moreover, the area where the hospital is located faces water scarcity and the civic body manages to provide water to the area from Harsul Lake. The meter installed by the PWD too is non-functional and the responsibility lies with the PWD to maintain it. If the hospital gets the meter repaired we would definitely levy the charges as per the meter reading."
Kohle assured, "The proposal to connect the water supply pipeline to the main line at Jubilee Park has been sanctioned and the estimate of the work has been prepared. The work will start soon and the hospital's water problem will be solved."
Daily Requirement: 2 lakh litres
AMC Supply: 5000-10,000 litres every two days
Water through tankers: 4-5 tankers of 10,000 litres capacity per day
Budget on tankers: Rs One lakh per month
BOX:
Cancer hospital gets independent ambulance
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/State-cancer-hospital-gets-only-3-of-its-water-quota/articleshow/31445387.cms
The hospital, which was built at a cost of Rs 50 crore, gets water supply at very low pressure every two days, like the rest of Aurangabad city. The supply of 5000-10,000 litres once in two days is woefully short of daily requirement of almost two lakh litres.
While the hospital administration relies on private water tankers for their daily needs, the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has blamed the Public Works Department (PWD) for failing to inform them about the water requirement during the construction of the premises.
To add to the hospital authorities woes, the AMC issued a notice a few days back asking them to pay pending water bills of Rs 51,69,167 since September 2012 based on the 8-inch pipeline water connection. The hospital authorities replied to the notice by requesting the civic body to charge as per the meter reading.
The hospital requires about two lakh litres of water every day and has to rely on tankers. The hospital had to hire at least 5-6 tankers of 10,000 litres capacity every day and incur the expense of about Rs one lakh per month.
"Though an independent water supply pipeline of 8 inches has been laid, the water is supplied by the AMC in low pressure. The hospital receives only 5000-10,000 litres of water every second day, the civic body should reconsider the charges levied," hospital authorities said.
"Moreover, the meter at the hospital has been non-functional since it was installed. We have repeatedly requested the civic body to repair the meter and levy charges as per the readings. But, the civic body officials told us to get the water supply arrangement done from the PWD instead of approaching the AMC," hospital authorities alleged.
"In spite of repeated pleas to consider the revision of water bills, the civic body is stern in its move and has demanded the hospital to clear the bills after which the meter would be repaired," said hospital sources.
Hospital authorities said that they had also requested the civic body to lay a separate pipeline from Harsul lake, which is two kilometre away from the hospital premises. "They are citing financial crisis and have asked the hospital to bear the financial burden. Since this comes under emergency services, it should be treated with priority," said a hospital official.
AMC's executive engineer Hemant Kohle said, "The PWD should have consulted and informed about the hospital's water requirement to the civic body before developing the project. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Moreover, the area where the hospital is located faces water scarcity and the civic body manages to provide water to the area from Harsul Lake. The meter installed by the PWD too is non-functional and the responsibility lies with the PWD to maintain it. If the hospital gets the meter repaired we would definitely levy the charges as per the meter reading."
Kohle assured, "The proposal to connect the water supply pipeline to the main line at Jubilee Park has been sanctioned and the estimate of the work has been prepared. The work will start soon and the hospital's water problem will be solved."
Daily Requirement: 2 lakh litres
AMC Supply: 5000-10,000 litres every two days
Water through tankers: 4-5 tankers of 10,000 litres capacity per day
Budget on tankers: Rs One lakh per month
BOX:
Cancer hospital gets independent ambulance
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/State-cancer-hospital-gets-only-3-of-its-water-quota/articleshow/31445387.cms
Water supply to resume this evening, claim civic officials
Kolhapur: The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) has sped up work of repairing leakages in the main pipeline originating from the Shinganapur water supply scheme after it drew flak from angry residents of A, B and E wards of the city. Residents of these wards have been facing acute water shortage for the past two days.
Civic officials claim that the work, which was started on Sunday evening, will be completed by Wednesday afternoon and the water supply would resume by Wednesday evening. The KMC lifts water from the Panchaganga river through two schemes - the Bawda and Shinganapur water supply schemes. The Shinganapur scheme, located around 11km from Kolhapur, supplies water to about 70% of the city.
KMC chief hydraulic engineer Manish Pawar said, "The repair work of the pipeline at Ayodhya Colony area has been completed, while work at Chivabazaar is in its final stage. Though the repair work will be completed, it will take some hours for hydraulic testing of the pipeline. Water supply will resume in the affected areas by Wednesday evening."
The civic administration on Tuesday increased the fleet of water tankers from 10 to 17. The frequency of trips was also increased and ward officers were directed to survey affected areas and supply water from the tankers. "Tankers from the Kasba Bawda filter house were used to supply water to the E ward, which is the largest in the city. Tankers from the Kalamba water filter house were used to supply water to areas such as Rajendra Nagar, Salokhe Nagar and Shivaji Park," added Pawar.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/Water-supply-to-resume-this-evening-claim-civic-officials/articleshow/31444402.cms
Civic officials claim that the work, which was started on Sunday evening, will be completed by Wednesday afternoon and the water supply would resume by Wednesday evening. The KMC lifts water from the Panchaganga river through two schemes - the Bawda and Shinganapur water supply schemes. The Shinganapur scheme, located around 11km from Kolhapur, supplies water to about 70% of the city.
KMC chief hydraulic engineer Manish Pawar said, "The repair work of the pipeline at Ayodhya Colony area has been completed, while work at Chivabazaar is in its final stage. Though the repair work will be completed, it will take some hours for hydraulic testing of the pipeline. Water supply will resume in the affected areas by Wednesday evening."
The civic administration on Tuesday increased the fleet of water tankers from 10 to 17. The frequency of trips was also increased and ward officers were directed to survey affected areas and supply water from the tankers. "Tankers from the Kasba Bawda filter house were used to supply water to the E ward, which is the largest in the city. Tankers from the Kalamba water filter house were used to supply water to areas such as Rajendra Nagar, Salokhe Nagar and Shivaji Park," added Pawar.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/Water-supply-to-resume-this-evening-claim-civic-officials/articleshow/31444402.cms
Unauthorized layouts get Rs 136cr water scheme nod
NAGPUR: In another pre-election gift, the Central government extended the deadline for Nagpur Improvement Trust's (NIT) water supply scheme by another year and revised the project cost to 218.06 crore from 296.39. More than 4 lakh citizens residing or planning construction in unauthorized layouts will be benefited within a year.
So far, the NIT could execute works of 81.42 crore from the 296.39 crore funds. Following the Centre's move, funds of 136.64 crore were saved from being cancelled.
The ministry of urban development's Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) held its meeting on JNNURM projects for the second time in a week on Tuesday.
NIT chairman Pravin Darade attended the meeting and managed to get the water supply project cleared. The project was in a fix after it became evident that it wouldn't meet JNNURM's deadline of March 31, 2014.
Darade thanked MP Vilas Muttemwar and said all unauthorized layouts, that are likely to be regularized, will get water network. "We have planned to complete all works by December 2014. The Centre has extended it up to March 31, 2015. NIT hopes to get cooperation from city survey department. NIT has also planned construction of roads at a cost of 50 crore in unauthorized layouts," he said.
Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Unauthorized-layouts-get-Rs-136cr-water-scheme-nod/articleshow/31433045.cms
So far, the NIT could execute works of 81.42 crore from the 296.39 crore funds. Following the Centre's move, funds of 136.64 crore were saved from being cancelled.
The ministry of urban development's Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) held its meeting on JNNURM projects for the second time in a week on Tuesday.
NIT chairman Pravin Darade attended the meeting and managed to get the water supply project cleared. The project was in a fix after it became evident that it wouldn't meet JNNURM's deadline of March 31, 2014.
Darade thanked MP Vilas Muttemwar and said all unauthorized layouts, that are likely to be regularized, will get water network. "We have planned to complete all works by December 2014. The Centre has extended it up to March 31, 2015. NIT hopes to get cooperation from city survey department. NIT has also planned construction of roads at a cost of 50 crore in unauthorized layouts," he said.
Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Unauthorized-layouts-get-Rs-136cr-water-scheme-nod/articleshow/31433045.cms
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Occupation certificate not must for individual houses to get water line
NAGPUR: The civic body has decided not to ask for occupancy certificates while giving water connections to individual houses and houses in NIT layouts. The decision was taken at the meeting of the water works committee of Nagpur Municipal Corporation on Thursday, chairman Sudhakar Kolhe said.
Recently, municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane had come up with a policy to compel builders and individuals to get occupancy certificate to get water and sewage connections. The decision had been taken following expose of many commercial buildings violating sanctioned plans and easily getting water and sewage connections. In fact, over 90% buildings in the city do not have OC, though it is mandatory.
Kolhe, however, clarified that the rule will remain in force for commercial buildings, flat schemes and multi-storey buildings in corporation limits. The policy will not be applicable to buildings sanctioned by NIT in their layouts, he explained.
Meanwhile, the committee also approved the administration's proposal to regularize 28,730 house connections under JNNURM's 24X7 project. In a survey carried out by OCW, it was revealed that NMC had no records of these 28,730 connections.
Most of the connections were found in ESRs areas of Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Boriyapura, Bezonbagh and Binaki, Kolhe said.
During the meeting, the committee members unanimously decided to waive off the dues from these connection holders and forwarded the decision to the general body for house's nod to regularize them. Meters to these connections will also be provided free of cost under NMC's 24X7 project.
"Once GB gives its nod, bills to these connections will be generated from the next cycle," he said. The move will help the civic body increase revenue by generating bills.
Kolhe said that the committee has also decided to impose five times fine on OCW if the private firm fails to provide tankers in network areas.
Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Occupation-certificate-not-must-for-individual-houses-to-get-water-line/articleshow/30750041.cms
Recently, municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane had come up with a policy to compel builders and individuals to get occupancy certificate to get water and sewage connections. The decision had been taken following expose of many commercial buildings violating sanctioned plans and easily getting water and sewage connections. In fact, over 90% buildings in the city do not have OC, though it is mandatory.
Kolhe, however, clarified that the rule will remain in force for commercial buildings, flat schemes and multi-storey buildings in corporation limits. The policy will not be applicable to buildings sanctioned by NIT in their layouts, he explained.
Meanwhile, the committee also approved the administration's proposal to regularize 28,730 house connections under JNNURM's 24X7 project. In a survey carried out by OCW, it was revealed that NMC had no records of these 28,730 connections.
Most of the connections were found in ESRs areas of Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Boriyapura, Bezonbagh and Binaki, Kolhe said.
During the meeting, the committee members unanimously decided to waive off the dues from these connection holders and forwarded the decision to the general body for house's nod to regularize them. Meters to these connections will also be provided free of cost under NMC's 24X7 project.
"Once GB gives its nod, bills to these connections will be generated from the next cycle," he said. The move will help the civic body increase revenue by generating bills.
Kolhe said that the committee has also decided to impose five times fine on OCW if the private firm fails to provide tankers in network areas.
Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Occupation-certificate-not-must-for-individual-houses-to-get-water-line/articleshow/30750041.cms
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
After five days, West Virginia water crisis nears end
CHARLESTON (West Virginia): Officials today partially lifted a ban on tap water that was tainted by a chemical spill, while some in West Virginia had to wash, cook and brush their teeth with bottled water for a fifth straight day.
Questions lingered about how and why the leak occurred and whether the company, Freedom Industries, took too long to let officials know about the problem that affected about 300,000 people and effectively shut down the state capital.
Tests over the weekend showed that levels of the chemical used in coal processing were consistently below a toxic threshold, but testing continued today.
"We see light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Earl Ray Tomblin told reporters. He announced today that the ban was lifted on parts of the region.
Residents had been urged not to use the water for anything but flushing toilets. Some people left town to take a shower and find an open restaurant. Water distribution centers have handed out bottled water.
So far, 10 people exposed to the contaminated water were admitted to the hospital, and none was in serious condition, health and human resources secretary Karen Bowling said.
About 28,400 liters of the chemical is believed to have leaked from a tank and containment area, and some of it got into the Elk River and the water treatment plant downstream.
The chemical quickly dissolves in water, so people have had to wait for it to pass through the water system or be diluted to the point where the water is again safe.
The chemical, even in its most concentrated form, isn't deadly. However, people were told they shouldn't even wash their clothes in affected water, as the compound can cause symptoms ranging from skin irritation and rashes to vomiting and diarrhea.
Freedom Industries' tanks don't fall under an inspection program, and the chemicals stored at the facility weren't considered hazardous enough to require environmental permitting.
Essentially, Freedom Industries wasn't under state oversight at all, said Michael Dorsey, chief of the state Department of Environmental Protection's Homeland Security and Emergency Response office.
"There's no question that they should have called earlier," department of environmental protection secretary Randy Huffman said.
Source TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/After-five-days-West-Virginia-water-crisis-nears-end/articleshow/28760711.cms
Questions lingered about how and why the leak occurred and whether the company, Freedom Industries, took too long to let officials know about the problem that affected about 300,000 people and effectively shut down the state capital.
Tests over the weekend showed that levels of the chemical used in coal processing were consistently below a toxic threshold, but testing continued today.
"We see light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Earl Ray Tomblin told reporters. He announced today that the ban was lifted on parts of the region.
Residents had been urged not to use the water for anything but flushing toilets. Some people left town to take a shower and find an open restaurant. Water distribution centers have handed out bottled water.
So far, 10 people exposed to the contaminated water were admitted to the hospital, and none was in serious condition, health and human resources secretary Karen Bowling said.
About 28,400 liters of the chemical is believed to have leaked from a tank and containment area, and some of it got into the Elk River and the water treatment plant downstream.
The chemical quickly dissolves in water, so people have had to wait for it to pass through the water system or be diluted to the point where the water is again safe.
The chemical, even in its most concentrated form, isn't deadly. However, people were told they shouldn't even wash their clothes in affected water, as the compound can cause symptoms ranging from skin irritation and rashes to vomiting and diarrhea.
Freedom Industries' tanks don't fall under an inspection program, and the chemicals stored at the facility weren't considered hazardous enough to require environmental permitting.
Essentially, Freedom Industries wasn't under state oversight at all, said Michael Dorsey, chief of the state Department of Environmental Protection's Homeland Security and Emergency Response office.
"There's no question that they should have called earlier," department of environmental protection secretary Randy Huffman said.
Source TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/After-five-days-West-Virginia-water-crisis-nears-end/articleshow/28760711.cms
Monday, 13 January 2014
10 Glasses of water a day to cut fat
We have all heard this advice innumerable times. Drink eight to 10 glass of water a day. Experts say that if you are overweight or tend to get most of your calories from processed and salty food, eight to 10 glass of water could actually help you reduce your weight. Water could lower your BMI. If you drink eight to 10 glass of water everyday you will end up eating less and also drink fewer calorie-laden beverages. Drinking about 500 ml of water before meal can cut the calories and help in losing weight and as a result lower body mass index (BMI). Water helps in burning fat. You can burn about 50 per cent more fat after drinking water compared with a higher calorie beverage. Water helps you play your sports better. Sweating away just two per cent of your body's water content affects the performance of a sportsperson to a great extent. Drinking enough water can improve your game and save you from the risk of dehydration. Water can fight hangovers. Being adequately hydrated is the best way not to feel lousy and grouchy after a late night party. Drink a couple of glasses of water hours before the event. Even when you are flying a long distance flight, staying hydrated helps you fight hangover. Source TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/10-Glasses-of-water-a-day-to-cut-fat/articleshow/18288281.cms
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