Latest news with #JICA
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Pune citizens approach Jal Shakti minister again, raise RFD concerns
For the second time in four months, citizen groups of Pune took their concerns about the Riverfront Development Project (RFD) directly to the Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil on June 17. 'We have sent him letters twice and I went and met him in Delhi,' said Medha Kulkarni, a BJP MP who has been raising her voice against the the processes being followed in the RFD, including riverbeds shrinking, dumping of debris and tree felling. On Tuesday, members of the Pune River Revival, which works for the rights of the city's rivers, visited the minister, who was visiting the Central Water and Power Research Station. 'We have raised citizens' grievances and concerns, such as increased flood risk, environmental degradation and river pollution due to the RFD project along with our suggestion for improvement. We are, further, bringing to your urgent attention a series of serious grievances raised by citizens and experts related to environment safety, citizen safety and civic issues arising from the RFD that is, currently, being implemented by the PMC and PCMC,' said the letters. Sewage worries The letter pointed out that 'heavy pollution of the river will not be controlled just by increasing the number of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and downstream management'. This issue brought the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) programme to the fore, whose objective was to 'improve the water quality in the Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha rivers by augmenting sewage collection systems and sewage treatment facilities in PMC area. It also includes taking other measures required for the pollution abatement and thereby improving the sanitation and living conditions of people who reside in Pune City and in the watershed of the downstream area'. 'We have been trying to draw their attention to the issue that just having a number of STPs, even if these get completed as per their commitments till 2026, is not going to reduce the pollution in the rivers because the multiple streams that are meeting the river are completely not addressed. The direct outfalls that are releasing the sewage will continue to do so. There is also a major component of groundwater contamination that has not been taken into consideration in the river rejuvenation,' said Shailaja Deshpande, one of the signatories of the letter. She added that groundwater contamination from microplastics and other emerging pollutants, such as pthalates, are not highlighted even by PCBs. 'River rejuvenation means stopping pollution at source and not treating after it enters waterbodies,' said Deshpande. Another signatory, Priyadarshini Karve, said, 'We have been highlighting a point for quite some time that the whole project is based on the assumption that 100 per cent of sewage is going to be treated and there will only be clean water in the river channel. Several calculations, however, have shown that there is no way that, just by completing the STPs under JICA, all the sewage will be treated as the city has expanded and the amount of sewage has increased.' According to the letter given to the minister, citizens feel the solution involves 'upstream management and reducing pollution at the source'. 'Maintaining the natural filtration service by conserving riparian zones is of utmost necessity,' read the letter. Encroachment, wildlife threats The letter points out that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board sent notices to PMC, PCMC and the Irrigation Department, citing issues like interference with the natural flow of the river as well as encroachment. Point number 3 is that the project violated the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Aditya Paranjape, honourable wildlife warden, Pune District, had urged the PCMC Commissioner to halt the work and restore habitats. IISER Pune too raised concerns about the RFD, while the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute had released findings about long-term safety concerns about the RFD. In the letter, the citizens urged that PMC and PCMC suspend all work on the RFD, revisit the plan and try to balance urban development and environmental conservation, and restore riparian zones and natural habitats to check river pollution. 'This is a collective demand for sustainable and ecologically sensitive urban development, which is safe, participatory and supports the local community. Pune's rivers are not just waterbodies but also living ecosystems and cultural lifelines,' the letter said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
CM inaugurates 125 community centres for sustainable livelihood in Meghalaya
Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated 125 community centres across Garo Hills on Tuesday, funded under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE). The centres were virtually inaugurated from Dobakol Awemong in Baghmara C&RD block of South Garo Hills district, where the CM was present for the event. Built at a cost of Rs 24 lakh each — Rs 13 lakh from the project and Rs 11 lakh from the state — the community centres aim to provide spaces for various community-led activities, including income-generating initiatives. "The MegLIFE project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focuses on community-based forest management and livelihood enhancement in 500 villages across 12 districts of Meghalaya. Alongside constructing these centres, the project has supported several income-generating activities such as nurseries, plantations, minor irrigation check dams, dug-out ponds, plastic tanks, and RCC water storage tanks," an official statement said. IVCS and SHGs have been integral to the initiative, receiving direct benefits and playing key roles in its execution. Speaking at the event, the CM emphasised the project's core objectives — restoring degraded forests, strengthening natural resource management, and improving rural livelihoods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jung, geflüchtet, voller Hoffnung Schweizerische Flüchlingshilfe Weiterlesen Undo "This project empowers communities to take ownership of forest, land, and water resources," he said. "We aim to foster a community-driven approach to sustainable livelihoods. Through MegLIFE, we are instilling environmental consciousness while ensuring sustained income through various activities," the CM added. The project targets the completion of 452 community centres across Meghalaya. Thanking JICA for its support, Sangma said an additional 150-plus centres would soon be completed in the Garo Hills region. Highlighting the role of these community hubs in fostering development and livelihood initiatives, the chief minister reiterated the project's focus on community empowerment and sustainability.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman marks World Day to combat desertification, drought
Muscat: Represented by the Environment Authority, the Sultanate of Oman is joining the international community in celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The event falls on 17 June every year. This year the event is celebrated under the slogan 'Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities'. As part of its participation in the event, Oman is contributing to global efforts to raise awareness of environmental challenges, encourage communities to adopt environment-friendly practices, promote local and international policies on protecting natural resources and enhance cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation. The celebration highlights the role of ecosystem restoration in generating jobs, enhancing food and water security, supporting climate efforts and building sustainable economies. The Environment Authority is implementing initiatives, projects and strategies to expand green cover, protect biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability. These include the "National Initiative to Plant 10 Million Trees". The initiative, launched on 8 January 2020, seeks to increase green spaces, combat desertification and restore degraded lands. The Environment Authority is also implementing a project to plant one million mangrove seedlings, in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project aims to enhance marine diversity, absorb carbon dioxide and promote ecotourism.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
DPI4PP Innovation Challenge 2025 Opens: Calling Global Innovators to Leverage Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for People and Planet!
The Digital Public Infrastructure for People and Planet (DPI4PP) Innovation Challenge 2025 officially opens for applications. The challenge is hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Co-Develop, Gates Foundation, Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), in partnership with the COP30 Presidency. This initiative seeks innovative DPI-based solutions across various sectors, ranging from energy transition and disaster resilience to sustainable agriculture and carbon markets. Yushi Nagano – Head of JICA Dx Lab says 'JICA is proud to co-host an initiative that brings together climate innovation and digital public infrastructure with a strong focus on real-world implementation. This challenge is about bridging vision with action.' DPI refers to foundational systems such as digital identity, interoperable payments, open data sharing and data exchange platforms, among others. Through this challenge, innovators worldwide can leverage DPI and infrastructure thinking to create inclusive, scalable, and impactful solutions that benefit communities globally, particularly low-income and climate-vulnerable populations. Saibal Chakraborty – Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG 'At BCG, we believe the most urgent global problems need the boldest ideas—supported by the right platforms, partners, and resources. As a pioneer of DPI thinking, we are particularly excited to see the innovations that come out of India. This challenge is about DPI-powered climate innovation and bringing the innovators and the enablers together to turn potential into action.' The challenge welcomes entries from a range of innovators, including research institutions, startups, social enterprises, established companies, and non-profit organizations from India. Participants are encouraged to propose new concepts or enhance existing solutions using digital public infrastructure. This challenge is unique in three ways: It is the world's first innovation challenge focused specifically on the intersection of people, planet and DPI. It is not a one-off competition, but part of a broader journey aimed at launching high-impact, scalable, and deployable solutions. It is anchored by global DPI leaders—including technical experts, governments, and development agencies— and the climate community and is held in partnership with the COP30 Presidency. What is in this challenge for you? Top finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at COP30 in Brazil and engage directly with global leaders. Be part of the broader People, Planet and DPI community built through this challenge. Receive up to $100,000 in grant funding will be awarded to finalists to support the development and field testing of their solutions. Receive tailored mentorship from experts, helping deepen their understanding of DPI, Digital Public Goods (DPGs), and climate intersections, while sharpening the technical, strategic, and impact dimensions of their solutions. Benefit from opportunities to scale their solutions through targeted connections with potential investors and strategic ecosystem partners. Winners can receive ongoing implementation support, strategic guidance, and valuable networking opportunities at high-profile global events. Registrations close on June 27th, 2025. For more details, visit
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria, Japan strengthen food security ties with $110mln JICA facility
In a bid to bolster Nigeria's food security, the Federal Government has strengthened its collaborative initiative with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This partnership is aimed at supporting the country's food production systems and enhancing resilience amid global supply challenges. The initiative took a significant step forward as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, met with senior representatives of JICA to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme. The JPY 15 billion facility (approximately $110 million) aims to support Nigeria's food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges. With the rainy season now underway, both Ministers emphasised the importance of swift, coordinated action to maximise impact for farmers and rural communities. JICA welcomed the government's commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments. It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement. This partnership underscores the commitment of both governments to addressing food security challenges and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, while also driving economic growth and development in the country. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
