Latest news with #MinistryofHousingandUrbanAffairs
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's urban headcount likely to surge by 70 million in next 20 years
New Delhi: India Inc. must take up infrastructure building in cities in partnership with municipal corporations as the country is expected to add 70 million new urban residents in the next two decades by 2045, a senior official said on Friday. Addressing a CII conference here, D Thara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said that there is a disconnect between India's economic ambitions and the capacities of its urban local bodies, so the private sector needs to be proactively engaged in the urban development of the country. 'India is a rich nation with poor municipalities,' she remarked. She was delivering the keynote address at a CII conference on 'Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030'. She said the growing urban population poses challenges and opportunities as the country will see the creation of many more cities, calling for a pragmatic, revitalisation-first approach to urban development. She underlined the need for targeted interventions to upgrade existing cities, backed by significant investment. The proposed Urban Challenge Fund, she explained, is intended to catalyse this transformation with a mix of 25 per cent public sector seed funding, 50 per cent market capital, and 25 per cent state contribution. 'It's not about building afresh,' she said, 'It's about fixing what already exists - legacy infrastructure, greenfield areas, and urban governance systems.' Prasad Gadkari, executive director & chief strategy officer at NIIF, echoed the importance of enabling frameworks to unlock capital. 'A robust pipeline of projects, predictable revenue streams, and standardised bidding processes are essential,' he said, noting NIIF's readiness to back urban infrastructure initiatives through scalable public-private partnerships. Abedalrazq Khalil, Practice Manager for Urban and Land at the World Bank, placed India's urbanisation in a global perspective. 'By 2050, 800 million people are expected to live in Indian cities. Cities must be enablers of growth, but many are not yet ready,' he said. He further emphasised the need for integrated planning and livability as critical to attracting private investment. Transport integration also featured prominently, with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) cited as a model for enabling distributed urban employment. In-situ slum redevelopment and smaller-scale, private-led urban initiatives were also discussed as vital components of revitalisation.
New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra: SLSC to oversee 750 e-bus proposal
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Thursday constituted a State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) to oversee the submission of proposals to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for procuring 750 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. These e-buses, sanctioned by MoHUA, will be deployed across 11 cities in the State. As per the scheme's guidelines, each participating state must form an State Level Steering Committee headed by the Chief Secretary to review and forward proposals to the Centre for approval. Following a detailed study of the scheme and practices followed by other states like Punjab and Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh formed the committee. The State Level Steering Committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary, with members including the Special Chief Secretary (Energy), Principal Secretaries of Transport, Roads and Buildings, Finance, and MAUD, Secretary (Industries and Commerce), and the Commissioner of the Public Transport Department. The State government finalised M/s Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Pune, along with discovered Gross Cost Contract (GCC) prices, as the selected agency for supplying the buses. As per the Government Order, the proposal for the e-bus procurement will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the newly formed SLSC.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
EVs transform household waste collection under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Centre
New Delhi: The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection has marked a transformative step under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), the government said on Tuesday. These zero-emission vehicles represent the future of sustainable urban sanitation — reducing air and noise pollution while efficiently managing daily waste. By replacing traditional fuel-powered garbage trucks, EVs not only cut down on carbon emissions but also align perfectly with the mission's goal of garbage-free cities. 'This innovative synergy between clean mobility and solid waste management is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future,' said Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. For example, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh has embraced an eco-friendly transformation in waste management by deploying over 200 electric autos for door-to-door garbage collection. The initiative, backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP), replaces conventional diesel-powered trucks with a greener alternative. These electric autos, each equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, efficiently cover the city's 159.46 square kms. 'By eliminating the need for over 71,000 litres of diesel annually, the project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions—an estimated 21,000 tonnes over a decade — helping to combat climate change and enhance air quality,' informed the ministry. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has also deployed battery-operated electric rickshaws for waste collection across the city. By replacing diesel-powered vehicles with E-rickshaws that travel approximately 40 kms daily, the city effectively reduces around 41 tonnes of carbon emissions each day - amounting to an annual reduction of 15,160 tonnes. Currently, the GCC operates a robust fleet of 5,478 E-rickshaws, servicing all 15 zones and covering 24,621 streets and over 2.1 million households. 'The initiative also creates employment for over 6,000 individuals. The integration of audio systems in the E-rickshaws further helps spread awareness about waste segregation through dedicated songs and public information campaigns,' said the ministry. Indore Municipal Corporation has taken a transformative step toward environmental sustainability and operational efficiency by introducing 100 electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for door-to-door waste collection, replacing traditional diesel-powered trucks. The switch from diesel vehicles is expected to save the corporation around Rs 5.97 crore annually, factoring in fuel, servicing, engine oil, and clutch replacement costs. According to the ministry, the corporation has established 20 solar charging stations, each equipped with 10 kW solar panels capable of generating 800–1000 units of green energy daily. These stations can charge 80 to 100 vehicles per day, drastically reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources.
News18
11-06-2025
- General
- News18
What To Do If You're Trapped In A Fire: Lessons From The Dwarka Tragedy
Last Updated: The recent Dwarka fire highlights why it's essential for high-rise residents to understand basic fire survival strategies, especially when help may take time to arrive On Tuesday morning, a fire broke out on the seventh floor of Shapath Society in Delhi's Dwarka Sector 13. Within minutes, thick black smoke engulfed the upper floors, and flames leapt violently from the windows. As per media reports, trapped inside their apartment, two 10-year-old children— a boy and a girl—jumped from the balcony in desperation. They were declared dead at Aakash hospital. Their father, Yash Yadav, followed minutes later and also did not survive. The fire brigade was alerted and fire tenders rushed to the spot, but the scale of the blaze escalated rapidly. The tragedy unfolded in real-time, faster than help could arrive, and more brutally than anyone watching could intervene. As horrifying as the visuals were, they also raised a life-saving question: what should you do if you're trapped inside a burning building, and how can you increase your chances of survival before help arrives? Don't Jump, Stay Put In high-rise fires, the instinct to flee—especially when flames are visible—is overwhelming. But jumping from upper floors is rarely survivable unless it's from a very low height. Unless there is absolutely no other escape, it's safer to stay indoors and delay the fire's entry for as long as possible. This is not just common sense—it's also embedded in India's official fire safety code. According to the Model Building Bye-Laws issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), high-rises must have enclosed staircases, protected by fire-rated doors, to serve as internal evacuation routes. These are meant to help residents escape safely without ever needing to jump or be rescued from outside. If you're trapped and the flames are nearby, your first move should be to shut the door and seal the cracks with wet towels or clothing. This slows down smoke intrusion and gives you time to assess your options. How To Stay Alive When Trapped If smoke is already in the room, crawl low—smoke rises, and the air is clearer near the ground. Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth to reduce inhalation of toxic fumes. Move to a balcony or window and signal for help. Use a flashlight or phone torch, wave a cloth, or shout loudly to alert rescuers. If you can call, give your exact flat number and floor. If you live in a high-rise, consider investing in a foldable rope ladder that can be hooked onto balcony grills or window frames. Use it only if you've practised with it and are physically capable. Panic and inexperience can be just as dangerous as the fire. Never use a lift. If the stairwell is free of smoke and heat, use it quickly and calmly. Otherwise, remain in the sealed space and wait for help. The Essentials: Gear That Saves Lives Every household in a high-rise should be equipped with basic fire safety tools. A small fire extinguisher can help put out a contained blaze. Don't just buy it, learn how to use it: pull the pin, aim at the base of the flames, and spray side to side. Install smoke detectors, especially near the kitchen or living areas. These offer a critical early warning—often before fire is even visible. Fire blankets and rope ladders, when stored properly and mounted correctly, can be last-resort tools that save lives. Preparedness doesn't end at purchasing these tools. You must learn to use them, test them occasionally, and ensure they're within easy reach—not packed away in an obscure cupboard. Do's And Don'ts In A High-Rise Fire DO DON'T What Buildings And RWAs Must Do The responsibility of fire safety cannot fall solely on residents. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and building managements are legally required to renew fire safety NOCs, maintain functioning equipment like hose reels and alarms, and ensure all exits are accessible and free of obstructions. Regular fire drills, clear signage, and trained security or maintenance staff can mean the difference between chaos and coordinated evacuation. The Dwarka incident raises urgent questions: Were the alarms working? Were the extinguishers maintained? These are questions every apartment complex should now be asking. Prepare Before, Not During In a fire, every second counts. By the time sirens are heard outside, it may already be too late. Your survival may ultimately depend on how well you are prepared. The Dwarka tragedy is a wake-up call. Fires don't announce themselves. But with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, we can all be better equipped to face the unthinkable, and survive it. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fire tragedy high rise buildings Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 11, 2025, 15:50 IST News india What To Do If You're Trapped In A Fire: Lessons From The Dwarka Tragedy
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
West Bengal at bottom of performance on solid waste management
NEW DELHI: West Bengal has recorded the lowest performance in solid waste processing under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, with just eight percent of its daily waste being treated. The state's progress has dropped by two percent in four years. It was treating 10 percent of the garbage produced each day in 2021, when the second edition of the mission was launched. According to data available on the SBM-U dashboard, solid waste processing in Nagaland and Mizoram are still in their infancy. Nagaland is processing just one percent of its daily waste while the latter's performance is nil. The dashboard states West Bengal generates 7,875.55 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste daily but processes only 588.65 TDP. This slow pace of progress was recently flagged during a review meeting held by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), which expressed concern over the state's inability to scale up its solid waste treatment capacity. There is decline in door-to-door garbage collection. In 2021, 100 percent door-to-door collection was reported in 2,527 out of 2,939 municipal wards. However, the latest figures show a drop, with 2,317 out of 3,008 wards currently reporting full coverage. Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar have also reported poor waste processing rates. The latest figures show that Arunachal Pradesh generates 177.78 TPD and processes just 22 percent of it. In 2021, the state was treating 25 percent of the total waste generated on a daily basis. Bihar, with a daily generation of 6,638.19 TPD, processes only 32 percent. No immediate response on performance of states from the ministry was available. In contrast, several states and union territories have achieved remarkable success. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli have reported 100 percent daily processing of solid waste.
