Latest news with #Proposal
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi plans ropeway along Yamuna to boost tourism
In a first for the national capital, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) plans to build a ropeway system along the Yamuna which will offer panoramic views of religious landmarks, riverbanks, and Old Delhi. The ropeway is likely to start from the Kalindi Aviral project along the Yamuna floodplains. The design capacity is targeted at 3,000 passengers per hour per direction, with each gondola capable of carrying eight to 10 passengers. The point of origin to destination, number of intermediate stations, ad location of towers has yet to be decided. 'The aerial transit line is aimed at increasing tourism and decongesting traffic and providing a unique commuter and tourist experience. It is being planned on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. There will be minimal land acquisition as most towers will be set up on government land or existing rights-of-way. We are looking at this not just as transport, but as a tourism and heritage experience,' the official said. The Kalindi Aviral project is currently being developed along the western bank of Yamuna over a total area of 163 hectares. It covers the stretch from NH24 to Barapullah drain and Baansera park near Sarai Kale Khan that has already been inaugurated is a part of this project. DDA is in the process of hiring a contractor to carry out a detailed feasibility study and technical surveys for developing the ropeway system. Once the projects starts, 18 months will be allowed for construction, officials said. According to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by DDA, the consultant will also carry out benchmarking study of different ropeway systems across the world and compare them on key parameters related to the project topography, length, capacity and other features. 'The consultant shall identify critical success factors for these projects, assess the various ropeway technologies and the standards available for development and operations of ropeway systems and suggest the best suitable standards considering the project function and out detailed demand assessment through primary surveys and secondary analysis to arrive at the current and future demand potential for the ropeway project,' the RFP said. The selected consultant will also prepare line estimates or project cost for developing the ropeway system at the project location and carry out detailed financial and economic analysis, sensitivity analysis, social and environmental impact assessment. 'The consultant shall also carry out the feasibility study and the necessary survey for parking space of vehicles of passengers, its approach and functioning of parking for peak load with future expansion and demand,' the RFP said. Lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena had in January directed DDA to start the process to survey and select sites for installing ropeways or cableways that can carry passengers in cable cars across the Yamuna.
West Australian
02-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Public invited to comment on proposed mega mine expansion for first time in forest mining history
For the first time since forest mining began in WA, the public is being invited to comment on a proposal as a mining giant eyes the biggest expansion in decades. The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting feedback on both Alcoa's 2023 - 2027 bauxite mining operations in the Darling Ranges and its Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Revised Proposal for the next 12 weeks. The proposal includes the planned future mining locations within the Huntly mine area, which were first referred for assessment to the EPA in 2020, along with a proposed 5 per cent increase to refining capacity at the Pinjarra Alumina Refinery, outlining the mining giant's next 20 years of operation. EPA chair Darren Walsh said the decision to release both documents simultaneously would ensure better consideration of the combined and cumulative impacts. 'A combined public review will also be easier and more efficient for the community and stakeholders,' he said. 'The sheer volume, the unique biodiversity of the northern jarrah forest, and the number of environmental factors to consider means a 12-week public consultation period is entirely appropriate.' Alcoa Australia president Elsabe Muller said since the proposal was initially delivered in 2020 they have refined their plans based on environmental and social study outcomes, stakeholder feedback and commitment to continuous improvement. However, WA Forest Alliance senior campaigner Jason Fowler said if the expansion was allowed to progress the damage done could likely render the ecosystem 'functionally extinct' in the future. Ms Muller said Alcoa had made several important changes to the initial proposal, including the creation of a mining avoidance zone of about 2600ha around Jarrahdale as well as adjusting plans to to avoid areas of environmental and social value including the Bibbulmun Track. 'In addition, we will maintain public access to various other tracks and trails that are used by the local community and visitors to the region,' she said. 'We've also deferred plans to mine in the Reservoir Protection Zones, supporting our track record and commitment to protecting drinking water. 'These changes reflect what we have heard through our consultations.' Parts of Alcoa's past and current mining operations for the 2022-2027 period at Huntly and some areas of the Willowdale area are also before the EPA. Mr Fowler said he and many others had waited 60 years to have the chance to have a say about what Alcoa does and doesn't do and this was an important opportunity for the WA public to have their say. 'These forests are recognised as one of the global biodiversity hotspots — It has the highest biodiversity of any temperate forest in Australia,' he said. 'It's incredibly special and unique because it's so isolated, it's got such a unique biology, like jarrah trees, which you don't find anywhere else in the world — so, this is a global issue.' Mr Fowler said when discussing Alcoa's potential expansion scientists throughout the State have said the move would be an 'extinction level event'. However, Ms Muller said Alcoa has a long and successful track record of responsible operation in the northern jarrah forest. 'We do not mine in any old growth forest or areas of high conservation value and are proud to have rehabilitated more than 75 per cent of the areas cleared for mining, with these at different stages of growth and forest restoration,' she said. 'Importantly, we are accelerating and effectively doubling our rate of rehabilitation from about 500 hectares per year to 1000ha per year by 2027. 'All of this reflects our commitment to environmental excellence.' Mr Fowler said highlighting the lack of clearing in old growth forest was a hollow statement. 'The current definition of old growth is very flawed — even if there's been only one tree logged in there then it's not considered old growth, even if everything around it is ancient,' he said. Mr Fowler said he also has huge concerns with water security for the region, with Alcoa's expansion coming so close to several critical water supply dams throughout the Darling range. Conservation Council of WA nature program manager Rhiannon Hardwick said Alcoa's Pinjarra and Wagerup operations were the fifth highest greenhouse gas emitter in WA and approval for the expansion would allow a further 2.69 million tonnes of GHGs to be released by 2050, adding more strain to forest already impacted by climate change. 'We know that black cockatoos are facing extinction due to habitat destruction, including through the impacts of bauxite mining in the Northern Jarrah Forest in the Serpentine-Jarrahdale region, and inappropriate housing developments on rapidly diminishing banksia woodlands,' she said. 'Just this year, South32's bauxite mine expansion was approved, including the clearing of 3800ha of the Northern Jarrah Forest. Alcoa's proposal to clear a further 7500ha of forest in Perth's water catchment zone will be environmentally devastating. The Wilderness Society senior campaigner Jenita Enevoldsen said if approved the proposal flies in the face of the Federal Government's pledge to end extinctions. 'It would give Alcoa permission to bulldoze thousands of football fields of threatened species habitat, critical to the survival of species like the red-tailed black cockatoo, numbat and woylie,' she said. Submissions to the EPA can be made through the Consultation Hub until August 21 where Alcoa's response to the submissions received will be published before the EPA completes its assessments and delivers its report to the Minister for the Environment. Mr Walsh said the EPA intended to produce one report with an anticipated two sets of recommendations. He said the EPA was working towards completing both assessments in the first quarter of 2026 leading to a three-week public appeal period when the minister will consider any appeals before making the final decision on the proposal.
Herald Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Joe Pride-trained Storm The Ramparts wins at Randwick
Storm The Ramparts enhanced his reputation as a superior mudlark with his all-the-way win at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Top jockey Adam Hyeronimus produced another tactically perfect frontrunning ride on Storm The Ramparts in the Taylor Construction Handicap (1000m) to complement his earlier winning effort on unbeaten two-year-old filly Agarwood. For trainer Joe Pride, it was more a case of maximising what was a gilt-edged opportunity for Storm The Ramparts given the heavy track conditions. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'This horse is a very good wet-tracker, that was the big ace up his sleeve today,'' Pride said. 'I was pleasantly surprised to get here to see how wet the track was and the times they were running as it gave Storm The Ramparts his chance to win. 'With a horse like him, we have got to take advantage of these opportunities because they might only get one or two each preparation. 'We probably won't get a track this wet again for him this campaign but we will keep chasing the wet tracks with him.'' • Queensland Oaks on the radar for Let's Fly Storm The Ramparts ($7.50) held off the late charge of Grand Larceny ($5) to win by a neck with Hi Dubai ($8.50) a half-length away third. Winning Proposal was backed into $4.20 favouritism but after going wide on the turn, she failed to run on as well as expected and laboured to finish only seventh, beaten about four lengths. The winner stopped the clock at 1m 01.33s which was nearly six seconds outside the course record set by another Pride sprinter, Eduardo, and reflective of the extremely heavy track conditions. There was also more than 16 lengths between Storm The Ramparts and the last-placed finisher, Big Me, which is a huge disparity in a 1000m race but also an indication of the testing track surface. Trainer Joseph Pride is seen in the Randwick mounting yard after Storm The Ramparts' victory. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images • 'Very easy watch': Agarwood dominates juvenile opener Storm The Ramparts is a half-brother to stablemate Dragonstone, a last-start winner of the Listed Hawkesbury Rush. Although Storm The Ramparts might not be quite as good as his older sibling, the four-year-old is proving a great moneyspinner and is building a good race record. Storm The Ramparts scored his third career win (and eight minor placings) from just 14 starts and took his overall prizemoney to nearly $300,000 – a considerable return on the $85,000 connections paid to purchase the horse at the 2022 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Pride was also more than satisfied with the closing effort of Testator Silens to finish sixth, beaten just over two lengths by Storm The Ramparts. 'Testsator Silens has run really well and he will be back here at Randwick for a 1300m race in two weeks,'' Pride said. Originally published as Joe Pride-trained sprinter Storm The Ramparts laps up heavy conditions in Randwick victory
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
PMA to introduce golf carts, HOHO bus service for comfortable, inclusive tourism
Prayagraj: With the rise in footfall to the Sangam City post Maha Kumbh , the Prayagraj Mela Authority ( PMA ) is going to launch a specialised golf cart service and 'Hop On-Hop Off' (HOHO) bus service to enhance the comfort and convenience of pilgrims and tourists visiting this sacred offer an efficient and eco-friendly travel option, the golf cart service will be launched to assist elderly visitors and those with disabilities. PMA is also planning to commence a 'Hop On-Hop Off' (HOHO) bus service, connecting Prayagraj Junction to significant tourist spots and religious destinations across the city at reasonable fares. The authorities have already floated Requests for Proposal (RFP) to implement the two new services. Proposals for both the initiatives are open until May to officials, PMA plans to introduce golf carts for transport across key sites like Sangam banks, Bade Hanumanji temple corridor and Akshayvat temple. At least 20 golf carts with a minimum seating capacity of eight, including the driver, will be deployed, excluding vehicles like e-rickshaws or autos. The selected agency will also be responsible for developing fast-charging the Maha Kumbh 2025, the number of devotees visiting Prayagraj has risen by 10–15%, with many facing challenges in accessing temples due to expensive transport or long walking distance. The planned services aim to resolve these issues and promote inclusive is also acquiring trash skimmers and specialised boats designed to clear aquatic weeds and floating waste from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers near Sangam. To enhance safety and convenience for bathers, floating jetties with changing facilities are being set up. These jetties will be repositioned during the Mela using a towing vessel, and will be moved to secure locations before the flood period begins.
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Blake Lively spills on ‘lowest of lows' year during TV interview amid legal drama
Blake Lively revealed her and husband Ryan Reynolds' four children have been her 'lifeline' amid her ongoing legal feud with Justin Baldoni. 'It's no surprise, I have had a pretty intense year. They're just my lifeline. No matter what day I am having,' the Gossip Girl alum said during her Thursday night appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, according to an audience member who attended the taping. 'I have to be Disney Land for them. It's the best, it's chaos,' she further said of daughters James, 10, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and son Olin, 2, reports Page Six. Lively, 37, added that she couldn't really discuss too much about her and Baldoni's ongoing legal battle, but called it one of the 'lowest lows of my life.' 'I see so many women around afraid to speak, especially now, afraid to share their experience. Fear is by design, it's what keeps us silent,' she added. 'But I also acknowledge that many people don't have the opportunity to speak so I do feel fortunate that I have been able to.' The mum of four revealed her most recent pregnancy by debuting her baby bump at Forbes Power Women's Summit in May 2022. The famous parents did not officially announce their fourth baby's arrival. However, Page Six exclusively confirmed the newborn's birth in February 2023. The baby boy was revealed the following month after Ryan was photographed carrying an infant in a white onesie at a Wrexham versus York City soccer match. The Proposal star, 48, revealed their fourth baby's name in July 2024 at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. Reynolds shared that they welcomed 'a son' later that month. The family gave another rare look at two of their four children in the Marvel film as Inez and baby Olin starred alongside their parents as Kid Pool and Baby Pool. In December 2024, Ryan acknowledged his children's privileged upbringing, admitting that he still wants to give them 'as normal a life as possible.' 'I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife's childhood,' he told the Hollywood Reporter at the time. 'We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, 'Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,' or, 'I never would've had this luxury of getting takeout,' or whatever.' Lively and Reynolds started dating in 2011, one year after they met on the set of Green Lantern. They tied the knot in a South Carolina plantation wedding in September 2012.
