Latest news with #AbhilashMishra
Time of India
17-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Miles to go beyond cleanliness towards a sustainable future
Indore: Fresh off its historic eighth consecutive win in the Swachh Survekshan and a dominant performance in the elite 'Super Swachh League,' Indore is already charting its next ambitious course. The city, a pioneer in sanitation, is now focusing on a comprehensive strategy to enhance its livability, targeting environmental sustainability, resource management, and digital transformation. "While meticulously working on the toolkit for Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, we simultaneously identified our next targets," stated IMC additional commissioner Abhilash Mishra. He outlined a multi-faceted plan that includes establishing new processing plants, improving air quality, reducing freshwater consumption, promoting treated water reuse, intensifying "Catch the Rain" initiatives, expanding renewable energy through solar plants, and ultimately, decreasing per capita garbage generation. IMC is committed to developing more state-of-the-art processing facilities to unlock the full potential of waste. Mishra revealed plans to establish a bio-briquette plant, a pyrolysis plant, a cloth recycling plant, and a glass recycling plant. These projects aim to extract maximum value from various waste streams. Furthermore, IMC has already initiated efforts to make the Indore Zoo, Choithram Sabji Mandi, and all remaining wards, zones, and slums 'zero waste' areas. Regarding waste reduction, Mishra said, "Decreasing per person garbage collection is a long-term target. In the last seven years, it significantly reduced from 436 gram per person to 418 grams per person." He emphasized that the '5R' concept (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) will be crucial for further reduction. To this end, IMC has already established community initiatives such as Bartan Bank (Utensil Bank), Jhola Bank (Bag Bank), Nekki Ki Diwar (Wall of Kindness), and various RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centres. "Improving Indore's Air Quality Index (AQI) is another key focus, with a target to reduce it from the current level of below 80 to below 60. To achieve this, AICTSL (Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited) has already begun replacing its diesel-run buses with CNG and electric vehicles. The city has also set up numerous charging stations to encourage the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs)," he said. Other measures include regular mechanised sweeping, washing, and mist spraying for road dust suppression, green-net covering on under-construction structures, setting up more AQI monitoring stations, and ensuring end-to-end pavement, the senior official added. In terms of water management, IMC is establishing a vast network of treated water pipelines for public gardens, dividers, and greenbelts. "Our target is to increase the reuse of treated water and reduce the consumption of freshwater," Mishra explained. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign, promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, is also a high priority. Mishra highlighted the economic benefit, stating, "It costs us around Rs 800 per person to supply Narmada water to approximately 35 lakh people of Indore, while our return is only Rs 200 per person. All these efforts will also reduce this financial burden on IMC." Beyond these initiatives, IMC aims to make its entire system more technologically driven through AI and other interventions, such as installing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in public toilets for better monitoring and improved services. Efforts are also underway to increase the public CCTV network, develop dense plantations, create more gardens, and organise activities that promote happiness and health among citizens, all contributing to making Indore a more livable city. He affirmed Indore's commitment to forging a distinguished identity as a 'Clean, Green, Safe, Healthy, and Solar City,' with IMC actively working on all related components to realise this vision. Indore: Fresh off its historic eighth consecutive win in the Swachh Survekshan and a dominant performance in the elite 'Super Swachh League,' Indore is already charting its next ambitious course. The city, a pioneer in sanitation, is now focusing on a comprehensive strategy to enhance its livability, targeting environmental sustainability, resource management, and digital transformation. "While meticulously working on the toolkit for Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, we simultaneously identified our next targets," stated IMC additional commissioner Abhilash Mishra. He outlined a multi-faceted plan that includes establishing new processing plants, improving air quality, reducing freshwater consumption, promoting treated water reuse, intensifying "Catch the Rain" initiatives, expanding renewable energy through solar plants, and ultimately, decreasing per capita garbage generation. IMC is committed to developing more state-of-the-art processing facilities to unlock the full potential of waste. Mishra revealed plans to establish a bio-briquette plant, a pyrolysis plant, a cloth recycling plant, and a glass recycling plant. These projects aim to extract maximum value from various waste streams. Furthermore, IMC has already initiated efforts to make the Indore Zoo, Choithram Sabji Mandi, and all remaining wards, zones, and slums 'zero waste' areas. Regarding waste reduction, Mishra said, "Decreasing per person garbage collection is a long-term target. In the last seven years, it significantly reduced from 436 gram per person to 418 grams per person." He emphasized that the '5R' concept (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) will be crucial for further reduction. To this end, IMC has already established community initiatives such as Bartan Bank (Utensil Bank), Jhola Bank (Bag Bank), Nekki Ki Diwar (Wall of Kindness), and various RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centres. "Improving Indore's Air Quality Index (AQI) is another key focus, with a target to reduce it from the current level of below 80 to below 60. To achieve this, AICTSL (Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited) has already begun replacing its diesel-run buses with CNG and electric vehicles. The city has also set up numerous charging stations to encourage the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs)," he said. Other measures include regular mechanised sweeping, washing, and mist spraying for road dust suppression, green-net covering on under-construction structures, setting up more AQI monitoring stations, and ensuring end-to-end pavement, the senior official added. In terms of water management, IMC is establishing a vast network of treated water pipelines for public gardens, dividers, and greenbelts. "Our target is to increase the reuse of treated water and reduce the consumption of freshwater," Mishra explained. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign, promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, is also a high priority. Mishra highlighted the economic benefit, stating, "It costs us around Rs 800 per person to supply Narmada water to approximately 35 lakh people of Indore, while our return is only Rs 200 per person. All these efforts will also reduce this financial burden on IMC." Beyond these initiatives, IMC aims to make its entire system more technologically driven through AI and other interventions, such as installing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in public toilets for better monitoring and improved services. Efforts are also underway to increase the public CCTV network, develop dense plantations, create more gardens, and organise activities that promote happiness and health among citizens, all contributing to making Indore a more livable city. He affirmed Indore's commitment to forging a distinguished identity as a 'Clean, Green, Safe, Healthy, and Solar City,' with IMC actively working on all related components to realise this vision.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IMC to ‘QuickSaaf' Waste On Demand
Indore: India's cleanest city, Indore, is set to rev olutionise its waste management model with the introduction of an on-demand waste collection facility, accessible through a dedicated mobile application. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This innovative service aims to bring a new level of convenience and efficiency to waste disposal. According to Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) additional commissioner Abhilash Mishra, the new facility will be offered via a specialised portal linked to the existing 311 app. "We already have a successful model with our 311 app to receive any complaint or request related to civic issues and ensure a quick response and prompt redressal," Mishra said. He added that the new on-demand waste collection service, initially named 'QuickSaaf', may be rebranded if deemed necessary after approval from the IMC Council. He added that the service will be best suited for bulk collection, events, C&D waste along with cleaning of big or perticular areas including waterbody periphery. To initiate a request, consumers will simply log in with their mobile number and OTP, then choose between a 'Cleaning' or 'Collection' option. The service is anticipated to launch within a month. The on-demand service will feature a transparent fee structure. For 'Cleaning' requests, charges will vary based on the area and nature of the cleaning required, including construction & demolition (C&D) waste or waterbody periphery cleaning. For the 'Collection' option, consumers will be charged based on the distance for pickup and transport of the waste. To facilitate accurate pricing and service provision, users will need to provide details such as the expected weight of the garbage, a description of the items, and upload accompanying photos or videos. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the 'pickup waste collection' category, consumers will also have the flexibility to select the appropriate vehicle type – either a dumper or a tipper – based on their specific requirements. They will also need to choose a preferred date, time slot, and pickup location. Once the online payment is completed, the application will be accepted, and the applicant will receive an online booking receipt for their order. IMC is well-equipped to process nearly all types of waste, including C&D, plastic, and green waste. For specialised materials like batteries, the civic body has empanelled private partners to ensure proper disposal. The charges for the service have been meticulously calculated, factoring in the workers and resources needed for cleaning, as well as vehicle fuel consumption, maintenance, and the cost of drivers and helpers for waste pickup and transport.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
City celebrates world environment day
Indore: The city celebrated World Environment Day on Thursday with a series of vibrant and meaningful activities across various institutions and organisations. A grand awareness event was hosted at Gandhi Hall by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) under Swachh Bharat Mission and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The day began with a walkathon flagged off by ADC Abhilash Mishra, followed by seed ball making and a painting competition centred on environmental themes. Outstanding participants were felicitated with cash prizes and certificates. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and Council Member Abhishek Sharma graced the occasion. Adding to the green momentum, the IMC launched a tree plantation drive under the 'Women For Tree' initiative. Over 300 saplings were planted at Ahilya Udyan, Sirpur Lake, Talawali Chanda, and Chhota Bangarda by women from DAY-NULM self-help groups. Key officials including Manish Sharma, Rakesh Jain, Anil Banwaria, and several corporators participated. The campaign emphasised women's vital role in ecological stewardship. DAVV organised a special symposium on the role of educational institutions in water conservation. Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat, speaking as the chief guest, urged universities to adopt the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and promote environmental consciousness among students. Vicechancellor, professor Rakesh Singhai, stressed that environmental responsibility is a moral duty for all. CSWT-BSF Indore launched a massive plantation campaign aiming to plant 2,000 saplings within its premises. Led by Acting IG V.T. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kayarkar, the event saw participation from Aurobindo Hospital and MP Forest Department. Dr. Sunil Dwivedi and deputy ranger Leena Jhala were present at the event. In Ratlam, Western Railway observed the day with rallies, street plays, environmental pledges and tree plantation drives under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. Over 50 trees were planted and employees pledged to adopt and protect at least one tree. Awareness plays were performed at the station and loco care centre and eco-friendly bags were distributed at the divisional railway hospital.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
IMC processes green waste after storm uproots hundreds of trees
Indore: The recent bout of heavy winds coupled with rainfall wreaked havoc on Indore's green cover, uprooting hundreds of trees across the city. The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) mobilised its resources to collect the fallen trees and transport them to its green waste processing plant for efficient disposal and potential revenue to IMC additional commissioner Abhilash Mishra, a staggering 302 tonnes of green waste, comprising leaves and tree branches, were collected by the civic body between May 5 and 8. This massive cleanup operation required the deployment of 151 heavy loading vehicles."Similarly, we collected around 355 tonnes of wood logs during the same four-day period," Mishra stated. "These logs were the result of the numerous trees that fell due to the strong winds and rainfall. All these logs were transported to our green waste processing plant using 19 dumpers."Indore boasts the country's first public-private partnership (PPP) model green waste processing plant, a facility that not only handles green waste effectively but also generates revenue for the IMC. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far The corporation receives a royalty of Rs 3,000 per tonne for supplying wood and branches to the on approximately 55,000 square feet of land in the Bicholi Hapsi area by a private firm, the plant recycles the collected wood and branches to produce valuable wood pellets. These pellets serve as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to energy conservation. "The plant just commenced its production," confirmed additional commissioner the plant's operational model, Mishra said, "The plant is set up on a PPP basis. As royalty, the IMC will receive Rs 3000 for every tonne of processed material. The plant has a daily processing capacity of 100 tonnes. Indore typically generates around 30 tonnes of green waste daily, including wood and branches, which can surge to 60-70 tonnes during peak seasons like autumn."
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Swachh city begins conversion of green waste into fuel pellets
Indore: In a unique initiative towards environmental protection, Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) started processing the city's green waste into powder form to manufacture green fuel pellets (wooden pellets) by setting up a plant costing around Rs 7 crore. IMC commissioner Shivam Verma and additional commissioner Abhilash Mishra were among the senior officials, who visited the plant as the first lot of production was successfully completed, on Wednesday. "These pellets will serve as an alternative fuel to coal, ensuring environmental sustainability and improving waste management practices. IMC will receive a royalty of Rs 3 per kilogram from this project, marking a commendable step towards revenue generation. It's the first public private partnership-mode green waste plant established by any civic body in India," Verma said. During the inspection, he discussed the plant's potential, structure, resource availability, and the project's impact with concerned officials. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Built on a 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, serving as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation . The plant has a capacity of 100 tonnes per day (tpd). The green waste generated from the premises of major institutions is being directly collected and sent to the facility, with a fixed fee structure in place. Indore generates approximately 30 tonne of green waste — wood, branches, leaves, and flowers — daily. As the seasons change, especially during autumn, this volume can soar to 60 to 70 tonne. Mishra said these wooden pellets produced from green waste will prove to be a better alternative to coal and can be used as fuel in industrial units. This will lead to a reduction in air pollution and decrease dependence on coal. How Green Waste Is Converted Into Fuel Pellets? At the plant, the city's green waste is being transformed into a fine sawdust that could be used across a wide array of industries. With a detailed plan in place, the idea is to dry the green waste over a span of three to four months. During this time, the moisture content would decrease by 90%, preparing the material for the next stage. As the months pass by, the green waste, once damp and cumbersome, would become light and brittle, almost ready for transformation. Cutting-edge machines will then help to break it down into fine dust particles — sawdust. Once an unremarkable byproduct of timber mills, it now has a second life, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy. Wooden pellets, produced from green waste, are utilised across various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), where they serve as an eco-friendly alternative for energy production and other applications. Besides, the sawdust can be used to craft durable packing material that reduce the need for plastic. Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilisers made from the sawdust enrich the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. In the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and styrofoam.
