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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: SAPCC 2.0 aims to strengthen climate resilience, reduce emissions by 2030
The second meeting of the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) on the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) 2.0 for Chandigarh was held on Friday. Based on detailed climate modelling and vulnerability assessments, SAPCC 2.0 warns of rising temperatures and increased frequency of heavy rainfall by 2050, which could intensify urban challenges such as heat stress and flooding. To ensure accountability, the plan includes a robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER) framework. (HT File) The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Rajeev Verma, chief secretary, at the UT Secretariat. Officials said that the meeting focused on outlining the roadmap for the effective implementation of SAPCC 2.0, following its recent approval by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC), during the National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC) meeting. Developed by the department of environment, UT Chandigarh, SAPCC 2.0 aims to strengthen climate resilience, reduce emissions, and integrate sustainability into governance by 2030. The plan aligns with national priorities, including India's updated NDCs, the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, and Mission LiFE. Key initiatives under SAPCC 2.0 include: Achieving 100% renewable energy under the Model Solar City initiative, expanding electric mobility, promoting green buildings, enhancing rainwater harvesting, wetland restoration and strengthening public health systems. To ensure accountability, the plan includes a robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER) framework. It also proposes the creation of a Climate Change Centre (CCC) to coordinate interdepartmental efforts, manage climate data, and facilitate knowledge sharing. A baseline study on carbon emissions and sequestration potential is also planned to support data-driven policy-making. The meeting was attended by Mandip Singh Brar, secretary home-cum-environment and forest, Diprava Lakra, secretary finance and transport, Saurbh Kumar, CCF-cum-director environment, MC commissioner Amit Kumar (IAS), Ajay Chagti, secretary health, and additional director of environment Anup Kumar Soni, along with other officials from stakeholder departments.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
12 IAS officers, 3 IPS officers among mentors for UT's 42 govt schools
As many as 12 IAS officers and three IPS officers are among the mentors for 42 government schools of Chandigarh under the UT administration's mentorship programme — 'Adopt a School, Inspire a Generation', which was recently launched. Under the programme, for each school, one officer, one doctor, one professor and one entrepreneur has been nominated as a mentor. The IAS officer-turned-mentors are: Rajeev Verma, Mandip Singh Brar, Nishant Kumar Yadav, Ajay Chagti, Hari Kallikkat, Swapnil M Naik, Prerna Puri, Moh Mansoor L, Amit Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Chaudhary Abhijit Vijay and Diprava Lakra. The IPS officers who have been assigned the responsibility of a mentor are: Pushpendra Kumar, Kanwardeep Kaur and Sumer Pratap Singh. Rajeev Verma, who is UT Chief Secretary, will be mentor for the students of PM SHRI Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School (Sector -18), while UT Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar will be mentor for Government Model Senior Secondary School (Sector-16). Panjab University Registrar Yajvender Pal Verma will be mentor for the students of Government Model Senior Secondary Sector-8, while the Regional Convener for the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rupesh Singh will be the mentor for Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-21A. UT School Education Director HS Brar said that the programme is designed as a 'sustained long-term engagement' wherein the mentors are expected to ensure continuity of support to the school, students and teachers, through at least one in-person school visit each month and supplemented by relevant follow-up activities. 'While this structured initiative is broadly well set, yet it gives enough flexibility to the mentors to whittling down a shared vision for a vibrant, progressive school education system in the 'City Beautiful',' he added.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chandigarh's airport puzzle: Old terminal may fly again as shortcut plan crashes
1 2 Chandigarh: Not getting its way on the shorter route to the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, the Chandigarh administration is now eyeing a throwback solution — reopening the old airport terminal. Attending the 'Northern Region Ministers Conference on Civil Aviation' in Dehradun on Friday, UT chief secretary Rajeev Verma formally proposed reviving the old terminal, which lies just 6 km from Sector 17, compared to the 21 km trek to Mohali's terminal. The move could dramatically cut travel time for city residents. The administration also sought more international flights from the airport. "It is the first time the administration has formally proposed reopening the old airport terminal. It will sharply reduce the distance for the city residents to the airport," said a UT official. The old airport terminal was shut down for civil passengers after the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (SBSIAC) Chandigarh, having a terminal in Mohali, became operational in 2015. The old terminal was a civil enclave within the Chandigarh Air Force Station. "The demand for the operationalisation of the old Chandigarh airport has been consistently made by different sections of city residents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo The demand increased after the plans for the alternative shorter route to the international airport didn't take off," said the official. Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has also been demanding the operationalisation of the old Chandigarh airport. He raised the issue in Parliament in 2024. In response to Tewari's question on the re-operationalisation of the old airport, on Dec 19, 2024, minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said there was no proposal to make the old terminal operational for passenger movement. The administration has been raising the demand for a shorter route to the new international airport for several years but with little success. The matter is also pending in the Punjab and Haryana high court. On the directions of the high court, a proposal for the shorter route to the new international airport was finalised, and even the land acquisition process was started by Chandigarh. But the proposed shorter route got a major setback when the Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL) resolved that in the interest of the airport with respect to future growth for the next 30-40 years, the land in respect of the construction of the road from Chandigarh to the airport should be utilised for some other purpose which would be beneficial for the CHIAL as the proposal to construct an alternate route by the UT Administration would hinder future expansion/growth of the airport. Notably, previously, CHIAL had agreed to the proposal of the Chandigarh Administration to grant permission to use CHIAL land for the construction of the road from Chandigarh to the airport. Punjab has also been reluctant in pursuing the shorter-route project. The Chandigarh Administration had finalised a tentative proposal to provide an alternate route for SBSIAC Chandigarh from Purv Marg (Jn-63) having a total length of 3.5 km. The alternate route will reduce the travel distance from 11.6 km to 3.5 km (from the junction).
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Era Joshi Shines on the Cover of Quadro Magazine's June 2025 Issue
International model Era Joshi graces the cover of Quadro Magazine's June 2025 issue. This magazine cover has garnered attention for its distinctiveness, allure, authenticity and originality; it presents a design unlike any that has previously been featured by any publication globally. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Quadro Magazine, known for its lifestyle coverage and based in Milan — the fashion capital of the world — highlights this exceptional artwork. The striking model Era Joshi has recently become popular under the moniker 'Beauty With a Unicorn' since the release of this June edition. The captivating cover was captured by photographer Rajeev Verma, with make-up artistry by Purvi Chopra Tak. On this cover page, Era is dressed in a stunning blue sequinned dress from Sinderella's exclusive limited-edition collection. 'I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity; cheers to Quadro Magazine,' Era Joshi remarked to The Times of India. This feature marks another international appearance for Joshi, and is also her first magazine highlight since receiving the Best Model of the Year 2024 award from Forever Star India Awards. Prior to this recognition, she had appeared in prominent international publications such as Artells Magazine out of New York City, USA — a renowned fashion hub as well.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Chandigarh achieves 100% wastewater treatment capacity
With the treatment capacity exceeding its wastewater generation, Chandigarh has achieved a significant milestone in environmental management. The city currently generates approximately 232 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater, against a treatment capacity of about 255 MLD — marking over 100 per cent treatment capability. This development was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Rajeev Verma, chief secretary, UT Chandigarh, to assess compliance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in a matter of 2018 regarding the compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016 and other environmental issues. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Mandip Singh Brar, secretary (environment and local government), Chandigarh Administration; Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Saurabh Kumar, director (environment), Chandigarh Administration; Amit Kumar, commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; C B Ojha, Chief Engineer, Engineering Department, Chandigarh Administration; and Sanjay Arora, chief engineer, MC. Kumar, who also serves as member secretary of CPCC, briefed the gathering on the city's waste management performance. All Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are under close monitoring, and expert consultations are underway to ensure full compliance with prescribed norms. Weekly reviews are being held to ensure that no untreated sewage is discharged into natural drains. The laying of a tertiary treated water distribution network is progressing steadily, with connections being extended to parks, roundabouts, road berms, kanal houses, institutions, and industrial units, the official said. Regarding solid waste, the city generates about 500 tonnes per day (TPD), which is collected door-to-door by the MC using specially designed compartmentalised vehicles. This waste is entirely processed, and the bioremediation of legacy waste is currently in progress, targeted for completion by July 2025. Leachate from the landfill is being managed via two operational leachate treatment plants (LTPs). The Chief Secretary directed that all remaining works be expedited and completed within the set de Strict instructions were issued to ensure that no untreated wastewater enters the choes or drains, and no solid waste is dumped across the city. Departments were asked to implement detailed plans to prevent illegal dumping, especially at vulnerable sites, and begin phased installation of CCTV cameras for enforcement under MC's Bye-Laws 2018. He also instructed the civic body to intensify efforts in waste segregation through surprise inspections and impose fines on violators, along with maintaining strict vigilance against solid waste burning.
