Latest news with #TamilNaduInnovationInitiatives
Time of India
19 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Madurai corpn goes rangoli way to check waste dumping
Madurai: In an attempt to clean up its act after the poor showing in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, Madurai corporation has rolled out a mix of creative and enforcement-driven initiatives to tackle its long-standing garbage problem. Among the most striking efforts is the use of rangoli — colourful traditional designs — at garbage-vulnerable points to dissuade people from dumping waste. The corporation began drawing rangolis at spots notorious for illegal waste disposal, aiming to trigger a behavioural shift through visual appeal and cultural symbolism. "The initiative has been in place for about a month now, and while it's helping reduce waste in some areas, changing public habits takes time," said a senior health official. In certain neighbourhoods, green nets have also been used to enclose dumping spots, and saplings have been planted to reclaim and beautify these areas. J Abisekh, assistant city health officer, said the corporation made significant progress in recent months. "The rankings released this year were based on 2024 data. Since then, we've made major improvements in cleanliness. The number of garbage-vulnerable points dropped from 1,152 to 749 in the last four months," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ClarityPro Micro CIC Rechargeable: $97 For Today Only ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo "Apart from ongoing issues with sanitary workers, all other parameters improved — we increased collection vehicles and are issuing more fines for violations," he added. Strict enforcement is another improvement of the city's renewed efforts. Fines are being levied on uncovered construction sites, debris-laden vehicles, and repeat waste offenders. Officials say fines of up to ₹1 lakh will be imposed on those who repeatedly flout norms. Recently, the corporation also mandated green nets to be installed around construction sites and cover construction material-laden vehicles. The corporation has approved installation of 80 AI-powered cameras to monitor overflowing garbage bins and improve clearance response times. The project, part of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) by State Planning Commission, will be implemented in the next two months at a cost of ₹75 lakh. The corporation also recently launched a QR code-based tracking system in south zone. Around 200 QR codes have been installed across 18 wards to monitor movement of sanitary workers and offer residents a channel for grievance redressal. "The system works, but people need to know what it's for. We're planning better outreach," a senior official said. Residents and civic activists while welcoming the mixed approach said more consistency is needed. N Nagendran, a resident of Nethaji Street, said that while waste dumping has reduced, the problem hasn't gone away entirely. "The rangoli is drawn once or twice a week. It helps, but some people still dump waste — the change has to come from the people too," he said. M Raj Kumar, a civic activist, said such initiatives have been tried successfully in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. "It's good to see Madurai replicating these ideas. But unless the daily garbage collection improves — especially with so many worker protests — the impact will be limited. In some wards, five workers are assigned, but only two or three report for duty," he added.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- The Hindu
Eco-tourism infrastructure gets a boost with two more eco huts getting ready in Pachamalai hills
The Forest Department has enhanced eco-tourism infrastructure in the lush green and serene Pachamalai, falling under the Tiruchi Forest Division near Thuraiyur, which has been attracting nature lovers and tourists. The infrastructure enhancements have been carried out under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) 2024-25 with an allocation of ₹1.1 crore. Two eco huts have been constructed at Top Sengattupatti atop the Pachamalai as part of the department's ongoing eco-tourism infrastructure enhancement, said a senior official. The eco huts have been provided with double cots, a separate dining place, restroom, and a verandah for visitors to enjoy the verdant environment on the hills. A British-era bungalow has been renovated as part of this initiative and made ready to accommodate tourists. The eco huts and the revamped British bungalow would be thrown open to the visitors soon, the official said. A part of the Eastern ghats, the scenic Pachamalai, which comes under the Thuraiyur Forest Range, is endowed with thick forest areas, ridges and valleys. It is home to various animal and bird species besides butterflies. A study undertaken by the Forest Department in December 2024 recorded as many as 126 butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population in the hill region. The hilly terrain has the popular Koraiyar and Mangalam waterfalls besides dedicated trekking routes at Sholamathi, Kalaimman Koil, and Kuthirai Paathai for the trekkers and adventure lovers. Amenities at waterfalls The officials said bathing facilities had been improved at the Koraiyar falls. This includes construction of safe access steps and provision of safety rails for secure bathing in the stream. Safety measures have also been put in place at Mangalam falls. All these developments complement the existing two tree top accommodations which were established in 2015 to promote eco-tourism at Pachamalai.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- The Hindu
Eco-tourism infrastructure gets a boost with two more eco huts getting ready in Tamil Nadu's Pachamalai hills
The Forest Department has enhanced eco-tourism infrastructure in the lush green and serene Pachamalai, falling under the Tiruchi Forest Division near Thuraiyur, which has been attracting nature lovers and tourists. The infrastructure enhancements have been carried out under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) 2024-25 with an allocation of ₹1.1 crore. Two eco huts have been constructed at Top Sengattupatti atop the Pachamalai as part of the department's ongoing eco-tourism infrastructure enhancement, said a senior official. The eco huts have been provided with double cots, a separate dining place, restroom, and a verandah for visitors to enjoy the verdant environment on the hills. A British-era bungalow has been renovated as part of this initiative and made ready to accommodate tourists. The eco huts and the revamped British bungalow would be thrown open to the visitors soon, the official said. A part of the Eastern ghats, the scenic Pachamalai, which comes under the Thuraiyur Forest Range, is endowed with thick forest areas, ridges and valleys. It is home to various animal and bird species besides butterflies. A study undertaken by the Forest Department in December 2024 recorded as many as 126 butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population in the hill region. The hilly terrain has the popular Koraiyar and Mangalam waterfalls besides dedicated trekking routes at Sholamathi, Kalaimman Koil, and Kuthirai Paathai for the trekkers and adventure lovers. Amenities at waterfalls The officials said bathing facilities had been improved at the Koraiyar falls. This includes construction of safe access steps and provision of safety rails for secure bathing in the stream. Safety measures have also been put in place at Mangalam falls. All these developments complement the existing two tree top accommodations which were established in 2015 to promote eco-tourism at Pachamalai.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Minister opens facilitation centre at Anna University for deep-tech innovations
Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Palanivel Thiaga Rajan inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) for deeptech innovations at the iTamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub in Anna University. It is funded by the government under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives. The centre aims at establishing a State-wide hub to bridge the gap between academic institutions and research organisations, with start-ups and industries, and by facilitating the transfer of deeptech innovations. This is to ensure that Tamil Nadu's leading IP and research ecosystem translates into economic and societal benefits. TNTTFC will address systemic challenges, including commercialisation hurdles. 'This will enable Tamil Nadu to compete at an international level in fields such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and clean energy,' the Minister said. The centre will act as a centralised platform for and global collaborations, including IP management, licensing, and market analysis. 'It will actively support start-ups, MSMEs, and researchers in scaling and commercialising innovative technologies through structured funding, training and mentorship programmes,' J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission said. Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary to Government, Information Technology and Digital Services Department, said: 'TNTTFC will offer comprehensive support to end-to-end IP Management; empower researchers and innovators to transform IP into successful ventures through dedicated spinoff support; and seed grant for proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, and early market testing.' 'This will facilitate the execution of joint projects, contract research, and consulting engagements that address industry needs, while advancing scientific discovery,' said Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- The Hindu
Mangalam Falls to be reopened to visitors in a couple of weeks, says Forest Department
With Mangalam Falls in the Pachamalai Hills of Tiruchi district receiving water flow following the recent wet spell, those who frequent the spot have urged the Forest Department to open the falls to visitors for bathing. The Department has said it would reopen the spot in a couple of weeks. Mangalam Falls is a little-known picnic spot near Thuraiyur in Tiruchi. According to locals, there has been an inflow of water over the past few days. The waterfall is located about 14 km from Top Sengattupatti, which is accessible by road from Tiruchi via Thuraiyur and Uppilliyapuram. From Top Sengattupatti, visitors must pass through the villages of Chinna Pakkalam, Periya Pakkalam, and Chinna Mangalam to reach the falls, which attracts a steady stream of picnickers whenever there is water flow. Maintenance work The Forest Department is currently undertaking maintenance and development work at the waterfall, as part of a tourism development project involving the Forest, Tourism, and Rural Development Departments. The project was sanctioned at an estimated cost of about ₹4 crore under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives. The creation of basic infrastructure at Koraiyar and Mangalam Falls is among the components of the project. With the Forest Department keeping the entrance to the Mangalam Falls barricaded, visitors have been left disappointed. The department is currently engaged in fixing protective iron handrails for visitors to bathe safely at the falls, besides providing concrete flooring at the bathing spots. When contacted, District Forest Officer S. Krithiga told The Hindu that the maintenance work would be completed soon and the waterfall would be open to visitors in a couple of weeks.
