Latest news with #UrbanDevelopmentDepartment
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Health and training initiatives for garbage management workers
Tushar Girinath, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department and Chairman of Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), has directed officials to organise regular health check-up camps for all garbage management workers within BBMP limits. Speaking at a meeting hosted by BSWML in collaboration with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), 'C40 Cities, Sensing Local, and Saahas', he emphasised the importance of early health interventions and monthly meetings to address workers' challenges and foster better communication. Mr. Girinath also stressed strengthening Dry Waste Collection Centers (DWCCs) and integrating informal workers, supporting their transition into entrepreneurship. Identity cards for workers will be updated and reissued. He lauded the ongoing training and dialogue sessions on climate action for frontline workers under the Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP). From March to June 2025, over 600 BSWML workers across five city zones — East, West, South, Bommanahalli, and Mahadevapura — participated in three-phase training. Around 75 workers engaged in dialogue sessions to express concerns and co-create solutions. The training focused on solid waste management, safety, bulk waste handling, and income generation. Senior officials, including Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishor and Zonal Commissioners, attended the session, affirming institutional support for improving worker welfare and climate resilience.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
State orders mandatory structural audits for all urban bridges, buildings
Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state—including municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats—to carry out structural audits of every bridge and building under their jurisdiction. The directive, issued through a Government Resolution (GR) dated June 30, applies across the state and aims to prevent accidents due to deteriorating civic infrastructure. The move comes in the wake of mounting concerns over aging infrastructure, most recently triggered by the tragic collapse of the Kundmala bridge in Pune, which claimed several lives. Closer to home, Nagpur has seen its own warnings ignored—Cracks were discovered in 11 strut pockets of Butibori bridge in December last year, and in 2023, a block of Panchasheel bridge partially collapsed, raising serious safety concerns that still linger. The resolution, released by Urban Development Department, holds ULBs accountable for the upkeep, safety, and timely repairs of structures built with either state funds or their own resources. It emphasises the need for urgent action in areas with high footfall, such as tourist and religious sites, where the risk from neglected structures is considerably higher. The GR makes it compulsory for ULBs to conduct structural audits at regular intervals and take proactive measures, especially where structures show signs of decay or pose safety risks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Høreproblemer? Bliv en del af AudioNova's gratis testpanel, hvis du er født før 1970 Audionova Lær mere Undo Local administrations have been warned to treat any delay in this regard as a serious lapse. In the city, where civic infrastructure is under increasing stress due to urban expansion, the directive is expected to push the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) into action. Several bridges and old govt buildings in the city have long been due for assessment. The GR also specifies that if any bridge or building is found to be in a hazardous state, the concerned ULB must act without delay to prevent any loss of life or property. Necessary funding for the audits and follow-up repairs must come from the local bodies' own budgets. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ulhasnagar civic revamp: Crumbling UMC HQ to go; Rs 50 crore boost for new high-rise office
THANE: The state govt released a fund of Rs 50 crore as the first instalment through the Urban Development Department to build a new multi-storey building by demolishing the dangerous headquarters of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The UMC's headquarters is 42 years old, and its condition is now dangerous, with plaster frequently falling from the building. In such a situation, the UMC, as well as local representatives, were demanding a new headquarters for the last few years. Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde said that due to the dilapidated condition of the building and in view of the demand of the local representatives, the Urban Development Department sanctioned Rs 50 crore as the first instalment, and further funds will be given as needed for this multi-storey headquarters building. Earlier, MLA Kumar Ailani was demanding Rs 200 crore for the construction of the building for the last few years. Recently, during the Thane District Planning Committee meeting, he raised this issue in front of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying around 700 civic staff, including the UMC commissioner's life, is in threat as the building has become dangerous. In this meeting, UMC Commissioner Manisha Awhale said that they have an alternative option to shift the headquarters so that a new building can be constructed at the same place. After this, the govt provided a fund, making way clear for the construction of the new building.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Future plans: Villages set for urban makeover under MMRDA blueprint; Rs 325 crore road project underway
MMRDA has begun preparing a Development Plan (DP) for Alibaug and parts of Pen, Panvel and Khalapur — areas now integrated into the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The move aims to transform the largely rural belt into an urban extension of Mumbai, with industrial clusters, residential zones, and tourism infrastructure. A major highlight is a Rs 325-crore road improvement project across 10 villages, with 10 major stretches set for concretisation. Work worth Rs 251 crore under three packages is already tendered, with a completion timeline of 24 months. While demographic surveys and infrastructure studies are ongoing, the draft DP will be released for public suggestions and objections. Following are MMRDA's responses to a TOI questionnaire: ■ What prompted the inclusion of parts of Alibaug, Pen, Panvel, and Khalapur in MMRDA's planning area? Alibaug, Pen, Panvel and Khalapur were already partly included in MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region). Considering development potential of the talukas and influence of MMR, remaining parts were included on Sept 9, 2019. To channelize development, a Development Plan was essential. Therefore, Urban Development Department appointed MMRDA as Special Planning Authority in MMR's Extended Notified Area. ■ How will this benefit the residents? The Development Plan (DP) will enable organised development and encourage industrial, residential and commercial, recreational and employment generating activities in the sub-region. ■ Are development control regulations ready for the region? The Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations are applicable for the area. The DP being prepared by MMRDA is at its early stage, the draft will be ready for publication in due course. ■ Do you see Alibaug as a prospective industrial zone or tourist zone or an extended suburb of Mumbai? Alibaug taluka is now an integral part of the metropolitan region as an extended suburb of Mumbai via sea route. It is an established tourist destination. MMRDA envisages its development into an upcoming urbanised area with secondary and tertiary industries, residential and tourism belts. ■ What will be the status of agriculture in the area? Land suitable for agriculture and already under cultivation will be maintained. ■ What kind of expansion is planned in terms of water supply, garbage management, transport, and electricity for Alibaug? Outside Alibaug council limit, the rest of the taluka is rural. The Draft DP will consider these aspects. A study of infrastructure in rural areas is underway to plan for balanced development. ■ Are there numerical projections for population for the region? Demographic data collection and projections are part of the study for the ongoing Draft DP. ■ Who will clear the big projects? The DP is being prepared in consultation with the Town Planning department. Data of physical and social infrastructure, industries, demography etc. is being collected. ■ Has MMRDA engaged with local stakeholders, panchayats, and residents regarding development in the region? Draft DP once prepared, will be published for inspection and providing suggestions. Public consultation will be carried out. 10 villages in alibaug identified for road development Vave | Beloshi | Mahajne | Mahan | Phansapur | Gaychole | Katalpada | Awas Phata | Bhonang-Talavali | Chowl Timeline for completion of 325-cr road project : For work totalling 251 cr of 325 cr, construction period is 24 months (including monsoon) Poynad Growth Center to impact Alibaug? Poynad Junction Growth Center was notified in Final Regional Plan 2016-36. Significant development potential is seen in this area in Alibaug taluka. But MMRDA is not Planning Authority for this area.
Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
UP govt revises SOP to boost financial autonomy of urban local bodies
The Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Department has revised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining financial and administrative powers of urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state. Under the new guidelines, Nagar Panchayats will now be empowered to independently sanction development projects up to Rs 1 crore, while municipal Councils can undertake projects worth up to Rs 2 crore. This marks a significant jump from the earlier limit of Rs 40 lakh set in the 2021 SOP. Officials said the updated SOP is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at promoting decentralisation, improving transparency, and strengthening urban governance. One of the key changes allows the use of interlocking tiles on roads up to 3.75 metres in width, an infrastructure upgrade that aligns with modern urban planning needs. In addition to enhancing financial autonomy, the revised SOP has also introduced stronger accountability mechanisms. If a construction project is found to be substandard, 50% of the cost recovery will be borne by the contractor, while the remaining 50% will be recovered from the concerned engineers and administrative officials of the respective ULB. The district magistrate will oversee this recovery process. Urban local bodies have also been instructed to maintain ward-wise road directories and conduct GIS mapping of existing infrastructure to aid in more efficient future planning. 'It is a step towards reforms and would improve the quality and effectiveness of urban governance and at the same time increase transparency. These revised SOP norms also aim to promote decentralization,' claimed Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department.
