Latest news with #VijayVishwasPant
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Miyawaki forest in Naini to become eco-tourism hub
Prayagraj: The lush green Miyawaki forest located behind the Industrial Area Police Station in Naini will soon become a hub for eco-tourism and wellness activities. The forest will soon offer a cycle safari, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty on both regular and battery-operated bicycles. The forest area was developed nearly three years ago when over 1.2 lakh saplings from 63 species were planted using the Miyawaki technique, a Japanese afforestation method known for rapid and dense plantation. Following the directives of divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, preparations are now underway to develop a dedicated cycling track within the forest. In addition to promoting physical activity, the initiative aims to create an eco-friendly recreational zone for both city dwellers and rural communities. One of the unique aspects of the project will be the inclusion of cafeterias offering organic food, including traditional dishes made from Shri Anna (millets) and local favourites like Bati-Chokha, giving visitors a taste of regional culinary along with healthy food choices. To oversee and implement this project, a committee comprising the SDM of Karchhana, the general manager of the District Industries Centre, the DFO, and a zonal officer from the municipal corporation has been constituted. Pant has entrusted municipal commissioner Sai Teja with the overall responsibility of executing the required infrastructure and amenities. Although the forest has yet to be officially named, it will soon receive a formal title, facilitating easier access and navigation via Google Maps. Plans are also in place to develop the site along the lines of Lucknow's famous Janeshwar Mishra Park, albeit on a smaller scale. The Miyawaki forest not only enhances the city's green cover but also plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution, increasing local humidity, and acting as a natural carbon sink. It also supports biodiversity by offering a habitat to various animal species and helps prevent soil erosion. This initiative is expected to provide a refreshing outdoor experience for residents, promoting health, sustainability and local culture—all in one green getaway.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maha Kumbh resources to enhance pilgrim facilities across state
1 2 Prayagraj: A steamer and changing room used during Maha Kumbh will be sent to Ayodhya . The aim is to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims visiting the sacred Sarayu river, allowing them to enjoy river rides with better amenities. This decision stands out as a major highlight in the state's effort to repurpose resources used during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 . Simultaneously, tipper and compactor vehicles will be transferred to the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation. Following CM Yogi Adityanath's visit to Prayagraj on Feb 27, instructions were issued to draft a comprehensive report identifying reusable materials from the Maha Kumbh. The goal was to ensure their optimal use in other districts across Uttar Pradesh. Based on the findings, a detailed plan is now approved for inter-district redistribution. Recently, the Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant chaired an online meeting with officials to finalise the detailed logistics of relocating various equipment and infrastructure. It was decided that a steamer will be sent specifically to Ayodhya for Sarayu river tours, while another is designated for Chandauli. Likewise, the water ATMs installed at different locations of the 25 sectors of the vast Maha Kumbh area will be sent to Ayodhya, Vindhyachal, Mathura and Panki in Kanpur. Public Works Department's chequered plates and pontoons are being dispatched to Mirzapur, Gorakhpur, Lakhimpur, and Kanpur for various infrastructure needs. A proposal regarding further allocation of chequered plates is to be reviewed by the commissioner shortly. Along with this, equipment procured for the fair worth approximately Rs 1,550 crore, which includes vehicles, compactors, street lights, steel pontoons, transformers, and power poles will be redistributed among several districts. Special attention is being given to critical regions such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Chandauli, which will receive generators, waste management vehicles, water ATMs, and more. All 17 municipal corporations in the state will receive supplies based on need, including 71,000 street lights, 150 waste collection vehicles, and extensive water supply infrastructure. Pipes and water connections will be routed through the state's Jal Nigam. Health department equipment such as pathology lab machines and X-ray devices will remain within Prayagraj, distributed among SRN, Beli, and Colvin hospitals. Meanwhile, sanitation vehicles are being assigned to the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, with a few retained by the Kumbh Mela Authority for future use. This strategic redistribution not only ensures resource optimisation but also allows the spiritual legacy of Maha Kumbh to extend its impact far beyond Prayagraj, benefiting millions across the state.
