S M Sehgal Foundation’s Post

"Exploring Rural Realities: My 3-day field visit to Rampur, Gujarat, was an eye-opening experience into the heart of rural India. Engaging with the local community, understanding their challenges and strengths, and gaining firsthand insights into rural management. #FieldVisit #IRMA #IFS #InductionFieldVisit #RuralManagement #LearningJourney #CommunityEngagement #RuralDevelopment"

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has passed a new bill aimed at developing the region surrounding the state capital, Lucknow, based on a model similar to that of the National Capital Region centered around New Delhi. In July this year, the Yogi Adityanath government had issued a notification for the formation of the State Capital Region (SCR) which would include Lucknow and five other adjoining districts — Hardoi, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Barabanki. Together, these six districts comprise an area of over 27,000 sq km. The Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Areas Development Authority Bill, 2024, which was passed today (August 1), envisions the creation of an authority to develop a roadmap for the areas in and around Lucknow. According to reports, the Bill also empowers the state government to "rename any of the regions" coming within the authority's jurisdiction. While the Chief Minister will be the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region Development Authority (UP-SCRDA), officials from housing, finance, industry, irrigation, transport, and other sectors will be its members. Uttar Pradesh is following a path already taken by other states in adopting the NCR model for capital region development. Similar approaches have been adopted by Andhra Pradesh and Assam. In 2014, Andhra Pradesh established the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority to oversee the development of Amaravati. In Assam, the Sarbananda Sonowal government had introduced the Assam State Capital Region Development Authority in 2016. hashtag #up #highways #infra #urbaninfra #uttarpardesh #govermentbill #upgoverment #yojna

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has passed a new bill aimed at developing the region surrounding the state capital, Lucknow, based on a model similar to that of the National Capital Region centered around New Delhi. In July this year, the Yogi Adityanath government had issued a notification for the formation of the State Capital Region (SCR) which would include Lucknow and five other adjoining districts — Hardoi, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Barabanki. Together, these six districts comprise an area of over 27,000 sq km. The Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Areas Development Authority Bill, 2024, which was passed today (August 1), envisions the creation of an authority to develop a roadmap for the areas in and around Lucknow. According to reports, the Bill also empowers the state government to "rename any of the regions" coming within the authority's jurisdiction. While the Chief Minister will be the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region Development Authority (UP-SCRDA), officials from housing, finance, industry, irrigation, transport, and other sectors will be its members. Uttar Pradesh is following a path already taken by other states in adopting the NCR model for capital region development. Similar approaches have been adopted by Andhra Pradesh and Assam. In 2014, Andhra Pradesh established the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority to oversee the development of Amaravati. In Assam, the Sarbananda Sonowal government had introduced the Assam State Capital Region Development Authority in 2016. #up #highways #infra #urbaninfra #uttarpardesh #govermentbill #upgoverment #yojna

The past, present and future... As a teenager, I clearly remember that during the late 80s the dugwell in Uttarayan was the only source of water throughout the year for our home, my father's clinic and the LIC office, which is within Uttarayan's campus. Interestingly, water for the construction of all three buildings in the early 80s was supplied from the same dugwell. This dugwell was actively used for about a decade. Subsequently, two deep boreholes, one for the clinic and house and the other for the LIC office, were sunk to a depth of 200 feet in two consecutive years in the late 90s. They remain the main source of water. This dugwell is 33 feet deep and it yields water throughout the year. The annual fluctuation ranged from 24.33 feet below ground level (bgl) to 4 feet bgl during the failed monsoon of 2023. Keep in mind, this is not just the story of Uttarayan, but similar stories will surely have their roots in countless homes in the urban areas of Jharkhand and Bihar. And all the stories will clearly establish the importance and functionality of shallow aquifers in the water mathematics of the urban centre. These days local dailies are regularly reporting about depleting/shrinking water resources in urban centers of Jharkhand and Bihar, which was once unimaginable. The piloting of shallow aquifer management (SAM) by the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation along with Megh Pyne Abhiyan is a way to explore and establish an approach to ensure water availability in urban areas of both the states. The pilot is being supported by Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) / AMRUT MoHUA and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). And is being led by the Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM) and Biome Environmental Trust. In the emerging water stress scenarios in urban centers of Jharkhand and Bihar, adopting SAM now would be a viable strategic step to address the growing concern in a decentralized manner. #Groundwater | #urbanwater | #water | #aquifer | #shallowaquifer | #shallowaquiferrecharge| #drinkingwatersecurity | #watersecurity | #Dhanbad | #Jharkhand | #Bihar | #waterwoes |

In the heart of rural India, a revolution in water supply and sanitation is taking shape, driven by MEIL's commitment to transforming lives. Our journey spans across the diverse landscapes of Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where we are not just delivering clean water, but also nurturing the well-being of countless communities. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a right, not a privilege. Understanding this, #MEIL has plunged headfirst into the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) projects dedicated to constructing vital water infrastructure and sanitation facilities. These projects are more than just infrastructure. They are lifelines to improved public health in rural areas, where water scarcity and inadequate sanitation have long been challenges. In #Karnataka, our teams are laying a foundation for a brighter future in Haveri, Kodihalli, Pavagada, and Yadgir. World-class water supply infrastructure is set to redefine the standard of living here. #Odisha's transformation is underway, too, with robust water infrastructure projects in Bhadrak, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Sambalpur, and Sundergarh. #waterinfrastructure development across Uddanam, Pulivendula, and Dhone in #AndhraPradesh is tailored to the unique needs of local communities, aiming to combat water-borne diseases, while in Telangana, our team's efforts in establishing the Karimnagar and Warangal water grids are nothing short of remarkable. These RWSS projects are not just about quenching thirst. They are about breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering sustainable development, empowering rural communities, and elevating living standards. This comprehensive approach to well-being is at the heart of our mission. As MEIL continues this transformative journey, we are reminded that every drop of clean water supplied and every sanitation facility built is a step towards a healthier, more prosperous rural India. The impact of these life-changing projects is enormous because when water flows, life grows! Follow us on Twitter for quick updates on our ongoing projects - https://lnkd.in/dx6Z8mSs #drinkingwater #ruralwatersupplyschemes

Sharing my experience in a Road Project #ESGDueDiligence in Madhya Pradesh with IVRCL INDORE GUJARAT TOLLWAYS LIMITED few months back. The road project generally leading to following type of issues: #EnvironmentIssues- Habitat disruption, biodiversity loss, water pollution, hydrological changes, air and noise pollution, use of heavy machines, Use of DG Sets, Hazardous Waste Generation, Management C&D Waste, passing of roads through ecological sensitive areas, dams, bridges, water flow etc. #SocialIssues - Displacement and Settlement, Encroachment on roadside by shopkeepers, Impacts of Livelihood, Access & Connectivity, Health & Safety aspects like management of accidents on road, emergency vehicles, patrolling vehicles, monitoring on roads, road safety features as per Indian Road Congress Standards. These are general issues in E&S Category in Road Projects and there can be more complicated issues directly and indirectly related with above. Effectively managing E&S issues in road projects not only complies with regulatory requirements and international best practices but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the project, benefiting both the environment and local communities. Shubham Shukla Anu W. SUSHREE SUNANDA SAHU Shikha Sharma Kartika Panwar Ashwani Kumar Jha Follow our company page for more updates on evolution of #EHStoESG https://lnkd.in/ds2eW6C

Tamil Nadu government's plan to build greenfield airport in Parandur defies logic. 90% of lands, out of total 5,369 acres, proposed to be acquired are either fertile agriculture lands or waterbodies. This is kind destroying a well-oiled rural economy. Farmers here told me they grow more paddy per hectare than their counterparts in Thanjavur. Two villages - Ekanapuram and Nagapattu - are boycotting the #LokSabha polls tomorrow. Instead, the government can consider acquiring lands in Pannur, where there is less agriculture and wetlands. In Parandur site, 1005 families will be displaced, while in Pannur only 250 families will be affected, as per the pre-feasibility report. The New Indian Express Airport Authority of India #TamilNadu #wetlands #agriculture.

🔎 Looking forward 🏞️ Nature-based solutions (NbS) have the potential to be pivotal in tackling critical environmental challenges in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. 🌊 The Brahmaputra River is prone to devastating floods and erosion (post-1950 seismic event). NbS can be implemented in restoring floodplains, reforesting riverbanks, and constructing bio-dykes,to absorb and dissipate floodwaters effectively. These methods are not only more sustainable than traditional grey-engineering solutions but will also enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health. 🛶 Wetlands are kidney of the ecosystem. In Assam, wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, water purification and flood control. By conserving & restoring the wetlands,the capacity to regulate water flows and aquatic habitats improved. Initiatives such as creating buffer zones and planting native plant and grass species can help maintain wetland integrity and resilience against climate change impacts. 🪙 Implementing NbS fosters local economic growth by creating livelihood opportunities through agroforestry and sustainable tourism. These practices also enhance agricultural productivity and fisheries, directly benefiting local communities. Empowering local stakeholders and integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices ensures sustainable and inclusive development. 💡 Assam and Brahmaputra valley's future is very much dependent on integrating nature-based solutions in environmental management strategies in terms of flood and river erosion risk reduction, wetland revival and building climate resilient communities. #naturebasedsolutions #rivervalley #Brahmaputra #flood #erosion #riskreduction #agroforestry #climateresilience #greeneconomy #ripariancommunities

The honorable PM Narendra Modi Ji’s recent initiatives in Madhya Pradesh are pivotal for the region’s development, reinforcing commitment to #water accessibility. The 'Talavada Project' and AMRUT 2.0's urban water schemes promise a brighter future for thousands in #Dhar, #Ratlam, and across multiple districts. The 'Nal Jal Yojana' dedication for 50 gram panchayats in #Jhabua, impacting 11,000 households, exeymplifies transformative governance. A momentous step towards ensuring clean and accessible water for all. #madhyapradesh #watersecurity

#BiodiverseCity - It is great to see how a former agrochemical (pesticides and herbicides) has transformed now to a vibrant green urban space in line of Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. Kalpataru Limited has procured this former industrial land (104 acres) from Bayer Cropsciences at a cost of ~INR 1,250 Crore in 2012 (https://lnkd.in/duiPAxt4). The project has been constructed as an amenity plot within that land parcel in lieu of TDR because of which the Thane corporation hasn’t incurred any construction expenses. This is a great model to develop NEW urban green spaces. This is the state’s first central park and has over 3500 trees and has been designed to accommodate more flora and fauna over here. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority Science Based Targets initiative IUCN #generationrestoration