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India recycles only 1% of construction and demolition waste: Report

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): India recycles only one per cent of its construction and demolition waste while the rest remains strewn across, in landfills, or in plain sight everywhere, leading to air and water pollution, according to a new report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

According to the Building Material Promotion Council (BMPTC), the country’s total construction and demolition waste (C&D) is estimated to be 150 million tonne per year. But the official recycling capacity is a meagre 6,500 tonnes per day (TPD)— just 1 per cent.

However, unofficial estimates of the total waste generated in the country put the figure at three-five times more than the official estimate, according to the CSE report.

India’s annual C&D waste, report — titled “Another Brick off the Wall: Improving construction and demolition waste management in Indian cities,” also goes on to recommend a viable plan of action to improve the situation.

The report, released at an online round table, shows that as many as 53 cities were expected to set up recycling facilities to recover material from C&D waste by 2017 — but only 13 cities have done that by 2020.

“This is unacceptable when the demand for primary building material, including minerals, stone, sand, iron ore, aluminum and timber, is growing at an unprecedented rate,” CSE Director General Sunita Narain said while releasing the report at the online event held yesterday.

She added that a significant proportion of construction waste can be recycled and reused and brought back to construction to substitute naturally sourced material. “This demands a circular economy that can turn C&D waste into a resource. It can help reduce energy intensity and environmental footprints of buildings and infrastructure,” she said.

Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director- Research and Advocacy, CSE, said heaps of concrete, bricks and metal waste from construction were choking water bodies, green areas and public spaces in Indian cities.

“Toxic dust particles from the debris were polluting air at a time when cities had to reduce their particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, under the ongoing National Clean Air Programme,” Roychowdhury said.

According to CSE researchers, the sorry state of affairs regarding C&D waste exists notwithstanding the removal of legal hurdles to using recycled C&D material in construction.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has allowed the use of concrete made from recycled material and processed C&D waste. The Construction and Demolition Waste Rules and Regulations, 2016 have mandated reuse of recycled material.

Even the Swachh Bharat Mission has recognised the need for C&D waste management. Ranking points for C&D waste management for Swachh Survekshan 2021 have been doubled to 100 points, divided equally between management infrastructure and waste processing efficiency, according to Down to Earth Magazine, managed by CSE.

However, cities will need to have a C&D waste collection system in place; notified charges for C&D services and segregation of waste in five streams. Under waste processing efficiency criteria, ranking points will be awarded based on the percentage of collected waste that is processed and reused, as per the CSE report.

“Our new study has carried out a detailed analysis of the current C&D challenge as well as technical and regulatory barriers to implementation of the Rules. It has identified strategies needed to accelerate the implementation of the Rules and market uptake of recycled material,” Roychowdhury said, adding that the analysis is supported by ground-reality checks in multiple cities.

-RJV/ARK

As COVID cases rise in Delhi, Kejriwal says testing to be doubled

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said that the state government will double the testing for Covid-19 infection in the national capital. The announcement came as Delhi recorded a spike in the number of new cases of the coronavirus disease.

“Delhi has seen a marginal rise in the number of cases in the last few days, though other numbers are in control. In the coming days, we will double the testing for the coronavirus testing,” Kejriwal said while addressing a media briefing.

The chief minister said that currently, 20,000 tests are being done in Delhi which will be increased to 40,000 per day.

“It is good that the people of Delhi have become confident, but it shouldn’t lead to complacency. People should always wear masks,” he added. Kejriwal further said that the government will provide pulse oxymetre and oxygen concentrators to households.

He once again appealed to the people to not shy away from getting tested. “It is very important to keep yourself and others in your vicinity safe. If you feel there are symptoms of Covid-19, get yourself tested. If you don’t do this, you will unnecessarily put others at risk,” said Kejriwal.

Delhi on Tuesday recorded 1,544 new cases of Covid-19, the highest single-day increase in infections in the city in 40 days.

Earlier in the day, Delhi CM called a high-level meeting to discuss the rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the national capital.

-CHK

Man killed, dozens of cattle perished as heavy rains lash J&K

Landslides in Rajouri

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A 35-year-old man was killed in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, while dozens of cattle were perished due to landslides in various parts of the UT after incessant rains lashed the majority of parts in J&K since early morning, officials said.

The Jammu region bore the brunt where a series of landslides triggered by the heavy rains resulted in the death of a person in Kotli area of Manjakote area of Rajouri district.

Kashmir too witnessed heavy rainfall since this morning, thereby breaking the heatwave that had gripped the region since June this year. The Met department has predicted heavy rainfall in J&K till Saturday.

Officials said that a landslide hit Kotli village of Manjakote in Rajouri district in which 35-year-old Showkat Ahmed of Kallar village of Mendhar was killed.

“His body was removed from the debris by locals of the area,” said officials.

Similarly, many animals perished in an incident of cattle shed collapse in Sangiote village near Balakote in Poonch district due to landslides. The rescue operation by locals was going on when this report was filed.

Meanwhile, the officials said that heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods in most of the rivers and small water bodies of Rajouri district, creating panic among the people. In Kashmir, authorities have asked the people living close to river banks to remain cautious and to watch for the water level in rivers, especially river Jehlum.

Pertinently, this year August 11 recorded the season’s hottest day at 36.6 degrees Celsius, which according to the MeT department was highest since 1946.

-RJV/ARK

Ram Madhav to visit Srinagar tomorrow

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Bhartiya Janata Party General Secretary Ram Madhav will visit Srinagar tomorrow to check the party’s pulse and review its functioning amid a spate of attacks on BJP workers in the Valley recently after which some members were leaving party ranks.

Madhav will arrive in Srinagar tomorrow morning and right away chair party workers meeting where he will interact with the BJP workers, leaders and activists.

“He will chair workers meeting and take fresh feedback from the party workers over the prevailing situation in Kashmir and party-related activities,” a senior party leader said.

This will be the second visit by Madhav after the July 8 killing of BJP leader Waseem Bari, his brother and his father at Muslimabad area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

A party source said that Madhav will get feedback from the party workers, leaders and activists over the situation post abrogation of Article 370. The BJP leader’s visit also comes at a time when the J&K unit of the party is holding month-long celebrations in connection with the first anniversary of Article 370 rollback.

He said that Madhav will also review the security arrangements made for the party workers, and panchayat representatives at their respective district headquarters and accordingly apprise the party high command and police top brass in case there is any change or further measures needed.

It is pertinent to mention here that J&K police have lodged BJP workers and panchayat representatives in hotels and guest houses in all Kashmir districts with fool-proof security cover in the wake of recent killings of BJP workers that triggered a fresh wave of fear among the party workers across the region.

The BJP leaders in the UT had shot letters to J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh and BJP national president JP Nadda demanding safe accommodations for the workers.

-ARK

WATCH | PM Modi shares iconic video of Sun Temple in Gujarat’s Modhera

(Image source: @narendramodi)

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared mesmerizing visuals of the iconic Sun Temple in Gujarat’s Modhera.

Taking to Twitter, Modi posted the video of the “splendid” view.

“Modhera’s iconic Sun Temple looks splendid on a rainy day ?! Have a look,” he wrote. The video shows water cascading though the steps of the temple and it makes for an amazing watch.

Dedicated to the solar deity Surya, located in Modhera village of Mehsana, the temple is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.

One can relax and soothe their nerves here, become one with nature and open their minds to the poetry in stone, dedicated to the sun god, living glimpses of the era far elapsed emerge out of the intricacies of narrative sculptures.

Set along the backdrop of River Pushpavati, this is one of the legacies of the Solanki rulers, according to the official website of Gujarat tourism.

-CHK

Ex-Assam CM tests positive for Covid-19

Tarun Gogoi

New Delhi (NVI): Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The veteran leader urged all those who came in contact with him recently to get tested.

Taking to twitter, Gogoi wrote, “I have been tested COVID-19 positive yesterday. People who came in contact with me during the last few days, should go for Covid test immediately.”

He has been advised by the doctors to stay in home quarantine till he tests negative.

Gogoi, represents the Titabor assembly constituency in Jorhat district, is the 13th Assam legislator to be diagnosed with COVID-19.

Earlier, two more Assam MLAs, Ramendra Narayan Kalita and Ajanta Neog were suffering from fever and were tested positive for coronavirus.

Assam’s coronavirus tally rose to 94,592 after 1,973 more people tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, while 8 fresh fatalities pushed it’s COVID-19 death toll to 260.

-RJV

UNICEF delivers 67 tons of critical supplies to families affected in Beirut explosion

UNICEF employees engage in the safe transfer of vaccines from a warehouse of the Ministry of Health in Beirut, Lebanon

New Delhi (NVI): The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has delivered some 67 tons of critical humanitarian supplies to affected children and families in Beirut, following a deadly explosion earlier this month.

Through two airlifts and commercial cargo routes, vital personal protective equipment (PPE), medical, health hygiene and nutrition supplies were able to reach those in need, the UNICEF said in a statement.

The UN agency’s immediate response was to distribute 18 shipments of pre-positioned supplies, which were in stock, while working to procure additional humanitarian items locally, including PPE, infection prevention and control (IPC) kits and other hygiene items, as well as provisions to support psycho-social assistance to affected children.

While to complement the locally procured supplies, additional materials were sent to Beirut from UNICEF’s global supply hub in Copenhagen, with further shipments planned in the coming days and weeks.

“Before the dust had begun to settle, UNICEF teams were working to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian supplies could reach children and families affected as soon as possible,” said UNICEF Lebanon Representative Yukie Mokuo.

On August 4, a cache of ammonium nitrate caused a deadly explosion in Lebanon that rocked the capital of Beirut, causing devastation in a city already suffering from the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 200 people were killed in the blast, injured thousands of others and left around a quarter of a million homeless.

“Children have had their lives turned upside-down,” Mokou reminded. “Making sure that families have their basic needs met will allow them to start rebuilding their lives and look to the future.”

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continues to rise, the UN agency was also able to deliver more than USD 3.5 million worth of critical PPE and IPC kits – especially critical as 10 containers of PPE were destroyed in the explosions.

“As families fight to rebuild after the chaos of the explosions, coupled with the ongoing economic crisis and the added threat of COVID-19, the support of our donors and partners has been absolutely critical,” Mokou continued, “but much more is still needed.”

The humanitarian supplies were delivered with the assistance of the European Union’s European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Government of Belgium and through a donation from the Sanofi Foundation.

However, UNICEF still requires USD 46.7 million to respond to the immediate needs of children and families over the next three months – with a focus on keeping children safe; rehabilitating basic essential services; and equipping young people with the skills they need to help rebuild their country – all while limiting the spread of COVID-19.

“Now is the time for the international community to stand with the people of Lebanon and ensure that they receive the help and assistance required,” said Mokuo.

-RJV

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has reached 32,34,474, after 67,151 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, biggest single-day rise, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 59,449 after 1,059 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

In the worst-affected Maharashtra, the coronavirus cases climbed to 7,03,823, followed by Tamil Nadu with 3,91,303 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 3,71,639 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 2,945

Andhra Pradesh- 3,71,639

Arunachal Pradesh- 3,412

Assam- 94,592

Bihar- 1,24,536

Chandigarh- 3,209

Chhattisgarh- 23,341

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 2,203

Delhi- 1,64,071

Gujarat- 88,805

Goa- 14,530

Haryana– 56,608

Himachal Pradesh- 5,154

Jammu and Kashmir- 33,776

Jharkhand- 31,973

Karnataka- 2,91,826

Kerala- 61,879

Ladakh- 2,420

Madhya Pradesh- 55,800

Maharashtra- 7,03,823

Manipur- 5,444

Meghalaya- 2,018

Mizoram- 967

Nagaland- 3,752

Odisha- 84,231

Puducherry- 11,426

Punjab- 44,577

Rajasthan- 73,325

Sikkim- 1,475

Tamil Nadu- 3,91,303

Telangana- 1,11,688

Tripura- 9,523

Uttarakhand- 16,014

Uttar Pradesh- 1,97,388

West Bengal – 1,44,801

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 37

Andhra Pradesh- 3,460

Arunachal Pradesh- 5

Assam- 260

Bihar- 519

Chandigarh- 40

Chhattisgarh- 221

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,330

Goa- 157

Gujarat- 2,928

Haryana- 623

Himachal Pradesh- 30

Jammu and Kashmir- 638

Jharkhand- 347

Karnataka- 4,958

Kerala- 244

Ladakh- 24

Madhya Pradesh- 1,265

Maharashtra- 22,794

Manipur- 24

Meghalaya- 8

Nagaland- 9

Odisha- 428

Puducherry- 172

Punjab- 1,178

Rajasthan- 980

Sikkim- 3

Tamil Nadu- 6,721

Telangana- 780

Tripura- 83

Uttar Pradesh- 3,059

Uttarakhand- 213

West Bengal- 2,909

However, a total of 24,67,758 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 7,07,267.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surge past 23.8 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 23.8 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and 15.4 million have recovered. More than 8,18,000 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

In the US, the number of coronavirus infections have surged past 5.77 million while the number of fatalities has crossed 1,78,000 in the country.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have exceeded 3.6 million while the death toll has climbed past 1,16,000.

Mexico has confirmed 4,916 new cases of the disease and 650 more deaths, bringing its totals to 568,621 cases and 61,450 deaths.

Doctors in South Korea have been ordered to return to work because of the continued surge in coronavirus cases, after they began a three-day strike on Wednesday over government plans to train more medical students.

Australia’s southern state of Victoria reported 149 new cases of coronavirus and 24 deaths in the past 24 hours as it battles a resurgence of the disease.

Turkey recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases since mid-June. Another 1,502 infections were confirmed on Tuesday taking the official tally over 2,61,000.

China has reported 15 new cases in the mainland – all of them in people returned from overseas. The mainland has not confirmed a domestically transmitted case in 10 days. It also had 14 new asymptomatic cases, which are not included in confirmed cases. The death toll remains unchanged at 4,634.

Gaza entered a 48-hour lockdown after the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the general population. Four cases of coronavirus were confirmed in a single family in a refugee camp.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally crosses 32 lakh; death toll nearing 60,000

covid cases
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw a rise of 67,151 in the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 32,34,474, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 59,449 with 1,059 new fatalities being reported during this period.

So far, 24,67,759 people have been cured and discharged, while number of active cases stands at 7,07,267 in the country.

With this, the recovery rate stands above 76 percent at 76.30 percent in India.

In the worst-affected Maharashtra, the coronavirus cases climbed to 7,03,823, followed by Tamil Nadu with 3,91,303 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 3,71,639 cases.

Other states with high virus cases are Karnataka (2,91,826), Uttar Pradesh (1,97,388) and West Bengal (1,44,801).

The coronavirus cases in national capital have increased to 1,64,071 with 4,330 deaths reported so far, according to the Health Ministry data.

In terms of deaths, Maharashtra again tops the tally with 22,794 fatalities, ministry said.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to August 25 is 3,76,51,512 including 8,23,992 samples tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called an urgent meeting today to discuss rising number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital. Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Secretary Vijay Dev and senior officials will attend the meeting.

-RJV

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