Defunct Delhi power plant could soon turn into a waste-to-energy unit

The Delhi government is looking for ways to utilize the machinery that lies unused in the now defunct Rajghat Thermal Power Plant and is seriously considering converting the plant into a waste-to-energy unit. The power plant is located bang in the middle of the city, and hence would be the perfect location to collect and manage the city’s waste in a productive and an environment friendly manner. However, strict tabs will be kept on environment standards and emission levels to prevent the plant from polluting the city around it. 

Bengaluru's scientific garbage processing units have been found to run below-capacity due to decreased availability of segregated waste. Out of the 3,500 tonnes of garbage the city generates, only about 1,200 tonnes is being currently processed, as the units cannot process mixed waste. The city’s garbage woes can be minimized if residents segregate waste at source and keep away from mixing biodegradable waste with non-biodegradable or recyclable garbage.

The Union Ministry of Urban Development has launched the ‘One Lakh Hands Campaign' in Hyderabad to spread the message of sanitation and hygiene among school students. With an aim of initiating positive behaviour change at an early stage, the pilot project is expected to reach out to over one lakh students in both government and private schools across the city. Children will be contacted over mail, phone and meetings over the next couple of months to discuss cleanliness and hygiene issues. 

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has decided to construct 63 additional public toilets within city limits, keeping in mind the city's floating population. The city expects to have at least one public toilet for every 100 men and a couple of them for every 100 women. Apart from crowded commercial centres and transport hubs, other places which are expected to be covered include heritage sites within the city. At present, Bhubaneswar city has just 22 public toilets.

Taking the Swachh Bharat a step forward, the District Magistrate of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh has declared that government officials and employees who do not have toilets at home will not be receiving their salaries next month. Employees will now have to provide a certificate that attests the presence of a functional toilet at home to withdraw their salaries.