Category Archives: environment

city, development, environment, housing, parks

Concern over delays on riverside path

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The planning approval for the 255-home Meridian Waterside scheme in Southampton included important public realm improvements, such as the extension of a local park and the creation of a new waterfront walkway along the River Itchen. However, with one of the three blocks of flats still incomplete, the Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society (SCAPPS) has raised concerns about the lack of progress on these promised public space enhancements.

Speaking at the recent court leet ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Graham Linecar of SCAPPS addressed the issue, highlighting the stalled work on the riverside path and green space.

Inland Homes, the original developer of the former Meridian site, went into administration some time ago. Although the planning permission clearly included the construction of a landscaped riverside path and public green space, no progress has been made on these key features. The site’s administrator arranged for an alternative developer to complete the remaining housing, but the riverfront path and green space improvements have yet to be started.

Mr. Linecar’s presentment called on the city council to clarify what steps they have taken—and plan to take—to ensure the delivery of this significant public realm enhancement. SCAPPS and other local stakeholders had believed these improvements were guaranteed as part of the planning permission.

The proposed walkway would run along the west bank of the River Itchen, starting just north of Northam Bridge and extending towards the Itchen Riverside Broadwalk.

Inland Homes entered administration two years ago with one of the three blocks of flats still unfinished. Last year, estate agent Savills was marketing the partially constructed Southern House with an asking price of £7 million. This building, anticipated to contain 104 apartments featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, remains covered in scaffolding and incomplete.

The entire regeneration project is taking place on the site formerly occupied by Meridian TV studios.

Mr. Linecar’s presentment regarding the riverside path issue will be reviewed by council leaders and is expected to receive a formal response in the coming months. He also questioned whether lessons have been learned about attaching effective conditions to planning permissions to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25521993.southampton-riverside-path-upgrade-facing-delays/?ref=rss

community, environment, public health

Mumbai Entrepreneur Launches ‘Quiet India’ To Combat Noise Pollution As Public Health & Economic Threat

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Mumbai Social Entrepreneur Launches Quiet India: The Nation’s First Large-Scale Movement Against Noise Pollution

Savitha Rao, a social entrepreneur from Mumbai, has launched Quiet India, the country’s first large-scale national movement aimed at tackling noise as a significant public health and economic concern. This initiative seeks to reframe silence not as mere absence, but as a necessary foundation for health, dignity, and national development.

Citizen-led Movement for National Impact

India Positive Citizen, which promoted grassroots participation in nation-building, says Quiet India aspires to unite fragmented efforts across the country into a cohesive movement. Unlike previous initiatives targeting specific festivals, neighbourhoods, or isolated sources, Quiet India takes a holistic approach.

The movement brings together citizens, health professionals, urban planners, law enforcement, and policymakers to address noise pollution as both a public health emergency and an economic liability.

Alarming Noise Levels in Urban India

According to Quiet India, noise levels in urban centres such as Mumbai have crossed alarming thresholds. Estimates indicate that Mumbai had 4.6 million vehicles on its roads by the end of 2023, generating millions of honks daily.

In many areas, noise regularly exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of 55 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Rao said, “Noise is the pollution we have normalised. Quiet India is about making silence our right, not our luxury. It is about reclaiming silence as a shared inheritance, and building a soundscape worthy of the India we aspire to be.”

Health Consequences of Noise Pollution

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels is linked to elevated stress hormones, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive impairments.

Dr. Mickey Mehta, a wellness expert and member of Quiet India’s advisory panel, explains, “Silence is nourishment. Without it, the body cannot heal, the mind cannot focus, and immunity is weakened. A calm soundscape is as critical as clean water or nutritious food. The sound of stillness brings bliss and wellness.”

Enforcement and Citizen Responsibility

Traffic authorities in Mumbai acknowledge the challenge but stress enforcement limitations.

Prashant Pardeshi, Mumbai South’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), stated, “We penalise offenders and run awareness drives, but no amount of enforcement can succeed unless citizens themselves reduce needless honking. Road discipline is as much about culture as compliance.”

Economic Implications of Noise Pollution

The campaign focuses not only on improving quality of life but also on enhancing India’s global competitiveness. The movement highlights that high noise levels reduce urban livability, deter foreign investment, and decrease workforce productivity—factors that could undermine Mumbai’s aspirations as a global financial hub.

Sandeep Bajoria, Quiet India’s advisory board chairman, said, “Noise pollution directly impacts India’s economic growth. A quieter Mumbai is better for its citizens, and it makes the city more attractive for investors, businesses, and global talent.”

Multi-Pronged Solutions for a Quieter India

Quiet India promotes a range of solutions from technology to citizen action. Key focus areas include:

  • Changing behaviour by reducing habitual honking
  • Limiting loudspeakers
  • Respecting quiet zones
  • Advocating for stricter regulations on construction noise and modified vehicle exhausts
  • Controlling night-time disturbances
  • Implementing noise barriers and strategic zoning
  • Increasing green spaces to absorb noise pollution

Innovative tools like Google’s experimental ‘noise ratings’ for restaurants—introduced following Rao’s suggestion—aim to make quietness a valued metric in public spaces.

Noise and Accessibility

Social leader Raju Waghmare, who is visually impaired, explained how noise affects dignity and independence.

“The blind depend on auditory cues to navigate the city. Unnecessary honking and noise drown out those signals. Noise doesn’t just hurt, it takes away independence,” he said.

Research and Publications

Rao’s latest book, Noise in Our Nation, outlines the hidden costs of unchecked noise on health, education, the environment, and the economy. It also provides practical recommendations for stakeholders at every level.

Learn More

To find out more about Quiet India and how you can contribute, visit the official website: https://quietindia.in/

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-entrepreneur-launches-quiet-india-to-combat-noise-pollution-as-public-health-economic-threat

activism, crime, education, environment, justice

‘Will stay in jail until judicial inquiry launched’: Sonam Wangchuk

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**Will Stay in Jail Until Judicial Inquiry Launched: Sonam Wangchuk**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 02:14 PM*

Sonam Wangchuk, the detained climate activist and education reformer, has announced that he will remain in Jodhpur Central Jail until an independent judicial inquiry is launched into the recent killings in Ladakh.

### Background

Wangchuk was detained last month under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests demanding Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh. The protests tragically resulted in four deaths due to police firing.

### Message from Prison

On Friday, Wangchuk’s lawyer, Mustafa Haji, and his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, met with him and conveyed his message to the people of Ladakh and India. Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the widespread concern and prayers, assuring everyone that he is doing well both physically and mentally.

He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent violence in Leh.

### Call for Independent Inquiry

Sonam Wangchuk has called for a transparent and independent judicial probe into the killings. He emphasized his readiness to continue staying in jail until such an inquiry is initiated and completed.

Reiterating his support for the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance’s (KDA) demands, Wangchuk voiced his strong backing for Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh. He stated, “Whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly.”

### Controversy Surrounding Detention

Wangchuk’s detention has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The Ladakh police have accused him of having links to Pakistan, and the Home Ministry has canceled his NGO’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license.

Additionally, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry is currently pending against him.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has raised concerns that she has not been allowed to meet or speak with her husband since his detention.

—

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/will-stay-behind-bars-until-sonam-wangchuk-from-jodhpur-jail/story

activism, crime, education, environment, justice

‘Will stay in jail until judicial inquiry launched’: Sonam Wangchuk

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**Will Stay in Jail Until Judicial Inquiry Launched: Sonam Wangchuk**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025 | 02:14 pm*

Sonam Wangchuk, the detained climate activist and education reformer, has declared that he will remain in Jodhpur Central Jail until an independent judicial inquiry is launched into the recent killings in Ladakh.

Last month, Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests demanding Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh. These protests turned deadly, resulting in four deaths due to police firing.

**Message from Prison**

Wangchuk’s lawyer, Mustafa Haji, and his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, met him on Friday and conveyed his message to the people of Ladakh and India. Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the widespread concern and prayers, assuring that he is doing well both physically and mentally.

He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent violence in Leh.

**Call for Inquiry**

Wangchuk has called for an independent judicial probe into the killings. He emphasized that he is willing to stay in jail until the inquiry is initiated.

Additionally, Wangchuk reiterated his support for the demands of the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which seek Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh.

“Whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly,” he said.

**Detention Controversy**

Wangchuk’s detention has sparked significant criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The Ladakh police have accused him of having links to Pakistan, and the Home Ministry has canceled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of his NGO.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry is currently pending against him.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has alleged that she has not been allowed to meet or speak with her husband since his detention.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/will-stay-behind-bars-until-sonam-wangchuk-from-jodhpur-jail/story

activism, crime, education, environment, justice

‘Will stay in jail until judicial inquiry launched’: Sonam Wangchuk

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**Will Stay in Jail Until Judicial Inquiry Launched: Sonam Wangchuk**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 02:14 PM*

Sonam Wangchuk, the detained climate activist and education reformer, has declared that he will remain in Jodhpur Central Jail until an independent judicial inquiry is launched into the recent killings in Ladakh.

### Background

Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) last month following violent protests in Ladakh demanding Sixth Schedule protections. These protests turned deadly when police firing resulted in four deaths.

### Message from Prison

On Friday, Wangchuk’s lawyer Mustafa Haji and his elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley visited him and conveyed his message to the people of Ladakh and India. Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the widespread concern and prayers and assured that he was doing well both physically and mentally.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the recent violence in Leh.

### Call for Judicial Inquiry

Wangchuk has demanded an independent judicial probe into the killings and emphasized his willingness to stay in jail until such an inquiry is initiated. He reiterated his strong support for the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance’s (KDA) demands for Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh.

“Whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly,” he affirmed.

### Controversy Surrounding Detention

Wangchuk’s detention has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Ladakh police have accused him of having links to Pakistan, and the Home Ministry has revoked his NGO’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license.

Additionally, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry against him is currently pending.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has alleged that she has not been permitted to meet or communicate with her husband since his detention.

—

*This ongoing situation continues to attract national attention as calls for transparency and justice grow louder.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/will-stay-behind-bars-until-sonam-wangchuk-from-jodhpur-jail/story

business, development, environment, local news, protest

Palghar News: Boisar Erupts In Protest Against ₹19,000-Crore Murbe Port Project

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Boisar MIDC Becomes Flashpoint as Villagers Protest Murbe Port Project

Palghar, Maharashtra: Boisar MIDC turned into a flashpoint on Saturday as angry villagers from Murbe and nearby fishing hamlets gathered outside the Jindal company gates, demanding that the upcoming public hearing on the Murbe Port project be scrapped. Holding black flags, women, fishermen, and sarpanches raised thunderous slogans — “Ek do ek do, Jindal Bandar fek do” — before setting fire to the port’s concept drawings. Some protesters even created a rangoli from the ashes, calling it the “end of the port dream.”

Locals Slam EIA Report, Cite Environmental Violations

The project, slated to be executed by JSW Infrastructure, is facing mounting resistance from local communities. Villagers allege that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report—spanning over 1,300 pages—is riddled with loopholes. They argue that no proper studies regarding the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs), or other environmental safeguards were conducted. This lack of transparency has left them unable to raise informed objections during the upcoming public hearing.

Project Expansion Sparks Outrage

Originally designed for just three berths, the Murbe Port project has now expanded dramatically to 16 berths, with costs surging from ₹4,800 crore in October 2024 to nearly ₹19,000 crore. Locals allege that the government is misleading citizens to push through a project that would displace fishing communities and devastate the fragile coastline.

According to the proposed plans, 1,065 acres will be reclaimed, and a 10-kilometre breakwater wall will stretch from Morve to Satpati. “If seawalls stretch from Morve to Satpati, where will the water go? Into our villages!” shouted one protester.

Villagers Unite Under Virodhi Samiti Banner

The agitation is being led by the Murbe Jindal Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, with president Monalisa Tare, secretary Pramod Arekar, treasurer Sachin Patil, and sarpanches from Murbe, Nandgaon, Kumbhavli, Alewadi, Nawapur, and Satpati at the forefront. Farmers, fishing society leaders, and several political representatives have joined the protest.

Villagers had earlier requested the district administration to postpone the public hearing, but receiving no response, the protests intensified. “We will not allow this port to come up. If the administration ignores us, our agitation will only get stronger,” warned the Samiti leaders.

Company and Government Assure Safeguards

Despite rising opposition, JSW Infrastructure and the Maharashtra Maritime Board maintain that environmental safeguards and social measures are integral parts of the project. The plan includes mangrove and coastal conservation efforts, a 123-hectare greenbelt, and dedicated provisions for traditional fishing activities.

The port is expected to generate approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 2,500 operational jobs, boosting trade across Palghar, Thane, Tarapur, and Vapi. A total of ₹50 crore has been earmarked for community benefits covering healthcare, education, infrastructure, skill development, environmental conservation, and sports facilities.

Public Hearing to Proceed Amid Heightened Tensions

The public hearing, scheduled for October 6, will take place amid heightened tensions. Locals have vowed to escalate protests if authorities continue to ignore the concerns of coastal residents. Environmental activists and the company representatives are expected to present their cases during the session.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/palghar-news-boisar-erupts-in-protest-against-19000-crore-murbe-port-project

environment, events, public health, technology

IIT Indore Launches TEES Framework For Sustainable Sanitation

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**IIT Indore and BIS Organize National Workshop on Mobile Toilet Management Ahead of Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh 2028**

*Indore (Madhya Pradesh):* In preparation for the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh 2028, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore), in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), organized a National Workshop on Mobile Toilet Management. The workshop aimed to address strategies for ensuring safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation during large-scale religious gatherings.

During the inauguration, Prof. Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, emphasized that sanitation transcends infrastructure—it embodies human dignity and sustainability. He stated, “With design, technology and governance working together, India can set global benchmarks in public sanitation.”

Sharing insights from his recent visit to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Prof. Joshi highlighted an innovative 3D-printed toilet project that was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project exemplifies how innovation can revolutionize sanitation systems in India.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the TEES Framework—Technical, Economic, Environmental, and Social—developed by Assistant Professor Dr. Ashootosh Mandpe from IIT Indore. This framework proposes site-specific, inclusive toilet designs that incorporate features such as ramps for accessibility, solar lighting, smart cleaning alerts, and biogas generation units.

Dr. Mandpe noted, “Our goal is not just to provide sanitation facilities but to build systems that enhance safety, dignity, and trust for every user.”

The workshop brought together over 80 experts from academia, government agencies, and industry, including representatives from IITs, IIM Indore, and CSIR laboratories. Discussions focused on rapid deployment of sanitation facilities, integration of renewable energy, and governance models aligned with BIS standards.

Concluding the event, Prof. Joshi reaffirmed IIT Indore’s commitment to advancing sustainable sanitation solutions and translating research into real-world impact.

**Key Highlights:**

– IIT Indore and BIS hosted a National Workshop on Mobile Toilet Management
– Prof. Suhas Joshi emphasized sanitation as dignity and sustainability
– Assistant Professor Dr. Ashootosh Mandpe presented the TEES Framework
– The framework includes ramps, solar lighting, smart alerts, and biogas units
– Over 80 experts and policymakers participated in the deliberations

*Story by Staff Reporter*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/iit-indore-launches-tees-framework-for-sustainable-sanitation

culture, environment, international, military, politics

Actualizaciones de la Global Sumud Flotilla tras la intercepción ilegal y el secuestro de voluntarios

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Contacto medios:
Hasina Kathrada
Teléfono: +44 1414 620 950
Email: [email protected]
Instagram/Telegram: @globalsumudflotilla

—

**Mar Mediterráneo, 2 de octubre de 2025**

Después de que las fuerzas navales de ocupación israelí interceptaran ilegalmente los barcos de la Flotilla Global Sumud — un convoy pacífico y no violento que transportaba alimentos, leche en polvo, medicinas y voluntarios de 47 países hacia Gaza — cientos de participantes fueron secuestrados y llevados a bordo del gran buque militar MSC Johannesburg.

Esto ocurrió tras ser atacados con cañones de agua, rociados con agua pestilente y sufrir el bloqueo sistemático de sus comunicaciones, constituyendo nuevos actos de agresión contra civiles desarmados.

Además, varios barcos fueron detenidos por una barrera en forma de cadena en aguas internacionales, donde Israel no tiene jurisdicción, al igual que no la tiene sobre las aguas y la costa de Gaza, lo que agrava sus crímenes de guerra y el bloqueo ilegal.

Los abogados de Adalah, quienes representan a los participantes de la flotilla ante las autoridades israelíes, han recibido información mínima y desconocen si los 443 voluntarios estimados, arrancados por la fuerza de sus embarcaciones, serán trasladados a Ashdod, donde se prevé que sean sometidos a una detención ilegal.

Esto constituye un secuestro ilegal, en violación directa del derecho internacional y de los derechos humanos fundamentales.

Interceptar embarcaciones humanitarias en aguas internacionales es un crimen de guerra; negar acceso a asistencia legal y ocultar el destino de las personas detenidas agrava aún más este crimen.

Exigimos que los gobiernos, líderes mundiales e instituciones internacionales intervengan de inmediato para obtener información sobre los participantes desaparecidos, garantizar su seguridad y exigir su liberación inmediata.

Nuestro compromiso sigue siendo claro: romper el asedio ilegal de Israel y poner fin al genocidio en curso contra el pueblo palestino. Cada acto de represión contra nuestra flotilla, cada escalada de violencia en Gaza y cada intento de reprimir las acciones de solidaridad no hacen sino reforzar nuestra determinación.

El *Mikeno*, que navega bajo pabellón francés, podría haber entrado en aguas territoriales palestinas según los datos AIS, pero sigue sin contacto.

El *Marinette*, bajo pabellón polaco, sigue conectado a través de Starlink y en comunicación, con un total de seis pasajeros a bordo.

**Embarcaciones confirmadas como interceptadas ilegalmente:**
– Free Willy (pabellón polaco)
– Captain Nikos (pabellón polaco)
– Florida (pabellón polaco)
– All In (pabellón francés)
– Karma Oxygono (pabellón polaco)
– Mohammad Bhar (pabellón neerlandés)
– Jeannot (pabellón español)
– Seulle (pabellón polaco)
– Hio (pabellón polaco)
– Morgana (pabellón italiano)
– Otaria (pabellón italiano)
– Grande Blu (pabellón polaco)
– Deir Yassine (pabellón argelino)
– Huga (pabellón polaco)
– Aurora (pabellón italiano)
– Yulara (pabellón español)
– Spectre (pabellón español)
– Adara (pabellón español)
– Alma (pabellón británico)
– Sirius (pabellón británico)

**Embarcaciones que perdieron contacto hace varias horas y se presume que fueron interceptadas ilegalmente:**
[Información pendiente de actualización]

—

Para más información, por favor contacte a Hasina Kathrada a través de los medios indicados arriba.
https://www.workers.org/2025/10/88203/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=actualizaciones-de-la-global-sumud-flotilla-tras-la-intercepcion-ilegal-y-el-secuestro-de-voluntarios

business, environment, housing, renewable energy, technology

Renewable energy firm to develop 2,000-acre solar project near Phoenix, powering 70,000 homes

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A renewable energy company plans to develop more than 2,000 acres near Phoenix for a utility-scale solar energy project aimed at generating power for around 70,000 Arizona homes.

A subsidiary of California-based Avantus Clean Energy expects to begin construction in the fall of 2026 on its Pinyon Solar Project. The development will feature the latest solar technology alongside battery storage facilities to help ensure a reliable energy supply.

The project site is strategically located south of State Route 238, west of State Route 347, and north of Interstate 8. Avantus anticipates that construction will take approximately 18 months, with completion targeted for early 2028.

“We selected this location to minimize impacts both on the surrounding environment and local communities,” said Colin Mann, director of permitting, in a statement shared with Phoenix Business Journal.

An important factor in choosing the site is its proximity to the nearby Pinal West Substation. This allows the project to connect to Arizona’s electrical grid without the need for extensive infrastructure buildout, reducing costs and potential disruptions.

The Pinyon Solar Project represents a significant step forward in expanding renewable energy capacity in Arizona, supporting the state’s clean energy goals while delivering sustainable power to thousands of homes.
https://ktar.com/arizona-business/pinyon-solar-project/5757507/

business, energy, environment, infrastructure, technology

Aboitiz-Vivant-Vena JV to build Northern Samar transmission assets

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MANILA, Philippines — Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) will build point-to-point transmission facilities to directly connect its wind park in Northern Samar to the power grid.

LWEC secured approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Thursday for its proposed project. The project involves the development of its own point-to-point transmission facilities for its 206.25-megawatt San Isidro Wind Power Plant.
https://business.inquirer.net/550606/aboitiz-vivant-vena-jv-to-build-northern-samar-transmission-assets