New ‘waterproof’ engine for trains
The Central Railway has developed what it termed as the “waterproof” engine to avoid local trains left stranded due to water logging on rail tracks during the monsoon in Mumbai. Traction motor at the bottom of the train engines is a key part in this system. In the waterproof engine, this part is sealed off so that water on tracks won’t affect its working. Last year, 4 inch of water on tracks had damaged the traction motor in several trains. Now, even 12 inch of water on tracks won’t be able to damage it, the officials have said, raising hopes of a smooth monsoon for Mumbaikars.
Investments promised for infra projects
A 10-day tour by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the UAE, the US and Canada sent in good news for Mumbaikars. In many of the meetings that Fadnavis had with several business entities, including that of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the MBM group, the DP World and the THUMBAY Group in UAE, most of them have shown interest in infrastructure development projects in Maharashtra and, particularly, those in Mumbai. Redevelopment of Asia’s largest slum Dharavi, development of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi corridor and logistics park at ports in Maharashtra are some of the key projects that have been promised support by Dubai.
Mulund dumpyard clearing work soon
A contractor has been shortlisted from the bids invited a few months ago for reclaiming the Mulund dumping ground. Work to clearing off the area of the dumping ground is expected to begin this week. The dumping yard is expected to be closed down in a phased manner in a time of around six years. New policy adopted by the state government aims at segregation and composting of domestic waste at source and closing down of dumping ground is a decision taken in line with the policy. Though the local people are happy for the decision, they are still sceptical of the success of the government policy.
Campaign to recycle waste
Non-degradable trash is choking Mumbai day by day. Attempts to find way out of this problem have been made by several people in several forms. One of such attempts has come from the TetraPak, which is probably the largest producer of packaging material in India. The company has launched a novel initiative - Carton Le Aao Classroom Banao - in Mumbai on the World Environment Day. This initiative is aimed at creating awareness about how citizens can help convert used Tetra Pak cartons for creative purpose for the less privileged through the simple act of depositing used cartons at any of the 175 collection points across the city. The cartons are shredded and used in making of benches, desks and school stationary like the pads.
Our correspondent in Maharashtra
abhijit.mulye@gmail.com