Delhi's Interceptor Sewage Project

The Delhi government plans to add another 50 kilometers of sewers at a cost of Rs. 1950 crore along the three major drains to intercept sewage from 150 minor drains, from where the sewage will be passed on to pumping stations and finally transported to sewage treatment plants for treatment.

But according to recent studies of CSE(Centre For Science and Environment) and there article its just a wastage of money.And according to CSE, the river will continue to remain dead, despite the massive amounts of money being spent.So here i just wanted to briefly focus on there article, so that we must come to know why they think such about this big budget project.

According to CSE & there article: More than Rs. 1500 crore has already been spent in trying to clean the Yamunas 22-km stretch through Delhi. Money aside, the interceptor plan is full of gaps. The project is not based on any authentic estimates of the amount of sewage that is generated in the city. It completely overlooks similar, expensive failures elsewhere as in Agra and Varanasi. Even if forcefully pushed through, the river will need millions of litres of freshwater to dilute the intercepted and treated sewage; water that is just not available.

PROJECT's DETAIL:
Government wanted to tap drains carrying sewage from colonies not connected to the city sewers. Interceptor sewers to be used for tapping is seen by the government as a temporary solution to the problem of untreated water reaching the Yamuna.The government plans to lay sewers throughout the city in the long run.

The project is a toned down version of a Rs 3,150-crore proposal first mooted by the Delhi Jal Board in 2006. It involves laying 50 km of interceptors, 2-3 metres in diameter, to intercept 150 small drains discharging into three major drains in the capital—Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahadra. The three drains contribute 70 per cent of the discharge of 3,600 million litres a day (MLD) of sewage into the Yamuna.

Another 13 drains will be tapped into sewers under rehabilitation. Four drains including one near the Sarita Vihar bridge carrying about 690 MLD finds no mention in the plan, which has been cleared without undertaking surveys directed by the supreme court.

The intercepted waste will be taken to a pumping station and then to a sewage treatment plant (STP). At places, the route is very circuitous. For example, sewage from a drain near the Yamuna Vihar S T P would be sent to a distant pumping station, when pumping directly to the plant would have been prudent since, each kilometre of sewer costs almost Rs 20 crore. Also in monsoons the wastewater will bypass the interceptors into the Yamuna.

Delhi’s STPs can reduce sewage’s biological oxygen demand to only 20mg/l (if they work); 3 mg/l will make the river fit for bathing. So the treated water will need more than six times dilution. But where’s the water? The Yamuna lacks freshwater almost nine months a year.

WASTAGE OF MONEY:

• Rs 1,950 crore for interceptors is in addition to Rs 387 crore under the Yamuna Action Plan II and Rs 1,500 crore spent on Yamuna cleaning in Delhi. But interceptors have failed in Agra, Varanasi and other places.
• They will not work in Delhi as well because even if all the city’s sewage (3,600 M L D) is intercepted and treated the river would require 24,000 MLD of freshwater for diluting it to make it fit for bathing, at a conservative estimate.
• Sewage generated in Delhi is increasing. Water supply management is no solution. More freshwater used means more sewage and more money for treatment. Manage demand.
• Augment and optimize current STPs. Treatment at source reduces pumping costs. At places drains can be developed into treatment units. Treat residual wastes at the mouth of the river.
• Re-use effluents and ensure treated effluent is not mixed with untreated effluent before it flows to the river. Have policies to promote safe re-use so that the river has freshwater.

Source: www.cseindia.org
Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty

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Tughlakabad Fort

The 3rd town of Delhi, Tughlakabad was founded by Giyasuddin Tughlak between 1321-25, 15 km away from the city, 8 km from the Qutab. The Tughlakabad Fort, where the capital of the city was located, was named after the dynasty and was as immense as it was fortified. After 15 years it was abandoned probably because of water scarcity. After the death of- Giyasuddin, his son Muhammad-bin-Tughlak built the Adilabad Fort anew and transferred the capital from Delhi to Devgiri in the south. The 1120 km journey caused various losses, particularly an enormous number of lives. However, both the adjoining sights are in ruins today. Legend says, the empire was destroyed owing to the curse of Nijamuddin, a religious leader. Tughlakabad is like a haunted place today, inhabited by gypsies. But the beautiful tomb of Giyasuddin (1325) in the artificial lake at the southern gate of the fort, on the Meherauli-Badarpur highway is a mediaeval relic reminds back to the past.

Tughlaqabad Fort, perched on a rocky hill, constitutes one third of the capital city of India. The fort is located on the Qutab-Badarpur Road and was built by Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq,the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The Tuglaqabad Fort seems to be more or less octagonal, with a border of approximately 6.5-km. The ramparts of the fort, now in ruins, are between 10m to 15m high with fortresses and gateways at intervals. The Tughlakhabad at Delhi was built to serve a dual purpose, one of providing a defensive structure to the ruler and the second, to serve as his imposing capital.

Tughlaqabad stands divided into three segments. The eastern segment is entered through from the Qutub-Badarpur road. It is a rectangular area enclosed within high walls and bastions and used to serve as the citadel. On the west side of the Tughlaqabad Fort is a wider area that once contained the palaces and is surrounded by walls and bastions. A huge reservoir stands on the southern side of the Tughlaqabad Fort at Delhi. Bunds were put up between hills to the east to create the reservoir, which is linked with Ghiyas-ud-Din's tomb through a causeway.

There is a wide mound near the south eastern-corner of the Fort Tughlakhabad of Delhi that leads to the fortress of Adilabad. The sluice gates near the mound were used for controlling water for irrigation purposes. There is also a tower, known as the Bijai-Mandal, inside the fort, along with remains of several halls, and also a long underground passageway. To the north of the fort, lies the city of Tughlaqabad, which is now mostly in ruins.

On my personal visit to this place,i realized that it can be turned out to one of the tourist destination in new delhi,after the famous historical tourist destinations like Qutab Minar,Humayun Tomb and Red Fort.But for that government should start taking care of this historical place before it get totally lost in ruins.

As right now this fort has lost its glory completely and hardly anybody wants to visit this place due to lack of easy access to this place and even many of us doesnt know about this fort.

Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty
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Tata Motors unveils NANO @ 1Lakh

Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Motors, unveiled the people's car Nano at the New Delhi, 9th Auto Expo today.

The car would be commercially launched in the second half of 2008,expected to come in market by September, and would be produced at the Singur plant in West Bengal.

Speaking at the launch, Ratan Tata, said: "The car is powered by a 624cc, 30 bhp engine and will deliver mileage of about 20 kpl."

The standard variant (without AC) of Nano is priced at Rs 1 lakh($2500) for dealers excluding VAT and transportation. There will be two deluxe variants with AC and other luxurious features.Tata Motors has also planned to launch NANO's diesel variant in coming future.

"The car has already undergone full frontal collision tests and will soon be undergoing side impact tests this year. It will be Euro-IV compliant and will meet all emission norms till 2010", Tata said.

The car is 8% smaller in terms of length than the Maruti 800, but has
21% more room internally.

"A team of 500 designers and engineers worked for four years on the development of the car. Since we started the project four years back, there has been a steep increase in input cost, but a promise is a promise," Tata said after unveiling his pet project.

Besides India, the company plans to sell the car in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia.But Tata said it would focus on the home market for 2-3 years before considering exporting the Nano to countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The compact but curvy Nano stands in sharp contrast to the luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands that Tata is negotiating to acquire from Ford Motor Co.

Global car makers -- initially skeptical that Tata could produce such a low-cost car -- are now scurrying to make their own versions to meet the needs of cost-conscious consumers in emerging economies such as China, India and Russia.

Ford this week said it would build a small car in India within two years, and the alliance of Nissan Motor and Renault, which has made a big success of its no-frills Logan sedan, plans a $3,000 car with Bajaj Auto.

Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda Motor and Fiat have also said they are looking at small cars for emerging markets where strong economic growth has made car ownership a reality for millions.

Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty
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New Hyundai i10---A Compact Car

Hyundai Motor India Ltd introduced on last Wednesday, 31st/October/2007, its new compact car, 'i10' priced between Rs 3,39,000 lacs and Rs 3,98,000 lacs.The new small car, formerly known only by its 'PA' codename.

This is the first car from Hyundai which makes its world debut in India.The 'i10' will be the first manufactured car that will only be manufactured in Hyundai's Indian plant and exported to over 70 countries.

The new i10 is powered by a 1.1-litre, iRDE gasoline engine that develops 69hp (70kW). The standard transmission is a five-speed manual gearbox, while all versions also come with electric power steering. An automatic gearbox will be available as an option.

In the Indian market, all i10 variants will offer seating for five as well as standard air conditioning, split/folding rear seats, two-tone beige upholstery, rear seat belts and an electronic trip and odometer. A panoramic sun-roof (a first for this class of cars in the local market, the company claims), rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry and a 2-DIN audio system are available on higher-spec variants. The bumpers are body-coloured with detachable inserts while there is an integrated air dam at the front.

The suspension consists of Macpherson struts at the front with a coil spring and torsion bar arrangement at the rear.

Hyundai has released only one exterior dimension, stating that the 2,380mm wheelbase is the longest for any vehicle in this class in the Indian market.

The i10 is also available with ABS, seat belts with pretensioners, dual airbags, doors which automatically unlock on sensing an impact and a high-mounted rear stop lamp.

Versions for export markets, as well as a diesel derivative are expected to be launched in 2008. The UK importer said that the new car will go on sale locally in March priced from £6,500 (US$13,504).

It looks Hyundai Motor India is poised to play a very important role not only in India but also in HMC's global plans.

Hyundai expects i10 to be as popular as its Santro and the car will compete with Maruti’s Wagon R, Zen Estilo, and Indica Xeta from Tata.

Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty
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SET added more bollywood films to its movie library.....

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) Asia has recently bought the rights of five more movies from India’s leading production house Yash Raj Films.

It’s already common knowledge that Sony TV holds the rights of all movies from the Yash Raj movie library.Now it has been confirmed the channel will also be broadcasting the recently released movies ‘Tara Rum Pum’ ,‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’, ‘Chak De India’ and ‘Laga Chunri Mein Daag’. Further good news for Madhuri Dixit fans, the channel has picked up exclusive telecast rights of her comeback movie ‘Aaja Nachle’, which will release at cinemas later this month.


Earlier this year only SET has acquired a batch of 16 new films from Eros International for a reported Rs 850 million (Rs 85 crores).

The acquisition included films like ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’,last year’s mammoth hit ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’,‘Namastey London’, ‘Eklavya - The Royal Guard’, ‘Partner’, ‘No Smoking’, ‘Cheeni Kum’, ‘Gandhi- My Father’, ‘Provoked’ (Hindi version), ‘Nanhe Jaisalmer’, ‘Buddha Mar Gaya’, ‘Chess - A Game Plan’, ‘Friends Forever’, ‘Mr Black Mr White’, ‘Mr Hot Mr Kool’ and ‘Aur Pappu Paas Ho Gaya’.

Sony will enjoy exclusive global satellite broadcasting rights to the original version of these titles for a period of five years.

Even last year Sony has acquired satellite rights of many blockbusters of that year which includes the exclusive satellite rights of Fanaa, Dhoom:2 and Kabul Express(taken from Yash Raj Films for around 25 to 30 crores),Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (Rs 14 Crores),Golmaal,Omkara,Jaan-E-Maan,36 China Town, Shaadi Se Pehle, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Kalyug, Tom, Dick & Harry, Ahista Ahista, Woh Lamhe, Anthony Kaun Hai?, Jai Santoshi Maa, The Killer, 15 Park Avenue, Being Cyrus, Naksha and Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar.

So after seeing such big deals from SET its look like Sony has totally decided to keep its 1st position undisturbed for its movie channel SET Max, from its rivals and tough competitors Zee Cinema and Star Gold.

In November(this month only) catch the World TV Premiere of "Good Boy Bad Boy" starring Emhraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor on SET Max,its also one of the new acquisation of SET that has been taken from Mukta Arts this year only.

This year only SET Max has picked up first position in Hindi Movie channel segment leaving behind Zee Cinema at second position .Whereas Star Gold is still in third position, even after acquisition and exclusive world tv premieres of movies like Krrish,Don,Bhagam Bhaag and Rang De Basanti.However Sahara's FILMY is at fourth place with very lower viewership.

Lets see what is going to happen in this segment with upcoming new hindi movie channels from NDTV, UTV, Reliance and INX media group.It looks that competition will be going too much severe in the future for the exclusive satellite rights of bollywood movies...

Compiled and written by: Saurav Chakraborty
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Angkor Wat: City that lived and died by the environment

KATE CHAILLAT
The famous temple site of Angkor Wat was once much more than that. A new map shows that the magnificent temples were part of a huge urban sprawl, with an extensive rural hinterland. People here created an elaborate system of reservoirs and canals—for irrigation, trade and travel—that began to silt up as the population grew, and perhaps saw failures that resulted in flooding and water shortages. But at its peak, the agglomeration was the largest of its kind in the pre-industrial world, according to a team of archaeologists working at this ancient Cambodian site.

The Greater Angkor Project (gap), led by a team of Australian, Cambodian and French archaeologists, has used remote sensing satellite imagery by NASA to uncover what lay hidden under vegetation at Angkor Wat. By detecting slight variations in vegetation and ground moisture due to underlying ruins, the satellite images reveal Angkor’s urban sprawl in unprecedented detail. The archaeologist say the map “displays the ancient Cambodian site as an inhabited space: not a scattered collection of discrete temples, but an integrated, interdependent rural and urban residential network, larger than anything discovered in the ancient world so far.” The findings were published in the August 14th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

After Mouhot
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which held sway over modern Cambodia between the 9th and 14th centuries. In 1866, French explorer Henri Mouhot alerted the Western world to the ruins of a temple complex in Angkor. The place had been visited by Europeans before but Mouhot’s posthumously published Travels in Siam, Cambodia and Laos is believed to have been influential in arousing European interest in the site. Scholars following in the Frenchman’s footsteps were so overwhelmed by the artworks and architecture, that they ignored the archaeology. Angkor was believed to be around 40 sq km.

But gap archaeologists say the city state was actually “stretched for at least 1,000 sq km”. They say that the closest pre-modern equivalent to the Cambodian city state was the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala, at its peak around 150 sq km.

“There is not a single square kilometre in Angkor that wasn’t intensively modified and engineered,” says Damian Evans, a gap archaeologist. Besides reservoirs and residential clusters, the map reveals 74 new temples and an elaborate grid of walled field systems.

Evans says there has been an ongoing debate about whether the water network of Angkor could have supported intensive rice cultivation. “The elaborate inlets and outlets on all the major reservoirs coupled with distributor canals connected to every single water source in the region suggest water was intensively exploited at Angkor and could well have been used for rice agriculture. The canals were either made of stone or compacted earth and there was a series of very sophisticated water control devices such as spillways—sometimes massive structures built in stone—which have the capacity to provide irrigation for rice,” he writes.

Old theory
gap findings confirm a theory, first put forward in 1955 by Bernard-Philippe Groslier. The French archaeologist had argued that the ancient irrigation network, which had been ignored by researchers who followed in Mouhot’s footsteps, “was both built and used for irrigation, specifically, to ameliorate variations in agricultural output caused by an unpredictable annual monsoon and to support a huge population of greater than a million people in a constellation of suburbs”.

Evans, however, is not so sure of Angkor’s population. “The gap study doesn’t provide any direct evidence of an extremely large urban population. Our study is more revealing about the spatial extent of the settlement than about its population,” he says.

Environmental demise?
Population figures aside, the expansion of Angkor is impressive and bears witness to the extent the Khmers were able to alter their environment, ultimately engineering Angkor Wat’s demise. It was earlier believed that the city state was deserted after Thai armies ransacked it.

But the gap research has a given a different perspective to the city’s fall. Evans explains that the “massive infrastructural network of roads and canals was built to give coherence to the extended settlement area and to provide a means of communication and of transporting vast amounts of people, stone, and other goods across the landscape”. However the system might have been difficult to maintain especially with potential competing interests for water control (temples, domestic an agricultural use).

Groslier had already suggested that over-intensive irrigation and land-use led to the city’s decline. “Excavations conducted during the mapping did reveal a series of ad hoc adaptations, breaches, modifications to the irrigation system suggesting systemic problems in the network could indeed have caused the downfall of the Angkorian state,” Evans notes.

Furthermore, water-intensive rice agriculture required forest clearing and walled fields, which increased risks of runoffs, sedimentation and caused erratic water flows. In fact remote sensing and ground observations have revealed that “the Siem Reap river is now incised 5-8 metres into the Angkorian floodplain, and a major canal in the south of Angkor that postdates the 14th century ad (when the city was abandoned) is entirely filled with cross-bedded sands, indicating rapid movement of large quantities of sediment-laden water.”

But what led to Angkor’s collapse in the 14th century? Evans admits, “We don’t know that at this stage. There is too little data on both population and on climatic variation in this area”.

What the gap archaeologists do know though is that expansion of the settlement created increasing difficulties for the movement of people, information and goods around the landscape.

gap’s current goal is to ascertain if Angkorians were able to deal with the environmental consequences of their settlement if their failure to factor in ecological changes lead to their downfall. Evans says that the increased sedimentation in canals due to deforestation caused by rice cultivation cannot be ruled out.

The archaeologist notes that Angkor’s demise is a lot similar to the collapse of many pre-industrial civilisations. “It’s something to bear in mind, considering that many of our contemporary cities are expansive, low-density urban sprawls as Angkor appears to have been,” he says. Controlling the environment helped Angkor become the great political centre it was but also led to it losing that place.

Source:Down To Earth
Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty

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