Five Bengaluru metro stations bag IGBC platinum rating
Bengaluru (PTI): The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Saturday announced that it has received the Platinum Rating Award under the "MRTS Elevated Stations" category from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a leading certification body for green buildings, for five of its stations.
The awarded metro stations are Konanakunte Cross, Doddakallasandra, Vajarahalli, Talaghattapura, and Silk Institute, BMRCL said.
According to BMRCL, IGBC awards are given to buildings and infrastructure projects that adhere to sustainable and environment-friendly practices across various parameters, including energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable construction materials, use of renewable energy, and enhanced indoor environmental quality.
"BMRCL has implemented several sustainable practices across these stations, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, use of solar energy for station operations, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems, and the incorporation of environment-friendly construction materials," an official statement said.
This achievement is part of BMRCL’s larger vision to adopt green building practices in the construction and operations of all its metro corridors, it added.
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Delhi govt allows loudspeakers till midnight for Ramlila, Durga Puja festivities
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government on Monday permitted the use of loudspeakers and public address systems till midnight during Ramlila, Durga Puja, Dussehra and related events.
The relaxation, valid from September 22 to October 3, was granted with the approval of Lt Governor V K Saxena, following a request from the government.
The extension pushes the permissible time limit from 10 pm to 12 midnight, subject to adherence to the Noise Pollution Rules. In residential areas, organisers have been directed to ensure that sound levels do not exceed 45 decibels.
Officials said the relaxation comes after years of demands from organising committees for limited relief in timings during the festive season, and the decision seeks to strike a balance between cultural traditions and public health concerns related to noise pollution.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for granting the extension.
"Considering the long-standing request of Ramleela Committees, the government under CM Rekha Gupta has granted this," Sirsa said.
He added that the relaxation is a "time-bound facilitation to ensure smooth conduct of the festivals," emphasising that festivals "unite Delhi and this facilitation respects faith".
Sirsa, who also heads the Delhi government's Durga Puja Committee, said he had held several meetings with district magistrates, civic officials and representatives from agencies including MCD, PWD, Forest and Horticulture departments to ensure arrangements at venues.
"The government is ensuring all necessary facilities so that the smooth conduct of festivities can be ensured," he said.
