Smart Cities Mission period has been extended upto 31st March 2025
The Government of India, taking cognizance of requests from some states and government representatives to grant more time to complete the balance 10 percent of on-going projects in smart cities, has extended the Smart Cities Mission period up to 31 March 2025, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) said. This extension has been informed to the cities that it would be without any additional cost, beyond the already approved financial allocation under the Mission. All ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before 31 March 2025. The Smart Cities Mission is a novel experiment in India’s urban development. Over 8,000 multi-sectoral projects are being developed by 100 cities amounting to around Rs.1.6 trillion. As on July 2024 the 100 smart cities completed 7,188 projects (90 per cent of total projects) amounting to Rs.1442.37 billion as part of the mission.

Jammu Smart City plans green buildings along Tawi river
Jammu Smart City (JSCL), in a move towards enhancing urban sustainability, is considering establishing green buildings on reclaimed land and adjoining areas of the Tawi riverfront development project. These green buildings are expected to incorporate energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources and sustainable construction materials, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced quality of life for residents. The project is being developed on the lines of Gujarat's Sabarmati riverfront to enhance the aesthetic value of the water body by improving natural purifying capabilities and promoting sustainability. Contact: Jammu Smart City
Tel: 0191 – 2542192
Email: ceo@jammusmartcity.in
Website: www.jammusmartcity.in

BMC to set up flower waste recycling units
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up flower waste processing units to make incense sticks and gulal from the flower waste generated by temples across the city. Around two quintals of flower waste are generated from around 700 temples in the city daily. The flowers used during puja in various temples will not be littered and thrown in water bodies but collected in specialised vehicles from temples and brought to the processing units. The processing of flower waste will help check littering and keep water bodies and drains clean.
Contact: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation
Tel: 0674-2431403
Email: info@bmc.gov.in
Website: www.bmc.gov.in

This Bengaluru community is transforming waste into manure
In a remarkable initiative aimed at sustainable living, residents of Mantri Paradise on Bannerghatta Main Road, near Arekere Gate signal, have turned their everyday waste into 1.5-2 kg of organic manure, resulting in almost 60 kg of manure every month.
Led by Shanold Lobo and Raj Kumar of the Mantri Paradise community, the project has transformed waste management through creative composting, helping them save around `15,000 solely on manure purchase. The first phase, which lasted 45 days, had been successful in producing 64 kgs of compost. The recent harvest yielded 64 kg of nutrient-rich manure.