Ahmedabad News Roundup| Opening of 'Enablemart', Sabarmati River pollution report & more stories

From the inauguration of 'Enablemart' made exclusively for people with disabilities to the Ahmedabad Peri-Urban Livability Improvement Project to the latest report on pollution in Sabarmati River and more, stay updated with what's happening in the city through this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

On October 15th, Ahmedabad witnessed the inauguration of 'Enablemart,' a pioneering center designed exclusively for people with disabilities. It is a collaborative effort between the Blind People's Association (BPA) and the Torch It Foundation. The center boasts a range of over 450 assistive aids and devices, with a specific focus on aiding individuals with visual impairments, low vision, hearing impairments, and mobility challenges.

Featuring latest technology and AI-driven algorithms, Enablemart offers an array of innovative devices, including AI reader glasses capable of scanning and reading text in real-time. Additionally, the center provides products tailored for educational environments, facilitating a seamless learning experience for visually impaired students through tactile drawings, diagrams, puzzles, and games.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced its approval of a USD 181 million loan to enhance the quality of infrastructure and services aimed at improving urban livability and mobility in the peri-urban areas surrounding Ahmedabad. This project, named 'The Ahmedabad Peri-Urban Livability Improvement Project,' addresses the burgeoning peri-urban regions surrounding the city.

Notable components of this project encompass a 166-kilometer water distribution network, 126 kilometers of climate-resilient stormwater drainage, 300 kilometers of sewerage systems, and the establishment of four sewage treatment plants. It is set to elevate the standard of basic infrastructure and services while reinforcing urban management in these areas.

A report submitted by the amicus curiae underlines the pressing need to mitigate pollution in the Sabarmati River, which serves as a crucial water source for many in Ahmedabad. The report also highlights the existing deficiencies within the city's Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) as significant contributors to pollution.

As a result, long-term strategic planning to connect newly developed areas of the city to the sewage lines is deemed essential to combat this environmental challenge.

In the first five months of the current fiscal year, India experienced a remarkable surge in new investors, with a growth rate of 7.4%. Notably, Ahmedabad and Surat secured positions as the 4th and 5th districts, respectively, among the top 10 with the highest number of new investors in August. Ahmedabad alone welcomed a staggering 19,600 new investors, as per data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE).