environment 9 - The Latremie Post

Over 7,000 Farmers Hit As August Rains Ravage 4,000 Hectares In Nashik

**Nashik: Heavy Rains Bring Mixed Blessings to Farmers and Dams**

The continuous rains in Nashik district since May have filled the dams to the brim, bringing a sense of satisfaction to many. However, for farmers, the story is quite different. The relentless downpour, especially in August, has caused extensive damage to standing crops, resulting in significant financial losses for middle-class farmers.

According to administrative statistics, August’s heavy rains have severely impacted agriculture. In 40 villages across the district, a total of 4,014.32 hectares of crops have been damaged, affecting 7,108 farmers. Seasonal crops such as onion, soybean, and maize, along with grape and pomegranate orchards, have suffered substantial losses.

### Financial Assistance and Government Response

In response to the damage, the district administration has submitted a proposal requesting financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.81 crore from the state government. The affected farmers are eagerly awaiting government aid, with hopes pinned on a positive and swift response.

The administration, in collaboration with the agriculture department, has completed panchnamas (official damage assessments) in the impacted areas. These reports, detailing the extent of crop loss and farmer distress, have been forwarded to the state authorities for further action.

### Overflowing Dams and Abundant Rainfall

While the rains have caused crop damage, they have also led to overflowing dams across the district. The Gangapur Dam, a primary water source for Nashik city, currently has a water storage level of 98.56%, prompting continuous discharge to manage the excess.

Overall, dam water storage this year is 9% higher than the previous year. Rainfall data reveals that Dindori taluka has recorded the highest precipitation at 152% of its average. Other talukas such as Deola, Baglan, Nandgaon, Chandwad, Niphad, and Yeola have also experienced over 100% of their normal rainfall.

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As Nashik grapples with the dual realities of overflowing dams and damaged crops, farmers await timely government intervention to help recover their losses and rebuild their livelihoods.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/over-7000-farmers-hit-as-august-rains-ravage-4000-hectares-in-nashik

Mumbai News: BMC To Revamp 10 Dry Waste Centers Across City To Reduce Burden On Dumping Grounds

BMC to Revamp 10 Dry Waste Centers in Mumbai with Advanced Technology

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to modernise 10 of its existing 41 dry waste centers across the city. Tenders for the revamp, covering the first two phases of the project, will be invited in October. This move aims to ease the burden on Mumbai’s two major dumping grounds at Kanjurmarg and Deonar.

Current System Unorganised; New Technology to Be Introduced

At present, dry waste segregation at these centers is largely unorganised and predominantly managed by informal groups, with minimal mechanisation involved. To bring in efficiency and streamline waste processing, the BMC will introduce conveyor belts and advanced waste segregation units.

The sites identified for Phase 1 include Wadala, Marol-Andheri, Dahisar East, and Borivali West. Phase 2 will cover facilities located in Colaba, Agripada (Byculla), and Andheri West.

Focus on Larger Sites and Improved Worker Conditions

Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), emphasized, “Priority is being given to sites with an area of at least 2,000 sq ft. The central ministry is encouraging such initiatives, with partial funding support available. Our goal is also to divert more waste away from the dumping grounds.”

The revamp will not only enhance working conditions for waste workers but also promote better utilisation of recyclable materials, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Mumbai.

Long-Term Vision: Mechanise All 41 Dry Waste Centers

The BMC’s long-term plan includes mechanising all 41 dry waste centers to more effectively manage Mumbai’s growing daily waste and reduce the pressure on existing dumping sites.

As a step forward, a dry waste segregation and processing center was inaugurated in Andheri six months ago. Operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this facility processes 10 metric tons of waste every day using scientific methods. According to officials, “The center is running successfully.”

Special Disposal System for Sanitary and Biomedical Waste

In compliance with Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, sanitary pads, diapers, and similar waste are disposed of through eco-friendly incinerators and designated biomedical waste centers.

In the last two months, over 4,000 institutions have registered with the BMC using a QR code system, generating approximately 2.5 tons of such waste daily.

Each administrative ward currently has dedicated vehicles with a capacity of 0.6 tons for waste collection. “Moving forward, the system will be upgraded with yellow bags, bins, and additional transport equipment to ensure more efficient handling,” added Dr. Joshi.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-to-revamp-10-dry-waste-centers-across-city-to-reduce-burden-on-dumping-grounds

Bob Dylan set to perform at annual Farm Aid festival

**Bob Dylan Set to Perform at Annual Farm Aid Festival**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 18, 2025, 2:06 PM*

Legendary musician Bob Dylan is set to perform at this year’s annual Farm Aid festival, the organization announced recently. The event, dedicated to raising funds for farmers in need, will also feature an impressive lineup including Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews. Dylan last took the stage at Farm Aid in 2023, continuing his long-standing support of the cause.

**The Mission Behind Farm Aid**

Since its inception in 1985, Farm Aid has played a crucial role in supporting family farmers across the United States. According to its website, the organization provides “year-round work with and for family farmers.” Over the years, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million to fund programs that assist farmers facing financial challenges.

Bob Dylan, known for his socially conscious music addressing inequality and war, has been an integral part of Farm Aid from the beginning. His commitment to social issues aligns closely with the festival’s mission to support struggling agricultural communities.

**The Origins of Farm Aid**

The festival’s origins trace back to a time when Ethiopia was suffering from severe drought. While global campaigns were mobilizing funds for relief efforts abroad, Dylan used his platform to draw attention to a domestic crisis affecting American farmers.

He once stated, “I hope that some of the money that’s raised for the people in Africa… maybe they can just take a little bit of it to pay the mortgages on some of the farms that the farmers here owe to the banks.”

That statement resonated deeply with country music star and former cotton picker Willie Nelson. A conversation between Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp soon followed, sparking the creation of Farm Aid. Since then, the festival has been held annually—apart from a few exceptions—as a rallying call to support family farmers.

**A Timely Commitment Amid Ongoing Challenges**

Today, the politics surrounding farming are more contentious than ever. Farmers continue to grapple with long-standing issues while facing new obstacles such as climate change and market instability brought on by trade wars and tariffs. Farm Aid remains a vital platform to address these challenges and rally public support.

**Farm Aid 40: Event and Coverage Details**

This year’s Farm Aid festival will take place on Saturday, September 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

CNN has been named the exclusive television broadcast partner for Farm Aid 40. Coverage will include live reporting from CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir, with anchoring by John Berman and Laura Coates.

Farm Aid 40 promises to be an inspiring event, blending music and activism to support America’s family farmers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bob-dylan-set-to-perform-at-farm-aid-festival/story