Who is B S Vohra of RWA Bhagidari

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B.S. Vohra is a notable figure associated with the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) movement in Delhi, India, particularly known for his leadership in the East Delhi RWAs' Joint Front, a collective representing over 100 RWAs. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing civic issues and empowering RWAs to improve local governance and community welfare.

Vohra served as the president of the Federation of East Delhi RWAs, a role in which he highlighted the significance of initiatives like the "Bhagidari Scheme," introduced by the Sheila Dikshit-led Delhi government in 2003. This scheme aimed to integrate RWAs into the governance process, giving residents a platform to voice concerns about issues such as waterlogging, sanitation, and infrastructure. Vohra praised it as one of the best initiatives for empowering RWAs, though he also noted its decline after the Congress government lost power in 2013.

He has been actively involved in raising awareness about persistent civic problems in East Delhi, such as waterlogging and poor drain management, even suggesting drastic measures like election boycotts to pressure authorities into action. His commentary often reflects a frustration with bureaucratic delays and a call for tangible, time-bound solutions rather than empty promises. Additionally, Vohra has been skeptical of political proposals to enhance RWA powers, pointing out structural issues like the unregulated proliferation of RWAs as a barrier to effective implementation.

The "B.S. Vohra" of RWA Bhagidari appears to be a distinct individual focused on contemporary civic engagement in Delhi. His work underscores a commitment to improving living conditions in East Delhi, often positioning him as a critical voice against both civic authorities and political rhetoric.

East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

The East Delhi RWAs Joint Front is a collective body of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) from East Delhi. The front aims to represent the interests of residents and address various civic issues affecting the area.

B S Vohra is the Founder President of East Delhi RWAs Joint Front.

Some of the key objectives of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front include:

1. Improving civic amenities and infrastructure

2. Addressing issues related to sanitation, water supply, and electricity

3. Enhancing safety and security measures

4. Promoting community development and social welfare initiatives

5. Facilitating dialogue between residents, government agencies, and other stakeholders

By joining forces, the RWAs in East Delhi can amplify their voices, share resources, and work collectively to create a better quality of life for residents.

What do you mean by a Pro-tem speaker ?

A Pro-tem Speaker is a temporary speaker appointed for a limited period to conduct business in the Lok Sabha or state legislative assemblies. The term "Pro-tem" is Latin for "for the time being" ¹.

The Pro-tem Speaker is appointed by the President or Governor and plays a crucial role in administering oaths to new members and overseeing House proceedings until a permanent Speaker is elected ¹ ². Their duties include:

- *Presiding over the first sitting*: of the Lok Sabha or state legislative assemblies

- *Administering the oath*: of office to newly elected members

- *Conducting the floor test*: to prove the government's majority

- *Holding the vote*: to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

The office of the Pro-tem Speaker ceases to exist once the new Speaker of the House is chosen ¹.

How to clean yamuna river in Delhi ?

Cleaning the Yamuna River in Delhi is a complex challenge due to the sheer volume of pollution it receives within the city—industrial effluents, untreated sewage, solid waste, and agricultural runoff from upstream regions. The 22-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi contributes about 80% of its total pollution load despite accounting for just 2% of its length. Below is a practical and actionable plan to clean the river, drawing from expert recommendations, past efforts, and feasible strategies tailored to Delhi’s context.

1. Assess the Current State

To clean effectively, start with a clear understanding of the pollution sources and scale:

Sewage Load: Delhi generates ~3,600 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage, but only ~2,300 MLD is treated due to limited sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity.

Industrial Effluents: Over 20 major drains discharge untreated or partially treated industrial waste into the river, notably Najafgarh and Shahdara drains.

Solid Waste: Floating debris (plastic, religious offerings) and illegal dumping clog the river.

Water Quality: The Yamuna’s biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in Delhi exceeds 30 mg/L (safe limit: 3 mg/L), and dissolved oxygen (DO) drops to near zero, making it biologically dead in this stretch.

2. Key Strategies to Clean the Yamuna

A multi-pronged approach is essential, focusing on stopping pollution at the source, treating existing inflows, and restoring the river’s natural flow.

A. Stop Pollution at the Source

Intercept Untreated Sewage:

Identify and seal all unauthorized drains (e.g., 18 major drains like Barapullah) discharging into the Yamuna using physical barriers and redirect flows to STPs.

Install decentralized STPs (10–50 MLD capacity) near high-discharge points to treat sewage locally before it reaches the river.

Regulate Industrial Discharges:

Enforce zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) norms for industries in Delhi and upstream Haryana (e.g., Panipat textile units). Retrofit non-compliant units with effluent treatment plants (ETPs).

Impose real-time effluent monitoring with sensors linked to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for transparency and swift penalties.

Curb Solid Waste Dumping:

Install trash booms or nets at key entry points (e.g., Wazirabad barrage) to trap floating debris.

Deploy river cleaning squads and incentivize ragpickers to collect plastic waste along the banks.

B. Expand and Upgrade Treatment Infrastructure

Increase Sewage Treatment Capacity:

Upgrade existing STPs (e.g., Okhla, Coronation Pillar) to handle 100% of Delhi’s 3,600 MLD sewage output by 2027. Current capacity is ~2,300 MLD, with many plants underperforming.

Fast-track stalled projects under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) and Namami Gange, ensuring timelines are met with strict oversight.

Adopt Advanced Treatment Technologies:

Use bioremediation (introducing microbes to break down organic pollutants) and phytoremediation (plants like water hyacinth to absorb toxins) in drains before they join the river.

Pilot ozonation or tertiary treatment at STPs to reduce BOD and coliform levels to potable standards.

Revive Natural Wetlands:

Restore floodplain wetlands (e.g., near Okhla Bird Sanctuary) to act as natural filters, treating runoff and boosting biodiversity.

C. Restore River Flow

Ensure Minimum Ecological Flow:

Negotiate with upstream states (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) to release at least 10 cumecs (cubic meters per second) of fresh water from the Hathnikund barrage year-round, diluting pollutants.

Dredge silt and encroachments from the riverbed to improve flow, especially between Wazirabad and Okhla barrages.

Reduce Water Extraction:

Minimize Delhi’s reliance on Yamuna water for irrigation and domestic use by promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge citywide.

D. Address Cultural and Community Factors

Manage Religious Offerings:

Set up designated immersion sites with collection nets for flowers, idols, and other offerings during festivals like Chhath Puja or Durga Puja.

Collaborate with religious leaders to promote eco-friendly practices (e.g., clay idols, biodegradable materials).

Engage Local Communities:

Launch a “Save Yamuna” campaign with schools, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and NGOs to monitor illegal dumping and report violations via apps like “Green Delhi.”

Incentivize riverside cleanup drives with local participation.

3. Implementation Roadmap

Short-Term (6–12 Months):

Install trash booms and begin bioremediation in major drains (Najafgarh, Shahdara).

Seal 50% of illegal sewerage outlets and redirect flows to existing STPs.

Fine-tune real-time water quality monitoring with sensors at Wazirabad, ITO, and Okhla.

Medium-Term (1–3 Years):

Achieve 100% sewage treatment capacity by operationalizing new STPs (e.g., 564 MLD capacity planned under YAP-III).

Clear 70% of riverbank encroachments and dredge key stretches to restore flow.

Reduce BOD to below 10 mg/L through combined STP upgrades and wetland restoration.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

Restore DO levels to 5 mg/L, making the river swimmable and fish-friendly.

Green the Yamuna floodplains with native trees and grasses to stabilize banks and filter runoff.

Establish a permanent Yamuna River Authority with central, state, and citizen representation to oversee sustained efforts.

4. Challenges and Solutions

Funding: The estimated cost for cleaning the Yamuna runs into billions (e.g., YAP-III budgeted ₹1,600 crore). Secure central funding via Namami Gange, supplemented by PPP models for STPs and waste-to-energy plants.

Interstate Coordination: Upstream pollution from Haryana and UP requires a binding agreement under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or Supreme Court oversight.

Enforcement: Strengthen DPCC and municipal bodies with more staff and legal powers to penalize violators swiftly.

Public Apathy: Shift mindsets through sustained awareness, highlighting the river’s cultural and ecological value.

5. Measuring Success

Targets: BOD < 3 mg/L, DO > 5 mg/L, zero untreated sewage discharge by 2030.

Indicators: Visible reduction in foam (caused by phosphates), return of aquatic life (e.g., fish, turtles), and safe water for limited recreational use.

Cleaning the Yamuna in Delhi is a monumental task, but with aggressive source control, modern treatment systems, and community buy-in, it’s achievable. Past efforts (e.g., YAP-I and II) faltered due to poor execution and lack of accountability—learning from those, this plan prioritizes measurable outcomes and strict timelines. A cleaner Yamuna would not only revive ecosystems but also make Delhi a healthier, more livable city.

How to check & control local Polluting factors to make Delhi livable ?

To make Delhi more livable by checking and controlling local polluting factors, a systematic approach is needed that combines monitoring, identifying key pollution sources, and implementing targeted control measures. Delhi’s air quality, water resources, and overall environmental health are severely impacted by local factors such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial discharges, waste burning, and poor waste management. Below is a comprehensive guide based on widely recognized strategies and practical steps:

1. Checking Local Polluting Factors

To effectively control pollution, you first need to identify and measure it. Here’s how to check local polluting factors in Delhi:

Monitor Air Quality in Real-Time:

Use data from existing air quality monitoring stations operated by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These stations track pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and CO across the city.

Access real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) updates via platforms like CPCB’s SAMEER app or websites like aqicn.org to pinpoint high-pollution zones (e.g., Anand Vihar, Mundka).

Encourage citizen participation by promoting low-cost air quality sensors for hyper-local data collection in neighborhoods.

Assess Vehicular Pollution:

Map traffic density and vehicle types (especially diesel trucks and two-stroke engines) using data from traffic police and transport departments.

Conduct emission testing at key congestion points to estimate contributions to PM2.5 and NOx levels.

Track Construction Dust:

Survey active construction sites via municipal records and satellite imagery to identify dust hotspots.

Deploy dust monitors (e.g., PM10 sensors) near sites to quantify contributions to particulate matter.

Identify Waste Burning and Garbage Dumps:

Conduct ground surveys in collaboration with local resident welfare associations (RWAs) to locate open waste burning sites.

Assess landfill emissions (e.g., Ghazipur, Okhla) using drone-based methane and particulate sensors.

Evaluate Industrial Emissions:

Audit industrial units in non-conforming areas (e.g., Wazirpur, Bawana) for compliance with emission norms, leveraging DPCC inspections.

Use wind direction data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to trace pollutant dispersion from factories.

Monitor Water Pollution:

Test Yamuna River water quality at multiple points (entry, mid-city, exit) for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), coliform levels, and heavy metals, as per DPCC protocols.

Identify illegal sewerage and industrial discharges through field inspections and public reporting apps like “Green Delhi.”

2. Controlling Local Polluting Factors

Once identified, controlling these factors requires a mix of policy enforcement, infrastructure upgrades, and community action. Here are actionable steps:

Air Pollution Control

Reduce Vehicular Emissions:

Expand the electric vehicle (EV) fleet for public transport (e.g., target 25% of Delhi’s buses to be electric by 2025) and enforce stricter PUC (Pollution Under Control) checks.

Implement congestion pricing in high-traffic zones like Connaught Place or ITO to discourage private vehicle use.

Enhance last-mile connectivity with e-rickshaws and cycling infrastructure to reduce reliance on cars.

Mitigate Construction Dust:

Mandate dust control measures at construction sites: water sprinkling, windbreaks, and covering loose soil/materials.

Impose heavy fines for non-compliance and halt non-essential construction during peak pollution months (October–February).

Curb Waste Burning:

Increase waste collection frequency by municipal corporations and deploy decentralized composting units to reduce garbage accumulation.

Launch awareness campaigns and enforce strict penalties (via DPCC bylaws) for open burning.

Limit Industrial Pollution:

Relocate or retrofit polluting industries with cleaner technologies (e.g., switch to natural gas from coal).

Enforce real-time emission monitoring for industries, with public disclosure of data to ensure accountability.

Water Pollution Control

Revitalize the Yamuna:

Upgrade sewage treatment plants (STPs) to handle 100% of Delhi’s 3,600 million liters of daily sewage, as current capacity is insufficient.

Intercept and treat illegal drains discharging into the river using modular treatment systems.

Promote rainwater harvesting to reduce runoff and recharge groundwater, easing pressure on the river.

Solid Waste Management

Tackle Garbage Mountains:

Accelerate biomining and bioremediation at landfills like Ghazipur and Bhalswa to clear legacy waste.

Establish waste-to-energy plants with strict emission controls to manage daily waste (11,000 tonnes).

Cross-Cutting Measures

Strengthen Enforcement:

Empower DPCC and municipal bodies with more staff and resources to conduct regular inspections and act on violations swiftly.

Use technology like CCTV and drones to monitor pollution hotspots and enforce compliance.

Engage Communities:

Encourage RWAs to report pollution violations via the “Green Delhi” app and participate in tree-planting drives to improve air quality.

Promote indoor air purifiers and N95 masks during high-AQI periods for vulnerable groups (children, elderly).

Leverage Green Cover:

Increase Delhi’s green cover beyond the current 23% by planting native, dust-absorbing trees (e.g., neem, peepal) along roads and in vacant lots.

Protect existing forests like the Ridge from encroachment to act as natural air filters.

3. Making Delhi Livable: Integrated Approach

Short-Term Wins (1–6 Months):

Intensify road sweeping and water sprinkling in pollution hotspots (e.g., Jahangirpuri, Okhla).

Ban diesel generators during winter and incentivize solar alternatives.

Medium-Term Goals (1–3 Years):

Retrofit public buses to electric and cap the age of commercial vehicles at 10 years.

Clear 50% of legacy waste from landfills and operationalize new waste processing facilities.

Long-Term Vision (5+ Years):

Achieve WHO PM2.5 standards (5 μg/m³ annual average) by cutting emissions 70% through renewable energy adoption and regional cooperation with NCR states.

Restore the Yamuna to a swimmable state by treating all sewage and industrial effluents.

Challenges to Address

Coordination Gaps: Delhi’s pollution spans multiple jurisdictions (Delhi government, NCR states, central agencies). A unified airshed management plan under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is critical.

Funding: Sustained investment in infrastructure (e.g., STPs, EV charging stations) requires public-private partnerships.

Public Behavior: Shifting habits (e.g., reducing car use, stopping waste burning) needs consistent awareness campaigns.

By combining robust monitoring with aggressive, localized control measures, Delhi can significantly reduce its pollution burden. Success hinges on execution, accountability, and collective action—turning the city from one of the world’s most polluted into a model for sustainable urban living.

Why Arvind Kejriwal lost Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 ?

Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lost the Delhi Assembly elections in 2025 to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 48 out of 70 seats, ending AAP's decade-long rule in the capital. Several factors contributed to this defeat, based on the political context and analyses available up to February 21, 2025. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:

Erosion of Anti-Corruption Credibility: Kejriwal rose to prominence as an anti-corruption crusader during the 2011 India Against Corruption movement. However, by 2025, controversies like the alleged liquor policy scam and the "Sheesh Mahal" (a luxurious residence reportedly built with public funds) damaged his image. The BJP effectively capitalized on these issues, portraying Kejriwal as having shifted from an "Aam Aadmi" (common man) to a "VIP," which resonated with voters feeling betrayed by his earlier promises.

Governance Failures and Unfulfilled Promises: AAP's campaign had long centered on delivering freebies and improving public services like education, healthcare, and electricity. While these initiatives retained some support, critical issues like the failure to clean the Yamuna River—a promise Kejriwal made in 2020—remained unaddressed. Severe air pollution, water shortages, and poor sanitation further fueled voter discontent. Over 80% of voters in surveys expressed frustration with these persistent problems, indicating a gap between AAP's rhetoric and tangible results.

BJP's Strategic Campaign: The BJP, absent from Delhi's power for 27 years, mounted an effective campaign in 2025. It avoided personal attacks on Kejriwal and instead focused on his alleged misgovernance, highlighting corruption and infrastructure woes. The party leveraged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and promised "Modi guarantees" like cleaning the Yamuna and improving urban infrastructure. This narrative shift trapped AAP in a defensive position, unable to counter effectively.

Congress as a Spoiler: Although the Indian National Congress (INC) won no seats, it played a significant role in splitting the anti-BJP vote. In key constituencies like New Delhi (where Kejriwal lost to BJP's Parvesh Verma by 4,089 votes) and Jangpura (where Manish Sisodia lost by 675 votes), Congress polled enough votes—4,568 and 7,350 respectively—to exceed the BJP's victory margins. This suggests that a potential AAP-Congress alliance might have altered the outcome, a miscalculation on Kejriwal's part after rejecting cooperation with Congress.

Leadership and Legal Challenges: Kejriwal's arrest in March 2024 in the liquor policy case, followed by his resignation in September 2024, aimed to project moral high ground. However, this move backfired. His prolonged legal battles and absence from active governance shifted focus from AAP's achievements to its scandals. Atishi, who succeeded him as Chief Minister, won her seat but couldn’t reverse the party’s declining momentum. The jailing of other senior leaders like Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain further weakened AAP's organizational strength.

Middle-Class Disillusionment: AAP's initial appeal was strongest among Delhi's middle and lower classes. By 2025, its middle-class manifesto—lacking concrete promises and instead listing demands from the central government—failed to inspire. The BJP, in contrast, tapped into middle-class aspirations and disillusionment with AAP’s governance, securing their support and anchoring its victory.

Internal Party Dynamics and Over-Reliance on Kejriwal: Critics, including former AAP leaders like Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, pointed to Kejriwal’s shift from collective leadership to a "supremo-dominated" model. This centralization stifled internal dissent and innovation, leaving AAP overly dependent on Kejriwal’s persona. When his credibility took a hit, the party struggled to adapt, losing voter trust.

In summary, Kejriwal’s loss in 2025 stemmed from a combination of governance shortcomings, damaged credibility, strategic missteps, and a resurgent BJP that outmaneuvered AAP. The election was widely seen as a referendum on Kejriwal’s leadership, and the verdict reflected Delhi voters’ desire for change after a decade of AAP rule.

Delhi Elections 2025: RWAs of Delhi ask 10 questions from all those in power !

10 SAWAL FROM ALL THOSE IN POWER IN DELHI:

1. How long the residents of Delhi will have to breathe in the most polluted capital of the world ?

2. How long the residents of Delhi will have to face severe waterlogging every monsoon ?

3. How long the residents of Delhi will have to bear the huge Garbaze Mountains, that are spoiling the entire eco system ?

4. How long the residents of Delhi won't get their RIGHT TO WALK due to encroachment on almost every footpath ?

5. How long the residents of Delhi will have to face severe Traffic Jams at every nook & corner ?

6. How long the Yamuna will remain dirtiest as well a most polluted dark nullah ?

7. How long there will be no check on the number of vehicles per family to resolve the parking issues ?

8. How long the unauthorized rehdi carts will keep congesting the roads in every market ?

9. How long the residents of Delhi will have to face drinking water issues every summer ?

10. How long the RWAs of Delhi will have to wait for the Empowerment ?

B S VOHRA

CONVENOR: RWA BHAGIDARI

PRESIDENT: EAST DELHI RWAs JOINT FRONT

Sikh Women Do/Should Not Keep Karva Chauth Fast : Good Conduct and Contentment is The True Fast

 Karva chauth is a festival celebrated by married Hindu women who observe a fast for the long life of her husband. Sadly, a significant number of Sikh women have started observing fast and have adopted the practice.

But Gurbani rejects such rituals. Sikhism is a practical religion. Superstition and dogmas have no place in it .Sikhs do not celebrate Karva Chauth  because Sikh Gurus does not consider fasting to be meritorious.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed that fasting was inferior to "truth" or "right action". He also believed that the body is a gift from God, and that humans should maintain it in good condition. Fasting is only acceptable if it's done to promote healthy eating

Gurus do not consider fasting to be a way to purify the self or realize God. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed that "truth" or "right action" is superior to fasting, penance, or other austerities. Gurbani teaches "the way to Waheguru (God) is to conquer the mind which is polluted by the 5 passions. By fasting and tormenting one’s body Waheguru (God) is not attained." “One who discards this grain, is practicing hypocrisy. She is neither a happy soul-bride, nor a widow".

“To practice forgiveness; good conduct and contentment is the true fast.”. The only way to attain God is by singing HIS Name and following the true path shown in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur

Associate Professor

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College

Dev Nagar

University of Delhi

India’s comprehensive sports ecosystem conclave IAMGAME to take place in New Delhi

 India has witnessed an inspiring shift in its sports landscape, evolving from a cricket-dominated nation to a diverse sporting powerhouse. Both men and women athletes have made the country proud with their achievements on global platforms. The spirit of sports has united the nation, breaking barriers and creating heroes from all walks of life. It is in this backdrop of growing enthusiasm and emotional connection to sports that IAMGAME emerges as a crucial catalyst for furthering India's sporting potential.

IAMGAME, India’s comprehensive two-day sports conclave scheduled for 9th-10th October 2024 at Pullman, Aerocity Delhi, has been announced to provide a platform for sportspersons, coaches, sports federations, and brands to come together, amplify the Indian sports ecosystem, and build thought leadership that can make sports a recognized and viable career path for millions.

IAMGAME will serve as a marketplace for all things sports, with a vision to positively impact India’s sports landscape by strengthening communication and fostering strategic partnerships. With India's sports business expected to reach $100 billion by 2027, IAMGAME aims to play a pivotal role by supporting sports programs from the grassroots level, offering clear plans for government sports projects, and creating a nurturing environment for the sports community to connect and collaborate. 

The two-day conclave will bring together key stakeholders from the sports and allied industries to address challenges and explore innovative solutions. Envisioned as India’s largest and most comprehensive sports conclave, with the theme ‘Everything Sports,’ it will witness over 2000 delegates, 10 international speakers, 25 state sports federations, 200+ sporting brands, 20+ sports legends, and 100 sessions, including keynote addresses, investor meet-ups, start-up pitches, exhibition booths, and workshops, all aimed at transforming financial requirements into creative sporting visions and opening up opportunities within the sporting sector.

"IAMGAME is designed to bridge the gap between resources and talent in the Indian sports ecosystem. By providing a central hub for sportspersons, coaches, and brands, we aim to drive investment and elevate Indian sports to new heights. With over 400 million sports fans in India and a rapidly growing sports economy, the potential for impact is enormous," said Karan Chettri, Founder of IAMGAME. "Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving sports environment where every sportsperson can achieve their full potential."

"We are thrilled to launch IAMGAME Sports Conclave 2024, a platform that is not just about sports but about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and building a stronger, healthier nation," added Mandeep Malhotra, Co-Founder of IAMGAME. "By bringing together key stakeholders and providing a comprehensive platform for resources and investment, we believe we can revolutionize the sports ecosystem in India. The sports sector has shown a consistent growth rate of 15% annually, and with initiatives like IAMGAME, we can accelerate this growth and create a robust support system for our sportspersons.”

India’s Women Climate Collective announces new cohort to expedite leadership in climate action

 The 2023 report ‘Feminist climate justice: A framework for action,’ by the UN Women points out that by 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty and see 236 million more face food insecurity.

Though climate change significantly affects those working in the natural resource sectors, such as agriculture, its impact is not the same on men and women. Women happen to be more vulnerable due to various soci0-economic and cultural factors. Climate change also compounds the issues faced by underserved women and girls by deepening existing inequalities, disrupting education, health services, mobility and curtailing employment opportunities.

 In India, where the effects are particularly pronounced, these challenges are compounded by regional vulnerabilities impacting underserved women and girls the most. This will deepen existing inequalities and disrupt education, health services, mobility, and even employment opportunities.

 Recognising the pivotal role that women can play in driving effective climate action, the Women Climate Collective (WCC) is strategically consolidating its efforts to amplify women-led initiatives. Their cohort highlights the unique challenges faced by women while also underscoring their  contributions to the global climate discourse.

In 2023, the WCC programme built the capacities of 16 women climate leaders, some of whom represented India on key global platforms including COP28, and were recognised through prestigious awards including Nidhi Pant who won the Earthshot Prize, Elsie Gabriel who received the face of India Achievers Award, and more.

K.G. Sreeja, who was part of the 2023 cohort, said, ““Being part of the WCC cohort has helped in gaining a more granular gendered perspective of our work on co-creating community resilience to tidal flooding. It has helped in thinking and acting in gender specific ways over and beyond gender inclusive strategy and planning. Gender specific action has helped us identify the singular strength of women in the climate action space. It has become the natural progression from gender inclusive work and I strongly believe it is due to the work and networking I have been doing with WCC.”

Following the success in 2023, and to further amplify women's  voices in climate action and ensure their equitable participation in designing and implementing sustainable solutions, WCC,  a platform created by Fondation L'Oréal with the support of Purpose Climate Lab has launched its next cohort focused on nurturing 20 young women  leaders in climate action. The se women leaders work in pertinent and diverse issues, including climate justice, nature-based solutions,  climate technology, public engagement for climate, and climate-related health and food security, spanning regions from the Himalayas to Bengaluru, and from Maharashtra to West Bengal, as well as many other states and areas of expertise.

These leaders will be provided tailored leadership training, communication, and access to international and national events, enabling them to participate in global climate discussions and showcase their work on an international platform. By elevating their groundbreaking work, the WCC platform aims to foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing among the leaders, ultimately promoting gender-inclusive climate  solutions in India.  They will also have access to industry experts in the form of WCC Ambassadors, that will further support the climate leaders to grow and scale their efforts; Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director, SHE Changes Climate and Shloka Nath, CEO, India Climate Collaborative, both prominent women leaders in nurturing climate action in India, will be supporting the new cohort of WCC women leaders.

Reflecting on the impact of the program, Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director, SHE Changes Climate, shared her thoughts: “The WCC programme's unwavering commitment to fostering women's leadership in climate action is truly inspiring. The new cohort is composed of exceptional women dedicated to addressing critical climate issues, and I am thrilled to support them. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of WCC’s programs, and I am confident that these emerging women leaders will  drive meaningful change and amplify their voices  within India's climate  ecosystem.”

As the 2024 cohort begins their journey, they embody the immense promise of empowering women to take the lead in combating climate change.  Their efforts not only aim to address today’s challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable and fair future for everyone. In India, where the impacts of climate change are deeply felt, the involvement of women leaders is more important than ever. These women bring fresh perspectives and a steadfast dedication that can drive real progress, motivating communities and shaping policies at every level.

Allcargo Group Elevates Ketan Kulkarni to Leadership Position at Allcargo Gati

Allcargo Group, an India born global logistics conglomerate has appointed Ketan Kulkarni as Deputy Managing Director of, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited (GESCPL), material subsidiary of Allcargo Gati Limited (Formerly Gati Limited), one of India’s leading premier Express Distribution and Supply Chain Management company, to further bolster its growing business. Ketan assumes the new position after serving as the Chief Growth Officer of Allcargo Group, in the Chairman’s office.

Ketan will take charge with immediate effect and work closely with Pirojshaw (Phil) Sarkari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GESCPL to facilitate the leadership transition and lead the company to the next phase of growth in express and contract logistics business with involvement in sales, operations, customer service and digital initiatives.  

Phil will retire on attaining the age of superannuation on November 30, 2024. Further, he will continue to hold the position of Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director on the Board of Allcargo Gati Limited.

Ketan joined Allcargo Group with over three decades of diversified experiences and a remarkable track record spanning multiple sectors such as logistics, consumer durables, FMCG and beverages.

Commenting on the appointment, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “Ketan’s appointment as the Deputy Managing Director of GESCPL is in line with the Group’s vision to strengthen its leadership team to further build our efficiency and capture emerging opportunities. We have enormous faith in his execution and strategic abilities. We are confident that he will excel in this role with his brilliant leadership capabilities. His rich experience will be instrumental in further boosting the customer experience and growth outlook of the company.”

Commenting on the elevation to the new role, Ketan Kulkarni, Deputy Managing Director, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Limited (GESCPL). said, “I am excited to step into the new role. At Allcargo Gati, we are committed to create logistics magic with effective and efficient logistics solutions backed by future-ready digital tools and technology. With an unmatched reach across India with strong brand legacy of quality service delivery, we will continue to strengthen our position in the express and contract logistics space. I look forward to working with various divisional heads at Allcargo Gati to continue to deliver growth and offer superior customer experience.”