Tag: Navi Mumbai

Breathing Uneasy – Housing Choices Amid Worsening AQI

akash pharande

 By- Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The problem of rapidly worsening air quality in India has a direct correlation to our housing choices. Increasing urbanization, industrial proliferation, and population growth are causing more and more homebuyers to prioritize the quality of their living environments.

Urban Centers – The Worst Hit

Indian city centres face severe air pollution threat:

  • Heavy Traffic – The congested city centres with high population and traffic density contribute significantly to vehicular emissions.
  • Industrial Pollution – Proximity to industrial zones with obsolete or nonexistent pollution control measures worsens air quality.
  • Urban Heat Island Effect – The concentration of buildings and human activities in cities leads to higher temperatures – which, in turn, escalate pollution levels.
  • Lack of Green Spaces – The absence of parks and green areas in densely populated urban regions makes natural air filtration impossible.

pollution

A Shift Towards Cleaner Surroundings

Many suburban areas with lower population density and more green open spaces offer relief from urban pollution. Planned cities, like Chandigarh, Navi Mumbai and PCMC (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) showcase the effective separation of residential and industrial zones, improving overall air quality for all concerned.

In the absence of planned development, many suburban paradises are at risk. Rapid real estate development will eventually turn green sanctuaries into polluted urban-like environments.

Exploring the Solution – Integrated Townships

To tackle this issue, the Indian residential real estate sector has introduced integrated townships as a solution that can withstand environmental challenges.

  • Captive Green Spaces – These townships prioritize green open spaces like parks and gardens to create an environmentally sustainable environment.
  • Reduced Vehicle Emissions – Because they incorporate schools, shops and recreational facilities within their precincts, townships reduce overall vehicle movement.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure – Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling promote eco-friendly living practices.
  • Combating Urban Heat Islands – Development plans for townships include extensive green areas, tree-lined streets, natural or artificial water bodies, and renewable energy sources to combat heat accumulation. By securing these advantages, integrated townships ensure that the area remains eco-friendly – now and in the future.

breathing

Tips for Prospective Home Buyers to Avoid Air Pollution Risks

  • Begin by examining air quality data for different regions. This information is often accessible through environmental monitoring agencies or online air quality indices. Check websites that offer real-time air quality updates to evaluate current atmospheric conditions.
  • When selecting locations, consider the presence of green spaces. Look for areas close to parks, reserved forests, and other open green zones, as they result in better overall air quality. Don’t choose a home in a project too close to a highway or an industrial zone, or prone to traffic bottlenecks. Also note that elevated areas often offer better air quality because heavy pollution smog primarily settles in low-lying areas.
  • Evaluate the condition of roads and public transportation as this will determine how much emissions accumulate in an area. Do internet research and check news to review the area’s infrastructure and future development plans to anticipate changes that could impact air quality.
  • When checking out a home, find out if it has adequate cross-ventilation and good green home features. Energy-efficient homes typically provide better air quality thanks to their sealed and insulated environments.
    You can, to some extent, enhance indoor air quality by using indoor plants. But this is obviously a very minimal solution to a major problem

In conclusion

With air quality playing an important role in home purchasing choices, buyers must prioritize features that ensure a clean and healthy living environment.

By picking the right location and project, you can protect your and your family’s well-being and still enjoy the conveniences of modern life. Opting for integrated township living is a wise decision amid rapidly declining air quality in urban India. In any case, make any housing with a lot of research and awareness about air quality.

And remember – the clean environment you get in a currently green but quickly developing suburb may not be guaranteed tomorrow. Ensure that your loved ones can breathe freely – not only today but also in the future.

About the Author:

Breathing Uneasy - Housing Choices Amid Worsening AQI

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

Motorola Solutions signs up with Arya Omnitalk to promote professional and commercial radios

Bengaluru, 16th April 2024: Pune-headquartered Arya Omnitalk, a joint venture between two of India’s most reputed business houses, Arvind Ltd. and the JM Baxi Group, has secured an exclusive partnership with Motorola Solutions to distribute Professional and Commercial Radios in India.

Arya Omnitalk operates three business divisions, namely Shared Mobile Radio Services (SMR), GPS-based Fleet Tracking and Management Solutions, and Toll and Highway Traffic Management Systems (HTMS). Under this collaboration, Arya Omnitalk will exclusively distribute Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Portfolio of products, along with continuing to distribute Wave PTX and associated services.

A leading provider of PMRTS (Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services), CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services), and Broadband Push-to-talk devices, Arya Omnitalk holds licenses to operate in 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata, Bharuch, Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Jaipur.

These radios are specially designed for organizations operating in today’s fast-moving business environment. They allow real-time, instant communication among teams, improving coordination in fast-paced environments. It allows cross-platform compatibility and works across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between different teams and devices within the company. These radios connect teams spread across different locations and facilities. It can integrate with existing communication systems and tools, streamlining processes and enhancing overall connectivity within the company.

These radios provide secure communication channels, crucial for the industries where confidentiality and data protection are paramount. It enables swift response during emergencies or critical situations, ensuring immediate communication for rapid decision-making and crisis management.

These services cater to important sectors such as Municipal Corporations, Manufacturing, Security, Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics, Warehousing, Educational Institutes, IT/ITeS, Hospitality, Hospitals, Embassies, Mines, and Construction.

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Paresh Shetty, CEO, Arya Omnitalk said, “We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Motorola Solutions, further solidifying the trust we’ve built with the brand and customers over the years. This exclusive partnership grants us the opportunity to sell best in class products in India. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering unmatched customer experiences, ensuring every interaction mirrors our dedication to excellence and satisfaction.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai appoints Hospitality Veteran Saurabh Chowdhury as their new General Manager

Mumbai, 14th March 2024: Saurabh Chowdhury, a seasoned hospitality professional with a rich background in sales and marketing, has assumed the role of General Manager at The Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Chowdhury brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new position.

Saurabh Chowdhury_GM

Saurabh’s journey in the hospitality sector began at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, where he served as a Guest Service Officer and later as a Team Leader Front Office, showcasing his aptitude for guest relations and operational management. His dedication and commitment led him to take on roles of increasing responsibility at renowned establishments across Mumbai.

Excited about his new role, Saurabh exclaimed, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter as General Manager at The Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai,” said Chowdhury. “I am committed to upholding the Marriott brand’s legacy of unparalleled service and innovation. My goal is to create memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a culture of excellence among our team members.”

Prior to his current appointment, Saurabh held key positions at prestigious hotels including The Westin Mumbai Garden City and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. At The Westin, he served as the Director of Operations, overseeing the seamless functioning of various departments to ensure an exceptional guest experience. His tenure at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts saw him excel as the Associate Head of Sales, where he successfully managed corporate accounts and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.

Chowdhury holds a Degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology with a specialization in Hospitality Administration/Management from Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. His academic background, coupled with his hands-on experience, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the hospitality business.

Saurabh’s career trajectory reflects his unwavering passion for the hospitality industry. His tenure as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin and various other roles underscore his proficiency in driving revenue growth and implementing strategic marketing initiatives. Throughout his career, Saurabh has demonstrated a keen understanding of market dynamics and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In his role as General Manager, Chowdhury aims to elevate the guest experience and drive operational excellence at The Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai. His leadership, coupled with his extensive industry knowledge, positions him as a valuable asset to the Marriott team.

Women take the lead at Blue Dart! Inaugurates its first 100% women-run service centre in Navi Mumbai

Hyderabad: Blue Dart, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation & Distribution Company, has been a market-leader across industry verticals. It is this market leadership driven by its people, technology as well as its air and ground express network that provides customers with a premium experience. The express logistics provider’s market leadership is all set to extend this women’s day, to the diversity and inclusivity circle with the launch of the first Blue Dart All Women Service Centre.

The logistics industry has been stereotyped over the years to foster a male majority. Blue Dart has been putting in a significant effort to alter this perception of the industry, ever since the organization’s inception in 1983. The organization provides ample opportunity for its Blue Darters to take the lead and make their mark in the industry. With capable women encouraged to take on senior leadership roles in the organization, Blue Dart is a testament to what being a gender inclusive organization in the logistics industry denotes.

Located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the All Women Service Centre comprises a team of sixteen enthusiastic women who don the role of managers, customer service representatives, security personnel as well as sales and counter staff. This dynamic team will provide customers with the exceptional service quality that is synonymous with Blue Dart.

Apart from this, the organization is taking its Diversity and Inclusivity initiative one step further. The ‘Employer of Choice’ plans on initiating more women into the Blue Dart family and will launch another service centre in Andheri, reminiscent of its Kharghar All Women Service Centre. The Andheri Service Centre will operate at a 70% women team capacity and will work shoulder to shoulder setting the pace of gender diversity.

Inaugurating the All Women Service Centre, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart said, “With our ‘People First Philosophy’ at the forefront of our business, ALL our people – gender, age, race, caste no bar – continue to be a priority within the organization. Blue Dart has always been an equal opportunity employer. We have always supported and encouraged our women colleagues to independently run their functions, seeing as their contributions have helped Blue Dart become the Gold Standard of Express Logistics in India. Blue Dart has nurtured strong women who have seized every opportunity that has come their way and fulfilled their roles and responsibilities to the fullest. From women couriers to our Senior Leadership team – Managing Director of Blue Dart Aviation, Tulsi Mirchandaney and our National Customer Service Head – Sonia Nair, women have played an integral role in leading Blue Dart to set and achieve new milestones, year on year. They remain an inspiration for many, myself included.”

He further adds, “Diversity is important, especially with our wide-ranging customer base. We require a diverse workforce that mirrors and understands each customer demographic deeply. This is key to our success in helping us fulfill customer expectations and demand. I am proud to see another inclusivity initiative making its mark in the Blue Dart milestone book.”

Under the motto of “Connecting People, Improving Lives”, Blue Dart focuses on three key pillars, GoGreen (Protecting the environment), GoTeach (Championing education) and GoHelp (Disaster management response). While the focus lies on increasing diversity, efforts are also being made to curb the carbon footprint. Blue Dart has therefore introduced electric vehicles for women couriers, to ensure that their services have an increased carbon efficiency.

Blue Dart has pioneered several gender diversity initiatives such as highlighting its women couriers through the ‘Thank You, You Inspire Us’ series. The logistics provider has also initiated a ‘Why Do We Love to Work for Blue Dart’ portal on its website career page. This aims to provide prospective female Blue Darters with an understanding of what working at Blue Dart as a woman looks like. The portal contains testimonies from women working with Blue Dart who have found success within the organization’s varying roles. They have also engaged all Blue Darters to help bring more women on board with the Female Employee Referral Program. Further, as part of the women in Aviation, Blue Dart works closely with the Airports Authority of India each year, to familiarize young schoolgirls with various aspects of the aviation industry.

Blue Dart is an ‘Employer of Choice’ and prides itself on being a ‘Great Place to Work’. The brand provides equal opportunity to all its teams where no discrimination is made based on gender, caste, religion, age etc. The company sees gender diversity as a guiding principle in its employment policy. This means promoting the diversity and heterogeneity of the individuals in the company in order to attain the highest possible productivity, creativity and efficiency.