New badminton hall in Koradi can host tournaments: Arun Lakhani

NAGPUR: Badminton in the rural areas near Koradi got the shot in the arm when a new indoor badminton stadium was inaugurated on the premises of Taywade College at Mahadula on Friday.

A big hall with a good 40-foot height, four excellent wooden courts and spacious arrangements for the spectators were some of the highlights of the new hall, which might prove a boon for the badminton enthusiasts and buddings shuttlers of the region.

Indian badminton players Arundhati Pantawane and Arun Vishnu were the special guests and inaugurated the hall in the presence of Saoner MLA Sunil Kedar, president of Maharashtra Badminton Association Arun Lakhani and former NIT Trustee Anant Gharad.

Impressed with the brilliant facilities at the venue, both Arundhati and Arun said that national level competitions can be held here. A district junior tournament got underway on Friday to mark the inauguration.

"I am really thrilled to see such a beautiful hall. I would love to play here someday if I get a chance," said Arun, a multiple-time national doubles champion.

National Games gold medallist Arundhati hoped that the hall serves its purpose of popularizing badminton in the rural areas.

"First they should hold state tournament here. I am sure this venue can hold national and international tournaments in future," said Arundhati.

College principal Dr Sharayou Taywade and president of Shri Sachchidanand Shikshan Sanstha Baban Taywade thanked Arundhati and Arun for accepting their request to open the hall.

"Arundhati and Arun are getting married tomorrow but for the love of badminton they came here and inaugurated the hall. It is proud for us that they liked the facilities," said Taywade. On this occasion, Arundhati and Arun were felicitated for their contribution in the field of national badminton.

Nagpur District Badminton Association president Kunda Vijaykar urged Taywade to provide the hall for the district tournaments in the coming season.

This New is Originally Posted on THE TIME OF INDIA

With people’s support we can better water supply system in Nagpur, says OCW Director

Nagpur: Calm, composed, yet undeterred by criticism, and confident enough to draw excellence in water supply system of Nagpur, Arun Lakhani, Chairman of Orange City Water, has been spearheading the movement to streamline water distribution network in Nagpur for over 3 years. Hailing from a family that has high academics flowing through their blood, Arun Lakhani was quite inspired by his father who did his M.Tech from Banaras Hindu University, and later at IIS, Banglore. He too followed the suit and completed his B.Sc/Tech & M.Tech from LIT after pursuing his B.Sc. from Amravati. He did his school education in a remote village of Malkapur in Buldhana district.

Clearly a man of vision and a harbinger of change, Lakhani had to go through series of highs and lows during 3 years of journey with OCW, a 50:50 joint venture of Lakhani’s Vishwaraj Environment Pvt. Ltd.  and Veolia Water India Ltd, the world leader in water business. However, Lakhani has taken every challenge heads on and put the best foot forward in getting the best water supply system in the town. He however believes that a lot is needed to be done in the next 10 years, for which OCW is moving in the right direction.

In a freewheeling interview with Nagpur Today, OCW 
Director, Arun Lakhani spoke at stretch about the issues pertaining to 24×7 water supply scheme, essential metering for conscious use of water, the challenges and public resistance, sewage treatment for smart water management, his close to heart Ganga Cleanliness Drive and his professional journey so far. The excerptsIn the initial days of, Lakhani ventured into petro chemicals and brought in Maha Gas – the non-subsidized LPG cylinders. There they set up the smaller plants to reduce distribution cost. They partnered with a Dutch multinational and ran into a deal in 1998 to bottle commercial cylinders. However the project had to face stiff competition from subsidized cylinders, however it was disinvested to the multinational who run it under the name of Super Gas. Then came the opportunity of Roads and water and Orange City Water was formed in collaboration with Veolia Water France.

City has enough water
Lakhani is of the view that there is enough water availability for 25 lakh population of Nagpur, only proper system is to be put into place. The city consumes 450-500 MLD water on daily basis, of which, around 175 MLD is utilized for domestic purpose and 150 MLD goes in commercial consumption. Against this daily requirement, the city has the daily supply of 650-700 MLD of water, received majorly from Kanhan and Pench water reservoirs. “An effective distribution is required to cope up with uniform  equitable water supply across various areas of Nagpur,” he said.

Pressurized water system
Lakhani said OCW has initiated a 24×7 pressurized water system that ensures contamination free water to the consumers. With 24×7 pressurized water system, the water is supplied in full pressure that passes through the pipelines which are hundreds of years old. Pressurized water supply keeps contamination in check from the leakage points.

Challenges for 24×7 water supply scheme
Lakhani says one of the biggest challenges OCW is facing is the locating old pipelines and getting metered house service connections to various households. He said that for water security people’s support is needed. The Prime Minister on June 25, 2015 chose Nagpur’s 24×7 water supply scheme as the “Best Practice Model Project” in the launch program of Amrut scheme. He says improvement will be gradual and results cannot come overnight as against the 60 years of ULB implementation it is only 3 years with public private partnership. He also said that an educational drive like My City My Water campaign must be initiated to bring awareness among the general public and their long term benefits. He was of the view that media should play an active role in driving the city towards a reformation in water supply.

Sewage Water should be utilized for good

He said most of the sewage water, treated and untreated, is going waste without any utility and creates health hazard by contaminating fresh water bodies . A close look at the consumption statistics reveals that 11% of water supply is used for domestic purpose while 89% of it is utilized for irrigation and industries. If not for domestic consumption, the treated sewage water can be best used for irrigation and industrial purpose which adds to extra stock of water for domestic purpose. The sewage water can be sold to power stations and other industrial purposes as more than 80% of net water consumption is done by industries. He said the sewage water is being completely overlooked and almost 500 MLD of water which can be recovered from sewage  is not utilized.

NamamiGange – A Doable Project
Quiz him about Namai Gange – a national mission for clean ganga, and Lakhani gets candid in airing his views over the project, the one he is having keen interest in. Despite the odds and rituals making the project seemingly impossible to be accomplished, Lakhani appeared quite positive about the mission. He said the previous government also launched Ganga Cleanliness Mission but the project could not progress in right direction in the absence of accountability. This time, the mission has been kick started withpossibly  the private partnership model  and so the work is accountable. “Unless accountability is framed, the model cannot function smoothly,” he quipped. Citing the examples of Thames river in London and Danube river in Europe, which have attained 100% cleanliness, he said Namami Gange project can be better implemented with fourth P in the PPP – the people. The people are the protectors of any scheme in larger interest. Be it 24×7 water supply scheme in Nagpur or the Ganga Cleanliness Drive, he said larger communication is required for a project of 30 years. When asked if they would wish to participate in Ganga programme, Lakhani said if required from us, we would surely be a part of this noble campaign.

OCW’s on the course of its journey
Lakhani said that apart from proper funding, people’s support is also required for metering and pipe laying which will take their mission to next level in the coming years. “Water Projects are Social Projects “ A complete refurbishment and laying of pipelines is required to be done in the next 10 years. “We must have committed errors in the past but we still have positive bent of mind towards providing the city with the best water supply network.

Among the measures that were taken under OCW are 24×7 toll free helpline, online bill payment facility, GPS tracking of tanker movement to curb malpractices, annual tank cleaning by indigenously developed technology, old and complicated valves replaced and flow meters installed at crucial network locations.
Till date 180 kms of pipe laying has been done through horizontal directional drilling out of @ 500 kms. . Clarifying his stand over the increasing complaints of the dugout bylanes lying for days, he said that it was only to avoid the digging process. “One cannot dig the same stretch first for one task and then for other,” he said. He appealed that it is imperative for the people to get the metering done for the conscious use of water and lend their support in putting 24×7 water supply scheme on fast track.

This New is Originally Posted on NAGPUR TODAY

OCW’s Arun Lakhani among 7 felicitated for driving positive change in Nagpur

Nagpur: Chairman of Orange City Waters and Managing Director of Vishwaraj Infrastructure Arun Lakhani has been prominently included among the top 7 city personalities who were felicitated on Wednesday for their contribution in bringing about the positive change in various fields. The felicitation was hosted by Sarathi Trust, a Nagpur based socio-cultural not for profit organization.

It may be mentioned here that Sarathi has been playing active role in acknowledging and recognizing the harbinger of growth. SARATHI stands for Small Industries Artists Rural Artisans Talents and Handicrafts Institutions. The NGO has worked in divergent fields such as industries, sports, arts and culture, renewable energy, water-harvesting, abolition of old British Laws and environmental problems for the last 25 years, selflessly.

Here are the 7 dignitaries, who were honored for their respective works,

Water supply is a social-project : Arun Lakhani
It was announced on the dais that Arun Lakhani has been achieving many milestones since his young age. Lakhani reads almost any and every book and has multiple business interests. Arun Lakhani has undertaken the herculean task of 24X7 water supply project in Nagpur. While speaking about the water supply, Lakhani said that water supply project is a social initiative since this project makes one get connected with the masses. He elaborated that the success of any project depends on 4 important components including sustainability, efficiency, accountability and people’s involvement.

He said that unless the project proves right on all the above four points, it can never become successful. Similarly while speaking about the sewage water treatment project he said that optimum use of fresh water should be of primary importance. His company has planned and used the treated water for industry and power-generation thus making the fresh water available for drinking.

Participation is more important than winning medals : Prabhakar Sathe
Prabhakar Sathe is a 75 year-old gentleman who is an accomplished swimmer. He has won 234 medals and has participated in many national and international swimming championships. He has participated in International Championships for Master Swimmers in Sweden, Italy, Russia etc. A former librarian, he has the passion for swimming and is willing to teach swimming to any person of any age.

Unique satisfaction at the completion of every statue : Shriram Ingle
85 year old statue maker Shriram Ingle is one of the oldest statue makers. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Gautam Buddha and former leaders that he has made are placed all over Nagpur. He was a recipient of many awards. He was accompanied by his wife Pratibha Tai. Since Shriram Ingle could not speak properly due to old-age, his wife Pratibha spoke on his behalf. She said that she was working in the Anatomy department of Government Medical College and Hospital. After marriage she resigned and joined her husband in the statue making. When asked which statute had made them face a lot of difficulties while making and when finished making had got immense satisfaction, Pratibha said that Raje Raghuji Raje’s statue was the most difficult. However, both had vowed to complete it and complete it well. They got immense satisfaction on completion of the statue.

Following Vishwanath Anand as Role model : Swapnil Dopate
Swapnil Dopate has achieved many awards at a very young age and is the first grand Master of Vidarbha. He too has taken part in many national and international chess championships. Acknowledging his continuous success The World Chess Foundation based in France had awarded with Grand Master. While speaking to the audience, he said that Vishwanath Anand is his idol and he would certainly like to emulate him in his life. He said that anyone seeing Vishwanath would see that he is a simple, sober and humble person not displaying any pride in spite of all his achievements of bringing laurels to the nation.

Every calamity is an opportunity : Ashok K. Gandhi
Ashok K. Gandhi has been excelling in the field of business and trade and currently He providing jobs to 1000 people. After being felicitated A K Gandhi said that he came to the city in a cycle and did face many problems and set-backs. However, following a Chinese Proverb which says that “Every disaster is an opportunity”, he started availing the disasters and problems of the people of the city especially in transportation and started selling two-wheelers. From there he has ventured and diversified into various other businesses.

Youth should be encouraged for research : CD Mayee
Agriculture Scientist C D Mayee has been felicitated for excelling in the field of Agriculture. Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), former Co-Chairman of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) and yet a very simple and humble person, Mayee said that when he stood in the line of ration shops during his childhood, he decided that something should be done to eradicate this kind of dearth of food grains. He claimed that over the years, we have become number 2 exporter of rice, vegetables. However there is a lot of work remaining to be done. He encouraged the youngsters to enter into the field of agriculture to make India a food sufficient country.

Smart city of smart people : Atal Bahadur Singh
Former Nagpur Mayor Atal Bahadur Singh has been honored with Life Time Achievement Award (Jeevan Gaurav). When asked what his opinion was on Nagpur becoming a Smart City, Atal Bahadur Singh said that since there are lots of smart people, Nagpur is already a smart city.

While speaking to the audience Chief Guest for the occasion Major General Gadre said that Sarathi is an organization that does not seek nominations or ask for people’s requests for being felicitated. He said that a year-long effort is made to identify those who have excelled in different fields and those who have brought laurels to Nagpur and Vidarbha and then the selection committee shortlists a select few to be felicitated. Sarathi’s felicitation has evolved to be very meaningful and of great reputation.

The office-bearers including President Dr Madhukar Apte, Working President Advocate Rajendra Rathi, Secretary Dr Aniruddha Vazalwar,

This New is Originally Posted on NAGPUR TODAY

Arun Lakhani Speaks on How He Shaped his Career

Arun Lakhani explains on how he started his career and his journey.

Arun Lakhani Appointed as a President of Maharashtra Badminton Association(MBA)

In a development that would make Nagpurians doubly proud, the Director of Orange City Water (OCW) Arun Lakhani was appointed President of Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA). The Nagpur-based Arun Lakhani shuttled to the top post as the present incumbent Pradeep Gandhe stepped down from the post after over a decade at the helm.

Arun Lakhani's appointment as MBA Chief provided a reason for Nagpurians to feel proud as a few days ago another Nagpurian, Shashank Manohar, was appointed President of cash-rich and most powerful sports body in the country the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI).

The change in leadership at the MBA comes after Gandhe's voluntary decision to resign from the position. Honouring his request after almost 11 years of active service, the MBA Committee followed the official protocol and unanimously chose Lakhani as its new leader.

Lakhani has been an active member of the MBA's Executive Committee and has been associated with the sport for a long time. He has previous experience with the Planning Commission Committee and various policy making forums.

"I am honoured to be chosen to lead Maharashtra Badminton. My immediate focus will be to get this infrastructure functional. Our aim is to offer talented players from Maharashtra infrastructure and facilities at par with any international level academy or club," Lakhani said.

Talking to Nagpur Today, Arun Lakhani said, "I am not new to Badminton as sportsman. In my college days, I held the racquet regularly and displayed my skills on the court. But now-a-days due to busy schedule at office and other activities of vital nature, the racket has now been passed to my son. My son is now honing his skills at the court and I am enjoying his services and powerful shots from the bench as a dutiful parent."

This New is Originally Posted on NAGPUR TODAY

Mr. Arun Lakhani at Seminar on Water Stewardship in India

Originally Posted on: YouTube

Sathe Memorial cycle race on January 10 and chief guest MD of OCW Arun Lakhani

Nagpur: The route of Prakash Sathe Memorial Cycle Race organised by Sportsbud Sports Nursery in association with OCW and VIL on January 10 has been declared.

Addressing mediapersons Devyani Joshi said the race will be organised in four categories i.e. std. 1 to 4 (2.5 km), Std 5th to 6th (4.5 km), Std 7th to 8th (6 km) and Std 9th to 10th (10 km). The winner in first two categories will get Rs 3,000 whereas the runners-up will be richer by Rs 2,000. Rs 1,000 will be third prize. Rs 500 each will be given to four to 18th place holder.

The winner in last two sections will be awarded Rs 5,000 whereas the runners-up will be given Rs 3,000. Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 will be third and fourth prize. The last date of entry is January 7. The entry forms are available at BRA's Mundle School ground from January 1 to January 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

District collector Sachin Kurve will be the chief guest of prize distribution function. MD of OCW Arun Lakhani and former Indian cricketer Prashant Vaidya will also grace the occasion.

Padmashri Deshpande, Vaishali Deo, Manju Pachpor, Gouri Dongre, Prachi Kogje, Aishwarya Narsingkar, Ashfaq Sheikh and Sudhir Pusadkar were present on the occasion.

This New is Originally Posted on TIME OF INDIA