City: Ahmedabad

These are the happy experiences of residents who have reduced their regular spends drastically, by installing water meters in Ahmedabad apartments.

What started as an activity to pass time creatively during the lockdown were turned into a viable business by these indomitable women.

2021 will see more innovative ways of creative expression, as artists take to digital platforms for display and marketing.

A study of land-use patterns, through Landsat images from 1974 to 2017, has revealed that water bodies in Ahmedabad have been shrinking at a decadal rate of 1.57 square km.

Having been cooped up indoors for so long, and with work from home becoming more prevalent, the need for more space at home is driving buyers’ preferences.

The question is especially pertinent given that the AMC is unable to provide basic infrastructure even within its present jurisdiction and faces a big loss of income due to COVID.

With staying fit being touted as an effective way to ward off the coronavirus, Ahmedabadis are discovering that cycling offers an enjoyable option. And the municipal corporation is eager to promote this trend.

The Ahmedabad Medical Association has warned that the the virus could cause irreversible damage unless aggressive sampling and testing is started immediately. COVID has now spread to 32 of the state’s 33 districts — barring the small tribal district of Dangs.

The state’s alleged attempts to control COVID data was evident in its own admission in court: The likelihood of fear psychosis cannot be ruled out if COVID-19 testing is allowed in all asymptomatic cases.

For many artists, the COVID-19 lockdown offers the opportunity to explore different aspects of creativity and even new art forms, especially as they learn to use the digital platform better.

The enterprising Ahmedabadi spirit is showing itself even under the present circumstances. “Covid sales” with huge discounts are floating online for products like night gowns, comfortable lounge wear, organic wellness products and Ayurvedic concoctions, with payment now and delivery after lockdown.

Mahila Housing Trust, an Ahmedabad-based NGO, has helped houses to bring down their indoor temperatures by switching to cooling roofs and reduce energy bills by installing energy-efficient devices.