Agitators hit back at MP as protest against Surathkal toll plaza enters fifth day

October 26, 2018

Mangaluru, Oct 26: The indefinite protest demanding the closure of the toll plaza at NITK-Surathkal entered the fifth day on Friday. Various social and political organisations excluding Bharatiya Janata Party have extended support to the agitation launched by the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samiti.

On fifth day, Rakesh Malli, Karnataka state president of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), office bearers of electrical contractors association, a team of Dalit Sangharsh Samiti and members of Surathkal Maxi Cab Owners’ Association visited the protest venue at Surathkal junction to extend support to the cause. On Thursday, District in-charge Minister U T Khader had spoken to samiti convener Muneer Katipalla over phone and expressed his concern over the issue.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at district BJP office on Friday, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel claimed that the agitation was politically motivated. “The toll plaza was set up when there was UPA government at the centre. Local Congress stalwart Oscar Farnandes was a union minister that time. Nobody had raised voice against the toll plaza then,” he said.

Responding this, the speakers at the protest venue accused the MP of deceiving people and trying to twist the story. They recalled that Kateel had repeatedly assured to close the tollgate once the tollgate at Hejamady was operational.

A decision to merge the NITK tollgate with that in Hejamady after the expiry of contract was taken during a meeting between representatives from the state government and the NHAI on January 3 this year. However, fresh bids have now been invited for renewal of the contract.

“We are doing politics to solve the problems of the people. Kateel is indulging in anti-people politics,” said Mr Katipalla, inviting the MP for a public debate over the issue. “Fetch local MLA Bharath Shetty too for the debate. People of the constituency want to see him,” he added.

The agitation was launched on Monday, October 22. The contract for toll collection at NITK is set to expire to October 30 and the activists have been demanding its closure since then as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set up another tollgate at Hejamady, located just 9 km away. As per the guidelines of the NHAI, the minimum distance between two toll gates on the national highway should be 60 km, the protesters said.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

Comments