CM rules out ban on areca, liquor

January 16, 2014

Chief_Minister_Siddaramaiah
Tarikere (Chikmagalur dist), Jan 16: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that there was no proposal before the State or Central government to ban the sale of arecanut. He would not allow the ban, even if such a proposal were to come before him, the chief minister said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching several development works in the town.Siddaramaiah said the BJP was trying to gain political mileage out of the issue. He said that a public interest litigation had been filed in the Supreme Court in this regard and that an advocate had been appointed to argue the case in favour of the State government and the arecanut growers.

The chief minister said that Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had promised a delegation from Karnataka that there was no question of banning the sale of areca.

Dispelling fears of the growers, he said that the State would oppose any move to ban sale of arecanut. The chief minister asked arecanut growers not to heed the rumours being spread by BJP leaders in this regard. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Jayaprakash Hegde expressed solidarity with the arecanut growers and said that they need not have any apprehensions.

Siddaramaiah also categorically refused to ban liquor in the State, as he thinks it will not be feasible.

The chief minister said that as long as people are addicted to alcohol, banning liquor will serve no purpose.

“People did not quit drinking even after arrack was banned. The addicts spend Rs 50 on liquor, while earlier arrack cost them Rs 25. The ban has only made them shell out more of their hard-earned money. It helped the government neither to protect their health nor to wipe the tears of the womenfolk in the families of the addicts. Those who were into arrack trade lost their livelihood and the poor became poorer. Even previously, I never endorsed sale of liquor. I also do not want to lift the ban on arrack. But I was against the ban as it only led to more problems than addressing any,” he said.

He said the Gujarat government had banned liquor, but could not prevent people from consuming alcohol.

The chief minister said the process of appointing chairpersons to academies will be completed in January. He was replying to the litterateurs' criticism that the government had delayed the appointment to the academies.

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News Network
November 11,2024

Udupi, Nov 11: A traveller reportedly lost ₹4.1 lakh after attempting to book a cab online in Udupi. 

At around 1:30 PM on November 7, the man from West Bengal searched for car rentals on Google and selected a website named "Shakti Car Rentals." Shortly after, he was contacted by someone claiming to be "Rohit Sharma," who directed him to pay a registration fee of ₹150 on the site.

After unsuccessful payment attempts via both his Canara Bank debit card and SBI credit card (without receiving an OTP), "Rohit Sharma" instructed him to pay the driver directly. But at 1:47 PM, he received messages showing deductions of ₹3.3 lakh from his SBI credit card and ₹80,056 from his Canara Bank debit card, totaling ₹4.1 lakh.

The complainant alleges fraud through a deceptive link disguised as a booking token fee. A case has been registered at Udupi Town Police Station.

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News Network
November 13,2024

evehicle.jpg

In the heart of Mangaluru, where rising air pollution is spurring public health worries, voices are calling for a greener, cleaner shift in the city’s public transport. Leading this call is APD Foundation, a Mangaluru-based environmental NGO, which has urged Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to mandate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in public transport.

Abdullah A Rehman, CEO of APD Foundation, emphasized in a formal letter to the minister that Mangaluru’s public transportation system—efficient and organized with both government and private players—could transition smoothly to EVs in stages. He suggested that government-backed financial incentives, partnerships with EV manufacturers, and collaborations with environmental groups could streamline the switch.

Rehman stressed the potential of EVs to cut down emissions, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels, noting the quieter operation of electric buses. He confirmed that a copy of his letter was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner as well.

However, Dilraj Alva from the Dakshina Kannada City Bus Association noted potential challenges, explaining that the shift might take up to two years due to infrastructure and budget hurdles. Most EV buses, he explained, are procured through aggregators, not directly by individual operators. The addition of charging stations and other essential infrastructure further complicates the transition.

Alva also raised the economic concern: while diesel buses are priced between ₹30-40 lakh, electric buses can cost up to ₹1 crore. Reflecting on recent meetings with companies, including one in Manipal, he questioned the assumption that EVs are an absolute solution to pollution. “EVs aren’t entirely eco-friendly, especially when considering battery disposal,” he cautioned.

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News Network
November 15,2024

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

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