Don’t send 5 arrested activists to jail now; keep them in house arrest till Sept 6: SC

Mangaluru: Nearly half of Dakshina Kannada's coastline is facing significant erosion, according to a recent response in the Lok Sabha to a question raised by MP Captain Brijesh Chowta. The data, provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), reveals that between 1990 and 2018, 48.4% of Dakshina Kannada's total coastline of 36.6 km has been eroded.

The written reply, issued by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the MoEFCC, addressed Captain Chowta's query on the impact of sea-level rise and coastal erosion, particularly in Karnataka. The MP had inquired about studies assessing the rise in sea levels and their effect on the coastal regions, as well as the government's plans to mitigate the threats posed by erosion.

While the erosion rate in Dakshina Kannada is notably high, the response highlighted that Karnataka's overall coastal situation is less alarming. Approximately 50% of the state’s coastline remains stable, with 26% undergoing accretion (growth) and 24% experiencing erosion. This data, compiled by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), is based on a study conducted from 1990 to 2018, using satellite images and field surveys.

The NCCR's findings indicate that 33.6% of the Indian coastline is affected by erosion, with 26.9% in a state of accretion, and 39.6% remaining stable. In Dakshina Kannada, erosion has impacted 17.7 km of its 36.6 km coastline. Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts are similarly affected, with erosion covering 21.6 km and 34.9 km of their respective coastlines.

In response to these concerns, the central government is actively implementing measures to combat coastal erosion and protect vulnerable communities. The Karnataka government has developed a Shoreline Management Plan in compliance with the CRZ notification of 2019. Additionally, under the Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (K-SHORE) project, supported by the World Bank, the state is working to enhance coastal protection, improve coastal infrastructure resilience, boost the livelihoods of coastal communities, and address marine plastic pollution.

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

• Clearly displaying pool depths.
• Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
• Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
• Establishing clear pool operating hours.
• Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

The Israeli military has conducted fresh attacks on Lebanon in violation of a ceasefire agreement with the Hezbollah resistance movement and ramped up its deadly airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement posted Thursday on X, the Lebanese army said Israeli occupation forces several times violated the truce deal just after it went into effect, and the following day.

"These breaches included aerial violations and attacks on Lebanese territory using various weapons," it added.

The Israeli military confirmed its Thursday aerial assault on southern Lebanon, adding that its forces had also opened fire towards the people who were driving to their homes in the area.

Earlier, Lebanese media reported that at least two people were wounded after Israeli tank fire hit five towns and some agricultural fields in the country's south.

"The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages," Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said. "There are violations today by Israel, even in this form."

Israel was forced to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah after suffering heavy losses following more than 14 months of fighting and failing to achieve its goals in its aggression on Lebanon.

The truce agreement, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect before dawn on Wednesday. It will last for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities.

At least 3,961 people were killed and 16,520 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Hezbollah opened a support front for Palestinians in Gaza only a day after Israel unleashed its war against the besieged territory in October 2023, launching numerous retaliatory attacks against Israeli targets in the occupied territories. 

In a statement that followed the ceasefire, Hezbollah vowed to continue resisting Israel and monitoring the occupation army’s withdrawal from south Lebanon “with [our] hands on the trigger” in defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Hezbollah further empathized that its fighters “remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy."

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause, noting that it will continue the path of resistance with even greater determination.

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 42

Across the Gaza Strip, at least 42 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Thursday. 

Reports said Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Gaza's central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the Palestinian territory’s north and south.

Since October 2023, the Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 44,330 Palestinians and injured 104,933 others in its brutal Gaza onslaught.

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said at least 70 percent of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza were women and children.

Philippe Lazzarini said the ongoing Israeli offensive in the northern edge of Gaza has uprooted 130,000 people over the past seven weeks.