Had tirelessly worked to build 930 flats for urban poor; current MLA stalled it: Lobo

News Network

February 28, 2019

Mangaluru, Feb 27: Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath is supporting a group of environmentalists whose petition to the Forest Department has led to the stalling of work on the urban poor housing project at Padavu in Shaktinagar, according to his predecessor J R Lobo.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, the Congress leader and former MLA said he worked tirelessly to get the approval of the State and the Union governments for building 930 flats for the urban poor at a cost of Rs. 69.5 crore in the nine-acre government land in 2017.

“Having completed 75% of the work and after calling for tenders, environment groups raised objection that made the department keep on hold its permission to clear trees in the nine-acre deemed forest area.

The environmentalists raised objections at the instance of Mr. Kamath,” he said. Mr. Lobo said the project has been stalled since July 2018 and Mr. Kamath, who heads the taluk-level Ashraya Samiti, has not made any effort so far to get the project moving.

Mr. Lobo alleged that Mr. Kamath falsely blamed him during a review meeting, chaired by Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, recently.

Denying the charges, Mr. Kamath told media persons that he was making efforts to set right the faults in implementing the project.

He said the law clearly stated that the government land, where there are more than 50 trees, becomes a deemed forest.

“Despite knowing this fact, Mr. Lobo, who has served in various positions as a government servant, went ahead with the project in the deemed forest area without getting necessary clearance.”

When the issue about the project came up for discussion during the meeting of Mr. Kateel, Mr. Kamath said he pointed the legal issue. “I did not blame Mr. Lobo but pulled up officials for the folly.”

The MLA said based on his letter, Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer has written to the Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. for grant of land in the name of MCC that will facilitate construction of flats.

Comments

Dear Lobo, dont tell we will not give flat to muslims.

because majority christian is worried if there is any muslim family present in flat.

in one hand you show good and other hand you backstab.

hindus are far more better then marons like your community.

we fought freedom together without your people. and we are still bothers

Jai hind

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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