Demolition of illegal platform stopped by locals at Car Street

March 10, 2011

Mangalore, March 10: A group on Thursday prevented personnel representing the district administration from demolishing an illegal platform built around a giant peepal tree located in front of the temple of Venkataramana at Car Street here.

The demolishers, who were acting as per the direction of district administrant, had to go back after removing a couple of stones of the controversial platform, which is in the list of illegal religious structures, drawn by the government departments, as per the Supreme Court directive.

It is reported that the district administration had convinced the temple management that the plat form is illegal and asked them at least to reduce the size of the platform if it is not possible for them to completely demolish it.

However, no action has been taken by the temple management. It is also reported that a few local politicians are extending their support for the non-demolition of the platform.

After a long wait, the administration on Thursday tasked the demolishers to reduce the size of the illegal platform. The action of the administration irked a group of people who rushed to protect the structure.

However, the timely intervention of police avoided a major confrontation.

It is gathered that there is difference of opinion in the temple management itself about the issue and one of the pontiffs had showed his green signal to regularise the platform by reducing its size.

The district administration has decided to give more time for the temple management to toe the line.

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Clean and Green on Wheels: Mangaluru’s Push for Electric Public Transport

News Network

November 13,2024

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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14-year-old boy struck by lightning while sitting outside home in Dakshina Kannada

News Network

November 18,2024

Mangaluru: A 14-year-old boy, Subodh, tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning while sitting outside his home in Kedila village, Bantwal taluk, on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred around 5:30 PM while Subodh, an 8th-grade student at Kalladka Shriram High School, was seated outside his house. Lightning struck him, leaving him unconscious.

Family members rushed him to a nearby clinic and later to a private hospital in Puttur, where doctors confirmed his death upon arrival.

The boy's body was sent to Puttur Government Hospital for a post-mortem.

Tahsildar Archana Bhat has directed revenue officials to assist the grieving family. Vitla Revenue Inspector Prashanth Shetty, Village Administrative Officer Anil Kumar, Kedila Panchayat President Harish Valtaje, and panchayat members visited the family to offer their condolences and support.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the unpredictability of nature’s fury, leaving a community mourning the untimely loss of a young life.

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