Foundation stone for new fire service building laid

April 1, 2011

Mangalore, April 1: Advanced, well equipped and systematic police and fire service departments enhance a fearless and peaceful atmosphere in the civilized society, opined Krishna J Palemar, District in charge Minister.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new building of Fire and Emergency Services Department at Telecom House Road, Pandeshwar here on Friday.

Dr DV Guruprasad, DGP and General Fire and Emergency Services, said efforts are on to modernize all fire service departments in the state. Builders of multi-storey buildings should take precautionary measures in the style of construction, he said.

He said the department will set up fire service stations in each taluk and in every city and town, civil protection unit will be established.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, ZP President Shailaja Bhat, Mayor Pravin Kumar, Deputy Mayor Geetha Nayak, IGP Alok Mohan, City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh and District Superintendent of Police Labhuram were among those present.

District Fire Officer Varadaraj welcomed the gathering while Basavanna proposed vote of thanks.

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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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