'No response from Centre over tourism project'

August 31, 2011

dist-udupi-tourism-project

Udupi, August 31: There is no response from the Central government to the proposal sent urging fund allotments for the upgradation of the stretches from Karavali junction to Malpe under tourism programme, said MLA Raghupathy Bhat speaking at the CMC general body meeting held here on Tuesday.

He informed that a proposal for the amount of Rs 47 crores was sent to the central government and we are expecting the reply for the same. The amount will cover land acquisition process and upgradation and widening of the stretches. The Central government has not allotted any funds for the promotion of tourism in this area.

“We have requested Chief Minister for financial assistance to repair the stretches,” he said and added that a sum of Rs 90 lakhs has been earmarked for the repair of Balaipade-Kinnimulki stretch. Technical process is going on for the purpose, he said.

Bhat also turned down the proposal by the member Amritha Krishnamurthy for increasing the length of Kinnimulki upper bridge from the present proposal of 40 feet to 120 feet. She demanded that the increase in length will avoid traffic chaos. Bhat said the earlier proposal will be considered, he added.

Coming down heavily on the contractors who construct bad roads that have short life, especially in Perampalli area, Bhat asked the Commissioner to take immediate action against the contractors. They should be black listed, he said.

Member Sumitra Nayak demanded immediate repair of the stretches in Parkala as it is in very bad condition. Former CMC President Dinaker Shetty demanded funds for land acquisition process in Parkala. Bhat informed that a meet will be held with DC, CMC Commissioner and the Councillor of the area and measures will be taken accordingly.

About Rs 64 lakhs have been sanctioned for the project under 50-54 scheme, he added. He said that Councillors should create awareness among SC/ST community people over the benefits of the Chief Minister health cards issued to them.

CMC Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak informed that as many as Rs 27 lakhs have been claimed by the beneficiaries till July end under the programme. As many as 2,700 families have been facilitated by the health cards. “We have paid about Rs 31 lakhs as premium including VAT,” he added.

Briefing over Vajpayee Vasathi Yojane, Bhat informed that Udupi district is given highest target to cover under the scheme. Last year, it was about 300 and for the current year, the target is 600. However, it is the Banks that are creating unnecessary hassles fearing the recovery of the amount. This has delayed the sanctioning of fund under the scheme.

The conversion process has been made easier to get the benefits immediately, he said. The Commissioner informed that as many as 330 applications were received under the scheme.

About 60 applications have been approved and another 140 are under the process of bank review. The remaining 130 applications are not approved, he added. MLA informed that as many as Rs 36 crores is allotted for the underground channel project covering Manipal-Santhekatte area. Work will start by the beginning of next year, he said.

There was hue and cry in the House over the extra charges that were charged in the parking lot by the private parties within CMC limits, especially during Krishna Janmastami celebrations.

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News Network
November 17,2024

Mangaluru: District-in-Charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, announced that a day-care chemotherapy centre will soon be established at District Wenlock Hospital. Speaking to mediapersons after reviewing the activities at Wenlock and Government Lady Goschen Hospital, he shared the government’s plans to enhance healthcare services in the region.

Key Initiatives Announced

•    Day-Care Chemotherapy Centre:

  • Ten beds will be reserved for cancer patients.
  • The government will collaborate with Yenepoya Hospital to provide chemotherapy treatments.
  • All required facilities for the centre are already in place, awaiting inauguration by the Chief Minister.

•    Wenlock Hospital Facelift:

  • Critical Care Block: To be built at a cost of ₹24 crore.
  • Integrated Public Health (IPH) Lab: Planned with a budget of ₹1 crore.
  • New OPD Block: As per a 2017 agreement, KMC Hospital will take up construction. Discussions with KMC management are underway.

•    Additional Requirements:

  • A new mortuary and post-mortem building.
  • Paramedical college building.
  • Modern kitchen.
  • Bridge connecting two buildings within the hospital.

•    Total facelift cost: ₹6 crore to ₹10 crore, utilizing funds from the Department of Health and Family Welfare and CSR contributions.

•    Timeline:
By December or January, priority works will be finalized. The superintendents of Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals are scheduled to visit Bengaluru next week to discuss these projects.

•    MRI Fee Allegations:
The minister assured that allegations of patients being charged for MRI scans at Wenlock Hospital will be resolved at the earliest.
These measures aim to improve healthcare accessibility and infrastructure, positioning Wenlock Hospital as a state-of-the-art facility in the region.

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News Network
November 25,2024

Udupi: Six junior artists from the prequel of Kannada blockbuster film ‘Kantara’ were injured, when the bus they were travelling in overturned in the district, police said on Monday.

According to police, the accident occurred near Jadkal on Sunday night when the mini-bus carrying the crew of the film overturned.

“The incident happened while they were returning to Kollur after completing the shoot at Mudoor in Jadkal. The mini-bus was carrying 20 junior artistes when it met with the accident,” a police officer said.

The injured were rushed to hospitals in Jadkal and Kundapur for treatment, they said.

The Kollur police are investigating the matter.

"The news making rounds is completely false. The Kantara: Chapter 1 team began shooting at 06:00 AM today, and everything is proceeding as normal. A minor accident occurred 20 kilometres away from the shooting location, involving a local bus carrying some members of the Kantara team. However, no injuries were reported," a source close to the production said.

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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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