NMPT blamed for boat tragedy, no trace of missing fishermen yet

September 17, 2011

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Mangalore, September 17: The fishermen leaders have blamed New Mangalore Port Trust officials for Thursday's boat tragedy, which has left six men missing after their boat drowned off Mangalore coast.

They threatened of launching an intense protest if the NMPT failed to come to the rescue of fishermen when they are in distress.

Meanwhile, the six fishermen remained untraced on Friday despite the district administration pressing an aircraft to search for them.

The Coast Guard, Mangalore police and the distric administration continued their joint search operations which continued till late evening.

The Coast Guards have used a ship specially requisitioned from Kochi for the purpose. Besides a Dronier aircraft has also been pressed into service.

Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the city police and the coastal security police personnel had been coordinating with the Coast Guard.

Meeting

An emergency meeting of the fishermen was held on Friday at the Matsyagandha auditorium in Bunder on Friday under the chairmanship of the president of Fisheries Development Corporation Nitin Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar said if the NMPT officials had let in the stricken boat after conducting an inspection, the tragedy could have been averted.

We have requested the NMPT to grant permission for allowing additional fishing boats to enter NMPT harbor until the old port in Bunder is completely expanded. Fishermen have also met chief minister Sadananda Gowda in Bangalore to request him to extend the 'jatti' in old Bunder. The CM has accepted our demand and has promised to lay the foundation stone for the expanded stage before Navarathri, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Umesh Karkera, the honorary president of purse-seine boat fishermen association, claimed that the district incharge minister was not paying attention to the problems faced by fishing community. “Fishermen are involved in a very challenging vocation. They venture into the sea without caring about their safety,” he said.

Three fishermen had died three years ago due to the irresponsible behavior of the NMPT authorities. Just a few days back five fishermen had sustained serious injuries when their boat hit the silt in Alive Bagilu. The NMPT authorities had not left the boat to enter their waters despite sending a distress message. How many more lives should be lost before NMPT changed its attitude, an agitated Karkera asked.

He also urged the NMPT to sanction Rs. 5 lakh each to the families of the five fishermen who have been missing since Thursday after the boat tragedy.

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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 19,2024

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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.

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News Network
November 28,2024

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Mangaluru: The iconic Old DC office, a building steeped in 400 years of history, will be the centerpiece of the Heritage Week celebrations in the city. Once the administrative hub of the erstwhile Canara district during the British era, the building now serves as a symbol of Mangaluru’s rich heritage and cultural significance.

Historic Significance

Initially built during the rule of the Bangas under the Vijayanagara Empire, the structure was later converted into the collector’s office. Following an agreement between Tipu Sultan and the British in 1784, the building came under Tipu’s possession until his death. Subsequently, Major Sir Thomas Munro used it as the office for the first district collector.

The building has also seen historical milestones, including the participation of 88 individuals from the district in World War I (1914–1919), as recorded on a commemorative plaque on its exterior.

Heritage Festival: Echoes

To celebrate the city’s history and tourism potential, the Dakshina Kannada district administration is organizing "Echoes," a heritage festival on November 30 and December 1 at the Old DC office premises. The event will feature:

  • A heritage exhibition (open from 10 AM to 6 PM).
  • An art contest for school students.
  • Guided mini heritage walks open to all.
  • An urban sketching contest for college students.
  • A panel discussion on sustainability, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.
  • A musical evening featuring Sur Safar, a fusion band.

A Gateway to Tourism

The festival aims to draw attention to Mangaluru’s untapped tourism potential by blending art, history, and culture. It invites residents and visitors to rediscover the region’s legacy while fostering a sense of pride in its historical landmarks.

This initiative not only commemorates the past but also looks to inspire future efforts in heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.

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