Tree parks planned to amuse and educate people

September 27, 2011

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Mangalore, September 27: If everything goes as per the plan, then Tree parks will come up at Pilikula in Dakshina Kannada and 80-Badagubettu in Udupi district.

Sources in the Forest department in Mangalore said “the tree park will be a joint venture of the Forest department and Pilikula Nisargadhama. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.5 crore. The proposal has already been submitted to the State government.”

“The objective is to develop parks on the lines of Bangalore's Lalbagh in each district, which will not only be places for people's amusement but will also help maintain the ecological balance,” said officials.

The Tree Park which will be developed in Pilikula will have 'Ashoka vana,' 'Bamboo vana,' 'Pauranika vana,' 'Scientific park' and 'Medicinal park.' It will come up in 100 acre land in Pilikula.

The official said “green fencing will be laid for seven kilometer as a part of the proposed project. The department is planning to grow 10,000 to 15,000 trees in the Tree Park. A sum of Rs 20 lakh has been earmarked for digging water percolation ponds, Rs six lakh for taking up soil conservation projects, Rs 15 lakh for water facilities and developing a nursery, Rs 60 lakh for laying paragola, children's park, digging a pond, creating pathway, drinking water facilities and toilets.

Five unique parks will be developed at the cost of Rs 15 lakh. A sum of other Rs 15 lakh will be earmarked for lightings, employing sweepers, cleaners and laying dustbins, and Rs six lakh will be utilised for the setting up of a theme park, which will provide details on the need for creating environmental awareness, need for parks, trees and the unique feature of the Tree Park etc.”

The tree park will have medicinal plants and saplings of 'Athi,' 'Arali,' 'Ashwatha,' 'Palasha'.

In Udupi

As the government wants to set up Tree Park in all the districts, the forest department in Udupi has identified land at 80-Badagubettu for the setting up of the Park.

Kundapur Division ACF Manjunath Shetty said: “The Government wants to create proper infrastructure in these parks to attract visitors and make them aware of the importance of conservation of forest.”

Tree park project is envisioned under the model of Lalbagh in Bangalore. The project is in its planning stage in Udupi and will be implemented on Public Private Partnership. About 117 hectare will be used for laying Tree Park. As the project is in its initial stage, only about 25 hectares of land will be covered with seedlings of local species like wild jack, 'Ashoka,' 'Renjala,' 'Amla,' 'Billerica.' All these seedlings are grown block wise separately with the idea of merging all together under a tree park. Besides, saplings of 'Honne,' 'Honge,' and 'Dupa' used for oil extraction will also be grown to support the concept of Bio-fuel Park, Shetty informed.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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News Network
November 21,2024

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Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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News Network
November 18,2024

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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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