Protect bio-diversity; shut all four units of the Kaiga'

[email protected] (CD Network)
June 18, 2012

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Mangalore, June 18: The Kali Valley environment awareness campaign and the Save Kali movement on Sunday passed a resolution urging the Union and State governments to take steps to protect the bio-diversity in the valley at a meeting at Keravadi.

The meeting, attended among others by Sri Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Swarnavalli Math, felt that the big dams built across the Kali river, the factories on the banks of the river, and the Kaiga nuclear power station had caused irreparable damage to the valley.

It urged the State and the Union governments to draw up a plan to rejuvenate the valley. It said the onus of protecting the forest in the Kali valley was with the KPCL.

The Swamiji felt that all four units of the Kaiga Generation Stations should be shut till the health survey, being conducted by the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, proves that there are no health hazards in the areas surrounding the station.

He demanded safety committees in areas surrounding KGS. He warned that people will oppose the proposed 5th and 6th units in KGS. The Union cabinet has approved the proposal for the setting up of unit 5 and 6, and permission from the ministry of environment and forests is awaited,

Alleging that cancer and abortions were on the rise in Kaiga and surrounding areas, the Swamiji demanded transparency from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) officials on the effect that the plant has been having on the health of villagers residing in surrounding areas.

The swamiji alleged that despite demands that people's representatives too must be accommodated in the survey team, the government conducted the survey through TMC.

Anant Hegde Ashisar, chairman of the Western Ghat Task Force, warned of a non-violent satyagraha if the 5 & 6th units of KGS is commissioned.

Ashisar alleged that factories in Dandeli are releasing effluent toxins in to river Kali. Companies who are earning huge profits should as part of their social responsibility provide basic needs to the people. It is time to think of the welfare of the farmers and tribals living in the Kali river valley area.

The forest department planted around 500 saplings in Keravadi village.


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News Network
November 13,2024

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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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News Network
November 11,2024

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Mangaluru: In a deeply tragic turn of events, a 28-year-old woman named Ranjitha, who had recently given birth but tragically lost her newborn, ended her life by suicide on Monday. She reportedly leapt from the fourth-floor window of Lady Goschen Hospital’s luggage room.

Ranjitha, whose strength and resilience had carried her through a difficult pregnancy, was scheduled for discharge on Monday. Her journey to Lady Goschen Hospital began on October 24, when she was transferred from Karkala. She was a high-risk patient, battling both hypertension and diabetes. At the time of her admission, she was just 27 weeks pregnant.

Due to the complexities of her health, doctors made the difficult decision to perform an emergency C-section on October 30. She delivered a baby girl, premature and weighing only 960 grams. The newborn was immediately moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where doctors did all they could. Despite these efforts, the baby passed away on November 3.

Ranjitha’s sorrow was profound. She stayed under hospital care even after her initial recovery and was preparing to go home on November 9. She had even requested a couple more days at the hospital, seeking time perhaps to cope with her unimaginable grief.

On the day of her discharge, a discharge card ready and her family eagerly waiting to take her home, Ranjitha reportedly made her way to the luggage room in the early hours. There, standing on a cot placed for patients' family members, she climbed to a window and fell from the fourth floor. Despite the attempts of another visitor to intervene, tragedy was inevitable. She was rushed to Government Wenlock Hospital, where doctors confirmed the worst—she was no more.

Dr. Durgaparasad M R, the Medical Superintendent at Lady Goschen Hospital, shared his grief and spoke of the ongoing investigation. A post-mortem is to be conducted, and the local Tahsildar will complete the necessary inquest procedures. Ranjitha’s exact reasons for taking this step are yet to be confirmed, though the weight of her recent losses paints a sorrowful picture.

If you or anyone you know is struggling emotionally, please remember that help is available. Reach out to mental health experts who can provide support and guidance. The toll-free helpline number 9152987821 is available to assist anyone in distress.

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News Network
November 18,2024

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Mangaluru: The Ullal police have arrested Manohar, the owner of Vazco Beach Resort, and its manager Bharath in connection with the drowning of three college girls from Mysuru at the resort’s swimming pool on November 17.

City Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal confirmed the arrests, stating that a case has been registered under Section 106 of BNS. The bodies of the victims, all in their twenties, have been handed over to their parents. The women had arrived at the resort for a weekend getaway on November 16.

Following the tragic incident, the resort was sealed by officials led by Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner Harshavardhan. The trade license of the resort, issued on June 13, 2024, has been suspended, and the tourism department has temporarily revoked the resort's registration. These actions prohibit the resort from engaging in any tourism-related activities until further notice.

Someshwara TMC Chief Officer stated that the suspension was due to the resort's failure to implement adequate safety measures, which resulted in the loss of three lives. Further investigations are underway.

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