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

June 18, 2012

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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Tourism dept to enforce stringent pool and beach safety guidelines in coastal Karnataka

News Network

November 19,2024

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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