State steps up action on sunfilm ban after SC censure

July 23, 2012

Bangalore, July 23: The disappointment expressed by the Supreme Court over the failure of the Central and state governments in implementing its order banning the use of sunfilms in motor vehicles seems to have stirred the State government into action.

The Apex Court said there was minimal implementation of its April 27 order prohibiting the use of tint on the glass windows of vehicles beyond permissible limit prescribed by the Motor Vehicles Act.

The court said the middle class was being victimised while implementing the ban and the VIPs still had black films on their cars and were causing accidents. The court noted that VIPs permitted to use tinted films on their vehicles after following due procedure were exploiting the relaxation.

Principal Secretary to the Department of Transport, P B Ramamurthy, sent a circular recently to all government departments to implement the SC verdict and remove the films from department vehicles, including those of VIPs.

Ramamurthy said in the circular that the SC?order had only exempted vehicles of VIPs having 'Z' and 'Z-plus' security cover.

“Officials have been asked to comply with the apex court verdict immediately,” said Transport Department Joint Commissioner (Bangalore Urban and Rural) H G Kumar. Only the chief minister, deputy chief minister, home minister and a few others enjoy the 'Z' or 'Z-plus' security in the State.

Senior officials in the Department of Transport said very soon, they would launch a drive against vehicles of VIPs and ensure that the verdict on tinted glasses was implemented. “With the government giving the go ahead, we will ensure that the films are removed from the vehicles of all ministers, principal secretaries and under secretaries,” said an official on condition of anonymity.

On the implementation of the SC verdict in the case of vehicles of the public, Kumar said the department had booked around 700 cases so far and the drive was an ongoing process.

“We have collected a total fine of Rs 70,000 from violators so far. We are also denying fitness certificates to vehicles from which the black films are yet to be removed. The special drive for the removal of films from cabs plying passengers to and from the airport has been a success,” he said.

As per the rules under the Motor Vehicle Act, the tint limit for front and rear windscreens is 70 per cent and for side glasses, it is 40 per cent. The permissible limit should be built in during the manufacture of the vehicles and pasting of black films is strictly prohibited.

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Rains lash Dakshina Kannada and Udupi amidst red alert

News Network

September 24,2024

Mangaluru, Sept 24: A blanket of gloom descended over Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as heavy rains battered the coastal Karnataka districts on Tuesday. Substantial rainfall has been drenching the region since Monday, intensifying as the day progressed.

In Dakshina Kannada, torrential downpours began early Tuesday, followed by overcast skies and humid conditions.

The showers persisted intermittently through the afternoon, with areas like Beltangady experiencing moderate rainfall, while Puttur and Bellare bore the brunt of heavier storms.

Overnight showers were reported in Bantwal, and Mangaluru city, along with its surrounding rural areas, witnessed a steady increase in rainfall, peaking by the evening.

After a brief respite, the return of intense rainfall has brought a welcome drop in temperatures. In Udupi, Karkala, Udupi city, Kundapur, and Hebri taluks all faced substantial rains throughout the day, continuing from late Sunday night.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the coastal districts, predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming hours.

A yellow alert has been placed for Wednesday, signaling the likelihood of additional downpours. Fishermen have been cautioned to remain vigilant, as the possibility of strong winds looms over the coastal waters.

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Demand for Mangaluru-Singapore direct flight gains momentum

News Network

September 13,2024

NRI professionals hailing from the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, now based in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia, have been urging the Indian government and airlines to introduce a direct flight between Mangalore International Airport (MIA) and Singapore’s Changi Airport.

These professionals argue that Singapore’s strategic location as a hub connecting India with East Asia makes this flight essential. They highlight that this route would serve over 12 million people from the coastal and hill regions of southern India, fostering stronger ties with East Asian economies.

The group, consisting of individuals from Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Hassan, is spearheaded by Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd, Singapore, and coordinator of the Singapore Tuluver community. Acharya emphasized the significance of the Indian government’s Act East policy, which aims to strengthen relationships between India and ASEAN, East Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region.

“This flight will open new doors for cultural, trade, tourism, and technological exchanges between these regions,” Acharya said.

The Mangalore Chapter of IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) has also proposed positioning the region as the 'Silicon Beach of India.' A direct flight would provide greater opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors from both Singapore and Mangaluru, boosting business exchanges.

Moreover, Singapore’s Changi Airport could see increased tourism from the Karnataka coast, while Coastal Karnataka would benefit from a surge in visitors from ASEAN countries, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, and the US West Coast.

While a similar attempt in 2017 did not succeed, Acharya and his team are hopeful that this time their appeal will be taken seriously, tapping into the immense growth potential of the eastern half of the globe.

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