Dist admin notifies safer zones for crusher units as contractors stage massive protest

[email protected] (DHNS, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)
October 13, 2012

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Mangalore, October 13: Dakshina Kannada district administration has issued a notification on Friday, on the safer zones for crusher units in nine villages, even as a massive protest was staged by the District Civil Contractors' Association in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office.

The protesters had demanded the government to find a solution to the problems faced by the people and the labourers due to the non supply of gravel from September 22.

According to the notification, Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Channappa Gowda said that those who wish to open a new crushing units in the safer zones have to submit a project report to the administration on or before October 20. The villages that have been identified are Aikala (45 acre), Nellikaru (36 acre), Kadandale (5 acre), Pucchamogaru (18 acre), Padukonaje (18 acre), Naringana (10 acre), Vitlamudnur (10 acre), Kabaka (6.5 acre) and Andinje (16 acre).

The contractors had taken out a protest rally from Town Hall to the DC's office.

Addressing the protesters, Association President M Purushothama Kottari said that following the closure of stone crushing units in the backdrop of the Supreme Court's order, the construction work of several government buildings, private houses, apartments and bridges have come to a halt. The contractors who have signed an agreement to complete the work within a time frame are in trouble.

Hence, the government should intervene and solve the problem, immediately, he demanded. Association of Civil Engineers President Vijaya Vishnu Mayya, respresentatives from construction industry Roy Castelino, Suresh Jain and others were present. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

Why the crusher problem

The problem started after a writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court based on a video clipping that revealed the increase in pollution levels due to crusher units in Bellary. A satellite based survey was conducted by ISRO to identify the places where safer zones could be formed as per the 14 point guidelines issued by the SC.

As far as Dakshina Kannada district was concerned, no land was available in the district that could meet all the guidelines laid down by the Court.

Fearing contempt of court, the State Pollution Control Board directed for the closure of over 200 crusher units in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. With the closure, the crusher unit owners who are put into trouble have demanded the government to frame a separate policy for DK and Udupi districts and solve the problem.

The guidelines issued by the SC include, the crusher units must be located at a distance of minimum five kilometre away from the national highway, two km away from the state highway, two km away from the human habitation and reserve forests among others.

Those involved in the construction business argue that stone crushing units do not cause any health hazards. The dust from the crushers do not fly high like fly ash.

The dust from crusher units could be controlled by spraying water and by using the advanced crusher units. The government could cancel the licence of those units which violate the rules.

In Udupi

The Quarry Owners Association took out a rally from Karavali Junction to Manipal. Hundreds of vehicles took part in the rally.

The protesters complained that with the closure of crusher units, the cement, sanitary products, granite business has been affected.

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News Network
September 12,2024

Mangaluru: Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur said that as a part of the International Day of Democracy, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) will hold a 23-km long human chain and plant 1000 saplings in the Bengre area on September 15.

The human chain will be formed from Pavanje bridge to the border of Arkula, which will pass through Nanthoor Junction- Kannur Junction. The event is organised with the objective of creating awareness among the public, particularly the youth, about the significance of democracy. Around 10,000 people, particularly students, will participate in forming the human chain in the city limits, he told media persons.

He said Democratic system in India is a model to the world and we should be grateful to Dr B R Ambedkar for giving the country a beautiful constitution. To make the people, particularly the youth, aware of the Constitution and its preamble, the state government has chalked out a plan to form a mega human chain from Bidar to Chamrajnagar. As a part of it, the programme will be held in Mangaluru. Students from various schools, colleges, various organisations, NGOs should actively participate to make the event a grand success.”

The Mayor said as a part of the celebrations, an arch will be built at Pavanje bridge and Kannur Junction. The Zonal office at Surathkal will be decorated with tri colour along with KPC Circle, Nanthoor Junction, Padil Junction. The main programme will be held at Kadri Circle near Circuit House in Mangaluru, which will be attended by DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLAs D Vedavyasa Kamath, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, DC Mullai Muhilan MP and others. Flags will be placed for every 100 metre of the human chain stretch. The participants can click their photos and upload it through https://democracydaykarnataka.in/ to collect a certificate, added the mayor. 

The human chain will be held from Pavanje to Mukka checkpost, Mukka chepost to Mukka Junction, Mukka Junction to NITK gate, NITK gate to Tadambail Junction, Tadambail Junction to Hotel Suraj, Hotel Suraj to Govinda Dasa College, Govinda Dasa College to Kordabbu Daivasthana, Hosabettu, Kordabbu Daivasthana to Honnakatte Junction, Kulai to APMC, Baikampady, Hotel Vishwasagar to Mangaluru traffic police check post , Mangaluru traffic police check post to Panambur circle, Panambur Circle to NMPA railway track, MCF to Kuloor bridge, Kuloor bridge to Gold Finch ground, Gold Finch ground to Kottara Chowki, Kottara Chowki to BMS Hotel, BMS Hotel to SKS apartment, KPT to Saptagiri petrol bunk, Nanthoor Circle to Kaikamba, Maroli Jodukatte till Padil Circle, Padil to First Neuro Hospital – Kannur Junction, Adyar Katte to Sahyadri College, Sahyadri College to Expert Cross (Valacchil), Express Cross to Arkula border.

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News Network
September 20,2024

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court today sought a report from the Karnataka High Court over controversial remarks made by Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda during a recent court hearing.

Justice Srishananda, while addressing a landlord-tenant dispute, referred to a Muslim-majority area in Bengaluru as "Pakistan" and made a misogynistic comment involving a woman lawyer. 

A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, expressed the need for establishing clear guidelines for constitutional court judges regarding their remarks in court. 

The Supreme Court bench said that when social media plays an active role in monitoring and amplifying courtroom proceedings, there is an urgency to ensure judicial commentary aligns with the decorum expected from courts of law.

"Our attention has been drawn to some comments made by Karnataka High Court judge Justice V Srishananda during the conduct of judicial proceedings. We have asked the AG and SG to assist us. We ask the registrar general of the High Court to submit a report to this court after seeking administrative directions from the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. This exercise may be carried out in 2 weeks," the top court directed.

Videos of Justice Srishanananda have gone viral on social media.

In one video, he refers to a Muslim-dominated locality in Bengaluru as "Pakistan" and on another video he was seen making objectionable comments against a woman lawyer. In the second incident, Justice Srishanananda can be heard telling the woman lawyer that she seemed to know a lot about the "opposition party", so much so that she might be able to reveal the colour of their undergarments.

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News Network
September 19,2024

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In a grand celebration of patriotism and local pride, Karnataka’s second tallest flagpole, and the tallest in Dakshina Kannada, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, September 18, at the iconic Kadri Park in Mangaluru.

The event, a significant milestone in the city's Smart City journey, was graced by several prominent leaders. MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, a distinguished guest at the inauguration, spoke passionately about the symbolic importance of the flag. "This towering structure, made possible through the Smart City initiative, elevates the pride of every Indian. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, national sentiment has deepened. The national flag is not just a symbol, it embodies our self-respect and unity as a nation."

MLA Vedavyas Kamath shared his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its importance beyond mere construction. "The flagpole at Kadri Park, funded under the Smart City project, will not only serve as a beacon of patriotism but will also become a significant attraction, enhancing the city's tourism appeal."

Adding to the sense of occasion, Mayor Sudhir Shetty proudly highlighted the monument's grandeur. "Standing at an impressive 75 meters, second only to Belagavi's 110-meter flagpole, this new landmark is a testament to Mangaluru's growth and aspirations. The project, which cost Rs 75 lakh, will feature an advanced lighting system, ensuring it shines brightly, day and night, as a symbol of our national pride."

The ceremony saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor Sunita, Standing Committee President Bharath Kumar, Varun Chowta, Ganesh Kulal, MCC opposition leader Praveen Chandra Alva, MCC member Shakeela Kava, former Mayor Jayananda Anchan, Bhaskar K, and former MUDA president Ravishankar Mijar, each contributing to the significance of the occasion.

This towering flagpole, nestled amidst the serene beauty of Kadri Park, is set to become a new emblem of Mangaluru's spirit, uniting both locals and visitors in shared pride and patriotism.

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