Dist. admin's endosulfan survey method faulty: Dr. Shanbhag

[email protected] (CD Network)
October 16, 2012

ravindra

Mangalore, October 16: The methodology being used by Dakshina Kannada district administration in carrying out a survey to list the victims of endosulfan is faulty, alleged Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhag, President, Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi.

Addressing mediapersons at Press Club in Mangalore on Tuesday, Mr. Shanbhag said that the district administration is aiming to hold a survey in 78 villages in four taluks (Sullia, Puttur, Belthangady, Bantwal). As per the information collected from Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC) by activists, aerial spray of endosulfan has been carried out in at least 92 villages, he said, and questioned as to why the district administration had left out the rest of the 14 villages.Further, villages of Udupi, Kundapur and Kumta divisions of KCDC where endosulfan was sprayed have been completely ignored, which is highly objectionable, Mr. Shanbhag said.

He also insisted that pregnant women be subjected to screening by the district administration in the affected villages. The district administration survey also does not take into account people from the village who have migrated to other cities after getting married and given birth to physically handicapped children there due to the effect of endosulfan, he added, and urged that people of marriageable age in these affected villages also be subjected to tests.

Taking a dig at C T Ravi, District in charge minister, DK, for his announcement that government would conduct a research to test the soil and water to measure the pollution caused by endosulfan, Mr. Shanbhag said that the last spray was way back in 2001 and there is no way the government would find traces of endosulfan in the samples taken today as seasons of rainfall have come and gone.

An attempt to avoid a ban on endosulfan is being made by authorities, Mr. Shanbhag said. The Supreme Court had asked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to convey its stand on endosulfan and if needs to be banned, and the ICMR asked for three years' time to carry out a study, Mr. Shanbhag said, questioning the move of the ICMR as it has already held studies in this area in the past. Teams of KMC, Mangalore and Manipal, had conducted a study by taking grants from the ICMR and the body cannot claim that it does not possess that report after having spent tax payers' money on the study, he said.

In order to ensure that there is justice, the activists will approach the High Court of Karnataka, Mr. Shanbhag said. He also said on the occasion that he welcomes the gesture of the Karnataka High Court of issuing notice to Central and State governments after receiving a letter from Justice K L Manjunath alleging that the governments were not providing medical aid to endosulfan victims, besides appointing an amicus curiae to supervise the rehabilitation programme.


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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 19,2024

Muniratna.jpg

Ramanagara, Sep 19: A case of rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation has been registered against BJP MLA Munirathna and six others, police said on Thursday.

It was registered following the complaint of a 40-year-old woman who alleged that the incident took place at a private resort within the Kaggalipura police station’s jurisdiction.

“We received a complaint on Wednesday night and based on it, we have registered case against seven people, including the BJP MLA under various sections for rape by public servant, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, voyeurism, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, Information Technology Act, and others,” a senior police officer said.

The matter is being investigated, he said.

The fresh FIR against the BJP MLA, also a former Minister, comes days after he was arrested by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the two cases filed against him for alleged harassment, threats and casteist abuse, police said.

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News Network
September 19,2024

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Mangaluru, Sep 19: Following the recent Nipah virus-related fatalities in Kerala, health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are taking proactive measures to monitor for potential cases of monkey fever. While typically found in African countries, monkey fever has raised concerns within the district, prompting increased vigilance.

To ensure early detection, travelers arriving at Mangaluru’s international airport and local ports will undergo health screenings. Additionally, a dedicated ambulance has been placed on standby for any emergent cases, and Wenlock Hospital has set aside a special ward with six reserved beds specifically for monkey fever patients.

"We currently have no confirmed cases of monkey fever in Dakshina Kannada, and there are no direct orders from the state government," said Dr. Timmaiah, the District Health Officer. "However, we are taking preventive measures, including continuous screening of incoming passengers. A special meeting is also being planned to discuss future action steps."

Dr. Timmaiah further highlighted the rise in general viral infections following the region's recent shift in weather patterns. "With the decline in rainfall, we are seeing an uptick in viral cases, particularly fevers accompanied by cough, cold, and throat pain, especially in children. Though Mangaluru has experienced mostly sunny weather, occasional rain at night has contributed to the spread of illnesses. It’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Health officials are urging residents to seek timely medical advice and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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