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

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

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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

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Mysuru: More than 50 people have been arrested in connection with the riots between two groups of different faiths, at Nagamangala town, Mandya district, over the Ganesha idol procession, on Wednesday night.

High drama prevailed in front of the Nagamangala town police station on Thursday morning, with women belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities staging a protest against the arrest of their family members and demanding their release.

The two groups started arguing over the Ganesha idol procession on the Mysuru-Nagamangala road, near a 'dargah'. This soon turned violent with stone being pelted. Reports said that around 25 shops were also set on fire.

Several vehicles were damaged and torched by the mob. However, police intervened and brought the situation under control, deploying additional police forces.

Holiday has been declared to schools and colleges in Nagamangala town until further notice. Police have imposed section 144 till 12 noon of September 14.

SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi, IGP (Southern Range) Boralingaiah, DC Kumar and other officials visited the spot.

District incharge Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy visited the spot on Thursday morning and took stock of the situation. Speaking to reporters he said, the incident was unfortunate.

"The clash which started around 9 pm on Wednesday, flared up with miscreants setting fire, damaging shops and vehicles in the town. There is no need for anxiety. Additional police forces have been deployed in the town and the situation is under control now," he 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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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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