Mangalore should concentrate on PPP to boost development'

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)

January 28, 2013

Mangalore, Jan 28: Tourism hotspots like Shanghai and Beijing in China have developed greatly owing to PPP investments. Asking district authorities to take lessons from here, Dr. H A C Prasad, Senior Economic Advisor, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi said that Mangalore as a city too has the potential to develop and grow through various PPP projects and investments.

“There is ample scope for development of tourism as there are innumerable places of historic interest in Dakshina Kannada district but there is a need for better marketing of these destinations,” he said.

Stressing on need for widening railway network in Karnataka, Mr Prasad said that authorities in Karnataka must think of having train connectivity between towns in the state, something which is in vogue in North India where even villages are connected with train services.

“PPP investment in developing this train network for faster connectivity and enhancement of tourism is something Mangalore can benefit from,” Mr. Prasad opined.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural ceremony of the 'National Conference on Public Private Partnership with Special Reference to Infrastructure Development, Industrialization and Tourism' at SDM College, Mangalore, on Monday, Mr. Prasad said that the Government of India is finalizing the PPP (Public Private Partnership) Policy, one of the proposals which includes disallowance of states to have MoUs (Memorandum of Understandings) with private sector undertakings.

“The new PPP Policy being drafted by the Union Government is debatable and may attract criticism. The government has not finalized on it yet though,” Mr.Prasad said adding that another notable change that the Government is contemplating to bring about through the PPP Policy is the complete visualization of the projects and schemes for investment by the government beforehand, instead of a private party coming with a plan and asking for investment.

Stating that a higher and successful PPP will act as a catalyst in increasing India's GDP, Mr. Prasad said that an investment of over Rs. 45 lakh crore or 5.1 trillion dollars in the PPP sector needs to be done within the duration of the 12th five year plan. Inadequate supply of infrastructure is hampering India's economic growth and greater PPP investment to develop infrastructure would do well for India, he said.

N Yogish Bhat, Deputy Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Sampath Kumar Shetty of Land Links, Mangalore, Dr. Devraj K, Principal, SDM College of Business Management, Mangalore, were among those present.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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