Buses, autos to be off roads on Feb 20, 21

February 19, 2013

Bangalore, Feb 19: Citizens, especially commuters and schoolchildren, are in for a long haul and hardship on Wednesday and Thursday with the two-day nation-wide strike set to bring both bus and auto services to a grinding halt.

While, buses and autos being off roads is bound to reduce pollution, citizens have to face an uphill task of trekking to their workplace, homes and other destinations. Else, face the prospects of forking out high sums to fleecing and opportune private operators.

According to Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) General Secretary A V Borashetty, employees of all four state road transport corporations, including KSRTC and BMTC, have extended support to the strike.

“We won't attend duties between 6 am to 6 pm on Wednesday, February 20.Transport corporations have been severely hit by Rs 12 hike in diesel price and we have no way, but to resort to the agitation,” he said.

Nagaraj, President of the Auto Drivers' Association, said no autorickshaw would ply on both days of the strike. However, with schools and colleges dependent on BMTC?buses for students' transport, it is the concerned parents and their children who are likely to be hit hard by the INTUC's strike.

“With semester system in place, classes for the season have begun just a month ago in many colleges. Even SSLC and PUC?exams are scheduled in the near future. Frequent interruptions to teaching schedules will hit the academic activities,” said Principal, Seshadripura Degree College in Yelahanka.

However, seeing not only a god-sent business opportunity, but also earn, in the process, a bit of goodwill and brownie points of loyalty from the commuters, Ola cabs, a private cab service agency, has offered the public its services at autorickshaw fares on both days of the strike. The agency may be contacted on 33553355 (24 hours) in advance to avail of the facility.

Vehicle owners can heave a sigh of relief in that there won't be any disruption to fuel bunks. “We have not taken any decision on participating in the strike. Petrol and diesel supply at bunks will be as usual,” assured Ravindran, President, Petrol Distributors Association.

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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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