CA, medicos, engineers pledge support to Lobo

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

May 1, 2013

Mangalore, May 1: Mangalore needs a huge infrastructure development boost in order to become the second best city of Karnataka, said J R Lobo, Congress candidate for Mangalore (South) constituency.

Addressing a gathering of Chartered Accountants, engineers and doctors who had gathered to pledge their support for him in the upcoming Assembly elections in Mangalore on Wednesday, Mr. Lobo said that Mangalore must take a leaf out of Cochin's book and boost infrastructure boost to be the second best city of Karnataka.

“About 20 years ago, there wasn't much difference between Cochin and Mangalore. But today Cochin has advanced by about 40 years and Mangalore is still limping. Mangalore has the potential to be the second best city of Karnataka. We have an international airport, railway service, a sophisticated port and national highways in place as well. Mangalore has not got adequate attention from the government and has hence lagged behind”, Mr. Lobo said.

The Congress candidate lambasted the BJP administration, both at the Mangalore City Corporation level as well as the state government, for applying brakes on Mangalore's development.

“Mangalore was a peaceful city earlier. But in the last five years or so, repeated incidents of violence, moral policing and attacks have made Mangalore unpopular at national and international level. When there is no congenial atmosphere, there is no tourism and no investment. Lack of stable law and order situation is directly connected with the economy of the city. The BJP government is directly responsible for denting the image of Mangalore. The vented dam project should have been completed by now but it remains incomplete. Concretisation of roads was carried out in an unscientific manner. The service lines were not shifted and as a result you have water lines bursting under the roads today”, he said.

Mr. Lobo claimed that projects such as the 3D planetarium at Pilikula, 'Ranga Mandira' and setting up of the Coastal Development Authority were conceptualized by him as a bureaucrat. “The BJP administration did not even get the concept of CDA right and treated it like some small PWD office. Neither Nagaraj Shetty nor any other chairmen of that body have been able to do anything substantial with it. They did nothing and only roamed in government vehicles and received government perks”, Mr. Lobo alleged.

Mr. Lobo said that in order to develop Mangalore's economy in the true sense, each and every section of the society will have to be paid attention to.

“We need to provide financial assistance to the Billavas who engage in toddy trapping. Fishing needs to be developed. Our harbours need more protection and better infrastructure and marketing support to fishermen is required. Like Madgaon, we need to set up fish markets which are places of tourist attraction themselves”, Mr. Lobo said.

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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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