Rs. 100 crore for development of Hejmady fisheries harbour: Minister

July 28, 2013

Udupi, Jul 28: The existing Hejmady Fisheries Harbour in Udupi district would be developed at a cost of Rs. 100 crore, said Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake.

Speaking to presspersons after visiting the harbour and studying the blueprint for its development on Saturday, Mr. Sorake said that Rs. 100 crore will be provided with a 75 per cent contribution by the Union government, and the rest borne by the State government. An amount of Rs. 60 crore would be spent on constructing a breakwater for the harbour.

The Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF) had already prepared the design for the breakwater. The extended harbour would come up at Hejmady Aleeve. The development of this harbour was a long-pending demand of the fishermen of the area.

He said the government would construct a permanent sea wall at critical reaches to prevent sea erosion in the three coastal districts at a cost of Rs. 275 crore. The critical reaches included Tenka Yermal, Udyavara, Uliyargoli, Hejmady and Padubidri.

Since the people in Tenka Yermal village blamed the breakwater constructed by the Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) for severe sea erosion in the area, the UPCL would be asked to dismantle the breakwater constructed for its pipelines after the monsoon, Sorake said.

Sorake said he had visited the office of the coal-based thermal power plant of UPCL at Yellur. The people in the surrounding areas of the plant were complaining of pollution. Since the UPCL had not kept up its assurances of providing drinking water and constructing roads in the surrounding villages, he had instructed them to take them up. He had also asked the company to hire local people.

The State government had allocated Rs. 30 crore for the upkeep of the roads running along the coastline belonging to the Department of Fisheries in the three coastal districts. The money allotted per house construction under the Matsyashraya Scheme had been increased from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1.2 lakh, Sorake said.

The quota of subsidised diesel provided for mechanised boats had been increased from 1.25 lakh kilolitres to 1.50 lakh kilolitres. The allocation of kerosene to traditional boats had been hiked from 150 litres to 400 litres per month.

He would urge the Minister of Forests and Environment B. Ramanath Rai to relax the Coastal Regulation Zone norms as done in Goa and Karnataka, Mr. Sorake 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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