Villagers oppose further expansion of UPCL’s thermal power plant

executive@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
August 12, 2015

Udupi, Aug 12: Amidst the ongoing preparation by Adani Power Ltd to expand Udupi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) located at Yellur in Udupi district, activists residents of villages surrounding the 1,200 MW thermal power plant are gearing up for an agitation.

thermal

The Gram Panchayat Okkoota, which has been opposing the expansion of the UPCL, has warned that the second phase expansion of the thermal power plant would spell doom for Udupi district.

Deviprasad Shetty, president of the Gram Panchayat Okkoota, stated in a release that any expansion of the thermal plant would have catastrophic consequences for the district, which was already reeling under the pollution problems posed by its existing plant. An expansion would affect the health of both people and animals in the surrounding areas.

There would be a severe increase in the heat in the surroundings of the plant. It would also lead to crop loss. The fly ash from the plant would lead to environmental problems. It would also destroy the fish as the UPCL released its used water into the sea. The ecologically fragile Western Ghats were closeby. The thermal plant was surrounded by agricultural lands. Experts had already opined that the land was not at all meant for setting up a thermal plant.

Udupi was an ecologically sensitive district. The recent statement of Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, that no new industries would be permitted until a study of the carrying capacity of Udupi district was conducted, was welcome, Mr. Shetty added.

Most of the power produced by the UPCL went to the other districts. There were also charges of non-payment of taxes to the local gram panchayat by UPCL, he alleged.

The people of the district including elected representatives, intellectuals and students, should a serious thought about the consequences of expansion of the thermal plant. Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt, who had earlier opposed the UPCL thermal plant, should lead the struggle against its expansion, Mr. Shetty said.

The UPCL had been purchased by the Adani Group. The 1,200 MW thermal power plant was already in operation. But the UPCL had sought expansion of its capacity and applied to the government for the same.

Villagers have been facing several health problems because of the coal-based thermal power project located nearby. Besides, fertile land near the plant has turned barren resulting in loss of income to farmers in the region. Though activists and people in the area have petitioned the state government and representatives of UPCL, no remedial action has been initiated so far.

 

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News Network
February 24,2025

Karnataka's Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, announced that skill-oriented classes will be introduced for students of grades 8 to 12 alongside the regular curriculum from the next academic year.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Skill and Employment Fair organized by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and Skill Development Department at the National College of Education, in Shivamogga, he emphasized the importance of skill-based education in shaping students' futures.

"Introducing skill training at an early stage will help students acquire expertise in their chosen fields, secure desired jobs, and lead self-reliant lives," the minister stated.

To improve job opportunities for youth, Bangarappa proposed a transport facility for job seekers. Instead of organizing job fairs at the taluk level—where employer participation is limited—he suggested conducting them at district headquarters with free bus services for registered candidates from rural and urban areas. This initiative will be discussed with concerned officials and implemented next year, he added.

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News Network
February 20,2025

Bengaluru: Starting March, households in Karnataka will feel the pinch as the price of Nandini milk is set to increase by ₹5 per litre. The hike, which will take effect after the state budget on March 7, will also see a reduction in milk packet quantity from 1,050 ml to 1 litre. With this revision, the cost of a litre of Nandini toned milk will rise to ₹47.

This marks the latest price revision by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in the past three years. In 2022, milk prices increased by ₹3 per litre, while in 2024, KMF raised prices by ₹2 per packet but increased the quantity by 50 ml. However, KMF insists that last year’s change was not a price hike, as it involved a proportional increase in milk volume.

The increase in milk prices comes amid multiple price hikes across essential commodities and services. The Coffee Brewers Association has announced a ₹200 per kg hike in coffee powder rates by March, while BMTC bus and Namma Metro ticket fares have also been increased. Additionally, the state government is considering a rise in water tariffs, and electricity supply companies (Escoms) have sought approval for a 67-paise hike per unit from the Karnataka Electricity Commission.

According to KMF Managing Director B. Shivaswamy, the hike follows demands from farmers for a ₹5 per litre increase. "Earlier, we procured 85-89 lakh litres of milk per day, sometimes even 99 lakh litres. Now, the supply has dropped to 79-81 lakh litres per day, so the additional milk provided to consumers will stop," he explained.

Despite the price increase, Shivaswamy emphasized that Nandini milk will still be more affordable than other brands in Karnataka and other states, including those sold online. KMF is currently in discussions with farmer unions, milk unions, employee associations, and other stakeholders to determine how the increased revenue will be allocated.

"Ideally, the additional cost should benefit farmers. However, concerns raised by employee unions over financial matters, including 7th Pay Commission wages and pensions, also need to be factored in," said a KMF official on the condition of anonymity.

The final decision on the milk price hike now rests with the Karnataka Chief Minister, with an official announcement expected post-budget.

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News Network
March 1,2025

In a move to strengthen the presence of Kannada in industrial and consumer markets, the Karnataka government has made it mandatory for all products manufactured within the state to display their names and usage instructions in Kannada, alongside any other languages.

The directive was formalized through a government circular issued on February 15, extending the requirement to both public and private sector manufacturers, the report added.

Enforcement officers designated under the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, have been tasked with monitoring compliance.

The government emphasized that language is a reflection of a region’s cultural identity and that Kannada must be actively integrated into production, marketing, and business activities for it to thrive. The circular reiterated that the Act, implemented from March 12, 2024, aims to enhance employment and business opportunities for Kannadigas while ensuring the widespread use of Kannada in daily life.

As per Section 17(7) of the Act, manufacturers selling products within Karnataka must, wherever possible, ensure that product names and instructions are printed in Kannada along with any other language if needed.

This directive comes at a time when debates over language policies are intensifying in Karnataka. Recent discussions around local job quotas and the prominence of Kannada in government and corporate sectors have added to the ongoing discourse on linguistic identity in the state.

On the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava Day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that the state government would take steps to ensure Kannada language labels on products manufactured in Karnataka.

Speaking at an event honoring the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava awards, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of creating an environment that encourages the daily use and learning of Kannada.

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