Opposition to steel flyover a 'political gimmick', says K J George

October 20, 2016

Bengaluru, Oct 20: As protests mounted against the proposed steel flyover here, Karnataka government today dismissed it as a "political gimmick", asserting that it had no vested interest and it had taken the decision after consultations with experts and "due diligence."

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"No, the government is not adamant on constructing the flyover. Neither is it a dictatorial decision as it is made out to be by the opposition. The decision to construct the flyover was taken after due diligence, after consulting technical and engineering experts," Bengaluru Development Minister K J George told reporters here.

The Rs 1,761 crore steel flyover to link Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal to improve connectivity to Bengaluru international airport has come in for flak from civic groups and BJP and JDS on cost and environmental concerns.

Former Chief Minister and State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa had likened Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to a dictator who had scant respect and utter contempt for public opinion.

As many as 812 trees are feared to be chopped off, as per details made available by Bangalore Development Authority.

George said the opposition by rival parties is nothing but a political gimmick as they might be afraid of the Congress hogging limelight by implementing it, which could work in their favour in the runup to the 2018 Assembly polls.

"The opposition also is a political gimmick to cover up their failure to implement the project - the actual process of which began from 2014," George said.

Siddaramaiah has defended the proposed construction of steel flyover calling it "totally transparent" and claimed the project was proposed in 2010 and announced in 2014-15 budget.

Reacting to allegations that vested interest had driven the government to take up the project, George said "there is only one interest, and that is people's interest, nothing else. There is no vested interest involved in this project."

Asked whether the whole of the flyover will be made of steel, George said the government will implement the project as per the advice of the technical experts.

JDS State President H D Kumaraswamy had alleged that the project was being used to "raise party funds" for next year's Uttar Pradesh assembly election.

On October 16, the 'Citizens Against Steel Flyover' had formed a human chain to intensify their protest against the flyover.

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News Network
May 7,2024

Mangaluru: Former MLC Ivan D’Souza on Monday led a delegation to the Passport Seva Kendra in Mangaluru, urging the authorities to provide basic facilities for applicants. D’Souza addressed the media, highlighting the lack of essential amenities at the Mangaluru PSK. “I have requested the authorities to provide basic facilities for people visiting the PSK.

There are no chairs for the convenience of people who arrive at the PSK. They are forced to sit or stand by the side of the road or on footpaths. Additionally, there is no parking facility, no washrooms, and water has not been provided for the public,” the Congress leader stated.

An average of 500 to 600 people from various parts of the state visit the PSK. They have to wait in the scorching heat of the sun, D’Souza mentioned, urging the govt to address these issues promptly. “Officials have agreed to find solutions to the problems faced by the people. Meanwhile, we have also demanded that the PSK be relocated to a more convenient space. We have suggested that the PSK could be moved to the old DC’s office, where there is sufficient space. If our demands are not met, we will hold a protest,” D’Souza explained.

Ashraf Kinara, vice-president of the Dakshina Kannada Waqf Advisory Committee, echoed the sentiment, stating that the authorities should either provide all basic facilities for passport applicants at the PSK or relocate the centre to a better location.

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News Network
May 5,2024

Karwar, May 5: What commenced as a mere exchange of words between spouses swiftly transmuted into a calamitous ordeal, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of their innocent offspring. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded in the serene confines of Halamaddy village in the picturesque expanse of Dandeli, nestled within the idyllic expanse of Uttara Kannada district.

In the throes of a fervent dispute with her spouse, the aggrieved wife, succumbing to an overwhelming surge of emotions, callously propelled their tender six-year-old progeny into the somber depths of a nearby canal, thereafter alerting the local populace to her grievous act.

Promptly apprised of the distressing occurrence by concerned bystanders, the authorities were swiftly summoned to the scene to confront the harrowing aftermath.

Responding to the distress call, the diligent officers of Dandeli rural police swiftly converged upon the site where the innocent child had been cast into the unforgiving waters of the canal, subsequently effecting the retrieval of the child's lifeless form. 

Regrettably, it was discerned that a portion of the child's remains had been tragically claimed by the lurking jaws of a predatory crocodile.

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News Network
May 6,2024

Mangaluru, May 6: A five-year-old girl from Arendur village of Siddapura taluk of Uttara Kannada district died of Kyasanur Forest Disease (monkey fever) recently.

As her health deteriorated, she was admitted to the KMC Hospital in Mangaluru, where she failed to respond to the treatment and died on Friday night.

It is learned that the KFD is slowly spreading to the newer areas of coastal and malnad areas of Karnataka

According to officials, KFD spreads due to bites of ticks that generally survive on monkeys. This tick bites humans which causes the infection. Humans also contract the disease by coming in contact with cattle bitten by ticks.

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