Mangaluru: Stringent action now awaits fish trucks that spill effluents on road

Anusha N Bhat
May 14, 2019

In an attempt to dissuade fish transporters from discharging waste effluents on roads and foul smell in the surroundings, Dakshina Kannada district administration has decided to enforce ‘Kerala model’ to plug the practice of unhygienic fish transportation.

The police department has issued a notice to all ‘Fish Transporters’ to retrofit their carriages with leak-proof insulation. Further, the transporters are required to store the fish within the crates, so that ice in the storage container melts within the vehicles. “Similar to Kerala, that has banned transportation of fish in ‘open’ vehicle, following a 2013 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), we have decided to do so. If the vehicles fail to comply, we will impose a fine of Rs. 5000, and then in case of repeat offence we will seize the vehicle,” Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil said in a weekly police phone-in programme.

A major fishing centre, Mangaluru is home to over 1,830 fishing boats and allied industry including fish-meal. Fish is not only a preferred local delicacy but also is in great demand for export. The transportation trucks play a crucial role in providing the last-mile connectivity between the fishermen, ports and the consumers.

However, for years, hundreds of local residents, motorist and pedestrians have allayed concerns of the fish transporting vehicles discharging slimy and sticky water on road, due to the melting ice used to store fish. Including stale and leftover products – that fills the areas with foul smell and even leading up to accident of the two-wheeler motorists. “The wastewater contains oil, which can be very dangerous for two wheeler riders, who may skid and it can prove fatal. Also, the cats and dogs are attracted to the fish that falls-off the vehicle, eventually they are overrun by the passing motorist,” Vasantha Kumar, a local resident said.

Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada Sasikanth Senthil S said the policy will not allow fish transporting vehicles to function in city limits if they are not fitted with waste water tanks. “The vehicles must have inbuilt, water collection containers, else they have to face legal consequences. We have already begun imposing fines on over 200 vehicles violating the rules and we will continue to do so” he said.

While fish transport agencies said that they will take initiative to contain the spill of waste water, transporters add that their concern also must be looked into. However, talking about the concerns of the fish transporters, former Mayor K Ashraf said that the vehicles which go for long drives, have collection tanks and most of the time they make sure that the tanks gate-valves are properly closed. “But the mini-tempos which transport fish for the city limit and the vehicles which transport fish meal, are responsible for the spill, causing accidents of two wheelers and animals,” he said.

Further, Lawrence P, a fish transporting truck driver adds that while they are concerned about environment like others, the administration is simply doing away with its responsibility. “The NGT order also says that major markets run by state or the local authority must have wastewater collection or septic tanks at prefixed locations. But, no one is working to provide such facility, unlike Kerala or Goa that have underground septic tanks and soak pits that processes waste fish water. We are forced to release the water since the carrier gets flooded,” he said.

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News Network
December 2,2025

DKSsiddu.jpg

Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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News Network
November 29,2025

DKSsiddu.jpg

New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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