Work on dam across Gurupura river continues without clearance

March 27, 2011

Mangalore, March 27: Work on a vented dam across the Gurupura river near Malavoor continues though the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority is yet to clear the project. “We are hopeful of getting clearance as this dam is meant to fulfil the drinking water needs of the surrounding villages,” S.L. Satyanarayana, Executive Engineer, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat's Engineering Division, said on Saturday. “We are submitting the documents sought by the authority,” he added.

Mr. Satyanarayana was addressing presspersons during the visit of Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, to review the progress of the work on the dam. Work is going on near the Malavoor bridge.

Mr. Satyanarayana said while formulating the project, it was perceived that the coastal regulatory zone covered 500 metres from the high tide line. Following a notice issued early this month, the authorities came to know that the land along the river joining the sea was also covered under the CRZ. “We were told that the CRZ includes 500 metres from the point salt water is found,” he said.

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification issued in January mentions that development activities on the tidal influenced water bodies such as bays, estuaries, rivers and creeks could be regulated till the distance where the tidal effects are felt. It prevents activities that disturb the natural course of the seawater, except activities such as laying structures for prevention of salinity ingress and freshwater recharge based on or carried out by any agency to be specified by Ministry of Environment and Forests.

He said the 203-metre dam was being built to meet the drinking water needs of 17 villages, including Bajpe and Moodshedde. Work on it was supposed to start in 2003. But it commenced only in February following sanction of Rs. 28 crore. This project had been taken up under the Centre's scheme for sustainable water use.

Mr. Kateel said apart from meeting the drinking water requirement, the dam would help in recharging the water table in the region. “We hope to get clearance for the project from the authority soon,” he said.

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Stranded, hungry, and helpless: Last-minute cancellation of Dammam flight sparks chaos at Mangaluru Airport

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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