Two ash-eliminators soon in UPCL plant: Palemar

February 2, 2012

Bangalore, February 2: The Udupi Power Corporation Limited is expected to complete the works related to tackling fly-ash problem within a week, according to Minister for Environment and Ecology J Krishna Palemar.

In response to a question posed by Congress member K Pratapchandra Shetty during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council, Mr Palemar also made it clear that the State government would give clearance for Commissioning of the UPCL's second generating unit only after resolving all these issues.

He informed that the eliminators were being installed to two cooling towers of the power plant to prevent flyash from drifting and settling down on human settlements and habitations.

“The process of installing the eliminator to one of the cooling tower is almost complete. Perhaps, it would be over in about eight days after which the work on the other cooling tower will begin. We hope this will solve the problems created by flyash,” Palemar added.

He also said that the government had received 16 complaints and the deputy commissioner of Udupi district had received 946 complaints related to pollution caused by the power plant of the above company due to the fly-ash.

Following complaints, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had conducted hearings as well as inspection. After this, the UPCL had replaced the 7.2-km pipeline that was being used to draw sea water to the plant. This had prevented accidental entry of sea water to the nearby places due to the breakage of pipes.

Similarly, the drift from the cooling towers was settling in the adjacent agricultural fields and houses.

He said the UPCL would enter into an agreement with the ACC cements to allow the cement company to set up a cement blending unit near the project area by using the fly-ash. This would help check the fly-ash problem completely, he said.

According to Palemar, only one unit of the UPCL is functioning at present and the permission for the commissioning of the second unit will be given once these safety measures (eliminators) are installed.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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