KRRS threatens stir against UPCL

[email protected] (News Network)
May 5, 2012

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Udupi, May 5: Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) Udupi district president Vijay Kumar Hedge threatened to go on stern agitation if government fails to take action against coal based Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) thermal power plant within 45 days.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, he said the report by expert committee appointed to go through the consequences of UPCL plant over environment, human beings and livestock in the surrounding areas has categorically stated that the thermal plant proves to be hazardous. The committee was initiated under the leadership of Pejawar mutt seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji. The plant at any cost is not suitable for this area and the report has called for immediate rectification. However, government is unwilling to take any measures against the thermal power plant. The cost of shifting the plant may not exceed Rs 80 to Rs 100 crores. This amount is too less comparing the huge loss that might incur in future owing to the functioning of the plant. It will be detrimental to the environment and people in the area, he added.

The government had dismissed two of the experts in the committee Dr Y B Ramakrishna and Dr T V Ramachandra for coming out with interim report before media. However, these two scientists continued working and were able to bring out the report independently as directed by Pejawar seer. Hegde said the Company who has taken all necessary measures to rectify the problems of fly ash and effluent water as claimed by environment department is far from truth. The Company has installed drift eliminator instead of desalinated plant. However, drift eliminator is introduced in the second unit and the first unit continues to be unsafe, he added.

Problems pertaining to fly ashes and effluent water have no permanent remedy. The ashes exhorted through chimneys will be forced into 2,000 feet height and will be dispersed into 40 to 50 kms radius in the surrounding area. It has already proved disastrous to the agriculture and horticulture growths and continues to be so.

Besides, the chemicals used for FGD and other sorts of petrochemical wastes will totally contaminate the ground water sources. Ashes will be washed off into River Shambavi during monsoon and the river water will be polluted. Marine resources in the sea has been already massively affected owing to the discharge of affluent water, he said and urged government to take action against the Company in the interest of the life of people residing in the areas. He also informed that Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Jayaprakash Hedge has assured to hold talks with District Commissioner over the issue within a week.


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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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