Yettinahole project overcomes another hurdler as NGT disposes off activist’s petition

coastaldigest.com news network

October 6, 2017

Bengaluru, Oct 6: The controversial Yettinahole drinking water project has overcome a major legal hurdle with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) disposing off an application that challenged the river diversion.

With this, the stage is set for the completion of the first phase of the Rs 13,000-crore project, which envisages the diversion of over 24 TMC of water during the monsoon months from four tributaries of the River Nethravati.

On October 5, Principal Bench of the NGT in Delhi dismissed a petition by environmentalist K.N. Somashekhar, who challenged the implementation of the project. His application stated that the project would be detrimental to the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, apart from legislative lapses.

Work on the Rs 3,716 crore Phase I of the project to construct weirs and underground pipelines in forests and plantations in Sakleshpur taluk had been slow due to the cases filed. Eight weirs are to be constructed across the tributaries, after which the water will be pumped to parched areas of Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural among others.

However, the NGT has dismissed the petition. “We direct the user agency to proceed with the construction of Yettinahole Phase I project, only subject to compliance of various conditions and directions in terms of the detailed judgement that will follow,” states the ‘operative portion’ of the judgement.

K. Jaiprakash, Managing Director of Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam Ltd., a special purpose vehicle created for drinking water needs of central Karnataka, said the judgement represented a victory for the state government which “effectively” presented the need of the project.

“There are two more petitions present before the court, but the points of the contention in those applications are addressed in this judgement. We expect those to be disposed soon too and work can progress with some speed,” he told reporters on Friday.

VJNL expects works on Phase I to be completed by February, and nearly 70% of the project has been completed. He said Rs 2,282 crore has been spent on the ‘lift component’ i.e. weirs, pipelines and pumping stations. However, the remaining two components - conveyance system of transporting pumped water through 274-km of gravity channels and then distribution of the water from a reservoir to target districts is expected to take another four years at least, he added.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

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December 16,2025

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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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

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December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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