BJP gave 33 of 68 tickets in Jharkhand polls to members of political families: Congress
Ranchi, Nov 4: Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Pariwarwaad' remark, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate on Monday claimed that the BJP itself indulged in dynastic politics, and gave out tickets for 33 of the 68 seats it is contesting in Jharkhand assembly elections to those belonging to political families.
The BJP is contesting 68 of the 81 assembly seats in the state, leaving the rest for its allies. PM Modi, during an election rally in Garhwa earlier in the day, said that the JMM, Congress and RJD believe in 'Pariwarwaad' (dynastic politics).
Addressing reporters here, Shrinate said, "The BJP in Jharkhand has given 33 out of 68 tickets to those who come from political families. For example, former Union minister Arjun Munda's wife, former Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das's daughter-in-law and Champai Soren's son were given tickets. So, the BJP has no right to say anything about 'Pariwarwaad'."
She also alleged that the central government is sitting over Jharkhand's Rs 1.36 lakh crore dues, which could have accelerated the state's development if released.
She claimed that the alliance government in Jharkhand has worked for all sections of the society and its report card of five years is full of achievements.
"Around 57 lakh women of the state are being given Rs 1,000 under Maiyan Samman Yojana, which will be increased to Rs 2,500 after formation of the alliance government here again," she said.
Shrinate said that around 42 lakh consumers are availing benefits of 200 units of free electricity and their power dues have also been waived. Similarly, farm loans of around 4.5 lakh farmers have been waived.
She said that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would be in Jharkhand on Tuesday and present the roadmap for Jharkhand's further development.
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Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 4: After being endowed with multi connectivity facilities like three national highways, port and airport, Mangaluru city is now looking at a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility as the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), officials said on Monday.
This ambitious initiative aims to transform public transportation in the state, utilising National Waterways to connect areas along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers, they said.
Set to become India's second-largest water transport system after Kochi, the project promises an eco-friendly, economical and efficient mode of travel, the officials said.
According to officials, the MWMP will connect isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, enhancing accessibility and promoting the holistic development of these regions. The initiative is expected to boost local livelihoods and improve the standard of living through integrated transport networks.
According to the project report available with PTI, the MWMP will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stretch covering 30 kilometres along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters.
The priority route, beginning at Bajal on the Nethravathi and extending to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, will feature around 17 modern Metro stations.
Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal and the New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed, equipped with essential amenities to ensure a high standard of comfort and operational efficiency.
A comprehensive Feasibility Report (FR) will assess the project's viability, presenting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies and environmental considerations.
"The report will objectively evaluate the project's merits and challenges, providing crucial information for decision-makers, stakeholders and investors," they said.
Officials in the port and fisheries subdivision told PTI that key areas of analysis has been based on assessing the potential to decongest old port areas, exploring the feasibility of cargo movement using Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) water metros, examining water level variations influenced by tidal flows, integration with feeder services to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, demand forecasts over a 25-year period, based on extensive socio-economic research of usage and utility of the MWMP.
The project's Terms of Reference (ToR) emphasise sustainable development, involving thorough site identification, user demand assessments and environmental impact studies. Comprehensive surveys such as LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies and topographical analysis will ensure accurate planning and implementation, the officials told.
Furthermore, technical collaborations with national institutes of repute will support studies on wave tranquillity, vessel height clearance and infrastructure recommendations for jetties and repair facilities, they said.
A detailed environmental monitoring programme will assess air and water quality, noise levels and aquatic biodiversity in line with Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) guidelines, the officials added.
The officials of the Maritime Board said the MWMP promises significant economic and environmental benefits, from easing traffic congestion to reducing air pollution. The project will also explore non-fare revenue streams and develop models to ensure financial sustainability.
A socio-economic impact assessment will measure the project's contribution to regional development, backed by projected revenue from passenger fares and ancillary services, a senior official said.
The Board also aims at championing cleaner and greener transportation and to set a precedent for sustainable urban mobility, positioning Mangaluru as a progressive city that leverages its waterways, he added.
