Kerala CM expresses concern over conflict in Gulf region, urges expatriates to stay alert
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday expressed concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf region and conveyed Kerala’s solidarity with the Gulf nations and their people.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan said the developments in the Gulf were causing deep anxiety in Kerala, noting that the region is like a second home to lakhs of Malayalis whose hard work and sweat have shaped its growth.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that almost every household in Kerala has at least one person connected to the Gulf,” he said.
The chief minister expressed hope that peace and stability would prevail in the Gulf countries and that their leaders would overcome the crisis through wise decisions based on humanity and mutual understanding.
He urged expatriates to strictly follow the instructions issued by the authorities and local administrations in the countries where they reside.
He also asked them to remain in constant contact with Indian embassies and consulates and to rely only on official information.
Vijayan cautioned against believing or spreading baseless news and rumours and appealed to people not to circulate content that could create unnecessary panic, whether through social media or other means.
Stating that Malayalis have always overcome crises by standing united with mutual care and solidarity, he said such unity was essential at this juncture as well.
The state government stands in full support of expatriates and their families in Kerala, he said, adding that in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, the government is intervening at all possible levels to ensure their safety.
He also said NORKA Roots under the state government is actively involved in providing necessary assistance and requested members of the Loka Kerala Sabha in Gulf countries to continue their engagement in the efforts.
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Mangaluru: Four-way waste segregation rolled out under new rules
Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has begun implementing the revised Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, which came into effect nationwide from April 1, making four-way waste segregation mandatory for all residents and establishments.
According to Deccan Herald, under the new system, waste must be segregated into four categories before being handed over to collection vehicles:
1. Wet waste such as kitchen refuse, fruit and vegetable peels, leftover food, meat waste, flowers and leaves.
2. Dry waste including plastic materials, bottles, paper, cardboard and rubber
3. Sanitary waste comprising used sanitary pads, diapers, condoms and bandages
4. Special care or domestic hazardous waste such as used batteries, LED bulbs, tube lights, paint containers, pesticide bottles and thermometers.
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said wet and sanitary waste will be collected daily, while dry and hazardous waste will be collected once a week (Fridays) to improve efficiency in handling different waste streams.
The corporation has also introduced stricter norms for bulk waste generators, defined as establishments producing more than 100 kg of waste per day, or having a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres, including offices, malls, hospitals and large residential complexes, as well as units consuming over 40,000 litres of water daily, will be treated as bulk waste generators and will be subject to stricter norms.
The MCC warned that violations of segregation rules will attract penalties under the Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, 2019, and urged citizens to strictly follow the new system.
For further information, citizens have been advised to contact or visit the Health Department of the corporation during office hours, said the commissioner.
To encourage sustainable practices, the civic body has also launched an initiative recognising zero-waste weddings. Recently, Commissioner Ravichandra Naik honoured Veerendar and Suraksha for conducting an eco-friendly wedding at Rajatadri auditorium in Vamanjoor on March 30.
The MCC in its X handle said "the wedding embraced a zero waste, plastic free and eco friendly concept."
At the ceremony, no plastic bottles were used; guests were served drinks in steel tumblers. No tissue papers were distributed during the programme. Ice cream was served in cups made of arecanut sheets. The stage was decorated with flowers and eco-friendly reusable decorative materials.
Eco-Friendly Wedding: A Green Start!
— ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಮಹಾನಗರ ಪಾಲಿಕೆ | Mangaluru City Corporation (@mangalurucorp) March 31, 2026
Hon'ble Commissioner Sri Ravichandra Naik, KAS, presented an appreciation letter to the couple Suraksha-Veerendra for their noble initiative. Their wedding at Vamanjoor (30-03-2026) embraced a Zero Waste, Plastic-Free, & Eco-Friendly concept. pic.twitter.com/Rlf8piTDUN
