Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu sustain injuries as bus overturns in Idukki
Idukki (Kerala) (PTI): Around 50 Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu were injured after a bus in which they were travelling overturned at Kollam-Theni National Highway near here on Thursday, Fire and Rescue Service officials said.
The condition of one passenger is critical, while others suffered minor injuries in the accident that took place between Kuttikkanam and Valanjakanam, they added.
Officials at the Peermade fire station said the accident occurred around 5.45 am, when the bus carrying devotees from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu was on its way to Sabarimala.
The bus driver failed to manoeuvre a tight curve, and the vehicle lost control and overturned. Police and fire force personnel soon reached the place and rescued the passengers, who were shifted to a private hospital in Mundakayam, Kottayam district. Later, using a crane, the bus was shifted off the road to restore the traffic.
Police officials at Peermade station said that other state bus drivers, due to overspeeding, often fail to negotiate the curves in the National Highway stretch, leading to accidents. Police have launched a detailed probe into the incident.
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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launches new e-Khata scheme
Belagavi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched the ‘e-Khata – now from the comfort of your home’ scheme, which will allow people to access khata-related services online without visiting government offices, The New Indian Express reported.
The launch took place at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, appointment orders were distributed to pourakarmikas, house ownership documents were handed over to beneficiaries, and an e-Khata handbook was released. The programme was organised by the Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Belagavi City Corporation.
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Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh said over 6,000 urban civic workers, including pourakarmikas and sanitation staff, are being provided houses under the Gruha Bhagya scheme. He reportedly said 6,119 workers have been identified as beneficiaries, and the government has already released Rs 326 crore for the project.
As per the report, so far, construction of 4,159 houses has been completed. In addition, approvals have been issued for 172 houses in Belagavi and 133 in Vijayapura. The event was attended by several ministers, MLAs and senior officials.
