Mangaluru, Jan 29: The Indian Coast Guard commissioned its new interceptor boat C-448 at the New Mangalore Port here on Wednesday.
The boat was commissioned by state Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar in the presence of Commander, Coast Guard region (west) inspector general A P Badola and No. 3 Coast Guard district commander (Karnataka) DIG S S Dasila.
NMPT chairman A V Ramana, Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh and Mangaluru municipal corporation commissioner K Ajith Hegde were among those present on the occasion, a Coast Guard release here said.
C-448 is a high speed interceptor boat (IB) built by L&T Shipyard.
The vessel joining the Coast Guard fleet at New Mangalore will be deployed extensively for patrolling and rescue operations and other duties enshrined in the Coast Guard charter to safeguard the maritime interest of India.
The 27.80 metre vessel has a displacement of106 tonnes.
This water jet-propelled vessel has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at20 knots and is capable of doing speeds of upto 45 knots.
The IB is fitted with the latest state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment designed for high speed interception, close coast patrol, low intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance.
The IB is capable of operating in shallow waters and deep seas.
The quick reaction capability, coupled with modern equipment and system, provides it the capability to respond to any maritime situation.
The C-448 has a crew of 12 personnel and is commanded by assistant commandant Apoorva Sharma.
The IB will be based at New Mangalore under the administrative and operational control of the commander, Coast Guard region (west), the release said.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
