Mangaluru: Heavy rain results in flooding of city areas

Vartha Bharati | 29-06-2023 | 22:15:00 IST

Mangaluru: Heavy rainfall in the city on Thursday resulted in artificial floods in various areas. Kodialbail and Bhagwati Nagar, located between Empire Mall and TMA Pai International Convention Centre, experienced severe flooding, with water entering numerous houses.
The downpour also caused obstruction to vehicular movement in areas such as the Fisheries College, Nantoor Padua and Pumpwell areas, where rainwater accumulated on both sides of the highway. Localities such as Mallikatte, Bajjodi, and Pandeshwar have been particularly affected by heavy rainfall, creating an unfavorable environment.

Additionally, areas near City Hospital, Valencia Road and the stretch between PVS Circle and Karangalpady faced challenges as heavy rains disrupted traffic flow, impacting the movement of not only two-wheelers but also larger vehicles. Pedestrians found it difficult to navigate through the affected areas.

In a separate incident, a large tree and an electricity pole toppled on a commercial building near Yeyyadi on Thursday morning. The falling peepal tree damaged the power line, causing the wire pole to collapse. Nearby commercial buildings and a parked two-wheeler were also damaged in the incident. The fire department promptly responded, removing the fallen tree.

The incomplete construction of roads and insufficient rainwater drain facility contributed to these issues. Many parts of the city lack proper drainage systems, causing rainwater to mix with drainage water and exacerbating the problem during vehicle movement. The continuous flow of rainwater on the roads raises concerns about the deterioration of asphalt.

To assess the situation, Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ananda CL conducted visits and inspections in several affected areas.

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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims

"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."

27-11-2024 ¦ 27-11-2024 IST

Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."

In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."

He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.

The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."

The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."