Railway development works in coastal Karnataka will be expedited, says Union Minister Somanna
Mangaluru: Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced that a blueprint for upgrading Mangaluru Central Railway Station to a higher standard will be prepared within two months. The minister visited the station on Wednesday to review the progress of various railway development projects.
Addressing pressperosns, Somanna highlighted the lag in railway development between Mangaluru and Karwar, covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. He stated that experts, representatives, and officials would collaborate to draft a comprehensive plan within two months.
Senior railway officials briefed Minister Somanna on the ongoing development efforts at Mangaluru Central.
In response to questions about the Valmiki Development Corporation scandal and the MUDA scandal, Minister Somanna remarked on the noticeable difference between the current Siddaramaiah and his former self during his tenure as a minister and MLA. Somanna urged Siddaramaiah to address public concerns transparently to restore his former image.
Regarding the recent landslide near Shirur in Uttara Kannada on the highway and the potential risk to railway lines, Minister Somanna assured that the railway department has its own disaster management systems, distinct from NDRF and SDRF. He emphasized that war rooms and precautionary measures are in place, especially given the heavy rainfall this season. Coordination with district officials ensures immediate action in emergencies.
Somanna also mentioned plans to discuss permanent solutions with central railway ministers, stressing the importance of uninterrupted rail service for both goods and passenger trains despite adverse weather conditions.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
