1,275 tourist destinations in Karnataka, but just 27 in Bengaluru; Experts blame rapid urbanisation
Bengaluru: Despite its rich cultural legacy and and heritage spanning over 500 years, Bengaluru has only 27 officially identified tourist spots, according to the Karnataka Department of Tourism. This is a stark contrast to the 1,275 tourist destinations listed across the state, raising concerns among experts who attribute the city’s shrinking tourism footprint to rapid urbanisation and unchecked growth in real estate.
While Bengaluru Urban accounts for just 27 destinations and Bengaluru Rural for 25, districts like Mandya top the list with 106 tourist sites, followed by Belagavi (100), Chikkaballapura (95), and Uttara Kannada (85). Yadgir trails at the bottom with only five tourist spots, reported The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Historians and tourism experts say the capital city’s aggressive urban expansion has led to the erosion of many historical and cultural landmarks.
“Bengaluru had hundreds of destinations, and among them many have disappeared due to urbanisation. There are still many heritage walk sites that need to be identified and publicised to attract people,” the report quoted historian Suresh Moona as saying.
The 1,275 sites were reportedly selected based on historical significance, popularity, and visitor footfall.
“Action plans and approximate estimates should be sent to the department to get the required permission from the respective authorities and development work should begin,” TNIE quoted Department of Tourism Secretary Mohammad Ibrahim as saying.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
