Tumkuru: Fire breaks out in Pavagad govt boys' hostel
Tumkuru: A government hostel for pre-matriculation boys in YN Hoskote village of Pavagad taluk, Tumakuru district, witnessed an accidental fire late Friday night. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as all 15 students who were sleeping in the room where the fire originated managed to evacuate safely.
Despite their efforts to salvage their belongings, including books and clothes, the students were unable to do so as the flames rapidly engulfed the premises. The fire consumed beds, mattresses, doors, windows, as well as the personal belongings of the students, such as books, blankets, and clothes.
ALSO READ: Government Bus Accident in Kadur: Five Injured as Bus Hits Walkway Bridge
Upon receiving notification of the fire, fire tenders arrived at the hostel and managed to extinguish the flames. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. An investigation into the incident is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire.
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.
Karnataka HC sets aside NGT order against MEG over Halasuru Lake pollution
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has quashed a May 20, 2022, National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that held the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) and Centre, Bengaluru, responsible for pollution in Halasuru Lake.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind ruled that the NGT's order, which imposed an environmental compensation of ₹2.94 crore on MEG, was issued without granting them an opportunity to be heard, violating principles of natural justice.
The court has remanded the case back to the NGT, Southern Zone, Chennai, for reconsideration. The NGT has been directed to decide afresh on the imposition of environmental compensation after providing a fair hearing to MEG.
However, the High Court ordered MEG to deposit ₹1 crore with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) as per the August 2024 NGT directive. This deposit will remain subject to the outcome of the fresh proceedings.
The NGT initiated the case in March 2016 following a news report that alleged pollution by a slaughterhouse, MEG, and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The BWSSB was also directed to pay ₹1 crore as environmental compensation.
Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath, representing MEG, argued that an open stormwater drain under BWSSB flows through MEG’s premises into the lake, contributing to the pollution. He stated that the sewage load from MEG is minimal and plans for a 1,200-KLD sewage treatment plant (STP) are underway.
The bench noted that no proper liability assessment had been conducted against MEG, and no opportunity was provided for them to present their defence before the demand notice was issued.
The matter will now be re-examined by the NGT.
