Jodupala tragedy: victims worry about their livelihood
Hundreds of people housed in camps search for ray of hope
Madikeri, August 25: Hundreds of rain-flood, landslides victims from villages around Jodupala in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district are still spending days at various rescue camps. The victims of these villages have been housed in the rescue camps at Tekkil Community Hall, Sampaje and Devarakolli Government Schools in Sullia Taluk. 760 members of 198 families have been housed at Tekkil Community Hall and Sampaje camp. While some of them have gone to their relatives' homes, many people of Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri village are still living in camps as these are the worst affected areas.
Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri have lost their contact with other places because there have been severe damages. Roads connecting villages have entirely vanished. Moreover, most villagers' houses and lands are damaged. The Officials have given the green signal for the people to shift to their houses after verifying the situation of their homes, except in these two villages. However, a team of senior officials and experts will inspect Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villages. People will be allowed to stay there, only after the team confirms that there is no risk to reside in these villages, a senior official said.
Despite all the arrangements in the camps, the Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villagers who have lost their homes and lands are worried about their livelihood. The rescue camps cannot last longer. Villagers do not have their houses to live in if even they want to go to their villages. Moreover, there is no road for them to reach their place. “Our life is intact. We do not know what action the government will take to settle us. Organizations, politicians, and officials are coming and assuring us. We have stayed here for eight days,” Krishnappa of Jodupala village lamented.
Three camps in Sullia Taluk have been opened for the flood victims of Jodupala and surrounding villages in Madikeri taluk. Doctors have been assigned to serve 24 hours a day. The necessary drugs are available. All types of precautionary measures have been taken to prevent infectious diseases. Hot water is being provided to all the victims. Hot water is being provided even for bathing also.
- Dr. Subrahmanya, Sullia taluk medical officer
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.
Bill to regulate deepfakes tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A Private Member's Bill seeking a clear legal framework for regulation of deepfakes has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Regulation of Deepfake Bill, introduced by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde in the House on Friday, aims to protect citizens by mandating prior consent from individuals depicted in deepfake content.
"Misuse of deepfakes for harassment, deception and misinformation has escalated, creating an urgent need for regulatory safeguards," Shinde said.
The Bill also lists penalties for offenders creating or disseminating deepfake content with malicious intent.
"With advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, deepfake technology has emerged as a significant tool for media manipulation. While the technology has potential applications in education, entertainment and creative fields, it also poses severe risks when misused, threatening individual privacy, national security and public trust," Shinde said in the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework to govern the creation, distribution and application of deepfakes in India, said Shinde, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Kalyan.
The Bill also seeks to establish the Deepfake Task Force, a dedicated body to combat national security implications and evaluate the influence of deepfakes on privacy, civic participation, and potential election interference.
The task force will collaborate with academic and private sector institutions to develop technologies that detect manipulated content, thereby promoting credibility in digital media.
The Bill also proposes to establish a fund to support public and private sector initiatives in the detection and deterrence of advanced image manipulation.
A Private Member's Bill is a procedure of Parliament that enables lawmakers, who are not ministers, to draw attention to issues that might not be represented in Government Bills or to highlight the issues and gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative intervention.
