Rainfall, thunderstorms expected in parts of Karnataka, TN till Tuesday
Bengaluru: Providing a welcome respite from the prevailing hot and humid conditions, portions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are anticipated to receive bouts of rainfall on August 28 and 29, according to a report by The Weather Channel citing the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
As both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been grappling with deficient monsoon rainfall and the ongoing Cauvery water crisis, any prospect of rain to alleviate the water scarcity issue had initially seemed unlikely. However, a silver lining has emerged with the formation of a low-pressure area between South Interior Karnataka and the Comorin region (Kanyakumari), spanning across the western regions of Tamil Nadu.
The convergence of this weather system with the pre-existing circular wind patterns over North Tamil Nadu and off the North Kerala coast is projected to offer temporary relief to both states. The IMD's prediction indicates that Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal could experience moderate rainfall, with intermittent heavy showers ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm on Monday and Tuesday, August 28-29.
In Karnataka, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected to occur in specific pockets within the state's interior region. While this forecasted rainfall might provide respite from the intense heat, it is unlikely to significantly reduce maximum temperatures.
The IMD has issued a "yellow watch" for Tamil Nadu and Interior Karnataka throughout the week. Similar yellow watches have been issued for specific districts in both states, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivagangai, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul, Theni, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, and Kodagu, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Tumkur, Ramnagar, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bidar, and Kolar in Karnataka.
In recent days, the inadequate monsoon performance has led to soaring temperatures in various parts of Karnataka, including the capital city Bengaluru.
In terms of August's rainfall statistics, both states have experienced subpar rainfall. From August 1 to August 28, Karnataka received only 52.1 mm of rainfall, marking a 74% deficit compared to the average amount. Tamil Nadu fared somewhat better, receiving 63.9 mm of rainfall, but still facing a 22% shortfall from expected levels.
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Waqf board claims ownership of 53 historic monuments in Karnataka
Hubballi: The Karnataka Waqf Board has claimed ownership of 53 historical monuments across the state, including notable sites like Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Bara Kaman in Vijayapura. In 2005, the Waqf Board declared 43 of these sites in Vijayapura, once the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty, as Waqf properties. However, these sites have since faced encroachments and unauthorised modifications.
According to records obtained through an RTI, the Waqf Board designated these 43 sites as Waqf properties using Record of Rights (ROR) documents, though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the recognised custodian of these protected sites. “While ASI is the holder of the land/monument, the encumbrance is the Waqf authority. This has been done without consulting ASI,” says the RTI response from the Union government.
This declaration was made by Mohammad Mohsin, who held dual roles as Vijayapura’s Deputy Commissioner and Waqf Board Chairman at the time.
“I don’t remember how many monuments were declared as Waqf properties. But whatever I have done is according to the government gazette notification issued by the Revenue Department and authentic documentary evidence produced by the parties,” said Mohsin.
Many of these monuments, designated as nationally significant heritage sites since 1914, are officially under ASI’s care as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958). ASI asserts that "once an ASI property, it is always an ASI property," meaning their ownership is non-transferable. However, sources report that several of these sites have been defaced, unscientifically renovated, or altered with elements like air conditioners, fluorescent lighting, and even commercial and residential structures, impacting their historical integrity and tourism appeal.
“Monuments are the living examples of our history. Monuments can be renovated/conserved in the prescribed manner only by ASI. However, the 43 monuments in Vijayapura are being defaced and are being repaired with plaster and cement. Fans, air conditioners, fluorescent lights and toilets are being added to the monuments. Shopkeepers have taken over certain properties. This is adversely impacting the flow of tourists to these monuments,” said an officer who did not wish to be named.
Since 2007, the Ministry of Culture has repeatedly requested the state authorities to clear encroachments on these sites. Despite a joint survey in 2012, ASI officials report that neither the Waqf Board nor the Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner’s office has provided adequate documentation to substantiate Waqf’s ownership claim. ASI officials, under directives to avoid commenting on the issue publicly, maintain that their ownership under the AMASR Act remains unchangeable.
