Situation will be different if I am state Home Minister: Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan
Andhra Dy CM hails Yogi model of tackling crime
Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 4: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday expressed concern over the law and order situation in the state and said if he was the state home minister, "things would be different", remarks seen as direct criticism of Vangalapudi Anitha, who is holding the department currently.
Addressing a public meeting at Gollaprolu in the Pithapuram constituency, Kalyan also asked Anitha to meet the public’s expectations.
Referring to UP CM Yogi Adityanath's model for law and order, Kalyan said, "These criminals should be dealt in the same fashion as Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. Until then they will not listen. You are pushing us into that kind of situation."
The Janasena chief is holding the Panchayat Raj, Forest, and Environment departments in the TDP's Chandrababu-led alliance government in the state.
"I am telling Home Minister Anitha, you are the Home Minister…please take on the responsibilities of the Home Ministry. If I take up the Home portfolio, things will be different; remember that," Kalyan remarked, which is also seen as a hint that he has the authority to assume that role if necessary.
His comments came in response to recent law and order issues, particularly following the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl by a relative in Tirupati district.
Anitha belongs to the TDP, part of the ruling NDA alliance of BJP, TDP, and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh.
Criticising the police, the actor-politician claimed that law enforcement has neglected its duty to uphold law and order, asserting that criminals have no caste or religion.
"How many times should we tell police officials? Why should caste obstruct an arrest? Why are you bringing up caste when a three-year-old girl is raped and murdered? What are you saying? You studied IPS; did the Indian Penal Code instruct you to support criminals?" he questioned the police.
Targeting YSRCP leaders, Kalyan accused them of "defending" rape threats on social media as "freedom of speech".
Directly addressing the DGP, senior police officials, and district collectors, the Deputy CM emphasised that law and order is essential for development and urged them not to overlook this responsibility.
Advising police not to shield anyone based on caste or connections, Kalyan affirmed that he does not endorse such biases.
He also cautioned NDA alliance leaders from TDP, BJP, and Janasena to avoid playing "individual games."
While acknowledging that one or two leaders might cause issues, he assured that "no one could disrupt the NDA alliance among BJP, TDP, and Janasena."
Responding to Pawan Kalyan's comments, Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana said the Deputy CM said something based on what happened there (in Pithapuram) and the Home Minister would also take action against it.
"Whether it is CM or Deputy CM, they can comment if some department does not function properly and automatically they are alerted. There may be some legal hurdles for police to undertake certain acts. There may be delays due to that," he said.
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Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 4: After being endowed with multi connectivity facilities like three national highways, port and airport, Mangaluru city is now looking at a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility as the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), officials said on Monday.
This ambitious initiative aims to transform public transportation in the state, utilising National Waterways to connect areas along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers, they said.
Set to become India's second-largest water transport system after Kochi, the project promises an eco-friendly, economical and efficient mode of travel, the officials said.
According to officials, the MWMP will connect isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, enhancing accessibility and promoting the holistic development of these regions. The initiative is expected to boost local livelihoods and improve the standard of living through integrated transport networks.
According to the project report available with PTI, the MWMP will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stretch covering 30 kilometres along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters.
The priority route, beginning at Bajal on the Nethravathi and extending to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, will feature around 17 modern Metro stations.
Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal and the New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed, equipped with essential amenities to ensure a high standard of comfort and operational efficiency.
A comprehensive Feasibility Report (FR) will assess the project's viability, presenting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies and environmental considerations.
"The report will objectively evaluate the project's merits and challenges, providing crucial information for decision-makers, stakeholders and investors," they said.
Officials in the port and fisheries subdivision told PTI that key areas of analysis has been based on assessing the potential to decongest old port areas, exploring the feasibility of cargo movement using Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) water metros, examining water level variations influenced by tidal flows, integration with feeder services to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, demand forecasts over a 25-year period, based on extensive socio-economic research of usage and utility of the MWMP.
The project's Terms of Reference (ToR) emphasise sustainable development, involving thorough site identification, user demand assessments and environmental impact studies. Comprehensive surveys such as LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies and topographical analysis will ensure accurate planning and implementation, the officials told.
Furthermore, technical collaborations with national institutes of repute will support studies on wave tranquillity, vessel height clearance and infrastructure recommendations for jetties and repair facilities, they said.
A detailed environmental monitoring programme will assess air and water quality, noise levels and aquatic biodiversity in line with Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) guidelines, the officials added.
The officials of the Maritime Board said the MWMP promises significant economic and environmental benefits, from easing traffic congestion to reducing air pollution. The project will also explore non-fare revenue streams and develop models to ensure financial sustainability.
A socio-economic impact assessment will measure the project's contribution to regional development, backed by projected revenue from passenger fares and ancillary services, a senior official said.
The Board also aims at championing cleaner and greener transportation and to set a precedent for sustainable urban mobility, positioning Mangaluru as a progressive city that leverages its waterways, he added.
