TN govt cancels Adani-linked smart meter tender over high costs
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has canceled a global tender for procuring smart meters, previously awarded to Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), citing the high cost quoted by the company.
Issued in August 2023 under the central government's revamped distribution sector scheme, the tender was divided into four packages. AESL, a BSE-listed company, emerged as the lowest bidder for Package 1, which involved installing over 82 lakh smart meters across eight districts, including Chennai.
On December 27, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government announced the cancellation of the tender for all four packages. While the cost factor was highlighted as the primary reason for rejecting AESL's bid, details regarding the cancellation of the other packages were not disclosed.
The decision comes amid ongoing allegations against Gautam Adani, the promoter of the Adani Group, accused of paying over USD 250 million (approximately Rs 2,100 crore) in bribes for favorable solar power contracts. Adani Group has denied the allegations, even as US prosecutors proceed with indictments in the case.
TANGEDCO is expected to reissue a tender for the smart meter project in the near future.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
