CAMPCO chairman writes to PM Modi urging ISRO laboratory in Udupi
Mangaluru: In the wake of India's accomplishment with Chandrayaan-3, the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) has made an appeal to the Union Government to establish an ISRO laboratory unit in Udupi, as a tribute to the esteemed space research scientist, Prof. UR Rao. Prof. Rao played a pivotal role in shaping ISRO during its formative years.
CAMPCO Chairman A Kishore Kumar Koddi has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein he expressed the pride of the company in highlighting the significant contribution of Prof. Rao, a native of Udupi district, to ISRO's achievements. The chairman underscored that CAMPCO's request for an ISRO laboratory unit in Udupi is intended as a tribute to all the scientists from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts who played vital roles in the success of Chandrayaan-3.
In his letter, Kishore Kumar Koddi wrote, "To honor their achievements and to inspire more students and engineers from the region, CAMPCO requests the Central Government to consider establishing an ISRO laboratory unit in Udupi district. Such an initiative would not only boost regional scientific enthusiasm but also contribute significantly to the nation's further development."
Highlighting the presence of esteemed educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Kumar expressed his belief that a local-level ISRO laboratory unit would foster a culture of scientific inquiry and modern ideas in the region. He further appealed to the Prime Minister to consider allocating a portion of the proposed Rs 15,000 crore fund intended for ISRO's development to the establishment of the requested laboratory unit in Udupi district.
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 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.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"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.
