CM Siddaramaiah directs cops in DK to take measures to combat drugs menace in district
Question cops referring to 'Vartha Bharati' report
Mangaluru: In a bid to combat the increasing drug menace in Mangalore, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued directives to the police to take strict legal action against drug peddlers under the Goonda Act. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the rising drug-related issues, particularly among the youth, during the district progress review meeting at the Netravati Hall of the Zilla Panchayat. He questioned the efficacy of the ongoing drug-free Mangalore campaign, referencing a report by the 'Vartabharati' newspaper.
During the meeting, Police Commissioner Kuldeep Jain briefed the Chief Minister on the current status of the anti-drug campaign in the city. Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of stringent measures to address the drug crisis and protect the youth from its adverse impact.
Seeking Solutions for Groundnut Yellow Leaf Disease
In another development, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his intention to convene a meeting with agricultural scientists and experts to find a solution to the groundnut yellow leaf disease issue.
Additional Buses Under Shakti Yojana
Responding to concerns about the impact of the Shakti Yojana on private buses, auto-rickshaws, and other public transport vehicles in the district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that 4000 additional buses will be procured soon to meet the demand. He acknowledged the positive response from the public and students, emphasizing that this measure will benefit the district and ensure every beneficiary receives the benefits of the government's five guarantee schemes.
Education and Health Index Decline in Dakshina Kannada Raises Concern
Expressing his dismay over the decline in the education and health index of Dakshina Kannada district for the past few years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought explanations from the District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) and health officials. The district, which was ranked third in education in 2015, hasd fallen to 35th in 2022 and further to 17th in 2023. Similarly, the health index has dropped, with the district falling from third place in 2015 to 23rd in the latest rankings.
The Chief Minister raised questions about this decline, especially considering that neighboring districts Udupi and Mangalore have consistently ranked first and second. Siddaramaiah directed the DDPI and health officials to investigate the reasons behind the backwardness of Dakshina Kannada district and take necessary steps to address the issue promptly.
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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.
