CODP enters Golden Jubile year with grants distribution event in Mangaluru
NRI philanthropist Michael D'Souza donates over Rs 1 crore for construction of houses for poor
Mangaluru: The Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) entered its Golden Jubilee year with a grant distribution program for beneficiaries under the house construction and repair program for weaker sections of society.
At the event, 180 beneficiaries were present, and grants were distributed to 100 beneficiaries who have already commenced house construction and repair.
Speaking during the program, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Archbishop of Mangalore Diocese, emphasized the equality among individuals, stating, "Donors are not big and receivers are not small. We are all equal because we are God's children." He praised the contributions of Michael D'Souza, a non-resident businessman, who has consistently supported society by donating scholarships for underprivileged children's higher education, building houses, and helping the poor. The Archbishop considered Michael D'Souza as a motivational figure for society.
As the chief guest, senior priest Valerian D'Souza lauded his long association with Michael D'Souza, spanning 45 years. He expressed his belief in the importance of sharing one's blessings with those in need. Valerian D'Souza remarked, "If there were ten people like Michael in our society, we would not have this level of poverty today."
Notably, the non-resident businessman and donor, Michael D'Souza, contributed INR 1 crore 18 lakh for the construction and maintenance of houses for the underprivileged in Dharmakshetra this year. CODP Director, Vincent D'Souza, mentioned that this support will continue in the upcoming years as well.
The program also witnessed the presence of Michael D'Souza's sister, Sylvia, along with Vincent D'Silva, program coordinator Pinto, Oswald Rodriguez, Henry D'Souza, Saint Vincent Paul's Parish President Joe Cuvelho, Austin Perris, Anil Ivan Fernandes, and other dignitaries.
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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.
