Fear of Kyasanur Forest Disease across Udupi district
Entry into water falls, trekking spots restricted
Udupi, Jan 27: Following the fear of Kyasanur Forest Disease, the Forest Department (Wildlife) has restricted the entry into water falls, trekking places and other tourist spots in the forest area, temporarily.
As per the direction of the Deputy Commissioner, the entry into all water falls and trekking spots in the Western Ghats region in Karkala and Kundapura taluks were restricted. Caution notice and awareness placards were put up in all places restricting the entry. The entry into six tourist spots were restricted in Hebri Wildlife division. The entry of tourists to Kudlu waterfalls in Someshwara wildlife division, Jomlu Thirtha near Hebri Santhekatte, Narasimha hill, Onake Abbi falls near Agumbe, trekking spot near Madamakki, Barkana, Jogigundi falls and other places were restricted temporarily.
Placards restricting the entry into Kudlu waterfalls where butterfly lovers, photographers, were put up in front of the gate in view of the Kyasanur Forest Disease by the Hebri Someshwara wildlife division and Nadpalu Megadde Kodlu development committee.
In the same way, waterfalls in Kollur, Amasebailu and Siddapura wildlife division, Kodachadri hill and other trekking spots were also restricted and tourists were asked not to visit these places. It was mentioned in the placards that the Kyasanur Forest Disease spreading by virus was deadly and it would spread through ticks from monkeys. Since the ticks develop during December to May, people should avoid visiting forest except emergency situation. Since the disease does not have proper vaccination, people should restraint themselves from going to forest areas. The depart also restricted to feed monkeys, stated in a statement.
"The entry of tourists into the tourist spots in the Western Ghats was restricted keeping in view of Kyasanur Forest Disease and forest fire. Warning messages were put up in important trekking spots in Kudremukh national park and Kodachadri hill".
- Rudran, DFO, Kudremukh wildlife division, Karkala
Feeding monkeys restricted
"Not only the entry of tourist spots, but feeding monkeys on the way to trekking spots was also restricted. Agumbe sun-set point entry was not restricted as the place is on the road. But the tourists should keep themselves away from monkeys. The monkeys at the sun set point should not be fed. Placards were also put up on Agumbe ghat section road".
- Vanilla Hegde, Hebri wildlife division officer
Three more caracases of monkeys found
On Saturday, caracases of three more monkeys were found in the district. With them, the number of monkeys died in the district from Jan 8 was increased to 78. The caracases were found in Kokkarne and Mandarthi in Udupi taluk and Hallihole Eleberu in Kundapura taluk. But they were burnt with conducting postmortem, said Kyasanur Forest Disease nodal officer Dr Prashant Bhat.
On Friday, the blood samples of two patients sent to Manipal lab were tested positive. Today, another patient from Belve Albadi admitted to Manipal hospital and his blood sample was also sent to laboratory, he said.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
