New floating bridge ready at Malpe beach in Udupi
Mangaluru, Dec 18: A new floating bridge has been installed at the Malpe beach in Udupi district to enthral tourists during the current season.
The tourism department authorities had dismantled the first floating bridge in the state at Malpe in May last, just days after its inauguration citing security reasons. Several videos that went viral on social media showed that the bridge was damaged.
The new floating bridge, which is 150 feet long, has been erected with new safety features. Three entrepreneurs have got the floating bridge built at a cost of Rs 80 lakh.
The bridge will be opened soon for the public after getting a stability report from a team of experts from Kerala who will be coming to inspect the bridge. The condition of the sea is being constantly monitored, sources said.
According to tourism department sources, more than 4,000 people visit the beach every day and the number peaks to around 10,000 during weekends and vacations.
The district administration has also enhanced safety measures at the facilities on the beach to protect tourists from dangerous situations, the sources added.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
