BBMP to deploy disaster management team amid rain mayhem in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Tushar Giri Nath on Monday announced that the civic body will be deploying ‘disaster management teams’ at subdivision level of the respective zones for looking after disastrous pre-monsoon rains that have showered in the city.
Addressing reporters in the city he stated that, "it has been directed that disaster management teams should be deployed in the subdivisions of the respective zones, which will also include officers from the Corporation, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), Karnataka Fire and Rescue services and other departments in order to prevent rainwater infiltration into low-lying areas, opening of manholes, uprooting of trees and electric poles and causing of other disasters due to rain."
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“It has been raining in different places in the city for the past 1 week and it is raining in one way or another. In some places it rains normally, in others moderate and certain it rains heavily. Due to the continuous rainfall over the past four or five days, water stagnated in approximately 150 locations. However, the stagnant water was swiftly drained within two hours, averting any major problem,” he said.
Regarding the impact of the rains on trees, Tushar mentioned that 325 trees had fallen, out of which 320 had been cleared. Additionally, 698 branches had fallen, with 650 already cleared. Efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining tree debris and branches.
He also informed that 39 teams are actively working to clear the uprooted trees and branches caused by the rains.
“Concerned authorities have been directed to take necessary action for the disposal of the fallen debris left on the roadside,” he added.
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TN govt reaffirms 21-yr age limit for liquor sales
Chennai (PTI): Seeking to curb rising alcohol consumption among minors in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal age requirement of 21 for all liquor purchases and consumption.
The government has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state and warned of strict action against those who violate the new directives.
The state-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the agency which holds a monopoly on sales of liquor, will be shutting 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stations.
A senior TASMAC official on Thursday said that the staff at liquor shops have been instructed to check identity proof, including Aadhaar card, for all customers whose age is in question.
The official also said that the state government is considering a reduction in operational hours.
Currently, the liquor shops across the state operate from 12 noon to 10 pm.
"They are weighing a proposal to move the closing time to 8 pm," he added.
At present, the TASMAC operates a total of 4,765 liquor shops across the state. After the closure of 717 shops, it would come down to 4,048 outlets.
In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales stood at Rs 48,344 crore, which is the second highest after the registration department.
