BBMP warns NGOs over illegal fundraising for lakes: Report
Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a stern warning to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other private groups for allegedly engaging in fundraising activities for lake ‘development’ and related projects, asserting that there is a court stay in place against such collections.
The BBMP clarified that NGOs and associations reportedly raising funds for lake conservation and development are acting outside the law. A senior engineer, quoted by The New Indian Express, revealed that a well-known group in the Bengaluru South Parliament segment has been collecting funds by displaying a QR code for UPI payments aimed at lake development.
“The private association appointed guards who even prevented BBMP maintenance team and engineers during a visit. Since the lake is a municipal property, NGOs and private organisations which indulge in fund collection will be discouraged,” said a lake engineer.
These organisations, the engineer added, must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BBMP, agreeing not to engage in fundraising or any commercial activities related to the lakes.
A notice is reportedly issued a notice to one NGO, seeking clarification about its involvement in fund collection activities.
Development and Conservation Authority (KTDCA) has also weighed in on the matter and stated that it can also issue notices if it becomes aware of such fund collection activities.
“The KTDCA is very clear, until the matter gets resolved in terms of funds collection for waterbody development from the public from the court, collections are considered illegal. Our teams have been alerted and are cross-checking with NGOs and associations involved in lake management, if we find them involved in fund collection, we will cancel the permission given to them for lake development and other activities," TNIE quoted a senior KTDCA official as saying.
The KTDCA official also noted that the judge overseeing the case concerning the mobilisation of funds by a private organisation has been elevated to the Supreme Court, and as a result, the judgement remained as it is. A fresh hearing will be scheduled to address the issue.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
