Contractors in Karnataka seek high-level inquiry into charges of corruption
Bengaluru, Dec 13 (PTI): The Karnataka State Contractors' Association on Monday demanded a high-level inquiry into all irregularities including in government projects after having sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this effect.
Also, the association sought an overhaul of the tender allotment process and stressed the need for a transparent system in place for tenders and bill payments.
In their letter to the Prime Minister in July, the association claimed harassment by Ministers, elected representatives and others accusing them of demanding up to 30 per cent of the tender amount for approving a contract and 5-6 per cent towards release of 'Letter of Credit' against pending bills.
Welcoming the inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai into the tender process and bill payment, the association in a press release questioned the government on its silence over corruption charges and sought the high-level probe into them.
Depending on the government's response, the association said it would also try to meet President Ramnath Kovind and the Prime Minister in person to bring to their notice the issues faced by contractors.
In the release, the association made it clear that it is not accusing only the present government of corruption, but also the increasing irregularities year on year from government to government.
Letters have also been written to the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, former JD(S) chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and all the MLAs seeking cooperation in removing corruption, the association said adding that it has even planned for a protest in Bengaluru in January in this regard.
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Limited night traffic allowed through Bandipur forest, says Minister Eshwara Khandre
Bengaluru: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that restricted vehicular movement, including two buses and one ambulance, will be permitted inside the Bandipur forest area during nighttime hours. This decision marks a slight relaxation of the strict night travel ban that has been in place to protect the sensitive wildlife habitat.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, Khandre explained that the original ban was enforced to minimize human interference in the forest, a critical tiger reserve known for its biodiversity. However, exceptions were made following persistent requests from various political leaders and public representatives advocating for essential transport services.
In addition to addressing transport policy, Khandre highlighted the release of a new wildlife documentary titled "Cauvery: River of Life". Created by conservationists Saravan Kumar and Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, the film explores the ecological importance of the Cauvery River and the struggles faced by wildlife that depend on its waters, particularly during the harsh summer months.
The documentary vividly portrays the transformations along the river over time, capturing the richness of wildlife in the Cauvery and Male Mahadeshwara Hills sanctuaries. Featured species include elephants, deer, wild dogs, frogs, and various birds, revealing their adaptive lifestyles in forests increasingly affected by climate change and human encroachment. Khandre noted that the film raises critical awareness about conservation challenges, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies to balance development and environmental protection.
