DPR is being prepared to revive HMT factory, says Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy
Mandya (PTI): Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, on Thursday announced that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared to revive the prestigious HMT factory.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are underway to rejuvenate both HMT and the Sir M Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) in Bhadravathi.
"Several rounds of discussions have already taken place in this regard," Kumaraswamy told reporters here.
"Dr V K Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, has submitted an important report on the revival of HMT. High-level meetings have been held in New Delhi with senior officials of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Managing Director of HMT, and Dr. Saraswat," he said.
Kumaraswamy further informed that a team led by the Additional Secretary of MHI & HMT Managing Director were also sent to Japan to explore possibilities of technical collaboration.
Noting that the people of Mandya have long aspired for industrial establishments in the district, the union minister, who is MP from district said, "I have sought cooperation from the state government and have also held discussions with several industrialists in Delhi regarding setting up industries in Mandya."
Kumaraswamy said that with the responsibility of two key portfolios, he is making every effort to boost industrial growth in Karnataka, and urged the Congress government in the state to build a strong working relationship with the Centre.
"The state government should build a strong working relationship with the Centre. Only then can the state fully benefit from central initiatives. Bringing politics into every matter is unnecessary," he added.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
