Haj committee sends SMS to pilgrims asking for additional fees
Bengaluru, July 4: A SMS sent by Haj committee to the pilgrims from the state, asking for additional fees has created confusion among the pilgrims.
As per the notification by Haj committee of India, Haj pilgrims travelling from Mangaluru airport were asked to pay Rs. 2,63,450 to the green category for up and down journey. The first installment of the fees Rs. 81,000 was paid on January. The second installment amount Rs. 1,82,450 was scheduled to pay in May. But now the committee has sent a mobile SMS asking pilgrims to pay additional Rs.16,258 within 10th of July.
As per earlier notifications, pilgrims travelling from Bengaluru airport had to pay Rs. 2,61,250 for green category, Rs. 2,27,100 for Aziziya category. Pilgrims travelling from Mangaluru airport had to pay Rs. 2,63,450 for green category and 2,29,250 for Azizia category.
Pilgrims travelling from Hyderabad airport had to pay Rs. 2,47,750 for green category and Rs. 2,13,600 for Azizia category. Pilgrims travelling from Goa airport had to pay Rs. 2,63,100 for green category and Rs. 2,28,950 for Azizia category.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati State secretary of State Goodwill Forum Akbar Ali said, haj committee asking to pay additional Rs. 16,258, when the pilgrims are preparing to leave to haj through Mangaluru airport from July 21 to July 23, has stunned the pilgrims.
Haj committee of India clarification:
We have received complaints regarding haj committee of India's SMS asking haj pilgrims to pay additional fees. We have asked for clarification from the committee. We will get the explanation by tomorrow and will take action accordingly.
Sarfaraz Khan, Chief Executive officer, state haj committee.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"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.
