Karnataka says sandbar removal in Uttara Kannada rivers will begin after environmental clearance
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the removal of sandbars from four major rivers in Uttara Kannada district will proceed only after mandatory environmental approvals are granted.
In an affidavit submitted before the NGT’s Chennai Bench, the Department of Mines and Geology said it has already applied to the Karnataka State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for permission to clear sandbars in the Sharavathi, Gangavali, Kali and Aghanashini rivers. The tribunal had earlier issued a notice seeking the State’s response following complaints of illegal sand mining in the region, as reported Deccan Herald.
According to the department, eight proposals have been submitted for sandbar removal in the Sharavathi river, seven in the Kali, four in the Aghanashini and one in the Gangavali. It stated that no work would begin until SEIAA grants the requisite clearances.
Officials had earlier told the tribunal that excessive sand accumulation could obstruct river flow, increase erosion of riverbanks and raise the risk of flooding. They also said clearing the sandbars and using the material locally while following environmental safeguards.
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Bengaluru to Ernakulam; Vande Bharat carries over 55,000 passengers in first month
Bengaluru: The Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru to Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, launched on November 11 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received a huge response in its first month, carrying more than 55,000 passengers and recording over 100% bookings in both directions.
According to a report published by The New India Express, the train is the first inter-state semi high-speed premium train connecting the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. According to South Western Railway (SWR) data, the Bengaluru to Ernakulam leg carried 11,447 passengers in November with an average booking of 127%. In December, the number increased to 16,129 passengers, with 117% average booking.
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The Ernakulam to Bengaluru service reportedly carried 12,786 passengers in November, with an average booking of 141%. In December, the number rose to 14,742, with 106% average booking, the data showed.
The Railways calculates occupancy by including the total number of bookings. As per the report, if a train has 100 seats and 27 people are on the waiting list, occupancy is counted as 127%.
Railway officials reportedly said, they expect ticket demand to rise further in December due to Christmas and New Year holidays, along with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The train is a popular choice among daily commuters, business travellers, students and tourists.
