Kʼtaka: MLAs of coastal districts seek Rs 1,000-crore special package for infrastructure development
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Bengaluru: The BJP and Congress members have called on the state government to allocate Rs 1,000 crore for infrastructure development under the Karnataka Coastal Development Authority. The proposed funds would reportedly focus on rebuilding rain-affected roads, improving infrastructure, and promoting temple, beach, and eco-tourism across the three districts in a unified approach.
Additionally, the MLAs urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to declare Tulu as the official language of Karnataka by adopting a report submitted by a committee headed by Mohan Alva, founder of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri, in the State Cabinet, as reported by The Hindu.
The debate, started by V. Sunil Kumar, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by the coastal region, emphasising the need for annual funding from the state budget, akin to the allocations made for the Kalyana-Karnataka region. He criticised the government for neglecting the coastal region’s needs.
Kumar pointed out that no allocation has been proposed in the Budget for the Paschima Vahini project for construction of vetted dams and store water flowing in west-flowing rivers of coastal districts. He added that the project was formed following concerns that the Yettinahole project would diminish water supply to coastal areas. Furthermore, he urged the government to prioritise the merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways and allocate funds for the development of railway stations in the coastal region.
He also voiced concerns over restrictions imposed by wildlife sanctuaries in the region, such as Kudremukh, Mookambika, and Someshwara, which have hindered locals from building homes or earning livelihoods. “The government should take delegation to the Centre to relax norms in areas around these sanctuaries,” he was quoted as saying by the publication.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ashok Rai demanded increased quotas for locals in public sector units like MRPL, NMPT, and Mangaluru International Airport, the report added.
Harish Poonja pressed for the establishment of a high court bench in Mangaluru and the development of beach tourism to combat unemployment. Other key issues raised included the drug menace near educational institutions, plantation efforts on bagar-hukum lands, expanded rural transport through KSRTC, and the provision of funds for tackling diseases affecting arecanut plants.
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Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
