Loss due to floods and torrential so far is estimated to Rs 3,500-4,000 crores: Karnataka Minister
Bengaluru: According to preliminary estimates, loss due to torrential rains and floods in several parts of Karnataka so far is to the tune of Rs 3,500-4,000 crore and the state government will seek immediate relief from the Centre, Revenue Minister R Ashoka said on Monday.
In the absence of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is undergoing treatment for COVID, Ashoka along with Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai is attending the video conference chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the flood situation in several parts of the country.
"According to estimates by our officials the loss may be to the tune of Rs 3,500 to 4,000 crore so far, this is not final...crops have been damaged in about 80,000 acres so far, we have got all the information from the officials, we will place it before the Prime Minister," Ashoka said.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting with the Prime Minister, he said, this is only an estimate so far, there may be more floods and damages, we will seek an ad hoc amount so that it will be helpful in taking immediate measures and provide adequate relief.
"We will also seek relief for the total loss that has happened, based on how much the Centre gives we will see what needs to be done in the coming days a proper survey will be done and a report will be sent (to the Centre)," he said.
Several parts of Malnad, coastal and interior Karnataka has been ravaged by torrential rains causing floods and landslides, affecting lives and properties.
Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said information will be given to the Prime Minister regarding the flood situation in various districts. "We will make the Prime Minister aware of the situation and try to get more relief," he said.
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Vande Bharat passenger finds live worms in packaged curd; vendor fined, contract terminated
New Delhi (PTI): The Railways has terminated the contract of a vendor after a passenger found worms in a packaged curd served to him on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express and imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh on the company.
The Railway Ministry has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on its own company, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), for not handling the matter properly.
On March 15, a group of seven passengers on board the Vande Bharat train were served packaged curd of a known brand along with dinner. Upon opening one of the packets, they found live worms and insects inside. The passenger, Ritesh Singh, immediately flagged the issue on his X handle, tagging the IRCTC, the Railway Minister and others.
In its incident-cum-action taken report, IRCTC found that the curd packet was picked up from Patna, with a manufacturing date of March 9, 2026 and an expiry date of April 7, 2026.
The report stated that the officials apologised to the passengers and served them dry fruit mixtures and some sweet treats.
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"We tried to explain the situation to them in every possible manner and requested them to verify the matter at the spot. However, they refused to delete the tweet and expressed their intention that the video should go viral and trend,” the report said.
According to the report, the vendor, Krishna Enterprises, was fined Rs 25,000 and warned for negligence in food handling. The firm was also instructed to maintain a proper cold chain, be more vigilant and adhere to food safety protocols.
Dissatisfied with the IRCTC’s action, the Railway Ministry on Wednesday directed it to terminate the contract of Krishna Enterprises and enhance the fine from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50 lakh.
The ministry has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on IRCTC.
"Considering the gravity of the lapses, the competent authority has decided to impose a fine of Rs 10 lakh on IRCTC for such deficiency in services. Further, IRCTC is advised to ensure strict monitoring of onboard services so as to prevent any such incident in future," the Ministry said in its order.
"All concerned IRCTC supervisors must be directed to ensure that food quality, food safety and hygiene are their prime concerns," it added.
The ministry also posted the matter on its X handle, stating, "The complaint regarding food quality raised by a passenger in train number 21896 (Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express) on 15 March, 2026 has been taken seriously.”
“Action taken - IRCTC has been penalised Rs 10 lakh, the service provider has been penalised with Rs 50 lakh, and has been ordered to terminate the contract. Passenger safety and quality remain our top priority,” the post read.
