Siddaramaiah declares retirement from election politics
Bagalkote, October 17: “In my political career, I have contested 13 elections and won in five. I have completed full five years as the chief minister. In future, I will not contest in any elections”, said former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking at a programme organized to felicitate newly elected town municipal council members at Guledgudda in Badami taluk on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said that “I was elected as the MLA from Badami constituency. So, I am from North Karnataka. Already, I have spent six months and remaining four and half years would be spent here only. It is my duty to develop the constituency. I will not contest any elections in future. Now, I am 71 year old. I would not do politics in development issue. There is no need to contest elections to do development works”, he said giving clear message that he would continue in active politics.
On Tipu Jayanti, Siddaramaiah said that whoever may be the opponent, it was the duty of one to fight. Earlier, winning in wars was the Rajadharma. But in this democratic system, ensuring justice to everyone was the Rajadharma. Many people have not studied the history properly. So, they have been creating unnecessary confusions, he criticized BJP leaders indirectly.
Speaking to reporters before, Siddaramaiah retaliated in his own version to MP Shobha Karandlaje’s statement that he was a toothless snake. “MP Shobha Karandlaje does not have common sense. I am not a snake. I am a human being. I don’t know whether Shobha belongs to that category or not. Whether the snakes have tooth or not, we have to give milk. What is the relationship between milk and snake? Should we need tooth to drink milk? While speaking, Shobha should understand her position and behave. She should stop speaking lightly in future”, he said.
“BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa speaking lie is not a new thing. He does not know how to speak truth. He speaks lie. Unfortunately media people believe him. He does not have any bomb. Even if he has, it is fake bomb”, Siddaramaiah ridiculed.
On joint campaigning with HD Deve Gowda for by-elections to three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies, Siddaramaiah said that all details would be given in a joint press conference on October 20.
When asked about the entry of women into Sabarimala temple, Siddaramaiah said that people should respect the Supreme Court verdict.
Former ministers SR Patil, RB Thimmapur and HY Meti, former MLA BB Chimmanakatti and others were present.
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One-third of Karnataka’s coastal areas at risk of erosion: Report
Bengaluru: A recent study commissioned by the Karnataka government has revealed that 28% of the state's 328.55-km coastline is experiencing high levels of erosion. The report, submitted by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management to the Environment Department, shows that the length of eroding stretches has more than doubled, from 43.7 km in 1990 to 91.6 km in 2024.
Titled Shoreline Management Plan Along Karnataka Coast, the report highlights the impact of increased sediment barriers and upstream activities on coastal erosion. It also calls for the adoption of nature-based solutions to counter the effects of climate change and human activities.
District-wise findings
The coastline of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada spans 328.55 km, with varying levels of erosion across the districts:
Uttara Kannada: Although 28% of its 193-km coastline is eroded, the district accounts for 39% of the state’s total erosion due to increased coastal development.
Udupi: Despite 43% of the coastline being protected by seawalls, 38% remains affected by erosion, contributing to 32% of Karnataka's overall erosion.
Dakshina Kannada: The district’s 37-km coastline faces “critical” erosion, with 39% of its stretches severely impacted, including areas such as Uchil and Batapady.
The report warns that coastal erosion threatens habitations, estuarine environments, mangroves, mudflats, and fish landing areas.
Recommendations
Identifying 44 critical erosion zones, the report suggests:
1. Beach nourishment through sand replenishment.
2. Rehabilitation of sand dunes and bioshields.
3. Mangrove afforestation to stabilise coastlines and support fisheries.
The findings will inform the Karnataka-Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (K-SHORE) project, which prioritises nature-based solutions over hard approaches like seawalls. R Gokul, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that the Rs 840-crore project will focus on mangrove planting, beach nourishment, and tackling plastic pollution. These measures aim to protect the coastline and boost the blue economy.
The report will also guide the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority in reviewing coastal development proposals.
