Tourists barred from Karnataka dams amid Operation Sindoor fallout
Bengaluru, May 10 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said tourists will be barred from visiting dams and reservoirs in the state due to heightened security concerns following Operation Sindoor.
He clarified that only technical experts and engineers would be permitted entry.
“We have issued clear directions to all dam authorities, as well as to the police and security staff, not to allow tourists near the reservoirs—only our technical experts and engineers are allowed,” Shivakumar told reporters here.
He appealed to dam staff and the public to cooperate, stressing the need for heightened caution in light of the current situation.
As the Minister in charge of Bengaluru, Shivakumar added that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure the safety and security of Karnataka's capital.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) said security had been beefed up at power stations and reservoirs.
“In a proactive response to Operation Sindoor and heightened border tensions with Pakistan, the Karnataka government has stepped up security at reservoirs and power stations under KPCL's jurisdiction,” the corporation said in a statement.
KPCL has issued an official directive stressing the critical need to secure sensitive installations, mandating comprehensive security measures with additional personnel deployed in coordination with the state police.
The directive warned that any lapses in security would result in accountability for the responsible officials.
KPCL operates power generation units using hydro, thermal, wind, solar, gas, and waste-to-energy sources, with several reservoirs supporting hydroelectric production.
“All power plants and reservoirs should be provided with robust and adequate security,” the directive stated.
In response, officials overseeing major reservoirs and power stations have discussed with police departments to assess and enhance existing security arrangements. They have also requested the police to cooperate in strengthening these measures.
KPCL further said it has issued an order restricting public access to its reservoirs and powerhouses, including educational visits by engineering students and dignitary tours.
“While such visits are typically for academic or official purposes, this decision aligns with central government directives to tighten security at sensitive locations. The restriction, aimed at ensuring public safety, also enhances surveillance at these critical infrastructure sites,” KPCL said.
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.
Centre spent Rs 76.13 lakh on print media ads for RSS centenary, reveals RTI
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Culture allegedly spent Rs 76.13 lakh on print advertisements marking the 100-year celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), according to a Right to Information (RTI) reply.
The information was sought by RTI activist Ajay Basudev Bose, who filed an application seeking details on expenditure incurred by the ministry for advertisements commemorating the RSS centenary.
Bose shared a picture of the reply from the ministry on his official ‘X’ handle.
“It is informed that an amount of Rs 76,13,129 has been spent on advertisement given in various print media by the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of the completion of 100 years of RSS,” the government’s reply stated.
RTI reply shows Min of Culture Govt of India spent a Whopping Rs 76L,13K,129 on Advertisement in Print Media on occasion of 100 yrs of #RSS
— AJAY Basudev Bose (@AjayBos93388306) April 16, 2026
When Everyone knows RSS is Not Registered & Does not Pay any Tax is it justified to spend Tax Payers Money on such Private event??@RSSorg… pic.twitter.com/dW4IUtdNCg
Bose questioned the expenditure in the post X, “when Everyone knows RSS is Not Registered & Does not Pay any Tax is it justified to spend Tax Payers Money on such Private event??”
Reacting to the development, Karnataka’s IT-BT and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge also criticised the spending.
In a post on X, he asked why public money was being used for what he described as a “private ideological project.”
"Modi Sarkar spent Rs 76,13,129 of public money on newspaper advertisements to celebrate 100 years of the RSS. Why is Government spending taxpayers money on an unregistered, non-tax-paying organisation to celebrate their centenary?," he added.
Why is public money being used to serve a private ideological project?
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) April 16, 2026
Modi Sarkar spent ₹76,13,129 of public money on newspaper advertisements to celebrate 100 years of the RSS.
Why is Government spending taxpayers money on an unregistered, non-tax-paying organisation to… pic.twitter.com/EoZ6Pim3IM
According to reports, the RSS describes itself as a volunteer-based organisation and has stated that it functions as a body of individuals rather than a registered entity.
Founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925, the organisation is marking its centenary year beginning from Vijaydashami in 2025, with the milestone observed on October 2.
