Uphold justice without compromise: CM Siddaramaiah tells newly inducted police SIs
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday called upon newly inducted police sub-inspectors to uphold justice without compromise and work towards building a drug-free and equitable society.
He said this while addressing the passing-out parade of the 46th batch of Civil Police Sub-Inspector trainees at the parade ground in Mysuru.
The chief minister set targets on maintaining law and order, tackling emerging crimes, and protecting vulnerable sections with integrity and courage.
Siddaramaiah underlined the responsibility that comes with the uniform and adding that discipline, restraint, courage, integrity and humanity must define policing.
Stressing the primacy of justice, he said, "Under no circumstances should the police compromise with anyone in the discharge of justice," and reminded the cadets that they are seen as representatives of the government and must act with accountability and fairness.
Highlighting key priorities, the chief minister urged officers to work towards eliminating narcotics, which he said was the government's goal of building a drug-free society.
He cautioned that drug abuse was severely impacting youth and students and emphasised humane policing.
The police officers must also uphold humanity and remain compassionate towards innocent citizens but firm and uncompromising against criminals, alongside tackling emerging threats like cybercrime.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's vision on safety and freedom, he said the independence of a country is meaningful only when women can move freely and fearlessly, even at midnight.
Reiterating the government's support, Siddaramaiah said 327 sub-inspectors were joining service and noted that thousands of vacancies had been filled in recent years, with more recruitment planned.
He also announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for Karnataka Police Academy officers and staff, commending the impressive parade and urging officers to serve with honesty, courage and dedication.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, Ministers H C Mahadevappa and K Venkatesh, and Director General of Police Alok Mohan were present on the occasion.
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Karnataka records 274 springs in first statewide census, majority located in Western Ghats
Hubballi: In its first-ever comprehensive census conducted during 2023-24, Karnataka has identified 274 natural springs across the State with 144 classified as perennial, 114 as seasonal and 16 reported to have dried up.
The enumeration was carried out by the Karnataka Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department in association with the Groundwater Directorate as part of a Union government initiative, according to a Deccan Herald report. Officials were quoted as saying that the nine-month exercise involved field visits to nearly all identified springs. These springs were digitally mapped using a dedicated mobile application.
Belagavi district recorded the highest number of springs at 59, followed by Uttara Kannada with 31, while Chamarajanagar and Kodagu reported 23 each. Dharwad, Ramanagar, Bengaluru Rural, Davangere and Kolar districts have one spring each.
Bendru Teertha in Dakshina Kannada is the only hot spring documented in the State, which is attributed to a distinct hydrological formation. Springs in Talacauvery in Kodagu, Javali in Chikkamagaluru and Ambutheertha in Shivamogga, are the source points of major rivers such as the Cauvery, Hemavathi and Sharavathi.
According to the directorate, springs are natural discharge points where groundwater flows to the surface through openings in the earth’s crust, which occur when the water table intersects with the ground surface or when groundwater is forced out through fractures, faults or permeable rock layers.
The Western Ghats and Malnad regions, covering districts like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi and Shivamogga, account for a significant share of the springs due to high rainfall and favourable geological conditions.
K B Rajendra, Director of the Groundwater Directorate, was quoted by Deccan Herald as saying that nearly 80 per cent of the springs are located in rural areas. He noted that apart from those associated with religious or historical sites, most springs remain open and lack protective measures.
Noting their vital contributions to drinking water supplies and agricultural irrigation, especially in areas with hills and mountains, Rajendra said that these springs help maintain the flow of rivers and streams when the weather is dry, thereby supporting ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.
He added that the census findings would serve as a database for conservation, rejuvenation efforts, groundwater management and long-term water resource planning in the State.
