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Time of India
13 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Volunteers hold a 4-hour placard vigil every day on Padil–BC Road to curb waste dumping
Mangaluru: In a unique citizen-driven initiative, volunteers have united under the campaign 'Swachategagi Nammondige Neevu, Nimmondige Naavu' to combat the growing issue of waste dumping along the national highway from Padil to BC Road. Launched on World Environment Day, the campaign is a collaborative effort by the Dakshina Kannada district administration, zilla panchayat, Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), and the gram panchayats of Adyar, Pudu, Thumbe, and Kallige, along with Hasiru Dala, a social impact organisation. Last year, for more than three months, from 5.30am to 9.30am, Nagaraj Raghav Anchan, project manager at Hasiru Dala, stood holding placards at Adyar, urging citizens to stop dumping waste by the roadside, reminding them that it could eventually pollute the Nethravati River. He took up a similar exercise in 2021 when he stood for over three hours daily near the Kallapu stretch of the Nethravati bridge with a similar appeal. He told TOI, "Despite such efforts, illegal dumping between Padil and BC Road worsened, with 20 to 30 black spots identified. Concerned over the growing menace, Anchan approached zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Raikod. Jayalakshmi is taking the lead in this campaign and has launched 'Waste Dumping Control Squad'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo These squads, comprising gram panchayat members and Hasiru Dala volunteers, are now stationed at black spots every morning, holding placards and discouraging irresponsible waste disposal. So far, about 20 teams have been formed with support from local panchayats, in addition to a Hasiru Dala team. Plans are also in place to involve schools, youth clubs, and community organisations, encouraging them to dedicate at least one day to the cause. The campaign will continue for the next three months." Anchan said volunteers are also documenting reasons cited by offenders for dumping waste. "Eventually, if violations persist, the panchayat will begin imposing fines. We are hopeful of reducing roadside dumping by at least 90%," he added. The team is also considering deploying volunteers from 8pm to 11pm, a period identified as peak time for illegal dumping. MP takes note The campaign drew attention from Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who spotted Nagaraj with a placard at Arkula on Friday evening. In a post on X, the MP wrote, "In a world where everyone talks of problems, there are few who take it upon themselves to be part of the solution. Glad to have met Nagraj, who was standing by the roadside at Arkula, holding a placard urging people not to throw garbage by the roadside. More power to such thoughtful citizens who are ensuring Swachh Bharat, as envisioned by our Prime Minister is a reality by relentlessly pursuing it. "The MP said that NH development works are expected to be taken up on this stretch soon and assured him of his support in getting the area cleaned.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt adopted school lands in controversy, SDMC takes over
Mangaluru: The upgraded Govt Higher Primary and High School 's adoption by a local club, which occurred 10 years ago, proved beneficial in averting its closure and boosting student enrolment from 28 to 1,040, while providing additional facilities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, the situation has now become contentious and the responsibility of the school has been handed back to the SDMC. The dispute stems from claims that the club demanded payments from parents for various services, breaching contractual terms. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the utilisation of school premises for right-wing activities with support of local leadership. The school was adopted in 2015 by Sri Durga Friends Club in Bantwal led by Prakash Anchan and others, and contract is renewed after five years. So far they have completed two terms. "The contract ended about five months ago, and when it was sent for renewal, the issue was raised regarding the collection of fee from students by the trust running it. As per the contract it is illegal to collect any fee from the children attending a govt school. The department also received receipt books as a proof for monetary transaction at the school. As there are allegations, the renewal has been withheld till issue is resolved," an official from the department of education informed. Prakash Anchan stated that fee was collected to bear the cost of eight schools, taken against a loan amounting to Rs 1 crore, to pay salaries of the guest teachers and other support staff. "We have done nothing illegal and everything for the welfare of the govt school. Not only that, over a decade, through the trust, Rs 4 crore was brought in to construct a new classroom and other infrastructure. Now, due to one person who is in the teaching position, we (club) are suffering. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We have not conducted any right-wing activities. There are lot of loans taken and we are now bound to repay it," said Anchan, adding that the local MLA of Bantwal constituency, U Rajesh Naik, has already informed about giving permission to extend the adoption contract. With the handing back of power to the SDMC, the club is not allowed to interfere in any administrative or other matters concerning the school. Govinda Madivala, DDPI, Dakshina Kannada, said that due to the allegation levelled against the club which is under investigation, the responsibility to run the school is handed back to the SDMC. It is left to the govt to further extend the adoption contract. MLA Naik was not available for comment.
