Latest news with #Anilkumar
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi city to be declared waste-free in Aug
Kochi: Kochi corporation decided to take steps to declare the city waste-free in Aug. Corporation council, held on Thursday, gave its nod for the same. Mayor M Anilkumar suggested an action plan to achieve this goal. "Declaration will be made in Aug, adhering to all state govt guidelines," he said. Each division will be allocated Rs 1 lakh for waste clearance. Health insurance cover will be provided for Haritha Karma Sena members and they will also be given uniforms, gloves, etc. QR codes, as part of Clean Kochi app, will be installed in all households and establishments to ensure proper removal of waste and payment of collection fees. Roads will be beautified with cooperation of various political parties and organizations, starting from Mangalavanam to Durbar Hall. "Councillors should go to each household in their divisions and ensure that QR code for waste collection is installed there. Checking should be conducted at shops and other institutions as well," he said. "A calendar-based waste collection system will be ensured to make the process efficient and accurate," mayor said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo "Commercial establishments operating without licence will be identified. More vehicles and facilities will be made available for waste removal and collection. Strict instructions will be given to all institutions to ensure green protocol while conducting events and daily operations. Vacant plots in the city will be taken over for cleaning as per Disaster Management Act. A Rs 5-crore project is being prepared to clean and beautify areas, including Fort Kochi Beach, with the support of state govt and tourism department," Anilkumar said. A monitoring committee led by secretary will be responsible and they will be accountable if the goal is not achieved within the specified time. Opposition has expressed support for the activities aimed at making city waste-free. "But before making the declaration, there should be measures to ensure that city is really waste-free," opposition leader Antony Kureethara said. "Waste remains piled up in many places and we should ensure its proper removal," he said.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
After Haryana, another family in Kerala found dead; suicide over debt suspected
A family of four, including the father, mother and their two children, were found hanging in their house in Kerala's Vakkam on Tuesday, police officials said. The deceased have been identified as 55-year-old Anilkumar, his 50-year-old wife Sheeja, and their two sons, both in their twenties, according news agency PTI. Also Read: Why did family of 7 die by suicide in Haryana's Panchkula? Chilling details emerge Police stated that, prima facie, the incident appeared to be a suicide, adding, 'It is suspected that Anilkumar was facing financial issues. An investigation is underway. No suicide note has been recovered from the house thus far." The incident came to light after neighbours entered the house, as none of the family members had been seen outside. The Kerala incident comes a day after, seven members of a family that hailed from Uttarakhand's Dehradun died by suicide inside a car in Haryana's Panchkula. The family was found dead at around 10 pm on Monday in the city's Sector 27 area, after they had attended a spiritual event by Bageshwar Dham's Baba Dhirendra Shastri. Also Read: What's written in 2-page note found after 7 members of family 'die by suicide' in Haryana's Panchkula The deceased included two minor girls, aged around 12-13; their brother, aged 14; their parents and grandparents, said police. The family was found dead in their car after a passerby found the concealed windshield odd and discovered the family unconscious. While six of them were declared dead on arrival, the family's head was found alive and was referred to another hospital. However, he passed away soon afterwards. The police recovered a two-page suicide note from the vehicle, written by the family's patriarch, stating that they were taking the extreme step because they had gone bankrupt due to debt. He also wrote that everything that had happened was his fault and urged people to not trouble his father-in-law. The man added that all last rites and rituals would be performed by his maternal uncle's son. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Protests in Goa over NIO hydrologists' report claiming Mahadayi river diversion will have limited impact on the coastal State
A protest has emerged in Goa following the publication of a scientific paper, 'The water budget of the Mahadayi river and its implications for the inter-State dispute', by scientists and researchers from the CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Hyderabad. Also Read | Farmers in Karnataka condemn Centre's decision to extend term of Mahadayi tribunal The legal dispute between Karnataka and Goa over the water sharing agreement from the Mahadayi river has lasted over two decades. Despite the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal's (MWDT) order five years ago, the matter remains an emotional subject in both the States. The paper, published in the Journal of Earth System Sciences by scientists and researchers: K. Anilkumar, D. Shankar and K. Suprit — has assessed the water budget of the Mahadayi river, an inter-State basin on India's west coast, by using rainfall mapping and rainfall run-off model to allow them to simulate the discharge at any point along the Mahadayi. The river, called Mahadayi in Karnataka and Mhadei in Goa, arises in the Western Ghats and flows into the eastern Arabian Sea. This river basin is spread over three States — Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The paper says Karnataka's plans for diversion of the river as approved by the MWDT would not have much impact on Goa. The diversion from the Kalasa tributary could have 'significant impact' but its impact is restricted to the northern part of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. Scientists recommend that by creating check dams and storage facilities inside the wildlife sanctuary, the ecological impact of the river diversion could be minimised. The length of the Mahadayi in Karnataka is 36 km and its length in Goa is 74 km. The Mahadayi basin covers an area of 2,032 sq km of which 380 sq km (18%) is in Karnataka, 72 sq km (4%) in Maharashtra, and 1,580 sq km (78%) in Goa. The tribunal has permitted the Karnataka government to utilise 1.72 tmcft of water from Kalasa nala and 2.18 tmcft from Bhandura Nala (two of the main tributaries of Mahadayi). Tillari dam example The researchers suggest a solution in the paper that Goa and Karnataka can reach an agreement on similar lines to the one Goa has with Maharashtra for the Tillari dam, in which the dam is built upstream on the Maharashtra side, since Goa does not have the space nor the geography to host a large dam without a huge environmental and people cost — and both States have a share of the water. For the Kalasa nala, there is a significant impact of the permitted diversion — 1.72 tmcft (48.7 Mcum) by the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal in the northern part of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, but the impact on the Mahadayi discharge on the Mandovi estuary is less than the natural variability. Similarly, the diversion of 2.18 tmcft (61.73 Mcum) from the Bhandura nala as permitted by the tribunal will only have a minor impact on the (river's) discharge at the Goa–Karnataka border, the paper said. The MWDT was set up in 2010 following the failure of the States to reach an agreement. The tribunal passed the order in August 2018 and in its award granted Karnataka a total of 13.42 tmcft (380 Mcum) of water of which 8.02 tmcft (227 Mcum) was for the proposed Mhadei Hydroelectric project, 1.5 tmcft (42 Mcum) for in basin use and irrigation and allowed the diversion of 1.72 tmcft (48 Mcum) of water from the Kalasa stream and 2.18 tmcft (61 Mcum) at the proposed Bandura dam. In all, the tribunal permitted Karnataka to divert 110 Mcum of water from the Mhadei basin to the east flowing into Malaprabha basin. Both the States have challenged the tribunal's verdict before the Supreme Court. 'Though the tribunal upheld Goa's contention that the projects would jeopardise navigation in the Mandovi estuary, available information is sufficient to show that these projects have no impact on navigation in the Mandovi estuary or the Cumbarjua Canal. Indeed, navigation in the Mandovi, which is made possible by the tides, is possible even during the lean season, when the natural flow of the Mhadei is negligible,' the paper said. Demand explanation Following this report, members of the Mhadei Movement, dressed in blue T-shirt, staged a protest outside the NIO complex near Goa's Dona Paula, with placards displaying a red cross mark on the photographs of the scientists, shaming them, with words such as 'BJP sold Mahadayi', 'Mhadei deal by NIO', 'Anti-Goa NIO'... demanding an explanation from the hydrologists and the institutes for the reason behind publishing the report. Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) president Manoj Parab said, 'Why are the non-Goan scientists running research on this subject that does not concern them? We are questioning the timing of this report. We spoke to environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar who has done extensive research on Mhadei and he told us that the NIO scientists wrote the report sitting inside their air-conditioned office without having any ground understanding. The three scientists have manufactured this report to favour Karnataka which has gone ahead with the construction of dams on the river, despite the case being heard by the Supreme Court. This is a conspiracy by the BJP.' The party further demanded Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Congress leaders from the State to come out and speak on the matter and make their stand clear or are they too in favour of the report, Mr. Parab questioned. Viresh Mukesh Borkar, RGP's MLA, said, 'The report was published on September 11, 2024, quietly, and no one knew. It is surprising as the Chief Minister also did not say a word on this for so many months. This looks like a hidden agenda of the BJP government. When the case is already before the Supreme Court, publishing this report means the scientists want to favour the case of the Karnataka government. It is a known fact that Goa's groundwater is depleting, and this river serves the people and flora and fauna of north Goa, if they block its flow from the Western Ghats, Goa will face a man-made disaster.'
