Latest news with #AnuKumari
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
District-level committee meets to address rising human-wildlife conflict
Thiruvananthapuram : In the wake of increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict, a district-level control committee meeting was convened under the leadership of district collector Anu Kumari. The meeting focused on implementing sustainable solutions to reduce such conflicts, particularly in forest-fringe areas. One of the key decisions taken at the meeting was to promote the cultivation of crops that are less likely to attract wild animals. Farmers in the buffer zones will be encouraged to grow aromatic and medicinal plants such as ginger, turmeric and pepper, as well as citrus fruits like wild lime and rough lemon. The committee noted that crops like kacholam, koduveli, adalodakam and neem, along with coffee plants, can offer dual benefits, deterring wildlife and providing better income opportunities for farmers. The committee also reviewed the progress of constructing nine elephant-proof trenches across the forest ranges of Paruthippally, Palode and Kulathupuzha. Four of these trenches were completed, while work on the remaining is underway. As part of efforts to safeguard farmlands and reduce elephant intrusions, it was also decided to construct trenches across 11.8km under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme. Additionally, permission was granted for constructing a check dam at Kallar to help control elephant movement and protect nearby agricultural areas. The meeting further resolved to expedite the repair and maintenance of existing solar fencing in vulnerable zones. The session was attended by DFO Shanawas and representatives from various govt departments. The committee emphasised that a coordinated, multi-departmental approach is essential to effectively manage the growing threat posed by human-wildlife encounters in the region.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Open gym inaugurated at collectorate
Thiruvananthapuram: An open gym was opened at Thiruvananthapuram district collectorate under the leadership of Recreation Club. The open gym, set up in the park in front of the collectorate, along with the weight loss challenge, was inaugurated by district collector Anu Kumari. The gym is part of the Saukhyam initiative. The Collector said that only by prioritising our health can we perform more efficiently in our duties. In addition to the weight loss management challenge, the project will continue with new challenges each month. The gym is arranged in such a way that it can be used by the public who come for walks in the morning and evening at the collectorate. Additional district magistrate Vineeth T K and employees from the district collectorate participated in the event.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
184 beneficiaries await PWD nod
T'puram: The compensation disbursement for land and shop owners affected by Kodinada–Vazhimukku road development at Balaramapuram is likely to be disbursed only after the administrative sanction from PWD. The road project is part of the ambitious Karamana–Kaliyikkavila highway development aimed at decongesting the southern stretch of NH-66 and improving connectivity along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. However, while most procedural steps were completed, the final administrative nod from PWD is holding up the release of funds meant for 184 eligible beneficiaries. District collector Anu Kumari confirmed to TOI that the list of beneficiaries, comprising 52 landowners and over 130 tenant shop owners and workers, was handed over to state finance department, which already approved it. She added that the compensation will be disbursed immediately once the department grants sanction. The compensation is being distributed under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Act, ensuring fair and lawful compensation not only for landowners but also for tenant businesses and employees who will be displaced by the road expansion. The delay has triggered growing concern among local stakeholders, many of whom already vacated or partially dismantled their properties in anticipation of compensation. Several shop owners in Balaramapuram expressed frustration over the uncertainty, citing financial strain and business disruption.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
16 drowning hotspots identified in dist
T'puram: With a sharp rise in drowning deaths reported across the district in recent years, the district disaster management authority and the district administration identified 16 drowning-prone zones in Thiruvananthapuram. The administration also stepped-up efforts to implement preventive measures and raise awareness about water safety. According to statistics released by fire and rescue department, 352 people, including children and foreign nationals, died due to drowning in various parts of Thiruvananthapuram between 2019 and 2025. The data reveals that 315 of the victims were men, while 37 were women. In response, the district administration, in coordination with fire and rescue department, tourism department and local self-govt institutions, initiated steps to officially declare several drowning hotspots as disaster-prone areas under the provisions of Disaster Management Act. Sixteen locations were identified for this designation based on the frequency and severity of past incidents including Kallar, Aruvippuram and Aruvikkara Dam. As part of the initiative, authorities launched a year-long campaign titled 'Jeevanam – A War of Vigilance for Life' aimed at educating the public on the importance of water safety and taking pre-emptive steps to avoid further loss of life. The district-level inauguration of the campaign was carried out by district collector Anu Kumari. The newly launched campaign includes initiatives designed to strengthen safety protocols around these water bodies. Warning signs will be installed at all the designated danger zones, while targeted awareness campaigns will be conducted across schools and rural communities. Plans are also under way to deploy trained lifeguards at all identified danger zones and to establish first-aid posts nearby to ensure an immediate response in case of emergencies. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce fatalities and enhance public preparedness. In addition to awareness drives, fire and safety department will conduct live demonstrations and training sessions throughout the district. These will be held in schools and for people working near water bodies to improve their understanding of drowning prevention and rescue techniques.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
350 deaths in four years: Thiruvananthapuram dist administration to launch drowning prevention drive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With drowning death tolls hitting over 350 between 2021 and 2025, the Thiruvananthapuram district administration has decided to launch a drowning prevention campaign. Being organised in connection with the World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, the 'Jeevanam- Jeevanodu Jagrathayode Yudham' campaign will be launched by Education Minister V Sivankutty at Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School, Pattom, on Friday. 'The number of drowning deaths in the district is very concerning, especially when you consider that the deaths due to natural calamities in the district were not as high as this,' district collector Anu Kumari told TNIE. Adding that these figures have not included the drowning deaths at sea, she mentioned that the campaign aims to inculcate proper water conscious practices, particularly among the youth, as they have a major proportion in the death toll. Envisioned in multiple phases, the project will see the convergence of various departments, including fire and rescue, education, revenue and local self-government. The first phase will be awareness about drowning accidents, which will include actual demonstrations. The second phase aims to have increased deployment of services, including lifeguards and infrastructure at critical points. The district administration has submitted the project to the Union government for allocation of funds, said the collector. 'Out of the 41 quays in the districts, we have identified over 15 sites, where drowning incidents regularly happen, with the help of fire force officers,' disaster management deputy collector Sreekumar G told TNIE. He added that data from the police will also be studied to identify the more drowning-prone areas, and warning boards will be place there. Jointly organised by the district administration and district disaster management authority, the launch ceremony will be presided over by Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth. The collector, deputy mayor P K Raju, deputy commissioner T Farash, sub-collector Alfred O V, and other school officials will attend the event. Officials have also sent a letter to the deputy director of education to take a drowning prevention pledge in all schools of the district on Friday.
