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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Two-day fruit fair starts at Pilikula
Mangaluru: The two-day fruit fair organised by the Pilikula Development Authority at Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama commenced on Saturday at the Urban Haat. Farmers, artisans, and home entrepreneurs from various districts of the state set up stalls at the fair, offering jackfruit, mangoes, and other value-added products. In addition to the sale of mangoes, jackfruit, avocados, jamun, and oranges, fruit plants are also available for purchase and display. Stalls featuring a variety of foods such as hot jackfruit holige, kebabs, and mushroom momos are attracting customers. Handcrafted items, snacks, jowar roti, and chutney powder prepared by women entrepreneurs are also available for purchase. Speaking after inaugurating the fair, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian said that the fruit fair is gaining attraction, and he appealed to the public to attend in large numbers to support the farmers. "Many tourists from across the country and abroad visit Pilikula. We are committed to providing them with basic facilities. Discussions will be held with KSRTC officials to introduce a govt bus service to Pilikula Nisargadhama," he said. Pilikula Development Authority commissioner in-charge, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, said that there are plans to organise a market for two days each month, utilising the various infrastructure at Pilikula Nisargadhama to attract people. The market aims to provide opportunities for the sale of products by women's cooperatives and home entrepreneurs, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. There is also a request to facilitate bus services for the convenience of the public visiting Pilikula, said Dr Shetty. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
23-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Adopt tiger cubs and get to name them
Mangaluru: The Pilikula Biological Park will soon invite the public to adopt and name two tiger cubs born to the 14-year-old tigress Rani in Dec. As part of the park's animal adoption programme, citizens can adopt the cubs for a year at a cost of around Rs 3-5 lakh each. Pilikula Development Authority commissioner in-charge, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, said that this will be part of a major drive expected to be launched in May. "We already held one round of discussions with the deputy commissioner, and slabs and details of animals available for adoption have been finalised. Meanwhile, spot adoptions are also being considered. This drive is essential, keeping in mind the upkeep of animals, he said. "The annual cost of caring for a tiger is around Rs 5 lakh. This is for the adult tigers, including vaccination, feeding, routine treatments like deworming, and maintenance. We are looking for donors to adopt these cubs for a year, and the adopter will also have the privilege of naming them, as the cubs have not yet been named," said ACF Prashanth Pai, director in-charge of the park. A male and a female cub were born on the night of Dec 20. "The cubs are healthy. Their vaccination is complete. We will wait for at least six months before shifting them to the enclosure," Pai said. The tigress was brought to Pilikula in 2016 from Bannerghatta Biological Park through an animal exchange programme. She gave birth to five cubs in 2016 and three in 2021. The zoo is now home to 10 tigers, including five males. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Pilikula continues to participate actively in animal exchange programmes. Recently, two king cobras were sent to Bhopal zoo in exchange for two Royal Bengal tigers. However, the transfer has been delayed due to the prevailing hot and humid conditions on the coast and pending enclosure preparations. In another potential exchange, the park is considering acquiring a sloth bear from Hampi in return for a tiger. The bears in the park have grown old. However, a final decision will be made following discussions with the commissioner, PDA and the deputy commissioner, he said. Recognised as one of the country's 17 major zoos by the Central Zoo Authority, the park houses more than 1,200 animals, birds, and reptiles. Unfortunately, so far only one blue gold macaw has been adopted.
