Latest news with #BeenaPhilip
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Shops in mofussil bus stand building to reopen on May 26
Shops in the mofussil bus stand building that were shut down following a recent fire will reopen from Monday (May 26). Representatives of the Mofussil Bus Stand Licensees Association, Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, and the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi participated in a meeting convened by Mayor Beena Philip on Friday (May 23), during which the Kozhikode Corporation assured full cooperation to expedite the reopening of the shops. Meanwhile, representatives of the Electrical Inspectorate and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) noted that the building's electrical network was completely damaged in the fire. They said that temporary repairs could pose serious risks and recommended complete replacement of cables and panels. A decision was taken in the meeting to speed up re-electrification on a war footing under the Disaster Management Rule, aiming for completion within three weeks. In the first phase, panels will be replaced and power connections will be provided to each shop. The licensees will carry out internal wiring for their shops. Electrification of the common areas will follow in the second phase. The KSEB has been directed to regulate the connected load as requested by the licensees. The Corporation and the police agreed to allow the temporary use of generators to power the shops. Licensees have also been instructed to update fire safety measures in their shops. Common fire safety measures will be implemented throughout the building. The superintending engineer has reported that the building has no structural stability issues, and hence, the fire debris will be cleared immediately by the Corporation's Health Wing in preparation for reopening. The Corporation also decided to speed up the project for a complete renovation of the mofussil bus stand building. Steps will also be taken to evict unauthorised vendors in the building. The licensees and trade organisations agreed to the Corporation's terms and extended full cooperation. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed, chairpersons of various standing committees, councillors, and officials from the Corporation, KSEB, Electrical Inspectorate, police, and the Fire and Rescue Services department attended the meeting.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kozhikode fire mishap: Inspections find safety lapses, building rule violations
Kozhikode: A day after Kozhikode corporation 's shopping complex at the Moffusil bus stand building was gutted in a massive fire, safety lapses and building rule violations , including unauthorized extensions and modifications which hindered firefighting efforts, have come to light. Multiple agencies, including police, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), town planning, forensic and drugs control departments and dog squad, conducted joint inspection at the gutted complex on Monday. The inspection revealed that there were no fire alarm systems in the building, alterations were made to create more storage space and fire exits were blocked. The corridors and even walkways were covered using metal sheets and converted as godown spaces of the textile shop. Meanwhile, the inspection teams haven't ruled out the possibility of short circuit being the cause of the accident. Corporation mayor Beena Philip said that a comprehensive probe would be conducted and action would be taken if official lapses were found. It has emerged that Beach fire station had issued a notice to the textile shop owner and corporation flagged absence of fire safety mechanisms in the building after the fire audit in 2020-21. However, no further action was taken in this regard. Meanwhile, police are also probing whether the feud between the textile shop owner and his former partner had any role in the incident. Opposition leader in Kozhikode corporation K C Shobitha said there were unauthorised constructions at the gutted textile shop and godown. Lack of a proper fire station after Beach fire station was shifted also affected the firefighting capabilities within city limits, she added. Also, lack of fire hydrants near the shopping complex forced the fire tenders to refill water from Mananchira. Police registered a case under section 306 (1) (c) (FA) of the police standing order. As per the FIR, Calicut Textiles alone suffered a loss of Rs 8 crore in the fire and also affected other shops like PRC Medicals, Calicut Apparels, Calicut Fashion Bazar and Calicut Furnishing. Traders said that the losses would be pegged at Rs 15 crore. Kalpetta MLA T Siddique alleged that Kozhikode corporation authorities, who condoned law violations by taking cash, were the prime culprits as they failed to take action despite brazen violations. Fire tenders had to battle the blaze for over five hours to bring it under control. Unauthorized covers in the corridors and a large number of flex boards exacerbated the blaze and posed a huge challenge to fire fighters in dousing the fire.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Four-day book festival begins in Kozhikode
Mayor Beena Philip inaugurated the four-day book festival, organised by the Kozhikode District Library Council, at EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Friday. The festival features a comprehensive display across 103 stalls, presenting a diverse collection of books from 73 publications, spanning genres from captivating children's literature to gripping crime fiction and timeless world classics. For avid readers, a rich selection awaits, including world literature in translation, apart from regional novels that have marked various literary epochs. Writer K.P. Ramanunni was the chief guest at the inaugural session. The festival's opening day also witnessed an engaging debate centered on the theme 'Kadhayude Kala Puthu Kalathil', with novelist U. K. Kumaran delivering the introductory speech.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Corpn. to formulate action plan as Kozhikode joins WHO's age-friendly cities list
Kozhikode Corporation will formulate elaborate plans to coordinate the future activities of Kozhikode, which was recently included in the World Health Organisation's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). Mayor Beena Philip told the media here on Monday (May 5) that the Corporation council will discuss and decide what more the city can do to ensure the welfare and happiness of elderly citizens. The council will consider various factors such as societal attitudes towards senior citizens, creating a friendly environment in public spaces, transportation, housing, community support, healthcare services, and communication. Being included in the network will ensure financial support from the World Health Organisation for future activities in this sector. WHO Focal Point Praveen G. Pai handed over the certificate of inclusion to Mayor Beena Philip at an event held at the Corporation office on Monday. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed, standing committee chairpersons P. Divakaran and P.C. Rajan, secretary K.U. Bini, health officer T.K. Munavar Rahman, and geriatric psychiatrist Sheeba Nainan from IMHANS were present at the press meet.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Darshanam Library hands over books to Kozhikode Corporation's ‘Arivu Granthappura'
Darshanam Library at Kalandithazham in the city on Wednesday contributed 65 books to the Kozhikode Corporation's 'Arivu Granthappura' (library) on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day that falls on April 23. At an event held on the Corporation office premises, poet P.K. Gopi handed over Olachoottinte Velicham, his award-winning book in the children's literature category, to Mayor Beena Philip to mark the handing over of the titles. Ms. Philip complimented Darshanam Samskarika Vedi, which runs the library, for its initiative. P. Jasiludeen, secretary of the Vedi, said more books would be handed over to the Granthappura, and that a collection drive for the purpose was on. A.K. Saritha, nodal officer for the City of Literature project, was present.
