Latest news with #KAnilKumar
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Plastic pellets, untreated sewage pose threat at Papanasam beach in Varkala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the annual 'Vavu Bali' ritual just days away, pollution at the Papanasam beach in Varkala has sparked serious concern among devotees and the Janardhana Swamy Temple authorities. Nurdles (tiny plastic pellets) from the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck and unchecked sewage discharge from nearby hotels and resorts continue to pollute the beach, posing a health hazard and creating severe inconvenience for tourists and pilgrims. The temple authorities, who oversee the ritual arrangements, have expressed their worry over the unhygienic conditions of the beach. 'The stench from the polluted water and the plastic nurdles washing ashore have made it difficult for devotees arriving to offer bali,' said a temple official. 'We hope the authorities will act swiftly to clean up the area before the Vavu Bali on July 24,' the official added. Local residents say that none of the authorities, including the Dewaswom Board, Varkala municipality, and district administration, are taking up the responsibility to address the pollution issues at the beach frequented by thousands every day. Hospital ward councillor K Anil Kumar echoed the concerns, stating that the beach is in no condition to host a major spiritual event. 'The restaurants and resorts on the cliff continue to discharge raw sewage directly into the water. No serious cleanup was undertaken last year either, despite the large turnout of devotees. The dispute between departments on who is responsible for cleaning up the beach every year has worsened the situation,' he said. Meanwhile, Papanasam ward councillor P Ajayakumar maintained that daily cleaning efforts are underway. 'Fire department personnel and volunteers have been consistently removing plastic nurdles from the shore. We will intensify the cleanup and make all necessary arrangements to ensure that the ritual is conducted smoothly,' he said.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Plan to install LED floodlights in silk city sports complex
1 2 Berhampur: The Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, a major sports complex in silk city, is set for a major upgrade with the installation of LED floodlights. Administrative approval was accorded recently by the govt to an estimate of around Rs 10.67 crore for supply, installation, testing of high-mast LED floodlights in the stadium's cricket ground. The amount also included the annual comprehensive maintenance of floodlights, official sources said. The project would be executed by Idco, they said. Floodlights will enable to conduct night cricket tournaments in the stadium, said sports lovers. "A long-standing demand of sportspersons, especially cricket lovers, has been fulfilled with govt approval for installing LED floodlights in the sports complex," said K Anil Kumar, MLA (Berhampur). The MLA said he had earlier requested sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj for sanction of the floodlighting system in the sports complex and also raised the issue in the assembly. Organisers of a cricket tournament at the ground have been forced to hire floodlights by paying a high amount for installation and to conduct the matches. J Kameswar Rao, general secretary, Ganjam District Athletic Association (GDAA), said during the construction of the stadium, there was a provision for floodlights. But later, it was withdrawn and they had been demanding installation of floodlights for a long time. "We hope the executing agency will float a tender soon to execute the floodlighting system in the stadium. With its installation, major cricket tournaments can be held in Berhampur," he said.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rallies taken out in Ganjam, Gajapati dists to celebrate Op Sindoor's success
1 2 3 4 Berhampur: Govt officials took out rallies in Ganjam and Gajapati districts on Thursday as part of Parakram Shobhayatra to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor. In Berhampur, a bike rally was held from Ramalingam Tanks to Uma Charan Pattnaik Engineering School, about 8 km long. Berhampur MLA K Anil Kumar and Berhampur municipal corporation mayor Sanghamitra Dalei participated in the rally. Several police personnel also joined. "Despite the scorching heat, several youths participated in the rally," the MLA said. Rallies were also held in Chhatrapur, Bhanjanagar and several other towns of Ganjam district. At Chhatrapur, MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak, Ganjam collector Dibya Jyoti Parida and several college students participated. In Hinjili, members of Hinjili municipality and the panchayat samiti hoisted tricolour in the market area to mark the event. The long flag was stitched by members of women's self-help groups in the town, sources said. At Paralakhemundi, Gajapati collector Bijay Kumar Dash flagged off the rally, which went around the entire town.
