Latest news with #KSSP
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rejuvenation pending, silt-choked Akkulam lake sparks flood fears in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As yet another monsoon season approaches, the silt-choked Akkulam lake continues to pose flood threat to the capital city. Despite repeated incidents, the long-pending rejuvenation of the lake — a vital component of the city's stormwater drainage network — remains indefinitely stalled. The lake, which has been rapidly shrinking due to silt accumulation, has lost much of its capacity to retain stormwater during heavy rain, leading to flooding across the city. Experts have cited the deteriorating state of the lake as a key reason behind the recurring urban flooding, particularly during intense rainfall. An ambitious Rs 96-crore rejuvenation project intended to revive the lake remains stuck, with the Tourism Department deciding to initiate a re-tender for its implementation. Harilal V, environment subject committee member of Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), said that the state government should take immediate measures to protect the lake, which is dwindling rapidly because of encroachment. 'The State Wetland Authority of India (SWAK) apart from making a proposal has not taken any effort to notify the lake to ensure its protection. A committee should be formed with various departments to protect the lake. Focusing just on tourism will not help and the rejuvenation project should be implemented with the participation of all departments concerned,' said Harilal V. The state cabinet approved the revised estimates of the project back in August 2022. The plan is to implement the project under Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model. WAPCOS Ltd has been roped in as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project that aims to restore the lost glory of the lake. Initially, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board had allotted Rs 64.13 crore for the project, but the contractor who won the bid had demanded Rs 125 crore which was reduced further to Rs 96 crore after negotiations. An official of the Tourism Department said that the contractor roped in for the implementation of the project was found to be ineligible and the meeting chaired by the chief minister decided to go for a re-tender. 'We have sent the proposal to the law department to check the legalities involved while going for a re-tender. They will be sending it to the cabinet again for approval,' said the official. The lake has been witnessing rampant encroachment and CRZ violations. According to studies, the lake area has come down by 31.06% since 1942 and by 9.86% in the last five years. As per the resurvey carried out a few years ago, the lake is spread over 64 hectares. The detailed project report was prepared by the Translational Research and Professional Leadership Centre (TPLC) under the Government Barton Hill Engineering College.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kettering launches Blue Envelope Program to aid drivers with autism
Apr. 2—The Kettering Police Department's new initiative shows its commitment to inclusivity and community support. The department is launching the Blue Envelop Program on World Autism Day, which is Thursday, during Autism Awareness Month. This initiative aims to provide officers with immediate information about autism; to act as a visual cue to help officers adjust their communication style and help reduce anxiety for the driver; and to encourage preparedness for individuals with autism and their families. Inside the blue envelope, drivers with autism can store essential documents, including driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card and emergency contact information, said Kettering officer Edward Drayton, Fairmont High School school resource officer and head of the Kettering Safe Senior Program, a voluntary program that identifies seniors and other residents with dementia, potentially incapacitating medical conditions or those with developmental disorders. "For the officer, in case it's not a city of Kettering police officer that stops this person, it would give them information about what this blue envelope is all about. It will tell them to slow down their communication, how to deal with somebody that might be autistic ...to just be patient with them," Drayton said. "I thought it would be a great supplement with our program that we call KSSP, which stands for Kettering Safe Senior Program, which would identify people with autism, Alzheimer's and dementia," he said. Police in Centerville and Vandalia are among area departments already using the program. Beginning Thursday, community members can pick up the free blue envelopes at two locations: the Kettering Police Department lobby and the Kettering Government Center front desk, both at 3600 Shroyer Road.
