Latest news with #MantarGowda
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Upgraded dental unit inaugurated at KoIMS teaching hospital in Madikeri
A newly upgraded Dental Department and OPG (Orthopantomogram) X-ray machine were inaugurated at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) Teaching Hospital in Madikeri on Sunday. MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda inaugurated the facilities, which are aimed at strengthening dental healthcare services in the region. Kedarnath N.S., head of the Dental Department, highlighted that the new infrastructure will enhance comprehensive dental care. The department, functional for the past five years, offers services under the Danta Bhagya Yojane, enabling free removable and complete dentures for BPL card holders above 45 years of age. Over the last four to five years, the department has performed more than 250 oral and maxillofacial surgeries free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) scheme, he added. KoIMS Dean and Director Lokesh L.G. appreciated the department's efforts and encouraged the staff to expand services further. Medical Superintendent Somashekar and District Surgeon Nanjundayya urged the public to make use of the expanded facilities. Services now available include dental and OPG X-rays, tooth extraction, cavity treatment, root canal therapy, removable and complete dentures, wisdom tooth extraction, cleft lip and jaw surgeries, and both major and minor oral and facial surgeries. Dr. Kedarnath (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), Dhyan Kushalappa (Orthodontics), Amoolya D. Mevundi (Endodontics), Rachana P.B. (OMFS), and Nachiketh Venkatesh (BDS) are in the dental team.
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- The Hindu
River rafting operators in Kodagu told to renew licence, obtain fitness certificate
In a move to tighten safety regulations in adventure tourism, river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole have been directed to renew their licences and obtain fitness certificates before resuming any water sports activities. This decision was taken during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at the Harangi reservoir near Kushalnagar on Friday. Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda emphasised the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season, when tourist footfall goes up. River rafting operators have to secure fitness certification for their rafts from the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), and police verification is mandatory, he said. Mr. Gowda said no rafting operation would be permitted without valid, annually renewed certificates, and that life jackets are mandatory. All guides must undergo skill assessments and wear uniforms while on duty, he said. To promote tourism, Mr. Gowda also proposed installing signboards at important junctions such as Bilkere, Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction, and near Siddapura on Periyapatna Road. 'Tourist safety is non-negotiable. One mishap could severely damage Kodagu's tourism image,' said Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja. He said that all operators must undergo training and get certification through GETHNAA to ensure quality and safety in water-based adventure activities. In view of the growing number of tourists visiting Kodagu for river rafting, the committee approved major infrastructure upgrades such as shelters at ticket counters, stair railings for river access, changing rooms and restrooms, benches, drinking water facilities, informative signage and CCTV surveillance. Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar said 75 rafts currently operate in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, 11 applications for kayaking licences have been received for operation along the Hemavathi and Cauvery riverbanks, as well as Harangi backwaters. The committee said feasibility reports for these locations will be studied before granting approvals. Meanwhile, rafting has been permitted at Kumaralli (Bidalli) in Somwarpet taluk, though commercial activity has not yet begun. A final site inspection is awaited.
