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New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Umesh named general education director; Priyanka is new Ernakulam collector
KOCHI: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, Ernakulam district collector N S K Umesh has been appointed director of general education, with additional charge as managing director of the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC). Palakkad collector G Priyanka will replace Umesh as head of the Ernakulam district adminstration. Umesh's two-and-a-half-year tenure in Ernakulam was marked by high-pressure crises and active administrative intervention. A 2014-batch officer, Umesh took charge in March 2023, stepping in during one of the worst environmental emergencies in the district — the Brahmapuram dumpyard fire. The blaze, which caused widespread pollution and panic in Kochi city, was his first major challenge as collector. His handling of the crisis — including coordination with multiple departments, rapid deployment of fire control measures, and subsequent efforts to revamp the waste management system — won him praise and set the tone for a tenure defined by crisis management and developmental work. During his stint, he also dealt with critical situations such as the Kalamassery bomb blast and the Cusat stampede. His coordination of Operation Breakthrough, aimed at mitigating urban flooding in Kochi, was another key achievement. For these and other initiatives, Umesh received multiple recognitions — including the 'Best Collector' award from the state revenue survey department in 2024, the National Human Rights and Humanitarian Federation (NHRF) award in 2025, and the 'Best Election Officer' award for his conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
'Shoot the Rain' kicks off 18th Edition: 28 teams battle it out under Kerala's monsoon skies
There's something electric about football in the rain. Especially in Kerala, where both are intertwined with the land's socio-cultural fabric. When the skies open up and the fields turn slick, the game takes on a wild, elemental rhythm. And for nearly two decades, the unique 'Shoot the Rain' football fest has been celebrating this heady combo. Now in its 18th edition, the two-day tournament — organised by the Tourism Professionals Club (TPC) and backed by the tourism department — was kicked off by District Collector N S K Umesh on Friday at the Maharaja's College Stadium. What began over two decades ago as a friendly kickabout among tourism professionals has grown into a vibrant sporting spectacle, where 28 teams clash in intense 30-minute matches under drizzles and downpours. 'The Sevens Football format ensures fast-paced, thrilling action. Shoot the Rain, however, is more than just a tournament. It's a festive, community-powered celebration,' says TPC media coordinator Ravi Varma. 'The event had just six teams initially. Now, we see over 3,000 guests. We have built a platform that connects people, encourages play, and embraces nature. Shoot the Rain has become an annual fixture in the state's tourism calendar.'
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Measures to improve tourism facilities in Pampakkuda
Kochi: District administration is exploring the possibilities of making Areekkal near Pampakkuda in Pivavom assembly constituency a tourist destination. The plan is to construct facilities like a glass bridge and a zipline. Areekkal waterfalls already attract many tourists from other districts and neighbouring states. "On weekends, around 800-1000 people, including those from Tamil Nadu, visit the area to catch a glimpse of the magnificent waterfall. We already took steps to improve the infrastructure and other facilities in the area. Benches and public toilets were constructed and we are trying to enhance the parking facilities in the area," Anoop Jacob, MLA, said. To explore the potential for further tourism development in the Areekkal tourist area, a site visit was conducted under the leadership of district collector NSK Umesh last week. "The possibilities for tourism development, including adventure tourism, were examined and the feasibility of introducing projects such as a zipline and glass bridge in the initial phase was considered. The area is still under the control of Pampakkuda grama panchayat. The panchayat generates an annual income of Rs 70 lakh through ticket sales. If the tourism department and DTPC are also roped in, they can provide more support. Pampakkuda grama panchayat will prepare a detailed report in this regard within ten days," Jacob said.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Authorities expedite Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass land survey
Kochi: Expediting works of the proposed Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass on NH 544, revenue authorities decided to complete survey process of land acquisition by Aug 15. Authorities informed that, aiming to expedite the process, more officials would be assigned for survey duty. Currently, there are 14 survey officers and there was a demand to increase the number of surveyors as initial land acquisition procedures were delaying indefinitely. It is learned that revenue authorities are planning to increase the number from 14 to 40. Services of additional draftsmen will also be provided for the survey team. A recent review meeting led by district collector NSK Umesh decided to hold a meeting every Monday to evaluate progress of the survey. It was in Aug 2023 that ministry of road transport and highways issued a 3A notification for land acquisition for the bypass project. However, preliminary stage of acquisition is yet to be completed and landowners have launched protests against the delay. The road project was delayed indefinitely due to uncertainty over govt decision on royalty and GST. Central govt, which agreed to bear the entire cost of construction and land acquisition for the bypass project, demanded state govt to waive its share of GST and royalty on construction materials. State govt will have to forego Rs 424 crore due to exemption of GST and royalty. As per estimate submitted by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), GST share of state is Rs 254.4 crore and royalty on materials is Rs 169.6 crore. A total of 280 hectares from 17 villages in the district would be acquired for the road project. Alignment of the 44.7-km-long greenfield bypass road was approved by NHAI in Jan 2023. The road will begin from Karayamparambu on northern side of Angamaly town and will end at Kundannoor Junction on NH 66, which is going to be developed into a six-lane highway.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Meet decides to fast-track Thammanam-Pullepady Road work
Kochi: A joint meeting convened by mayor M Anilkumar and district collector NSK Umesh on Tuesday decided to expedite work on Thammanam-Pullepady Road. As part of it, the meeting decided to complete a social impact assessment (SIA) study at the earliest. Officials were directed to complete the land acquisition swiftly to enable beginning of construction activities by year end. The 4(1) notification for the Thammanam-Pullepady Road was issued on April 10. Revenue department officials said that the land acquired would be handed over to Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) once the procedures were completed. Data collection for social impact study has already begun. After completing social impact study, the 11(1) notification will be issued. Before the issuance of the 19(1) notification, the mayor requested the removal of electric poles and other obstacles from the acquired land to begin temporary road metalling. Once the compensation is provided, land will be acquired from all landowners. KIFB has been instructed to prepare an estimate for removing obstacles, including potholes, from the stretch. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
