Latest news with #PilikulaDevelopmentAuthority


Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Pilikula holds live demonstration of paddy cultivation
Mangaluru: To revive interest in paddy farming among the younger generation, Pilikula Development Authority hosted 'Yantrasri Bhatta Nati', a programme to promote mechanised paddy cultivation. Organised in collaboration with the agriculture department and Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) BC Trust, the programme was held in the Bakimaru field opposite Guthu Mane at Pilikula Nisargadhama. Abraham MK, the regional director of the agricultural mechanisation division of the SKDRDP, handed over seedlings of paddy to Arun Kumar Shetty, in-charge commissioner of Pilikula Development Authority, on the occasion. Shetty spoke about how they cultivate paddy every year in the field in front of the Guthu Mane at Pilikula to educate the public and children about the importance of agriculture. He said that this year, the event is being organised under the joint auspices of the agriculture department and the SKDRDP. Later, he initiated the planting programme by operating the planting machine in the field. A demonstration programme for paddy cultivation was held to create awareness among the young generation. The event was inaugurated by Honnappa Gowda, the joint director of the agriculture department. He said the agriculture department, in collaboration with the SKDRDP, has been conducting many such agricultural demonstrations. Following the wishes of the Pilikula Development Authority, a paddy cultivation demonstration was organised in the fields of Pilikula, he added.


Time of India
19-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
International Moon Day celebrated
Mangaluru: The International Moon Day was celebrated at Pilikula Regional Science Centre on Saturday. Atul Bhat, a research scholar from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, inaugurated the event and highlighted the significant milestones humanity achieved in lunar exploration. He emphasised the importance of understanding the moon's influence and benefits in our daily lives. He noted that the science centre hosts various astronomy-related programmes and encouraged continuous participation. Teachers and students were provided with comprehensive information about the moon's phases, orbit, and craters. Scientific officer Vignesh Bhat and his team conducted practical demonstrations using special kits to showcase different aspects of the moon to the students. A special exhibition titled 'The Moon' was organised at the planetarium. Arun Kumar Shetty N, commissioner, Pilikula Development Authority, said that such programmes not only reflect on our lunar explorations but also inspire future research endeavours. Ashok KR, director of science centre, said that Pilikula consistently organises such events and encouraged people to take advantage of them. Shakeela, associate professor at Srinivas University, and K Maya Kudva, associate professor at Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management, were present.


Time of India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Two-day fruit fair starts at Pilikula
Mangaluru: The two-day fruit fair organised by the Pilikula Development Authority at Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama commenced on Saturday at the Urban Haat. Farmers, artisans, and home entrepreneurs from various districts of the state set up stalls at the fair, offering jackfruit, mangoes, and other value-added products. In addition to the sale of mangoes, jackfruit, avocados, jamun, and oranges, fruit plants are also available for purchase and display. Stalls featuring a variety of foods such as hot jackfruit holige, kebabs, and mushroom momos are attracting customers. Handcrafted items, snacks, jowar roti, and chutney powder prepared by women entrepreneurs are also available for purchase. Speaking after inaugurating the fair, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian said that the fruit fair is gaining attraction, and he appealed to the public to attend in large numbers to support the farmers. "Many tourists from across the country and abroad visit Pilikula. We are committed to providing them with basic facilities. Discussions will be held with KSRTC officials to introduce a govt bus service to Pilikula Nisargadhama," he said. Pilikula Development Authority commissioner in-charge, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, said that there are plans to organise a market for two days each month, utilising the various infrastructure at Pilikula Nisargadhama to attract people. The market aims to provide opportunities for the sale of products by women's cooperatives and home entrepreneurs, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. There is also a request to facilitate bus services for the convenience of the public visiting Pilikula, said Dr Shetty. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Lokayukta unearths irregularities at Pilikula
Mangaluru: A surprise visit conducted by the Karnataka Lokayukta, Mangaluru division, on Friday at the Pilikula Nisargadhama unearthed several irregularities. The surprise visit was conducted by DSPs Gana P Kumar, Suresh Kumar P, police inspectors Bharathi J and Chandrashekhar KN, along with their team. SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra stated that during the inspection, several irregularities were found in the administration of the Pilikula Development Authority. Despite the zoo generating significant revenue, the authority does not appear to be spending funds on its improvement. It was observed that the staff receive low wages and are not provided with any health benefits. Although there was an order to transfer the zoo's management to the forest department, the authority delayed this transfer. It was also noted that the authority has not collected revenue from some organisations that leased land, the SP said. Irregularities were found in the tender process, and information is being gathered to submit a comprehensive report to the Lokayukta central office, he added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !


Time of India
23-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Adopt tiger cubs and get to name them
Mangaluru: The Pilikula Biological Park will soon invite the public to adopt and name two tiger cubs born to the 14-year-old tigress Rani in Dec. As part of the park's animal adoption programme, citizens can adopt the cubs for a year at a cost of around Rs 3-5 lakh each. Pilikula Development Authority commissioner in-charge, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, said that this will be part of a major drive expected to be launched in May. "We already held one round of discussions with the deputy commissioner, and slabs and details of animals available for adoption have been finalised. Meanwhile, spot adoptions are also being considered. This drive is essential, keeping in mind the upkeep of animals, he said. "The annual cost of caring for a tiger is around Rs 5 lakh. This is for the adult tigers, including vaccination, feeding, routine treatments like deworming, and maintenance. We are looking for donors to adopt these cubs for a year, and the adopter will also have the privilege of naming them, as the cubs have not yet been named," said ACF Prashanth Pai, director in-charge of the park. A male and a female cub were born on the night of Dec 20. "The cubs are healthy. Their vaccination is complete. We will wait for at least six months before shifting them to the enclosure," Pai said. The tigress was brought to Pilikula in 2016 from Bannerghatta Biological Park through an animal exchange programme. She gave birth to five cubs in 2016 and three in 2021. The zoo is now home to 10 tigers, including five males. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Pilikula continues to participate actively in animal exchange programmes. Recently, two king cobras were sent to Bhopal zoo in exchange for two Royal Bengal tigers. However, the transfer has been delayed due to the prevailing hot and humid conditions on the coast and pending enclosure preparations. In another potential exchange, the park is considering acquiring a sloth bear from Hampi in return for a tiger. The bears in the park have grown old. However, a final decision will be made following discussions with the commissioner, PDA and the deputy commissioner, he said. Recognised as one of the country's 17 major zoos by the Central Zoo Authority, the park houses more than 1,200 animals, birds, and reptiles. Unfortunately, so far only one blue gold macaw has been adopted.