Latest news with #ResidentsAwarenessAssociationofCoimbatore


New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Debate on sheltering stray dogs intensifies in Kovai after SC order in Delhi
COIMBATORE: The Supreme Court's recent directive to the government to capture all stray dogs in Delhi and place them in shelters has triggered a chain reaction across the country. In Tamil Nadu, where stray dog bite cases are reportedly the highest in the country, the development has drawn mixed reactions. In Coimbatore, residents, activists, and animal welfare groups are now voicing support and concern. Many locals and social activists in the city have welcomed the move, especially in the wake of increasing cases of stray dog attacks and the spread of rabies. They are also pressing for shelters to be set up on the city's outskirts rather than in densely populated residential areas. R Raveendran, Secretary of the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC), said the verdict was long overdue but questioned the practicality of implementing it in full. "Our children are the most affected. Many strays are rabies-infected, and if one bites a pet dog, owners often have no idea until it's too late. If the infected dog later bites a child, it can be disastrous," he said. Raveendran stressed that the stray dog population has been rising at an alarming rate, adding that large-scale sterilisation was the only sustainable solution. For some, the court's directive is a matter of public safety for both humans and livestock. M Ashraf, a resident of Karumbukadai, said the order was a 'blessing' for people and animals such as goats and cows, which are sometimes attacked by stray dogs. "The government must ensure that shelters are built on the outskirts of the city. No centre should be set up in residential areas, as it would create another set of problems," he said. However, the proposal has drawn strong criticism from animal welfare advocates, who argue it is neither practical nor humane. Kesica Jayabalan, founder of Dogs of Coimbatore, warned that housing the city's estimated one lakh stray dogs in one place could lead to a mass disease outbreak and potentially mass culling. "How is it possible to create space for so many dogs? We can't build kennels for each one. If one dog gets sick, the infection will spread rapidly. This concept is not practical," she said. Kessica called the move a "knee-jerk reaction" lacking scientific backing. Instead, she advocated for stricter regulation of breeders, mass sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, and community education. As the debate intensifies, all sides agree that something must be done about the growing stray population, but balancing public safety, animal welfare, and practicality remains the question the government must now answer.


The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
New auditorium and sports hall inaugurated at Kovilpalayam government school
District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar inaugurated a new auditorium and sports hall and laid the foundation stone for an Integrated laboratory block at the Government Higher Secondary School in Kovilpalayam on Wednesday. The developments are part of the ₹2.5 crore CRS Memorial Endowment Project, launched in memory of Coimbatore-based industrialist C.R. Swaminathan. 'The contribution of private organisations in strengthening infrastructure in government schools is commendable. These efforts provide rural students access to quality facilities and learning environments,' the Collector said. The 6,000 sq. ft. lab block will include dedicated spaces for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Computer Science, along with a robotics lab. CRI Pumps School Toppers Awards were presented to top-performing Class X and XII students. The Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore and CRI Pumps also announced their decision to adopt and maintain 12 government schools in Coimbatore for five years.


The Hindu
15-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation to act against dumping of non-biodegradable waste in Sanganoor canal
The Coimbatore Corporation has decided to step up measures to address the dumping of thermocol and other non-biodegradable waste into the Sanganoor Canal, which drains into Singanallur Lake, in the city. Waste is frequently found in the canal, particularly along the 1.5-km stretch between Trichy Road and Singanallur Lake. According to Corporation officials, this blocks water flow and has led to recurring flooding in surrounding areas. Following a request from the Corporation to NGOs to trace the source of the dumping, the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore conducted a drone survey of the canal. 'We identified five locations where thermocol waste, typically used for packaging machinery, had accumulated, and submitted the findings to the Corporation,' said R. Raveendran, secretary of the association. Painthamil T, a resident of Sakthi Nagar, said thermocol waste was spotted floating in the canal for over two years. 'All the stormwater drains in the area discharge into the canal. Even moderate rains lead to flooding in Sakthi Nagar, T. Nagar, and Bharathidasan Nagar in ward 64, which are close to the canal. There are no proper stormwater drains in many of these streets and drains are damaged or clogged. We often have to call lorries to pump out stagnant water. We have been raising complaints about waterlogging and waste, but no permanent solution has been found,' the resident said. A senior Corporation official said the presence of thermocol and other solid waste in the canal is blocking the water flow into Singanallur Lake. 'In several stretches, the water is not flowing forward but is getting pushed back, causing a reverse flow. This is one of the reasons for water stagnation in the surrounding areas,' the official said. The official added that all sanitary inspectors and officials have been instructed to monitor the canal closely. An inquiry will be carried out to trace the source of the bulk waste. Action will be taken under the Solid Waste Management Rules.


Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mass cleaning drive to begin at govt offices on June 5
Coimbatore: A mass cleaning drive will begin on June 5 to clear old materials dumped on all govt offices premises in Coimbatore district. This is in connection with the statewide initiative 'Thooimai Mission' for sustainable waste management in Tamil Nadu and the observance of the World Environment Day . The statewide mission was launched in April. On Friday, the first meeting of the mission was conducted in Coimbatore district. District-level and block-level committees have been formed. NGOs and volunteers who are already working on a similar mission have been included as committee members at various levels in panchayats and villages. Ten members of the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) are part of the district-level committee. RAAC secretary R Raveendran said the focus is to have source segregation at the grassroots level, go for recycling and eliminate landfills. In the present scenario, even in a small village, panchayats are gradually creating landfills due to a lack of process, which is the result of mixed waste. There are local recycling industries in the market that are performing well. "We are already working in Perur and Keeranatham villages with progressive results in waste management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bolsas nos olhos? (Tente isso hoje à noite) Revista Saúde & Beleza Saiba Mais Undo Even if we separate plastic waste, the multi-layered packaging (MLP), i.e., packaging of chips, biscuits and other eateries, must go for different processing, which will later be sent to the cement industry. However, if we combine all kinds of plastics together, they will certainly end up being dumped in vacant spaces or water bodies. Also, scrutinising the best vendor for recycling should be taken care of," said Raveendran. He specified that the old materials like tables, chairs and other items that still hold capital value would be sold, and the rest would be sent for recycling. "Unlike any other activities like desilting, municipal solid waste management is a daily process without compromise. The major problem is the payment for sanitary work, which stands low. Probably if their payments are raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, there would certainly be a viable change in waste management," he added.