Latest news with #RoshyAugustine
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Police to launch Campus Beats against drugs in Idukki schools
The State has made great strides in the field of public education, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine has said. Inaugurating the district-level Praveshanolsavam at St. Sebastian's UP School in Thodupuzha in Idukki on Monday, Mr. Augustine said the State government had spent ₹5,000 crore on the renovation of the government schools. 'Kerala ensures ample amenities in government schools,' said the Minister. To ensure schools in the district are drug-free, the district police will implement a special anti-narcotics campaign named Campus Beats. According to Idukki District Police Chief T.K. Vishnu Pradeep, the project is a joint initiative of the school authorities, Parent Teachers' Association (PTA), parents, and the public. Meeting soon Mr. Pradeep said the district police had already informed all schools about the campaign, and a meeting of school and hostel authorities would be held soon. As part of the project, a police officer will be deputed for each school. The officer will visit the school and collect details and solve the issues with directives from the higher authorities. The project aims to strengthen the school protection groups, prevent antisocial activities in schools, and make school premises drug-free. All schools in the district will receive a complaint box, according to officials. The station house officer, along with schoolteachers, will open the box and take further steps. Mr. Pradeep, Idukki district panchayat president Rarichen Neeranakunnel, among others, attended the function.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
8.25 crore allotted for rain-related emergencies: Water resources minister
Thiruvananthapuram: Water resources minister Roshy Augustine announced sanctioning Rs 8.25 crore for emergency interventions related to southwest monsoon. Out of this, Rs 3.5 crore was allotted to minor irrigation divisions, with Rs 25 lakh each to executive engineers in all 14 districts. An additional Rs 2.5 crore was sanctioned to 10 major irrigation divisions, with each executive engineer receiving Rs 25 lakh. Furthermore, Rs 2.25 crore was allocated to nine districts, with Rs 25 lakh to each, for coastal protection work. The funds were sanctioned during a special meeting convened by the minister in view of the upcoming monsoon. Executive engineers were granted permission to utilise the funds without prior approval in case of emergency monsoon-related works. However, this is subject to unavailability of adequate funds under district disaster management authority. The order in this regard mandates proper documentation of expenses, along with photographic evidence of the work carried out. It strictly warned against diversion of funds under any circumstance.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- The Hindu
Forest department pavilion offers variety tribal fare at ‘Ente Keralam' expo in Idukki
Have you ever tasted Naruneendi (Indian sarsaparilla) tea, butter beans momos and ragi leddu? The Forest and Wildlife department's pavilion at the 'Ente Keralam' expo, which is underway at Vazhathope Government Vocational Higher Secondary School ground in Idukki, offers the public a chance to enjoy the taste of various types of delicious tribal food items. According to officials, the stall is witnessing a rush of visitors looking to taste these delicacies. The expo marks the fourth anniversary of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the State. The Munnar wildlife division and the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary has partnered to set up the pavilion, officials stated. The Naruneedi tea on offer is a traditional drink among tribal communities, and butter beans are cultivated inside the forests; the butter bean momos are another offering that is attracting visitors. Also on sale at the pavilion is chama rice payasam (millet payasam), bamboo rice payasam (mulayari payasam), ragi leddu, and ragi milk. Tapioca, colocasia, sweet potato, purple yam, ragi vada, bird's-eye chilli chutney, fish curry, and butter bean chicken curry are also put up. Various items made from forest produce, such as honey, lemon grass oil, ragi powder, turmeric, sherbet, Marayur jaggery, ginger tea powder, and veld grape pickles, are also available at the pavilion. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine inaugurated the exhibition on April 29. The expo will conclude on May 5.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- The Hindu
Experience beach and paddy lands at ‘Ente Keralam' expo in Idukki
The Kerala Tourism pavilion at the 'Ente Keralam' expo, which is under way at Vazhathope Government Vocational Higher Secondary School ground in Idukki, has put up artificial models of a beach, a village and paddy land. Here, a miniature seashore recreates the sensation of waves gently caressing your feet. The expo marks the fourth anniversary of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the State. According to officials, the pavilion has models of small huts, water wheels in the backdrop of a paddy field — evoking the beauty of village tourism. The tourist map of Idukki and the details of various tourism centres in the district are also available at the pavilion. Through a ChatGPT service on display, details of major tourism destinations and accommodation facilities can also be accessed by visitors. The Tourism department pavilion also features a caravan and camper facility, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the unique features of camping and caravan tourism. Officials said that the exhibit is finished with a private resting place, a sofa, a microwave oven, an induction cooker, a generator, a fridge, a bathroom with heater facility and berths. Full-time personal service is also on offer. According to officials, the caravan facility was arranged by a private group from Wagamon. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine inaugurated the 'Ente Keralam' expo on April 29. The expo will conclude on May 5. Programmes on Sunday On Saturday, a tourism seminar was held at the 'Ente Keralam' expo venue which covered the district's diverse tourism potential. Responsible Tourism Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rupesh Kumar inaugurated the seminar at 3 p.m. The seminar discussed issues such as responsible tourism, adventure tourism, homestays, and farm tourism. Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society's Binu Kuriakose led a session regarding adventure tourism activities in the State. A session on homestays was led by District Tourism Deputy Director K.S. Shine. Ernakulam regional joint director G.L. Rajiv gave a talk on farm tourism aspects. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Jitheesh Jose and Devikulam Guest House manager Shiju, among others, attended the seminar.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- The Hindu
PWD pavilion at Ente keralam expo showcases road projects in Idukki
The pavilion of the Public Works Department (PWD) at the 'Ente Keralam' expo, which is under way at Vazhathope Government Vocational Higher Secondary School ground in Idukki, is showcasing the progress of road development in Idukki district. The expo marks the fourth anniversary of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the State. The pavilion, showcasing models of major roads and bridges in the Idukki district, is gaining attention of visitors. According to officials, road projects in the district, such as Chemmannar Gap Road, Rajakkad–Myladumpara–Poopara Road, and Munnar Gap Road, meet global standards. In addition, bridges under the State PWD, such as Santhi Bridge, Enthayar Bridge, and Mangathotty Bridge, are on a par with global bridges. Officials said the roads in major centres are mainly aimed at tourism prospects. Tourist arrivals have also increased due to better road conditions. The Munnar-Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway and Kuttikkanam-Kattappana State highway in Idukki have already emerged as a road tourism destination in Idukki district. The scenery of tea plantations, numerous hairpin bends, misty weather and the catchment area of the Anayirankal dam are major attractions of the Munnar-Bodimettu stretch. On the Kattappana-Kuttikkanam State highway, the tea plantations and hairpin bends are the major attractions. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine inaugurated the 'Ente Keralam' expo on Tuesday (April 29, 2025). The expo will conclude on May 5.
