Thursday, July 20, 2023

Plan violation: Building evacuation begins

80 buildings are unauthorized in BBMP South Zone

 Plan violation: Building evacuation begins


 Bengaluru: BBMP has started the eviction operation of buildings constructed in violation of the plan in South Zone on Wednesday.

 An additional floor was being constructed at Girinagar in Basavanagudi. BBMP personnel led by town planning officials cleared the building on Wednesday.

 It has been proved that 80 buildings in Chikkapet, Basanavagudi, Padmanabhanagar, BTM Layout, Jayanagar, Vijayanagar assembly constituencies have been constructed in violation of the plan. Buildings that have been approved for the plan from 2018 to 2023 have increased in this.

 In 2010, 2014, 2015 there were also violations of sanctioned plans and court injunctions. Their restraining order has been lifted and the eviction of illegal buildings has started.

 There were complaints from the public that 'buildings were constructed in violation of the plan'. Based on these complaints, the city planning officials, who have conducted an inquiry, have documented the illegal construction. After this, a site inspection was conducted and an order was issued to vacate the buildings constructed in violation of the map. The amount of illegal or extra construction on the buildings was written in red last week.

 A total of 80 buildings have been constructed in violation of the plan in the southern zone. These were investigated, a notice was issued and an order to vacate was given. In the past, the court had issued a restraining order in some cases. All of them have been cleared and the clearing operation has started. Southern Zone Commissioner Jayaram Raipura said that the operation will continue till the encroachments are cleared in all the buildings.

 How many violations where?

 Area;No. Of Properties 

 Chikkapet; 31

 Jayanagar; 18

 Basavanagudi; 16

 Padmanabhanagar; 9

 BTM Layout; 5

 Vijayanagar; 1

 Total; 80

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...


Monday, July 17, 2023

Smells of corruption in Pollution Control Board (KSPCB)

 ₹17.85 crore illegal in awareness program; A complaint to the government from the member secretary

Smells of corruption in Pollution Control Board (KSPCB)

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: The State Pollution Control Board, which is supposed to eliminate many filth in the state, has messed up its yard due to personal conflicts and irregularities.

 In a meeting of the 'Single Source Committee' chaired by Board Chairman Shant Thimmaiah, ₹17.85 crore worth of awareness programs were directly given to the agencies in violation of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act-1999 (KTPP). The board has also given approval and mandate for these awareness advertising programs for a few months before the assembly elections. Now the bill amount is pending release.

 In the meeting held on January 30, the contract worth ₹17.85 crore was approved to be awarded to specific agencies. Also approved for issue of purchase order. All this is a violation of the KTPP Act and the member secretary of the board, Suri Payala, has written a letter to the government saying that action should be taken in this regard. The Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment and Biodiversity wrote a letter to him on July 3 and gave all the information approved in the 'Single Source Committee' meeting.

After this letter case, there was conflict in the board and the chairman Shanth Thimmaiah has withdrawn the post of joint secretary in addition to IT director Suri Payala. Many cases have been mentioned in the recall order that Suri Payala has also exercised his authority in violation of the rules.

 What is awareness program?: The board meeting gave approval to four agencies to display awareness programs of State Pollution Control Board in the form of advertisements on buses, residential areas. Sai Advertisers have been approved to introduce GST as 'branding fee' on 2000 buses of KSRTC and KKRTC and 100 buses of BMTC Volvo.

 Adon Mo Agency has been given a month's advertisement at 400 bus stands in Bengaluru to display the ad on 4,692 screens approved by DAVP (Directorate of Audio and Visual Programmes).

 It was also agreed in the meeting to issue a purchase order to Benaka Automotives to display advertisements on the bus panels of North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation in Hubli and put up 22 hoardings in Haveri district.

 Action as Act; Money not released: Shant Thimmaiah

 There is an opportunity to carry out awareness programs directly. However, I made the Committee as Single Source Agencies as per Section 4(b) of the KTPP Act, where it was discussed, programs were given to agencies approved by the Government. After this, the matter was proposed and approved in the board meeting as well. After the awareness programs are completed, the bills are received from the agencies and the committee headed by the member secretary has been assigned to review them. No report was received from that committee. So not even a single rupee has been released to any agency. I have not violated any law and I will not," said Shant Thimmaiah, President of the State Pollution Control Board.

 Demand a thorough investigation

 The Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board and some officers have directly entrusted the responsibility of awareness advertisement programs to private companies in violation of the KTPP Act. During the previous government's period, this was the pretext of misappropriation of public money under the guise of awareness before the assembly elections. Incompetent and incompetent President and concerned officials were found to have committed corruption. Thus, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should be urged to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate all the decisions and resolutions taken by the State Pollution Control Board during the term of this President, former member of the Legislative Council P.R. Ramesh said.

 Awareness program: Who is allowed?

 agency; content; duration; amount

  •  Sai advertisers, Chokkasandra, Peenya; mass awareness program by 'Bus Branding Media' about State Pollution Control Board; 2 months; ₹3,40,80,000
  •  Adan Mo Rethinking Out Door Advertising, Bangalore; branding and advertising in housing societies; 3 months; ₹7,53,41,508
  •  Sign Post India, Halasur, Bangalore; OOH (Out of Home Out Door) advertising across Bangalore; 1 month; ₹5,43,84,000

  •  Benaka Automations, Jayanagar, Bangalore; Awareness advertisement about State Pollution Control Board in buses across the state; 1 month; ₹1,47,36,000
  • Total; ₹17,85,41,508
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...



Sunday, July 16, 2023

Banasavadi lake encroachment: Notice to Tehsildar

Banasavadi lake encroachment: Notice to Tehsildar

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Land Grab Prohibition Special Court has registered the case of Banasavadi Lake encroachment on its own motion and has issued a notice to the Bangalore East Taluk Tehsildar.

A report was published in 'Prajavani' on June 30 under the title 'Banasavadi Lake again occupied'. This has been considered by the Court, Krishnarajapura Banasavadi Survey no. 211, 42 acres 38 gunte lake yard has been encroached for the third time. Buildings are constructed. Without indicating that a report should be given in this regard.

Also read... Banasavadi lake again encroached...ಬಾಣಸವಾಡಿ ಕೆರೆ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಒತ್ತುವರಿ

The government prosecutor said that the Tahsildar has been directed to submit a report to the special court by August 18, along with a detailed survey sketch of the encroaching persons and the encroachment area of each.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ..



Friday, July 14, 2023

Student who nurtures saplings is a 'Hasiru Rakshaka' (Green Savior)

 'Green Bengaluru': Road Tree Planting Scheme; Drive statrs next week

Student who nurtures saplings is a 'Hasiru Rakshaka' (Green Savior)

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Students have got an opportunity to nurture saplings in their name on the city's roads. If student preserves the plant for three years and turns it into a tree, student will also get the title of 'Hasiru Rakshaka' (Green Savior).

 With the aim of making the green roads under the BBMP, the 'Green Bengaluru' project is being implemented by the Forest Department from next week. BBMP does all the digging, planting of saplings with soil-fertilizer, shielding. Students should do its maintenance.

Children from all schools of BBMP are being given opportunity under the 'Hasiru Bengaluru' scheme. They are given the task of nurturing saplings on the roads near their respective schools. Each student is given responsibility for a sapling, which is labelled with their name. The forest department of BBMP will do all kinds of work and the student should take charge of it.

 After planting, is it getting the water it needs, should it be fertilized? Check if there is any problem. If the information is given to the head of the school, the forest department will come and look into it. Thus, if a sapling named after them is nurtured into a tree for three years, they will be given the title of HASIRU RAKSHAKA 'Green Guardian' and a certificate will be distributed. BBMP Deputy Conservator of Forests Sarina Sikkaligar said there is also a scheme to reward the best performers.

Target to plant 1 lakh saplings

The BBMP Forest Department has set a target of planting one lakh saplings on the city's roads under the 'Hasiru Bengaluru' scheme. Tamarind, Jamoon, Honge, Tabobia, Mahogany, Banyan, Cotton saplings are planted. Children can choose the plants they like.

 Schools are responsible: DCF

 "Initially we are giving opportunity to 5th to 7th class children of 16 schools of BBMP. It is up to the head of the school to decide who will take care of the registration and who will take care of the plant. After the students nurture the sapling for three years, it is the responsibility of the school to save the tree," said Sarina Sikkaligar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP.

 Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Sivakumar said that on Environment Day, children should be given the responsibility to grow a plant and nurture it. Similarly, we are starting the 'Hasiru Bengaluru' project. If private school children are interested in participating in this, they can contact the BBMP forest department through their school principal, he said.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಸಸಿ ಪೋಷಿಸುವ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಹಸಿರು ರಕ್ಷಕ– ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮರ ಬೆಳೆಸುವ ಯೋಜನೆ




Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Ejipura flyover: Minister's promise not fulfilled

Tender not submitted to government for two months; Officials delay in BBMP

Ejipura flyover: Minister's promise not fulfilled

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: As promised in the assembly elections, the pending work on the Ejipura flyover has not yet started. BBMP officials are responsible for this and they are not giving the instructions of Minister Ramalingareddy.

 BBMP engineers, who have completed the tender process called for the fourth time, have been working with the contractor for two months to reduce the contract amount. Ramalingareddy is upset by this.

 Ramalingareddy promised that the work will be started as soon as our government comes during the assembly elections. But till now the tender has not been approved. Thus, the minister got angry and took the Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath to task, sources said.

 Tenders were invited for the fourth time on March 1 for the pending work of the Ejipura flyover. Technical bids were opened on 17th and negotiations were held with the only eligible bidders. Engineers have also written a letter to the contractor on July 3 asking them to agree to the higher amount that was offered earlier i.e. 19.52 per cent. Although the contractor agreed to it, the tender approval was not sent to the government.

 The High Court stepped up due to the delay in the work of the Eazipur flyover which had started in 2017. The lease was canceled on March 9, 2022. Although the High Court had warned the BBMP that it should re-call the tender within three months and start the work, the tender process has not been completed till now. Congress MLAs have been complaining about the BJP government for so long. However, citizens are questioning why the work has not started even though they have their own government.

Ramalingareddy had also protested with us to finish the pending work of Ejipura flyover. The members of Koramangala ST Bed Residents' Welfare Association complained that even though he is the minister, the work has not yet started.

 The tender process for Ejipura flyover is almost over. The contractor has also agreed to reduce the bid amount for this work on turnkey basis. BBMP engineers also said that it will be submitted to the government as soon as the chief commissioner signs it.

 Approved soon: Ramalingareddy

 "We are committed to build the Ejipura flyover. The tender has been called for the fourth time. Negotiations with contractors are also over. BBMP senior officials are delaying sending the tender to the government for approval. A strict notice has been given in this regard. Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath said that the tender approval file will be submitted soon. The matter will come before the next cabinet and a decision will be taken," said Transport Minister Ramalingareddy.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...



Saturday, July 8, 2023

Budget: Commitment to the concept of 'BRAND' Bengaluru

 Metro connectivity increased by two and a half times
 256 garden from biomining of legecy waste
 Interest in Peripheral Ring Road Project
 Priority for removal of encroachment on Rajakaluve

 Commitment to the concept of 'BRAND' Bengaluru

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has tried to revive the city's projects from where he left off earlier. Although the capital city Bengaluru has been given no eye-catching or bumper projects in the state budget, the concept of 'Brand Bengaluru' has been made the focal point.

Relaunching of 'Indira Canteen', which fills the stomach of the hungry with quality food at a low cost, is a ray of hope for the poor. If more funds were allocated for the maintenance of these canteens, more stomachs could have been filled. It is reassuring to know that it will be implemented in the second phase.

 Siddaramaiah, who mocked the previous government at will, directly said that he should pay his burden for six or eight years. He also criticized indiscipline, indiscretion, corruption and mismanagement. He said that although huge works are being implemented, there has been no significant change in the infrastructure. He continued by giving a new name and explanation to the works of the previous government which could be implemented in urban development.

 In the concept of 'Brand Bangalore', he explained the 9 challenges facing the city and tried to provide grants for the development works of the city in the aspects that need to be taken forward to face them. He given up unnecessary works and grants without hesitation. He has listed what the city needs in the remaining eight months and has given a deadline to complete some of the works. A clear example of this is the upgrading of waste water treatment plants.

It has been said for many years that the sewage water of the city should be treated and drained compulsorily. It was said that the STPs are outdated and will not do the job. But the proposal to upgrade 20 STPs from own resources in 20 months is a strong step towards sustainable water and environment protection.

 White topping has again been prioritized to alleviate traffic congestion which is becoming a daily problem in the city. In addition, the High Density Corridors project has been continued as per the previous government's plan. Realizing that the traffic congestion will not be reduced by these two, the Chief Minister is more inclined towards the expansion of our metro. The plan to extend the connectivity network to 176 km has made people happy. But if time had been fixed for this too, it would have been happy.

 There is no clear picture in this budget to solve the garbage disposal problem that is always bothering the city. He said that ₹1,250 crore would be spent on liquid waste management and sewage treatment. In this, it is mainly said that such pollution will be controlled to prevent it from going to the lakes, and there is a hope of creating a clean environment in the water bodies. Although scientifically it is said that waste disposal is preferred, treating old waste through bio-mining, creating gardens from it does not solve the problem. It is said that ₹100 crore has been given to the Solid Waste Management Corporation (BSWMCL), which has already been surrounded by scandals and has been ordered by the Chief Minister to set up an SIT, to dispose of the waste in a scientific and sustainable manner. The question has arisen as to what can be done with this amount of funding for this institution, which is about to spend thousands of crores. It has been said that similar work will be undertaken in the Central Swachh Bharat Yojana, but there is no clear information about the grant to be received for it.

The Chief Minister has said that the suburban train project has not been implemented by the double engine government and that the previous government has failed, except for explaining the project and its grant, nothing has been done with the grant.

 Siddaramaiah has said that the development works of Bengaluru city were planned by the previous government without financial discipline and gave importance to the works that can be implemented in these eight months. He has also given priority to roads, waste, traffic congestion, floods and environment. He has taken the first step to take it to the international level to form 'Brand Bengaluru'.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ರಾಜ್ಯ ಬಜೆಟ್: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ‘ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್‌’ ಪರಿಕಲ್ಪನೆಗೆ ಸಂಕಲ್ಪ



Friday, July 7, 2023

Road QR code for grievance redressal

BBMP: Solving the problem of road, drain, street light; Comprehensive information available

BBMP: Road QR code for grievance redressal

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: Citizens of the southern zone of the city need not rely on the control room to register their grievances. All information can be obtained from the 'code' on the road name plate.

The scheme of 'QR Code Road Reader' has been implemented on nameplates in BBMP South Zone. Citizens will scan this QR code and through the available link, information about whom to contact for road, sewerage, street light problems will be available along with name and contact numbers.

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Citizens had to complain to the control room to resolve the problem in their surroundings. From there, the concerned authorities would be informed and they would come and take action. But now citizens can get the name and contact number of the officials and contractors through this QR code and report the problem directly to them. By this a quick solution can be found.

 In the wards, the information list of the officers concerned with the respective works was given. But, it was limited there. If the officers changed, their information would not be available. Thus the QR code system has been implemented. Through this, the information of busy officers and contractors will be updated in it. This much information is never limited here," said Jayaram Raipur, Commissioner of BBMP South Zone.

 QR codes are being pasted on road nameplates. Each road has its own separate link. Citizens can use this to solve their problems. He said that the authorities should respond to the complaints of the citizens.

There are about 10,500 roads in Bangalore South Zone. QR codes have already been installed on the roads of Basavanagudi, Padmanabhanagar, BTM Layout, Jayanagar, Chikkapet assembly constituencies. He informed that this work will be completed in another week on the roads of Vijayanagar assembly constituency.

 Rapid expansion everywhere: Jayaram

 'QR Code Road Information Table' has been implemented in South Zone at a cost of around ₹12 lakh. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar suggested to expand this scheme everywhere. There is a plan to extend BBMP coverage to 13 thousand km of main and sub-main roads and all the roads in the zones. It may cost around ₹1.5 crore,” said South Zone Commissioner Jayaram Raipur.

 Currently, only some information is available, but in the near future, the complete history of the road, i.e. road asphalting, pothole filling, drain construction, silt removal, etc., will also be included. Information is currently available in English and will be provided in Kannada in the near future, he said.

What information is available now?

 MLA Name, Constituency, Division, Ward, Street Name, Street ID; Road sweeper, supervisor, their contact number; Garbage collection time, garbage contractor, their contact number; Waste generation details in the area; Name and contact number of engineer, contractor responsible for pothole filling, footpath maintenance, drain slab change, drain silt removal; Name and contact number of engineer responsible for street light maintenance, Forest Department RFO for clearing tree branches, details of contractor; Name, Contact Number of BWSSB Officer responsible for Water Supply, Sewerage Management; Control room number; Fire Brigade Personnel Profile; Name, contact number of animal husbandry officer to catch dogs and eliminate the problem of stray cattle; Information from the health department officer spraying medicine to control mosquitoes.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ: ರಸ್ತೆ ಕುಂದುಕೊರತೆ ನಿವಾರಣೆಗೆ ‘ಕ್ಯೂಆರ್‌ ಕೋಡ್‌’



SIT to investigate Solid waste mis use of funds: CM

BSWML: No problem from Urban department

SIT to investigate Solid waste mis use of funds: CM

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Chief Secretary to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the entire functioning of the Bangalore Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWML).

 The Chief Minister modified the note sent on June 20 to the Urban Development Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and sent a note to the Chief Secretary on June 26 to form an SIT. Since there is a role of senior officials of the Urban Development Department in the BSWML tender and assignment process, they have ordered the formation of an SIT with the intention of not conducting an investigation by the officials of that department.

Also read... Solid waste transfer station: Order to cancel the Work orders, tenders

 The Chief Minister has suggested to discuss with the Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Bangalore Urban Development Minister and submit a file with the necessary proposal regarding the formation of the SIT. However, the Chief Secretary again sent a note to the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, which is confusing.

Former member of Legislative Council P.R. said that government funds are being misused by BSWML. Ramesh had brought it to the attention of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. In 'Prajavani' under the title 'Contract flawed: Release of ₹13 crore' on June 20 and 'Cost more than double for garbage transportation' report was published on December 20, 2022.

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The mandates issued since the inception of BSWML, the ongoing tender processes should be canceled forthwith. He directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit a detailed report on the works implemented, misappropriation of funds and the entire functioning of the organization. Now, it has been decided to cancel all those proceedings and form an SIT for investigation.

The previous note sent to the Urban Development Department has also been mentioned in this, and it has been said that the unscientific measures costing ₹1,100 crore are harming the health of motorists and citizens and the environment. ₹13.5 crore was advanced to Parishuddha Ventures beyond the norms and there was misappropriation of funds. All this is suggested to be thoroughly investigated.

 Note Summary:

 In 2015, the government had set up six solid waste management units with a grant of ₹468 crore to adequately handle the collection, transportation, handling and disposal of solid waste under BBMP. These have become inactive in recent years due to improper management and the corporation has been unscientifically dumping solid waste at selected sites for Land fills. Solid waste management has worsened due to measures taken to set up waste centers on roadsides and under flyovers.

The Corporation has spent ₹1,100 crore on unproductive measures without complying with the National Green Tribunal and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Such unscientific actions of the corporation are projects that harm city traffic and public health and environment.

 Meanwhile, new programs under 'Shubhra Bangalore' action plan have been formulated by the state-owned BSWML organization established in 2021 for smooth collection, transportation and management of solid waste in Bangalore city limits. An advance of ₹13.45 crore was paid to Parishuddha Ventures, which had submitted a bank guarantee document against the norms and against the instructions of the government. Through this, the organization is misusing government funds without following the orders, instructions and rules of the government. Ramesh has brought these to attention. The Chief Minister has suggested that a report should be submitted on the SIT formation, mentioned note.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...



Wednesday, July 5, 2023

₹22 thousand crore for 50 km tunnel

Consultation meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Sivakumar

Bengaluru: ₹22 thousand crore for 50 km tunnel

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: The government is thinking of building a road in the tunnel with the aim of reducing the traffic in the city. Under the first phase of the project, about 50 km of tunnel road will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹22 thousand crore.

 In order to reduce the pressure on Bellary Road, Hosur Road, Old Madras Road, Tumkur Road, which are experiencing heavy traffic, the tunnel road is planned to be constructed in the first phase.

 Regarding the construction of tunnel roads, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held a consultation with the officials of 'Tunnel Road Construction Consultancy' in Bangalore on Tuesday. The representatives of the international consulting firm briefed on the possibilities of building a tunnel in the city.

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 It takes a lot of time to build flyovers in the heart and central parts of the city. Land acquisition costs more. Besides, traffic will have to be stopped during the work. This will cause many problems, and as a solution to this, it is suggested that a tunnel road should be constructed.

About 100 km of tunnel road will have to be built to connect all the outskirts of the city. In the first phase, only about 50 km is planned to be constructed, further processes have been decided to start. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) options are being explored. There are many options including Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT-Toll), Real Estate Development with BOT-Toll. The option of BOT-toll is likely to be almost finalised, and citizens will have to pay a toll while using the tunnel road.

 BOT-Toll option will not put much financial burden on the government. It will be constructed, maintained and fees will be collected by the private sector. It is thought that city traffic will come under control with this project.

 The tunnel is envisaged to be constructed in four or six lanes. It is planned to build one-way roads to accommodate more vehicles and for safe traffic. The tunnel will be double-decker, with traffic on one side at the bottom and one side at the top.

During the 2013 Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, it was decided to build flyover corridors to control traffic. Now the government is planning to convert almost the same corridors into tunnel corridors.

 The Public Works Department had also recently submitted a request to the Central Government for the construction of the tunnel. The National Highways Authority had said that the project would cost around ₹50,000 crore. Now, DCM D.K. Shivakumar is interested.

₹50 thousand crore: Overall estimated cost of the project

100 km long: Total tunneling plan

₹450 crore: Estimated cost per km


 

Tunnel road from where to where?

  •  North to South Corridor: Yalahanka to Mekhri Circle to Central Silk Board. (from Bellary Road towards Hosur); 27 km
  •  East to West Corridor–1: K.R. Pura to Goragunte Palya (Old Madras Road – Tumkur Road, Ring Road from Ramamurthynagar towards ITPL); 29 km
  •  East to West Corridor–2: Varthur Kodi to Jnanabharati (Old Vimana Road to Mysore Road); 28.90 km
  •  Connectivity Corridor–1: St. John's Hospital Junction to Agra via Outer Ring Road (East to West–2 connectivity); 4.50 km
  •  Connectivity Corridor–2: Halasur to D'Souza Circle (connecting East to West– Corridor–1 and East to West Corridor–2); 2.80 km
  •  Linkage Corridor–3: From Wheelers Road Junction to Kalyannagar on Outer Ring Road (Connection from East to West Corridor–1); 6.45 km

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

50 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಸುರಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ₹22 ಸಾವಿರ ಕೋಟಿ: ಡಿ.ಕೆ. ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್‌ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಮಾಲೋಚನೆ


 

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

₹2,000 crores spent on development of Bengaluru city lakes

  • Not free from dirty, pollution
  • Unimproved water quality
  • No eco-friendly atmosphere
  • Biodiversity is not emphasized
  • Preference for civil works
  • Walking-jogging path, high cost for beautification

₹2,000 crores spent on development of Bengaluru city lakes

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Although there is a lot of confusion between the district administration and the BBMP about the number of living lakes in the 'City of Lakes', the BBMP has spent more than ₹2000 crore for the development of 156 lakes.

There are 211 lakes under BBMP and only 156 lakes are under development since 2010. Although crores have been spent on each lake, it is not only free from dirt and filth. The developed lakes are being spent again and again. 29 lakes which have not seen the least development are still in the planning stage.

 In 2008, the state government handed over the development of the lakes to BBMP and BDA. After showing a cost of Rs 100 crore for the development of 12 lakes, the BDA offered no money. Again the development and maintenance of all the lakes fell on the shoulders of BBMP. BBMP has spent nearly two thousand crores, even though they say, there is no money.

Till 2018-19, BBMP has spent more than three hundred crore rupees for the development of 65 lakes. More crores have been spent on the front lines again for these developed lakes.

Development of lakes requires the approval of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) from the Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA). Thus, from 2018-19 to 2022-23, BBMP and BDA have approved DPRs worth over ₹1,427 crore. After this, more than this cost was also spent on the works.

BBMP is not officially saying that this amount has been spent. However, the values of 'Restoration of Lakes' published by the Corporation and DPRs approved by KTCDA reveal the cost information.


Which lake costs more?

Lake; Cost (₹ in crores)

Kalkere Rampur; 61.46

 Sankey; 46.92

 Kalkere; 44.22

 Yalahanka; 35.44

 Mallattahalli; 31.5

 (Retaining Wall+Lake Bed – Pathway)

 Doddabidarakallu; 27.50

 Gandhinagar Hoskere; 28.60

 Doddanekkundi; 29.90

 JP Park – Mattikere; 25.36

 Gunjur Mango Lake; 20

 Dore Kere; 18.21

 Abbigere; 18.02

 Kempambudhi; 17.31

 Karihobanahalli (Narasappanahalli); 17

 Chikkabegur; 16.92

 Halasur; 15.17

 Konappa Agrahara;13.87

 Vengaiyanakere; 13.80

 Singapura; 13.60

 Kannur; 13.26

 Garvebavi Palya; 13

 Junnasandra; 12.60

 Hosakere – Halekere Nelakadirenahalli; 10.29

 Kacharakanahalli; 10.11

 Kadusonnappanahalli; 10.15

 Begur; 10


₹2322.55 crore: Total Cost (BBMP+BDA)

 ₹1891.94 crore: Total expenditure by BBMP

 ₹1405.28 crore: Amount in DPR approved from 2018-19 to 2022-23 (99 lakes)

 ₹359.81 crore: Expenditure incurred from 2010-11 to 2017-18 (65 lacs)

 ₹50 lakh: for installation of CC TV cameras in 75 lakes

 ₹36.85 crore; for installation of embankment for 102 lakes

 ₹470.61 crore: Cost of BDA

 ₹104.61 crore; Development of 12 lakes

 ₹366 crore– Bellandur Lake (₹248 crore) & Varthur Lake (₹118 crore)


 211 Total lakes

 202 Being under BBMP

 5 In custody of BDA

 4 In custody of Forest Department

 114 out of 202 lakes – developed

41 are under development

1- Tender is in process; 

27 – to be developed; 

19– Unusable Lakes


 Concrete Tank: IISC

 The lakes that have been developed at a cost of thousands of crores in Bengaluru are not sites for protecting and cultivating biodiversity but are 'concrete tanks' where civil works have been carried out. There is no clean water in these lakes. The study report of the Indian Institute of Science said that it is full of dirt.

 In the report submitted by Gautham and Vasantha Jagadeesan under the leadership of Prof. T.V. Ramachandra, emphasis was placed on how the funds should be used for the rejuvenation or development of the lakes. Not realizing the value of the lake, scientific works are said to have been neglected.

By not putting out the polluted silt in the lake, it has been made like an island and the clean water has been allowed to get polluted. After the development of the lake, no works have been done to prevent sewage water from flowing into it. A study report on 'Status of Restored Lakes in Bengaluru: Gaps and Solutions' states that a 'cement bowl' has been created by the development work of the lakes, and a lot of expenditure has been spent on jogging, walking paths, beautification, and no work has been done to revitalize the lake environment.

 ₹ 46 crore for Sankey!

 ₹46.92 crore has been spent on Sankey Lake, which was in the list of developed lakes as early as 2010, from 2019-20. Although the encroachment of the lake has not been cleared, beautification works are increasing. Mallattahalli Lake is planned to cost ₹80 crore, of which a lot has already been released. DPR alone has been approved for ₹31.5 crore.

Rachenahalli, Kempambudhi, Kalkere, Jakkuru, Kaikondrahalli, Dorekere, Seegehalli, Singhasandra, Kodige Singhasandra, Yalahanka, Yalachenahalli, Attur, Doddabommasandra, Garudacharapallya, J.P. Park Mattikere, Lingadhiranahalli, Sanki, Vibhutipur lakes have been spent more than once for the development of crores of rupees. However, even today those lakes are not clean.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ..




Monday, July 3, 2023

BBMP Advances to natural gas production from wet waste

BBMP: 7 waste processing units to be commissioned; New effort to eliminate odors

BBMP Advances to natural gas production

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: BBMP is ready to start the operation of waste processing units at full capacity. Along with this, it is also thinking of producing natural gas (CNG) to overcome the odor problem.

Waste processing has become a major problem in the city and BBMP is taking strict measures to find a solution to it. As directed by the High Court, wet waste processing will be carried out at full capacity in all the seven units from next week. Joint Commissioners of Zones are entrusted with the management of each unit.

Although about 2700 metric tons of wet waste is generated daily, it is able to be fully treated. The opposition of the locals, the people's representatives are demanding that they do not bring other people's garbage in their constituency. Thus, three out of 8 units were closed during the election. The Special Commissioner of Solid Waste Department has informed the Joint Commissioner that all the units should be operational in the next two weeks.

 Only about 1000 metric tonnes of wet waste is currently being processed in the processing units. The rest is landfilled as mixed waste. Processing plants are being started with the intention of almost stopping this. If fully operational it will be able to process more than 2200 metric tonnes of wet waste.

CNG production: 

As all seven processing units start up, there will be a smell. It takes 40 days for wet garbage to become compost. This causes some problems. Therefore, BBMP plans to convert these units into natural gas (CNG) generating units.

 The processing units are not able to process at the full capacity allotted to them in the present situation. Machines are losing their capabilities. Only 70% processing is possible. Thus, a plan has been drawn up to produce CNG in these units. This will get rid of all the problems you are experiencing now, including the smell. Also, the BBMP officials said that since CNG has a high demand and value, the corporation will also benefit financially.

GAIL India is going to set up a CNG plant from wet waste at Mandur, which is about to start. It has a capacity of 300 metric tons.

Don't bring garbage here: MLA Somasekhar

Waste should not be disposed of in Kumbalagode, Banashankari 6th phase including Doddabidarakallu, Kannalli, Seegehalli processing units under Yeshavantpur Assembly Constituency and other areas of the city, MLA ST. Somashekhar wrote a letter to BBMP Chief Commissioner.

If city legislators say that other garbage should not come to their constituencies, processing will not be possible. The High Court does not agree with this. Special commissioner of solid waste management Harish said that all the waste treatment units will be started.

Responsibility to the joint commissioner!

"Seegehalli and Subrayapallya processing units have not been functioning for a few years and the machines have broken down. They are said to be repaired and fully operational in the next two weeks. We have to process the wet garbage as there is a High Court order. All the powers have been given to the Joint Commissioner and they has to give the information to the High Court. Therefore, all the processing units will start working immediately,'' said Special Commissioner of BBMP Solid Waste Management Department. Dr. Harish Kumar.

 5200 MT: Waste accumulated daily in the city

 4200 metric tons: Household waste

 1000 metric ton: bulk amount of garbage

 2700 MT: Wet waste

Treatment Unit;Total Capacity(ton/day);Wet Waste Capacity(ton/day);Current Treatment(ton/day)

 Chikkanagamangala;500;350;300

 Doddabidarakallu; 200; 150; 130

 Kannalli;500;350;225

 KCDC, Bommanahalli;500;350;150

 Lingadhiranahalli;200;150;50

 Seegehalli;200;120;

 Subbarayanapalaya;200;150;

 MSGP Infra Tech (Private);750;500:500


ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...




Sunday, July 2, 2023

Gowri Shankar... who won KALINGA.. The KING COBRA MAN

Gowri Shankar... who won KALINGA.. The KING COBRA MAN

A snake means fear. But there should be no hatred. Malenadu people live with it. People of all parts should have the responsibility to preserve the biodiversity. The King Cobra in our state does not spit venom. Bites like other snakes. It is also true that its poison is very harsh, says Gowri Shankhar, who has discovered the species of King Cobra and received his doctorate....


Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

The Snake... immediately our legs moves back so far.. If King Cobra come accross... Wohh.. run like anything... But he has been traveling with the fearsome KALINGA Serpent for years. Two decades have passed in its life research. After learning the life course of KALINGA, he found out the varieties and presented it in the main thesis. For this he has a doctorate degree. The main reason for all this is Bite of KALINGA.


Yes, his name is Gowri Shankar, who has a passion for the environment, biodiversity and the life cycle of animals. At the beginning of this journey in 2005, he was bitten by a Kind Cobra (KALINGA) while trying to rescue three Cobra. It is surprising that he fought with death for three days and survived. In particular, there is no medicine for the bite of the King Cobra. The use of 'anti-venom' brought from Thailand did not help. When bitten by a Cobra, most of the venom does not enter the body. So after many treatment trials, Gowri Shankhar survived. After that the study of KALINGA'S 'DNA profile' started.

Gowri Shankar, the son of an army officer, was born, brought up,and educated in Bengaluru. However, he learned in his childhood to let out the snakes that were sneaking inside the house. Because he lived then in the outskirts of Bengaluru, K.R. Pura area, there were hundreds of snakes. Many types of snakes used to come to his house. They used to release them to remote areas without harming them. This gave birth to his dream of researching snakes. This work started, saving snakes at the age of 13. It was with such interest that his degree also became related to the environment. He was a teacher at Crocodile Bank, Madras. Later, as a conservationist, he helped establish the Agumbe Rainforest Research Centre. As an animal inspector in Karuna, he worked to prevent cruelty to animals. Later the journey moved to research.

He worked with Romulus Whitaker on the production stage of wildlife documentaries. He has been involved in the production of documentaries like 'The King and I', 'Secrets of the King Cobra', 'Asia's Deadliest Snake', 'One Million Snake Bites' and 'Wildest India'. In the forests of Western Ghats including Agumbe, he is protecting King Cobra' and it's eggs. In this situation, he was bitten by a KALINGA.



"Three King Cobra had to be rescued in Agumbe area. I had only one bag to put Kalinga. We put one and put the other in a sack. While putting the other snake in the small bag, the snake bit my hand from inside. It's not his fault, I wasn't aware. From there, my friend took me in a jeep to Manipal Hospital in Mangalore, which is 25 km away. It was known that there is no cure for the venom of the King Cobra. However, we had 'anti-venom' which was used in Thailand. It didn't help. I even asked let me to die, because from the terrible pain I suffered for three days. Doctors experimented with many different treatments. If bitten by a King Cobra, the elephant itself will die within 30 minutes. But, by the mercy of KALINGA, who inserted little amount of venom, I survived after a three-day long struggle. On that days of suffering, a dream was born that one should study about KALINGA, research the lifestyle. I have continued to do the same even today" says Gowri Shankhar with confidence.

Ph.D: 9 years penance

Gowri Shankhar explains how the Ph.D. story... A rattlesnake that eats a snake called Ophiphegus henna. KALINGA species was first classified in 1836. Scientific name was given in 1945. After this there was no further study. Thus, the research began. Wandered in the Western Ghats. I got admission for Ph.D in Sri Ramachandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha. I chose that university because of the large number of mentors. I went to Uppsala University in Sweden on an 'Erasmus Mundus' scholarship as a student exchange program. A review of the Kalinga snake from other parts was possible from the study there. After molecular taxonomy and DNA barcoding, the new technology made it possible to decipher the genetics and external body structure of the KALINGA. Thus, there are not one species, but four species of KALINGA in the world. That's why the anti-venom brought from Thailand for the venom of the KALINGA that bit me in Agumbe had no effect.



These KING COBRA are classified as Ophiphegus bangarus, found in eastern, northern India, the Andamans, southern China, Taiwan, the Indochinese Peninsula of central Thailand, and another in Indonesia, south-central Philippines. In addition, two other species are found in the Western Ghats region of India and the Luzon region in the northern part of the Philippines. Thus, the time taken to study the four species of KALINGA is about nine years. This penance, which started in 2014, has been realized to a point when he received his doctorate in May 2023. More studies and researches are going on. More surprises will unfold from this...

Over 400 KING COBRA were rescued..

During his Two decades of research, Gowri Shankhar has so far rescued more than 400 King Cobra and released them into safe havens. More than 50 King Cobra's nests have been monitored. He is also known as the 'King Cobra Man of India' due to the first experimental radiotelemetry study on KING COBRA.



Kalinga Center for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE)

Gowri Shankhar, along with his wife Sharmila, established the Kalinga Center for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE) in Agumbe in 2012 as his dream. He is making the locals aware that instead of killing snakes, they should be protected and also explaining their benefits. If you see a nest of KALINGA snakes, inform the forest department or our organization and they are creating awareness about protecting them. Not only this, KCRE also provides opportunities for students to conduct research on environment, animals and biodiversity.

Gowri Shankhar and his family live in 'Kalinga Mane' at Guddekere in Agumbe, Shimoga Tirthahalli Taluk. This is also a KCRE site.

Unforgettable three days...



"The three days spent with Kannada film superstar Puneeth Rajkumar and everyone's favorite Appu were the most memorable moments of life. 'Gandhada Gudi' - the camera was first started for this documentary at our Calling Center for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE). In the movie or documentry it comes in the middle. My friend Amogha introduced me to Puneet. He is very simple, cheerful. When he saw KALINGA he was also very afraid. He was standing on a three feet high board while shooting. Later, he asked a lot of questions out of interest. He sat and ate with us and washed the plate. He told all about his father, about the snake coiled in the film. Wow.. I have never met such a very simple and great person. For the first time, I have become a fan of a person..." while talking about Puneeth Rajkumar, there was pride in Gowri Shankhar's words, admiration in respectful words.


ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಗೆದ್ದ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ

ಹಾವು ಎಂದರೆ ಭಯ ಇರಬೇಕು. ಆದರೆ ದ್ವೇಷ ಇರಬಾರದು. ಮಲೆನಾಡಿನ ಜನ ಅದರೊಂದಿಗೇ ಜೀವನ ಸಾಗಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಮಲಗಿದ್ದು, ಈಗ ಹೋಗಿ ಆಗಿರಬಹುದು... ಎನ್ನುವ ಅವರ ಮನೋಧೈರ್ಯದ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಜೀವವೈವಿಧ್ಯವನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾದ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ ಎಲ್ಲ ಭಾಗದ ಜನರಲ್ಲೂ ಇರಬೇಕು. ನಮ್ಮ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ವಿಷವನ್ನು ಉಗುಳುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಇತರೆ ಹಾವುಗಳಂತೆ ಕಚ್ಚುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದರ ವಿಷ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕಠೋರ ಎಂಬುದಂತೂ ಸತ್ಯ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳ ಪ್ರಭೇದಗಳನ್ನು ಕಂಡುಹಿಡಿದು ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್‌ ಪಡೆದಿರುವ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌....

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

ಹಾವು... ಎಂದ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಕಾಲು ಮಾರುದ್ದ ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಿಯುತ್ತದೆ... ಇನ್ನು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ... ಎಂದರೆ, ಎಲ್ಲೆಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಓಟ... ಅಷ್ಟು ಭಯ ಹುಟ್ಟಿಸುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ಜೊತೆಯೇ ಇವರದ್ದು ವರ್ಷಾನು ಕಾಲದಿಂದ ಪಯಣ. ಅದರ ಜೀವನ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಎರಡು ದಶಕಗಳು ಉರುಳಿವೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಜೀವನಕ್ರಮ ಅರಿತು, ಪ್ರಭೇದಗಳನ್ನು ಶೋಧಿಸಿ ಅದನ್ನು ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಪ್ರಬಂಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್‌ ಪದವಿ ಸಂದಿದೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕೆಲ್ಲ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಕಾರಣ, ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಕಡಿತ.

ಹೌದು, ಪರಿಸರ, ಜೀವವೈವಿಧ್ಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳ ಜೀವನಚಕ್ರವನ್ನು ಅರಿಯಬೇಕೆಂಬ ತುಡಿತ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಇವರ ಹೆಸರು ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌. 2005ರಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಪಯಣದ ಆರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ, ಮೂರು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ಇವರನ್ನು ಕಚ್ಚಿಬಿಟ್ಟಿತು. ಮರಣದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮೂರು ದಿನ ಸೆಣಸಾಡಿ, ಜಯಸಾಧಿಸಿ ಬದುಕಿಬಂದಿದ್ದೇ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯಕರ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪದ ಕಡಿತಕ್ಕೆ ಮದ್ದಿಲ್ಲ. ಥಾಯ್ಲೆಂಡ್‌ನಿಂದ ತಂದಿದ್ದ ‘ಆಂಟಿ–ವೆನಮ್‌’ಗಳ ಬಳಕೆಯೂ ಪ್ರಯೋಜನಕ್ಕೆ ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಕಚ್ಚಿದಾಗ ವಿಷದ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ದೇಹವನ್ನು ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಹಲವು ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸಾ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳ ನಂತರ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಬದುಕುಳಿದರು. ಅದಾದ ನಂತರವೇ ಆರಂಭವಾಗಿದ್ದು ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ‘ಡಿಎನ್‌ ಪ್ರೊಫೈಲ್‌’ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ.

ಸೇನಾಧಿಕಾರಿಯ ಮಗನಾದ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು–ಬೆಳೆದ್ದು, ಕಲಿತದ್ದು–ಓದಿದ್ದು ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ. ಆದರೆ, ಮನೆಯೊಳಗೆ ನುಸುಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಾವುಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊರಗೆ ಬಿಡುವುದನ್ನು ಇವರು ಬಾಲ್ಯದಲ್ಲೇ ಕಲಿತರು. ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ಅವರು ಆಗ ವಾಸಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಹೊರವಲಯದ ಕೆ.ಆರ್. ಪುರ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾವುಗಳು ನೂರಾರು ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಅನೇಕ ರೀತಿಯ ಹಾವುಗಳ ಆಗಾಗ ಇವರಿದ್ದ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದು ಸೇರಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಅವುಗಳಿಗೆ ಹಾನಿ ಮಾಡದೆ, ದೂರದ ಪ್ರದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿಡುವುದನ್ನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಇದರಿಂದಲೇ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹಾವುಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಕನಸು ಮೊಳಕೆಯೊಡೆಯಿತು. 13ನೇ ವಯಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಹಾವುಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕಾಯಕ ಆರಂಭವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇಂತಹ ಆಸಕ್ತಿಯಿಂದಲೇ ಅವರ ಪದವಿ ಕೂಡ ಪರಿಸರಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ್ದೇ ಆಯಿತು. ಮದ್ರಾಸ್‌ನ ಕ್ರೊಕೊಡೈಲ್‌ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ನಂತರ, ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣಾಧಿಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿ ಆಗುಂಬೆ ರೈನ್‌ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್‌ ಸಂಶೋಧನಾ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲು ನೆರವಾದರು. ಕರುಣಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳ ಇನ್‌ಸ್ಪೆಕ್ಟರ್‌ ಆಗಿ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳ ಮೇಲಿನ ದೌರ್ಜನ್ಯ ತಡೆಯಲು ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದರು. ನಂತರದ ಪಯಣ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಯತ್ತಲೂ ಸಾಗಿತು.

ರೋಮುಲುಸ್‌ ವೈಟೇಕರ್ ಅವರಿಗೆ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯಚಿತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಿಸುವ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ‘ದ ಕಿಂಗ್‌ ಆ್ಯಂಡ್ ಐ’, ‘ಸೀಕ್ರೆಟ್ಸ್‌ ಆಫ್‌ ದ ಕಿಂಗ್‌ ಕೊಬ್ರಾ’, ‘ಏಷ್ಯಾಸ್‌ ಡೆಡ್ಲಿಯೆಸ್ಟ್‌ ಸ್ನೇಕ್‌’, ‘ಒನ್‌ ಮಿಲಿಯನ್‌ ಸ್ನೇಕ್‌ ಬೈಟ್ಸ್‌’ ಮತ್ತು ‘ವೈಲ್ಡೆಸ್ಟ್‌ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ’ ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಆಗುಂಬೆ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮಘಟ್ಟದ ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳು ಅವುಗಳ ಮೊಟ್ಟೆಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕಾಯಕವನ್ನೂ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಇಂತಹ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲೇ ಅವರನ್ನು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಕಚ್ಚಿದ್ದು.

‘ಆಗುಂಬೆ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂರು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಕಾಳಿಂಗನನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಒಂದೇ ಚೀಲ ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ಇತ್ತು. ಒಂದನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿ, ಮತ್ತೊಂದನ್ನು ಗೋಣಿಚೀಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಕಿದೆವು. ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಸರ್ಪವನ್ನು ಚಿಕ್ಕಬ್ಯಾಗ್‌ಗೆ ಹಾಕುವ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಳಗಿನಿಂದಲೇ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ನನ್ನ ಕೈಗೆ ಕಚ್ಚಿಬಿಟ್ಟ. ತಪ್ಪು ಅವನದ್ದಲ್ಲ, ನಾನು ಜಾಗೃತನಾಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ 25 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಮಣಿಪಾಲ್‌ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಜೀಪ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ದ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪದ ವಿಷಕ್ಕೆ ಮದ್ದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುದು ಗೊತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ, ಥಾಯ್ಲೆಂಡ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ‘ಆಂಟಿ ವೆನಮ್‌’ ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು. ಅದು ಪ್ರಯೋಜನಕ್ಕೆ ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಮೂರು ದಿನ ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ ಆ ಭಯಾಯನಕ ನೋವಿನಿಂದ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಸಾಯಲು ಬಿಡಿ ಎಂದೂ ಕೇಳಿದ್ದ. ವೈದ್ಯರು ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲವು ರೀತಿಯ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ಕಚ್ಚಿದರೆ 30 ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಆನೆಯೇ ಸಾಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಆದರೆ, ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಕರುಣೆಯಿಂದ ಮೂರು ದಿನದ ದೀರ್ಘ ಹೋರಾಟದ ನಂತರ ಬದುಕುಳಿದೆ. ಆ ಯಾತನೆಯ ದಿನದಲ್ಲೇ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಬಗ್ಗೆಯೇ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು, ಜೀವನಶೈಲಿ, ಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಸಂಶೋಧಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂಬ ಕನಸು ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು. ಅದನ್ನೇ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ’ ಎಂದು ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಆತ್ಮವಿಶ್ವಾಸದ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಪಿಎಚ್‌ಡಿ: 9 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ತಪಸ್ಸು

ಪಿಎಚ್‌.ಡಿ ಹೇಗಾಯಿತು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಹೀಗೆ ವಿವರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ... ಒಫಿಫೀಗುಸ್‌ ಹೆನ್ನ ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯಲಾಗುವ ಹಾವನ್ನೇ ತಿನ್ನುವ ಹಾವು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ. ಪ್ರಥಮವಾಗಿ 1836ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಪ್ರಭೇದವನ್ನು ವರ್ಗೀಕರಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. 1945ರಲ್ಲಿ ವೈಜ್ಞಾನಿಕ ಹೆಸರು ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು. ಇದಾದ ನಂತರ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ ನಡೆದಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ, ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಆರಂಭವಾಯಿತು. ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಓಡಾಡಿದೆ. ಒಡಿಸ್ಸಾದ ಬರಿಪಾಡದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಭಂಜ ಡಿಯೊ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಿಎಚ್‌.ಡಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಪಡೆದೆ. ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಕರು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಾರಣ ಆ ವಿವಿ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡೆ. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ವಿನಿಮಯದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಎರಾಸ್ಮಸ್‌ ಮುಂಡಸ್‌’ ಸ್ಕಾಲರ್‌ಶಿಪ್‌ ಸ್ವೀಡನ್‌ನ ಉಪ್ಪಸಲ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಅಧ್ಯಯನದಿಂದ ಬೇರೆ ಭಾಗದ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪದ ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಯಿತು. ಮಾಲಿಕ್ಯುಲರ್‌ ಟಾಕ್ಸೊನೊಮಿ ಮತ್ತು ಡಿಎನ್‌ಎ ಬಾರ್‌ಕೋಡಿಂಗ್‌ನಂತರ ಹೊಸ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನದಿಂದ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪದ ಅನುವಂಶಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಹೊರ ದೇಹದ ರಚನೆಯನ್ನು ಅರ್ಥೈಸಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಯಿತು. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ, ಪ್ರಪಂಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಪ್ರಭೇದವಲ್ಲ, ನಾಲ್ಕು ಪ್ರಭೇದದ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳಿವೆ. ಅದಕ್ಕೇ ನನಗೆ ಆಗುಂಬೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಚ್ಚಿದ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ವಿಷಕ್ಕೆ ಥಾಯ್ಲೆಂಡ್‌ನಿಂದ ತಂದ ಆಂಟಿ ವೆನಮ್‌ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಬೀರಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಪೂರ್ವ, ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾರತ, ಅಂಡಮಾನ್‌, ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಚೀನ, ತೈವಾನ್‌, ಥಾಯ್ಲೆಂಡ್‌ನ ಕೇಂದ್ರಭಾಗದ ಇಂಡೊಚೈನೀಸ್‌ ಪೆನಿಸುಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಪ್ರಭೇದವಿದ್ದರೆ, ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಇಂಡೊನೇಷ್ಯಾ, ದಕ್ಷಿಣ–ಕೇಂದ್ರಭಾಗದ ಫಿಲಿಪೀನ್ಸ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡುಬರುವ ಈ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ಒಫಿಫೀಗುಸ್‌ ಬಂಗಾರಸ್‌ ಎಂದು ವರ್ಗೀಕರಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದಲ್ಲದೆ, ಇನ್ನೆರಡು ಪ್ರಭೇದಗಳು ಭಾರತದ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ಹಾಗೂ ಫಿಲಿಪೀನ್ಸ್‌ನ ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾಗದ ಲೂಜಾನ್‌ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿವೆ. ಹೀಗೆ, ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಪ್ರಭೇದದಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಎಂಬ ಅಧ್ಯಯನಕ್ಕೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡ ಸಮಯ ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂಬತ್ತು ವರ್ಷ. 2014ರಲ್ಲಿ ಆರಂಭವಾದ ಈ ತಪಸ್ಸು, 2023ರ ಮೇನಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್‌ ಪ‍ಡೆದಾಗ ಒಂದು ಹಂತಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾಕಾರಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ‌ಅಧ್ಯಯನ, ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಗಳು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಅಚ್ಚರಿಗಳು ತೆರೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿವೆ...

400ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ರಕ್ಷಣೆ

ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮೂರು ದಶಕಗಳ ಸಂಶೋಧನಾ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಈವರೆಗೆ 400ಕ್ಕೂ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಿ, ಸುರಕ್ಷತಾ ತಾಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾರೆ. 50ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳ ಗೂಡುಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಗಾವಹಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳ ಮೇಲಿನ ಪ್ರಥಮ ಪ್ರಯೋಗವಾದ ರೇಡಿಯೊ ಟೆಲಿಮೇಟರಿ ಅಧ್ಯಯನದಿಂದ ಇವರನ್ನು ‘ಕಿಂಗ್‌ ಕೊಬ್ರಾ ಮ್ಯಾನ್‌ ಆಫ್‌ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ’ ಎಂದೂ ಕರೆಯಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ತಮ್ಮ ಕನಸಿನಂತೆ ಆಗುಂಬೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸೆಂಟರ್‌ ಫಾರ್‌ ರೈನ್‌ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್‌ ಎಕೊಲಜಿ (ಕೆಸಿಆರ್‌ಇ) ಅನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಪತ್ನಿ ಶರ್ಮಿಳಾ ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ 2012ರಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಹಾವುಗಳನ್ನು ಸಾಯಿಸುವ ಬದಲು ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರಿಗೆ ಅರಿವು ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅವುಗಳಿಂದಾಗುವ ಪ್ರಯೋಜನವನ್ನೂ ವಿವರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪಗಳ ಗೂಡು ಕಂಡರೆ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಅಥವಾ ತಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ, ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ, ಪರಿಸರ, ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳು, ಜೀವವೈವಿಧ್ಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ನಡೆಸುವ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೆಸಿಆರ್‌ಇ ಅವಕಾಶ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ತೀರ್ಥಹಳ್ಳಿ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕು, ಆಗುಂಬೆಯ ಗುಡ್ಡೇಕೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ‘ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಮನೆ’ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ವಾಸ. ಇದು ಕೆಸಿಆರ್‌ಇ ತಾಣವೂ ಹೌದು.

ಅವಿಸ್ಮರಣೀಯ ಆ ಮೂರು ದಿನ...

ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಮೇರುನಟ ಪುನೀತ್‌ ರಾಜ್‌ಕುಮಾರ್‌, ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಅಪ್ಪು ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಳೆದ ಮೂರು ದಿನ ಜೀವನದ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಅವಿಸ್ಮರಣೀಯ ಸಮಯ. ‘ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ’– ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕ್ಯಾಮೆರಾ ಚಾಲನೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದು ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ್ ಸೆಂಟರ್‌ ಫಾರ್ ರೈನ್‌ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್‌ ಎಕೊಲಾಜಿಯಲ್ಲೇ (ಕೆಸಿಆರ್‌ಇ). ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದು ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ. ನನ್ನ ಗೆಳೆಯ ಅಮೋಘ ಅವರು ಪುನೀತ್‌ ಅವರನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯ ಮಾಡಿಸಿದರು. ಅವರು ತುಂಬಾ ಸರಳ, ಹಸನ್ಮುಖಿ. ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಸರ್ಪ ಕಂಡಾಂಗಲಂತೂ ತುಂಬಾ ಭಯ ಪಟ್ಟಿದ್ದರು. ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್‌ ಮಾಡುವಾಗ ಮೂರು ಅಡಿ ಎತ್ತರ ಹಲಗೆ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದರು. ನಂತರ, ಆಸಕ್ತಿಯಿಂದ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿದ್ದರು. ನಮ್ಮೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕುಳಿತು ಊಟ ಮಾಡಿದರು, ತಿಂದ ತಟ್ಟೆಯನ್ನು ತೊಳೆದರು. ತಮ್ಮ ತಂದೆಯವರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾವು ಸುತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡ ಬಗ್ಗೆಯ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶವನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಹೇಳಿದರು. ವಾಹ್‌.. ಇಂತಹ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಸರಳ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಹಾನ್‌ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ನಾನು ಭೇಟಿಯೇ ಮಾಡಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ನಾನು ಪ್ರಥಮ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ಒಬ್ಬ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಯಾಗಿಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದೇನೆ... ಎಂದು ಪುನೀತ್‌ ರಾಜ್‌ಕುಮಾರ್‌ ಅವರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೇಳುವಾಗ ಗೌರಿಶಂಕರ್‌ ಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ಇತ್ತು, ಗೌರವಪೂರ್ವಕ ಮಾತುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಭಿಮಾನವಿತ್ತು.

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