The ignored lives of the invisible

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recent death of a conservancy worker, Joy , in the Amayizhanchan canal hit headlines across the state. However, for sanitation workers like Shibu, the news did not come as a surprise. This was at least reported. But last year, my friend died after returning from cleaning a septic tank in one of the neighbourhoods around Cheriyathura. As soon as he entered the washroom to cleanse himself, he fainted. People called it natural death. But just after work in an environment where you are required to hold your breath to stop the stench from entering every bit of your insides, can it be so easily disposed of as natural? he wonders. The tale of the man-eating garbage dump in Thiruvananthapuram The death of 42-year-old Joy while cleaning the Amayizhanchan canal two weeks ago may have upped the angst about the citys erroneous waste disposal and management systems. However, a graver issue remains unnoticed. Hence, the plight of the conservancy workers, especially those involved in manual scavenging, remains invisible in society. As per a 2013 Act, manual scavenging is prohibited either as employment or engagement, with a proper mechanism in place for their rehabilitation. Now, they are an invisible lot. Most are scared to speak up as they are engaged by contractors who take up sanitation work for government establishments. One such conservancy worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, stays near Manchavila on the outskirts of the district, where Joy hailed from. He refused to speak because he feared the job he occasionally gets also would go away from him. I have a family to take care of, he mumbles as he walks away. A contract labourer of KWA cleans a clogged manhole at General Hospital on Vanchiyoor road Even now they are approached for cleaning septic tanks and entering manholes. The workers say their condition remaining fragile. Most of us suffer from respiratory ailments, explains 21-year-old Manu, who works along with Shibu. While getting into the septic tank, first, we have to let out the toxic gases. Then we smear our bodies with kerosene and dump some of the fuel into the pit to counter the stench, he explains. Some seniors drink before entering the pit, or else they may not be able to tolerate the stench. It chokes our breath. If we wear masks, it adds to the choking, says Manu. The corporation vehicles that clear such waste operate mostly within the city. However, in the coastal fringes and suburban areas, it is still the human hands that do the work. The roads here are dingy and hence the vehicles cannot come and take away the waste. Thats why we are approached. Usually, it is Rs 500 per pit of the septic tank and three people have to work in one. We work after sundown so as not to disturb others in the locality, says Rajan Chinnathambi from Valiyathura. This work comes in rare for the conservancy workers, as Thiruvananthapurams sewage treatment systems are a tad better, says Adv Gopi Kochuraman, state nodal officer of the National Safai Karmachari Commission. The waste is taken to the Mutthathara plant in Thiruvananthapuram, whereas in Kochi, it is let into the water bodies. We had flagged the issue with the corporation several times, but a solution is yet to come, he says. That is why workers are usually approached during the monsoon when septic tanks get filled up with rain water and sand seeping in. We have to manually dig another pit and pull out the waste by getting into the tank, explains Manu. With this work coming in trickles, the workers find jobs as cleaning staff, casual workers or even construction labourers. Sometimes, the corporation employs us on a temporary basis to clean the drains, adds Murugan. Whats the law Manual scavenging needs to be supplemented with facilities such as the proper provision of safety gear and monthly medical check-ups. To this, Shibu adds, We are not given any safety gear for cleaning as is stipulated. No gloves, no gumboots, no masks, nothing. The workers usually complain of respiratory ailments but are susceptible to different kinds of illnesses due to the hazardous work environment. And yet, we have hardly heard of the medical scheme, says Shibu. According to Gopi, he had a tough time reaching out to the workers. Finally, after much enquiry, we found information about some places in the city where manual scavenging is still being done. It is done covertly. By the side of some platforms of the railway station here, there are septic tanks and pits that are cleared using these workers. This work is usually done on Mondays. On Monday, our team is going to inspect one such activity, he says. However, though people are made to engage in such work, not many are receiving any benefits stipulated by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation. None of the scheme benefits has reached the workers or their families. The schemes have to be routed through three nodal agencies State Backward Classes Development Corporation, State Womens Development Corporation, and State SC/ST Commission. However, till now, the benefits have not reached the people concerned. And the workers themselves are not aware of the reservations for them in fields such as education, says Gopi. Also, Kerala does not have an exclusive commission for such workers, he adds. Nobody monitors their needs. After 2021, the national commission is taking up at least part of their concerns in the state, he adds. However, none of the workers TNIE spoke to knew of the benefits and rehabilitation schemes due to them. Neither are there unions to voice their demands. Their children study unnoticed in schools because if they are known to be conservancy workers children, they may face their peers scorn. So, I have told my kids to tell everyone their father is a construction worker, Shibu says. And to pay their childrens tuition, they take up extra work. Our struggle should end with us. Our kids shouldnt have to do this anymore, says Rajan. At least, the next generation should be free, he smiles.

Kerala crime Branch starts probe into Saramma murder case

KOCHI: Crime Branch has started a probe into the murder of 72-year-old Saramma at her residence in Kothamangalam. The probe team recently visited the victims house for evidence collection. Saramma was found hacked to death at her residence in Kallad near Kothamangalam on March 24. As many as 48g of gold ornaments, including chains and bangles she was wearing, were missing. Police, which first probed the case, failed to trace the people behind the incident, following which the case was referred to the CB unit in Ernakulam. Our team recently visited the house of the deceased person. The crime scene was re-examined. Similarly, the statements of the witnesses are under scrutiny. Fresh statements of the witnesses will be recorded as part of the investigation. Though the police suspected a certain persons involvement, no evidence could be found against the individual, a senior CB officer said. The Crime Branch will be making a fresh start to the probe. Though robbery is suspected to be the intention behind the murder prima facie, it was found that the accused person did not steal all gold ornaments from the house. The gold ornaments inside the almirah were intact. We have to look into all pieces of evidence and statements collected by the police and start from the beginning. Also, suspects would be interrogated again, he said. The Crime Branch is also probing the death of 66-year-old Amina Abdul Kadhar, who was also found murdered in a similar way in Kothamangalam in March 2021. The murderer, after killing Amina, took away 9.25 sovereigns of gold ornaments she was wearing.

Potential to influence key in candidate selection, says V D Satheesan

KOCHI: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has said that candidates for the local body elections should be chosen based on their potential to win and influence people rather than their proximity to party leaders. He was delivering the inaugural address at the Congress district leadership camp, Mission 2025 - Navaveeryam, in Aluva. Satheesan criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan government for hampering the three-tier panchayat administration and adopting an anti-people approach. UDF will adopt a professional strategy for the upcoming three-tier panchayat elections, requiring leadership readiness at the booth level. Senior leaders will be tasked with creating plans to secure victories in corporations, municipalities, and three-tier panchayats within the districts, he said. The district leadership camp is aimed at communicating the decisions made at the KPCC Camp Executive held in Wayanad and to prepare for the local body elections. Similar leadership camps are planned to be held at the constituency-level in the near future. DCC president Mohammed Shiyas presided over the programme.

Pavan Doot a hit, KMRL to deploy five more e-buses for Cochin airport connectivity

KOCHI: With an aim to enhance first and last-mile connectivity, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will soon introduce 15 e-buses on four major routes linking with its metro stations, with the focus on Aluva-Airport section, where it will deploy five of its new electric buses. Till now, the feeder buses were operated by leasing out the buses of various companies like Kleen Smart Bus Ltd (KSBL). Now the metro agency will roll out its own e-buses and talks are progressing with the KSRTC for the operation of feeder buses. Comfy Volvo buses with 32 seats will be introduced in the next three months. Five of the buses will be deployed in the 12-km-long Aluva-Kochi Airport route, where there is good commuter patronage already. The ridership on the route has gone up to an average 1,300 passengers per day, said a senior Metro official. However, the KMRL is in the process of setting up charging points at major metro stations to operate the buses. We can get the new feeder buses in three months but drawing sufficient power is a challenge. Were in the process of setting up charging points in metro stations. Were also in talks with the KSEB to draw power from its transformers. The solar energy that we produce is sufficient only for the station operations, the official added. The lease agreement with bus operating firms such as KSBL has been recently renewed only for three months, instead of the usual one year. Usually the contract is for one year, but this time they have extended it only for three months. The KMRL is planning to deploy and operate its own buses, said B J Antony, Managing Director of KSBL, which is operating a CNG feeder bus on the Aluva-Airport section. Currently, two e-buses are also being operated on the route by Chakra Cynergy Pvt Ltd. The first electric bus service connecting Aluva Metro station with Kochi Airport was launched in 2020. Currently, The feeder services are available every 30 minutes, with the first bus departing from the airport at 6.30 am and the last service at 10 pm. Feeder buses on 4 main routes Meanwhile, talks are progressing between the KSRTC and the KMRL over operation of electric feeder buses which will be deployed soon. However, both the agencies have not yet arrived at a consensus over the terms of the operation. According to the agreement, KMRL will buy the buses and the KSRTC will operate the services. Four major routes have been identified, though the schedules are yet to be finalised. But a final revenue-sharing agreement is yet to be arrived at, said a senior KSRTC official. The routes identified for operation of the electric buses are Kaloor-Elamakkara (via Puthukalavattom), Tripunithura-Mulanthuruthy, Vyttila-Kundannoor-Thoppumpady-MG Road circular and the existing Aluva-Kochi Airport route. If the talks over the terms of operation are finalised, we plan to operate the Aluva-airport service from Aluva KSRTC stand, which will also cater to railway commuters. Currently, the feeder buses operate from Aluva metro station, the KSRTC official added.

Karkidaka kanji tales

KOCHI: There is a saying that Karkidakam is a month when the sun heads southon the celestial sphere, leaving Keralites to deal with torrential rain.The phenomenon called dakshinayana begins on July 16 and Kerala transforms into a giant puddle. With that, your bodys problems decide to throw a rave party because the climate starts messing with the Pitta, Vata, and Kapha. At least thats what Ayurveda says. Basically, it is considered to be the season when your bodys internal balance decides to go on vacation, leaving you feeling like a wet mop. But fret not! As the famous dialogue from the Malayalam movie Vietnam Colony goes, Ithalla Ithinappuram Chaadi Kadannavanaani K K Joseph, we humans always find a way to overcome challenges, often through simple lifestyle changes, particularly by altering our food habits. Lets talk about how to keep yourself in tip-top shape during this soggy season. The main dish that shines during this period is the medicinal porridge known as Karkidaka Kanji. Renowned for its healing properties, its like having a spa day in a bowl, perfect for combating the monsoon blues. While this medicinal porridge is a powerful ally against seasonal ailments, it can sometimes become repetitive, leaving us craving more diverse and delicious options to bless our taste buds. Ayurveda doctor from Thiruvananthapuram, Sreelaja SasiKumar says, According to ayurveda, Karkidakam is the best time to eliminate toxins from the body. Due to the monsoon, our joints may become stiff. And as we transition to a cooler rainy season, we may experience an accumulation of doshas (imbalances). This is why everyone focuses on Karkidakam treatments and follows dietary practices during this time. In her opinion, it is advised to consume medicinal preparations that enhance digestion and immunity. Though there are many variations of Karkidaka Kanji, it can be paired with various vegetables and leafy greens to create soup-like dishes, she says. For example, she suggests, beetroots can be used to boost hemoglobin levels and provide a significant energy boost. It can be cooked with small onions, cumin seeds, garlic, and curry leaves, then mashed or blended into a juice, creating a very effective dish. Medicinal foods made with buttermilk are also beneficial, she says. Mix buttermilk with curry leaves, turmeric powder, and any necessary vegetables, such as ash gourd. Additionally, incorporating a mixture of grated coconut, turmeric powder, and cumin in dishes can be good. By making small adjustments in dietary habits, we can effectively ward off problems during the Karkidakam month. DoctorJayasree Sarmawho practices Homeo Medicine says homoeopathy does not prescribe a specific diet exclusively for the Karkidakam month, However, homoeopathic medicines are sensitive drugs, and they come with specific dietary guidelines. The same guidelines should be followed during Karkidakam as well. It is best to avoid spicy and junk foods. She continues, Ayurvedas treatment methods are aligned with the local climate. And its practices are tailored to our weather and dietary habits. But homoeopathy is a foreign treatment system. But adopting a weather-appropriate diet and lifestyle during this period can provide immediate benefits, she says. According to clinical nutritionist Dr Ayswarya Krishnan Kallaattu, it is best to eat moderately and avoid foods that are hard to digest. Incorporate more ginger, garlic, curry leaves, mint leaves, and dried ginger in your diet as they aid digestion. It is advisable to reduce the intake of sour, bitter, and spicy flavours during this time, she says. Having more vegetables and ensuring a balanced diet with legumes and grains will also help. Ghee helps improve digestive strength, she says, adding that, consuming a small amount of ghee with lunch will be beneficial. Drink only lukewarm water. Similarly, consuming lukewarm vegetables and meat soups can boost the bodys energy levels, she says. Having rasam made with ingredients like ginger, pepper, and garlic with rice is also recommended during Karkidakam. One can also add cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon to tea and coffee. There is a tradition of consuming leafy vegetables during this month as it is believed to be very beneficial for health, suggests Ayswarya. But when we eat we should eat carefully. According to her, consuming moringa leaves, which are good for overall health, skin, and hair, will also help. It is rich in nutrients, including calcium and minerals, which benefits bone health. Moringa is packed with antioxidants, and it contains plenty of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other nutrients. Therefore, it helps prevent premature greying and age-related problems. However, despite the health benefits of leafy greens, moringa leaves are generally avoided during Karkidakam. Moringa can absorb toxins from its environment, storing them in its trunk. This is why moringa trees were traditionally planted near wells, as they would absorb toxins from the water and surrounding areas. So, navigating Karkidakam can be easy with a healing and healthy diet. Here are some recipes that you can try at home. Karkidaka Podi By Sheeba La Fleur, La Fleur Delicieux Ingredients: Grated jaggery: 150 gs Matta rice: 1 cup Rice flakes: 1 cup Peanuts: 1 cup Cashew nuts: cup Fenugreek seeds: 2 tbsp Cumin seeds: 1 tbsp Fennel seeds: tbsp Black seeds: 1 tbsp Method: Dry roast the matta rice, rice flakes, peanuts, and cashew nuts separately over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside to cool. Grind the roasted matta rice, rice flakes, peanuts, and cashew nuts separately into a fine powder. Set each powdered ingredient aside. Roast all the seeds in a pan over medium heat until fragrant. Allow them to cool. Grind the roasted fenugreek, cumin, fennel, and black seeds into a fine powder. In a bowl, combine all the powdered ingredients. Mix in the grated jaggery with the combined powders. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Consume 1-2 tablespoons of the mix twice a day as needed. Jeeraka Kozhi soup By Nisha Kiran Ingredients:- Country chicken: 1 Coconut: 1 Rock salt: to taste Turmeric: 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds: 100gms Pepper powder: 50gms Shallots: one handful Ghee: 1 tbsp Coriander leaves: small sprig (chopped) Method: Clean and cut a home-bred hen into small pieces. Scrape a coconut, get the first milk extract, and set it aside. Cook the chicken in the second milk extract. Separate the meat from the bones. Shake the bones well to get the marrow out. Mix this with the meat. Add rock salt, ground cumin seed, powdered pepper, and sliced shallots. Add in the first milk extract and cook the entire mix till the water content dries up. Pour in shallots seasoned in ghee. Serve hot. Black Pepper Vine Kashayam By Priya Kolassery Ingredients: Water: 1 liter Black pepper vine: 400gms, cut into pieces Cumin seeds: 1 tablespoons Tamarind: 200gms Green pepper/black pepper: 20 pieces Method: Wash the black pepper vine thoroughly and sear it. Crush it together with the green pepper. Add the crushed mixture to 1 litre of water. Dissolve a portion of grated palm jaggery in a little water, strain it, and add this to the pot. Add the crushed cumin seeds to the mixture. Boil the mixture until it reduces to litre. Strain the decoction and use it as needed. Fenugreek Milk By Sheeba La Fleur, La Fleur Delicieux Ingredients: Fenugreek seeds: 4tbsp Water: 1 cups (for soaking) + cup (for melting jaggery) Jaggery: 150gms Ghee: 1 tbsp Thin coconut milk: 1 cup Thick coconut milk: 1 cup Method: Soak 1 cup of fenugreek seeds in 1 cups of water overnight or soak in hot water for 2-3 hours. Drain the seeds. Pour them into a pan and cook over medium heat for a few minutes. Set aside to cool. Melt 100 grams of jaggery with cup of water. Once melted, allow it to cool. Blend the cooked fenugreek seeds and melted jaggery together until smooth. Heat ghee in a pan. Add the fenugreek paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Once the paste starts to simmer, add 1 cup of thin coconut milk. Mix well, then add 1 cup of thick coconut milk. Stir thoroughly. Serve the drink hot.

A sons undying love for his mother

KOCHI: Its been 33 years since 80-year-old John Leslie has been lighting candles at his mothers grave without fail. Seven is the count one for her and the rest in memory of dearly departed loved ones. Over the years, the melted wax has formed a towering structure at her grave at the cemetery inside St Francis Assisi Cathedral near Kacheripady. Atop this pillar of wax, he now places and lights a large candle in memory of his mother Rosakutty Alexander, who passed away in 1991. She was widowed at the age of 28 and had to look after five children, the youngest being just four months old. From the time I can remember, she has done several jobs to make both ends meet. To date, Im not over her death and I dont think Ill ever be. For all that she has done, I guess this is my way of adoring and respecting her, says John. John feels a twinge of guilt during his daily visits. I only studied till 7th grade. I never found myself a job or couldnt be serious in life. All the while, she made sure I wasnt lost in life. It was his Rosakutty, who helped John open a gymnasium centre seeing his interest in bodybuilding. John ran the centre for a considerable period of time. She passed away at the age of 70 due to a heart attack. It was a sudden death. Though I havent earned much in life, my biggest treasure is her photo that I keep in my room, he smiles with teary eyes. For John, the cemetery is his safe haven. I want to keep lighting the candle here as often as I can. This grave is exclusively for my mother. No one else should be laid to rest here. Ive ensured that its engraved and recognised as hers alone, John concludes.

Experts stress on surveillance, research to prevent outbreak in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The seriousness of managing a Nipah outbreak, which involves dealing with a virus with a high mortality rate, has initiated a discussion among health experts on the protocol to be followed in the affected regions. Having dealt with Nipah outbreaks four times before, some experts feel more focus should be on surveillance and research. The Nipah virus strain prevalent in Kerala is believed to have originated in Bangladesh and is characterised by relatively low infectivity (with an R0 value of 0.4) but a high mortality rate (ranging from 40% to 75%). The basic reproduction number (R0) indicates how quickly a disease can spread within a population. Nipah patients typically become contagious when severely ill, limiting transmission primarily to close caregivers and healthcare settings. We should prioritise surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, implement infection control measures, and invest in research, said Dr Althaf A, an epidemiologist and professor at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, who studied the 2018 Nipah outbreak in the state extensively. Globally, the Nipah virus has caused approximately 800 cases and fewer than 500 deaths over its 26-year history. While the authorities underscore the need for stringent restrictions as Nipah is listed by WHO among 10 viral diseases with pandemic potential, health experts say this listing is intended to prioritise resources to develop tests, treatments, and vaccines rather than mandating severe containment measures. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) holds a different perspective, advocating for strict containment measures through restrictions. Scientists from NCDC, who often lead central delegations to affected states, emphasise this aspect. Dr Anish T S, an associate professor of community medicine at the Government Medical College in Manjeri, Malappuram, acknowledges the necessity for initial restrictions during outbreaks. During the onset, limited information prompts immediate restrictions in contact locations. This approach aids authorities in initiating timely responses, gaining social cooperation for contact tracing, and raising public awareness. However, prolonged curbs are unnecessary, Dr Anish said. With the latest outbreak showing signs of subsiding, discussions are already under way to ease restrictions, starting from Anakkayam. The Malappuram district administration has enforced stringent measures in two panchayats, Pandikad and Anakkayam, to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Lives of survivors not normal Nipah survivors in Kerala endure a silent struggle Kochi: Five years after surviving Nipah, 21-year-old Gokul Krishna, a resident of North Paravoor in Ernakulam, has had a difficult existence. Despite overcoming the viral infection, his struggles continued even after he was discharged from the hospital. He spent almost two months in the hospital. But even after receiving treatment, he continued to have a number of health problems, including memory loss and sensitivity to light and sound. He constantly required assistance from someone as he was unable to stand or walk properly. He couldnt climb the stairs and suffered from respiratory issues as well, said his mother, Vasanthi. Gokul was an electrical engineering student when he contracted the disease in 2019. Now he is attending a training programme for the course he completed. People who have survived Nipah need care and attention. Their lives are not as normal as others. Gokul worked very hard to recover from the illness. But we continue to be concerned about his health and future, his mother said.

Kerala grappling with destructions caused by heavy rain, wind

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the southwest monsoon currently on in the state after keeping its date with the met departments forecast, the state is grappling with increasing incidents of incessant rain and hostile weather conditions. Lately, gusts and strong winds have caused widespread chaos across the state, uprooting trees, damaging property and even resulting in fatalities.The upkeep of trees, which is crucial to prevent such disasters, is often neglected due to the fragmented responsibility among various agencies. According to official data, between June 19 and July 23 around 151 houses were destroyed and 3,118 residences were partially destroyed in the state. As many as 64 people lost their lives in various monsoon-related calamities. It is learnt that after the onset of the monsoon, around seven people died in various incidents involving uprooted trees. On Tuesday night, a 42-year-old woman was crushed to death at Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram when an ageing Banyan tree came down. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) member-secretary Shekar Lukose Kuriakose told TNIE that it was high time the Local Self-Government Institutions came up with a specific tree management policy for revenue land in its jurisdiction to ensure the protection and safety of the public. He said that a sizeable number of the recent rain-related incidents were caused by uprooted trees. Based on data available, incidents involving uprooted trees alone accounted for the deaths of seven persons. Besides, there were instances of electrocution after trees collapsed on power lines. Also, lives were lost after trees fell atop houses, he said. Many of the trees on revenue land are not in good health and trees need to be managed. We cannot allow trees to grow on revenue land like they do in the wild. Such dangerous trees and branches need to be pruned regularly and new trees need to be planted in their place, he added. The adverse weather conditions prevailing in the state round the year is keeping the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services on their toes throughout. According to Fire and Rescue Services Director General K Padmakumar, emergency situations arising out of adverse weather have become a routine throughout the year. Now, its not during monsoon alone that calamities occur due to adverse weather situations. We attend to a minimum of 25 to 35 calls in each district daily, he said. Recognising the growing threat posed by wind and gusts, the KSDMA is now gearing up to develop a comprehensive wind action plan. However, lack of reliable data poses a major challenge in devising an effective strategy. Its a challenging job and we have initiated efforts to draw up an action plan. But its going to take a while, he said. KSEB suffers G51.4-cr loss in 10 days Kochi: The KSEB has suffered a loss of Rs 51.4 crore due to heavy rain and wind that battered the state during the past 10 days. According to the KSEB, 1,694 high-tension electric poles and 10,836 low-tension poles were damaged as uprooted trees and branches fell on power lines from July 17 to 26. Power distribution was disrupted under the distribution network of 5,961 transformers, affecting 11 lakh consumers.

Amici curiae report highlights chinks in waste management in Thiruvananthapuram

KOCHI: Amici curiae report submitted in the High Court reveals that the systems that have been put in place by the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the Southern Railway and the irrigation department for the management of waste and maintenance of the canal, as they stand, are grossly deficient and ineffective. The area where the canal flows under the railway premises is prone to clogging because of siltation and accumulation of waste. This area requires specific attention and needs to be de-silted at regular intervals to ensure smooth flow of water. The waste collected by the corporation and Southern Railway must be quantified and tracked till its final destination, to ensure that the same does not re-enter the stream, said the report. A graveyard made of waste in Thiruvananthapuram The report of the amici curiae about the waste management system in Thiruvananthapuram city also suggested that the corporation must take immediate steps to identify all garbage-vulnerable points, especially along all canal and drainage systems, and prevent dumping of waste. The irrigation department must plan and undertake an operation, akin to Operation Anantha, in association with the corporation, the Southern Railway and other stakeholders. The dumping of waste into the canal near Bakery Junction needs to be prevented by all means, by undertaking necessary steps for effective surveillance including, but not limited to, installing CCTV cameras, policing, and suitable punitive action against violators. If CCTV cameras are installed, the same should be monitored frequently and the violators should be booked, with the assistance of the police and motor vehicle department. Vehicles, if any, used for unauthorised transportation of waste should be impounded, following the law. Routine canal cleaning drives should be undertaken by the corporation for the removal of waste as well as de-siltation. The report further suggested that the portion of the canal flowing through Rajaji Nagarrequires special attention. The fencing on the sides of the canalneeds to be reinforced. The area should be subjected to frequentinspections and surveillance, to ensure that no waste is dumpedinto the canal. If required, the assistance of the police needs tobe extended to the corporation and the irrigation department. Thecorporation must immediately invest in the edification of the residents of the Chenkalchoola colony as regards the issue of waste entering the canal. Steps should also have to be taken to ensure that the waste from outside the colony is not brought into the colony and dumped in the canal or elsewhere. According to the amici curiae, if the trash booms and the gratings placed in the canals are to be effective, no waste material should be allowed to pass through them. The sacrificial allowance for the trash-boom should be kept at a minimum. The corporation may explore the deployment of more than one trash boom sequentially. The iron gratings should not be opened at all. In case they are required to be opened, the accumulated waste should be removed and alternative mechanisms should be put in place to prevent the waste flowing downstream when the gratings are removed formaintenance. The objective should be to ensure that the wastedoes not reach the area under the railway premises. The Southern Railway, as a bulk waste generator, must put in place a proper functional in-house system for handling and management of solid waste, irrespective of the facilities provided by the corporation, the report said.

Debates rage, but legislation against black magic in cold storage

KOCHI: Even while a Congress MP from Kerala introduced a Private BillThe Promotion of Rational Thought Bill, 2024in Parliament to promote rational thought, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making against superstitions, the Left government in Kerala has been sitting on a Bill prohibiting practices of black magic for the past five years. Chalakudy MP Benny Behanan moved the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday, aiming to create an environment fostering reason and intellectual discourse. This move has assumed significance following the recent controversies, such as the alleged witchcraft at the residence of Congress state president K Sudhakaran in Kannur, and highlights the stagnation in efforts to combat the dangers of black magic and superstitions in the state. Kerala: Congress failing to lay ghost of black magic row to rest The Kerala Prevention of Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery, and Black Magic Bill, 2019, which prohibits practices of black magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and other superstitions, is yet to be passed. In 2022, after news of the human sacrifice at Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta rocked the state, the government tried to expedite its drafting, but the Bill remains pending. The need for a comprehensive law to combat such entrenched beliefs was also felt when three Keralites, a couple from Kottayam and their friend, were found dead in a hotel in Arunachal Pradesh. Black magic was suspected. Yet, no steps were taken to form and pass a law. According to Benny Behanan, the Bill would help enact a law against the superstitions and evil practices existing in various parts of the country. The proposed Promotion of Rational Thought Bill is a forward-looking legislative initiative aimed at fortifying the intellectual foundations of our society. By prioritising critical thinking and a culture of reasoned disclosure, the Act envisions a society better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world, said the Bill. Recently, CPM MLA K D Prasenan introduced a Private Bill, the Kerala Eradication of Superstition-Evil Practices Bill-2021, during the recently concluded assembly session. However, General Education Minister V Sivankutty, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, said the government was still scrutinising the 2019 Bill. Initial steps In 2019, the law department sought inputs from the Kerala Law Reforms Commission (KLRC) on a proposal of the home department regarding legislation to tackle black magic and related evil practices. The draft legislation, titled The Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery, and Black Magic Bill, aimed to curb acts causing physical harm and mental agony while sparing most non-harmful religious practices. Enacted, it would ban such practices and target exorcists and godmen performing inhuman acts in the state, across all religions. So, what is causing the delay? According to Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham general secretary T K Saktheedharan, the authorities could not separate belief from superstition, resulting in the delay. We submitted memorandums to then chief ministers Oommen Chandy and V S Achuthanandan, and twice to CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The government has been sitting on the Bill for years fearing erosion of vote banks, as it is a sensitive belief issue. However, it is not against beliefs but against evil practices, said Saktheedharan, who had approached the Kerala High Court seeking a direction to the state government to pass a law prohibiting black magic. Advocate P V Jeevesh, who represents Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham in court, confirmed that the case is still pending. The government is yet to submit an affidavit, he said. Proposal The 2019 Bill proposes banning practices like piercing cheeks with iron rods or arrows, preventing a person from seeking medical treatment and offering relief through supernatural powers. In 2017, then Congress MLA P T Thomas too had introduced a private Bill to combat black magic and evil practices, but it hardly made any progress.

Kochi metro to get its first batch of 15 electric feeder buses in September

Proposals to operate feeder buses from metro stations date back to 2017; buses expected to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity, boosting patronage in the 28-km-long metro corridor

Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express from July 31

Exhibition of contemporary Emarati art gets under way in Kochi

Month-long exhibition is being organised by Abu Dhabi-based Rizq Art Initiative in association with the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Department of Cultural Affairs, and Abu Dhabi Art

Anbodu Rajamanickam chronicles a civil servants inspiring journey braving odds

In a first, Kerala State School Sports Meet to be held along the lines of Olympics

The yearly sports event will be held like the Olympics every four years. Kerala School Olympics Kochi 24, which will be held from November 4 to 11 in Kochi, will feature 41 sports events.

Thrikkakara municipality issues advisory to keep unauthorised agents at bay

Govt. to decide shortly on reducing weight of school bags, says Kerala Education Minister

Updated syllabus to cover all subjects by 2026, says Sivankutty

Jobstars Seeks Workers for Production Roles in Austria and Netherlands

New Delhi [India], July 26: Jobstars HR Solutions Private Limited, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, and holding MEA License No: B-2023/KER/COM/1000+/5/10680/2024, is seeking to significantly expand its recruitment for production roles across Austria and the Netherlands. With a dedicated team of over 350 recruiters across 18 locations, Jobstars is actively looking to fill numerous positions in factory and general labor capacities. This presents an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in contributing to Europe's manufacturing sectors. Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply and join this expansive employment initiative across two pivotal European countries.

CTC dust prices gain at Kochi auctions on demand from packeteers

Rainfall in high ranges leaves traders worried

Eat boterkoek with your coffee at Kochis Dutch Bakery

Brood and Banket - Zera Noya Dutch Bakery, serves up authentic Dutch confections

Security arrangements in place for Vavubali in Keralas Ernakulam

Tech corner: Honor 200 5G, OnePlus Watch 2R, Crossbeats Clip M01

Heres our round-up of the latest gadgets that are a perfect addition to your shopping list Honor 200 5G Honors new smartphone is state-of-the-art with an incredibly sharp 6.7 AMOLED display and an ultralight body, which is elegant. The 7.7mm device is refreshingly slim to hold, with the Quad-curved design making usage a pleasure. Powered by the robust SD 7 Gen 3 processor and MagicOS 8.0, Honor 200 runs smoothly, no matter what you throw at it. While an innovative 2nd Gen Silicon-Carbon battery provided me with long-lasting life (40hrs+ on heavy usage) and rapid charging (100W SuperCharge). Photos taken by the Triple 50MP studio-level portrait camera are simply stunning and stand out from competitors distinctly, with a very special mention to Harcourt Portrait Mode, which provides the best Portrait photos Ive seen so far in any smartphone, literally equalling the quality of Professional studios. I do appreciate the Eye Comfort/Dynamic dimming aspect of the Honor 200 5G display recognised by DXOMARK for a healthier and safer visual comfort experience - this should result in less eye strain and fatigue. A fantastic phone overall! explorehonor.com OnePlus Watch 2R Powered by Googles Wear OS, the OnePlus Watch 2R is my early contender for Smartwatch of the Year. Combining elite performance, brilliant battery life, and enhanced fitness tracking, the 2R ticks all boxes and then some. First off, the watch looks fine on the wrist with a bold presence and a durable aluminium case/glass watch face combo (Its also IP68 rated with 5ATM). The watch is easy to set up, thanks to Fast Pair and displays notifications/messages clearly on the large display while allowing you to control music as well as smart home features.Watch 2R sports a precision dual-frequency GPS for precise location and tracking, while it also measures accurate VO2 max, heart rate and blood oxygen levels to elevate your health. This smartwatch is a comprehensive powerhouse that looks great on the wrist! oneplus.in Crossbeats Clip M01 Crossbeats has a great new Lapel Mic called the Clip M01. The ultra-affordable Mic is a wireless Lavalier lapel microphone system designed for content creators and media to capture and record high-quality audio. The device is super easy to set up and is compatible with Android devices and iOS devices with the dongle provided. While testing, I found the transmission range to go beyond 100m and the battery to last me for about 10 hours (42 hours totally). The quality of the recordings and playback was top-notch with 360 24-bit recording on board with no lag or delay in transmission. The clip also worked well in noisy environments with minimal or zero distortion. Recordings can be done in Mono or Stereo. The Clip M01 is a superb device, ideal for those who conduct interviews, presentations, podcasts, and public speaking regularly. crossbeats.com

Ottanthullal artist Kalamandalam Janardanan dies

KOCHI: Ottanthullal artist Kalamandalam Janardanan passed away at his residence Bhaktivilasam at Kurichithanam in Kottayam on Thursday. He was 79. Janaradanan, who had completed his training in Ottanthullal in the second batch of Kerala Kalamandalam, played a key role in popularising the satirical artform. He was bestowed with the Ministry of Cultures fellowship for outstanding artists. He had won many awards, including the Kerala Kalamandalam Diamond Jubilee Award and the Ambalapuzha Kunchan Nambiar Memorial Award. Kalamandalam Janardanan was one of the pioneers of Ottanthullal and his contributions in transforming the artform and improving the musical quality of the recitation will always be remembered, said Akhila Kairali Thullal Artists Association (AKTAA) general secretary Maruthurvattom Kannan. Kalamandalam Janardanans elder son, Kurichithanan Jayakumar, has set a Guinness record by performing Ottanthullal for 42 hours. He is survived by wife Nalini, sons Jayakumar and Sunilkumar (Dhanalaxmi Bank) and daughter Dhanya Krishnakumar. The cremation will be held on the premises of his house at Kurichithanam at 1pm on Friday.

Mayors council slams railways for evading duty of cleaning culverts

KOCHI: A mayors council meeting held in Kannur on Thursday came down heavily on the Railways for washing its hands of the onus of cleaning railway culverts despite the occurrence of the Amayizhanchan canal tragedy. The divisional railway manager recently sent letters to all mayors stating that the railways had no responsibility in the cleaning up of railway culverts. The meeting strongly protested the same. The railway lines have been set up across canals having natural water flow. Cleaning of the railway culverts cannot be done like that of a normal drainage. The tragic death of a worker in the Amayizhanchan canal is before us, said Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar, who is also the council president. The railway lines are operated through the automatic signalling system and the trains run on electricity drawn from overhead power lines. Hence heavy machines cant be deployed there, the council meeting pointed out. As the Kerala High Court has stated, the railways is also responsible for the cleaning of railway culverts. The letter given by the railways is a blatant violation of the court order, the meeting observed. Both Railways and corporations are part of the government system. The railways shouldnt forget about the revenue being earned from the state. Already there is a feeling that the central agency is ignoring the needs of the state. Instead of opposing each other, both Railways and the corporations should cooperate and work together. We convey our willingness to cooperate and jointly work in the waste management activities, the meeting observed. The council lauded the K-SMART programme of the state government and promised all backing for the effective implementation of the same in all municipal corporations. Referring to the rectification of property tax data to integrate the existing database with the K-SMART application, the council requested the state government to avoid charging interest on those who didnt pay the tax due to non-receipt of the property tax modification demand from 2016 onwards.

Daring bicycle thieves take Kerala police for a ride

KOCHI: Around 5 pm, most of the students from the nearby government school had left the area. However, one student, seemingly in ninth or tenth grade and wearing a school uniform, lingered near a high-end bicycle parked at Changampuzha Park, Kochi. In an instant, he took off with the bicycle like a professional thief, while the road turned empty. Showing the video footage, 19-year-old Aadhi Krishna said, More than a bicycle, it was one of the most valuable gifts in my life from my father after I secured high marks in Plus II examinations. But it was stolen right in front of me. Aadhi, of Edappally, lost his bicycle worth Rs 30,000 from the heart of the city on Friday when he parked it and went to the gym. During the search, local people revealed that around 10 bicycles, including his, have been stolen from that particular area in recent days. Additionally, a police official told TNIE that about eight cases of bicycle thefts involving young offenders have been reported in Kochi city limits over the past two to three months. After reviewing the CCTV footage, we went to the nearby government school to search for the student. However, the principal denied our claim, insisting that none of the students would commit such a robbery, said Aadhi. She also insulted us by suggesting that we could catch the student if we hid outside the school while he was attending classes, he added. The NID entrance aspirant stated that they plan to file a complaint at the Elamakkara police station in the coming days, accompanied by the CCTV footage. Responding to the theft involving children, city police commissioner S Syamsundar said: We dont have reports of these types of theft. If a case like this is registered, stringent action, including provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, will follow. However, the police take a humanitarian approach to these cases, he said. In most instances, the court may consider the students age when deciding on the charges, he added. One single incident isnt enough to label a student as an offender, said Syamsundar. However, stringent action is necessary if the student repeats the offence or shows criminal tendencies, he added. He also noted that a 15-year-old girl named Avantika C J in the city lost her brand new bicycle, which had been gifted by General Education Minister V Sivankutty as a replacement for the one that was stolen. The bicycle was recovered soon. Meanwhile, Dr C J John, senior consultant psychiatrist based in Kochi, suggested that the issue should also be addressed as a psychological problem. These minor thefts may stem from childrens desire for a stylish lifestyle, often influenced by spending culture, social hangouts, and peer imitation, he said. In many cases, without proper correction or analysis, both the family and society tend to handle it in a primitive and pardoning manner, he added. We cant categorise these children as minor thieves. But consider them deviant in behaviour. Rather than a blanket pardoning, we should address the actual roots. If the underlying issues are not identified and corrected, the child may be prone to repeating the behaviour, said John. Neither the family, society, nor the police fully understand the psychological undercurrents behind these burglaries, he said. Instead of resolving these incidents solely between the complainant and the accused, the police should involve counsellors, he added. High-end Bicycles on demand High-end bicycles are like bikes with the performance they offer on the road. Its design is more precise, and it is more competition-oriented. It is highly opted by riding experts and also by amateurs who want to improve their sporting career. Factors behind theft Spending culture Aspiration for a stylish life Peer pressure For personal use or to sell Considered as a benchmark Of acceptance Stealing tendency Psychological problems

We have eyes on over 600 goondas in Kochi, says police commissioner

Since taking charge as city police chief early this year, S Syamsundar has rolled out several innovative strategies, targeting both the supply and demand sides of drug abuse, enhancing surveillance, revamping night patrolling and ensuring the welfare of fellow officers in the force. In a free-flowing chat with TNIE , Syamsundar outlines the projects, their challenges and more... Excerpts: Its been six months since you assumed charge as city police chief. What do you think are the main issues plaguing the city? One of the primary issues is the rampant drug abuse among the youth, especially those working in the private sector. They often start with cannabis and progress to chemical drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine. Meth addiction can severely affect cognitive abilities within two to three years. There are many such cases reported at government hospitals. So far, the police and the Excise Department have focused on the supply side. The Excise Department has also conducted awareness programmes in schools and colleges. Despite these efforts, the number of cases booked and the quantity of drugs seized are rising. We need to address the demand side more effectively. Weve initiated a project in partnership with private-sector associations to tackle this issue. How do you plan to address drug abuse in the private sector? We propose implementing random tests for drug abuse (hair, blood and urine), with positive results leading to termination. This requires a policy change. The Kochi police have started a Policy for Prevention of Drug Abuse (PODA), and we are working on gaining consensus among companies and their bodies. This policy aims to include not only techies but also top-level managers, doctors, lawyers, and individuals in the film industry. Are any other states implementing similar initiatives? This is the first such initiative in Kerala, and I dont believe any other states have implemented it so far. The policy must be voluntarily accepted by the companies. We cant force it on them as its a matter of their internal policies. So far, all the stakeholders have expressed confidence in the move. FICCI has started an initiative in their northern region with IG North Zone K Sethuraman as its chairman and a committee for its implementation. They plan to extend it to the other regions soon. Wouldnt it be a violation of human rights for companies to request employees samples? Its a matter of internal policy, and individuals joining the company would need to sign a contract if the company adopts such a policy. Similar practices exist for airline and loco pilots. Many foreign countries conduct random checks, and I know of people who have lost their jobs due to this. What measures are being taken by the city police to curb the goonda menace? We have geotagged all known goons and marked them on Google Maps. There are about 600 of them. Police officers visit the homes of 30-35 goons daily to keep them under strict surveillance. We have also revamped our night patrolling scheme, mapping the entire city into 1275 points and preparing a route map for effective monitoring. Additionally, we have initiated legal actions to bind over goons under relevant sections. They have to submit a surety of I5 to I10 lakh. In case of a violation, this amount will be forfeited and even their property can be attached. Now, our concern is whether the goons would approach the Human Rights Commission claiming they are not being allowed to live freely (laughs). But rest assured, they are under stringent surveillance. What steps are taken to ensure womens safety in Kochi? We have enhanced night patrolling and control room monitoring, covering 90% of the area. Regular checks and systematic efforts ensure the safety and security of women in the city. For young woman techies leaving Infopark after duty at night, the sight of 2-3 police vehicles is reassuring. It is also a deterrence for goons. Also, in case of untoward incidents, the entire city will be sealed. One criticism against the police is that during night patrols, youths are being chased away from thattukadas, etc... Since I took charge, theres no such issue being reported. I believe in the saying, make love, not war. There is no need for moral policing. However, if people consume liquor, smoke or take drugs in public settings, it will give the impression that policing is not effective. The raids and checks are intended to stop illegal activities in public places and not to disturb lovers or youths. Public spaces should be accessible to all and free of anti-social elements. To ensure this, we have a team comprising 30 police personnel with dog squads doing regular checks. I review it every week. Under what circumstances would the police decide to seal the city? If theres a murder in the city and if the control room learns details of the culprits vehicle, we can seal the city in minutes and do a complete sweep of its alleyways to nab them. We are in the initial stages of executing this. With enough practice, we are certain we will be able to do it in under 10 minutes. How did this idea come about? I dont know but I do get such ideas every now and then (laughs)... On a serious note, Ive been involved in implementing similar systems in Andhra Pradesh. In Kochi, weve established a user-friendly and scientifically monitored system using Google Maps for the first time. In the future, we can include GPS to enable live tracking. Whats the status of shadow policing to counter drug use on film sets? Its very effective. Not just in film locations, but in all segments. If you take a look at the number of cases we bust and the quantities we seize, you can learn just how efficient our anti-narcotics force is. The film field is a closed space and the number of people using drugs is significantly less. The reason why the drug issue looms over the industry is mainly because of the publicity factor. The number of women drug peddlers or carriers is on the rise in Kochi Yes, it is a matter of concern. Many individuals are drawn to these setups with the goal of making money. In Kochi, 40% of those accused are female. The primary users of chemical drugs tend to come from affluent families. Its distressing that the drug menace is impacting our future generations. Are rave parties still an issue in Kochi? The incidence of drug use at rave parties has decreased significantly. Our focus is now on monitoring drug use in closed settings like homes. Where does the drug supply to Kochi originate from? The main conduit is Bengaluru. Delhi and Mumbai are other sources. What about the narcotics seized by the police? Seized narcotics are burned after the case is completed, following strict norms and procedures to ensure proper disposal. S Syamsundar, Kochi City Police Commissioner There has been a rise in cyber fraud cases in the city. How can we prevent this? People often fall for fraudulent schemes due to greed. These scams typically involve victims being asked to transfer money to private accounts. Genuine companies or government agencies will never ask for this. The modus operandi involves quickly transferring money to multiple accounts and withdrawing it from ATMs. My advice is to never send money to third-party private accounts. Any uptick in the number of criminal cases involving guest workers? We havent noticed any recent criminal cases involving guest workers, though some NDPS cases have involved them bringing in ganja from states like Orissa. There is a misconception that guest workers are problematic, but they actually contribute significantly through hard work. Id say that those engaged in criminal and goonda activities should learn from the guest workers. Is a survey of these workers being conducted? As of now, we are not officially conducting a survey. We have not received any such order to implement it. However, it would be beneficial for landlords to check their KYCs. Traffic congestion is an issue in Kochi, isnt it? The roads here were built about 40 years ago. The number of vehicles on the road has grown a hundredfold compared to the 80s. Roads must be widened, but nobody is ready to hand over the land. Its an infrastructural bottleneck. Its not only an issue in Kochi but also in other cities in India. It cannot be termed as inefficiency on the part of the police. How active is the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS)? The ATS is headed by DIG Putta Vimaladitya, a very capable officer. Former Malappuram SP Sujith Das is also part of the squad. They are very active and efficient in monitoring and addressing terrorist threats. What about the increasing tendency of suicides among lower-ranked officers in the force due to work pressure? Yes, police duty is highly stressful, often involving long hours and no regular breaks. There are no regular Sunday offs or guaranteed leaves, and officers are called in to work even on festivals. In light of this, the Kochi city police have introduced a special leave policy granting officers five unquestionable off days for special occasions to ensure a better work-life balance. Its gaining wide acceptance among the staff. Is the stress and work pressure connected to the shortage of personnel? Yes, the shortage of personnel exacerbates the workload. Increasing the number of officers would help implement an eight-hour shift system, reducing stress. What about the visible lack of women personnel? Joining the police is a personal choice, and while we encourage participation from everyone, we cannot force it. There is no gender discrimination, and everyone has a role to play in maintaining law and order. You mentioned the high quality of education in Kerala. Is the Kerala model commendable? Absolutely. Theres no doubt about it. Keralas education system is significantly superior, with excellent schools and colleges. I have personally witnessed it during my official duties in other states. The accessibility to education here is unmatched. Why do many Indian students migrate abroad for studies? Where did Mahatma Gandhi pursue his higher education? What about Jawaharlal Nehru and Subash Chandra Bose? They all studied abroad. Many of our freedom fighters did too. A century ago, students from privileged families in Kerala were also going abroad for education. Whats the problem behind it? Its common for people of one country to attend universities in another. That said, about 90 per cent of civil servants in India, including myself, were educated in India. Our current ISRO chairman S Somnath studied in Kerala. Given all this, how can we say our higher education system is poor? The choice of education is up to the individual. What about the dangers of brain drain? Kerala is losing its youths in droves This is a misconception. The annual foreign remittance to Kerala is about Rs 1,65,000 crores. The significant contribution comes from individuals who went abroad for studies and now work there, particularly doctors, nurses and software engineers. The same is true for those who went to GCC countries. They were able to go abroad mainly due to the education and awareness they gained here. All things considered, we live in a globalised world, and such movements are part of a global phenomenon. What year did you join the service? 2005, in Andhra Pradesh. My first posting was as Greyhounds assault commander. I was leading operations in forest areas. It was a mandatory service, whatever your rank be. The move was devised to dispel the idea that IPS officers dont take risks. So a posting in Greyhounds was mandatory. Only then will we get a sub-division posting. Sub-divisions are also no easy task. These are conflict-ridden areas, a war zone. There were a lot of agitations and law and order issues. Compared to that, Kerala is relatively peaceful. What are your out-of-duty activities? Whats that? This out of duty? Im in service to the nation 24/7 365. (laughs) I read books. though not as much as I once did. Whats your dream project for Kochi? Our dream project is PODA (Policy for Prevention of Drug Abuse), which targets drug abuse in the private sector. If implemented effectively, it can significantly reduce drug usage and save many lives. TNIE team: Arun M, Krishna P S, Mahima Anna Jacob, Abdul Nazer M A, A Sanesh (photos), Pranav V P (video)

Nissan X-Trail: A head turner

KOCHI: Nissan fans in the country have been a little apprehensive about its business plans in India, as the company has only one model in the market right now. Though the value-for-money compact SUV Magnite continues to attract buyers, Nissan is badly in need of a much larger vision. But, no more negativities, please! Nissan has announced a clear strategy to win Indian hearts five new models in three years. All are SUVs, too. To begin with, they have launched the premium seven-seater SUV X-Trail this week and the sales will start on August 1. As part of its national media drive, I got hands-on experience with X-Trail last weekend in Gurugram. The SUV, in its 4th generation worldwide, comes to India with fully built units from Japan. The vehicle has been a global icon, with over 7.8 Million units sold over four generations. The 4th-gen was also in the Top 5 best-selling SUVs in 2023 worldwide. However, allofthis means, the vehicle will attract an export duty almost equal to its base price.Though the pricesarenot yet announced,itsinevitably in the premium class.Lets discuss if the Nissan X-Trail suits this price tag. Refined engine The made-in-Japan X-TRAIL is equipped with what the company claims to be the worlds first variable compression turbo engine. This is exactly what Nissan promotes as its biggest USP too. The new three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine offers better performance, efficiency and smoothness. On relaxed driving and light acceleration, the engine switches to a high compression ratio for optimised fuel efficiency; when more performance is needed, the compression ratio is adjusted to a low-level seamlessly. The company has brought in a few new techs to its famed CVT gearbox too, erasing the so-called rubber-band effect. The delay in quick acceleration has become a thing of the past, with this new CVT box. The latest development, D-Step Logic Control is a computer software that uses dynamic inputs like vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed to determine the ideal gear ratio needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration. Also, the model comes with paddle shifters. Its 12V mild hybrid system provides torque assist, extended idle-stop, quick restart and improved fuel economy. The engine produces 163HP power and 300 Nm of torque. During the test drive on highways and inthe city, I could feel the smoothness and refinement of the power train no-lag, no-jerk, no annoying engine noise. The look X-Trail is a beauty at first glance, with an amazing presence. The exterior is highlighted by Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. The split headlights are moulded within the front bumper, whereas the combined daytime running lights and indicators are nestled along the shut-line of the hood. It has 20-inch alloy wheels, the largest within the category. These larger diameter wheels fill the arches andadda lot to the road presence. Like, headlamps, split rear lights are also LED. The SUVis available inthree colour options champagne silver, pearl white, and diamond black. The inside too is carefully crafted. The cabin gives a feel of high quality. X-TRAIL has simple, intuitive heating/air-conditioning controls, as well as buttons that govern the central screen functions. The quality of the switchgear and buttons is commendable. From the e-shifter, the drive mode selector and twin cup holders to the 15w wireless charger pad for smartphones are neatly laid out. There is a combined elbow rest for front-seat occupants, which has a butterfly opening, to reveal a good storage space for valuables. However, compared to the dashboard of new-gen cars, the sight-inch infotainment touchscreen may be a generation behind. The 4.68-metre-long car has a seven-seat layout. The second-row seat hasa 40/20/40split option, with sliding and recline functions while the 3rd row has50:50seat fold. The seats are very comfortable, though the X-Trail lacks the front seat ventilation feature. When the two rear seats are folded, the luggage capacity goes up to 585 litres. The flexible seat layout allows multiple configurations for luggage space. The seat material is fabric, which is very climate-friendly. Also, the panoramic sunroof is a nice touch. The safety Safety features include seven airbags, around-view monitor (AVM) with moving object detection (MOD), brake limited slip differential (BLSD), electronic stability controls (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill-start assist (HSA), front and rear parking sensors, and four-wheel disc brakes.Lane-watchcamera function or ADAS is not included. The price Bookings for the X-TRAILarenow openfor Rs 1 lakh,with deliveriesto begin in August. The price will be announced on August 1. There is no waiting period forthe X trail and 150 vehicles have already been imported for immediate delivery. The verdict X-Trail is for those who lovetheengineering prowessof Nissan.The super performance that comes out of a small-car-like 3-cylinder engine of 1498cc willdefinitelyexcite enthusiasts. The new CVTgearboxmakes life much easier. X-Trail is a capable premium SUV for families too. The road presence is immense, thanks to the bold, aerodynamic design and the clean muscular body panels. During the test drive, the car got a mileage of 8-9 kmpl, whereas the company claims it is 13.7 kmpl. Some missing features may distract some; though those are little things.

A person cant be tied down to one religion due to birth: Kerala High Court

KOCHI: Observing that a person can't be 'tied down' to one religion merely because of his birth, the Kerala High Court has observed that if a person embraces another religion by exercising that freedom, necessary corrections must be made in his records. Justice V G Arun observed while granting permission to two brothers from Kochi who converted from Hinduism to Christianity, to change their religion in their school certificates as they had embraced a new faith. Lohith S and Logith of Manjummel were born to Hindu parents and followed the Hindu religion until May 2017. They decided to embrace Christianity and were baptised at Malankara Catholic Church, Mavelikkara. Post conversion, they decided to get their religion changed in their school certificates, and for this, got a notification issued by the Government Gazette. They then approached the Controller of Examinations (CoE), Poojappura, with their request. The youths argued that while their request to change name was allowed, the plea to change religion was rejected on the premise that there was no legal provision to carry out such a change in the school certificate. The court said even if there is no provision enabling change of religion in school certificates, the petitioners are entitled to correct it in their records upon embracing a new faith.

Brace for intense cyclones in Arabian Sea during October-November, warns scientist

KOCHI: Amid the forecast by global weather agencies of heavy rainfall in the latter half of the southwest monsoon , a study by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has suggested that Kerala coast may witness intense cyclonic storms during October - November period, this year. The study says the Western Coast is set to receive heavy rain in August - September period. Due to the termination of El Nino phase in the Pacific Ocean and initiation of La Nina conditions, the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean are becoming warmer. This has led to an increase in the moisture content in the atmosphere. In this scenario, we can expect heavy rainfall in August or there is a chance of the southwest monsoon season getting prolonged. Once the monsoon withdraws, we can expect intense cyclones in the Arabian Sea, former director and emeritus scientist of National Institute of Oceanography S Prasanna Kumar. A research paper by a team led by Prasanna Kumar, titled Is warming North Indian Ocean generating more tropical cyclones delves into the changing climatic conditions of the Arabian Sea. The research paper is under final review with the Journal of Operational Oceanography and is expected to be published in August. The co-authors are R S Abhinav and Jayu Narvekar of NIO and Evelin Francis of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The study has been conducted based on the data regarding climatic changes in North Indian Ocean from 1960 to 2022. The strength of cyclones in the Arabian Sea is showing an increasing trend. In the Bay of Bengal, though the total number of cyclones showed a slight decline, the number of severe cyclones show an increase, said Prasanna Kumar. As the Arabian Sea is warming much faster than the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Bay of Bengal, a larger number of cyclones are expected after the monsoon season. The region is expected to witness severe cyclones. After the southwest monsoon season withdraws (on September 30), we may witness a greater number of cyclones with greater intensity, he said. How can we predict cyclones in advance? Prasanna Kumar explains: The Arabian Sea which was cooler than the Bay of Bengal a few decades ago started warming at a faster rate in recent years. The sea surface temperature of Arabian Sea has risen by 10 to 12 millidegree Celsius per year in recent decades which has increased the frequency of cyclones. The ratio of cyclones in Arabian Sea compared to Bay of Bengal was 1:4 in the 90s but now it has changed to 1:2. The Arabian Sea has stored intense heat in its surface waters and cyclone is natures reaction to release that heat. The La Nina will be peaking in October-December period and this along with rapid warming of the Arabian Sea due to human-induced climate change will make the conditions favourable for cyclones, he said. El Nino & La Nina El Nio and La Nia are the warm and cool phases of a repeated climate pattern across the tropi-cal Pacific Ocean. El Nino is the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. It is associated with high pressure in the western Pacific. El Nino impacts Indian monsoons and hence, agriculture. La Nia is the periodic cooling of water in eastern and central Pacific Ocean near the equator. When sea-surface temperatures are cooler than average by at least 0.50C, and the atmosphere has respon-ded to that, La Nia is declared.

CREDAI property expo from July 26

Mayors seek Railways support for cleaning culverts

Youth injured in road accident moves court against NHAI

Art show featuring Emirati artists in Kochi from July 26

Two killed in accident at Perumbavoor

Priest found dead in Kochi

CIAL warns against fake training course

Kochi to host annual meet of INASAL

Potholes develop again on Kundannoor-Thevara bridge

Community Radio National Award for Radio Kochi

HC asks PSC not to destroy documents while application under RTI is pending

State Information Commission had directed PSC to disclose information on the question paper of a competitive exam conducted in 2013 and its answers. PSC rejected the applicants plea saying that it had destroyed it.

Religion on school certificate can be changed, says HC

Petitioners said their request for name-change was allowed, but not the one for change in religion on the premise that there is no provision for it

HC refuses to stay nomination of two students made by Chancellor to Kerala University senate

Court directs Chancellor, State government, Vice-Chancellor, and two nominated students to file an affidavit in response to the petition

Kochi airport to introduce 20-second immigration self-clearance

Initially self-immigration clearance will be offered to Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card-holders. Second airport to offer the facility after Delhi. Trial run from July 29

Google Maps to allow direct booking of Metro tickets in Kochi, Chennai

Google has partnered with ONDC and Namma Yatri to provide the feature

Kochi's Updated Comprehensive Mobility Plan Set For Completion In Three Months

Metro ticket bookings in Google Maps is now going live in Kochi and Chennai

Google announced a collaboration last December with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Namma Yatri to streamline the public transport experience on Google Maps

It might get loud

KOCHI: If it was a love for music that saw Shahana, who hails from a small hamlet in Thrissur, to become DJ Sanaah, one of the earliest woman disc jockeys in Kerala, it was sheer determination that kept her there. In a span of a decade, she overcame societal trapping and a less-than-inclusive industry to become one of the most sought-after DJs out there, with regular shows on the international circuit and a FIFA gig under her belt. In a candid conversation, TNIE maps DJ Sanaahs meteoric rise, her gigs, creativity, the role of social media and more How did you get into DJing? As a child, I was very interested in music and wanted to pursue a career in the field. To start a music band was the norm back then, and DJing wasnt as popular. Even if it was, it was confined to small pockets. Also, there were not many women DJs. I wanted to change that. After learning the basics of DJing at an academy in Kochi, I moved to Pune, where I honed my skills. This was in early 2015. And even before I completed my studies, I was getting shows. I have been performing since then. What was your familys reaction to you taking up DJing as a profession? They had no idea what it was, and to an extent, still dont know what exactly I do. They see me travelling often, to different countries. I constantly remind them that its like a music band, that I get on the stage and perform at venues. Some in my family mistake it as gaana mela. However, today, with DJs becoming a part of functions, family gatherings and weddings, they have some ideas, but the details of it evade them. That said, they do see the videos and photographs I post on Instagram. A majority of people dont have much idea about DJing Yes, most people think a DJs job is to stand there, turn some knobs and play music. A loud criticism about the profession is this: a musician creates music and a DJ tweaks it. Whats your opinion on this? A DJ is also a musician. While the level of creativity required to create original tracks is indeed very commendable, you cant say DJing is without creativity. It is also an art. To meld tracks of a clutch of musicians hailing from different periods and various corners of the world into a seamless and free-flowing playlist and perform it before thousands requires a different kind of skill. So, I cant differentiate between the two. What is the process of becoming a DJ? Its like learning any musical instrument. Of course, there are academies where you can learn it professionally. Or you can learn it from a seasoned instructor. But today, I think, you can learn it off YouTube as well. But technical knowledge can only get you so far. You need practical experience as well to learn the true nitty-gritty of the profession. To please a crowd is no easy task. Also, creating a playlist out of the 10,000 songs that you have on your disk in a matter of seconds requires skill. The job is definitely not standing there on the stage and turning a knob, as most people think. Where did you play your first show and what was the response? My first show was for the inauguration of a coffee shop. This was before I had even completed my course. The response I got here was tremendous. Likely because I was a girl performer. From that show to now, I have not had any bad reviews or harrowing experiences while performing. Everywhere I go, I have received only love and respect. Is a girl performing still an anomaly? Yes, Id say so. Many are very curious about it still. However, this is more true in Kerala than anywhere else. Outside the state, its a non-factor. That said, women DJs in the state dont get many opportunities. Its a very male-dominated scene. Ive managed because Ive done shows abroad. Now, Ive built a profile as a resident DJ in Qatar. It was after I started doing shows elsewhere in the country and abroad that Malayali event managers started to accept me as an artist and hire me. When I was here, I had nothing. How many shows have you done so far? Too many to keep count, Id say. I was a resident DJ in Qatar for a while. I used to do daily shows every night at various clubs. For the past year, Ive focused more on doing stand-alone shows, mostly abroad. This month will see me travel to Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Georgia for shows. DJing goes hand-in-hand with an embracing of night culture. Were you always in tune with it or did you have to accommodate that into your lifestyle? I hail from a very orthodox Muslim family. We were taught to not step outside after 6pm as it was considered unsafe for women. I had to break out of that shell to become the artist I am today. Also, Im an introvert. I cant talk to people very much or openly. But on the stage, Im a very different person. Its almost as if I have a dual personality. I stay alone, travel alone, and do everything alone, but when it comes to DJing, I work with a crowd. It helps that it is music. Who doesnt love music? People find it easier to connect through music. I think its this connection that has buoyed me throughout my career. I bet there are many women artists unable to find wings because of societal trappings. Whats your advice to for them? Be prepared to take risks. In some cases, there wont be even role models for you to follow, as it was in my case. There wont be anything going positive for you for a long time, but you have to stay determined. Stick to your goal and face hurdles head-on. Also, learn to handle social criticism. Youve faced a lot of criticism online lately... Yes, nothing to do with my work or behaviour. But my clothes! Since I perform at international circuits, I always dress in a modern way. Of late, this has come under attack. I feel Malayalis are more preoccupied with what women wear than anything else. Our talents and achievements are ignored. I was the only DJ from Kerala to play for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But this isnt what is highlighted, but how I exposed myself with my clothes. Yet, despite this setback, social media is indeed instrumental for an artist, you say? Absolutely. You cant dismiss the power of social media. Uploading music content here connects you with fellow creators and music enthusiasts. I regularly post videos and updates about shows here. Also, follower count has become an important metric in deciding the popularity of an artist and their fees. Event managers pay close attention to it these days. You landed your FIFA gig through Instagram, I learned How was that experience? Yes. I was playing shows in Qatar at the time. The FIFA team contacted me on Instagram and invited me to an audition. I did and eventually got selected. It was a big honour the chance to play before a crowd of 75,000 people from various countries at an event as big as this one. A rare opportunity. What are you working on at the moment? Today, Im playing other artists tracks but soon, I will be playing a playlist of my own songs. I think its every DJs dream to make their own music. My ultimate dream is to become a music producer.

Towards battle-free divorce

KOCHI: Egoism is at its peak in a conflicted marriage. Instead of introspecting on what one can do best to save the relationship, the energy is spent on accusing and blaming the partner. The members of the families of origin also line up for the big fight. Not all marriages are indeed compatible. The uncompromising attitude and inability to respect differences make harmonious living difficult. Marriages are scripted well when the couple can respect differences and manage them well. In a seriously conflicted marriage, its often mismanaged. It is important to accept divorce as a healthy option in a seriously disharmonious and damaged relationship? Can it be done with dignity? It is important to flush out the bitterness generated during the matrimonial coexistence before attempting to do this. Here are some guidelines to create a space for marital separation with mutual respect. Welcome mediation Be open for mediation or marital therapy by a competent neutral third party or professional. There is no harm in mutually trying again to save marriage based on the guidance given. The purpose is not to impose unilateral submission or sacrifice that the society experts. At times, mediators too become gender-biased wanting women to adjust. There has to be open communication that facilitates acceptance of differences with respect. Both partners will have to come to terms with the reality that each of them will have to put in their share to gain reasonable levels of harmony. If it fails, mediation can be geared for a divorce without battles. Be open for a peaceful divorce The magnanimity for a divorce without legal or revengeful battles will minimise stress and will save time and money. It will also open windows for better partnership in parenting children after divorce. The compulsion to influence children by feeding real and scripted negatives of the spouse ruins the emotional growth of a child. Its important to minimise exposure of parental conflicts to children, both in conflicted marital relationships and during separation by divorce. Avoid false litigations Resist the temptations to make false allegations and litigations against partners to pressurise for settlements in disputes related to divorce. This has become a frequent practice now. The bitterness due to this will prolong procedures and prevent dignified divorce. Let the process not stumble on money matters Make financial deals during marriage transparent and documented. Let the bride be the custodian and the decision-maker for the utilisation of money and gold given to her at the time of marriage. Such a financial protocol may not be welcomed in a social climate that legitimises dowry. Many battles around divorce are for financial settlements. If the disputes around finances and gold shared during marriage were not there, many divorces would have been easier. Think of ones own life after divorce Compromises are needed to facilitate divorce without war. The demand for a divorce indeed evokes depression, anxiety and anger. Its important to ease these negative feelings. The stubbornness to take revenge on a partner creates more burden. If done smoothly on agreed conditions, the stress will be minimised and will give space for taking care of each ones life more positively in future. Though divorces and marital litigations happen in plenty, our society imposes a taboo on divorces. In a frantic bid to sustain the institution of marriage, many persons silently suffer in the trap of incompatibility. Its important to talk about divorces sans battles also if talks on harmony in marriage become futile.

Kochi corporation seizes around 200kg of stale fish at Palluruthy

KOCHI: The health wing of the Kochi corporation seized and destroyed around 200kg of stale fish at Palluruthy following a routine check on Wednesday morning. The inspection carried out at five stalls in the area with the help of a food testing unit was held as part of the corporations special drive to ensure that only fresh and quality fish are sold in the city. Of the six stalls, four were found operating in hygienic conditions. We found that the vendor was selling stale fish to people at a lower price. The fish was stored in the freezer. From its appearance and foul smell, it was evident the fish was unfit for human consumption. Hence, it did not require any further tests, said Kochi corporation health inspector Sudheesh Kumar G. The officials are on the look out for the vendor, Usaff. He fled the area as we were checking other stalls. Action will be taken against him once he is taken into custody, Sudheesh said. The special drive aims to prevent vendors from selling ammonia and formalin-laced fish. We have received several complaints from the public regarding the use of ammonia and other chemicals in fish and the sale of rotten fish in the city, mainly by street vendors. The corporations health wing has constituted a three-member squad to inspect fish markets under its limits, and we inspected markets in Thoppumpady and Chambakkara areas. We carry out inspection drives twice or thrice a week and issue notices or impose fines against the stalls that sell stale fish. However, we havent seized seafood as bad as this from any stall, he said.

Fish vendor in Kochi booked for attacking health officials

KOCHI: The Aluva police have registered a case against Faisal, a resident of Kodikuthumala and owner of F and S Fish Stall in Aluva, for allegedly threatening health squad members, including the health inspector of Keezhmad gram panchayat, with a weapon during an inspection. The police have charged Faisal with obstructing official duties and making threats to life. According to a police officer, the complaint was lodged by the health official on Tuesday, prompting immediate action. Following the complaint, we have invoked charges of assault, using abusive language in public, and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha, the officer said. Health inspector M M Sakeer described the incident. The altercation occurred during a routine inspection as part of the Healthy Kerala project. As we were preparing to leave after issuing a notice requesting various documents, including employee health cards, the shop owner attempted to assault us with a knife. We are perplexed as to why Faisal chose to attack us, especially after he had listened to all instructions carefully while we were leaving, he said.

Travel delay of up to 15 mins on clogged roads in Kochi

KOCHI: The rapid increase in the number of vehicles over the years has literally clogged the Kochi roads, with an average delay of four minutes being observed on major corridors. However, the loss of time due to slow-moving traffic on stretches like Edapally-Aluva Road along NH 544 is as high as 14.5 minutes. The details are revealed in a study held as part of the preparation of the draft Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) which found that a maximum delay of 14 to 15 minutes is observed on several stretches on NH 544 and NH 66, with the major reasons being heavy traffic volume and signals. Some of the stretches that you should try to avoid travelling in order to prevent delay in journey time are the 14.34 km-long Cheranelloor to North Paravoor section (a delay of 12.82 minutes), the 3.93 km-long Banerjee Road (a delay of 10.25 minutes), 14.64 km-long Pipeline road (a delay of 8.95 minutes), 13.81 km-long Seaport-Airport Road (a delay of 8.20 minutes), 2.82 km-long Palarivattom-Edappally Road (a delay of 7.35 minutes) 11.65 km-long Aluva-Angamaly Road (a delay of 7 minutes), 4.40 km-long Civil Lane Road (a delay of 6.85 minutes) and the 9.86 km-long Kundannur-Edapally section (a delay of 6.48 minutes). The average journey speed during peak hours in the Central Business District (CBD) is just 19.5 kmph. And if you are travelling through the Infopark-Thengode Road (2.50 km) during peak hours, you may see your vehicle moving at a snails pace at 9.222 kmph. The other slow-moving traffic stretches include Banerjee Road (12.18 kmph), Palarivattom-Edappally Road (13.44 kmph), Infopark Expressway (14.68 kmph), and Sahodaran Ayyappan Road (15.21 kmph). Least travel delay So if you want to reach your destinations, choose some of the least congested roads where the delay is comparatively less. These include the International Container Terminal Road from Kalamassery to High Court with the delay in travel time as low as two minutes. Vehicles are found to be moving at an average speed of 25.52 kmph during peak hours and 31.04 during non-peak hours, the study found. Similarly stretches like Nadakkavu-Mulanthuruthy Road (a delay of 0.05 minutes), Kundannoor Bridge (0.18), Mini Bypass Tripunithura (0.20), Thoppumpady-Edakochi Road (0.60 min), Kumbalangi Road (0.70 min), Alinchuvadu-Vennala Road (0.70), Kakkanad-Infopark Road (1 minute), Edayapuram Road (1 minute), Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road (1.10 minutes), Chittoor Road (1.25 minute), Chottanikkara-Mulanthuruthy Road (1.70 min) and Edakochi Road (2 min) are also comparatively less congested. Traffic volumes The study observed that the highest outer cordon traffic volumes are observed on NH-66 (at Aroor), followed by NH 544 (Angamaly). The highest traffic volumes at screen line locations (core city area) are observed at Banerjee Road (6,988 PCUs) and Venduruthy Bridge (6,264 PCUs). In the mid-blocks, the highest volume of traffic is observed on NH 544 (8,017 PCUs), followed by Seaport-Airport Road (5,858 PCUs). The highest traffic volumes at intersection locations are at Palarivattom (19,969 PCUs), Vyttila (17,600 PCUs), Maradu (14,424 PCUs), Edapally (15,890 PCUs), and near Aluva Metro Station Junctions (10,154 PCUs), according to the data given in the draft CMP.

Kerala: Panel pegs fish farmers loss at Rs 31.25 crore; terms compensation insufficient

KOCHI: The Periyar Anti-pollution Joint Committee on Wednesday handed over the expert committee report to Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian. The committee studied various parameters, including the reasons behind the fish kill, activities and incidents that led to the pollution of the river, the steps that need to be initiated to revive the river and the loss sustained by the fishermen and farmers. According to Charles George, general convenor of the committee, the committee has found that the fish farmers sustained a loss of Rs 31.25 crore and the fishermen lost Rs 10.6 crore in the aftermath of the fish kill incident. It has also been found that the meagre amount of Rs 13.55 crore that had been announced by the state government as compensation is yet to be disbursed, said George. The committee found the findings of the Pollution Control Board to be unscientific and inappropriate. It agreed with the findings of KUFOS and CMFRL that pointed towards the presence of chemicals in the river water as the reason behind the fish kill. The committee report will be published on July 27 by former minister S Sarma.

Karumalloor panchayat in Kerala living in fox fear; forest department steps in

KOCHI: A panchayat in North Paravoor is in the grip of a fear of foxes following a sudden increase in the population of the species first spotted in the region after the 2018 flood. With foxes coming in packs and attacking cattle and pets, especially during the night, the worried villagers of Karumalloor panchayat approached the forest department with a demand to trap the animals and shift them back to the forest. Officers from the Malayattoor forest division finally laid cages to trap the animals on Friday, but the foxes are yet to be caught. The foxes were first sighted in the region in the aftermath of the 2018 flood. Its thought that one or two might have washed ashore in the flood. But now their population has spiralled. More than anything, its the fear of rabies that is worrying us. These animals attack or cross-breed with dogs and other pet animals, increasing the rabies threat, said panchayat president Sreelatha Lalu. Manakkapady, which lies on the Aluva-Paravoor route, is the most affected. The animals can also be sighted at many areas in the panchayat, including Thattampady, Puthukkadu, Muriyakkal, and Mambra. Weve now written to the range forest officer (social forestry) to take the action necessary, Sreelatha pointed out. Laiju K M, ward member of Manakkapady North, said the pack attacks dogs and cattle at night. They hide behind the overgrown bushes in the deserted Muriyakkal area, he said. Following repeated requests from the villagers, the officers from the Malayattoor forest division have laid three cages in the region.More cages are being laid near the bushes. Daily, we place meat as bait and keep watch. So far, the foxes havent entered the cages. The officials plan to capture the animals and leave them in deep forests, Laiju said. Meanwhile, a senior forest officer attached to the Kodanad range said the department will lay sufficient cages to trap and relocated the foxes. Also, the protection force wing has been initiated to prevent untoward incidents, like an outbreak of rabies, the officer said.

Kerala to set up underground sewage treatment plants to combat pollution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to combat pollution of water bodies while addressing land constraints, the government is set to introduce underground sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the state. Bringing a major shift in the states wastewater management strategy, the initiative spearheaded by the local self-government department (LSGD) aims to address water pollution and overcome the growing public resistance against such waste treatment facilities. The underground STPs will be piloted in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts. Efforts are on to identify locations to install the same. There are plans to set up an underground STP at the Legislative Assembly complex too. The LSGD has also directed the local bodies to draw up proposals for setting up underground STPs. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the STPs will be strategically located underground so that the land can still be used for other purposes. He said the project will be implemented immediately. The unavailability of land and stiff protests from the public are the huge challenges that the state faces when it comes to waste management projects. We need to protect our canals and other water resources and the lack of sewage treatment facilities is a major challenge. Hence, we formulated this approach as underground STPs can be established without disrupting land utilisation in densely populated areas. We can set up a playground or a parking lot or utilise the land for other purposes, said Rajesh. The decision to go ahead with the project immediately comes as a response to the escalating pollution of water bodies across the state and the tragic death of sanitation worker N Joy, who lost his life while cleaning the Amayizhanchan canal in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala: Missing sanitation worker Joys body recovered after 46-hour-long efforts The High Court has directed the state government to take strict action to clean up the canal. Suchitwa Mission director U V Jose told TNIE that a decentralised way is more practical in Kerala. Underground STPs will be effective in densely populated cities and panchayats where land availability is an issue. Such units will cater to a certain population or establishments, he said. As per official data, Kerala generates about 8,000 m3/day of septage or faecal sludge, and currently, there are only two STP facilities in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The minister said that treating sewage at the source will significantly reduce the contamination of our rivers and lakes. We will be implementing the project initially on government-owned lands, including the public sector offices and the land owned by the LSGIs. We have already discussed the project with the Speaker to establish an underground STP at the assembly complex. If all goes well, we will set up a treatment plant there, said Rajesh. Rajaji Nagar Colony in Thiruvananthapuram, located close to the infamous sewer, is another critical spot identified by the authorities causing pollution to the Amayizhanchan canal. Owing to the lack of facilities, the sewage and wastewater from the colony are directly discharged into the canal. We are looking for an ideal spot at Rajaji Nagar. It is possible to set up the underground STP at a playground in the area. The land can still be used as a playground, he added. An official said that the project is getting a good response from the local bodies. We have started receiving project proposals from the LSGIs. We started working on the project around two months back. There are many such successfully run facilities in Chennai and Bengaluru. An expert team, including officials from Suchitwa Mission and the State Pollution Control Board visited these facilities, said the official.

Not many takers but Bread of the dead lives on in Kochi

KOCHI: These days, very few seek out Breudher, a bread with Dutch origins. Baked only on Saturdays at a single bakery in Pattalam, Fort Kochi, just 10 to 15 loaves are produced weekly for those who still savour it for Sunday breakfast. Demand from the Anglo-Indian community is declining, and only a few are familiar with the process of baking this bread, which is made from flour, dried fruits, and cinnamon. It is also known as the Bread of the Dead due to its use by the Anglo-Indian community on occasions such as wake ceremonies or the seventh day of demise. The Breudher arrived in Fort Kochi over 300 years ago, likely on a Dutch VOC ship, and has since become an integral part of the community. Over the centuries, variations have crept into the recipe as it travelled across continents. Some say the version we have today is a corrupted variant of the original. Culinary anthropologist and chef, Oneal Sabu said that Breudher can now be found only in Fort Kochi, with no other place in India offering this bread. Dutch ovens and Bundt moulds were predominantly used to make a Breudher but over time, the shape and feel of the Breudher has changed from being a pound cake to a bread as local folk ate the Breudher mostly with a green robusta, he added. Santosh PP, who runs Quality Bakery in Pattalam, told TNIE that demand has waned and only a few loaves are made for the regulars. His bakery is the only one that still makes Breudher, with Elite Bakery, which used to bake Breudher buns, closing during the pandemic. When we leased the bakery from the family that owns it, we learnt the recipe so we could cater to the small Anglo-Indian community. Many people from far and wide come occasionally, having read or heard about it, he said. Quality bakes Breudher by adding caramelised sugar and raisins. Harry Gunther, a descendant of Johannes Hendrik Hoogewerf, a Dutch VOC seaman who arrived in Travancore in 1758, fondly remembers his paternal grandfathers love for Breudher bread. He would insist on getting us Breudher bread for special occasions. During our childhood, he would purchase it from Rozarios Bakery or Cochin Bakery. Each family has their unique recipe and ingredients for Breudher bread, which is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a distinctive crust and texture. The taste varies between bakeries, Harry recalled. He believes that Breudher bread originated in Germany, using natural starters for fermentation instead of commercial yeast. The Dutch popularised this bread in India, and it was a staple in many Anglo-Indian families for Sunday breakfast or special occasions, he said. Harry reminisces about the old days when Breudher bread was available at iconic bakeries like Rozarios on Broadway, Cochin Bakery on MG Road, and Coelho Bakery on Market Road, all of which have since closed down. Oneal says Breudher is one of the oldest examples of a Bundt-shaped treat thats half cake, half bread, distinguished by its use of nutmeg. The name Breudher comes from the Dutch word brood, meaning bread. He is on a mission to revive the lost recipes of Old Cochin through social media and his pop-ups. By adapting original recipes from Breudhers closest relativesthe cake-like Bloedher of Sri Lanka and the bread-like Blends of MalaccaOneal aims to bring these flavours back to life.

Why you're paying more for flying from these airports

Beginning FY25, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kochi and a dozen more airports have raised user development fees. This comes at a time fares are already rising due to insufficient aircraft and a flurry of holiday travel.

Bismi group founder V A Yusuf passes away at 74

KOCHI: Valiyaveetil Haji V A Yusuf (74), chairman of the Bismi Group, passed away on Wednesday. His last rites were held at Muslim Jamaath Kabrastan, Kaloor at 4 pm. He is survived by wife P M Nafeesa and children V Y Safeena and V Y Shabani, sons-in-law Dr V A Afsal and V A Ajmal. An engineer by profession, Yusuf founded Bismi group in 1974, which has now become a leading brand in home appliances, electronic and retail grocery stores in Kerala with hyper-markets in Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kochi.

Yet-to-be-opened health and wellness centres draining Kochi Corporations coffers

FIR registered against Kochi Corporation councillor

Over 1 kg of gold seized at Kochi airport

Kerala High Court Stays Release of Justice Hema Committee Report till July 31

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday put on hold for a week the State Information Commission's order directing the release of the Justice K Hema Committee report which studied the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Justice P M Manoj stayed the release of the report till July 31 on a plea challenging the information commission's July 5 order, advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor, who appeared for the petitioner, said. The court also issued notice to the Kerala government, the State Information Commission (SIC) and some journalists seeking their stand on the plea by Sajimon Parayil, a film producer, who is aggrieved by the report. The order came just hours before the report was scheduled to be made public. The SIC had on July 5 directed the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) to reasonably disseminate the information in the report while ensuring that it does not compromise the privacy of individuals. While providing attested copies of the Justice K Hema Committee report, the SPIO should ensure that the materials do not lead to the identification of individuals referenced in the said report or compromise their privacy, it had said. The Information Commissioner, in his order, however, had asked the SPIO not to disclose the details of paragraph 96 contained on page 49 and paragraphs 165 to 196 from pages 81 to 100. It had also asked the SPIO to file a compliance report by July 26. The committee was formed after the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema. Even though the report was filed in 2019, the government is yet to release the details as it was suspected to contain sensitive information. The actress-victim who has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films was allegedly abducted and molested in her car for two hours by some of the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped in a busy area. The entire act was filmed by some of the accused to blackmail the actress. There are 10 accused in the case. Dileep, the eighth accused in the case, was also arrested and sent to jail. He was released after the court granted him bail. The case is pending.

Kerala HC stays release of Justice Hema Committee report till July 31

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday put on hold for a week the State Information Commission's order directing the release of the Justice K Hema Committee report which studied the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Justice P M Manoj stayed the release of the report till July 31 on a plea challenging the information commission's July 5 order, advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor, who appeared for the petitioner, said. The court also issued notice to the Kerala government, the State Information Commission (SIC) and some journalists seeking their stand on the plea by Sajimon Parayil, a film producer, who is aggrieved by the report. The order came just hours before the report was scheduled to be made public. The SIC had on July 5 directed the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) to reasonably disseminate the information in the report while ensuring that it does not compromise the privacy of individuals. While providing attested copies of the Justice K Hema Committee report, the SPIO should ensure that the materials do not lead to the identification of individuals referenced in the said report or compromise their privacy, it had said. The Information Commissioner, in his order, however, had asked the SPIO not to disclose the details of paragraph 96 contained on page 49 and paragraphs 165 to 196 from pages 81 to 100. It had also asked the SPIO to file a compliance report by July 26. The committee was formed after the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema. Even though the report was filed in 2019, the government is yet to release the details as it was suspected to contain sensitive information. The actress-victim who has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films was allegedly abducted and molested in her car for two hours by some of the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped in a busy area. The entire act was filmed by some of the accused to blackmail the actress. There are 10 accused in the case. Dileep, the eighth accused in the case, was also arrested and sent to jail. He was released after the court granted him bail. The case is pending.

Councillor slaps hotel employee in Kerala's Vyttila

KOCHI: Amid arguments over the removal of a slab above a culvert, the Vyttila councillor allegedly assaulted a hotel employee on Tuesday. Sunitha Dixon, a UDF representative in the corporation, slapped a female employee of Artic Hotel, Vyttila, during a discussion over removing the slab in front of the hotel. A video clip of the incident went viral on social media and the police registered a case against the councillor after the hotel employee lodged a complaint, said a cop. The councillor arrived without prior notice and began removing the slabs using a JCB under the pretext of cleaning. While discussing the incident, the councillor slapped the lady staff and used abusive language, hotel manager Anilkumar said. The woman was injured in the attack and sought treatment at a nearby hospital, he said. She (Sunitha) demanded Rs 15 lakh from us, citing baseless issues like encroachment and violation of law. We obtained a court order to counter these allegations, Anilkumar said. Meanwhile, Sunitha refuted the allegations, claiming that she was the one under threat. I went there to supervise the progress of culvert cleaning. However, the employees of the bar hotel intentionally created a ruckus and tried to attack me, she said. She pointed out that the cleaning was related to disaster management efforts and in compliance with a High Court order. The viral video only highlights my actions and doesnt reveal the chaos caused by the other side. The employees, including female staff, harassed me with arguments. However, the local residents support me and have contacted me to express their solidarity, Sunitha said. I have lodged a complaint with the City Police Commissioner via email, the councillor said. She also alleged that she faced a life threat from the owner of the bar.

KMRL to finalise detailed mobility plan in 3 months; suggestions open

KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will finalise the new updated Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), a long-term vision for desirable mobility patterns in Kochi city, in three months before submitting the same for the consideration of state and Union governments. The agency has started collecting feedback and suggestions on the draft CMP from all segments of the community, including peoples representatives, political executives, various government bodies, leading city development organisations, business community and the public. The first of such exercises to collect feedback from various stakeholders was held on Tuesday. The draft CMP has been uploaded on our website. The public and stakeholders are invited to go through the same and give suggestions and feedback in the next one month by messaging to contact@kmrl.co.in in the next one month, said KMRL MD Loknath Behera. The deliberations held on Tuesday at Town Hall was attended by Industries Minister P Rajeeve, Mayor M Anilkumar, MLAs T J Vinodh, K Babu, K J Maxi, K N Unnikrishnan, Anwar Sadath, Uma Thomas, collector NSK Umesh, councillors, panchayat presidents, officials from various government agencies, and residents associations among others. The CMP mainly accounts for futuristic development needs, say the next 30 years, and is very much required for the development of a high-growth potential city like Kochi. Projects worth Rs 20,000 crore, including short-term, medium-term and long-term measures are being mooted. A much-needed short-term measure is to implement metro extension to the airport and then to the GIFT City, coming up in Angamaly, said P Rajeeve. The mayor requested that a presentation of the draft CMP should be made before the corporation council and the suggestions of the councillors taken. MLA Maxi rued that the West Kochi natives are currently not getting the advantage of the modern transport system and sought extension of the metro to the region. K Babu MLA called for extension of the Metro to Infopark from Tripunithura. T J Vinod MLA highlighted the need for bus route rationalisation to be taken up urgently along with activities such as expanding public transportation services, junction improvements and canal widening. MLA Unnikrishnan urged the authorities to take steps to enhance transportation facilities and road widening in coastal regions like Vypeen. Uma calls for devpt of key roads Uma Thomas MLA called for the development of key arterial roads to decongest Kochi-Kakkanad road section in the preparatory works of Kochi metro as part of implementing the 11.2 km phase 2 project from Palarivattom to Infopark

Mobility plan bats for Kochi metro, waterway connectivity to airport

KOCHI: A new comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for the city being readied by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has proposed the development of a mass transit system for an additional 97 km in the city and its suburbs, including a new metro rail connectivity in the 18-km Aluva-Angamaly (via CIAL) and the 14-km Kalamassery-Tripunithura (via Kakkanad) mobility corridors. The draft CMP identified eight additional major mobility corridors, including the Paravoor-Aroor (35km) and High Court-Munambam (30km) sections where bus-based systems have been suggested. The other corridors are High Court-Fort Kochi (14km), Petta-Thoppumpady via Kundannoor (8.5km), Tripunithura-Poothotta (14km) and Vallarpadam-Kalamassery (16km). These are besides the existing corridors Aluva to SN Junction (27.3km; existing mass rapid transit system or MRTS), SN Junction-Tripunithura (1.8km; Phase 1B-under construction MRTS) and JLN Stadium to Infopark (11.3km; Phase 2 under-construction MRTS). It recommends three potential water routes in the study area, which is comprises 732 sqkm, spread across the corporation, nine municipalities and 29 panchayats. They are Varappuzha-CIAL/Kalady, Kadamakkudy-Kottapuram and Edakochi-Aroor-Panangad-South Paravoor. The draft also bats for multi-modal mobility hubs in Aluva (bus+metro), Angamaly (metro+bus), CIAL (metro+air+bus), High Court (water+bus+metro), Tripunithura (metro+rail+bus) and Smart City (metro+bus+water) besides the existing Vyttila Mobility Hub (metro+water+bus). The study held as part of the CMP preparation found that city bus route rationalisation should be taken up on an urgent basis. A route-to-route overlap analysis carried out for bus services in Kochi observed that 22% of the routes have above 60% average route overlap with the proposed trunk routes or MRTS corridors...It is recommended to rationalise 31 routes (13 KSRTC and 18 private bus routes), the document, which can be accessed from the Kochi Metro website read. Mass Transit System designed to move large numbers of people on special guideways will lower travel time and mitigate congestion. About 28.12km of the existing MRTS network is operational in the city. In addition, 11.3km of Phase 2 metro network is under construction, the draft CMP read. The study recommended that Kochi should decongest the core area and develop sub-city centres in different parts of the city. These growth centres (sub-centres) should be connected through efficient city public transportation systems. It suggested the development of 114.6km corridors under the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and 103.5-km of network as Growth Corridors to connect identified growth centres to faster multi-nodal development.

Stitching dreams

KOCHI: Standing atop three wooden planks set against the backdrop of a white dhoti, Krishna Priya filmed herself flaunting her self-stitched outfits, weaving a narrative of creativity and self-expression online. This 20-year-old fashion designer hailing from Eramalloor in Alappuzha district aspires to walk the illustrious carpet of the Cannes Film Festival, inspired by the trailblazing success of Nanci Thyagi, a self-made young designer from a rural north Indian town, whose own design made waves at Cannes, igniting Krishnas passion one stitch at a time. Krishna initially started designing using her mothers sarees, driven by a desire to have the trendiest clothes in her wardrobe. When I saw people wearing stylish outfits and came across fashionable designs online, I could only dream of owning such styles. Affording those clothes was nearly impossible for me at the time. Also, a few years back, websites that offered clothes at affordable rates were rare. So I found the solution by stitching my own clothes. I taught myself to sew by watching YouTube tutorials and through several trials and errors, says Krishna. Unable to afford a sewing machine, Krishna initially hand-stitched her outfits. The 20-year-olds ambitions began with a small wish wearing a gown to her sisters wedding. She painted a ball gown in her mind, vibrant and classy. However, she couldnt afford the high-priced ball gown dresses from branded fashion stores. So she went ahead and fashioned a skirt and top for herself. Seeing his daughters passion, her father, an artist himself, secured her entrance to the Government Institute of Fashion Designing in Kochi. However, simultaneously, she continued to craft designs herself. It was while studying there that she created one of her famous designs to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. It was inspired by a gown Ariana Grande wore to the Grammys. It was like a ball gown I had always wanted. So I decided to create one for myself. And since I was studying in Kochi, I went to Menaka and sourced the fabric, such as soft net to create the tulle design, she says. Her love for that gown was so great that she created a video and uploaded it on Instagram. The first video appeared with a white mundu (dhoti) providing a blank background. The video garnered nearly one million views, and enquiries for stitching orders started pouring in. The idea of an Instagram page that showcases her designing skills, stemmed from the time she couldnt attend fashion designing classes. A fashion show took place in Kochi, and I was eager to walk the ramp wearing the self-made clothes. However, the registration fee was Rs 7,000, which I couldnt afford. To raise funds, I took tailoring orders, but this meant missing many classes and ultimately being unable to take my exams. I havent completed my course yet, says Krishna. Due to the lack of alternative options to support her family, Krishna even thought of taking on part-time jobs. I was very disappointed when I couldnt take the exams. I almost gave up on my life and career then. Thats how I decided to post content online until I get a job, says Krishna. Though making reels and showcasing her work online was a temporary thing, Krishna claims that the decision has helped her gain attention and compliments from people across the globe. She now gets tailoring orders from several places, the demand for tailor-made gowns being high. The youngster singlehandedly manages all incoming orders. When it comes to ball gowns, which can be as long as 100 metres, Krishna meticulously stitches each one with care and dedication. The Ariana Grande gown recreation video was indeed a turning point. Many people often place orders for ball gowns. Personally, Im drawn to the art of styling these lengthy gowns. The process is both challenging and fascinating. Working with such elaborate garments requires prolonged sitting and substantial effort--its demanding but incredibly rewarding, says Krishna. Her design repertoire spans from ball gowns and puff sleeve dresses to tiered gowns and bold designs featuring mosaic-style patterns and side cutouts. She manages orders through a dedicated Instagram page, @jukkicostumesx24. Krishna is determined to pursue her passion for fashion designing. Although I cant continue with the diploma course I started, Im actively seeking admission elsewhere, she shares. Her ultimate goal is to establish her own boutique and further her education in fashion design.

Capt Jerry Prem Raj: Braveheart of Kargil

KOCHI: Twenty-five years have passed since Capt Jerry Prem Raj, Vir Chakra, laid down his life for his beloved country on Tiger Hill in Kargil in 1999. The war which began on May 3, 1999 and ended on July 26, 1999 was fought in a harsh, high-altitude environment posing unique challenges. It was the deadliest and largest war fought between India and Pakistan which saw 527 soldiers attaining martyrdom and 1,363 hurt. As the nation observes another Kargil Diwas on July 26, the state reminisces about the martyrdom of one of its brave sons. Chella Thayee, Capt Jerry Prem Rajs mother, remembers every line that her son had written in his last letter. With eyes brimming with tears, she says, I am very proud to be known as Jerrys mother. Wherever I go, everyone gives me love and respect because of my son. So, I always feel that Jerry has achieved eternal life. She recalls that he had written about buying a satellite phone for her once he came home after his duty. Born on April 7, 1972, Capt hailed from Venganoor village in Thiruvananthapuram. He joined defence following in the footsteps of his elder brother who served in the Indian Air Force. Jerry joined the IAF at 18, training as an instrument fitter. Later, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 158 Medium Regiment. In May 1999, he got married to Praseena but unfortunately had to cut short their honeymoon and report to duty. Taking a trip down memory lane, his elder brother Rejinald Pavithran, says, Jerry was stationed in the Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of Operation Vijay, launched to reclaim territories infiltrated by Pakistani forces, he served as the Forward Observation Post Officer with the 2 Naga Battalion. To keep his younger brothers memories alive, Rejinald maintains a chronicle of the life and legacy of Jerry. Within the pages of the book reside not just writings, but the essence of Jerrys indomitable spirit. Jerry was a born leader. From winning a baby show at six months to excelling as a cricketer and captain in school, he showed exceptional talent and determination, Rejinald says. He had a deep passion for the Army and pursued his dream relentlessly, eventually becoming a respected officer. His warmth, storytelling ability, and love for Mohanlal films made him unforgettable to all who knew him, he says. This year, his family is taking a pilgrimage to the Drass War Memorial, in Kargil, Ladakh. It is the land where he died, fighting for his country 25 years ago. Our journey is a testament to Jerrys sacrifice and the legacy he left behind, says Rejinald. Baiju Sasidharan, a close friend and confidant of the Captain, vividly recalls their final journey together aboard a train bound for Ernakulam. During the journey, Jerry spoke passionately about his responsibilities and the inherent risks he faced while defending the nation, says Baiju. Colonel Sandeep Ahlawat, a coursemate from the SS-64 course, OTA, talks of how amidst the chaos of battle, Capt Jerry exemplified that nothing divides a soldier. He was an Indian at heart, a soldier who was unwaveringly devoted to our nations cause.

Angel tax now history, startup sectors in Kerala say cheers

KOCHI: The scrapping of Angel tax has come as a huge relief for the startup sector, which was fighting to repeal the provision under Section 56 (2) (viib) of the Income Tax that classified investments from external investors as income from other sources and levied a tax of 30%. S R Nair, a startup mentor, said the decision will go a long way in bolstering the countrys startup ecosystem. Angel tax was introduced by then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in 2012 and was termed draconian by the sector. They had been seeking its abolishment for the past five years. There was also criticism that the Modi government was not doing anything proactive for the sector, and that Startup India was just a show. The announcement is a means to stem that argument, said Nair. Devan Chandrashekar, founder of Fuselage Innovations, said, Now, startups will not lose out on investment that would help them innovate and bring new products.

Updated Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Greater Kochi to be ready in three months

Excise arrests man with nitrazepam tablets in Kochi

Muthoot FA Boys Ready and Hungry to Take the Next Generation Cup Opportunity With Both Hands: Coach Anees Koraliyadan

The Kochi-based academy team finished third in the Reliance Foundation Development League 2024

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Father, son dragged along by car passengers; cases against 2 groups

KOCHI: Following up on an incident in which an altercation between the passengers of a car and a motorcyclist over mud-splashing led to a father-son duo being allegedly dragged along the road by the car passengers for some distance, the police on Monday registered separate cases against the two groups. The incident happened on Sunday evening when the car splashed muddy water on Chittoor Ferry resident Akshay and his sister who were travelling on the motorcycle. Akshay chased the car, leading to the altercation. When the biker left after allegedly using inappropriatelanguage, the car passengers chased them to their home. The incident came to light after Akshay and his father Santhosh lodged a complaint with the Cheranalloor police against Joseph John, a resident of Karukachal in Kottayam, his wife, and brother. The duo alleged that the car passengers tried to attack them and dragged them along the road. Both parties lodged complaints with the police late on Sunday, a police officer said. We have filed charges including voluntarily causing hurt, attacking with instruments, and wrongfully restraining, according to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, he added. The car passengers followed them to create a ruckus and attack them, Akshay alleged. They started the vehicle suddenly and dragged us along the road while we were speaking about the incident, he said. Akshay also alleged that the police did not register a case against the car passengers until they had lodged another complaint. Meanwhile, Joseph John, the driver of the car, refuted the allegations, claiming that Akshay and his relatives assaulted him and threatened their lives. He also alleged that they misbehaved with his wife and used offensive language against her. Responding to the allegations of inaction by the police in the initial stages, Ernakulam Central Subdivision Assistant Commissioner Jayakumar C said, The incompleteness of the complaints led to the delay in registering the case. Once proper complaints were received, the police filed charges against both the car passengers and the bike riders. A fair investigation will be carried out into the incident, he added.

Transport ministers tip-off helps MVD seize scooter with doctored plate

KOCHI: A tip-off from none other than Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar helped the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) seize a scooter that had a doctored number plate and was involved in multiple traffic violations detected by the AI cameras in Angamaly over the past seven months. The owner of the scooter has been booked and fined. Last week, while his convoy was passing through the national highway stretch in Angamaly, Ganesh saw two youngsters on the scooter driving recklessly, without helmets. He noted down the number plate and alerted the MVD. We were informed that a scooter with the number plate KL 63F 0824 was involved in a traffic violation witnessed by the minister himself. We found the number was of a car. We contacted the control room to trace the scooter. We got information that there had been frequent complaints against the scooter in the past several months, and the car owner was receiving challans for the violations, said an MVD officer. The MVD enquired about the vehicles whereabouts, and retrieved the photographs and videos of the rider and the scooter from AI cameras. People in Angamaly town told us that the scooter was used by migrant workers, and that they frequently visited a dhaba on the NH stretch near Angamaly. When the workers reached the dhaba, we took the vehicle into custody. Upon questioning, the workers said the scooter belonged to their employer, an Angamaly native. Its RC number was KL 63E 0824, he said. The owner told MVD officials that he bought the used scooter in January, and was unaware that the number plate had been tampered with. We dont believe him as the vehicle had been frequently involved in traffic violations detected by AI cameras, said the officer. Following a report from the MVD, the Angamaly police booked the scooter owner under Sections 336(2) (forgery) and 340(2) (using forged document as original) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The vehicle was shifted to the Angamaly police station. We have imposed heavy fines on the owner for various violations, including riding without helmet, reckless driving and using a fake number plate. Criminal procedures will be initiated by the police, said the MVD officer. New trend to fool AI cams MVD officials said the trend of using fake or doctored number plates has emerged ever since AI cameras went live across the state. We recently had a case in Perumbavoor where a discarded vehicles number was used on another vehicle that was involved in multiple traffic violations in Karnataka. During routine inspections too, a number of vehicles having manipulated number plates have been detected. The trend has emerged ever since AI cameras became operational, said an MVD officer.

Kochi: Another bridge closure on cards, this time for over 3 weeks

KOCHI: Closure of the two-kilometre Kundannoor-Thevara bridge on NH 966 for a couple of days resulted in traffic going haywire in the city on Monday. Well, treat that as just a sample. Another traffic diversion, this time for over three weeks for a major work on the stretch, is on the cards. A project for the pavement milling and retarring of the entire 5.9-km stretch from Kundannoor Junction to CIFT Junction in Willingdon Island at a cost of Rs 12.85 crore has received administrative sanction. The work, though, would start only when the rains abate. It may take another two months for the work to start. The entire stretch will be milled and retarred. Thats why we indulged in just a pothole-filling exercise this time to reduce the cost, as the entire section will have to be retarred, said a senior official with PWD (NH wing). Originally, the retarring was scheduled to be done last November. However, it was pointed out that the stretch gets damaged easily due to dense traffic, especially that of heavy vehicles like trucks and container lorries. We found that the tarring on the bridge stretch gets rolled up easily because of high temperature. So we decided to go for German technology, using Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) instead of the usual BMBC (Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete). This technology, rarely used in Kerala, will be used for the retarring of both the bridges on the Kundannoor-CIFT junction stretch, the official said. According to the official, the method will increase the durability of the stretch as the fibre content in SMA is higher, compared to traditional BMBC. A revised proposal was submitted and the same was finally approved on May 3. However, rain began lashing the city early this time and the project couldnt be implemented. Were now aiming to begin the work in two months. The same may require a longer period of closure of the stretch, the official pointed out.

Kundannoor-Thevara bridge reopens today, repair wont last long, says local body chief

KOCHI: The repair of the key Kundannoor-Thevara bridge on NH-966 has come under fire with local residents and Maradu municipality authorities complaining that the work has turned to be a mere pothole-filling exercise, with minimum tarring. The common refrain: It wont last long. The two-km bridge was closed for traffic at 10pm on Friday to carry out maintenance activities after the pothole-riddled stretch witnessed a spate of accidents. The PWD NH wing wrapped up the work by Monday evening and the stretch is set to be opened for traffic on Tuesday morning. The diversion of traffic to facilitate the work resulted in heavy congestion in several parts of the city, including MG Road (with a long queue of vehicles seen right from Willingdon Island), Thevara, and Vyttila junction. The local residents questioned the need to close down the bridge for three days if the scope of the repair was to just fill potholes. Maradu municipality chairperson Antony Ashanparambil shot off letters to PWD Minister P A Mohamed Riyas and the Aluva NH sub-division assistant executive engineer, citing the poor quality and shabby repair. This is just bituminous patchwork, barely using tar. This wont last for long and will again result in the formation of potholes in a short time. They could have done this while allowing traffic through one side. Now, the whole city has been affected by the traffic diversion, Ashanparambil said. They had carried out similar patchwork earlier too, on May 17 and June 4. But this time, we expected a proper repair with the bridge closed for three days. Now, it has turned out to be patchwork again, said a disappointed Shajan O S, 52, a resident of Nettoor. Many of the local residents were forced to walk for over two kilometres to drop their children to school or to proceed to their workplaces.

What a catch!

KOCHI: Muhammed Bin Farooq has always enjoyed his childhood, especially the school holidays he spent on paddy fields and by tranquil lakes. One of his favourite pastimes then was spending hours fishing for barb and dragon head fish (varal). After carrying these fish home in plastic bags, he used to carefully transfer the prized catch to glass bottles and aquariums. He loved watching the colourful beings swimming around. While all fish intrigued him, the ornamental varieties enchanted him as a child. At five, Muhammeds persistent pleas made his parents to gift him a pair of goldfish, sparking the beginning of a growing collection that flourished with time. From sourcing the locally available guppy fish and angel varieties, Muhammed now grows 43 species of ornamental fish, including Japanese Koi, dantum angelfish, tetra, geophagus, uaru, polar parrot, and peacock bass. What started as a hobby has now become a thriving business, says Muhammed. The 28-year-old is on cloud nine, after bagging the recognition as best ornamental fish breeder from ICAR Central Inland Fisheries Institute and the Kerala government. The passion happened to stick with me. And it became more like a craze. My sole aim was to increase the number of fish in my collection. I was ready to spend enough time for it. The interest actually blossomed organically and I decided to pursue it and nurture it, he explains. As his attachment and curiosity grew, he decided to study them more scientifically. So, my graduation and post-graduation revolved around fisheries. Currently Im also doing research on Etroplus Suratensis (karimeen), focusing on its quality of having a vast population, genetic characteristics and more, says Muhammed, who hails from Ochira in Kollam district. While his degrees have provided him with knowledge of a variety of breeds, Muhammed claims his deeper understanding of ornamental fish came through hands-on experience and relentless experimentation. Adjacent to his house he has set up a 7,500sq ft hatchery, a 12,000sq ft farm, an aquatic gallery and a genetic lab. Since the business is wholesale, the focus is to breed fish in a massive quantity. The species I breed are prolific egg layers. For instance, from one kilogram of koi variety, we can harvest up to 1 lakh eggs. After they are laid, the eggs are artificially incubated until they hatch, explains Muhammed. However, varieties such as Uaru lay eggs in limited quantities, say 200 eggs, and theres only a 50 per cent hatching rate. Their offspring cant be incubated separately as they are parent-dependent and feed on the mucus of parents in the initial stage. If kept separately, they only have a 30 to 40 per cent survival rate, he explains. The genetic lab researches and brings solutions to fish mutations, viral diseases, bacterial issues, and water quality, sometimes serving as solutions to those who focus on fish farming. In the genetic lab, Muhammed also provides hands-on training to students. Aquaculture as a domain has wide possibilities. Unfortunately in India, the field does not have enough prominence, especially among youngsters. It could be due to a lack of awareness. So, I try to provide training for students to have a better understanding of the same, says Muhammed. Muhammed also points out that though it is a viable business option, it would not be for everyone. It is a time and passion-oriented activity. If your motivation is solely financial, it wont sustain because youre working with living organisms. In our present ecosystem, if more youngsters come forward, effective research and opportunities for expanding ranching efforts, especially in addressing issues such as declining fish populations in water bodies could be possible, he says. Well, he adds, its not just about their beauty, but understanding that they are living beings who are much needed in our nature.

Samaritan who helped Kerala breathe during Covid is no more

KOCHI: There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the entire country gasped for breath in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was so dire as the virus swept all over the globe. During those days, the state saw many heroes rise to the occasion. Antony Joseph, the owner of Manorama Oxygen Pvt Limited, was one such person whose contribution saved many lives. This gentle soul breathed his last on Sunday night. The one thing that was essential in keeping people alive as the virus ravaged their lungs was medical oxygen, a very precious commodity at that time. However, as hospitals filled with patients in critical condition, they couldnt meet the increasing demand for oxygen. His oxygen plant was functioning round the clock to meet the demand, says CICC Jayachandran, a member of Maharajas College Old Students Association. Jayachandran reminisced how the trucks carrying huge cylinders of medical oxygen rushed all over the state trying to reach the destinations as soon as possible. Antonys factory was supplying oxygen to hospitals from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, always accompanied by police protection, at a time when Kerala was cut off from the outside due to a travel embargo. But heroes too get singed by the indifference of the people after everything comes back to normalcy. Recently, he told me how he was yet to get payment for the oxygen that he supplied during the pandemic. He said that he didnt want the payment. But the least the hospitals could do was return the empty cylinders to the factory, says Jayachandran. Antony, who was also the general secretary of the Ernakulam Maharajas College Old Students Association, was mourned by all the officials and peoples representatives who used to call him at all times of the day during the pandemic. They recalled his contributions, says Jayachandran. Talking about his family, Vasudevan N K, a trade union member, says, His family had a publishing unit named City Press at Eloor Industrial Estate in Kochi. They were a family that had a very good relationship with the workers. However, tragedy struck Antony back-to-back. At first, his father, mother and two sisters died in a car accident. Very soon his elder brother also bid adieu. Antony took on the burden of the family at a very young age and continued to maintain the same relationship that his father and brother had with the workers, recalls Vasudevan. According to Jayachandran, Antony will be interred at their family tomb at Cheranalloor Church at 3 pm on Tuesday.

Kerala government scraps plan to replace plastic bottles at Bevco

KOCHI: Though the state government had previously announced in its liquor policy that plastic liquor bottles would be gradually phased out, the plan has been shelved because of pressure from liquor companies, sources said. On an average, 9.5 lakh liquor bottles are sold daily through Kerala State Beverages Corporations (Bevco) 277 outlets across the state, with 70% of these being plastic bottles. Liquor companies are of the view that glass bottles are not manufactured in Kerala and that importing them from other states is expensive. As Bevco has the monopoly to hike the liquor price, they passed the buck to the corporation, forcing the authorities to backtrack from its policy. The improper disposal of empty liquor bottles on roadsides, vacant plots, and in canals and streams with impunity has exacerbated the garbage menace, as seen in the death of a sanitation worker in the Amayizhanchan canal in Thiruvananthapuram. Bevco, in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission, had chalked out a plan to collect unusable bottles and deliver them to recycling facilities with the help of Kudumbashree workers. But the initiative was abandoned because of financial constraints and a lack of storage facilities, sources said. The governments policy is to phase out non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic bottles and replace them with environment-friendly, reusable glass bottles. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated in the assembly last year that waste disposal is a priority for the government and the phasing out of plastic bottles used for the distribution of alcohol is being considered because of their environmental impact. Cherian Philip, the former coordinator of the LDF governments Nava Kerala Mission, alleged that the government abandoned all its missions, including the plastic ban announced five years ago. All the missions have failed to achieve their objective, he said. With there being approximately 18 distilleries or bottling units in the state, the cost difference between plastic and glass bottles is significant. While a 750ml plastic bottle costs between Rs 10 and Rs 13, a glass bottle costs between Rs 20 and Rs 30. The cost of breakage during loading and unloading also deters companies from switching to glass bottles, it is learnt. Since Bevco is not a producer company, it has to formulate a scheme under which liquor companies can take back the used bottles. The Tamil Nadu government has launched a scheme where an additional Rs 10 is charged from the customers and the money is returned when they submit the empty bottle. Bevco can look at these kinds of options, said a source. When contacted, Bevco managing director Yogesh Gupta told TNIE that it is unclear how long it will take to replace plastic bottles. The collection of plastic bottles is progressing under the Haritha Kerala Mission, he added. According to Bevco sources, the use of plastic bottles for the storage of IMFL has been scientifically proven to be harmless and does not pose a health hazard.

Kerala: Man dies by suicide minutes after wifes death

KOCHI: A 29-year-old man allegedly ended his life shortly after his wifes death at a hospital in Manjummel on Saturday night. The body of Emmanuel, a native of Alangad near Paravoor, was found hanging in the X-ray room of St Joseph Hospital on Sunday morning. It is believed he ended his life minutes after doctors declared his wife, Maria Rose, 21, dead around 10.30 pm on Saturday. Maria, who lived in Kongorpilly, had been hospitalised after she tried to end her life, said a police officer. Married for three years, the couple leaves behind a one-and-a-half-year-old child and a one-month-old baby. An employee who arrived for work found Emmanuel hanging in the X-ray room early Sunday morning. She screamed and alerted the others, said the officer, adding that the preliminary probe suggested Emmanuel took the extreme step as he was distraught over his wifes death. We are probing all angles, said the officer. A resident said Maria had attempted to end her life on Saturday evening, after returning home from an outing. It seemed the couple had an argument that left her disturbed. She also might have been upset as Emmanuel had been in a dispute with a neighbour shortly before she tried to end her life, said the resident, adding that after Marias failed suicide bid, Emmanuel rushed her to St Joseph Hospital, where she died. Binanipuram SHO V R Sunil said the minor fractures on the womans body indicate the couple had a fight and there was an assault. We have yet to determine the reason behind the suicide, he said. It is suspected Maria tried to end her life using the rope from her newborns cradle. Sunil said the couple had also been in dispute with Marias family after marriage, and one such argument was resolved through police mediation. The police have registered a case under Section 194 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitha (BNSS) (investigation into suicide) and launched a probe. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Police turn to KAAPA to keep crimes in check in Ernakulam district

KOCHI: Amid a rise in criminal activities in the district, the Ernakulam Rural police are taking stringent measures including invoking the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) to maintain law and order. According to data from the police, eight people have been imprisoned and 29 repeat offenders were deported under KAAPA in the first half of the year. Additionally, 10 people have been ordered to appear weekly before the deputy superintendent, ahead of proceedings. These detention orders are strictly to prevent an individual from committing any anti-social activity within the state. Under KAAPA, the district collector has the power to issue an order to imprison and a police officer not below the superintendent rank can issue an order to deport, a police officer said. He said KAAPA is charged against an offender involved in at least three serious cases. Until this month, the Ernakulam Rural police have submitted reports against 75 habitual offenders, seeking orders to invoke KAAPA, he added. Responding to the development, District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena said: The police primarily consider the previous crime records of the accused before issuing the order. There are certain guidelines too to invoke Kaapa. Last year, the police submitted a report against 80 to 85 offenders, and 40 proposals were approved by the district administration, he said. The district administration is effectively intervening in these issues, the officer added. Meanwhile, Kochi Range DIG Putta Vimaladitya stated that invoking KAAPA against habitual offenders has led to a reduction in crime. Many crimes are linked to associations among offenders. KAAPA disrupts any potential for criminal alliances and conspiracies, he explained. He also commended the Ernakulam Rural police for their efforts in maintaining law and order in the district.

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Dengue cases in Kochi's Kalamassery, councillors cross swords

KOCHI: Following an increase in the number of dengue cases reported in Kalamassery, the opposition front in the local body has accused the powers that be of inefficiency in dealing with the health crisis. As many as 144 cases have been reported in the municipality in the first 19 days of July, according to data with the Directorate of Health Services. However, municipal chairperson Seema Kannan said the opposition is creating unnecessary panic by highlighting numbers. According to a report by the health department, only 72 cases have been reported in the municipality as of July 18. I received a report from the medical officer recently. The remaining 58 cases were reported at Ernakulam Medical College Hospital, which comes under municipality limits, she said. However, the opposition said, the ruling front has failed to contain the spread. Opposition councillor P V Unni said several health workers have been suffering from dengue. The officials here did not take any preventive measures. The cleaning activities were not carried out properly. Mere fogging and spraying cannot help. The UDF has failed in tackling the situation, he said. The issue was also raised at the municipal council meeting on Friday. The medical college hospital is situated within the municipality. It is not an excuse that over 50 cases were reported there. We have been demanding that the chairperson and other councillors take the initiative to stop the spread. However, they have not responded, added Unni. Seema said municipal officials have intensified fogging and spraying to prevent the spread of dengue. Even before the monsoon, we started fogging and spraying to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and we are continuing our efforts. The opposition is trying to create panic among the public, she added.

Migrant worker in Kerala found living in kennel-turned-room on rent

KOCHI: Its a dogs life out there. A migrant worker in Piravom, Ernakulam, seems to have taken the expression too literally. He was found to be living in a dogs-kennel-turned-single-room-accommodation and that to for nearly three months! In a state with one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the country, Shyam Sundar, a native of Murshidabad, in West Bengal, lived in the tiny 7ftx4ft room on a monthly rent of Rs 500. It came to light when police and residents, on receiving information, visited him. The room contained a gas stove, bed and seating. The front grill door was covered with cardboard to protect it from rain and cold. Amid local outrage, police and municipal authorities opened an investigation, which was later discontinued as the labourer refused to file a complaint. According to authorities, the labourer chose to live there by choice and had no grievances. He moved there after staying in several other places because he couldnt afford it, an official said. He [Shyam] has been in Piravom for around five years, living in various places around town during this time. He recently moved into the room owned by a man named Joy, said a resident. It used to be a kennel, which was converted into a room... He said he was comfortable with the conditions, he added. According to ward councillor P Gireesh Kumar said, Until reports emerged, neither me nor any Asha worker had noticed his situation. The room was either closed or empty during our inspections. He added that Shyam has now moved into another accommodation with fellow migrant workers. Kumar slammed the house owners decision to rent out a kennel as a shelter. The medical examination found Shyam to be in a clean bill of health. Police cannot file a case when there no complaints, said an officer with Piravom police station. Shyam said he stayed there as it was close to work, the officer added. He chose not to live in designated camps. The arrangement was at his own risk, K P Salim, vice-chairperson of Piravom municipality, said. The camps are managed by municipal officials and NGOs, who conduct regular checks and perform maintenance activities, including pre-monsoon cleaning, he added.

Six food outlets closed and 68 fined in two-day crackdown in Kochi

KOCHI: As many as 68 food outlets in 14 circles (assembly constituencies) of Ernakulam district have been fined, and six hotels closed down by the Food Safety Department following a two-day special drive. Operation Life, a statewide inspection drive held last Wednesday and Thursday on the directive of Health Minister Veena George, aimed to ensure no food safety rules were violated in hotels and food outlets and to warn and act against establishments that failed to follow rules. As many as 387 food outlets were inspected by 14 squads. Around 68 outlets were fined, and six were closed down. We issued rectification notices to 93 outlets with improper cleanliness and hygiene, said Adharsh, the departments nodal officer in Ernakulam. The department also imposed fines to the tune of Rs 1.8 lakh on erring outlets. In the inspection, the officials also found expired food items, spices, and milk being used in some hotels to prepare food. Besides stale food, especially al-faham, we seized stale chicken that was not frozen properly, unlabelled spices, 236 packets of expired milk, fresh cream and chutney and grapes that can cause food poisoning, Adharsh said, adding that 39 surveillance samples were sent for further tests. Meanwhile, Veena urged employees of establishments engaged in cooking, distribution, and sale of food to get health cards. People working in hotels and other establishments should get health cards within four weeks. Strict action will be taken against those who feil to get it, she said on Facebook recently. Adharsh said they have been conducting routine inspections as food poisoning cases have been reported in several parts, especially in Kakkanad and Thrikkakara, where more food outlets are operating. Following the death of a youth in Mavelipuram last October, everyone has been cautious and alert, and the number of food poisoning cases reported from the areas has gone down, he said. Health card mandatory Health Minister Veena George urged employees of establishments engaged in cooking, distribution, and sale of food to get health cards. People working in hotels should get health cards within four weeks, she said.

Dense forest cover, climate change driving zoonotic diseases in Kerala

KOCHI: Malaria, amoebic meningoencephalitis , and now Nipah , Kerala has of late been witnessing outbreaks of several zoonotic diseases. According to experts, dense forest cover, extreme climate change, and the large migrant population make the state prone to such infections. The chances of zoonotic diseases increase when human-animal interaction increases, says Dr Dipu T S, associate professor of infectious diseases in the department of Internal Medicine at Amrita School of Medicine. The re-emergence of the Nipah virus indicates that the reservoir is still there. When man-animal interaction increases the chances of spread of these viruses from animals or birds to humans also increase. Humans may not be naturally immune to viruses that circulate among animals and birds, he said, adding that diseases spread when boundaries are violated. As an ecosystem, we cannot eradicate these viruses and bacteria. However, humans need to be cautious against the spread of the diseases, he added. A zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from the animal world to humans. This happens when some process or activity brings people closer to the animals. The Nipah virus naturally circulates in fruit bats. But we still do not know how exactly the jump happens. Forests along the Western Ghats can be a contributing factor. But we cannot blame it on deforestation. Bats freely visit human habitations where fruit trees are in plenty, said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of state IMA research cell. Climate change also leads to the spread of certain viruses. Some diseases, like leptospirosis, or mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are spread after monsoon and flooding. Some viruses multiply in warm weather conditions, said Dr Dipu, adding that extreme weather conditions and fluctuations can also lead to the spread. Rise in malaria cases sparks concern in Kerala The huge migrant population in the state is also prone to infectious diseases. We have lakhs of migrant labourers in Kerala, who come from several different states that have different endemic diseases that are not common to Kerala. Many of them work in the food industry. Providing them with better living conditions, safe water, sanitation and education on hygiene can help prevent the spread of diarrhoeal diseases including cholera. besides malaria and dengue, Dr Rajeev said. He added that the state needs to improve planning to prevent the spread of diseases. The health system has to adapt to changes that are occurring, including urbanisation and demographic shifts. We have to foresee the problems and take preventive measures rather than react each time there is a crisis. For instance, scientific disposal of septic waste is urgently needed to prevent water-borne diseases. Mosquito control measures have to be upgraded. Addressing the root cause is also very important in dealing with such situations, for instance, dont allow water to stagnate so that mosquitoes cant lay eggs, he emphasised, adding that preventive measures should be given more priority than reactive strategies. According to Dr Dipu, the better surveillance system in the state has helped to detect the presence of viruses. The health department has a strong surveillance system and we investigate the cause when there is a sudden death. While we criticise the lack of preparedness of the state government in preventing multiple occurrences of zoonotic diseases, we should also appreciate the efforts taken by the health department to investigate it, added Dr Dipu.

Kerala: Overseas education market cooling down as countries impose strict rules on admissions

KOCHI: The mad rush for overseas education from Kerala appears to be easing with many countries, including Canada, the UK and Australia, imposing stringent rules on admissions. Applications for student visas are getting rejected more frequently than ever. As a ripple effect, many private agencies that mushroomed in Kerala in the past 3-4 years to cater to the large number of students going abroad for higher education, are facing the heat, with several of them on the verge of closure or laying off staff, say industry veterans. There could be at least 4,000 private agencies in Kerala for study abroad business alone. Their number will come down to 2,000 in a matter of months. At least one major firm is laying off 150 people, said Renu A, managing director of Godspeed, a Kochi-based immigration and study abroad firm functioning since 2015. Following the heavy rush of students, many countries that were favourites of Keralites such as Canada, the UK and Australia, tightened rules in recent months. For instance, earlier, spouses and children could have gone with the applicant. Now, the main applicant is given the go-ahead but co-applicants visas are not approved, Renu said. Sulal Mathai, founder of ACET Migration & Education Services, said Australia too imposed stricter rules from July 1 for students coming there for education. Now, any student coming to study in Australia should have 29,000 Australian dollars (Rs 16 lakh) for expenses in the bank account, an increase from 24,000 Australian dollars (Rs 13 lakh). Australia has also banned onshore visa application, which allows people coming to the country on visiting visa apply for student visas. The rules were very lenient earlier, allowing anyone who came to Australia to apply for onshore student visas. They completely banned it now, said Mathai. Many Kerala students landed up in low-rated institutions abroad Australia has also prohibited students from pursuing another course after completing one course in the same category. Most students who come to Australia for studies do not look at the job prospects of that course. What happens is many end up in a course that does not fetch a job in Australia. Many students from Kerala are taking up other courses in Australian institutions. Under the new rule, students completing the first course are not allowed to pursue a similar course. They have to either go back home or get a job. Or enrol for a higher course. For instance, if the student completes an undergraduate course, he or she can go on to pursue masters. That is allowed, Mathai explained. Amruth G Kumar, professor at Central University of Kerala who has been watching the study abroad trend among Kerala students, admitted that the moment of truth has arrived. Many students have landed up in low-rated colleges and institutions abroad. As per Indian rules, only those qualifying from the first 200 universities in the global ranking will be recognised here. Many parents and students have no idea about this criteria, he said. This simply means these students can neither pursue higher studies in India nor get government jobs here. Equivalency is also not possible because the 200 rank is our national norm, said Kumar. Renu said the study abroad market is going through deep crisis. The number of agencies is too high. And most of those dont have any direct tie-ups with universities. They tie up with third parties, who have a tie-up with the foreign universities. This cant sustain, she said. As for the students who end up in lowly-ranked institutions, the future looks bleak. A large majority of students from Kerala end up in institutions way below the top 200 colleges. More than 60-70% of students who go abroad are those who can afford it. However, 30-40% are students from lower-middle-class families. They are going after taking a loan or selling their property. They will be the most affected, and may end up in sundry jobs in places like Dubai, said Kumar.

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