Husband, kin booked over Kerala womans death in Sharjah
KOLLAM: The Kundara police have registered a case against a Kottiyam native, Nidheesh Valiyaveettil, and his family in connection with the death of his 32-year-old wife, Vipanchika Maniyan, a native of Keralapuram. Nidheesh and his family members have been booked under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and Sections 85 and 108 of the BNS. The action follows a complaint filed by the victims mother, Shailaja, who alleged that Vipanchika faced persistent dowry harassment and racial abuse from her husband and in-laws. Vipanchika and her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter were found dead in their apartment in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on July 8. According to the family, the constant mental and physical abuse forced her to take the extreme step. The victim had been living in Sharjah for the past five years. Her family claimed the abuse intensified after the birth of her daughter. Nidheesh had allegedly been putting pressure on her for a divorce and subjecting her to regular physical and psychological violence. Vipanchika had reportedly confided in her mother multiple times about the abuse. A purported suicide note recovered from the apartment named her husband Nidheesh, his sister Neethu Beni, and their father Mohanan as directly responsible for her death.
Kerala girl loses eyesight, doctor, hospital asked to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has enhanced the compensation payout to a six-year-old girl who lost vision due to an ophthalmologists misdiagnosis. The doctor misdiagnosed her eye ailment as squint whereas the actual cause was brain tumour. The first standard student who showed signs of squint on her left eye, was taken to the Kollam-based hospital on March 20, 2003. The ophthalmologist there, after conducting a fundoscopy and refraction test on the same day and on March 24, advised her to use a rubber cover over the right eye for at least four hours a day. She was asked to come for review after six months. During the review in September, the doctor informed the parents that her left eyes vision was lost. The parents then took her to the Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, where a CT scan of the brain revealed an enlarged tumour in her brain. She was then referred to the Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) where she underwent a left pterional craniotomy and tumour decompression. After the operation, the minor girl lost her right eyes vision as well. The Kollam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed the hospital and the doctor to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation and Rs 5,0000 as costs to the girl. The doctor, however, preferred an appeal with the SCDRC where a bench comprising its president Justice B Sudheendra Kumar, judicial member Ajith Kumar D and member Radhakrishnan K R heard the case. Based on expert opinion, the bench observed that the girl had a late onset of squint. The fundus examination revealed a mild temporal pallor and there was defective vision. The ophthalmologist failed to follow the standard medical protocol to conduct a detailed squint work-up, diplopia charting, hess charting, BSV tests, indirect ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound orbit and CT scan of the brain on March 20 and 24, 2003, when the girl visited the doctor. The SCDRC pointed out that the doctor was aware of the tumour when she was examined during the review on September 23, 2003. She did not refer the girl to a neurologist and instead decided to continue her treatment.
Dog-bite deaths: DHS report blames delay in seeking care in Kerala
PATHANAMTHITTA: An inquiry conducted by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) says that delays in providing care, dearth of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) at local primary health facilities and lack of awareness about immunisation of pets likely contributed to the recent post-vaccination deaths of three young victims of dog bites in Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, and Kollam. The directorate submitted the findings to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which had sought a report based on a petition filed by Kulathur Jaising, a High Court lawyer and public activist. All the children sustained severe, deep category 3 injuries to such highly innervated areas such as head and neck region and upper limb resulting in direct inoculation of the virus into the nerves thus rendering the administered immunoglobulin and vaccine ineffective, the DHS report said. It underscored delayed access to tertiary care -- often due to far-flung health facilities -- and non-availability of RIG at local primary health centres (PHCs) as major systemic gaps that need urgent redressal. The investigation into the incidents looked at different aspects, including nature of animal bite, timeliness of interventions, adherence to standard protocols, vaccine cold chain, and techniques of administration, trained staff, and awareness among the public regarding prophylaxis against rabies.
Kerala job aspirants continue to fall victim to Myanmar scam centres
The latest case involves Vishnu Preetha Sreenarayanan from Kundara in Kollam, who became a victim of labour fraud and human trafficking. According to Vishnus relative, Balu T.S., the gang released him only after a payment of 5 lakh was made to three bank accounts
Amit Shah to arrive in Kerala today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will reach Kerala for a two-day visit on Friday. Shah, who is expected to land at the Thiruvananthapuram airport around 10pm by a special flight, will attend various events on Saturday. He will inaugurate the BJPs new state headquarters at Aristo Junction in the morning. Following this, he will address a massive gathering of booth-level party workers at Putharikandam ground. Senior BJP leaders said around 30,000 workers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts are expected to attend the meeting. Around 12,000 of them will be from Thiruvananthapuram alone. Lunch arrangements have been made for all attendees, said a party functionary overseeing the preparations. After completing his engagements in the state capital, Shah will fly to Kannur. The minister, who is expected to reach the Kannur airport by 3pm, will visit the Thaliparamba Rajarajeswari Temple around 4 pm. Shah is likely to return to Delhi on Saturday night. In view of his visit, police have stepped up security across event venues and transit points in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, deploying additional personnel and intensifying surveillance. With local body and assembly elections around the corner, Shahs visit is expected to energise party workers and sharpen the BJPs electoral messaging in the state.
Indian woman in Sharjah kills daughter, commits suicide: Reports
Sharjah: In a tragic incident, a 33-year-old Indian woman allegedly killed her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter before taking her own life in a flat in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. The deceased have been identified as Vipanchika Maniyan Pillai and her daughter Vaibhavi, both from Keralapuram, Kollam district, Kerala, India. As per multiple media Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala expands boat race season to boost backwater tourism
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major push to promote Keralas famed backwaters and attract more international tourists, the number of traditional boat race events in the state is set to more than double this year. For the first time, 14 events will be held as part of the annual boat race season. As part of the expansion plan, for the first time, the state tourism department is set to bring in a private event management company to professionally brand and market the Champions Boat League (CBL), which was launched four years ago. The initiative is part of a broader plan of the tourism department to brand and market Keralas famed snake boat races at the national and international levels as a major tourist attraction. According to official sources, there is a huge cost involved in the conduct of the event and each event requires around Rs 1.5 crore including the prize money. Last years league featured nine teams competing across six venues with a total prize pool of Rs 3.2 crore. We aim to transform our iconic backwater boat races into a global tourism product. Last year we organised six boat race events as part of CBL. The expanded calendar is expected to boost monsoon tourism. The event management company will be tasked with securing sponsorships, managing telecast rights, designing promotional material and coordinating with multiple government agencies, said a senior official of the tourism department. The plan is to mobilise funds through sponsors. The government will facilitate the event, the official added. This year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held on August 30 and the department has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the event. As per the current plan, the CBL will be held at Dharmadam, Beypore, Kochi Marine Drive, Kottappuram, Piravom, Thazhathangadi, Pulinkunnu, Kainakari, Karuvatta, Pandanad- Chengannur, Kayamkulam, Kallada, and the Presidents Trophy in Kollam. According to official sources, one more location in Kasaragod will also be included later. However, the race boat owners are unhappy with the way the CBL is being planned this year as the tourism department is yet to announce the dates for the event. The date of the Nehru Trophy has already been announced and CBL should be organised as a continuation of this event. Otherwise it will be difficult for the clubs to take part. The government is yet to announce the date and we are apprehensive. Also at least a year of planning is required for the conduct of the event on a large scale. Even if they rope in a private event management company, they dont have enough time to plan this, said Joseph T Lukose, president of Kerala Race Boat Owners Association. The government should take steps to make this a national event and pitch boat races as a high-value tourism product that can attract scores of foreign tourists to our state, he added.
Kudumbashrees fisheries clusters in three more districts this fiscal
Number of producer groups in districts where clusters currently exist to be increased to 10 each. New clusters will be set up in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Malappuram districts
Youth Congress stages protest seeking Health Minister's resignation
KOLLAM: Members of the Youth Congress Eravipuram staged a protest at Pallimukkil in Kollam on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George. As part of the demonstration, protestors burned an effigy of the minister and blocked the national highway, disrupting traffic. The police later arrested the demonstrators and cleared the protest site. The protest was inaugurated by DCC general secretary Faisal Kulappadam, who alleged that the recent death of a patient at Kottayam Medical College amounted to a state-sponsored murder, for which the health minister must be held accountable. Despite such a major tragedy, the government refuses to take responsibility. Veena George does not deserve to remain in office we demand her immediate resignation, he said. The protest was presided over by Youth Congress mandalam president Ajmal Pallimukkil. Youth Congress state general secretary Assin Pallimukku, KSU state general secretary Ashiq Baiju, and Block Congress Committee president Rajiv Palathara also addressed the gathering. Over a hundred YC workers participated in the protest.
Despite clean-up drive, Ashtamudi Lake is still choking with garbage
KOLLAM: Despite the ongoing cleaning efforts under the Jeevananu Ashtamudi, Jeevikkanam Ashtamudi initiative by the Kollam corporation, the surroundings of Ashtamudi Lake remain littered with garbage. The programme, jointly implemented by the corporation and 12 nearby panchayats as part of an urban development project, aims to rejuvenate the backwaters still sustained waste management continues to be a major challenge. Although signboards promoting the initiative have been placed along the quays, the area remains strewn with waste. A source with the corporation said CCTV cameras were installed to monitor littering, but most are reportedly non-functional. Key locations such as Olayil Kadavu, Thoppil Kadavu, Mangad Kayalvaram, and Uliyakovil Kadavu continue to be littered. Garbage, ranging from plastic bags and bottles, to shoes and helmets, are being dumped into the backwaters at night. The signboard warning a Rs 5,000 fine for littering is no longer taken seriously, said a corporation source. There are also serious allegations of toilet waste being discharged directly into the lake. Houseboat tourists, too, have been seen throwing food waste and plastic into the water. The mixing of sewage into the lake not only degrades water quality but also threatens the fish population. There are laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2018, to deal with water pollution. Most people are unaware of them and still continue dumping waste near the lake, the source said. Meanwhile, Kollam Mayor Honey Benjamin blamed the crisis on a lack of civic sense. We are committed to taking strict action against the violators. The CCTV installations are ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of July, the mayor added.
First Skin Bank to be launched in Thiruvananthapuram MCH
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when questions are being raised against the efficiency of the health sector, the states first skin bank is all set to open its door of relief for numerous burn victims. The skin bank is being set up in Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College. The bank will be inaugurated on July 15 coinciding with the World Plastic Surgery Day. The centre has also secured the approval of the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K- SOTTO) for receiving skin through organ donation. The facility has been constructed at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore. Skin Banks are facilities which collect skin through donors for replacing the burnt skin of victims. In cases where a burn victim could not use his or her skin, the skins stored in the Skin Banks can be used. This helps reduce the pain and chances of infection. The skins are kept at a specific temperature. Works are in progress to start another Skin Bank in Kottayam Government Medical College, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement. She also said that to ensure efficient treatment to burn victims, burn centres were set up in Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur Medical Colleges. Plastic surgery units were also started in these medical colleges. Burns ICU were also set up in medical colleges.
Transport minister drives away with Ernakulam KSRTC depots profit-making services
KOCHI: In a strategy that makes no monetary sense, loss-making KSRTC has been terminating profitable services from Ernakulam and diverting them to other depots. The public entity has now discontinued two profitable routes from Ernakulam: The Coimbatore bypass rider (super fast) and Kanyakumari (super fast). These services will now originate from Pathanapuram depot. The vehicles and crew have already been shifted. The move comes on the back of the operation of the Ernakulam-Mookambika super deluxe service being transferred to Alappuzha depot. Discontinuation of the Coimbatore (starting at 11.20am) and Kanyakumari (7pm) services comes even as Ernakulam depot was directed to resume operation of the Erattupetta service (5.30pm) from Friday. The same was terminated due to low revenue collection. There are no other services to the respective destinations in their time slots. Only two buses operate on the interstate Kanyakumari route one at 2.30pm and the other at 7pm. The second service via Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram has been in operation for the past many years and many commuters depended on it. Unfortunately, its being shifted, sources said. There are no services for Thiruvananthapuram from Ernakulam till late night, after the Nedumangad service at 3pm. The Coimbatore bypass rider was in demand as it cut on travel time by skipping Aluva and Thrissur stops. The next service to Coimbatore from Ernakulam was only at 1.20pm (Coimbatore-Tirupur LSFP). The return service of the bypass rider (5.30pm) was also a passenger favourite. Services are rescheduled and reallotted only when trip collections are poor. The Kanyakumari service used to generate from Rs 25,000-30,000 per trip when it was open to reservation. Then it was taken out of the category of buses with reservation facility and the service was disrupted several times over the past three months. The Coimbatore bypass rider used to generate Rs 15,000-20,000 per trip though it was a relatively short-haul service, sources added. Services from Pathanapuram The discontinued services will now be operated from the hometown of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar. There is a deliberate attempt to shift profitable services from Ernakulam depot. The Transport Democratic Federation has registered a strong protest against the move to degrade the depot, said A K Manoj, TDF district president.
Collapsed building for used over 12 years despite PWD warning in 2013
KOTTAYAM: The 68-year-old building that collapsed at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) on Thursday had been deemed structurally compromised 12 years ago. The public works department had classified the building as structurally compromised way back in 2013. However, paying no heed to the warning, surgical wards continued to operate in the building for 12 years. Even when it was officially closed, its washrooms were evidently being used by patients and bystanders. The area that collapsed was part of the bathroom block within the three-storey surgical complex and housed five toilets. Acknowledging the vulnerabilities highlighted in the 2013 PWD report, Health Minister Veena George blamed the then UDF government for failing to set aside funds for a new building. The LDF government, which took office in 2016, allocated funds for the purpose. Construction of the new surgical block commenced after it was included in the 2021-22 KIIFB project, with an estimated cost of Rs 524 crore, she said. In a joint press conference, Veena and Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan said a meeting had taken place at the hospital on May 30 to discuss the transfer of patients to the new block. However, they did not provide a clear explanation behind the delay in transfer. Meanwhile, the Opposition accused the government of trying to time the inauguration of the new block with the assembly elections for political gain. It should have prioritised the safety of patients by transferring them to the new building without waiting for its inauguration, said Chandy Oommen, the Puthuppally MLA. Rescue personnel carrying the body of Bindu recovered from the collapsed building HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED 10.40am: Building collapses 10.45am: Information received at security aid-post at the entrance 11. 10am : Min Vasavan arrives 11.20am: Health Minister Veena George arrives 12.40pm: Excavators brought in 1pm: Bindu recovered from debris 1.15pm : Bindu declared dead Health Minister Veena George hospitalised following discomfort Kollam: Health Minister Veena George was admitted to the Kottarakara Taluk Hospital on Thursday evening after experiencing physical discomfort while travelling from Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram. According to hospital sources, her blood pressure spiked when her official vehicle reached Enathu. She was admitted to the hospital around 7.15 pm and administered intravenous medication. After an hour of observation in the casualty ward, she was discharged. Finance Minister K N Balagopal, who was en route to Thiruvananthapuram after attending an event in Thodupuzha, visited the hospital to check on the ministers condition. Kollam Rural SP Sabu Mathew also visited the hospital.
Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer
A case relating to the alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman to extricate him from a money-laundering case
ESIC Kollam Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 33 Specialist, Senior Residents Posts
Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC Kollam) Recruitment 2025 for 33 posts of Specialist, Senior Residents. Candidates with DNB, MS/MD, DM Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in interview on 11-07-2025. For detailed information please visit ESIC Kollam official website, esic.gov.in.
KEAM 2025 results out: Ernakulam tops engineering, Alappuzha leads in pharmacy
KOZHIKODE: The highly anticipated results of the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) 2025 entrance examinations were officially declared on Tuesday by the Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). The announcement was made by Higher Education Minister R Bindu in Kozhikode. Ernakulam district emerged as a powerhouse in the engineering stream, sweeping the top two ranks, while Alappuzha celebrated its first-place achiever in the pharmacy examination. The computer-based entrance examination for KEAM 2025 was conducted from April 23 to April 29, 2025, across 138 examination centres, including those in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as Dubai. A total of 86,549 candidates appeared for the Engineering Entrance Examination, with 76,230 successfully qualifying. From these, a comprehensive engineering rank list was prepared for 67,505 candidates who had submitted their marks within the stipulated timeframe. In the Pharmacy Entrance Examination, 33,425 candidates participated, and 27,841 candidates were successfully included in the Pharmacy rank list. Leading the engineering cohort, John Shinoj from Ernakulam secured the coveted first rank, closely followed by Hari Krishnan Baiju, also from Ernakulam, who claimed the second position. Akshay Biju from Kozhikode attained the third rank, with Adl Zayaan, also from Kozhikode, securing the fourth. The fifth and sixth ranks went to Joshua Jacob Thomas and Emil Ipe Sacharia, both from Thiruvananthapuram. Mahir Ali T and Dani Firas Payyanakadavan, both from Kozhikode, took the seventh and eighth positions respectively, while Dhiya Roopa B R from Kollam and Jayyash Muhammed K from Malappuram rounded out the top ten.
STEM camps inspire girls to aim new horizons
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twelve-year-old Jesna Fathima was vacillating between teaching and medicine as a prospective career when she discovered: If I do engineering, I can do a lot more things. That thought didnt just randomly arise in her mind, rather it resulted from the STEM camp organised in her school by the Centre for Learning Engineering and Sustainable Education and the department of education, under the University of Kerala. Starting in 2023, the centre has been providing training camps in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for students -- from Classes 7 to 9 -- coming from weaker socioeconomic backgrounds. Two camps have already been conducted in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, the second of which Jesna attended. The centre aims to organise more camps, one in each district within this academic year and end the series with a project exhibition. At the camp, students were welcomed into a new world of breadboards, resistors, sensors, and Arduino, where they learnt and explored the basics of robotics, programming, and electronics. Five days of training later, the students were asked to identify real-life problems, solutions to which could be found using what they learnt at the camp. Their problems, ranging from drying clothes in monsoon to potholes on roads, were filtered and solved with the help of mentors. The first camp, which was organised at the Government HSS, Puthur, in the first week of May, was attended by over 30 students. We were already informed by the centre that they dont need a set of outstanding students, but those who can improve through a camp like this, said Pradeep B, a teacher with the school, who was with the students throughout the camp. Finance Minister K N Balagopal also visited the camp on the final day. Thanks to the camp, the students who shied away from answering questions earlier have now started engaging in the class proactively, Pradeep said. Such camps remain the sole hope for students outside the proficiency belt. The second camp was held at the Government VHSS, Thiruvananthapuram. The centre provides importance to girls from the marginalised groups through different projects, said Divya C Senan, honorary director, Centre for Learning Engineering and Sustainable Education.
Adarsh M Saji elected SFI All India president, Srijan Bhattacharya general secretary
KOZHIKODE: The Students Federation of India (SFI) has elected Adarsh M Saji as its new all India president and Srijan Bhattacharya as the general secretary at the 18th All India Conference, held at Sitaram Yechury and Nepaldev Bhattacharya Manch in Palestine Solidarity Nagar (Aspin Courtyard), Kozhikode on Sunday. Both leaders were previously serving as all India joint secretaries in the outgoing central committee and bring years of organisational experience and student leadership to their new roles. Adarsh M Saji hails from Chathannur in Kollam. He is currently a final-year LLB student at Janhit Law College and serves as a member of the CPM Kollam District Committee. Prior to this elevation, he held the positions of SFI state vice-president and all India joint secretary. Srijan Bhattacharya, the newly elected general secretary, is a native of Jadavpur in West Bengal. A postgraduate in history, he is also a member of the CPM West Bengal state Committee and previously served as the SFI West Bengal State Secretary. He contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the CPM candidate from the Jadavpur constituency. The conference, which drew delegates from across India, also elected 87 members to the Central Executive Committee. Kerala marked a significant presence in the newly constituted central leadership. SFI Kerala state secretary P S Sanjeev was elected as an all India joint secretary, while state president M Sivaprasad was named one of the vice-presidents. Ten people from Kerala were selected to the All India Secretariat. The newly formed All India Secretariat includes key national figures such as Subhash Jakar, T Nagaraju, Rohidas Yadav, Satyesh Leyuva, Shilpa Surendran, Pranav Kharji, M Sivaprasad, and C Mridula serving as vice-presidents. The joint secretaries include names like Aishe Ghosh, G Aravinda Sami, Anil Thakur, K Prasannakumar, Debanjan Dev, P S Sanjeev, Sreejan Dev, and Mohammed Atiq Ahmed. Currently, there are two vacancies in the central secretariat and eight in the ventral executive committee. From Kerala, S K Adarsh, Tony Kuriakose, P P Akshara, Bipinraj Payam, P Tajudheen, Sandra Raveendran, Arya Prasad, and E P Gopika were elected to the executive committee.
Pedalling against peddling! Kerala Cop kicks off ambitious anti-drug tour on retirement day
PATHANAMTHITTA: Retirement often is the transition to a quiet, carefree life, but for sub-inspector Shahjahan, of Kollam West police station, it marked the start of a bold new mission. On May 31, after completing 31 years of service in the force, Shahjahan mounted his bicycle and set off on an ambitious 2,025km expedition across the state to raise awareness about the growing menace of drug abuse. Shahjahan, a career officer known for his dedication to public welfare, has always gone beyond the call of duty. At 50, he undertook a 1,700km, cross-state cycle tour, advocating the use of helmets and seat belts. That campaign, supported by police associations, earned him widespread recognition, including a certificate of appreciation from then-police chief Loknath Behera. The increasing use of drugs among youth is a silent epidemic that threatens families, communities, and the future of our country. I wanted to address this pressing issue with a journey that would leave an impact, Shahjahan told TNIE . The decision to begin the campaign on the day of his retirement was symbolic. I wanted my retirement to be a gift to the country, not just a personal milestone, he said. On the last leg of the 33-day expedition, Shahjahan reached Pathanamthitta on Saturday, where he was welcomed by narcotics cell DySP B Anil at the district headquarters camp. Addressing a small gathering, DySP Anil lauded Shahjahans effort, calling the journey a powerful statement against the drug crisis. Such initiatives not only raise awareness but also inspire others to take action. Its heartening to see an officer dedicate his post-retirement life to such a noble cause, Anil said. Shahjahans journey spanned all 14 districts, with the route meticulously planned for wider reach. Starting in Kollam, it wound through urban centres, coastal towns, and remote villages. My goal is to engage directly with people -- students, parents, and communities -- and urge them to take collective responsibility against drug abuse, he explained. At every stop, Shahjahan takes the opportunity to interact with people, particularly students. Its not just about enforcement; its about education. People need to understand the long-term impact of addiction, he said. His journey is also a show of solidarity with Kerala polices anti-drug campaigns. The officers unwavering determination and the overwhelming support he has received reflect a shared hope -- that a drug-free Kerala is not just a dream but an achievable reality.
Suicide rate higher among men, says study
The rate is higher in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts
Monsoon Rains Getting Stronger In Kerala; Orange Alert In 7 Districts
The IMD issued an orange alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts for three hours in the morning
Kollam Panchayat VP Catches Thieves In Heroic Filmy Chase On Busy Kerala Street
JalajaSuresh didn't lose her calm and acted mindfully after two women quietly stole a hefty sum from her handbag on a KSRTC bus.
Red Alert In 5 Kerala Districts, Heavy To Extremely Heavy Rainfall Likely
An orange alert has been sounded for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, while Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram remain under a yellow alert.
Kerala Woman Who Conned 10 Men Into Marriage Had Fixed Schedule To Juggle Them All
Reshma once lived with a man from Kollam after marrying him, and they had a child. However, doubts over the child's paternity from his family later created serious tensions
Kerala HC orders Vigilance not to arrest ED officer till June 11
Case pertains to alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman
NHAI chairperson reviews progress of National Highway projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam
Inspection also covered key locations such as Enchakkal, Kazhakuttom, Chembakamangalam, Kottiyam, and Mevaram
Heavy rains trigger landslides and floods across northeast and south India; at least a dozen dead
Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and disruption in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Karnataka, and Kerala, claiming at least many lives and affecting tens of thousands. Heavy rains claimined 11 lives in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura . Assam saw five deaths from landslides in Kamrup Metropolitan district, including three women killed in a landslide near Guwahatis Bonda area, Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed. Flooding affected more than 10,000 people in six districts, including Kamrup, Cachar, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat, where two relief camps and one distribution centre have been set up. A red alert remains in effect for 18 districts amid heavy rain and gusty winds. Massive waterlogging was reported in Guwahati, forcing closure of schools and special leave for government employees. In Arunachal Pradesh, flash floods caused by the overflowing Sigin River in Upper Subansiri district inundated Daporijo town and several colonies, damaging at least 117 houses and critical infrastructure. Authorities have issued prohibitory orders urging evacuation of vulnerable areas. In West Kameng district, landslides near Jamiri stranded hundreds along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road, and major road blockages disrupted connectivity. A landslide in Bomdila washed away parts of roads and culverts, while power supply was disrupted. Mizorams Lawngtlai town witnessed the collapse of five houses and a hotel due to landslides on Friday night. Several Myanmar nationals staying in the hotel are feared trapped under debris, one person is feared to have died in the incident. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers are underway. The state has been hit by torrential rains since Friday, causing multiple landslides and rockfalls. In Meghalaya, three people died in East Khasi Hills district from rain-related incidentsa 50-year-old woman killed by a landslide in Lumkyntung, a 35-year-old man drowned in Pomlakrai Mawbynna, and a 15-year-old boy died after a tree fell on him in Mawkynrew Block. Over 1,000 residents across 25 villages have been affected by landslides, flash floods, and power outages. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the victims families. Flooding also damaged roads and inundated schools. Rescue efforts for a missing couple from Indore in Sohra have been suspended due to heavy rain and landslides but will resume as weather permits. Nagaland and Tripura each reported one death on Friday due to rain-related incidents. Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada district on Friday reported five deaths due to landslides triggered by heavy rain. A house collapse in Montepadavu Kodi buried six family members, including two toddlers and their grandmother. One mother was found unconscious but alive, clutching her children amid the debris. A compound wall collapse in Mangaluru claimed the life of a six-year-old girl. Additionally, a 27-year-old lineman died of electrocution while repairing a high-tension power line during the rain. Rescue operations have been hampered by continued rainfall and unstable terrain. In Uttarakhand, a 38-year-old man died and five others were injured after a landslide struck a vehicle on the Kedarnath National Highway near Kund, close to Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district. The vehicle was carrying pilgrims from Chhattisgarh to Kedarnath when it was hit by debris. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately by the local administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The injured were rushed to Augustmuni Hospital. Officials said two of the pilgrims were seriously injured, while three others suffered minor injuries. The deceased was identified as Rajesh Singh Rawat, a resident of Lambgaon in Tehri Garhwal, who was driving the vehicle. The injured are between 19 and 25 years old and belong to Chhattisgarhs Durg district. Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across several districts in Kerala, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate low-lying areas and seek shelter in relief camps. In Kasaragod district, overflowing Madhuvahini River submerged roads and flooded homes, with residents moving to upper floors to escape rising waters. Similar flooding and heavy downpours have affected Kozhikode and Kannur districts, where locals have kept wooden and fiber boats ready amid fears of further displacement. Authorities have opened 46 relief camps in Kottayam district, sheltering over 1,100 people, while Alappuzha district currently hosts 851 evacuees across 26 camps, with 19 houses destroyed on Friday alone. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds reaching gusts of up to 50 kmph in multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. The situation remains critical as swollen rivers and tributaries continue to inundate vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, several higher-altitude areas in Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, including Tulail and Razdan Top in Gurez valley, Peer Ki Gali in Shopian, and Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Authorities closed the Bandipora-Gurez road as a precaution. Meanwhile, the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain, causing temperatures to drop with minimums falling by up to 3 degrees and maximums 3-5 degrees below normal. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with light snow are expected over the higher reaches in the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms hit Ramban district, disrupting normal life. Parts of Srinagar saw moderate to heavy rain, welcomed by tourists as a refreshing change from recent heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Kashmir, with isolated heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. Srinagars temperatures will range between 24C and 11C. Jammu Division will also see light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers and winds up to 60 kmph, with Jammu city experiencing partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 37C and 21C. The IMD has advised residents to stay alert amid the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds. The IMD has issued a red alert for Sikkim on Saturday following heavy rains and rising water levels in the Teesta River, warning of possible floods and landslides in Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts. Based on a Nowcast Weather Alert from Baluwakhani, Gangtok, severe rainfall was forecasted for 2 to 3 hours starting at 6:15 am. The District Magistrate of Gangtok urged the public not to panic but stay alert, while directing all disaster management officers to remain on high alert and maintain communication with field staff along the Teesta river belt. Landslides were reported in North Sikkims Theeng and Chungthang areas, damaging properties. Emergency services are actively monitoring water levels, with disaster response teams on standby. The IMD advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and steer clear of riverbanks and vulnerable slopes. No casualties have been reported yet, but the situation remains tense due to continuous rains and rising river levels, with authorities promising timely updates. The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple red alerts in vulnerable districts across these states, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and strong winds reaching up to 60 kmph in gusts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid risky areas and follow evacuation and safety advisories. National and state disaster response teams remain deployed to conduct rescue and relief operations as the monsoon continues. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)
Kerala rains wreak havoc: Homes flooded, trees uprooted, red alert in 9 districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Houses in low lying areas of Kerala were flooded in the heavy rains, while the accompanying strong winds uprooted trees, damaged homes and caused power disruptions, throwing normal way of life into disarray across the state. In Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, there were reports of several homes getting flooded due to the heavy rains, forcing people to move to relief camps. Not just homes, but many roads in these districts and other parts of the state were inundated due to the heavy rains. In Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, the heavy rains and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles and transformers, leading to partial and complete destruction of hundreds of homes and power disruptions for hours, according to the authorities. It will be a holiday for educational institutions in Kottayam district on Saturday, district authorities said. In Kollam, uprooted trees and falling branches, due to the rains and strong winds, caused damage to several homes and private vehicles in the district and a few persons were reportedly injured. An 85-year-old woman, who worked as an MGNREGA worker in Ernakulam district, died when an uprooted tree fell on top of her while returning home on Thursday evening. The Ernakulam district authorities also reported a rise in the water level of the Muvattupuzha River above the flood warning markers, leading to the opening of three shutters of the Malankara Dam by 20 centimetres (cm). Train services were also affected with some, including the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Expres, being diverted due to fallen trees on the tracks, while others were rescheduled or delayed due to the heavy rains, authorities said. Amidst the widespread damage in the state due to the heavy rains and strong winds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod and an orange alert in the remaining six districts of the state for the day. A red alert by IMD indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the heavy rains have caused widespread damage in the state and advised people to be cautious. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Thrissur, Rajan further said that as the westerly winds are expected to continue over Kerala for the next five days and due to the possibility of widespread rainfall, caution should be exercised by everyone. He advised the public to avoid unnecessary trips, especially to hilly areas and said that those living in dangerous places should move to safer locations or relief camps. Rajan said there are 66 camps functioning in the state currently and 1,894 people are living there. Around 4,000 camps are ready to be opened to accommodate about six lakh people. The public should not be averse to moving there, he added. He also said that hundreds of homes in the state have been partially or completely destroyed due to the heavy rains and strong winds since the arrival of the monsoons. The minister said according to the IMD there is a possibility of heavy rains in all districts of the state in the week from May 30 to June 5 and the amount of rainfall would be more than usual for this period. In the second week of June also there will be rain in all districts of the state, but it will be less than normal for this period, the minister said. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that there is a possibility of high waves ranging from 3 to 3.9 meters along the Kerala coast till 5.30 pm on Saturday and urged fishermen and coastal residents to be cautious and avoid launching of small boats, yachts or fishing vessels during this time. Meanwhile, the state government said that it has sanctioned Rs one crore each to all District Collectors from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for carrying out monsoon preparedness activities. Additionally, Rs two crore each has been sanctioned to the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode District Disaster Management Authorities for undertaking flood mitigation works in the cities, the government said. The government said that it has also sanctioned Rs one lakh to each panchayat, Rs 3 lakh to each municipality and Rs 5 lakh to each corporation in the state to buy necessary equipment and open storage centres as part of monsoon preparedness activities.
Train services between Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam stretch go haywire as tree fall on tracks
6 kg of free rice and 1,000 a month to each affected fisher families in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. Chief Minister dismisses speculation that fish caught off the coast of Kerala was inedible
Low pressure may trigger another round of intense spell in Kerala
Red alert issued for Kozhikode and Wayanad districts, warning of extreme rainfall, and an orange alert for the remaining districts with very heavy rains, except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, where a yellow alert has been issued with warnings of isolated heavy rains.
IMD issues red alert for three Kerala districts as low-pressure system strengthens monsoon winds
IMD issues red alert for three districts Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode and orange alert for remaining districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha where yellow alert has been issued
Capsized cargo containers may drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala
Liberian Shipwreck Containers Wash Up On Kerala Coast Amid Oil Spill Crisis
Authorities said that some containers have been found along the coasts of southern Kollam and coastal Alappuzha districts.
Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala
KOLLAM: Containers from a Liberian cargo ship that sank, off the Kerala coast, have started washing ashore, police said on Monday. Coastal police said that some containers have been found along the southern Kollam coast. The total number of containers washed ashore is not yet known, and authorities are working to manage the situation, they said. Police have been deployed in all affected areas. Reports indicate that at least four containers have been spotted so far along the coast of Kollam district. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the containers, warning that the ship had 13 hazardous cargos among its 640 containers. The cargo ship capsized and sank early Sunday , leading to a significant oil spill. The leak has sparked a statewide alert, as fuel is drifting at a speed of around three kilometres per hour and could soon impact the ecologically sensitive Kerala coastline. According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the sunken vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks. Some containers were carrying dangerous substances such as calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas, officials said. The ICG is leading pollution response efforts and monitoring the spread of the oil slick. Leaning Liberian vessel off Kerala coast raises fears of bunker spill and container drift
Cargo containers from capsized ship wash ashore in Keralas Kollam, sparking fears of chemical leak
Revenue and police authorities counsel extreme caution and cordon off localities, given that some containers could contain hazardous and inflammable materials
Containers from sunken ship likely to drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam coasts in 48 hours: INCOIS
Oil spill may reach the Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagapally coasts
Kerala battered by intense rains; Uprooted trees cause damage, fatality
Intense rains lashed Kerala on Sunday, uprooting trees across the state, including one that fell on a moving train in Thrissur and another that caused a fatality in neighbouring Kozhikode. Houses were damaged, rivers were in spate, and shutters of some dams were raised in the state as the southwest monsoon gained strength. An uprooted tree crashed onto a moving train near the railway bridge in Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district on Sunday morning. Tragedy was averted as the loco pilot acted swiftly to stop the train, authorities said, adding that no casualties were reported in connection with the incident. As the heavy downpour continued, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed five northern districtsMalappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragodunder a 'red alert' for the day, predicting extremely heavy rainfall there. Almost all districts in the state received widespread rains since the previous night, causing severe waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic snarls. Widespread uprooting of trees caused extensive damage to houses and vehicles across the state and claimed the life of a person in the Kozhikode district. Pavithran, a 64-year-old native of Villyappally in Kozhikode, died after an uprooted coconut tree fell on him while he was riding a scooter. Water levels in the Punnapuzha River, flowing through the Chooralmala-Mundakkai region in Wayanad, and the Korapuzha River in Kozhikode were steadily rising following incessant rainfall, residents said. In landslide-battered Chooralmala in Wayanad, continuous heavy rains caused anxiety among locals the previous night. We are yet to recover from the shock of last years landslide. We havent slept properly at night, fearing heavy rains and something worse, an elderly local told a TV channel. In Pathanamthitta district, a family narrowly escaped tragedy when huge uprooted trees fell on their tile-roofed house near Ezhamkulam during strong winds and heavy rains the previous evening. My daughter narrowly escaped as she had just stepped out of the house when the trees fell on the roof, a family member said, pointing to the broken roof of their old, small house. Five shutters of the Malankara dam in Idukki district were raised on Sunday morning to release excess water, according to an official statement. Residents living along the banks of the Thodupuzha and Moovattupuzha rivers were advised to exercise caution following the dams water release. Tragedy was averted in the heart of Kollam city when a huge flex board, erected by the roadside, fell, locals said. A house and vehicles were damaged after uprooted trees fell on them in Kunnathunad and Munambam Harbour, respectively, in Ernakulam district. An incident of a mudslide was reported in Kuppam in northern Kannur district following continuous rains. Due to the inclement weather, forest authorities on Sunday banned tourists from entering the ecotourism centre in Ponmudi. A zonal review meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, scheduled to be held in Kannur on May 26, was postponed due to heavy rains, a CMO source said. Meanwhile, the IMD issued an orange alert on Sunday for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. The IMD had announced the early onset of the monsoon in the state on Saturday, noting that Kerala is witnessing the monsoons early arrival after a gap of 16 years. A 'red alert' indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an 'orange alert' means very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm.
IMD declares red alert for seven districts in Kerala
IMD sounds a red alert for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Idukki, and Malappuram districts.
29-year-old stabbed to death by gang in Keralas Kollam, police suspect previous enmity
Victims friend who sustained injuries in the attack admitted to hospital. Duo attacked by a five-member gang
Kollam girl who was under treatment for Hepatitis A dies
Heavy rains in parts of Kerala; IMD issues orange alert in 3 districts
Heavy rains prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, forecasting very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall, was also issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The IMD warned of thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds across these districts.
Kollam police books Kesari editor N.R. Madhu on charges of creating enmity between communities
Mr. Madhu had allegedly portrayed rapper Vedan, who hails from the Dalit community, as a disreputable character who makes a mockery of art and injects caste venom in society
Kollam schools shine in CBSE exams
Speedy decisions need of the hour: Kerala Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan addresses regional-level review meeting on the development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts
Kollam schools fare well in CBSE exams
Complaint was filed by a local BJP leader at Kottarakkara in Kollam which alleged that Akhil Marar's video shared on social media contained statements against the nation
Security strengthened at Kollam Civil Station
District administration moves comes in the context of threat messages targeting government institutions
Kollam records 99.41% pass in SSLC
Malayalam actor Vinayakan arrested for drunk, disorderly behaviour; released later
Vinayakan had been staying at the hotel in Kollam since May 2 as part of a move shoot nearby and during checkout on Thursday, he created a scene at the establishment while intoxicated, say police
Ente Keralam expo to begin in Kollam on May 11
3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024
Thiruvananthapuram district is way ahead of the other districts in the number of dog bite cases, with a total of 50,870 people seeking treatment. Kollam is in second place with 37,618 dog bite cases, Ernakulam had 32,086 cases, Palakkad had 31,303 cases and Thrissur 29,363 cases. Wayanad was last on the list with 5,719 cases.
Preliminary works begin for railway underpass renovation at Kollampalayam in Erode
The works likely to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles from Poondurai Road; Officials hopeful of completing the project in a month
Rejuvenation of Edappally, Perandoor canals: CSIR-NEERI completes monitoring of waterbodies
Pattolit and Valiyat canals in Kollam are also part of the project, which is being implemented under the supervision of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board
Joint efforts under way to combat illegal liquor and drug sales in Kollam
Excise dept. conducted 2,173 raids in district in two months under Operation Clean Slate and 272 people were arrested
Breathing new life into old ponds in Kollam
Asked To Pay Customs Duty, Kerala Woman Throws Away 15 Pounds Of Gold Jewellery At The Airport
A woman from Kollam caused chaos at Thiruvananthapuram Airport by refusing to pay customs duty on 120g of gold, claiming it was her personal property.
Traffic study on anvil to assess feasibility of launching Water Metro in Kollam and 17 other cities
The government has secured five fish landing centres with mooring facilities in Kollam. From Monday, fishers from Muthalapozhy could dock their sea-faring boats at Jonakapuram, Vadi, Muthakkara, Port Kollam, and Thankassery anchorages and resume operations
Ashtamudi to get tourism development project of 59 cr.
Finance Minister says Kollam has multiple projects that will contribute significantly to the States progress
RSS founders portrait displayed during Kollam Pooram, TDB seeks report
Hedgewars portrait figures in kudamattam ceremony; TDB blames temple outside its jurisdiction
Coastal clean-up drive held in Kollam
Initiative as part of Suchitwa Sagaram Sundara Theeram project
State Food Commission visits tribal unnathis in Kollam
Civil Supplies officials directed to start mobile ration shops in Peruvaazhikkala and Randaam Mile and to provide ration cards to residents
'Delay Enemy Of Development': PM Modi Blames Congress For Stalling Crucial Projects
Speaking at Rising Bharat Summit 2025, PM Modi highlighted delay in crucial projects including new Parliament building, Assam's Bogibeel Bridge, Navi Mumbai airport, and Kollam bypass road in Kerala
Kollam forges ahead with comprehensive development: Balagopal
Minister says steps have been taken to develop tourism and commercial potential of the Kollam port in a way that will benefit the districts future development plans
Revamped multilingual library opens at Kollam district prison
Library houses around 4,000 books in nine different languages and is a joint initiative of the District Subcollectors Office and the Cuckoo Forest School at Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
Kerala temple panel disbanded for playing RSS prayer song
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to dissolve the advisory committee of a temple in the Kollam district where the RSS 'Gana Geetham' (prayer song) was sung during a musical concert.
TDB warns of strict action after RSS song row at Kollam temple
Low pressure area over Bay of Bengal: yellow alert for 3 districts on Tuesday
Isolated heavy rain forecast over Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta on Tuesday
Kollam to get garbage-free status today
Rally held to spread awareness against substance abuse in Kollam
Rally held from Asramam Maidan to the Kollam beach
Thekkumbhagam panchayat in Kollam opts for new approaches in waste management
Steps to prevent discharge of septage waste into rivers, backwaters, and other water sources
Police arrest Nigerian drug supplier from Delhi
In connection with investigation into the source of 90 gram of MDMA seized near Madannada Junction in Kollam city
Kollam to get Singapore-model oceanarium
Kerala government celebrates its fourth anniversary with 50 crore tourism projects, including an oceanarium and marinas, to shape future development.
Man brutally murdered at home in Keralas Kollam, police suspect past enmity
The victim was accused in an attempted murder case
Focus on infra and waste management in Kollam Corporation Budget
34-Year-Old Woman Arrested For Smuggling MDMA From Bengaluru, Hid Drugs In Private Parts
The woman was taken into custody on Friday evening after her car was chased by the Sakthikulangara police and the Kollam City Police District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF).
Focus on farm, waste management in Kollam district panchayat Budget
Government, Opposition in war of words over performance of Jal Shakti ministry
NEW DELHI: During the discussion on demand for grants for Jal Shakti ministry in Lok Sabha, the Opposition parties and the ruling government on Wednesday traded charges over the budgetary allocation and the performance of the ministry. While initiating the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal questioned why opposition-ruled states of Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are lagging behind in providing clean drinking water to rural households under the governments flagship Jal Jeevan Mission. He also questioned the oppositions commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for all. If you are truly committed to providing safe drinking water, then why are these states still behind, Pal asked. Today, when we are working to provide tap water to every household, states like Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are still the most behind, he said. Pal said that according to official data, Kerala has the lowest coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission at 54.41 per cent, followed by Jharkhand at 54.77 and West Bengal at 55.01 per cent. Countering the charges, RSP MP from Kollam N K Premachandran termed Jal Shakti as a non-performing ministry. What is the purpose of providing grants to your ministry because you are not utilising the funds. He said the spending towards the Jal Jeevan Mission was the lowest since it was implemented in 2021. Premachandran further said that the right to safe drinking water is a fundamental right. Unavailability of portable water and quality of water are critical issues, he said. The source of water has to be made along with transportation and treatment plants. This would also mean digging roads and creating pipes. This would only benefit contractors, he added. Pal highlighted the Centres achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched in 2019 to ensure 100 per cent tap water supply in rural India.
Couple kill child, commit suicide in Kollam
Political songs have no place in temple festivals, religious events, says Kerala HC
Directs the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to file an affidavit within a week on the actions that have been taken against the advisory committee of the Kadakkal Devi temple in Kollam for organising a musical programme during the annual festival, where political songs were performed and political party flags were displayed on the stage.
Degree student stabbed to death in his house in Kollam
ASHA workers intensify agitation in Kerala, lays siege to Secretariat
One of the protesting ASHA workers, who came from neighbouring Kollam district, said they won't end the ongoing agitation untill the state government accepts their demands.
