New-look Kittur Channamma Circle by January-end

New-look Kittur Channamma Circle by January-end
The Hindu.com

Work on the beautification project of the corporation begins

• Project being implemented in coordination with PWD and NHAI
  
• Seven roads to be developed
  
• Medians being built on public-private partnership basis
  

GETTING A FACELIFT: Kittu Channamma Circle in Hubli which is being beautified.
HUBLI: Kittur Channamma Circle here will wear a new look by January end. Work on the circle and adjacent roads has begun.

An action plan chalked out by the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is being implemented in coordination with the Public Works Department and the National Highways Authority of India as the roads come under these departments.

Parapet

According to the plan, a parapet will be constructed around the statue of Kittur Rani Channamma. Within the circle, a lawn will be raised.

As part of the beautification project, the corporation will develop seven roads. The corporation wants these roads to be asphalted from footpath to footpath and it has agreed to pay the additional cost to the Public Works Department.

S.S. Phatke, Executive Engineer, Hubli (North) of the corporation, who is supervising the project said the corporation has deposited Rs. 10 lakhs with the Public Works Department and another Rs. 10 lakhs will be paid to the department.

Agreement

Similarly, asphalting of roads coming under the purview of the National Highways Authority of India will be done in coordination with the Public Works Department. The corporation is hopeful of signing an agreement in this regard at the earliest, he said.

The corporation will spend Rs. 50 lakhs on the beautification of the circle and asphalting of roads between the circle and Basava Vana, circle and the ESI Hospital, Basava Vana and Gali Durgamma Temple, and Basava Vana and IT Park.

In addition, a stretch between Neeligen Road from Eureka Tower up to the Traffic Police Station at the New Cotton Market will be asphalted. A sum of Rs. 1 crore will be spent on the project. New traffic signals will be installed at four points, he said.

Mr. Phatke said Neeligen Road is being developed to provide an alternative thoroughfare for VIPs visiting the twin cities. While some roads leading to Neeligen Road will be developed under the Rs. 30-crore Road Development Project, a few others will be developed by the National Highways Authority of India, he added.

Meanwhile, the corporation has begun building medians on Old National Highway opposite the Old Bus Stand and on Lamington Road on a public-private partnership basis. Some of advertising agencies here have come forward to develop medians and to construct three foot over-bridges.

More cities in state to be renamed

More cities in state to be renamed

Business Standard

Press Trust Of India / Gulbarga December 19, 2005: After Bangalore becomes Bengaluru, Gulbarga may be renamed Kalburgi, Mysore ‘Mysuru’, Mangalore ‘Mangaluru’, Hubli ‘Hubballi’ and Belgaum ‘Belagavi’.

There were proposals to rename the towns of Karnataka and the state government was considering them, chief minister N Dharam Singh said on Sunday.

“We will support them (the proposals)” and send them to the Centre for approval after discussion in the state cabinet, which will be held after this week’s zilla and taluk panchayat elections, he told reporters here.

Defending renaming of Bangalore, Singh said the proposal had come at a meeting of litterateurs on the eve of “Suvarna Karnataka” (golden jubilee year of the formation of the state after the reorganisation of the states in 1956) celebrations.

The new name will come into vogue from November 1 next year. He said the move to rename Bangalore has been welcomed by intellectuals and others.

Water project work in final stage of completion: Minister

Water project work in final stage of completion: MinisterWednesday
Newindpress.com

December 7 2005 08:44 IST
DHARWAD: Minister for Municipal Administration and District In-charge S R Morey has said that the State government had prepared an action plan worth Rs 303 crore for supplying drinking water to Hubli-Dharwad and out of which works worth Rs 108 crore were in final stage of completion.

Speaking to reporters after reviewing the undergoing works at Amminabhavi Water Treatment Plant, here on Tuesday, he said that this work was undertaken as part of Urban Water Zone Development Project with the assistance of World Bank to supply drinking water to twin cities.

The work (worth Rs 31.83 crore) of laying 1,168 mm direct pipeline from Amminabhavi to Nrupathunga Hills was under progress and it is being expected to be completed by October 2006, he said.

He said that Quick Fix Measures were undertaken by Water Board to stop the leakage and improve the water supply system at a cost of Rs 6 crore and was expected to be completed by June next.

He said Water Board had sent a proposal to the Government to improve the workability of main pipelines at an estimated cost of Rs 7.74 crore including the construction of two reservoirs of 10-lakh litre storage capacity and one of 20-lakh litre capacity in Dharwad for smooth supply of water to city.

Besides, four upper level reservoirs of 15 lakh litre capacity and four ground level reservoirs of 25 lakh litre would be constructed for supplying water to Hubli city, he added.

He said once the project was completed, there would be a separate system for supplying drinking water to Hubli and Dharwad and each citizen would get 135 litres of water daily by 2031.

It would save electricity bill of about Rs 2.5 crore per year besides curtailing 20 per cent of water leakage during supply, he added. He disclosed that water bill collection of twin cities was around Rs 1 crore a month and efforts were on to increase the revenue.

Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Water Board, Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Ravindra Bhat, Chief Engineer of Water Board were present.

“It will save electricity bill of about Rs 2.5 crore per year.”

Hubli-Dharwad, Bangalore in urban renewal plan

Hubli-Dharwad, Bangalore in urban renewal plan

Business Standard

Vidya Kulkarni / Dharwad December 06, 2005: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, will be a boon to Hubli-Dharwad. The twin cities have been included in the list of cities chosen for implementing the mission. Hubli-Dharwad, along with Bangalore city, will be covered by the mission.

The sub-mission launched by the Union ministry of urban employment and poverty alleviation aims at providing basic services to the urban poor in 63 select cities across the country.

In Karnataka, Bangalore has been selected under cities with a population of over four million and Hubli-Dharwad under the category of cities with population of over one million population. With the inclusion of the twin cities for implementing the mission, all projects for the creation and development of infrastructure could be taken up under the JNNURM.

The mission will be implemented in 2005-06 and all works taken up under the mission need to be completed within seven years. Minister for municipal administration S R Morey, who is also the minister in-charge of Dharwad district, told this correspondent that the mission will be a boon to the twin cities.

He said, Hubli-Dharwad could secure assistance to the tune of Rs 500 crore in course of seven years to develop the infrastructure. This will enable the twin cities to attract investments and generate employment.

The minister has instructed the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal commissioner Manivannan to prepare plans and proposals with the help of expert consultants and send them to the central sanctioning and monitoring committee in the ministry of urban employment and poverty alleviation for approval within a month.

As per the financing pattern of the mission, Hubli-Dharwad will get 80 per cent of the project cost from the Centre while Bangalore will get 50 per cent. The remaining has to be borne by the state urban local body (ULB) concerned.

The main thrust of the sub-mission on basic services to the urban poor will be an integrated development of slums through projects for providing shelter, basic services and other related civic amenities to provide utilities to the urban poor.

The admissible components of the mission include integrated development of slums, projects involving development and maintenance of basic services, projects of water supply, sewerage, drainage, community toilets, baths and other amenities, affordable houses, street lighting among others.

The state governments and the ULBs/parastatals will be required to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Centre that include their commitment to implementing the identified reforms.

The MoA will also spell out specific milestones to be achieved for each item of reform. Signing of the tripartite MoA will be a necessary condition to access central assistance. The agenda of reforms include mandatory reforms and optional reforms.

The National Steering Committee has been constituted to steer the objectives of the mission. The Union minister for urban development is the chairman of the committee and minister for urban employment and poverty alleviation the co-chairperson.

The five members of the committee are secretary (UEPA), secretary, Planning Commission, secretary (expenditure), national technical advisor and secretary (urban development).

The state-level steering committee will decide on the projects and their priorities for inclusion in the NURM programme. It is headed by the chief minister as chairperson and includes minister for urban development as vice-chairman, mayor of ULB, MPs/MLAs concerned, secretary, finance, secretary public health engineering, secretary, municipal administration, secretary, housing and secretary and urban development as members.

The scheme will be implemented through a state-level nodal agency designated by the state government. The funds will be released in four instalments by the ministry of urban employment and poverty alleviation as additional central assistance. The first instalment will be released on signing the MoA.

The balance will be released after the receipt of the utility certificate.

North Karnataka's investment potential showcased

North Karnataka's investment potential showcased
Hindu.com


BRIGHT FUTURE: Malcolm Wagget, Chief Operating Officer, HSBC, Hyderabad, delivering the keynote address at the launch of BIC Society in Belgaum on Wednesday. Development Commissioner for North Karnataka V. Umesh, KLES Chairman Prabhakar B. Kore, and BIC President B.S. Patil are seen.

Belgaum: BIC (BPO-ITES-CRM) Society's launch here on Wednesday showcased the investment potential in north Karnataka in general and Belgaum in particular for the prospective investors in the information technology sector, including MNCs.

It is for the first time that an organised and consistent process has been initiated to project the "unexploited" infrastructure facilities, skilled manpower and intellectual resource available in the region. The message BIC sought to send across is that Belgaum has best of the "untapped" infrastructure facilities and a congenial atmosphere and that it can be a good host among the secondary cities in peninsular India for all those companies and investors who are looking to expand or launch fresh ventures in the sector.

In a brief chat with presspersons that followed the launch, though Malcolm Wagget, Chief Operating Officer of HSBC, Hyderabad, maintained that HSBC has no plans to come up with more units in India, he kept his options open. He also said that the company will keep an eye on the market in reply to a question whether one of the biggest banking and financial organisations would be interested in making investments in Belgaum.

Apparently, the four hours he spent in the city is too little to decide on crucial issues such as investments of vast nature. Yet, a silver line and a moral booster for BIC came from the fact that Mentek IT Solutions became the first company to announce the setting up of a small facility in the IT sector in Belgaum in the next three months.

"The process has indeed begun," said founder president of BIC and former Chief Secretary, B.S. Patil. The BIC will keep marketing secondary cities such as Belgaum, Hubli-Dharwad in north Karnataka (and Davangere), keep inviting chief executive officers and industrial leaders so that they themselves can ascertain infrastructure available in the region, including educational institutions, medical facilities, skilled and talented human resources, a congenial working atmosphere and moderate climatic conditions.

It may not happen in a day or two. Yet the efforts to draw the attention of the investors in the IT sector would continue as there is abundant potential and talent in the region, which, for some reasons, could not be marketed or projected sufficiently to ensure investment commitments.

Earlier, Mr. Wagget, who lit the lamp to mark the launch of BIC, briefly spoke about the activities of HSBC, which, he said, was reaching out secondary cities in India and other countries. He said the country has a large pool of technically qualified English-speaking men. Other indicators of growth included the ability of Indian vendors to push operations rapidly, focus on cost-effective business model and importance of profitability.

The Karnataka Lingayat Society Chairman and MLC, Prabhakar B. Kore, who took the lead along with the Karnataka Law Society Chairman, S.M. Kulkarni, and two other educational institutions, People Education Society and Bharatesh Education Society, in signing memorandums of understanding with BIC to train young commerce, science and arts graduates and make them ready for the IT sector or any other industry, attributed the growth of the IT sector in Bangalore to the talent from north Karnataka.

At least 40 per cent of the workforce in IT industries in Bangalore is from north Karnataka, including some of the top executive and leaders. "All of them have graduated from Hubli and Belgaum. But we could not use their talent due to lack of investments," he said.

The Development Commissioner for Northern Karnataka, V. Umesh, appealed to the STPI Director (Karnataka), B.V. Naidu, to expedite the proposal for setting up STPI in Belgaum in this financial year itself.

Mr. Naidu said though the Governing Council of STPI had considered the proposals for setting up STPI parks in Belgaum and Gulbarga, the Union Government had decided to set up the park first in Gulbarga and then in Beglaum.

The Deputy Commissioner, Shalini Rajneesh, the Chief Executive Officer of Manthan Services, Bangalore, Gururaj Potnis, and the Chairman of BIC, M.S. Subhas, spoke.

HDMC to implement Rs 30 crore road project by May-end

HDMC to implement Rs 30 crore road project by May-end

Newindpress.com
Friday November 25 2005 11:29 IST

HUBLI: The much ambitious Rs 30 crore road development project will be implemented completely in Hubli and Dharwad by May-end, said P Manivannan, Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Manivannan said most of the roads in twin cities were damaged due to heavy rains. All roads, which were in bad condition, would be repaired under the project.

He said works on repairing and remodelling of roads in twin cities would be taken up in four phases. About 54 roads had been identified as worst affected which would be repaired under the project.

He further said that Rs 5 lakh would be provided to each ward for the beautification purposes including the development of gardens, painting of pavements among others.

Stern action would be taken against the contractor for executing substandard quality works, he said adding that the contractors concerned would be held responsible, if there were any damages or low quality works till two years.

Contractors would have to look into complaints of roads immediately for two years after executing works, he added. When asked about any financial assistance from the National Highway Authority, he said National Highway Authority and Public Works Department had consented to provide some financial assistance to Corporation to repair National Highways, which pass through Hubli-Dharwad.

He said a comprehensive plan had been devised to keep the city free from dust problems. As per the plan, pavements would be laid at all important places so that it could help in ending dust problem in city.

He also promised to end the menace of stray animals including that of pigs, cows by January next. Commenting on financial status of the corporation, he said it has been improving in recent days.

When compared to the earlier days, present financial position of the Corporation was sound. He made it clear that Corporation would not give any compensation nor relocate the people who were evicted during the anti-encroachment drive for encroaching corporation’s property and land.

S L Kushti, Superintendent of HDMC and Mathad, Assistant Commissioner of HDMC were present.

Passport Assistance Centre inaugurated

Passport Assistance Centre inaugurated

Newindpress.com
Thursday November 24 2005 10:33 IST

HUBLI: Passport Assistance Centre was inaugurated in Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner Office here on Wednesday.

Narayan Nadumani, Commissioner of Police, Hubli-Dharwad said the people of twin cities who aspire to fly abroad have now no need to go Regional Passport Office, Bangalore as Passport Assistance Centre has now been facilitated in the premises of Huibli-Dharwad Commissioner office.

He said the application form for passport would be given in the office and same would be sent to the Regional Passport Office after character and data verification of the applicant by Hubli-Dharwad Commissionerate.

It would work on the pattern of ‘Single Window Agency’ now being worked out in Regional Passport Office, Bangalore, he added.

Sunidhi charms fans in Hubli

Sunidhi charms fans in Hubli

The Hindu.com

Musical evening of `Dhoom Machaale' girl a hit

MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA: Sunidhi Chauhan performing at Nehru Stadium in Hubli.

HUBLI: At first producers of Kannada films who never thought of a place other than Bangalore for releasing audiocassettes of their films started looking at Hubli as a venue for the same.

Then it was the turn of charity shows, and now it is the corporate players that are looking at Hubli for their gala events. The recent musical evening by the "Dhoom Machaale" girl Sunidhi Chauhan as part of the Seagram's Imperial Blue Superhits concert is an example of the growing importance of Hubli.

The event, "Chhaya Sunidhi ka Jadoo," was a hit, with the people of Hubli expressing their liking for the Indi-pop diva in a boisterous manner. Nehru Stadium, the venue for the event, was full of fans of Indi-pop music.

Sunidhi began her concert with the song from Hindi film "Mast" through which she entered Bollywood at the age of 13. It was followed by "Mehboob Mere" from "Fiza" and other hit numbers.

In between there was also a dance number from the Kannada film "Jogi," for which Sunidhi lent her voice. Sunidhi wound up her show up with the song that has made her known as the "Dhoom Machaale" girl.

Special IMEI number for mobile set safety

Special IMEI number for mobile set safety

Newindpress.com
Wednesday November 23 2005 10:40 IST

HUBLI: Narayan Nadumani, Police Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad, appealed to the mobile phone users to register International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number for its safety.

In a press release issued here on Tuesday, he said the police department usually found it hard to trace the stolen mobile set. Once the SIM card was removed there was no way to find out the same, he added.

He said the owners of mobile should press * # 06 # on keypad to get the IMEI number. That particular number would serve as a clue to trace the mobile in case if it was lost, he added.

He said with the help of mobile companies, stolen mobiles, which had been operational with another SIM card could be traced without any delay if owners had their IMEI number.

Cinema halls vanishing from city

Cinema halls vanishing from city

Newindpress.com
Tuesday November 22 2005 10:53 IST

HUBLI: Hubli city, which once boasted of 19 cinema halls is now losing it one after one since the owners of theatres converting them into either marriage halls or complexes.

For many decades, the city remained as an ‘entertainment hub’ for the people of North Karnataka only because of well equipped and big cinema halls, which attracted the movie goers and film producers.

Because of good number of talkies, city also became a safe place for many producers whose movies could make at least average business here.

But today, about four well-equipped theatres in Hubli and one in Dharwad have been closed. They have been converted into Kalyan Mantaps and complexes.

There were only a few people in twin cities and entire North Karnataka who know about ‘Sangeet’ talkies, which screened Dharmendra starrer ‘Jugnu’ more than 100 days and set a new trend by screening Telugu film Chiranjivi starrer ‘Gharana Mogudu’ for more than 25 weeks.

It was the only theatre, which also screened some Marathi films.

It was ‘Ganesh’ talkies, which first started screening of Tamil and Malayalam films whereas ‘Mallikarjun’ talkies on Koppikar road succeeded in drawing people particularly those fond of Hindi movies.

All new Hindi movies of those days used to be screened here and Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Inaam Dus Hajara’ was one of the main attracted films.

Besides, Sudharashan talkies situated on the busy station road, was once ‘favourite’ theatre for people who were fond of Kannada movies.

Many of the Kannada films including ‘Shabarimale Swami Ayyappa’ Vishnurvardhan starrer ‘Krishna Nee Begane Baro’, Sudeep starrer ‘Hucchha’ and others were screened here for more than 100 days.

Apart from this, ‘Modern’ talkies in Dharwad, the only theatre that gave an opportunity to people of Dharwad and surrounding Taluks to watch Hollywood films by starting screening of English movies first time in the region.

This theatre was even used for shooting of some scenes in Ananthnag starrer ‘Minchina Otaa’. It set records in screening of ‘Mccain’s Gold’, ‘Titanic,’ ‘Baby’s Day Out,’ ‘Terminator,’ ‘Mummy’ and many other Hollywood hits for long time.

All these cinema halls vanished from the city as ‘Sangeeta’ and ‘Modern’ talkies were converted into marriage halls, ‘Mallikarjun’ and ‘Sudharshan’ turned into complexes and ‘Ganesh talikes’ into a hotel.

Chammankhan Pathan, owner of Modern Talkies (now converted to Kalyanmantap) and other owners said the number of people coming to talkies had come down considerably in the recent past due to dearth of good quality films like earlier days.

Apart from this, menace of video piracy, easy availability of CDs and DVDs of new films also resulted in people not coming to theatres.

All these factors left many owners of cinema halls in heavy loss.

“To survive ourselves and to feed our families, we are being forced to convert our cinema halls either into kalnyamantapas or complexes,” they said.

Movie buffs may not be surprised, if some more cinema halls are converted into complexes or marriage halls in days to come.

Bangalore now gets wake-up call from Kalam

Bangalore now gets wake-up call from Kalam
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

President: ‘City as development facilitator being eroded, needs 11-mission charter to get in shape’

BANGALORE, NOVEMBER 20: Presenting his vision for Karnataka, President A P J Abdul Kalam today advocated a charter of 11 missions to turn it into a developed state. ‘‘Karnataka’s contribution goes beyond satisfying the mind and the ears,’’ Kalam said in his address to the special session of the state legislature to mark the golden jubilee of the formation of Karnataka state.

Focusing on the state’s development in his PowerPoint presentation to a packed Legislative Assembly hall, where he was heard with rapt attention by members and dignitaries, Kalam called for increasing the existing per capita income of Rs 26,000 of 2004-5 to Rs 75,000 by 2009 by creating an investment friendly climate, leading to employment for two million unemployed.

Karnataka, which has a literacy rate of 67 per cent, should aim at realising the goal of 100 per cent literacy by 2012, he said. Based on the core competence the state has, it should undertake 11 missions in the sectors of textiles, energy, horticulture, agro processing, water management, tourism, preparing paramedics and technicians with quality training, creation of industries for knowledge products, grid connectivities for sustainable growth, establishment of PURA (Providing of Urban Infrastructure in Rural Areas) and development facilitators, Kalam suggested.

Touching upon the development facilitators that need to be created, Kalam suggested that Karnataka accord priority for road development and initiate the metro rail project for Bangalore.

To ensure that economic activity was equitably distributed across the state and for homogenous growth, taking into consideration the core competence of the regions, the state should develop Tier II cities around places like Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga and Madikeri, the president said.

For improving the connectivity and enabling the existing industries to disperse and new industries to be created, the first requirement will be to create reliable air connectivity to and between all the Tier II cities, he said. ‘‘I have seen Bangalore in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and now. Bangalore’s economic growth has far exceeded the growth of the development facilitators,’’ Kalam observed, and cautioned that ‘‘the core attraction of Bangalore being a development facilitator is getting slowly eroded’’.

In this context, Kalam also underlined the need to establish commercial airports through BOOT schemes at Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, Dharwad, Belgaum and Gulbarga in the next three years. Similarly, he said, an international airport has to come into existence in Bangalore by 2008. Kalam hailed the strides achieved by the state in the IT and BT sectors.

CM Dharam Singh said Karnataka was a fore-runner for democratic governance.

Rs 84 lakh for twin cities development

Rs 84 lakh for twin cities development

Newindpress.com
Monday November 21 2005 10:56 IST

HUBLI: C T S Alliance, an international body for urban development has given consent to sanction Rs 84 lakh for the over all development of Hubli-Dharwad.

Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation had earlier submitted a report containing twin cities development plan seeking Rs 1.4 crore grant to CTS Alliance.

Infrastructure development, slum area development, poverty eradication and public health are the priority areas in the HDMC’s plan.

P Manivannan, Commissioner of HDMC said it was first time an international body like CTS Alliance came forward in association with World Bank with the intention of developing the twin cities.

He said Asian Development Bank has also shown interest in sanctioning grants for the development of cities.

Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor of HDMC has thanked CTS Alliance for providing economic support to HDMC. Further, an extensive plan of twin cities development would be prepared jointly by HDMC, district administration and the state government to seek more funds from foreign funding agencies.

HDMC’s novel idea of encouraging girl child

HDMC’s novel idea of encouraging girl child

Newindpress.com
Sunday November 20 2005 09:36 IST

HUBLI: If every thing goes well, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation will soon become the first local body in the state and the country as well in encouraging the birth of girl child.

When the incidents of killing of girl child and female foeticides are on the rise, the HDMC has hit upon a idea of encouraging woman, who gives birth to girl child in all government hospitals of Hubli-Dharawad.

As per the innovative idea, Corporation will give a silver coin to the woman who gave birth to girl child after giving fitting felicitation to her.

Women belonging to Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe or other backward caste will be given food grains and other essential commodities worth around Rs 1,000 besides the silver coin at the time of delivery.

This facilities available only to women who give birth to girl child in their first and second delivery only at government hospitals including corporation maternity hospitals in Hubli-Dharwad.

Women if they gave birth to boy child in first delivery and girl child in second delivery will also be entitled for the scheme, but women who give birth to only boy child in her first and second delivery will not be entitled for any benefits under the scheme.

This plan has been accepted by all the members during the recently held Corporation’s general body meeting and green signal given to this scheme.

Commissioner P Manivannan has been fully authorised by all the members in the corporation to finalise this plan and implement it by January 1, 2006 as a New Year gift to the people of twin cities.

Talking to this website’s newspaper, Commissioner said that after seeking suggestions from various members and persons from the health department, corporation has planned to give a silver coin.

He said, ‘‘We have been thinking of depositing some amount upto Rs 1,000 in the form of ‘Vikas Patra’ in the name of newly born girl child for 10 to 20 years so that it would help the child to pursue her education, instead of giving a sliver coin.

Within two or three days, we will decide whether to give silver coin or deposit money in the form of Vikas patra. ‘‘But it is sure that we are going to give some incentive to mother who gives birth to girl child in her first two deliveries,’’ he said.

Parking ban to ease vehicular movement

Parking ban to ease vehicular movement
The Hindu

The order is being enforced near the Kittur Channamma Circle

HUBLI: With a view to ensure free vehicular movement at the Kittur Channamma Circle, the Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissionerate has declared an area of 300 metres around the circle as non-hawking zone and banned vehicle parking in the area.

Narayan Nadamani, Police Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad, has in a release said at present vendors are using the footpath around the circle for their business and vehicles are being parked haphazardly which is leading to frequent traffic snarls.

The Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation had also requested for an order to ban parking of vehicles at the circle and declare it as non-hawking zone. The decision has been taken after an inspection, Mr. Nadamani has said.

He has also said that the police officers have been asked to take action against violations.

The step is being viewed as a complementary measure to the efforts of the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation to give a facelift to Kittur Channamma Circle and also streamline vehicular traffic.

The municipal corporation has begun constructing pedestrian overbridges at several places to help commuters cross roads safely. It has also chalked out a plan to beautify the Kittur Channamma Circle. A few days ago, a structure that was used for parking vehicles was removed.

Plans to upgrade Hubli station reach dead end

Plans to upgrade Hubli station reach dead end
The Hindu

HUBLI: The grand plans of South Western Railway to develop the Hubli Railway Station have hit a roadblock for want of land.

South Western Railway General Manager Trilok Nath Perti told presspersons here on Monday that space is a constraint in developing the station. The goods shed abutting the station has to be shifted for the plans to be implemented. The goods shed can be shifted only if alternative land is allotted.

The State Government has promised to make the land available for the purpose at Navalur (midway between Hubli and Dharwad stations). But nothing has been done so far. This despite the issue being considered and promise made at a recent meeting presided over by district in-charge Minister S.R. Morey, Mr. Perti said. He said South Western Railway is pursuing the matter.

"We have big plans for Hubli station. The station has to be revamped. It has to have new tracks, additional platforms, bigger and better waiting rooms and it is even planned to have air-conditioned retiring rooms. Only then we will be able to have newer trains for goods and passenger traffic. It is a five-year plan, if the necessary land is made available," Mr. Perti said.

South Western Railway has taken steps to refurbish the Bangalore Railway Station, which is a premier railway station in the zone and has taken steps to develop Malleswaram and Yeshwantpur stations in Bangalore, he said.

Mr. Perti said as far as the Hubli-Ankola railway line is concerned, the Railways has been working on 48 km of the track.

Of this, 7 km runs through forests for which clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment is yet to come.

"We are ready for the joint presentation required to be made before the Environmental Advisory Committee of the Union Ministry of Environment," Mr. Perti said. The State Government is yet to sign the memorandum of assistance on sharing the cost of the Rs. 1,000-crore project, he said.

Mr. Perti said the gauge conversion of the Bijapur-Gadag line will be completed up to Bagalkot by March and further work of taking the broad-gauge line up to Gadag depended on the financial participation of the State Government. The Railways has overspent its share of money, Mr. Perti added.

The State Government has begun to give its share but the full share has not yet been given, Mr. Perti said.

Making it safe for pedestrians to cross busy roads

Making it safe for pedestrians to cross busy roads
The Hindu


HUBLI: Hubli will soon have three pedestrian over-bridges at places where pedestrians have a difficult time crossing busy roads.

The important thing is that these over-bridges will come up without causing any burden to the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, as the cost of construction will be borne by private companies.

Being built on BOOT (build, operate, own and transfer) basis, these over-bridges will come up near the Old Bus Stand, Kittur Channamma Circle and near the railway station.

The pedestrian over-bridge near the Old Bus Stand will help the commuters to cross the busy Old National Highway, the other one between Prapancha Office and Ganesh Vilas Hotel will help people cross KC Circle.

The third one, which will be built across the Station Road from Railway Station to Kamat Hotel, is meant to help railway passengers, sources in the corporation said.

These places, which have high traffic density, have been identified by the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation with the assistance of the Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissionerate.

Each pedestrian over-bridge is expected to cost around Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 lakhs, according to an estimate.

These over-bridges will be of fabricated structure and the company or the person bearing the expenses will have to maintain it for 15 years.

They will also be given the hoarding/advertisement rights as per the specifications laid down by the corporation, the sources said.

Fabricated structures

These bridges will have a roof of plastic sheets. And another important thing is that as these will be of fabricated structure they can be easily dismantled, they said.

Bhoomi puja

Bhoomi Puja for the first of these over-bridges near the Old Bus Stand was performed by Vijayanand Hoskoti, former Mayor and Council member, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has sent two designs of the over-bridges submitted by the sponsors to the BVB College of Engineering and Technology for technical comments, the sources said.

Corporation confers Dheemantha awards on 73

Corporation confers Dheemantha awards on 73
Thursday November 3 2005 09:30 IST

HUBLI: Hubli-Dharwad Muncipal Corporation has conferred Dheemantha award on 73 people as part of Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava here on Tuesday.

Minister for Muncipal Administration and District Minister S R More inaugurated the colourful ceremony held at Indira glasshouse.

He spoke on the preservation, protection and promotion of Kannada and culture. Veeranna Mattikatti, MLC, Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, HDMC, Santhosh Hirekerur, Deputy Mayor, P Manivannan, Commissioner, HDMC and councillors were present on the occasion.

Following are the awardees and their field of exellency:

Dr Dekha (medical), Arur Laxman Set (literature), Dr Jagadish Hiremath (medical), N K Jogalekar (astrology), V G Mokashi (administration), Sandya Dixit (literature), V G Nadagowda (medical), Keshav Guram (Hindustani music);

Arun Kumar Habbu (journalism), Suresh Kshatri (photography), Ganapathi Gangolli (journalism), T H Chouvan (advocate), K S Ramanagoudar (medical), K T Patil (education);

S L Hiremath (Kannada activist), Venkanagowda Patil (social service), Professor Sheeda (education), Kiran Shinde (architect), Lata S Mallur (education), Mahananda Hullur (education), Prakash T Kanakapur (art);

Y D Madhurkar (business), Sunil Barade (technical), M P More (sportsmen), S F Mallad (sports), Gnaneshwar D Varang (music), Pandit Munji (environmentalist), Y B Mathad (social service);

D D Nelachnnavar (service for disabled), Amaresh Hippargi (social service), Prakash Bendigeri (rifles association), K E Miskin (technical), S A katawe (Freedom fighter), Sathyannavar (education);

Ravi Gaovankar (sports), F B Nagammanavar (artist), Dr Umesh B hallikeri (medical), Pradeep Desai (ayurveda), Madhukar Devdas (medical), Raviraj Raikar (medical), K R Patil (medical);

Ratna F Kulkarni (education), T B Chouwan (yoga), Dr M Ishwar (Reiki treatment), Dr Mutalik Desai B N (medical), Salomi Janumala (disabled sportswoman), N K Nalavadi (social service);

Vijay D Kamath (cricket), T M Kambar (sculpture), Shivaputrappa Chabbi (social service), B B Balabatti (social service), Kotresh Angadi (artist), Dr S P Hiremath (education);

P Raghvendra (karate), Sumathishri Navali Hiremath (theatre), P L Patil (folk), Devaraj Bhajantri (artist), C S Patil Kulkarni (artist), K Shantibabu (technical), Shashikala Joshi (TV artiste);

Tukaram Chitta (Vedic mathematics), V S Pujar (science), Shivaraj Ahmmed Kuduchivaale (sports), R G Nalavdi (social service), Gangadhar Kamaladdinni (social service), Rajesh Hongal (technical);

T N Guggari (social service), Veena Belgauvankar (special achievement), Sugnan Dani (music), Sushma Kelkar (sports), Pratik Shadambi (sports), Hami Dharmashri (swimming) and Veerabhadrappa Kanyal (special achievement).

HDMC prepares disaster management plan

HDMC prepares disaster management plan
Thursday November 3 2005 09:36 IST

HUBLI: Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation seems to have learnt a lesson from devastation caused by the heavy rains in Mumbai and Bangalore as it has come out with a comprehensive disaster management plan for Hubli-Dharwad.

The Corporation has devised a disaster management plan, first of its kind in the State to deal with the flood like situation in twin cities of in future.

Twin cities are located at a distance of around 420 km north of Bangalore and 550 km south of Mumbai. Dharwad is east of the famous Western Ghats and is surrouned by hills and lakes.

If rains lash the twin cities continusouly for one or two days most parts of city would be inundated.

With a view to keep the city safe and to protect the people from any natural calamities HDMC, under the able leadership of its Commissioner P Manivannan, has come out with a plan.

As per the plan, emergency situation has been classified into three categories –– emergency 1, 2, and 3. Flooding of the city and earthquake will come under emergency level 3.

The emergency levels would be delcared by the Commisisoner, in his absence the Joint Commisisoner and in his absence, Head of the Planning Cell, in his absence the Revenue Officer and in his absence, the Health Officer and in his absence the executive engineers.

The Head of the operations of the emergency is the Commisioner who is the City Emergency Officer (CEO).

The Joint Commsisoner and the Superintending Engineer are the Deputy City Emergency Officers (Dy CEOs) and all the other five offerencers (Revenue officers, Health and executive engineers are empowered to declare emergency, who will be called as Assistant Emergency Officers (AEOs).

Once emergency is declared, it will be informed to the control room and the control room will flash this by announcing in the wireless.

In case of emergency, the staff involved in the disaster management plan shall assemble at three sets of locations in the order of priority.

Staff to assemble at Kalabhavan ground, inspection bungalow - PWD, JSS college ground, S P Office and premises of M G Bank in Dharwad.

HDMC office premises, Keshwapur reservior, Unkal lake garden, Nehru nagar reservior and Ambedkar Bhavan, Navanagar in Hubli North and Lamington high school ground, HDMC cattle shed, P B road, Old Hubli reservior, Nehru college ground in Hubli South.

After assembling in the above said points, team members of the plan as per the instruction of their heads will swing into action to rescue the lives and property of the people immediately.

Since there is shortage of some equipment including ambulances, first aid kits, search lights, fire brigade etc to deal with situation, HDMC has requested the State government to provide other necessary equipments to deal with any disasters immediately in twin cities.

According to the plan, the emergency period is declared as normal after the joint supervision by the Deputy Commissioner, the Comissioner of Police and the Commissioner of HDMC.

Work on footpath, drains delayed in Hubli-Dharwad

Work on footpath, drains delayed in Hubli-Dharwad
The Hindu

HUBLI: The construction of footpaths and drains, which the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation had begun immediately after the demolition drive, is being delayed because of an alleged nexus among some contractors.

The corporation, after the demolition drive, chalked out an action plan involving an expenditure of Rs. 5 crores for the construction of footpaths, drains and widening of roads.

It even had mobilised funds for the work covering 24 roads in the twin cities.

The action plan included footpath and other related works which were taken up by some contractors on request by the corporation immediately after the demolition drive.

But now except the works that started immediately after the demolition drive, most of which have been completed, no other beautification work has been taken up so far because of the alleged nexus among some contractors.

As works worth Rs. 1.5 crores have begun, the corporation has called for tenders for the remaining works under the action plan and the tendering process is to have been completed by the end of this month.

Immediately after the tenders were finalised, the corporation planned to issue work orders with a condition that it should be completed within one and half month. But that has been ruled out with the corporation officials smelling a rat in the tendering process. Although the contractors submitted their bids in time, the high rates quoted by some and the lack of requisite documents and other related issues have made the officials suspect foul play.

Under the circumstances, the corporation either has to finalise the bids with high rates or call for fresh tenders.

"Going by what has happened it seems that there is some sort of secret understanding between the contractors. The corporation will not give any scope for anybody to indulge in unfair practices in the works involving public money. If it is found that there has been foul play, we will call for fresh tenders," said P. Manivannan, corporation Commissioner.

Now it appears that the corporation may call for fresh tenders in connection with the remaining works under the action plan. And, in that case the process of the roads getting a facelift will be delayed. But there are not many who are complaining.

Security beefed up

Security beefed up
Tuesday November 1 2005 14:03 IST

HUBLI: In the wake of serial bomb blasts in Delhi, Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissionarate has beefed up security in the twin cities.

In a press release Narayan Nadumani, Police Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad the police had left no stone unturned in stepping up the security.

As people of twin cities were busy in festive shopping, red alert has been sounded in all markets, shopping mals, multi-storeyed buildings, bus and railway stations and areas that are considered to be sensitive.

In view of Deepavali and Ramzan festivals, police personnel have been patrolling in and around the cities. To ensure safety, police are inspecting the vehicles entering the city and commuters carrying the suspicious luggage. Police personnel were directed to keep a strict vigil on the movements of certain organisations.

K`taka to implement report on imbalances

K`taka to implement report on imbalances
Press Trust Of India / Gadag November 01, 2005

The Karnataka government would ‘sincerely’ implement the Dr Nanjundappa report on regional imbalances to ensure overall development of the state, chief minister Dharam Singh said.

The government had initiated relief works in the flood-ravaged areas of Belgaum, Bijapur and Bagalkote at a cost of Rs 400 crore, Singh, who declared open the new North Western Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus terminus here, said.

Singh said he had requested the centre to release Rs 1,167 crore as tsunami-type assistance in view of the rain havoc in south Karnataka.

He would be calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in two-three days to seek more central assistance.

He said the state government had already release rs 46 crores for laying of broad guage line between bagalkote and gadag and another rs 20 crores would be released.

Singh instructed the dcs of dharwad and gadag to intervene and arrest the fall in prices of onions and chillies to help farmers.

On the demand for a bench of state high court bench at hubli-dharwad, the chief minister said he and the law minister would meet chief justice of karnataka high court and discuss with him commencement of the circuit bench and gulbarga.

IT should be taken to other cities in State, says Tanvir Sait

IT should be taken to other cities in State, says Tanvir Sait
DH News Service Bangalore:

Minister of State for Labour Tanvir Sait on Wednesday said serious discussion was on to develop cities other than Bangalore to become IT hubs.

In his inaugural address at "Beyond Bangalore" conference organised as part of Bangalore IT.in , Mr Sait said that “This is the only way to generate employment and improve per capita income in smaller towns”.

Mysore and Mangalore were already growing as important destinations for IT industries and other cities like Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Davangere and Hassan had the potential to become IT hubs in the future, he said.


The government was taking all steps possible to ensure that all these destinations were well connected and had good infrastructure, he added.

Former chief secretary B S Patil said he was actively involved in promoting tier III cities in north Karnataka.

He felt that Hubli-Dharwad had everything that an industry would require to flourish. He also said that students from such areas probably lacked the polish that their counterparts in suburban areas had. But he was president of an organisation called BIC (BPO.Ites.Com) that was addressing this issue by setting up a "Finishing School" where students were trained appropriately, he added.

Head of Software Paradigms, India, Sid Mookherjee said his experience in setting up and running his firm from Mysore had been very smooth. He pointed out that in many ways Mysore was better than Bangalore (less commuting time, less pollution, cheaper real estate, etc.)

Mr Ramakrishnan M D, Efftronics, Vijayawada, said that his own experience of operating shop from a smaller city had also been very positive.

Mr Kurien James, CEO, Manipal Informatics, said that in his experience neutralising accents (for those who were to work in call centres) was easiest in Karnataka.

Aditya Puraskar for Gangubai Hanagal

Aditya Puraskar for Gangubai Hanagal
Friday October 28 2005 13:38 IST

HUBLI: Sangit Kala Kendra, Mumbai, will confer Dr Gangubai Hanagal, noted Hindustani classical vocalist with its prestigious award ‘Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar’, for 2005 in recognition of her service in the field of music.

In a letter adressed to Gangubai, Lalit Daga, honorary secretary of Sangit Kala Kendra, Mumbai said the award would be conferred on Gangubai at a feliciation function to be held at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai on November 12.

He said the award would be given to Gangubai for her lifetime achievement in the field of Hindustani classical vocal.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a memento.

He said Lata Mangeshkar is the first recipient of the Puraskar in 1996. Dr Gangubai Hangal will be the 10th to be conferred with this award.

M F Hussain, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Pandit Bhimasen Joshi were conferred with this award earlier.

Karnataka projects tier-II cities for IT growth

Karnataka projects tier-II cities for IT growth

Our Bureau / Bangalore October 27, 2005

In an effort to decongest the already crowded Bangalore city, the state government on Wednesday appealed to the IT and BPO sector to look beyond Bangalore for expansion and new units. The government invited the IT firms to set up shop in secondary cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum.

“The tier-II and tier-III cities in the state have all the necessary infrastructure required by IT companies and adequate number of trained engineers,” said Tanveer Sait, minister for labour.

Inaugurating a seminar on IT — Beyond Bangalore, organised as part of the four-day Bangalore IT.in, here on Wednesday, he said Mangalore and Mysore have already emerged as an alternative to Bangalore. Leading firms like Infosys and MphasiS have set up shop there. Now there is a need to look towards other cities like Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum and Manipal.

While the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has set up centres in Mysore, Mangalore, Manipal and Hubli, the fifth centre is being set up in Gulbarga, he said. The government has provided the necessary infrastructure for software companies in these cities.

Stating that the IT sector has a big role to play in development of infrastructure, Sait said the government was in the process of setting up a special economic zone for IT in Mangalore.

Making a presentation promoting Hubli-Dharwad as the next-generation IT destination, B S Patil, former chief secretary of Karnataka said the twin cities were the ideal location for setting up BPO companies. Hubli is the second largest city after Bangalore. According to a recent report of McKinsey, Hubli is the next destination for ITTeS on account of a large talent pool, good commercial and telecom infrastructure, strong business orientation, basic educational facilities and good lifestyle, he said.

The major advantages of being in Hubli, Patil said, are a sufficient workforce (it produces 5,000 graduates every year), air and railway connectivity, apart from 4-lane National Highway, and low real estate costs. STPI has set up one of its finest infrastructure at Hubli with 24x7 broadband connectivity. The MphasiS BFL Group is in the process of setting up its next BPO centre at Hubli, he said.

Sid Mookerjee, CEO, Software Paradigms India, in his presentation said Mysore was an ideal location for an IT firm. It is less polluted and possess all the infrastructure required by an IT company.

He said that his company will open a new campus early next year, which will provide 20,000 sq ft space for an incubation centre. He also invited IT companies to make use of the opportunity available to set up operations in Mysore.

Kurien James, CEO, Manipal Informatics, Giridhar Prabhu, former president, Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association, made presentations projecting Manipal and Mangalore as the ideal places for the IT sector to expand their presence.

Project to improve water supply in Hubli, Dharwad

Project to improve water supply in Hubli, Dharwad
The Hindu
Staff Correspondent

DHARWAD: The State Government has approved a Rs. 176-crore project to improve water supply in Hubli and Dharwad. In all probability, the work will commence in 2006, Minister for Municipal Administration S.R. Morey said here on Tuesday.

Speaking after performing "Bhoomi Puja" for road works taken up under the fourth phase of a Rs. 30-crore project to develop roads in the twin cities, Mr. Morey said there is no dearth of funds to implement the third phase of the Malaprabha drinking water project.

The Finance Minister, the Finance Secretary and the Urban Development Secretary have approved the project, and it will be implemented once the Cabinet approves it in the next meeting, Mr. Morey said. Under the Rs. 30-crore project, 23 roads in Dharwad north and south will be developed at a cost of Rs. 10 crores. The work will be completed in 10 months, he said.

Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, Hubli-Dharwad, and council members Pratap Chauhan, Bharati Patil, Shantha Budihal, Akkamahadevi Teli, Shashikala Shukla, Mummijan Guttal and Lalita Lokur were present. S.L. Koshti, Superintending Engineer, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, welcomed the gathering.

Govt to release Rs 20 cr soon: Mayor

Govt to release Rs 20 cr soon: Mayor
Saturday October 22 2005 11:14 IST

HUBLI: Mayor Hanumantappa Betageri has said that the State Government would soon release Rs 20 crore to Hubli-Dharwad Muncipal Corporation to take up developmental works.

He told mediapersons that a proposal sent by the corporation demanding Rs 42 crore for infrastructure development was approved by the Urban Development Department.

The corporation will take up developmental works, including construction of pavements, streamlining of UGD system, upgrading roads etc, with the amount.

There will be no further delay in executing works after releasing the amount, he added.

He said the corporation had decided to request the State government to allocate Rs 400 crore for the overall development of twin-cities and to complete the third phase of Malaprabha drinking water project in the ensuing budget.

He said that PWD officers concerned had been directed to take up works on constructing a ring road to ease traffic congestion.

He also said that it had been decided to acquire land from the KIADB for the development of the airport and the authorities had been asked to take immediate measures to install lighting facility for night landing.

Laxman Uppar, Yamanur Gudihal and Altaf Kittur were present at a press conference.

HDUDA to serve final notices shortly: DC

HDUDA to serve final notices shortly: DC
Saturday October 22 2005 11:12 IST

DHARWAD: M S Srikar, Deputy Commissioner, has warned of serving final notice to people, who have not cleared their dues after purchasing plots in Sattur and Rayanal layouts of Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA).

Speaking to media persons here, he said that more than 350 people had so for not cleared their interests and principal amount to be borne by them for purchasing plots.

The last and final notice will be served shortly, failing to clear the dues, their registration will be cancelled, he said.

He said that beneficiaries who had registered their names for 183 plots being developed in Sattur, need to owe Rs 2.13 crore to the authority, whereas a total of Rs 85 lakh for the plots developed in Rayanal.

He said that HDUDA will take stringent measures to recover dues from the beneficiaries and same will be utilised for the development of other layouts. Steps will also be taken to ensure transparency in this matter, he added.

A scholarship of Rs 5,000 will be given to selected five Hidustani classical music students every month through the Mallikarjun Mansur Trust.

With view to enlighten the use of computers among rural students, a computer literacy programme will be organised in the district from October 26 to 29, he said.

Spreading the roots of success

Spreading the roots of success
Deccan Herald

Grama Chethana, an organisation created by farmers at Surashettikoppa in Dharwad dist and its surrounding villages pass on the secrets of sustainable farming to their counterparts across the State, Anitha Pailoor tells us.

The ultimate goal of farming is not just to grow crops, but to cultivate perfect human beings. Communities around Surashettikoppa in Dharwad try to live up to this goal. Besides equipping themselves with techniques of sustainable farming, they are passing it over to others in the State through hands-on training.

Malleshappa who has received training at Grama Chethana, the organisation formed to train farmers, feels that the hands-on approach and sharing of experience by farmers in Surashettikoppa has inspired him to take the road of sustainability.

Malleshappa was among a team of farmers brought to the organisation for a two-day training programme by Dharwad's Malaprabha Grameen Bank and the NABARD.


A dream come true for farmers in Surashettikoppa and adjacent villages, Grama Chethana has been in action for the past eight months. It's incredible to believe these very farmers didn't have any hopes of survival 10 years ago and started migrating to cities. "Thanks to the guidance by BAIF, Dharwad, we could achieve the unthinkable," says Mr Haklada.

Under the project 'Transfer of technology for sustainable development', Dharwad division of BAIF Institute for Rural Development imparted its training programme in 1996 at 22 villages of Kalaghatagi and Hubli. Intended to alleviate poverty among indigent families, the project became a roaring success due to full co-operation by the farmers.

"Though the project came to a close on March 2005, we wanted to continue with the programme. After much brainstorming, we came up with the concept of Grama Chethana," says Dr Prakash Bhat, additional programme director, BAIF. The idea was concretised after consultations with Sarvodaya Mahasangha (federation of self-help groups).

The concept was eventually realised with contributions from Gram Vikas Samithi and other farmers associations. The Mahasangha's purchase of one-acre land at Surashettikoppa made local farmers take responsibility for the project. "Our objective of greater public participation happened in this project voluntarily," Dr Bhat notes.

Basavanneppa Angady, former president of Sarvodaya Mahasangha mentions training programme offered at Grama Chethana is different: "We carry on with what BAIF taught us.

If a farmer comes to buy 100 teak saplings from our nursery, we brief him about other trees that can be planted and widen his options. This information often turns out to be helpful for him," he adds.

Manjunath, the BAIF staff who co-ordinates workshops at the centre, says farmers handle sessions quite effectively, as they talk from their own experience. This gradually led to increase in number of visitors to the farms here and so arose the need to conduct the training in an organised way through a centre.

Areas handled here also covered livestock, tree-based farming, soil and water conservation, sericulture and people's organisation.

A rightful blend of classroom and practical sessions, the programme offers farmers the unique opportunity of living through what they learn, in the aspect of farming they choose. Arun Kumar of Yellapur, another member of the NABARD sponsored team, says that he could see how things worked in Surashettikoppa.

"Initially it appeared quite normal. The sight of farmers handling indoor sessions however, made us feel the difference slowly and during our field visits, we witnessed the way farmers integrated agriculture into their lifestyle and how it has improved their standard of living," Arun Kumar explains.

Armed with technical information, resource persons explain how the techniques transformed their lives - and inspired other farmers to follow them in their own farms. Bharamavva Hosamani, one of the nine resource persons handling the five categories of training, says talking about his experience became easier, as he started handling more batches.

"After all, we are going to talk about what we have gone through and the two-day indoor-session-cum-field-visit is adequate to do that," Hosamani says. Even the building, where the centre is housed, is designed to suit the objectives of environmental friendliness. Bharamagoudra Ninganagoudra Patil and his wife act as caretakers of the centre.

Dr Bhat says that by earning their livelihood from the centre-owned land, the Patils have indeed become examples for Grama Chethana's objectives and a role model for other farmers.

Government urged to institute Nanjundappa award

Government urged to institute Nanjundappa award
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 18 2005 12:43 IST

DHARWAD: Patil Puttappa, veteran journalist, has urged the State government to institute awards in the name of the late Dr D M Nanjundappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dr D M Nanjundappa memorial programme organised at Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangh here recently.

He said Nanjudappa had shown a new direction on the overall development of north Karnataka.

To recognise the services of such a person, the government should institute awards named after him, he said.

The government should put in sincere efforts to implement the recommendations of Dr Nanjundappa committee, he said.

Chennaveer Kanavi,poet, said the government should implement the report of Nanjundappa committee as it was essential for the overall development of this region, he said.

He asked the people not to vote for leaders and ministers who failed to implement the recommendations in toto.

Former MP Vijay Sankeshwar attributed the present sorry state of north Karantaka region to the people’s apathy towards its development.

He advised people to stop approaching ministers or leaders to get their problems solved but to question them for their failure to solve the problems of this region.

M P Ishwarappa,Dr M C Kodli, Dr R V Dadibhavi, Mohan Nagammanavar, Veena Kulkarni and others were present.

Activists, college students launch campaign to save tank in Dharwad

Activists, college students launch campaign to save tank in Dharwad
The Hindu

NSS volunteers take out a `jatha' to save 94-year-old Kelageri tank

CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN: Poet Channaveera Kanavi addressing the participants before inaugurating the `jatha' to create awareness about restoration of Kelageri Tank in Dharwad on Sunday.

DHARWAD: Hundreds of students of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from various colleges, water conservation activists and like-minded people on Sunday walked 8 km here as a first step towards creating awareness about saving a 94-year-old tank.

Holding placards and banners with slogans urging people to realise the importance of water conservation and saving the Kelageri Tank, the participants in the "jatha" raised slogans about water conservation techniques.

Poet Channaveera Kanavai flagged off the "jatha" near the

Railway Station. It took two hours for the participants to reach the Kelageri Tank. A public meeting was held at Kelageri.

Awareness drive


Sanjiv Kulkarni of Jala Vichar Balaga, a forum of water conservation enthusiasts, said the "jatha" is for creating awareness about water conservation not only among the general public but also among the activists.

He said the jatha is just a beginning. The tank needs to be claned and sewage has to be diverted. Several steps need to be taken in coordination with the University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, which has control over the tank, he said.

Somashekharappa, NSS Coordinator, Karnatak University, said that 187 NSS units of various colleges that come under the university have taken up the cause of water conservation. "On the university campus, 84 soak pits and two check dams have been built for conservation of rainwater. The NSS has taken up an initiative regarding rainwater harvesting in association with the municipal

corporation," he said.

Kutyal, former State Liaison Officer for NSS, Himachal Pradesh, offered help to the campaign.

P.K. Pujar, who spoke on behalf of the villagers, said they would support any endeavour to save Kelageri Tank.

Writer Mohan Nagammanavar took part in the programme.

Speaking to press persons after the programme, Prakash Bhat of Jala Vichar Balaga said next step will be to bring senior officials of the Municipal Corporation for a visit to the tank and its command area and make them aware of reasons for bad state of the tank.

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Jala Vichar Balaga, Vignan Mantapa of Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha and NSS wing of Karnatak University have jointly organised the programme in association with the villagers of Kelageri.

Developmental scheme for twin cities

Developmental scheme for twin cities
Newindpress.com

Monday October 17 2005 10:08 IST

DHARWAD: S R Morey, Minister for Muncipal Administration and District-in-charge said that Rs 280 crore improvement scheme for the twin cities under the North Karnataka City Development Project is ready for implementation and it will be completing before 2008.

He was speaking after performing Bhumi Pooja of the third stage of road construction work from Udaya Hostel to Karnataka University, as a part of Rs 30 crore project for upgrading the important roads in Hubli and Dharwad.

Morey said that North Karnataka City Development Project includes providing under ground drainage system, solid waste management and compost manufacturing, treatment of sewage water and road improvement.

He called upon the urban and local bodies to mobilise the resources and take up similar works in order to attract investments and beautification of the cities.

He said that carpeting of 13 important roads in Dharwad south would be taken up at a cost of Rs 5.10 crore. He informed that Rs 30 crore project had been divided into four packages, two each in Hubli, Dharwad and the road work will be completed with in period of 10 months. The first stage of work is of Rs 92.76 lakh, he added.

Minister sought co-operation of elected representatives and general public for providing basic infrastructure to the citizens of urban areas.

Bharathi Patil, opposition leader of HDMC spoke on the occasion.

Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, HDMC presided over the function.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, HDMC, Yamanur Gudihal, House Leader, K Barnabas, Nanda Gogare, Mammijan Guttal, Prakash Kyarakatti, Shubah Shinde, Akkamahadevi Theli, Laxman Uppar, Mangalagouri Agnihotri, Chandan Savadi, Razia Begum Sangolli, and others were present.

Water conservation programme

Water conservation programme
Newindpress.com

Monday October 17 2005 10:11 IST
DHARWAD: ‘Jala Vichara Vedike,’ a forum on water conservation, organised a jatha in co-ordination with NSS wing of Karnatak University, Vignana Mantapa of Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangh and villagers of Kelageri, to focus on the conservation of the Kelageri tank here on Sunday.

It was once the source of drinking water to the city that was built by Sir M Vishveshwaraiah in 1911. ‘Nadoja’ awardee Chennaveera Kanavi has flagged off the jatha. Dr.A Murigeppa, Dr.Sadananda Kanavalli, Dr.Somashekharappa and others participated.

Rs. 5 crores for footpaths, drains in Hubli, Dharwad
The Hindu

Funds from the sale of Software Technology Park complex to be utilised for works
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plan covers 24 roads in Hubli and seven in Dharwad
Roads divided into three categories
Rs. 3.3 crores allocated for Hubli, Rs. 1.7 crore for Dharwad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has chalked out a Rs. 5-crore action plan for the construction of footpaths and stormwater drains, including widening of roads in the twin cities.

This plan includes the footpaths and other related works which were taken up by some contractors on request of the corporation immediately after the demolition drive to clear encroachments on the corporation property.

It focusses on the roads where immediate reconstruction is required.

The plan covers 24 roads in Hubli and seven in Dharwad, and has taken into account the tender premiums that need to be paid to contractors.

Based on the priority list, the roads in Hubli and Dharwad have been divided into three categories — category 1, 2 and 3. There is also a special category that comprises arterial roads in Hubli.

Beautification

According to the plan, the work consists of construction of footpaths and drains with slab covers, and in some places widening of roads.

Under the special category, the corporation plans to take up beautification works of road junctions such as Kittur Channamma Circle along with footpath and drains.

The corporation has allocated Rs. 3.3 crores for Hubli and Rs. 1.7 crores for Dharwad, which include tender premiums of Rs. 38 lakhs and Rs. 18.9 lakhs respectively.

Out of this, construction of footpath and drains worth Rs. 1.08 crore has already been taken up in Hubli and in Dharwad works worth Rs. 64.16 lakhs have begun and some of them have been completed.

For the rest of the works, tenders have been called and the process is expected to be completed by the month-end. Immediately, the work orders will be issued and the maximum time given for the completion of works is one and half month, sources in the corporation said.

Funds

The corporation is utilising the Rs. 10.43 crores released to it after it handed over the software Technology Park complex to the State Government.

"We have chalked out the action plan keeping in mind the immediate requirements after the demolition drive and the money we got for the IT Park is being utilised here," P. Manivannan, Municipal Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, told The Hindu .

Roads

He said the corporation has chalked out another plan for the improvement of roads and other facilities in the twin cities, which has been submitted to the State Government.

The corporation embarked on a demolition drive in three phases in June, July and August in the twin cities and cleared encroachments that had come up over the corporation property on 84 roads.

Rally for protection of lakes

Rally for protection of lakes
Newindpress.com

Sunday October 16 2005 11:31 IST
DHARWAD: In order to enlighten the people to protect the lakes and maintain them properly for water conservation, NSS units of various colleges will take out ‘Jala-Jagruti jatha’ a massive rally in Dharwad on October 16.

The rally is aimed at bringing all the people in general, environmentalists under one banner, to think over the existing conditions of few survived lakes including Kelageri lake, in Hubli-Dharwad and to explore the possible ways to protect them from being encroached and extinct.

Noted poet Dr Chennaveer Kanavi will inaugurate the rally at Dharwad railway station on Sunday.

Rally will pass through Keshvanagar, Michigan Compound, Jayanagar, Ramakrishna Ashram, Bhavikatti Plot, Rani Chennamma Nagar and culminate at Kelageri lake where a meeting of environmentalists has been organised.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Dr U A Attar, Registrar, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Dr P Kuttiyal, B G Mulimani, Dr Murigeppa, Dr H M Maheshwaraiah, Dr C A Somashekharappa and others from various colleges will take part in the rally, according to a press release.

Kugram-Suvarna gram scheme in 224 villages

Kugram-Suvarna gram scheme in 224 villages
Newindpress.com

Saturday October 15 2005 10:56 IST
HUBLI: Basavaraj Horatti, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, has said that about 224 villages have been selected for the implementation of ‘Kugram-Suvarna gram’ scheme in the State.

Launching the scheme at Kongawad village of Navalgund taluk here recently, he said a sum of Rs 20 lakh would be given to each village as scheme amount to improve basic facilities including roads, toilets and drinking water.

The total amount will be released within two years and Rs 5 lakh has already been released by government to selected villages, he said.

Five villages, including Agrahar, Timmasagar and Aralikatti,have been selected from Dharwad district.He said that district, village and taluk level committees would be formed to monitor the progress of works. Services of voluntary associations will also be roped.

He has sanctioned a sum of Rs 4 lakh to implement the drinking water project in Kongawad village. He also promised to release Rs 60 lakh for the construction of bridge over Handinal canal.

He sought co-operation of the villagers to extend the benefits of various schemes to the needy.

Dr R B Shiriyannavar, MLA, Navalgund spoke and assured to implement more welfare schemes for the development of villages.

K S Umapati, ZP CEO, N H Konareddi, T B Gangadharamath, Veeranna Turamari, A S Patil, M R Kulkarni and others were present.

Two-week handicraft festival

Two-week handicraft festival
Newindpress.com


Saturday October 15 2005 10:57 IST
HUBLI: Sahara Handicraft and Handloom Association has organised a two-week ‘Festival of Indian Handicraft and Handloom’ in association with All-India Dastkari Hastshilp Hastkargha Society at Hubli Sports Ground, Deshpande Nagar, from Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Sathyanarayan, general secretary, Sahara Handicraft and Handloom Association, said that National Art and Craft Shopping Festival was involved in the areas of crafts documentation, design development, training of craftsmen, upgradation of tools and technologies.

Ministry evolves novel idea to solve sanitary problems in rural areas

Ministry evolves novel idea to solve sanitary problems in rural areas
Newindpress.com


Friday October 14 2005 11:09 IST
HUBLI: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Ministry has come out with a novel idea for solving sanitary problems in rural areas in the State.

If they want to get driving licences they should construct toilets in their houses. When applying for a driving licence a certificate issued by the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat concerned certifying that the applicant has a toilet in his house should also be produced.

To prevent issue of bogus certificate by the GP Secretary, the Ministry has taken measures to scrutinise the certificates.

The Panchayat Raj Department is determined to implement this measure all over the State to make villages free from sanitary problems.

The idea was mooted out by Basavaraj Horatti, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Sharing his views with this website’s newspaper, he said that he was unhappy with the conditions in most of the villages where toilets are a distant dream.

“All of us have developed the habit of talking about the progress of villages and providing basic facilities, but only a few of us work honestly in this regard,” he said.

He said that it was sad that most of the people particularly women still used the open areas as toilets.

Not only poor, even well to-do families were not aware of the importance of having toilets in their houses, he said.

Any legal hurdles that may come in the way of implementing the concept will be dealt with effectively by seeking suggestions of experts, he added.

Utilising his discretionary power as the District Minister of Haveri, Horatti has implemented the concept here on experimental basis from October 2.

The Deputy Commissioner and Regional Transport Officer of the district have been directed to follow the procedures properly.

RD&PR Ministry is contemplating to implement the concept all over the State in days to come.

A high level meeting of legal experts including officers from RDP, DPR, Law Department and others will be held in Bangalore on October 26 or 27.

Basel Mission at the top

Basel Mission at the top
Newindpress.com

Friday October 14 2005 11:22 IST
DHARWAD: Basel Mission English Medium High School (BMEMHS), Dharwad, with 5 points, led the points table of the super league phase of ongoing third ‘Kosmos Cup’ inter-schools cricket tournament jointly organised by Kosmos Club and Cricket Club of Karnataka (CCK) at the R N Shetty Stadium Dharwad on Thursday.

Reigning champions K E Board’s High School (KEBHS), Dharwad and runner-up Lion’s English Medium High School, Hubli were trailing at joint second spot with 3 points each.

BMEMHS defeated Lion’s EMHS by 4 wickets on Wednesday but had to share points with Rotary EMHS, Hubli on Thursday when rain abandoned their league tie.

KE Board’s HS ousted Rotary EMHS, Hubli by 33 runs on Thursday but lost to Lion’s EMHS by 46 runs.

On Friday, Lion’s EMHS will take on Rotary EMHS at 8 AM, while K E Board’s HS will play against BMEMHS, Dharwad at 12 noon.

Two top teams will qualify for the final, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

Brief scores: Lion’s EMHS 113 for 5 in 20 overs (Shishir Bhavani 45, Kunal Kolar 26) lost to BMEMHS 115 for 6 in 19.1 overs (Sandeep Majjige 34 not out, Akhail Narendra 22, Kunal Kolar 4 for 22, Imran H 2 for 8) by 4 wickets.

KEBHS 145 for 5 in 25 overs (Adrash Megeri 36, Basavaraj Shiriyannavar 20 not out, Shreyas Murdeshwar 20) bt Rotary EMHS 112 in 22.1 overs (Prateek Shadambi 24, Ajay Ostwal 22, Vidyadhar Kamble 3 for 17, Shreyas Murdeshwar 2 for 10) by 33 runs. Lion’s EMHS 134 for 6 in 25 overs (Aditya Patil 46, Shishir Bhavani 43, Vidyadhar Kamble 3 for 36, Shreyas Murdeshwar 2 for 15) KEBHS 89 for 9 in 25 overs (B R Akarsh 25, Aditya Patil 3 for 31) by 46 runs.

Wishing all the Blog readers a very HAPPY AYUDHA POOJA AND VIJAYADASHAMI

Wishing all the Blog readers a very HAPPY AYUDHA POOJA AND VIJAYADASHAMI
(Photo Courtesy: TOI,BLR)

I wish all the readers of this blog a very happy dasara and vijayadashami.On this auspiscious day where we celebrate the good over evil(kali devi) and the happiness of vijay(win)of the pandavas.

Some parts of this region also say like bani thogondu bangarandhagi ronu and also lot people think its the auspicious day to buy gold in the market.

Once again i wish all readers happy dasara.

-Pappu

Durga Puja in North Karnataka

Durga Puja in North Karnataka
The Times of India,Bangalore

In north Karnataka, Dasara is all about Durga Puja, but such celebrations are mostly confined to homes. The emphasis is on worship of Shakti. Many fashion a large Durga idol out of clay, offer puja to the idol on three days starting with Durgashtami, before immersing the idols on Vijayadashami. However, of late, the 10-day Dasara festival is slowly becoming popular in the region. In Belgaum, the tradition of organising Dasara procession on Vijayadashami day started in 1901 and has continued ever since.

In Dharwad, for the first time, a colourful Dasara procession was organised on Tuesday. Besides, some community pujas are organised in some localities. Suryavamsha Sahsarjun Kshatriya Samaj holds the most attractive features of Dasara celebration in Hubli called Tagarina Kalaga, where 100 rams fight. The losing rams are sacrificed to Devi.

IBM takes open source to Hubli

IBM takes open source to Hubli
The Times of India,Bangalore

By R Raghavendra/TNN

Bangalore: IBM CEO Sam Palmisano’s first visit to Bangalore and India in 2003, which included the signing of an MoU with the then S M Krishna government, is finally bearing fruit. Very soon, you will see students and faculty of engineering colleges in North Karnataka develop and test software for various government departments. They may also be involved in building products, which could later evolve into new business ventures.

The Karnataka government is set to replicate the success of world-renowned institutes like MIT, Harvard and Oxford with the unveiling of IBM’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the B V B College in Hubli. To be inaugurated by the chief minister, this centre is coming up along with the co-operation of the Board for IT Education Standards (Bites) and the Department of IT and BT, government of Karnataka.

“The focus would be to develop a Knowledge Management Initiative for higher technical institutions in Karnataka under the aegis of Bites. As part of this MoU, a centre of excellence in Linux and open source technologies is being set up at the B V B College,’’ Prahalad Rao, director of Bites told The Times of India.

Rao added that the CoE would also facilitate students and faculty in taking up e-Governance projects and develop low cost applications based on Open Standards for government departments in North Karnataka.

State's food production expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year

State's food production expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year
The Hindu

HUBLI: Amid the devastation caused by floods comes the good news of record food production in the State.

According to Agriculture Minister K. Srinivasa Gowda, agricultural production is expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year. "We are expecting a bumper foodgrain production, thanks to the copious rains," Mr. Gowda told presspersons here on Saturday.

Production hovered between 87 lakh tonnes and 91 lakh tonnes for the past couple of years, which was also marked by drought, Mr. Gowda said and added that there is no reason why the target of 113 lakhs tonnes cannot be achieved.

One consequence of the record production will be that the Government may not have to shoulder a big burden for crop insurance. The Government is preparing a market intervention scheme in case prices fall below the minimum support price, Mr. Gowda said. "We may need a revolving fund of Rs. 500 crores for market intervention as against Rs. 250 crores last year," the Minister said.

Karnataka is among the States that have been pressing for the amendment of the Central Seed Act, providing, among other things, jail sentence for those in charge of companies marketing fake seeds and not allowing such companies to market seeds for three years. Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has agreed to bring an amendment to the Act in the next session of Parliament, Mr. Gowda said.

The Centre has suggested introduction of ATMA (Agricultural Technology Marketing Agency), providing for a single-window approach to meeting the needs of the farmers for agricultural implements, such as tractors and power tillers. The agency would serve as a conduit for the transfer of technology to farmers.

Librarians asked to provide better services to students

Librarians asked to provide better services to students
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 11 2005 13:07 IST

HUBLI: Shankranna I Munavalli, President, Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called upon the librarians to focus on overcoming their deficiency to provide better services to the students.

He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop on ‘Computerisation of college libraries and Digital Library’ organised by Association of librarians of colleges of Karnatak University at P C Jabin College here on Sunday.

He advised the librarians to make best use of the facilities provided by the management committee to upgrade the knowledge of students and to provide them better educational services.

Speaking on the occasion, S L Sangam, Chairman, Department of Library and Information science, KUD said due to the globalisation and revolution in the progress of Information Technology, the responsibility of the librarians has increased.

By adopting the modern facilities, librarians should prepare themselves to provide valuable services to the students and the society, he added.

Explaining the importance of Digital libraries, he said facilities should be provided in all libraries, for the preservation of even small and petty matters around the world.

Principal Dr D M Kotturshettar spoke.

Mahesh D Horakeri, President, Karnatak State College librarians Association, presided over the function.

Services at doorstep: Police Commissioner

Services at doorstep: Police Commissioner
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 11 2005 13:04 IST

HUBLI: Narayan Nadamani, Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner said that steps were taken to provide service of the Police Department at the doorstep of common man.

He was speaking after inaugural ceremony of the renovated building of Ashoknagar’s police check-post organised by Lions club of Hubli Parivar here recently.

He said hitherto women need not to approach the Police Stations with regard to inquiries in connection with passports and other petty matters as arrangements were being made to discuss such matters at their (women) residences in presence of the inmates of their house.

Seeking the support of the people to establish peace and harmony in the city, he assured to put in sincere efforts to make the city free from all tensions and to restore peace and harmony in society.

M S Srikar, Deputy Commissioner expressed his happiness over the renovation of the police check-post of Ashoknagar and said that the Police Department should provide more satisfactory service in this part.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation said that all possible measures were being taken for the beautification of the twin cities.

As part of it, all roads in the city will be upgraded and repaired soon.

He opined that both bureaucrats and public should work in tandem to bring in changes and developments in the city.

Former M P Professor I G Sanadi, former Mayor Anilkumar Patil, Tejprakash Mahajan, president Lions club, M S Patil, Madan Desai, Mahendra Singhi and others were present on the occasion.

HDMC to provide basic facilities for IT companies

HDMC to provide basic facilities for IT companies
The Hindu

Sunday October 9 2005 12:32 IST

DHARWAD: P Manivannan, Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has promised to provide all necessary basic facilities to IT companies in Hubli-Dharwad.

He was speaking at an interactive session organised by the department of political sciences, Karnataka University, Dharwad here recently.

He said if any IT company came forward to set up their units and to start their business in Hubli-Dharwad, steps would be taken to provide all necessary facilities to them.

He said though the students of North Karnataka were intelligent, they had been deprived of higher posts due to lack of knowledge of English.

He advised the students to put in sincere efforts to learn English along with their mother tongue.

Explaining of problems faced by the corporation to remove unauthorised structures and construction during the anti-encroachment drive, he said corruption had become detrimental to the development of society.

He said it was duty of every citizen to fight against the corruption to provide clean and honest administration to the people.

Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar

Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar
The Hindu

HUBLI: Deputy Commissioner M.S. Srikar has said that Hubli has the potential to become the hub of jewellery export if efforts are made to take the benefit of the geographical advantage it has.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of the "Gems and diamonds grading and identification courses" organised by the Export Promotion Council of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday.

Karwar, which is a major centre of jewellery manufacturing, is close to Hubli, he said.

Jewellery manufactured in Karwar is being exported either through Mumbai or Bangalore. Hubli should tap this potential, Mr. Srikar said.

Ruben Hobday, Regional Director of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of Chennai, said the council will organise more programmes in north Karnataka to promote jewellery export.

K.K. Sharma, Executive Director of the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) of Surat, said the institute will conduct the course again in January along with an awareness programme on "Gold hallmarking."

Shankaranna Munavalli, President of the KCCI, welcomed the gathering. Kumar Tiwari, Manager of the council, compered.

Mahendra Ladhad, Honorary Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

During the programme, a suggestion on setting up a gems and diamond testing laboratory at the council of the KCCI came from the dignitaries.

Office-bearers of the KCCI responded favourably stating that they will submit a proposal in this regard to the Government and make efforts to set up the laboratory with the help of jewellers from north Karnataka and the IDI.

Mr. Sharma and Mr. Srikar said that they will take steps in this regard.

HESCOM counters to be open

HESCOM counters to be open
The Hindu


HUBLI: Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) has made special arrangement for payment of electricity bills on Saturday and Sunday, according to a press note issued here.

Counters for receiving payments will be open at its office at Tabib Land, Sub-divisional Office near New English School, Old Hubli, Vishveshwar Nagar, and Keshwapur branch offices and Navangar branches of Hubli West Subdivision, the press note said.

Consumers have been requested to avail themselves of the arrangement.

NGO to fund poor students

NGO to fund poor students
Business Standard

Our Correspondent / Dharwad October 07, 2005

Dharwad-based Vidya Poshak, an NGO built with large number of volunteers is working for empowerment of student community. It is extending financial assistance to poor and meritorious students, who are unable to continue their higher education due to financial difficulties. Till date Vidya Poshak has assisted more than 2,000 students to the tune of Rs 70 lakh.

Vidya Poshak secretary R N Tikot said for 2005-06, the NGO has teamed up with Prerana of Raichur to provide financial assistance to over 100 students to take up professional courses like engineering, medical, etc, who are unable to continue their higher education due to financial difficulties.

More than 1,000 students have already been given financial assistance under non-professional category for 2005-06.

Dust posing a threat to citizens

Dust posing a threat to citizens
Newindpress.com

Friday October 7 2005 10:58 IST

HUBLI: The fear of becoming victims of asthma and other respiratory-related disease is haunting the people of Hubli-Dharwad.

Twin cities have become prone to all such due to dust.

Number of cases with symptoms of dust-related allergies are on the rise in all most all private and government hospitals for the past few weeks.

When the corporation had launched anti-encroachment drive all stood by the corporation.

But now they are venting their ire over the corporation for not taking any measures to make the people free from the dust problem.

Rains that lashed the city continuously for more than two weeks have contributed a lot in defacing most of the roads.

Many of the roads which had been asphalted and repaired were damaged overnight after the heavy rains exposing the low quality works executed by the authorities concerned.

As a result of bad roads and uncleared debris of demolished constructions, city wearing a look of ‘dust bowl’ a place where topsoil is blown away by dust storms during drought.

Most of the roads are littered with potholes. Many roads are covered under thick dry dust.

When vehicles pass on such roads dust hovers all over the area causing dust allergies to people.

People cover their faces with napkins to protect themselves from dust allergies while move on these roads.

Because of the dust people become vulnerable to asthma and other diseases.

People are daubed with dust when they pass through KC circle, Basava van, old bus terminus road, station road, Durgad Bail road, CBT, Gouli Galli, Gokul Road etc in Hubli and Azad upavan road, Vijay road, Saundatti road, Regal circle and other roads in Dharwad.

If authorities concerned failed to find a solution to the problem, people will get afflicted with respiratory related diseases.

Rise in asthma, allergies in Hubli City alarming

Rise in asthma, allergies in Hubli City alarming
Newindpress.com

Friday October 7 2005 11:13 IST

HUBLI: The fear of asthma, respiratory-related ailments and other allergies is haunting the people of the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad, which are a haven for its spread due to the dust everywhere.

The number of cases with symptoms of dust-related allergies are increasing in almost all private and government hospitals.

When the Corporation launched an anti-encroachment drive to remove encroached properties, the people stood by the HDMC.

Now, they are venting their ire at the authorities for not taking any measures to clean the city.

Incessant rains that lashed the city for more than two weeks has compounded the problem.

Many city roads which had been asphalted and repaired, were ruined overnight, exposing the inferior work executed.

As a result of uncleared debris of demolished constructions, the city looks like it has been ravaged by dust storms.

Most roads are littered with potholes, and now covered with thick layers of dust. The sight of people masking their faces is common.