Forests or roads? Chorla Ghat
10:11 AM Posted by ukmad
Wider roads will lead to increase in traffic, cutting of innumerable trees on the 65 km path, confrontation with wild animals and, above all, increased pollution.
As the world struggles with global warming, pollution, depleting forest and many such similar problems, it is strange how we think of our temporary gains at the cost of Mother Earth. Despite two existing and well maintained routes connecting Goa and Belgaum, there is an attempt to upgrade another one between Panaji and Belgaum via Chorla. This route runs through pristine forests of the Western Ghats and has been in existence for long. Last year the Government came up with a plan to double the width of this road. The present road is quite competent, if repaired well, to carry the present load of traffic.
These are the last tracts of forest remaining with a good amount of trees and wildlife. The elephants use this stretch of land as a corridor to go from one part of the jungle to another in search of water. Because of encroachment in their habitat, there have been several confrontations between elephants and the villagers and as water becomes scarce in summer, these animals are forced to come to areas with thin forest cover in search of water.
At a time when depleting forests and human interference are driving to extinction our co-citizens (wild animals), where is the need for another road? What is the harm in travelling an hour extra, if needed at all, through some beautiful forests rather than speeding in the desert?
Wider roads will lead to increase in traffic, cutting of innumerable trees on the 65 km path, confrontation with wild animals and, above all, increased pollution (noise, air, water). Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the felling of trees and the rainfall pattern in that area.
Rather than bigger roads, why not smaller vehicles? We cannot replace a forest by plantation; we cannot recreate a waterfall or nature. Therefore, we have no right to destroy it. Global warming is high on every country's agenda. We should not cut down our forests in the name of development in emulation of the West at a time when the US and Europe are reeling under the effects of global warming for want of forest cover.
Let this one track maintain the same width. If required, heavy vehicles can be restricted on this road. Let us make the intelligent decision of protecting our forests for our own well being.
Nersa, A Wonderful place
10:13 AM Posted by ukmad
Love the outdoors and don't mind a holiday with an adventurous twist? Then head to the Hermitage Guest House.
Just getting to the farmhouse, located in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka, is an adventure by itself! The village is in the forest range of Londa at the border of Goa and Karnataka.
For accommodation, do ask for the Machan if it is available. It can be a little shaky, but once you get used to it, you will find it hard to swap it for the comforts of a concrete structure!
It has a little sit-out where you can blissfully gaze into the forest and the mountains beyond.
There is a lot to see if you're adventurous and curious. Deep inside the Londa range there are 200 bats inside a laterite cave. If you want to skip the batty experience, ask David to take you trekking or on a jeep excursion.
There are several scenic spots where you can sit and relax.
The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home. Based on a raised foundation of rammed earth, the Kadaba is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster. Modern western style bathroom, open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum' located close by in the recreation area. Not electrified (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
Just getting to the farmhouse, located in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka, is an adventure by itself! The village is in the forest range of Londa at the border of Goa and Karnataka.
The Hermitage Guest House is located 45 km away from Belgaum.
The farmhouse is run by David and Morvarid Fernandez who are excellent hosts. While David takes you for exciting walks around the place, Morvarid serves the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Make sure you get loads of exercise on those walks and treks so you can do justice to the meals!
David knows the area like the back of his hand and will happily educate you on the plants, trees, birds and other inhabitants of the forest. Don't be surprised if he recounts an adventure about coming face to face with a bear!
David knows the area like the back of his hand and will happily educate you on the plants, trees, birds and other inhabitants of the forest. Don't be surprised if he recounts an adventure about coming face to face with a bear!
For accommodation, do ask for the Machan if it is available. It can be a little shaky, but once you get used to it, you will find it hard to swap it for the comforts of a concrete structure!It has a little sit-out where you can blissfully gaze into the forest and the mountains beyond.
There is a lot to see if you're adventurous and curious. Deep inside the Londa range there are 200 bats inside a laterite cave. If you want to skip the batty experience, ask David to take you trekking or on a jeep excursion.
There are several scenic spots where you can sit and relax.
The Machan: A home on stilts eleven feet above the ground with great views. Built with bamboo and wood. There is a private western style bathroom at ground level, open to the sky. Look up and delight in the green forest canopy, you will find it far more interesting than a book! Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum', located near by. The Machan is not electrified.
The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home. Based on a raised foundation of rammed earth, the Kadaba is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster. Modern western style bathroom, open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum' located close by in the recreation area. Not electrified (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
The Gota: Is a rural cottage, with cool soothing interiors. The floors are locally made red clay tiles, and the roof is distinctive, because of the old recycled, hand made village tiles. There is a modern western style bathroom attached, with running hot and cold water. The Gota is electrified. (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
http://www.thehermitageguesthouse.com/ visit this site for more details.
I havent visited this site but just thought its should be a nice place for a weekend.
With inputs from the website and Rediff.com
Belgaum to get Mayor on March 4
10:07 AM Posted by ukmad
Belgaum - A ‘sleeping cell’ for terrorists
10:26 PM Posted by ukmad
According to highly-placed police sources, Belgaum city is a 'sleeping cell' for Islamic terrorists in Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states.A top officer who spoke with The New Indian Express from New Delhi said that Islamic terrorists feel that Belgaum is the safest haven to chalk out their activities to destabilise the government machinery in several other states.
"These terrorists come to Belgaum to hide, and after a few days, they move on," he said.The Union Home Ministry is aware of these developments, and it cannot be ruled out that a few leaders are also 'helping' these fundamentalists, he said. Help may be in the form of money or organising their discourses in the district, he added.
The locals often do not know that they belong to banned organisations like SIMI or Deenadar."In the coming days, the city may become a safe hide-out for terrorists," the officer said.The Union Home Ministry also knows that some people in certain areas of city have 'connections' with the terrorists. Because of lack of evidence, the police are unable to book them, he said.The Home Ministry agrees that SIMI activists are more active in districts like Bijapur, Gulburga and Bangalore. Though their numbers are small in Belgaum, they are slowly inducting the youths, the report warns.
Meanwhile the Express contacted IGP (North), Raghavendra Auradkar, who said that the police are keeping a strict vigil on all foreign students in Belgaum on student visas.The police will visit colleges and check the attendance of foreign students, he said. Auradkar said that the police are also keeping a watch on the deep jungles located around Belgaum as there were possibilities of holding terrorist educative camps there.As Belgaum is surrounded by three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, terrorists believe that it is the safest place to hide. terrorists.
How the news is given by national Media
7:02 AM Posted by ukmad
http://belgaumblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/terror-links-one-arrested.html
The story was about Former Dy.Mayors Son Arrested for alleged terror links.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEA20080209021902&Title=Southern+News+-+Andhra+Pradesh&rLink=0
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080209/nation.htm
A similar story appears on the Indian Express & Tribune.
But have a loo at these stories:
http://www.indiannotion.com/index.php/newslinks/16074
http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1232460
Here it is said that Former deputy mayor of Belgaum city and nine medical students were detained for alleged links with outlawed Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and suspected militant Mohammed Asif who is in police custody.
Wow, see what a difference words can do in english news. Son is missing here. All those who read that will have a different view and all others who read local papers or this blog will have a different view.
I am not here by any means trying to say they are weong, but the only fact that I want to get to you is "Arresting Dy.Mayors son & arresting a Dy.Mayor should be different."
I just thought of this post here only to get you know how the National media presents news items without much knowledge.
Road Humps for WHAT?
11:29 AM Posted by ukmad
Take for instance the Khanapur Road, Globe theatre to Sanchyani circle. In this 600 mtrs stretch there are 6 road humps at your service.1st one is Globe Convent cross, 2nd one is after the cross infornt of the Cantonment office, 3rd before fish market cross, 4th after the fish market cross, 5th opp.petrol bunk near police Qtrs. And the 6th just after the petrol bunk cross.
So many humps in such vicinity are causing huge traffic problems. There are no police deployed except the Globe cross. Suppose you are driving in 3rd gear you need to get back to 2nd near the hump and even before you reach your hand to go back to 3rd gear the hump is here again so again in 2nd gear only. The traffic on that specific road is also very heavy with all buses and trucks going to Goa have to take the same route. If you are behind a truck mind you cannot overtake it till Fish market when the road widens a bit. To add to all the mess there are no sign boards. The Globe cross has one but it was put up last time when there were complaints about no signboards. And the best part is just to reach early commuters try and tale the alternate route that is try and avoid the hump and overtake by the left side which is dangerous.
In all, the motive in which they were put was good but the manner in which it is executed is wrong, that's what I can say...
Terror links: one arrested
7:58 AM Posted by ukmad
Firoz Sanadi(32) son a former Dy.mayor was arrested and handed over to the COD of furter enquiry for his alleged links with SIMI. Firoz was arrested after Mohd.Asif of Hubli took his name in the interogation. Also it was said that some Hotelier was supporting the terrorists in Hubli and the ploice have identified that hotelier to be the Hotel Rleax Lodge near CBT. It is said that he used to supply the money and ammunation.
Brown Sugar of 90 lakhs: oldier Arrested
7:49 AM Posted by ukmad
Source: The hindu & Tarun Bharat
A soldier was arrested for allegedly smuggling brown sugar here on Thursday.
According to the police, Thombram Suvaschandra Singh (27) from Moirang Manipur, a sepoy in the Army, based in New Delhi, was arrested along with Elengabam Bishwanath Singh (28), also from Manipur, and Nandkishore Narayan Majgaonkar (26) from Jagalbet in Karwar at the Belgaum bus stand and brown sugar weighing 578 gm was seized from them.
A host of ATM cards, Id cards and mobile handsets were also recovered.
K. C Mahindra Award for Excellence:GIT
9:59 PM Posted by ukmad
Mr. Venugopal Kulkarni (7th Sem.), Mr. Naveen Inamdar (7th Sem.), Mr. Narhari Nadgir (7th Sem.)and Mr. Palaksha Nadgir (5th Sem.)participated in KC Mahindra Award Design Competition 2007
If the success of home-grown designs at the recently concluded Auto Expo in New Delhi wasn’t a good enough indicator of India turning into a hub for auto designs, here is another.
A number of major automobile companies are now testing waters with engineering and design schools in the country through design contests, diploma projects and interactions in the hope of capitalising on innovative designs coming out of Indian campuses.
Italian design house Pininfarina, which designs cars like Ferrari, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo, took the first step towards Indian designs when it signed a statement of intent to pursue collaborative automobile design activities with Ahmedabad-based National Institute of Design (NID).
Similarly, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M)’s design competition for students called ‘K. C Mahindra Award for Excellence’ in automotive design, has identified three innovative student designs on the theme ‘Long Haul Truck Cabin for the year 2015’.
The pan-India contest was won by students from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, KL Society’s Gogate Institute of Technology, Belgaum and NID.
Another Boam Hoax: St.Marys This time
9:41 AM Posted by ukmad
Source: The HinduStudents had assembled for prayers when the call came
Students of St. Mary’s School were made to sit in a safe place following an anonymous call that a bomb had been planted on the school premises in Belgaum on Monday.
Tension prevailed at St. Mary’s School here on Monday after it received an anonymous telephone call that a bomb had been planted on its premises.
However, the call turned out to be hoax. Fourth call
It was the fourth such call received in the city in the past five months.
Such calls were received by the KLE Hospital in the city on September 8 and the District Court on December 15 and the G.G. Chitnis High School on January 14.Prayers
The school received the call around 9.20 a.m. when 2,400 students and staff had assembled for prayers.
The call was received by attender Kallappa Nandagade, who informed the matter to the principal. Subsequently, the school authorities alerted the City Police Control Room and the Camp Police Station.Police action
Police Inspector S.M. Nagaraj rushed to the school with a bomb disposal squad and launched a search operation.
School staff and students were sent to the playground. Meanwhile, some parents, who rushed to the school, on learning the news, heaved a sigh of relief when they were told that the call was hoax.
Mr. Nagaraj said that the bomb disposal squad personnel found no explosive material on the premises of the school.
Mr. Nandagade said that the caller spoke in Hindi.
The Inspector General of Police (Northern Range), Raghavendra Auradkar, said that a thorough investigation was on by a team to trace the culprit.
800 old idol seized
7:52 AM Posted by ukmad
Source: The Hindu
PRICELESS: The idol of Goddess Lakshmi which was recovered from the arrested persons.
The Belgaum Police busted an inter-State antique smuggling racket and seized a priceless copper-brass idol of Goddess Lakshmi Devi and three persons on Friday.
Quoting antique experts who were shown the idol immediately, Superintendent of Police Hemant Nimbalkar said the idol was at least 700 years old and resembled the artefact created under the Chola rulers of South India. The idol would be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India for further investigation.
He said that acting on a tip off, a team of city police officials kept constant watch on the movements of the accused and arrested them while they were carrying the idol near Argan Talab on Belgaum-Hindalga Road.
The names of the arrested persons were given as Asgar Ali (35) and Vilas (45), both from Uchagaon in Belgaum taluk, and Lakshman (42) of Koulge in Chandgad taluk of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. The police also seized two motorcycles from the accused.
He said the accused, who had procured the idol from Trichy in Tamil Nadu, had struck a fresh deal with a local agent for Rs. 1.50 crore. Another deal was being worked for Rs. 10 crore with an antique dealer in the country, suspected to be in Mumbai, he said. The police would find out whether the accused were involved in similar cases in the State and elsewhere and also about their links.
The Belgaum Police busted an inter-State antique smuggling racket and seized a priceless copper-brass idol of Goddess Lakshmi Devi and three persons on Friday.
Quoting antique experts who were shown the idol immediately, Superintendent of Police Hemant Nimbalkar said the idol was at least 700 years old and resembled the artefact created under the Chola rulers of South India. The idol would be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India for further investigation.
He said that acting on a tip off, a team of city police officials kept constant watch on the movements of the accused and arrested them while they were carrying the idol near Argan Talab on Belgaum-Hindalga Road.
The names of the arrested persons were given as Asgar Ali (35) and Vilas (45), both from Uchagaon in Belgaum taluk, and Lakshman (42) of Koulge in Chandgad taluk of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. The police also seized two motorcycles from the accused.
He said the accused, who had procured the idol from Trichy in Tamil Nadu, had struck a fresh deal with a local agent for Rs. 1.50 crore. Another deal was being worked for Rs. 10 crore with an antique dealer in the country, suspected to be in Mumbai, he said. The police would find out whether the accused were involved in similar cases in the State and elsewhere and also about their links.
Lokayukta Raids P G Wandkar: booty upto to 12 crores
9:32 PM Posted by ukmad
Source: TimesofIndia, Indian Express, Deccan Herald
Lokayukta police on Thursday raided the premises of P G Wandkar, Excise Deputy SP, Belgaum. According to Lokayukta police, the officer owns properties worth 700 times more than his known income.Wandkar owns a residential complex in Goodshed road, besides houses in Gandhinagar, Laxminagar and Hanuman Nagar in Belgaum. A huge shopping complex in the heart of the city is also allegedly his.
In Belgaum, sleuths seized a huge amount of unaccounted wealth, cash and property from the residence of Wandkar. Wandkar’s apartment on Goodshed Road, another house in Sadashivnagar, and his ancestral home in Bhadkal Galli were raided simultaneously. A huge amount of cash, jewellery and property documents were recovered. Police sources said Wandkar had made huge investments in the construction business. He reportedly has a investment in the building opposite the Chitra theatre.
Lokayukta police on Thursday raided the premises of P G Wandkar, Excise Deputy SP, Belgaum. According to Lokayukta police, the officer owns properties worth 700 times more than his known income.Wandkar owns a residential complex in Goodshed road, besides houses in Gandhinagar, Laxminagar and Hanuman Nagar in Belgaum. A huge shopping complex in the heart of the city is also allegedly his.
In Belgaum, sleuths seized a huge amount of unaccounted wealth, cash and property from the residence of Wandkar. Wandkar’s apartment on Goodshed Road, another house in Sadashivnagar, and his ancestral home in Bhadkal Galli were raided simultaneously. A huge amount of cash, jewellery and property documents were recovered. Police sources said Wandkar had made huge investments in the construction business. He reportedly has a investment in the building opposite the Chitra theatre.
Wandakar, DySP, Belgaum has six vehicles including a Tavera, two Maruti Station Wagons, a Honda Activa, an RX Yamaha and a Hero Honda.
RD Parade Harshvardhan Raut gets Silver medal
10:17 AM Posted by ukmad
Sergeant Harshvardhan Raut of St.Pauls High School stood second as India's best cadet won the Silver medal. He had represented the Goa & Karnataka NCC as a topper at the Republic Day parade. Director general of NCC, Mr.Prakash Chowdhary conferred the honors to him and later was invited by the PM, Mr.Manmohan Singh for a tea party, felicitated him.
Ornithologist can beeline to Belgaum
11:32 AM Posted by ukmad
My source: http://www.belgaumnri.blogspot.com/
Source The Hindu 30 Jan 2008
Belgaum is home to a good number of bird species. They can be seen hovering all around the city, particularly in the green patches and near water bodies such as tanks and ponds.
The five water ponds nestled in small area of bamboo forest on Belgaum-Hindalga Road near Military Ganapathi Temple, maintained by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), are not just ecological habitats of sorts for a few species of birds but also significant to the environment of the city. They are now home for over two dozen bird species.
However, these ponds, known as "Argan Talab" until converted into what is now known as "Watermanship Training Area and Nature Workshop" about 17 years ago, ar
e not open to the public. According to a MLIRC officer looking after the maintenance of these fenced ponds, they are used for imparting training in swimming for the commandos.
Yet, one can take a break to watch different species of birds hovering over them. Some of them even nest and help in multiplying the species.
Among the birds that have made these ponds their home are the Indian Darter, Indian Shag, Open Bill Stork, Little Cormorant, Large Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Large Egret, Medium Egret, Flamingo, Glassy Ibis, White Ibis, Black Bill, Whistling Teal, Blue Winged Teal, Common Teal, Shoveller, White First Geese, White eyed Pochard, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Painted Stork, White Stork, White Neaked Stork and Adjutant Stone.
A large number of other species are found in the district, which is endowed with a rich and variegated fauna and salubrious climate, particularly in Khanapur and other western parts of the district with close proximity to the Western Ghats.
Among the resident birds are the White breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, which is common and found everywhere in the district. The honey pecker Cynnyris zeylonica is another resident. The Malabar racket-tailed drongo Dissemurus paradiseus is also resident bird seen in the forest areas.
While the red vented bulbul has large presence all over city of Belgaum and district, Indian tailor bird Orthotomus sutorius, also a resident, is found in the plains and generally near wells, ponds or streams.
The five water ponds nestled in small area of bamboo forest on Belgaum-Hindalga Road near Military Ganapathi Temple, maintained by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), are not just ecological habitats of sorts for a few species of birds but also significant to the environment of the city. They are now home for over two dozen bird species.
However, these ponds, known as "Argan Talab" until converted into what is now known as "Watermanship Training Area and Nature Workshop" about 17 years ago, ar
e not open to the public. According to a MLIRC officer looking after the maintenance of these fenced ponds, they are used for imparting training in swimming for the commandos.Yet, one can take a break to watch different species of birds hovering over them. Some of them even nest and help in multiplying the species.
Among the birds that have made these ponds their home are the Indian Darter, Indian Shag, Open Bill Stork, Little Cormorant, Large Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Large Egret, Medium Egret, Flamingo, Glassy Ibis, White Ibis, Black Bill, Whistling Teal, Blue Winged Teal, Common Teal, Shoveller, White First Geese, White eyed Pochard, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Painted Stork, White Stork, White Neaked Stork and Adjutant Stone.
A large number of other species are found in the district, which is endowed with a rich and variegated fauna and salubrious climate, particularly in Khanapur and other western parts of the district with close proximity to the Western Ghats.
Among the resident birds are the White breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, which is common and found everywhere in the district. The honey pecker Cynnyris zeylonica is another resident. The Malabar racket-tailed drongo Dissemurus paradiseus is also resident bird seen in the forest areas.
While the red vented bulbul has large presence all over city of Belgaum and district, Indian tailor bird Orthotomus sutorius, also a resident, is found in the plains and generally near wells, ponds or streams.
Is there Space for so many ?
10:14 PM Posted by ukmad
Heard SHUBHIKSHA is opening 5 stores in Belgaum. One will start in place of the Shanbag Super Shoppe near the 1st gate on the road to Sai Mandir.
More the store at RPD Cross which is yet to commence operations has started looking for a second branch somewhere near Sadashiv nagar and those areas.
METRO, is planning to open its North Karnataka Operations in Belgaum.
May this is very good for Belgaum as the organised Retail will grow, but I have a question Will All survive? The answer only time will tell.
About the Big Bazaar 3 days Lowest Prices, it has been able to get huge crowds towards it for the first time since launch. But again only 3 days business will not work.
