Important News - 2025-03-31
31 March 2025
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Festivals (4)
Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrated Peacefully in Uttar Pradesh Amid Tight Security
On March 31, 2025, Eid-ul-Fitr namaz was conducted peacefully at over 31,500 locations across Uttar Pradesh under strict security measures. The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and CCTV surveillance were deployed in sensitive districts such as Sambhal, Meerut, Aligarh, Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Bahraich. Senior officials inspected idgahs and mosques to ensure safety, with Sambhal’s Lok Sabha MP, Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, offering prayers at Shahi Jama Masjid. In Mathura, the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police monitored the proceedings at Shahi Idgah mosque. However, a clash erupted in Meerut’s Siwalkhas town between two Muslim groups, resulting in injuries to four people, with three individuals detained. In Moradabad, devotees protested against stringent security checks. U.P. Director General of Police Prashant Kumar confirmed the peaceful conduct of prayers, attributing it to the administration’s efforts and religious leaders’ appeals. Social media was monitored, and foot patrolling was increased in sensitive areas. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the administration of delaying his convoy to Lucknow Eidgah. In Saharanpur, people waved Palestinian flags in solidarity. Prior to the festival, the U.P. government issued directives to prevent road obstructions, identify sensitive areas, and deploy additional police personnel.
Id-ul-Fitr Celebrated with Mass Prayers Across Karnataka Districts
On Monday, Muslims across several districts in Karnataka, including Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, and Davangere, celebrated Id-ul-Fitr with great enthusiasm. The festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Large gatherings were observed at various Idgah maidans, where devotees offered mass prayers (namaz) and exchanged greetings. Despite police-imposed restrictions on vehicular movement and barricading of sensitive areas, huge crowds assembled at the prayer grounds, with some spilling over onto adjoining roads. Prominent political leaders, including MLA Prasad Abbayya and former Minister A.M. Hindasageri, visited the Idgah maidans to extend their greetings. The Hubballi-Dharwad Police, led by Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, ensured elaborate security arrangements to manage the large gatherings. After the prayers, devout Muslims performed zakat (charity) and donated to mosque committees and alms seekers. Additionally, Muslim leaders and office-bearers of Anjuman-e-Islam visited Moorusavir Math in Hubballi to seek blessings from the seer, continuing a decades-old tradition.
Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations in Vijayawada Marked by Prayers and Silent Protests
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Vijayawada on Monday were marked by prayers and silent protests. The event, which concluded the month-long fasting period of Ramadan, saw gatherings at various masjids, including the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium. Attendees wore black ribbons as a form of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, following a call by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Prominent community leaders, including Munir Ahmed and Farooq Shubli, participated in the prayers. Maulana Mohammed Aijazuddin Siddiqui led the prayers and urged the government to withdraw the Bill to protect Muslim rights. YSRCP leaders, including Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao and Penamaluru MLA Bode Prasad, also joined the Namaz. Rao announced that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has initiated the process of identifying land for Eidgah construction in the city, with completion expected by the next Ramzan. Prasad revealed that ₹50 lakh has been sanctioned for mosque development in Vuyyuru, and a ₹5 crore land in Gosala village has been identified for an Eidgah. Silent protests were also observed at other masjids in the city.
Brahmotsavams at Sri Kodandarama Temple: Fifth Day Rituals and Upcoming Festivities
The fifth day of the annual Brahmotsavams at the Sri Kodandarama temple witnessed elaborate rituals and processions. In the morning, the processional idol of Lord Kodandarama was taken out on a palanquin during the ‘Pallaki Utsavam’. The idol was adorned with vibrant apparel, colorful flowers, and dazzling jewels. In the evening, the idol was mounted atop Garuda during the ‘Garuda Vahanam’ and taken around the temple precincts. The temple is now preparing for the upcoming ‘Srirama Navami’ festivities, scheduled from April 6 to 8. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) announced that ‘Abhishekam’ will be performed to the presiding deity on April 6, followed by ‘Sita Rama Kalyanam’ on April 7 and ‘Srirama Pattabhishekam’ on April 8. Additionally, the annual float festival ‘Theppotsavam’ will be held from April 10 to 12 at the Ramachandra Pushkarini.
Politics (10)
CPI(M) Aims to Revamp Youth Engagement Strategies at 24th Party Congress
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] is set to present a political-organisational report at its 24th Party Congress in Madurai later this week. The report highlights the party’s failure to sufficiently engage with the youth and proposes innovative strategies to attract them. These strategies include organizing activities in residential areas, sports arenas, and cultural spaces like libraries. The party acknowledges that barriers to campus politics in educational institutions have limited student participation in democratic activities. The report also emphasizes the need to address the frustrations of the youth, particularly in northern India, where protests over issues like question paper leaks and job irregularities have been prevalent. As of 2024, the CPI(M) has 10,19,009 members, with over 50% (5.64 lakh) in Kerala. The party plans to revamp its organization to counter the growth of Hindutva ideology by engaging with people in cultural and religious forums, especially in states like West Bengal and Tripura, where the party has weakened. Additionally, the CPI(M) will ask its state units to conduct extensive studies to better understand and address the social and economic changes affecting various sections of society.
CPI(M) Accuses BJP and TMC of Exploiting Eid and Ram Navami for Communal Violence
On March 31, 2025, during Eid celebrations, Mohammad Salim, the West Bengal State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of exploiting Eid and Ram Navami festivities to incite violence and communal hatred. Salim highlighted that such trends were previously unheard of in West Bengal. He condemned the atrocities against Muslims in the state and across the country, while also expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Salim criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for defending past incidents of violence during Ram Navami, alleging her alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He urged religious communities to maintain unity and prevent political exploitation of their festivals. In response, Banerjee, who participated in Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Kolkata, accused the BJP and Left parties of attempting to incite riots. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari questioned Banerjee’s remarks, labeling them as provocative and divisive.
Pawan Kalyan Focuses on North Andhra Development and Welfare Initiatives
Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar highlighted the efforts of Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan in the development of North Andhra. Speaking at the party office, Mr. Manohar stated that Mr. Pawan Kalyan is prioritizing the region's growth, focusing on government schemes, MSMEs, and investments. Additionally, a skill development program is being initiated to meet industry needs. Mr. Kalyan has also emphasized the development of every Assembly constituency and the state, urging corporators of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to contribute to the city's progress. The state government is balancing welfare and development, with initiatives like the P4 program. Under the Deepam-II scheme, 99 lakh beneficiaries have received free cylinders, and the scheme will reopen on April 1. The government has also achieved significant progress in paddy procurement, particularly in North Andhra.
Union Minister Pemmmasani Addresses BSNL Service Disruptions
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Pemmmasani Chandra Sekhar, held a meeting with Telecom Infrastructure Providers (TIP) operators on Monday to address recurring issues with BSNL services. The operators raised concerns about persistent disruptions in BSNL’s broadband services, speed issues, transmission interruptions, and billing problems. Specific issues included unresolved multiple line issues along the Chennai-Vijayawada route and inadequate back-end infrastructure upgrades to meet current bandwidth demands. Operators from Guntur district also highlighted being sidelined in favor of newly appointed operators by local officials despite significant infrastructure investments. In response, Dr. Chandra Sekhar contacted BSNL Chief General Manager Seshachalam for an explanation and warned officials against causing inconvenience to existing operators. He instructed them to ensure transparent provision of all legitimate facilities and stressed the need for immediate resolution of billing concerns and enhancement of field-level monitoring systems. The Minister reaffirmed that under the coalition government, no injustice would be tolerated and assured fair, regulation-compliant service provision. The meeting was attended by TIP State president Somasekhar, general secretary C.H. Praveen, Treasurer Y.V. Rao, and other representatives.
Coalition Government to Oppose Waqf Amendment Bill, Says Abdul Azeez
Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Azeez announced that the coalition government would exert pressure on the Central government to oppose the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill. He made this statement during an Eidgah event at Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore on the occasion of Ramzan on Monday. Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy also attended the special prayers. Abdul Azeez emphasized that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) would take responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community. He noted that the amendments to the Waqf Bill had not been fully presented and assured that the coalition government would not support any measures that could harm the sentiments of Muslims. Azeez further mentioned that he had already discussed the issue with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and planned to engage with him again on the matter.
BJP Announces State-Wide Protests and Janakrosha Yatra Against Price Hikes in Karnataka
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a day-and-night protest in Bengaluru on April 2, 2023, against the alleged financial burden imposed by the Congress government through price hikes in milk, power tariffs, and various services. The protest will take place at Freedom Park, with participation from BJP MLAs, MLCs, former legislators, and party workers. BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra stated that the protest aims to pressure the government to roll back the price hikes. Additionally, on the same day, BJP leaders will protest in front of the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue in Vidhana Soudha against the suspension of 18 MLAs from the Assembly. On April 5, BJP workers will stage dharnas across all district centers, taluks, and Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. The BJP will also launch a State-wide campaign called 'Janakrosha Yatra' (Public Anguish Tour) from Mysuru on April 7, 2023, to raise public awareness about the impact of price hikes. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the yatra, which will cover the State in two phases, including padayatras and public gatherings addressed by BJP leaders. Notably, the BJP has not involved its alliance partner, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)), in these protests, signaling an independent strategy to galvanize its cadre ahead of local body elections.
BJP Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Insulting Hindu Religion During Id-ul-Fitr Speech
On March 31, 2025, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in West Bengal accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of insulting the Hindu religion during her speech at the annual Id-ul-Fitr prayers in Kolkata. Addressing a gathering at Red Road, Banerjee referred to the BJP as the 'Jumla party' and used the phrase 'Ganda Dharm' (dirty religion), which BJP leaders interpreted as a direct attack on Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari questioned Banerjee’s intentions, asking whether her speech was meant to provoke communal tensions. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also criticized Banerjee for allegedly mocking Hindu beliefs, citing her previous remarks during the Maha Kumbh. The controversy arose amidst heightened communal tensions in the state, with reports of arson in Malda and Murshidabad, and ahead of the Ram Navami processions scheduled for April 6.
Kunal Kamra Skips Police Summons Over 'Traitor' Remark Against Eknath Shinde
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra failed to appear before the Khar police on March 31, 2025, in connection with a case registered for his alleged 'traitor' remark targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A police team visited Kamra's Mahim residence to verify his availability, but he was not present. This was the second summons issued to Kamra, with the first notice being denied an extension of seven days. Kamra, who moved to Tamil Nadu in 2021, was granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court on March 28, 2025, on the condition of executing a bond. The case stems from three FIRs filed in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon, and Nashik (Nandgaon), which were transferred to the Khar police station following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra criticized the police action on social media, calling it a 'waste of time and public resources.'
CBCI Urges Political Parties to Support Waqf Amendment Bill for Constitutional Consistency
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has urged political parties and legislators to adopt an unbiased and constructive approach towards the upcoming Waqf Amendment Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon. The CBCI emphasized that certain provisions in the existing Central Waqf Act are inconsistent with the Constitution and the secular democratic values of India. They called for amendments to ensure the rights of religious minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution, are safeguarded. The appeal follows a similar request from the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), which sought support for the bill to address a complex legal dispute involving the Kerala Waqf Board. The dispute centers around the declaration of ancestral residential properties of over 600 families in the Munambam region as Waqf land, which has led to prolonged legal battles. The CBCI and KCBC argue that only a legal amendment can provide a permanent solution to restore rightful land ownership to the affected families.
Madhya Pradesh Congress Accuses BJP Government of Misleading Public on Tax Hikes in 2025 Budget
The Madhya Pradesh Congress, led by its president Jitu Patwari, has accused the BJP-led state government of misleading the public in the 2025 Budget session. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had claimed that no new taxes were introduced or existing rates increased. However, from April 1, 2025, a 3.46% hike in domestic electricity tariffs was approved by the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, despite DISCOMs seeking a 7.92% hike to address a revenue gap of ₹1,928 crore. Additionally, property registration fees and GST are set to rise following new property guidelines, which critics argue will disproportionately affect the poor and middle class. Patwari also highlighted increases in toll taxes and questioned the government’s transparency and accountability, demanding a rollback of these hikes and an apology from the Chief Minister.
Miscellaneous (5)
Ernakulam Excise Registers 338 NDPS Cases in Q1 2025 Amid Rising Drug Menace
In the first quarter of 2025, the Excise Department in Ernakulam registered 338 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to 335 arrests. The department conducted 3,757 raids, including 48 joint operations with agencies like the police and Customs, and inspected 6,528 vehicles. Additionally, 379 inspections were carried out near schools and 18 labor camps. Seizures included ₹3.57 lakh, 21 vehicles, and 31 mobile phones. The contraband seized included 262.85 kilograms of suspected ganja, 200 grams of MDMA, 110.75 grams of heroin, and other narcotic substances. A concerning trend was the narrowing gap between NDPS and Abkari cases, with 338 NDPS cases and 410 Abkari cases registered in the first three months of 2025. Operation Clean Slate, a dedicated anti-drug drive, was also conducted during this period.
Kensington Road One-Way Lane to Open on April 10 Amid White-Topping Project
The one-way stretch on Kensington Road, extending till Madras Sappers and connecting to Ulsoor Lake, will open for commuters on April 10. This development comes as part of the ongoing white-topping project, which began in February and has caused significant disruptions for daily commuters and local businesses. The project aims to complete double-road white-topping by the end of May. A BBMP official stated that the section from Old Madras Road to Vinayaka temple has been completed and is currently curing, with plans to open it to motorists after 10 days. To minimize inconvenience, the road was temporarily reopened to two-wheelers after a three-day curing process. Commuters have been forced to take detours through M.G. Road, which is already congested, causing additional traffic issues. Local residents and businesses have expressed frustration, citing disruptions to routines and reduced footfall. The project is being executed by a company led by project engineer Mohammad Azharuddin.
Hyderabad Hosts Screening of Global LGBTQIA+ Films 'Five Films for Freedom'
The British Deputy High Commission in Hyderabad, in collaboration with WeHub, organized the screening of ‘Five Films for Freedom’ on Sunday. This annual event celebrates global LGBTQIA+ stories and is produced by the British Council in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. The 2025 edition featured films from Indonesia, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S./China, showcasing themes of love, courage, secrets, and betrayal. British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Gareth Wynn Owen, emphasized that the films aim to celebrate diverse LGBTQIA+ voices, inspire conversations, challenge perceptions, and promote the freedom to love and express oneself. The selected films included 'Dragfox' by Lisa Ott (U.K.), 'I Make it to the Morning' by Andre Shen (U.S./China), 'NGGAK!!!' by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya (Indonesia), 'We’ll Go Down in History' by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas (U.K.), and 'Wait, Wait, Now!' by Ramon Te Wake (New Zealand).
Habitual Offender Arrested for Multiple Thefts in Hyderabad
A habitual offender, Shaik Saddam Hussain, aged 32, was arrested by the South-East Zone Task Force and Humayun Nagar police in Hyderabad. Hussain, a resident of Mallepally, was apprehended while attempting to sell a stolen gold chain worth ₹1.7 lakh. He is accused of committing 11 thefts, primarily targeting passengers on RTC buses across the city. Police investigations, supported by CCTV footage analysis, led to his arrest at Mallepally crossroads. During interrogation, Hussain confessed to the thefts, including stealing a woman’s gold chain at the Mehdipatnam bus stop on March 25. Known to multiple police stations, Hussain has been linked to 46 cases of theft and pick-pocketing since 2010. He was previously arrested for similar crimes but resumed his activities after being released on bail. The stolen gold chain was recovered from his possession, and he has been sent to judicial remand.
IMD Predicts Widespread Rainfall and Thunderstorms in Karnataka from April 1 to 5
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall across Karnataka from April 1 to 5, 2024. Bengaluru is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms from April 2 to 4, accompanied by a temperature drop of 3°C to 4°C. Coastal Karnataka, as well as north and south interior Karnataka, are likely to witness scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms on April 3 and 4. A yellow alert has been issued for isolated heavy rainfall in districts such as Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajnagar, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, and Gadag on April 3 and 4. Additionally, isolated hailstorms are expected in interior Karnataka during the same period. The forecast is attributed to a circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast and a trough over interior Karnataka.
World Affairs (1)
Increase in Voluntary Return of Undocumented Bangladeshi Migrants After Indian Government Crackdown
The voluntary return of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants from India has significantly increased following a government crackdown initiated in December 2024. According to sources in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this surge is linked to political changes in Bangladesh, particularly the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Between January and July 2024, 337 undocumented Bangladeshis were apprehended at the eastern border, while from August 2024 to March 21, 2025, the number rose to 906, with 411 exits recorded in the last three months. The MHA directed all states to identify and deport undocumented migrants, leading to drives in Delhi, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Odisha. Additionally, the Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified vigilance along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border, pushing back undocumented migrants in coordination with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). Over 300 Aadhaar cards and other identity documents held by Bangladeshi nationals were canceled in the past year. The MHA also instructed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to maintain a 'negative list' to prevent undocumented migrants from obtaining Aadhaar cards in the future.
Economy (1)
Telangana Exports First Rice Consignment to Philippines Under G2G Agreement
On Monday, Telangana Minister for Water Resources and Civil Supplies, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, flagged off the first consignment of 12,000 metric tonnes of rice from Kakinada Anchorage Port to the Philippines. This marks Telangana's entry into the global rice market. The Telangana government has signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement with the Philippines to export one lakh tonnes of rice grown in the state. The Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation will oversee the procurement of paddy and the export of rice. A delegation from the Philippines was present at the flagging-off ceremony, highlighting the significance of this trade deal. This initiative is expected to boost Telangana's agricultural exports and strengthen its economic ties with Southeast Asia.
Schemes (3)
Bengaluru to Get ₹1 Crore Organ Transplant and Retrieval Centre at Victoria Hospital
The Department of Medical Education has allocated ₹1 crore to establish a state-of-the-art organ transplant and retrieval centre at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. This initiative, announced by Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, coincides with the 125th anniversary of Victoria Hospital. The centre, expected to be operational within the next four to six months, will serve as a dedicated unit for organ procurement, equipped with ICU facilities, an operation theater, a laboratory, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Dr. Patil emphasized the centre's role in streamlining organ donation processes, including donor identification, family counseling, and adherence to legal frameworks. Additionally, a helipad is being constructed to facilitate smooth organ transport. Victoria Hospital, already a major medical institution in South India, houses facilities such as a trauma and emergency care centre, the Institute of Gastroenterology and Urology Transplantation, the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology at Minto Hospital, and a Skin Bank. The new organ retrieval centre aims to enhance organ donation programmes and benefit economically disadvantaged patients.
Andhra Pradesh Government Allocates ₹5,434 Crore for Minority Welfare Schemes
The Andhra Pradesh government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Muslim minorities through various welfare initiatives. Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, speaking at an Iftar dinner in Singarayakonda, Prakasam district, highlighted the government’s efforts, including the allocation of ₹5,434 crore for minority welfare and ₹14 crore for Haj pilgrimage in the latest Budget. Additionally, the government has been repairing mosques and ‘Shaadi Khanas’ across the state. In Nellore, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy announced that ₹3.96 crore has been sanctioned for 441 mosques in SPSR Nellore district, with ₹66.15 crore allocated as honorarium to 882 Muslim scholars. The government is also funding Iftar dinners statewide and focusing on education and employment opportunities for Muslims. Municipal Administration Minister Ponguru Narayana emphasized the construction of Shaadi Manzil in the 54th division, funded by Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy at an estimated cost of ₹99 lakh. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has introduced several schemes, including a monthly honorarium for 5,000 Imams and Meujjins, to support the Muslim community.
Kozhikode Corporation Launches Customised Tourism Circuits to Boost City's Appeal
The Kozhikode Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to enhance the city's tourism potential by developing customised circuits. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed highlighted during the recent Budget presentation that the Conolly Canal will be integrated into these tourism circuits. Key projects include improving water transportation, establishing recreational zones along the canal, and constructing a waterway from Elathur to Kadalundi, linking various rivers and canals. Circuit stations will be established at Beypore, Kothi, Kallai, Sarovaram Biopark, Elathur, and Korapuzha, offering water taxi services. Additionally, a sustainable tourism zone showcasing backwaters will be developed near Elathur, and the Kaippurathupalam area, known for its mangrove ecosystem, will be enhanced with a walkway, street lights, and pisciculture initiatives. Houseboats and floating restaurants are planned to attract more tourists. The waterways will connect Puthiya Nirath jetty, Purakkattiri, and Korapuzha through Eranhikkal. Thematic circuits focusing on culture, environment, education, health (including Kalari and Marma treatments), business, and sports are also part of the plan. Special tourism projects at Mananchira include cleaning and beautifying the Chira, renovating Ansari Park, and refurbishing the music and light fountain. A new fountain will be installed at Kuttichira. Furthermore, walking streets and 'green and blue networks' for pedestrians and cyclists will be developed in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council to transform Kozhikode into a walkable city.
Heritage (1)
Efforts Underway to Restore Fort Kochi Beach Ahead of Tourist Season
Following widespread criticism over the deteriorating condition of Fort Kochi beach, tourism and civic agencies are taking steps to restore its former glory ahead of the tourist season in September 2024. A viral video by a foreigner highlighted the beach's plight, with garbage and seaweed littering the area. Kerala Tourism and other agencies are yet to implement concrete measures to prevent sea incursion and trash accumulation. In 2021, IIT Madras submitted a comprehensive report recommending innovative solutions like curvy seawalls and geotextile tubes to combat sea erosion, but these were not implemented due to the preference for conventional concrete tetrapods by the Irrigation Department. The Kochi Corporation is considering a floating boom barrier to prevent trash and seaweed deposits, with ₹5 crore allocated in the State Budget for beach cleanliness. India Tourism officials have expressed concern over the trash deposits and are advocating for sustainable projects to reclaim the beach's lost charm. In January 2024, Russian tourists cleaned the beach, prompting Kerala Tourism to assess its condition. The Centre has approved ₹169.05 crore for tourism projects in Kerala, including the 'Alappuzha Global Water Wonderland' and Malampuzha amenities, with potential plans for Fort Kochi's restoration.
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