Kerala to receive heavy rains; IMD issues red alert in some districts for May 19, 20

The IMD issued the red alert in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts of the state for May 19 and 20. Additionally, an orange alert was issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam for those two days. The weather department further issued an orange alert in nine districts for May 21 and said some of them were likely to receive rains similar to that of a red alert.

Extreme heavy rain likely in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki on May 20, 21

KOCHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extreme heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts on May 20 and 21. In its five-day forecast for Kerala, the IMD has issued orange alert for Palakkad and Malappuram districts on Saturday. These districts are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 11.5 cm to 20.4 cm. The weather monitor has also issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki on Sunday. Rain set to intensify, orange alert in several districts in Kerala from May 18 to 20 As per the forecast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 20 and 21. The forecast says that Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts would receive extreme heavy rainfall on these two days. The IMD says there is possibility of extreme rainfall in Kottayam on May 21. This means there is possibility of more than 20 cm rainfall in 24 hours. There is a cyclonic circulation over Comorin area which is expected to intensify. Besides strong westerly winds and cross equatorial flow can bring heavy rainfall, said IMD scientist V K Mini. The IMD global forecasting systems are indicating the development of a low pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea off Kerala and Karnataka Coasts around May 22 which is likely to persists for the next couple of days over the same region with a little intensification. There are chances of the formation of a low pressure area ahead of monsoon surge over southeast and adjoining Andaman Sea around May 24. It is likely to intensify further into a depression. The formation of the low pressure area is expected to bring more rain during the next week. The National Centre for Environmental Prediction expects the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 23. The system is likely to intensify gradually into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal on May 24 and further intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 25.

Vigilance swoops on food safety offices in Kerala, major irregularities found

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has detected serious irregularities in the functioning of the state food safety department during the statewide raids on its offices on Thursday. Some offices were found giving free training, which is meant for staff of small-scale hotels, to employees of upscale hotels. Irregularities detected in vigilanceraid in offices of food safety department in Kerala Irregularities were also detected in the levying of penalties on firms selling substandard products. Those firms were also given time by certain officials to withdraw their products from the market, while reports were filed late to help them escape prosecution. The irregularities were detected during raids at the offices of the assistant commissioners in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts and circle offices at Nedumangad, Kuravilangadu, Manjeri, Kalpetta, Mananthavady, Irikkur, Taliparamba, Thalassery, Mattannur and Udma. It was found that in many places, large food producers were given registration instead of a license. As per rules, those firms having an annual sale of above Rs 12 lakh should be issued a license, whose fee is high. Contrary to the rule, many of them were issued registration, which is meant for small-scale firms, resulting in a huge financial loss for the government. Such irregularities were detected in Kanjirapally, Thrissur, Alathur, Ollur, Manjeri, Kalpetta, Payyannur and Mattannur offices. In Angamaly, Pattambi and Sultan Bathery offices, records on food licences and registration were not maintained properly. Offices in Chathannoor, Konni, Pala, Changanassery, Angamaly, North Paravur, Panampilly Nagar, Thrissur, Guruvayur, Ollur, Tirur, Vallikunnu, Manjeri and Elathur were found giving free training meant for staff of small-scale hotels to employees of upscale hotels. In Angamaly and Mananthavady circles, it was found that free training was given to people working outside their areas of jurisdiction. In Thodupuzha office, the office attender was found to be receiving payments from hotel and resort owners. The Ranni office was found closed when the vigilance came for inspection. In Malappuram, Kottakkal, Tirur, Manjeri, Sultan Bathery, Nileshwaram and Kasaragod, hotels were found operating without valid license. In Ernakulam's assistant commissioners office, food samples were kept in a refrigerator that was not working. In the Palakkad assistant commissioners office, the lab reports of 516 samples collected between 2021 and 2024 were yet to be obtained. Favour games Free training meant for staff of small-scale hotels given to employees of upscale hotels Irregularities were also detected in levying of penalties from firms selling substandard products

SCR Records Heaviest Footfall in Four Days

Hyderabad: A record 4.3 lakh unreserved passengers travelled from the city to different destinations from Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Kacheguda and Lingampally railway stations from May 9 to 12. According to officials from South Central Railway (SCR), a daily average of 1.05 lakh passengers travelled in general coaches, which is 52 per cent higher than the daily average of 68,800 unreserved passengers. In order to cater to the rush because of summer vacations, Lok Sabha elections and the weekend rush, SCR introduced more than 60 additional special trains between the two Telugu states from May 9 to 15. The special trains from the twin cities to Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Narsapur, Vijayawada, Nagersol and Machilipatnam, recorded more than 100 per cent occupancy. Special trains were also run to Khurda Road, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Cuttack (All Odisha), Bengaluru, Danapur, Gorakhpur, Agartala, Udaipur, Santragachi, Kollam, Jaipur and Rajkot. Around 41 additional coaches, including AC III tier, sleeper class and general second class coaches were added to the 40 regular trains to accommodate the additional rush of waitlisted passengers, said SCR officials.

Arrangements for counting day in progress

First round of randomisation of officials for counting duty in Kollam district carried out

Kaloor Stadium gets yellow card!

KOCHI: While cricket reigns supreme in India, football has long been the lifeblood of Kerala. Introduced by British officers stationed in Malappuram during the pre-independence era, football rapidly gained popularity throughout the state. Today, the Jawaharlal Nehru International (JNI) Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, stands as the epicentre of football passion in the state. However, the establishment, known best for hosting Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) matches, has come under scrutiny of late after a viral video showed the concrete stands shaking during celebrations. Concerns about the safety and maintenance of the building, which was opened in 1996, were raised, with fans and critics accusing the government of neglecting infrastructure development. The recent announcement of Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas that the government is mulling setting up an international stadium in Kozhikode, overlooking the much-needed upgrade works of Kaloor stadium, only added fuel to the fire. Here, TNIE examines the three-pronged problem ailing one of Kochis grand structures weak infrastructure, poor maintenance, and the heated discussions over what sport should take precedence here. Weak infra The JNI Stadium is the home ground of KBFC, which competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and possesses one of the highest fan bases in Asia. Sadly, the building is in dire need of proper maintenance and timely upgrades. Public anxiety peaked after a widely shared video showed concrete stands shaking while KBFC fans celebrated home goals. The video, shot from the third tier in the East Stand where the Blasters famed fan club Manjappada gathered, was termed dangerous, shocking, scary and pathetic. T Gokul Raj, a die-hard KBFC fan who regularly attends the matches with friends, says, We always worry about incidents during the chants and dances of the huge crowd. The vibrations of the stands and the leakages on the roof add to our stress. Last year, during one of the matches here, an alarming incident occurred when a piece of concrete fell from a deteriorating stadium structure, causing minor injuries to a fan. Datuk Seri Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, had warned that the present state of the stadium is a recipe for disaster. However, GCDA officials, responsible for overseeing the stadiums functions and development, dismissed these concerns, citing remarks from Javier Ceppi, the tournament director of the Under-17 World Cup held in India, that some stadiums, like those of German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and Argentinas Boca Juniors, are designed to shake during matches. Officials have also opposed claims of administrative negligence and unresolved safety issues. The stadium was built and maintained to FIFA Under-17 standards. We regularly monitor maintenance and infrastructure development. Although the actual seating capacity is 80,000, we reduce it to 35,000 on match days to ensure safety and security, states an official. Meanwhile, Manjappada, the official fan army of KBFC, has remained conspicuously silent on these issues. Poor maintenance Improper and infrequent maintenance work is another major problem plaguing Kaloor stadium. The building, which opened in 1996, was only renovated twice - in 2000 and 2017. Officials say that tender procedures are completed for another round of renovation and repair works, but the work is yet to begin. Lack of funds is cited as the main roadblock. However, critics argue that the urgent upgrades could be funded by the rent collected from shops operating in the stadium. Now, almost all of the maintenance of the stadium is carried out by KBFC, says Hidayath Razi, the former manager of the club. The franchise is also running around for obtaining safety permissions from various departments. He contrasted this with his experience as the team manager of Odisha FC, where the state government handles ground maintenance, and provides international facilities, and even sponsors the club. Cricket vs football The ongoing disagreement between football and cricket fans also impacts the stadiums prosperity. JNI Stadium, which hosted numerous international cricket and football matches, including an India-Iraq football match in 1997 attended by approximately 1,00,000 spectators, has not hosted cricket matches since 2014 due to ISL. Cricket lovers have regularly protested this, and some within the Ernakulam District Cricket Association (EDCA) too have lambasted this omission. Kaloor stadium is capable of hosting both sports. Once, it was used for several cricket matches, including international ones. It stopped only because of utility factors and schedule clashes with ISL and other cricket matches, says an official of EDCA. He adds that turning Kochi into a single-sport destination would not benefit the citys economic growth. However, Sachin Tendulkar, the man dubbed the God of Cricket in India, has calmed the clash between fans and praised the growing football culture around Kochi. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who is also an ardent cricket fan, was also in support of the #SaveKochiTurf movement. The turf laid [at JNI Stadium] is apt for top-class football. To hold a cricket match, it would have to be dug up, he wrote on social media, adding that a cricket-ready stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, was lying idle. A dearth of quality grounds Despite being capable of hosting 72-80 international matches annually, the JNI Stadiums gates are open for just 12 to 13 ISL matches a year. The stadium remains locked for the rest of the year, burdened by the regular maintenance of the turf and premises. There is a dearth of quality grounds in Kochi. This impairs the grooming of young talent. Vimal T R, the trainer of the football club United FC Cochin, says, The availability of playgrounds is fundamental for football development. Out of 100 players, only 2-3 have access to appropriate facilities for quality development. Besides certain college grounds, there are few environments for elevens tournaments. Vimal adds that using Kaloor Stadium for state-level matches would improve the quality of the players. Interestingly, the latest notification from GCDA reveals that the stadium will soon be rented out to hold non-athletic events. This, GCDA believe, will bring in much-needed money for repairs and upgrades. Assuaging concerns about the treatment of the international-level maintained turf, officials point out that Wembley Stadium in London, considered the cathedral of football, also hosts non-athletic events. Final say Whatever the case may be, sports infrastructure in the city should be ramped up. Thats not all. Whats the point in building and maintaining a crores-worth project if it is not utilised properly? The concerned departments should also see to it that there are enough sports activities all year round. Not only does this augers well for the stadium, but also helps nurture future stars, and see Kochi truly deserving of its football fandom. Is cricket leaving Kaloor for good? Kerala Cricket Associations (KCA) lease agreement validity over the JNI Stadium has long been an unsettled question among sports lovers. The KCAs decision to skip conducting cricket matches and leave the multi-purpose stadium to KBFC has intensified these doubts. Although KCA maintains an operational office in the building, it is mulling constructing a new stadium solely for cricket elsewhere in the city. The KCA is looking to build a new stadium near the Kochi airport (only site identification is done). The proceedings are in the primary stages at the governmental level, says Jayesh George, KCA president. Now, we are concentrating on getting permission to acquire excess land from the government for our upcoming project, a cricket stadium at Kollam. We are also seeking an exception to the government order that organisations are only allowed to possess a maximum of 15 acres, Jayesh adds.

Kerala: Change of guard no cakewalk for Sudhakaran detractors in party

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The change of guard in state Congress would not be as easy as detractors of K Sudhakaran think. As discussions over organisational revamp are centred around a change of guard in the KPCC and lack of Christian representation, especially of the Roman Catholic community, the leaders who support Sudhakaran warn about a possible backlash in south and central Kerala where Ezhava and non-Catholics play a key role in electoral politics. There is dissatisfaction in the Sudhakaran faction over how a section of KPCC leaders tried to foil his return. Many leaders in the south had only excelled in table talk politics while Sudhakaran had fought endangering his life for Congress growth in Malabar, a leader close to the KPCC president told TNIE. Some leaders (reference to M M Hassan) insulted him by not seeking his opinion before revoking the disciplinary action Sudhakaran had initiated against a leader based on a complaint filed by Adoor Prakash, he said. It is learnt that the KPCC president will call a meeting of office-bearers and DCC presidents after May 23. He will leave for New Delhi on Friday for campaigning and will be there till May 23. In the May 4 meeting, it was decided to evaluate the poll at the mandalam level before May 20. Hence the office-bearers meeting was cancelled,he said. Congress brass not keen to reinstate Sudhakaran as partys Kerala chief Congress leaders pointed out that whenever the Congress came to power, it had swept the seats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. In 2001, when A K Antony-led UDF was elected with 100 seats, these districts played a major role in the sweeping victory. However, the disruption of the community equation that was sustained in the Congress for long affected partys poll performance in the latter years. The strong support of Latin Catholics and Ezhava community through the SNDP Yogam helped Congress win many seats. However, the interplay of non-Catholic factors was often ignored by the Congress leadership. After the demise of Oommen Chandy, there were no leaders from the Orthodox Christian Community in Congress, a senior leader said. The Congress should try to bring in more non-Catholic leaders to its leadership. The LDF made Veena George, who is from Malankara Orthodox Christian community, a minister thus reducing the distance between the CPM and the community, he said. The leaders who oppose a leadership change in KPCC point out that it was non-Catholic elements that played a major role in the last Lok Sabha and assembly elections. According to them, in the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency, there was only a small segment of Catholic votes, especially in Aranmula, Adoor, Konni and Ranni barring Poonjar, Kanjirapally and Tiruvalla segments. In the assembly elections held in Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Kottayam Kanjirapally constituencies in Kottayam district, the winners were from non-Christian communities. In Idukki, in the five constituencies except Thodupuzha and Idukki, non-Christian leaders from LDF won in three constituencies, even though UDF fielded four Christian candidates. In its heydays, the Congress had leaders like C V Padmarajan, Kadavoor Sivadasan and Prathapa Varma Thampan- all representing the Ezhava community in Kollam. In Alappuzha also there were leaders like D Sugathan, C R Jayaprakash and N K Hemachandran. In Kottayam, SNDP Yogam president N Sreenivasan became a candidate with Congress support. Slowly the representation of the community in Congress came down as leaders ignored the community equilibrium that helped it reap success. Now they are fielding leaders like M Liju and Bindu Krishna in seats where they cannot win, political analyst Ajith Sreenivasan said. Sudhakaran faction dissatisfied There is dissatisfaction in the Sudhakaran faction over the way a section of KPCC leaders tried to prevent his comeback It is learnt that the KPCC president will call a meeting of office-bearers and DCC presidents after May 23. He will leave for New Delhi on Friday for election campaigning and will be there till May 23

Interwoven narratives of Kozhikode and Kollam

KOLLAM: Every regions name carries a rich tapestry of history and untold tales. Much like this, Kollam district, the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, shares a captivating historical bond with Kozhikode district. Despite their distinct geographical identities, a ward named Kollam within the Koyilandy municipality in Kozhikode and another named Kozhikode within the Karunagappally municipality in Kollam share parallel narratives. According to local historians, the Kozhikode ward in Kollam once served as the residential centre of the Karunagappally kingdom, which held a strategic alliance with the neighbouring Kayamkulam kingdom. They say that the term Kozhikode finds its origin in Kovilthottam, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward. The Karunagappally kingdom had a residential hub for the king in the present Kozhikode ward. Furthermore, the residences of other nobles and the royal palace were also situated in Kozhikode. The term Kozhikode stems from Kovilthottam, a Tamil word denoting a palace or noble residence. Over time, the appellation Kozhikode emerged, said Suresh Madhav, a local historian and professor. In 1734, the Travancore kingdom, led by Marthanda Varma, launched an assault on Karunagappally, leading to the subjugation of King Kitambi Kumaran. Also, references to Kovilthottam in Karunagappally can be traced back to the 14th-century poem Unnineeli Sandesam. Throughout the ages, inhabitants of Kozhikode ward migrated to the present-day Kollam ward in Koyilandy, while individuals from the Kollam ward ventured to settle in the Kozhikode ward, he said. The primary impetus to these migrations encompassed commercial pursuits, royal decrees, pacification efforts, and punitive measures. Consequently, the appellation Kollam came to be associated with the Kollam ward, presumably through repeated use by residents. The naming of any locality intertwines with its history, geography, and populace, said Suresh Madhav. Meanwhile, residents recall a bygone era when traders from Kozhikode district frequented Kozhikode ward for commerce, particularly in coir and cashew-related transactions. Our forebears recounted tales of a bustling marketplace in Kozhikode ward akin to the renowned Kozhikode market. However, today, such infrastructure is nonexistent. Nonetheless, trade between both locales flourished in yesteryear, remarked Vijayalekshmi S, councillor of Kozhikode ward. Links to yesteryear The term Kozhikode finds its origin in Kovilthottam, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward.

Users allege KSEBs e-mobility app glitches designed to help pvt firm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Several electric vehicle owners have levelled serious allegations against the e-mobility app, KeMapp, which acts as a common platform for accessing the services of KSEBs e-charging stations. They accuse the power board of taking advantage of the apps glitches to move crores of rupees in charging fees into the account of a private company. But a senior official belonging to the renewable energy & energy savings (REES) department of KSEB rubbished the claims. Currently, KSEB has 1,169 pole-mounted charging points and another 63 fast-charging stations across the state. Developed by its engineers in 2022, KeMapp had a smooth run, until last year. According to M K Moideen Kutty, state vice-president of a motor labourers union, KeMapp was sabotaged, following which customers were asked to transfer charging fares via the private companys app, Chargemode. The private company that was handed the payment contract without inviting tenders is actually owned by an empanelled engineer of KSEB. The board claims that there are more than 1,700 charging stations under the private company, which amounts to cheating. I have approached authorities, including the High Court, and am awaiting action. My contention is that only KeMapp should be allowed to operate, Moideen Kutty, from Malappuram, told TNIE. J Kishore Kumar, from Kollam, who had raised a similar complaint with the chief minister, has also sought an investigation into the KeMapp glitches and into why consumers were being forced to pay through the private companys app. He alleged that due to the malfunctioning of KeMapp, e-vehicle owners are unable to use KSEBs poll-mounted charging stations. The public has been taken for a ride by the KSEB as the charging machines set up in Kerala are meant for imported vehicles. Several crores meant for the KSEB have been siphoned off to the private companys account, Kishore said. But a senior REES department official said KeMapp was developed with the concept of interoperability, which allows it to function on both the official and private companys app. The servers belong to KSEB and we oversee every transaction. The money is reflected only on our dashboard. The private company was given a composite contract. In fact, our view is that the more apps involved, the better our visibility. KeMapp won us a prestigious award of the India Smart Grid Forum, a think-tank belonging to the Union government. Not a penny of the KSEB has been siphoned off, the official told TNIE . Its reliably learnt that a government delegation from Himachal Pradesh had recently visited the KSEB headquarters to study KeMapp. Charged up KSEB has 1,169 pole-mounted charging points and another 63 fast-charging stations across the state. After KeMapp malfunctioned, customers were asked to transfer charging fares via a private companys app, Charge mode.

Kerala mayors council decides to improve governance

KOCHI: A mayors council meeting was held in Kochi on Wednesday under the leadership of Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar. Mayors of Kannur, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram corporations attended the meeting which discussed measures to improvingmunicipal governance and efficiency. At the meeting, fourissues came up for discussion. They included monsoon cleaning, waste management, funding forvarious projects, and otherissuesrelated to the corporation.It wasunanimously decidedto implement the states pre-monsoon cleaning activities and comprehensive sanitation and waste management projects across all municipalities with active public participation, said Mayor Anilkumar. Project funding and treasury issues The council addressed the issue of pending bills from the 202324 municipal project funds that are included in the treasurys queue list. The local self-government minister has agreed to discuss the matter with the finance minister and the office-bearers of the mayors council, Municipal Chairmens Chamber, and the Grama Panchayat Association to expedite the release of funds. The council urged the state government to take steps to avoid delays created by the moral code of conduct in next years project activities and the current spillover list. Professionalism in municipalities The mayors council emphasised the need to make the functioning of municipalities more professional. The council decided to request the state government to appoint qualified professionals in key positions such as finance officer, town planner, legal advisor, environmental engineer, and mechanical-electric engineer without imposing additional financial burdens. Detailed discussions on the powers and responsibilities of local self-government institutions were held, with plans to present these suggestions to the state government and the Urban Commission. Efficiency in plan fund utilisation Comprehensive discussionswere heldto enhancethe efficiency of plan fund guidelines and theutilisation of funds.The formulated suggestions will be submittedto the LSG Minister and the Planning Board. These decisions reflect the councils commitment to improving municipal operations and addressing critical issues efficiently. The next mayors council willbe heldin Thiruvananthapuram in June.

Kerala teens killed after being hit by train; police suspect suicide

KOLLAM: A young man and woman, whose bodies were found on a railway track near Palkulangara in Kollam on Tuesday were in a relationship after getting acquainted through Instagram two months ago, said a police officer. The deceased people are S Ananthu, 18, a resident of Kundara, and Meenakshi, 18, of Edappally. The police suspect that the duo might have committed suicide. Kilikolloor police said the duo became friends on social media and they were in a relationship. Ananthu was a first-year BA Malayalam student at Fatima National College, while Meenakshi was a Class XII student. According to Ananthus friend, the duo met through Instagram two months ago and were in a relationship. However, their parents were unaware of this, said a police official. On Tuesday, the duo met near Palkulangara. Ananthu left home, informing his parents that he was going to a movie, while Meenakshi left her house without informing her parents. Later, concerned about their prolonged absence, their parents complained with the police. Subsequently, on Tuesday night, the parents came to know about the incident. Later, they identified the bodies of the deceased at the district hospital. The police then handed over the bodies to the relatives, and the cremation took place at their respective native places. Both individuals died after allegedly being hit by an express train on Tuesday. They were seen near the railway track before they began walking along it. The police said that as the Gandhidham Express train, heading towards Ernakulam, approached them, they embraced each other before being struck and thrown by the impact.

Summer rain in Kerala brings relief to KSEB, peak demand declines by 1,500 MW

KOCHI: The summer rains that lashed the state over the past week brought respite from the sweltering heat as the daytime temperature dropped by 1 to 4.5 degrees Celsius across Kerala. However, it was the KSEB that heaved a sigh of relief. The daily power consumption which was soaring at an alarming rate, dropped by around 25 million units and the peak demand declined by 1,500 MW. As the peak demand touched 5,854 MW on May 2, the KSEB had taken steps to reduce consumption during peak hours. The board had requested public sector units, big industries, Water Authority and lift irrigation projects to re-schedule shifts which helped to reduce consumption by around 200 MW. However, the peak demand continued above 5,000 MW till May 10. With rain gods finally smiling, the daily consumption dropped to 98.89 million units on May 10. The peak demand plunged to 4,365 MW on May 14 registering a drop of 1,489 MW compared to May 2. The KSEB which was scrambling to purchase power from the Day Ahead Market and Real Time Market at exorbitant rate is relieved as the power situation has become normal. A cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Sri Lanka and a trough that runs from this cyclonic circulation to Lakshadweep has brought rains to Kerala. Under its influence, the state is expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall from May 15 to May 19. The Southwest Monsoon is likely to advance into South Andaman sea and some parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal on May 19. Normally the Monsoon reaches Kerala shore within 10 days after reaching South Andaman. So there are chances of the onset of Monsoon by June 1, said IMD scientist V K Mini. According to Cusat Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research director S Abhilash, there is little chance for the rise in temperature as the state will be receiving moderate rainfall for the next few days under the influence of a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal and a trough running from Sri Lanka to Lakshadweep. There are chances for the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal which may bring more rains, he said. Max temperature April 29/May 15 (0C)/ Drop in temperature Thiruvananthapuram: 36.2/ 33.9/ -2.3 Punalur (Kollam): 38.6/ 35.6/ -3 Alappuzha: 38.3/ 35.9/ -2.4 Kochi: 34.4/ 33.6/ -0.8 Vellanikara (Thrissur): 40.0/ 36.2/ -3.8 Palakkad: 41.3/ 36.9/ -4.4 Kozhikode: 38.1/ 35.0/ -3.1 Kannur: 36.7/ 35.2/ -1.5

Kerala's intelligence wing unmasks identity of 62 members of drug cartel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have unmasked the identity of 62 drug dealers, who have been operating from behind the curtains and hitherto remained unknown to the law enforcement agencies, after a 5-month long special operation conducted by the state intelligence wing. The dealers, all men and hailing from diverse social backgrounds, were identified during an operation launched by the technical wing of the intelligence with the assistance of the intelligence operatives on the ground. What makes the list so special is that the 62 men, who featured in it, had no criminal antecedents. The local police as well as the local intelligence plainclothes were clueless about the involvement of those men in drug cases. A highly-placed officer told TNIE that a special drive was launched this January to bring to light those men, who were secretly involved in smuggling drugs into the state without leaving any footprints behind. None of those 62 men were on the police radar. Overtly, they were into various professions, but covertly they were into drug peddling and that was their main source of income. They were found to be having inter-state connections and played a key role in bringing synthetic drug into the state, the officer said. The technical intelligence wing, according to the officer, painstakingly retrieved tidbits of information from various sources, including social media platforms. The contacts of those who were earlier caught by the police in drug cases were also traced to find covert members of drug rackets. The information collated by the technical wing was corroborated using the local intelligence sleuths. This helped weed out names that were wrongly included by the software. We had over 62 names. However, many were found to be included wrongly by the software. For example, two women, primarily homemakers, were on the preliminary list after the digital footprints showed they were part of drug rackets. However, the local intelligence reports gave them a clean chit and their names were removed, said another source. The list has people who operate under the garb of auto drivers, people who returned from Gulf regions, and manual labourers. The list was forwarded to the district police and six people have been so far arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Sources said the men arrested were from Thiruvananthapuram City, Kollam City, Alappuzha City, Ernakulam Rural and Kozhikode City.

Film appreciation camp kick-starts in Kollam today

Southeast Asia to bring king fish to Malayali platter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: King fish aka neymeen, one of the most sought-after fish among Malayalis, will soon be reaching the seafood lovers platter all the way from Southeast Asia. With its availability having come down in recent times, a kilo of king fish is now priced at around Rs 1,500. Leading fish exporters and importers from the state have held talks with stakeholders in Europe and Southeast Asia to meet the demand as they feel the purchasing power of Keralites has increased. Malayalis identify king fish by several names, like surmai, seer fish, and aiykoora. Considered the most delectable of fish, it has become highly expensive over the past several months. Its price almost doubled during the period, making it unaffordable for an average Malayali family. Mathew Joseph, the brain behind Indias first digital fresh fish and meat store Fresh to Home, told TNIE that he has been involved in talks to import king fish. The landing of king fish on the Kerala coast has come down, making it a rarity in the local markets. Its price in Kerala has risen beyond the international market rate. This has led a few of us, fish exporters and importers, to seriously look into the aspect of importing king fish from Europe and Southeast Asia, Mathew said. At the same time, he said the price of imported king fish may not come down quickly as the demand among the upper middle class continues to be huge. The king fish season starts after June, pointed out Saju Ambrose who runs the restaurant Kadaloram near Vettucaud Church. Normally, king fish catch comes from the coastal areas of Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Albeit rarely, it is spotted in Vizhinjam too. On Monday, a three-kilo king fish was auctioned off for Rs 4,200 there. My clientele wont buy fish at such an exorbitant price, Saju said. Whether imported king fish is affordable or not will be known once the first consignment reaches Kochi harbour next month. Too pricey to devour It is not only the price of king fish that has gone up but of all varieties. With Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh witnessing trawling bans now, the traders from those states are making a beeline to the Kerala coast to buy fish caught here. Compared to a month ago, the price of fish has doubled, said Priya Dinesh, a resident of Jawahar Nagar in the capital. Apart from buying fish from the local vendor, Priya also buys from the Neerazhi Lane fish market at Ulloor. I usually buy fish for C1,000 to 1,200. Last week, I bought a kilo of mackerel for C397, which otherwise costed Rs 160 to Rs 180. The same was the case with big anchovy which was earlier available for Rs 200. Now, I guess buying chicken or beef is more viable, Priya said.

Pantheerankavu domestic violence: Womans family alleges police inaction

KOZHIKODE: The incident of domestic violence reported at Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode has once again triggered discussions on the alleged ineffectiveness of the local police in acting on such complaints. Kerala: Newlywed woman assaulted by her husband, charged with domestic violence The family of the newly-wed woman, who was beaten up by her husband Rahul P, has approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleging negligence by the Pantheerankavu police in filing a case on their complaint. The police have refuted the charge. The family hails from North Paravoor in Ernakulam. Haridas, the womans father, alleged that the police did not treat the incident seriously when they approached them with a complaint. He said they finally left the police station after removing the womans mangalsutra (sacred thread) and placing it on the officers table, saying she did not want to continue with the marriage. The woman alleged that Rahul beat her for dowry. He hit me on the head and forehead and strangled me with a mobile phone charging cable. Still, none in the house stopped him. His family instead asked me to lie to my relatives and say I fell in the washroom. I also suspect Rahul takes drugs, she alleged. The woman claimed though the police were told everything, they did not record her statement fully. She also alleged that the polices report omitted several details. And, according to her, though the police were told that Rahul tried to strangle her, they did not heed her familys request to add non-bailable charges such as attempt to murder against him. Alleging there had been no favourable investigation by the police on their complaint, the womans family also expressed concerns over the non-arrest of Rahul, an engineer in Germany. Haridas said they received the marriage proposal via a matrimonial website and the marriage took place at Guruvayur temple on May 5. Rahuls family took my daughter to Kozhikode the same day. They came to Ernakulam on May 9 for the wedding reception and left for Kozhikode the next day. On May 12, we went to their house for another function. There were 26 of us. Our daughter initially did not come outside. When asked, her in-laws said she was changing clothes. When she finally came out, there were bruised all over her face. She could not even speak, recalled Haridas. The family went to the Pantheerankavu police station and filed a complaint, but alleged that there was no significant response from the police. Haridas said he pointed out the cases of domestic violence and subsequent deaths of Uthra (2020) and Vismaya (2021) both in Kollam but the police didnt pay much attention. When asked to file a non-bailable case against Rahul, the officers allegedly shouted at the family and told them not to teach law to the police. Pantheerankavu station house officer Sarin A S there was no intentional delay by the police in investigating the case. We assisted the complainant in undergoing medical tests. We are investigating the case and need to record the statement of the suspect. Further action will be taken based on the test results and witness statements, Sarin said. He said they will take steps in case the suspect tries to escape. The police have registered a case under Sections 324 and 498A of the IPC. They said they will take further action, like arrest, as per the ACPs instructions. As many as 208 cases of domestic violence registered under IPC Section 498A have been registered in Kozhikode district until April 30 this year. The number of cases was 667 in 2023 and 749 in 2022. Minister assures help Kozhikode: Minister Veena George on Tuesday said the government will provide all support, including legal assistance, to the victim in the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case. She said the woman and child department director has been asked to conduct a probe into the incident. Satheesan flays police Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan accused the police of seriously failing in the domestic violence case. Instead of consoling the complainants father when he went to them for filing a complaint, the police mocked him, Satheesan alleged, adding that this was not the first such incident in Kerala.

Good show by Kollam schools in CBSE Class X, XII results

Intense Rains Hit Kerala, IMD Warns of Orange Alert in These Two Districts

Kerala is facing heavy rainfall, bringing relief after enduring a week of scorching heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in two of the state's 14 districts, with eight districts under a yellow alert. Thunderstorms, along with moderate rainfall and strong winds, are expected. As Kerala experiences a welcome reprieve from the heat with heavy rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns by issuing an orange alert in two districts among the 14 in the state. Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts are under the orange alert for the day. Additionally, eight districts in the southern part of the state are on yellow alert for today. An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm, while a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The IMD has also forecasted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds in specific areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a warning for rough seas along the Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coastlines for today. Based on information from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the alert predicts rough sea conditions along the Kerala coast until 11.30 pm today, with wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 meters. Similar conditions are expected along the Tamil Nadu coast during the same period, with wave heights varying between 0.7 to 1.1 meters, according to the KSDMA. Fishermen, coastal residents, and travelers are advised to remain cautious, take necessary precautions, and avoid beach visits due to these rough sea conditions. Fatal Ambulance Fire Claims Patient's Life in Kozhikode, Kerala Kerala Nadwathul Mujahideen Opposes Reduction in Muslim Reservation Red Alert Issued as Rough Waves Hit Coastal Areas of Kerala and South Tamil Nadu

Milma employees on strike; Milk supply to be disrupted in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Milma milk supply will be disrupted under the Thiruvananthapuram region owing to the token strike by a section of employees. Supply will be affected in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta from Tuesday afternoon. Employees in the lower rung of the organisation, including those working in the factory, laboratory and marketing wings, are protesting against the delay in their promotions. They also tried to disrupt the interview for the promotion of personnel in the officer grade. A source said milk processing and packing works were disrupted in the three units from Tuesday morning. The joint forum of the employees' organisations has put forward a charter of demands to the management. Immediate steps for promotions in the lower cadres and withdrawal of police cases against employees are the major demands. The police have registered cases against over 40 employees of the Kollam unit for attempting to disrupt promotions in the officer cadre. According to the employees, promotions have stalled for the past four years. Also, they were denied pay revision benefits for the past 33 months.

2 more youths rescued from Puthuvype die

KOCHI: Two youths who were in a critical condition after getting caught in high waves while bathing with their friends in the sea at Puthuvype died on Monday. The deceased Milan Sebastian (20), son of Boban, of Kathrikadavu, and Alvin George Antony (20), son of Antony, Cherupullaparam, Gandhinagar, had been admitted to a private hospital in the city soon after the incident. 22-year-old man drowns off Puthuvype beach in Kerala With this, the death toll in the tragedy has risen to three. Abhishek (21), son of Surendran Pillai and Kavitha, residents of Kathrikadavu, died on Sunday. Of the six people who ventured into the sea, three survived. The other three were caught in the tide and went missing. Swimmers from Vypin Beach Club and Dolphin Club, who were conducting a training session at the site, rescued Milan and Alvin first. Abhishek was found half an hour later. He was declared brought dead at the hospital. Milan was a second-year BCA student of St Pauls College, Kalamassery. He is survived by father Boban, who is a goods autorickshaw driver in Gandhinagar, mother Lincy and his brother Mintu. His funeral was held on the day. Alvin was into newspaper distribution to meet his expenses. He is survived by father Antony, mother Leena and brother Alan. The Funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10 am. The last rites for Abhishek were held at Karunagappally in Kollam. His family has been residing in Kochi for the past several years. Abhishek was working in an automobile firm in Kaloor while his brother works with a private firm in Kochi. A group of youths, who are friends, from Kathrikadavu left for Puthuvype at 6am on Sunday and reached the beach at 7 am to bathe in the sea. According to eyewitnesses, the youth ventured into the sea near the wall of the IOC plant, which is a deserted area. The swimming club members warned them but they ignored it. However, the immediate intervention of the swimmers helped save the lives of the other three youngsters.

Ambulance driver transports the Patient 2870 km to fulfil her last wish

Arun Kumar, an ambulance driver in Kollam, completed a marathon journey to help fulfil apatient'slast wish. The post Ambulance driver transports the Patient 2870 km to fulfil her last wish appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

No new Plus-I batches in Kerala this year: V Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has ruled out sanctioning new Plus-I batches in the state amid concerns that districts in northern Kerala would face shortage of Plus one seats as the admission process begins later this week. General Education Minister V Sivankutty told reporters that there was no need to create new batches. He assured that all students who were declared eligible for higher studies in the SSLC exam will be given admission. Demands for the creation of new Plus One batches, especially in Malappuram district, were politically motivated, he said. To address shortage of seats, the government has effected 30% marginal increase of seats in govenrment schools in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Also, another 20% seat increase was made in all schools in these districts, with the provision of an additional 10% seat increase for aided schools that require it. In Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Ambalappuzha and Cherthala taluks in Alappuzha, the government has effected 20% marginal increase of seats in government and aided schools. A total of 61,759 seats have been created through marginal increase, the Minister said. The government had created 81 new Plus-I batches (77 new and four shifted from southern districts) in 2022-23 and 97 batches in 2023-24. All these batches will continue this year as well taking the overall seats in these batches to 11,965. The Minister said there were 4.33 lakh seats in higher secondary and 33,030 seats in vocational higher secondary sector. Taking into account 61,429 seats in ITIs and 9,990 seats in Polytechnics, the total number of Plus Two seats would add up to 4.25 lakh. Malappuram district has 79,730 students who passed the SSLC examination and the district has 70,976 higher secondary seats. If the 9,214 seats in VHSE, ITIs and Polytechnics are taken into account, the total number of seats available for higher studies is 80,190, the Minister said. Education Conclave An education conclave will be held on May 28 to discuss various proposals including implementation of minimum pass requirement of 30% marks for the written component of the SSLC exam. It will be attended by representatives of teachers associations and education experts. This was decided at a meeting between General Education Minister V Sivankutty and teachers association representatives here on Monday.

KSEB lineman dies of electric shock in Kerala's Kollam district

KOLLAM: A 47-year-old lineman from the Puthoor KSEB section tragically lost his life while performing repairs on damaged electrical lines near Alusherry Devi Temple in Pavithreswaram. The deceased, identified as Pradeep Kumar, hails from Sasthamcotta village. According to a KSEB official, Pradeep, accompanied by his colleague Shafiq, arrived at Pavithreswaram around 10 a.m. to repair the damaged wires on the electric post. At approximately 11:30 a.m., while Pradeep was replacing the faulty wire, he suffered a fatal electric shock. Prompt assistance from a nearby resident led to Pradeep being rushed to MGM Hospital in Puthoor, where a health official pronounced him dead. Later, his body was transferred to the government medical college in Paripally for a postmortem examination. The officials of Alusherry Devi Temple filed a formal complaint this morning regarding a damaged electrical wire. As the temple festival was underway, Pradeep and his colleague were promptly dispatched to address the issue. Tragically, during the repair process, Pradeep sustained an electric shock. Residents nearby administered CPR to Pradeep before he was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. We will now submit a comprehensive report to higher authorities regarding this unfortunate incident, said Anoop K, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Puthoor KSEB section. Pradeep has been serving in the KSEB for the past fifteen years. He is survived by his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements will be held in the coming days at his native.

Kerala nurse ensures dignified end for man 5 months after death

KOLLAM: Surabhi Mohan, 53, had not known Salim, 54, for long. The Kollam District Hospital, where Surabhi is a senior staff nurse, and where Salim was admitted last December, was the sole link between them. Yet, when Salim passed away in January and his body remained unclaimed for five months, Surabhi came forward and gave him a dignified farewell. Her reason for doing it: Duty. Salim was admitted to the hospital on December 12, 2023, with respiratory issues. After three weeks in the ICU, he passed away in January. The body was shifted to the mortuary, where it lay for months with none coming forward to claim the mortal remains. On April 28, following a health department directive, arrangements were made to shift his body to the Kollam Medicity Hospital where it would be used for anatomical study. Thats when Surabhi stepped forward. On April 28, on receiving orders to shift Salims body, I felt a sense of duty towards him. Having cared for him in his final days, I couldnt bear the thought of him departing to anonymity, Surabhi told TNIE . It was my duty as nurse & fellow human being So, she offered her address to Salim before his transfer, ensuring he doesnt depart without a semblance of connection or dignity. Following discussions with colleagues and obtaining permission from the police surgeons office, we arranged for Salims last rites on May 2. We affixed a note on the stretcher that said Salim, C/O Surabhi Mohan, senior nursing officer at the district hospital. It was simply my duty as a nurse and fellow human being, said Surabhi, who was deployed to the mortuary ward in April. Her father, who had suffered from shock, had initially been admitted to the same ICU ward as Salim in December. His bed was next to Salims. I would visit the ICU to meet my father. Later, I started sharing my food with Salim, and that is how I got attached to him. Though he was shifted to another ICU ward later, I continued visiting him, bringing sustenance. Sadly, he passed away three weeks later, said Surabhi, a resident of West Kallada, who has been working at the Kollam District Hospital since 2000. Her father is on the road to recovery. Usual practice In cases where individuals pass away and their bodies remain unclaimed in hospitals for long, protocols dictate that the hospital authorities promptly report the matter to the medical superintendent. Then, blood samples taken from the body are preserved for potential DNA identification in the event of claims in future. Then, the deceased person is either buried in the presence of the police and municipal representatives or the body is handed over to the hospital for studies.

kidney patients in Kerala among worst hit by heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The blistering heat has affected different people in different ways. For dialysis patients, most of whom have been medically advised not to drink more than half a litre of water daily, it has been particularly bad. S Lallu, a senior associate editor with News 18 television channel, recently shared his plight on Facebook. In his post, the 42-year-old, who has stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), said he undergoes dialysis thrice a week, with each session lasting nearly four hours. He was diagnosed with renal disease two years ago. A passionate journalist, Lallu hates idling around. So, he starts two of his weekly dialysis sessions at 6 am and the third on Saturday night after office hours, so that he can rest the next day. Despite being a foodie, the disease has forced him to cut down on his food intake and above all, fluids. Lallus nephrologist has advised him against taking foods that contain coconut and fruit. I am on a strict diet, without which the level of electrolytes in my body -- sodium and potassium -- would go up. I used to drink lots of fluids.But this summer, I can hardly take 500-800ml of water. This also includes tea and other beverages, as well as water content in the food. I ensure that I do not exert myself. I do not pass urine more than twice a day, Lallu told TNIE . Hailing from Paravoor, Kollam, Lallu has completed nearly 80% of the medical tests to register for a cadaver kidney under the state governments Mrithasanjeevani organ donation programme. He requires Rs 50,000 a month for dialysis, medicines and injections. There are several thousand renal patients who are in the same boat as Lallu. A 28-year-old woman, who is not keen to reveal her identity, has had a harrowing time this summer. The Kochi native who works for a private firm in Thiruvananthapuram said she finds it difficult to quench her thirst. Its been six months since I was diagnosed with renal failure and I currently undergo dialysis thrice a week. Im yet to come to terms with the fact that I cant drink over 600ml of water a day. In fact, I watch food channel videos on social media to overcome my craving for fluids, she says, describing her hapless situation. A senior Congress leaders son who had undergone kidney transplantation two years ago is currently leading a normal life. Since it was his mother who donated one of her kidneys, the youth was allowed to drink water after two days of the surgery. According to doctors, when a cadaver kidney is transplanted, the patient will have to wait for a while before normal fluid intake. Until a patients urea and creatinine levels normalise, they are administered fluids intravenously. Dr Jayant Thomas Mathew, senior consultant nephrologist at Lisie Hospital, Kochi, admits that this summer has been particularly bad for dialysis patients. When easing water intake curbs for dialysis patients during the summer, we take into account urine output and fluid status. I ask some of my patients to chew gum, which helps them develop saliva. I also urge them to carry ice cubes to lower their thirst. I have been relentlessly asking patients to avoid strenuous exercise, Dr Jayant pointed out. However, some patients who suffer from oedema and those who have more urine output have been lucky to an extent as Dr Jayant advises them to have 1,500ml of water a day. With over 17 years of experience in the health sector, Anoop S Nair, a PRO with NIMS Hospital Neyyattinkara, knows most of the doctors in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2020, a year before the Covid outbreak, his wife, Gayatri, developed a urinary infection. The couple were shocked when doctors asked her to undergo kidney transplantation. As the 33-year-old was advised emergency surgery, her mother, Sunitha decided to donate one of her kidneys. The transplantation went well and she recovered fast. Later, after she contracted Covid-19, Gayatri was advised by a doctor to take an immunoglobulin injection, which cost Rs 50,000, recounts Anoop. We wanted to enhance her immunity. Moreover, we did it on the advice of her doctor. Recently, her donor kidney stopped functioning, which dealt a huge blow to us. Now, Gayatri is again undergoing dialysis. She is having a tough time. Honestly, I dont know how she is managing. Gayatri drinks tea twice a day and sometimes takes ice cubes. She holds ice water in her mouth for a while and drinks it slowly, said Anoop. Gayatris treatment was moved to Kochi after doctors in the state capital gave her a wrong diagnosis when her donor kidney got rejected. She was scheduled to undergo immunotherapy cancer treatment when a doctor, who Anoop knows personally, said its the wrong diagnosis. Anoop recalls that if she had undergone cancer treatment, Gayatri would have collapsed. A mural artist, the renal disease has pushed her passion to the sidelines. She now undergoes dialysis thrice a week at a private hospital near Pattom. For renal treatment, we regularly travel to Kochi, adds Anoop. DONOR DATA No. of kidney donors from Kerala between August 2012 to January 2023, as per Kerala Network for Organ Sharing -- the Mrithasanjeevani Programme (deceased donor transplant data). 2,279 Kidney patients awaiting transplantation surgery, as of May 12, 2024

Kollam administration to expedite pre-monsoon works

District administration will be taking steps to avoid waterlogging in connection with the construction of national highway and prevent water supply disruption. Directives have been given to remove construction debris from roads to save pedestrians from accidents and take immediate action if drinking water supply is interrupted

Kathakali artist in Kerala takes crash-course route to popularise the art form

THRISSUR: With its origins around the 16th century, kathakali is a classical performance art that combines dance, drama and music, and is rightly considered a national treasure. But societys unfettered march towards modernity has left practitioners worried about the art form losing its popularity and old-world charm. Realising the predicament, Kalamandalam Rajeev decided to do something about it. He developed a kathakali-appreciation course that has been piquing peoples interest in the art form and its nuances. Despite its traditional underpinnings, kathakali can be considered part of the states pop culture, featuring in movies, endorsement campaigns and tourism promotion efforts. Yet performers accept the fact that its audience is shrinking. Rajeevs online course is an attempt to reverse the trend, by popularising the art form by sharing its stage magic. It began during the Covid days when everybody was locked up in their houses with nothing to do. While it was started as a lockdown activity, the response I received became the fuel to take it forward, shares Rajeev. In the last four years, more than 500 people have taken the six-month course, with some even inspired to pursue learning the art form. The classes have been meticulously designed, integrating both demonstration and theory. We begin by introducing the 24 mudras (gestures). It is difficult to master the mudras in such a short time. Hence through examples, with which everyone can connect, I demonstrate them to participants, says Rajeev. The course also covers navarasam (nine emotions), ilakiyattangal, chamayam, stage, and accoutrements -- all essential components of the art form. Over the six months, participants become familiar with each other, to the extent that they form groups to watch performances according to their convenience. Each course ends with a gathering to review the sessions and reinforce the feeling of being part of a family, he adds. Inspired by the course, a nurse from Kottayam, presently working in the United States, learned kathakali online and completed arangettam. The beauty and grace of the art form inspired another person from Singapore to also take up the dance form. It makes me happy when more and more people show interest in learning about kathakali as an art form and make the effort to appreciate it, says Rajeev. Hailing from Kollam, Rajeev specialises in pacha vesham. Amid the performance schedules, he plans the classes and presents the concepts in a way that anyone can understand them. He charges a nominal fee of Rs 600 per month. Kathakali is an unforgettable experience. Many people who were not familiar with stage performances are now searching for the next recital near them, thanks to the classes of Kalamandalam Rajeev, shared one of the participants of the appreciation course on social media.

Kollam Corporation gears up for pre-monsoon drives

Inorganic waste will be collected from all houses and establishments, public places will be sanitised and debris removed from waterbodies

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heat Wave in Kerala's Alappuzha District on May 9

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heat Wave in Kerala's Alappuzha District on May 9 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for Alappuzha district of the state for the day due to the likelihood of heatwave conditions there. The IMD said maximum temperatures were likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius in Thrissur and Palakkad, 38 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, 37 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur and 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts of the state till May 10. These temperatures were three to five degrees Celsius more than what was normal for this time of the year, it said. ''Heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail at one or two places in Alappuzha district on May 9 (YELLOW WARNING),'' it added. The IMD also said that hot and humid weather was very likely over these districts except in the hilly areas during this period.

Taking a toll! Lack of regulation & awareness driving online addiction in Kerala

KOCH: Akash was a hardworking youth who earned around Rs 1,200 a day working for a private company in Kozhikode. Yet, the 24-year-old developed an addiction for online rummy, which led him to take his own life. On August 17, 2023, Akash was found hanging from a water pipeline in Manjappalam, Kozhikode. His uncle Shyju K says that Akash was not the same person after he started playing online rummy two years ago. Akash was very bright and energetic. He worked as a driver transporting glass from Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram. He initially made some money from online gambling. But, within a year, he accumulated debt of over Rs 1.5 lakh. An accident interrupted his addiction for a while. Meanwhile, his father took a loan to clear his debts. After making a recovery, he was back to being hooked to online gaming. To keep funding his activity, he started taking small amounts as loans from relatives and friends, Shyju said. On the day Akashs body was found, around Rs 45,000 was debited from his bank account by a Mumbai-based firm, which the family claims runs an online gaming platform. No probe was conducted into the company. Paying the price Last year, over four suicides linked to online gaming were reported across Kerala. In August 2022, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the state assembly that between January 2019 and July 2022, nearly 25 children ended their lives over online addiction. In February 2021, the state government amended the Kerala Gaming Act to ban online games, including rummy. But the Kerala High Court in September that year quashed the amendment terming rummy a game of skill, in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court. Later, the government proposed legislation to put a stop to online games that siphon off money. But alas, that has not been followed up. Jiyas Jamal, an expert in cyber law and founder of the Cyber Suraksha Foundation, said a major lobby runs online gaming that targets even young children. Online games can be classified into two broad categories - those that are free and those that involve money. The games played with money can be further classified into skill-based and chance-based games. Chance-based games are barred. Despite the ban, they operate under different names. Even though the state government attempted to ban even skill-based online games, the High Court stayed the amendment brought in this regard, Jiyas said. Non-compliance with rules However, according to him, the majority of skill-based online gaming companies that are operated from China are not registered in India. They do not comply with the countrys Information Technology (IT) Rules. Despite the numerous suicides reported in Kerala linked to online gaming, no companies running them have been booked for abetment. As per the IT Rules, online platforms operating in India should have an office in the country. They should also have nodal officers to attend to the grievances of users. However, most of the firms running online gaming in the country operate through agents, who deal with financial transactions. A person who loses money has no forum to lodge a complaint. In fact, these firms indulge in money laundering by re-routing unaccounted money from India to foreign countries. The saddest part is that no online gaming companies have been arraigned as accused in suicide cases reported here, he said. Jiyas alleged that there are fakes games that are propagated through advertisements on social media platforms and through influencers. There should be action against people who endorse such games. Recently, I came across an advertisement for a bogus game on a social media platform. Although I reported it, the advertisement has not been removed. Online influencers are also major promoters of such games. The companies offer influencers money to endorse the games in their videos. The influencers are shown demo accounts that show users earning large amounts from playing their games. With governments refusing to take action, we have started flagging influencers who promote fake apps and games, he said. DDA programme After the state governments move to counter online gaming addiction was struck down by the HC, Kerala Police came up with its Digital De-Addiction (DDA) programme for children under 18. The initiative has proved to be effective. The programme was started in six districts Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur on an experimental basis in January last year before being operationalised in November. Each DDA unit has a psychologist attending to cases related to online gaming and mobile phone addiction. Sooraj Kumar M B, nodal officer of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Project in Ernakulam who also co-ordinates the DDA operation in the district, said that the majority of students referred for the programme were involved in mobile gaming. DDA also provides training to children on remedial measures in case they become the target of cyber fraud. Since last November, we have attended to over 100 cases in Ernakulam. Most of the students are referred to by teachers due to online addiction. A good number were involved in online gaming. We provide them a self-assessment chart to diagnose whether they are addicted to mobile phones. After this, our psychologist gives them counselling. Our DDA has a 85% rehabilitation success rate, he claimed. Post-Covid phenomenon According to Sooraj, digital addiction is largely a post-Covid phenomenon. For almost two years during the pandemic, children relied on mobile phones for all their activities and now taking the devices away from them is a daunting task. Its not just children, even many youth and adults cannot live without their mobile phones now. Addicted students turn aggressive when they are denied access to mobile phones. Such a response can lead to issues in the family, he added. Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, says a deep craving for online gambling is a behavioural addiction. Online gaming and over-access to the digital world has affected the sleep cycles of children and adults alike. Such games generate a dopamine surge to the brain that gives those playing them a thrill. The person thinks that he has attained enough skill to beat all obstacles and continues to gamble money even after incurring heavy losses, he said. Psychiatric help Such addiction can be tackled with psychiatric intervention, says Arun. Fixation for video games existed even before Covid. The situation, however, aggravated with the pandemic when children started getting access to mobile phones and other digital devices. Use of devices should be regulated based on the age of kids. Similarly, children should not be allowed to access mobile phones after 10pm to ensure they get a good nights sleep, he added. Recent Victims Feb 7, 2023: Girish, 35, of Kollengode, Palakkad, committed suicide by hanging himself in his house after he lost over 20 lakh playing online games Aug 17: Akash, 24, of Paloli, Kozhikode, killed himself after suffering losses playing online rummy Sept 13: A resident of Vellarikundu, Kasaragod, P K Rosh, 23, died by hanging himself at his workplace in Idukki after losing over Rs 80,000 playing an online game Oct 17: Dileesh, 40, a barber from Rayamangalam, Ernakulam ended his life by consuming poison after suffering financial losses playing online rummy Points to Ponder 25 children killed themselves between Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 in state The Kerala government banned online games in Feb 2021, but Kerala scrapped decision in Sept 2021 Kerala Police runs a Digital De-Addiction (DDA) programme for children in six districts Most of the firms running online games are linked to China and operate in India without any office or nodal officer, as stated in IT Rules Social media influencers endorse games and lure youngsters promising high returns Gambling games generate a dopamine surge to the brain that gives those playing them a thrill

Rain likely across Kerala till May 12, says IMD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a slight relief from the sweltering heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall in the state till May 12. It will be scattered to fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over the state during the period. They have also predicted isolated heavy rainfall on May 8 and 11. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in Palakkad can go up to 39 degrees Celsius in the coming days while the temperature in Alappuzha, Thrissur, and Kozhikode can go up to 38 degrees Celsius. Despite the overnight rains, the average day temperature increased slightly across the state. Kasaragod received up to 9 cm rainfall on Tuesday. It was appreciably above normal in Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Palakkad, above normal in Malappuram, Kottayam, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur and it remained normal elsewhere over the state. Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius. There was a warm night alert for Alappuzha and Kozhikode on Tuesday. Satheesan seeks compensation for heat wave victims Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has sent a letter to the chief minister urging him to provide compensation to family members of those who lost their lives to the heat wave. He also demanded that a special package be announced for farmers. In the letter, Satheesan said the heat wave condition should be treated as a natural disaster so that family members get compensation. He said the severe conditions have left the farming sector in doldrums. It is for the first time in the history that Kerala too has been included in the heat wave category by the met department. Over the past several weeks, several people have died in the state due to heat wave conditions, said Satheesan.

Kollam man kills wife and daughter, tries to end life of son, own life

KOLLAM: In a shocking incident that unfolded atParavur in Kollam on Tuesday, a man identified asSreeju, 46, from Poothakkulam, allegedly took the lives of hiswife and daughterby slitting their throats. The deceased are Preetha, 39, and Sreenanda, 12, whose bodies were discovered in their residence. According to Paravur police, Sreeju also attempted the life of his elder son, Sreerag, 17, before trying to end his own life by slitting his wrist. The man and son have been admitted to the hospital and are in critical condition, according to the police. For eight years, Sreeju has been residing with his family at Poothakkulam. On Tuesday, at 7:30am, residents found his wife Preetha, and daughter Sreenanda dead in their bedroom. Sreeju and his son Sreerag were found injured in their home. Subsequently, the residents informed the police. With the help of local residents, the police shifted all family members to Government Medical College Parippally, where Preetha and Sreenanda were declared dead. Sreeju was later transferred to Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and his son Sreerag was shifted to Holy Cross Hospital in Kottiyam. Both are currently receiving treatment in the ICU. Paravur police have registered the case and initiated the investigation. The bodies have been transferred to Government Medical College, Paripally, for postmortem examination.

An ambulance drivers 2,800-km-long journey to fulfil a mothers final wish

KOLLAM: In an exceptional feat of determination and compassion, a 28-year-old ambulance driver from Karunagappally in Kollam achieved what many thought was a nearly impossible task. Arun Kumar, committed to his role as an ambulance driver, embarked on the daunting journey of transporting a 60-year-old woman patient from Karunagappally to her hometown, Raiganj city in West Bengal. Overcoming immense distances and challenges, Arun covered a staggering 2870 km in just two-and-a-half days, ensuring the safe transportation of the patient to Raiganj. Aruns journey commenced from the patients home in Mynagappally village on April 22 at 7 am, accompanied by Bodhini Bhahan, who was bedridden due to a stroke. Her final wish was to return to her native place, Raiganj, accompanied by her son, Sowthish. Arun navigated through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, finally reaching Bengal on April 24. At 4.30 pm on April 24, he arrived in Raiganj. Speaking to TNIE, Arun mentioned that except for refuelling, the ambulance did not stop anywhere until it reached the destination. I had travelled to West Bengal earlier. So the route was familiar to me. My responsibility was to ensure the safe transportation of the patient to her destination. Thanks to my well-equipped ambulance, we could cover over 2,800 km smoothly. The roads were in good condition, and we only stopped for refuelling. During these brief stops, the patient would have her meals, and I would check the condition of the vehicle. My training and commitment kept me focused on completing the task, Arun said. During the journey, Arun relied solely on bread and biscuits for his meals. Moreover, upon arriving at the Raiganj town junction on April 24, Arun received a warm reception from the residents and local ambulance drivers. I could not afford to take long breaks for meals as the patient needed continuous care. The brief refuelling halts lasted only 10 to 15 minutes, hence the reliance on quick snacks. The reception in Raiganj was heartening, with the local community even arranging accommodation for me. Following a days rest in Raiganj, I returned to Kerala on April 26, having completed a journey spanning around 5,800 km, Arun added. Arun has been employed as an ambulance driver for Emirates, an ambulance service agency based in Karunagappally, for the past one-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, Sowthish expressed gratitude towards Arun for his kindness. Having worked as a migrant labourer in Karunagappally for over a decade, Sowthish acknowledged that transporting his mother by flight was financially not feasible.

Kerala braces for the worst drought in 40 years

KOCHI: Standing in the midst of wilted cardamom plants, M L Roy, a farmer at Kalthotty in Idukki district is unable to hold his emotions. This is the worst summer in my memory. Around 90% of my cardamom plants have wilted and I will have to replant the entire farm. It will take three years for the cardamom to give yield. I tried my best to protect the plants by bringing water in pickup trucks to irrigate the crop, But all my efforts failed. The drought has turned me into a construction worker, he said. A prolonged dry spell, parched farmlands, dried-up rivers and wilted crops. Kerala is grappling with the worst drought conditions in 40 years. The water level in reservoirs has depleted to worrying levels and villages in north Kerala have been hit by worsening water scarcity. There was no rain in the districts north of Thrissur for the past four months. The Kerala Water Authority has been forced to stop pumping in many areas in Palakkad and Malappuram districts due to the drying up of water sources. The depletion of groundwater resources has added to the woes of farmers as both open wells and borewells have dried up. Farmers in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode are staring at a bleak future as the crops started wilting due to the non-availability of water for irrigation. Crops in thousands of acres of farmland including plantain, paddy, cardamom, pepper, vegetables, coffee and cocoa have wilted under the scorching summer heat. Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check A meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 3 assessed the drought situation and decided to initiate steps to ensure the distribution of drinking water in drought-hit areas. Agriculture Minister P Prasad has issued an order to form expert committees at the block level to assess the situation. The panel members have been directed to visit drought-hit areas and submit a report by May 9. The government is planning to approach the Centre with the data demanding to declare the state as drought-hit. Keralas first official heatwave scorches Palakkad We have allocated Rs 12 lakh to each panchayat during the past two months to ensure distribution of drinking water in drought-hit areas . If the fund is inadequate they can approach the district collector for more funds. The situation in Palakkad is worse as water sources have dried up in many areas. Though we considered releasing water from the Malampuzha dam, the storage is low and the water may not reach Ottappalam. We are relying on summer rains to tide over the crisis, said Local Self Government Department Minister M B Rajesh. The paddy farmers have not been able to launch cultivation of the second crop as there is no water available for irrigation. The storage in Malampuzha dam is low. So the collector said they cant release water for irrigation. Plantains, rubber, coconut, arecanut and vegetable plants have died up as the open wells and borewells have dried up. The dairy farmers are desperate as the milk output has decreased drastically and cows are dying due to heat stress. We are planning to hold a protest in front of district collectors office on May 8 demanding to delcare the district as drought-hit, said National Farmer Protection Council leader Pandiode Prabhakaran. According to Cardamom Growers Association president Antony Mathew, cardamom production will decrease by 60% in the coming months as around 75% of the plants have wilted due to the scorching summer. The temperature has risen to 33 degrees Celsius in Idukki which is the highest in history. The situation is worse than in 1983 when the district faced a drought situation. The ideal climate for cardamom is 22 - 25 degrees Celsius, but the temperature has risen by more than 10 degrees Celsius which has led to wilting of the plants. Even if it rains now, it will not help the farmers as we have to replant the farmlands, he said. The farmers are in debt and despair as most of them have availed of agriculture loans. Small-scale farmers are forced to work as daily wage labourers to sustain their lives. Idukki has been hit by a farm disaster as the wilting of cardamom will have a long-standing impact on farmers. The lackadaisical approach of the KSEB has aggravated the crisis. Most of the farmers have installed motor pumps for irrigation, but low- voltage problem has made it impossible to operate them. Exploiting the situation some agents of step-up devices are luring farmers to buy their products, said Reji Njallani, a cardamom farmer in Idukki. Pineapple farmers in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts have been badly hit by the drought. The production has decreased by 50% and the size of the fruit has reduced due to adverse climate. We have suffered around 40% loss due to the drought. Plants are wilting and the fruits are small which reduces its quality, said Pineapple Farmers Association president James George. The scarcity of drinking water has affected Ottapalam, Chittoor and Shoranur areas in Palakkad district as pumping from Bharathapuzha has been affected. According to Kerala Water Authority, the situation will aggravate if summer rains are delayed beyond May 15. The KWA is relying on release of water from Aliyar Dam as the storage in the Malampuzha dam is low. In Malappuram also pumping stations had to be shut down due to depleting water resources. The KWA is facing difficulty in pumping operation due to low-voltage problems. North Kerala is facing a drought situation as there has been no rain since February. The water levels in Chaliyar and Bharathapuzha are low which has affected drinking water projects. The storage in reservoirs is also low which has affected agricultural activities. The depletion of groundwater level has led to water scarcity in interior areas, said Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWDRM) senior scientist C P Priju. KSEB dams 3,542.13 MCM - Max storage total 1,111.69 MCM(32%) - Effective storage 4,140.25 MU - Max capacity Water to generate 1,316.77 MU power Kerala rains 2023-24 3,000 mm - Annual rainfall (Longtime average) 2,025.6 mm - Rainfall in 2023-24 Irrigation dams 1,528.33 MCM - Max capacity 457.48 MCM - Storage on May 7 Water woes The Kerala Water Authority has been forced to stop pumping in many areas in Palakkad and Malappuram districts due to drying up of water sources. Crops in thousands of acres of farmland including plantain, paddy, cardamom, pepper, vegetables, coffee and cocoa have wilted under the scorching summer heat. Increasing groundwater stress a concern Though Kerala has been boasting about its abundant water resources, the harsh summer has pushed the state into a water crisis. Central Ground Water Board regional director Mini Chandran said the state has been facing water stress during summer. Erratic monsoon, rapid urbanisation, deforestation, changes in land use patterns, pollution of water bodies and climate change have contributed to water stress. We have collected water level from across the state in April, which is under analysis. The data reflects variations in water levels, she said. A wilted cardamom plantation at Nedumkandam in Idukki | Shiyami Groundwater data 2023 5,527.28 MCM - Annual ground water recharge 5,005.27 MCM - Annual extractable groundwater resource 2,730.47MCM - Gross ground water extraction 54.55 % - Average extraction No. of assessment units Critical assessment units: Chittoor, Malampuzha and Kasaragod (Extraction level 90% to 100%) Semi critical: 30 units Stage of extraction: 70-90% Safe category: 119 units Stage of extraction less than 70% Depth to water level in Kerala Lowest: Ernakulam (0.16 metre below ground level) Deepest: Thiruvananthapuram: 51.7 m below ground level. The average depth of groundwater: 10 metres below ground level (85%) No overexploited and saline assessment units in Kerala Three blocks have deteriorated to semi-critical in 2023 Kozhikode, Sasthamcotta and Varkala

Man kills wife, daughter, attempts suicide in Kollam

Kerala man kills wife, daughter before attempting to end son's and own life

Kerala man kills wife, daughter before attempting to end son's and own life A man allegedly murdered his wife and daughter by giving them some poisonous substance first and then slitting their throats before attempting to kill himself in Paravur, in Kerala's southern district of Kollam, on Tuesday. The accused, Sreeju, a 46-year-old man from Poothakkulam, also tried to kill his elder son Sreerag (17) by cutting his throat and later attempted to kill himself by piercing his vein on his hand, Paravur police said. Both the father and son were found this morning in critical condition at their house and rushed to a nearby hospital, they said. The incident is suspected to have taken place on Monday night, and the motionless bodies of Preetha (39) and Sreenandha (12) were found in the house by relatives living nearby, a senior police officer said. Having received no response from anyone when called, relatives broke open the door to the house. When they entered the house, they found the bleeding bodies of the family of four. ''The wife, daughter, and son suffered cuts to their throats. We suspect that the wife and daughter were also given some poisonous substance, but we can confirm it only after the pathology report comes out,'' the officer told PTI. A surgery was performed on Sreerag at a private hospital here, the officer said, but didn't disclose details about his health condition. Though Sreeju, the accused, was rushed to the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, his condition is yet to stabilise, he said. Quoting their relatives, police said financial difficulties are suspected to be behind the killings and attempted suicide. Sreeju is a mason by profession, and Preetha was working at a local cooperative bank in the district. A detailed investigation is underway, police added.

Two Kollam schools secure 100% results in ICSE exams

Kerala Man Murders Wife, Daughter, Then Tries To Kill Son, Attempts Suicide

A man allegedly murdered his wife and daughter by giving them some poisonous substance first and then slitting their throats before attempting to kill himself in Paravur, in Kerala's southern district of Kollam, on Tuesday.

Kerala man kills wife, daughter before attempting to end own life

Kerala man kills wife, daughter before attempting to end own life A man allegedly killed his wife and daughter by slitting their throats before attempting to kill himself in Paravur, in Kerala's southern district of Kollam on Tuesday. The accused, Sreeju, a 46-year-old man from Poothakkulam, is suspected to have given them poison before cutting their throats, police said. His wife Preetha (39) and Sreenandha (12) were found dead in their house this morning. Though Sreeju also tried to kill his elder son Sreerag (17) and later himself, both of them were found in critical condition, Paravur police added. A police officer said financial difficulties were suspected to be behind the killings and attempted suicide. Sreeju is a mason by profession. ''Both the man and his son are under treatment. The son has been admitted to a nearby hospital, and the man was taken to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College,'' he said. Further details can be divulged only after a detailed investigation, the police added.

Heat is on in Kerala! Scorching conditions test resolve of Punalur residents

KOLLAM: Having lived in Punalur for more than two decades, Anu Thankachan was not new to warm weather. This year, though, the 44-year-old has been forced to take shelter at a relatives home in Kollam. Sree Lakshmi, a fellow resident, has relocated to Kochi with her parents. Meet Keralas climate migrants. If distress migration brought on by climate change was an alien concept, the state is now learning the hard way. For residents of Punalur, one of the hottest spots in the state, enduring summers used to be a way of life. Yet, this years relentless heat, which arrived as early as in March, has exceeded all expectations. The severity of the situation has left many contemplating distress migration. With temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius, life in the town has become extremely challenging. I have not experienced such intense conditions, says Anu. As I run a business in Punalur, moving to a relatives house in Kollam was a tough call. However, the intense weather eased my decision. The prevailing climate has significantly impacted my health and professional life. If this continues, I fear that well have to contemplate permanent relocation, she tells TNIE . According to residents, the intense heat in Punalur becomes unbearable by 6.30am. Few residents dare to venture out around noon, with routine activities resuming only after 4pm. In many parts of town, acute drinking water shortage has compelled residents to rely solely on water tankers provided by the municipality. Power outages during the day have only exacerbated the situation. Residents acknowledge that Punalur has historically been known as one of the warmest places in the state and many are braced to cope with the situation. Sree Lakshmi and her parents relocated to Kochi, where she works. The combination of acute water shortage and intense heat in Punalur is perilous. The warm conditions are not new to us. I have been enduring intense temperatures since childhood. But this year, it has been unbearable. I work in Kochi, and as the heat intensified, my parents have joined me here. Its been over a month since we left Punalur. In Kochi, we have access to water and electricity, and the climate is comparatively milder, she says. As the heat became unbearable, we sought refuge at a relatives house, says Sanoj Nadiyal, another Punalur resident. However, frequent relocation isnt feasible due to our financial constraints. The reality is that as temperatures rise, people will eventually migrate. My family has often contemplated shifting to cooler climes? For now, my family and I are enduring the hardship, he adds Meanwhile, the municipality has instructed residents, except for emergency workers, not to venture out between 7am and 3pm. Strict action will be taken against those found to be in violation, a directive said. Perilous combination of heat, water scarcity The residents say it is the perilous combination of acute water shortage and intense heat in Punalur that is forcing them to consider relocation. This year, the heat conditions were unbearable and many residents have temporarily moved to relatives houses

Kerala: Dredging delayed, boat services to Mattanchery remain suspended

KOCHI: As the authorities strive to enhance water transportation to decongest city roads, the irrigation departments neglect of dredging work near the Mattanchery boat jetty has come under scrutiny. The renovation of the jetty complex was completed nearly a year ago, yet the dredging remains unfinished. According to the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), boat services to and from Mattanchery were halted following the 2018 flood. SWTD officials cite shallow water and silt accumulation near the jetty as reasons for suspending services on the route. Subsequently, the irrigation department was tasked with renovating the dilapidated boat jetty and carrying out dredging. Currently, the SWTD boats operate services from the Ernakulam boat jetty to Fort Kochi with a stop at the Embarkation jetty in Willingdon Island. Its been more than four years since the boat service from Mattanchery to Ernakulam and Fort Kochi was stopped. Thereafter, people have had to commute by road, taking an hour instead of 10 minutes by boat, to reach their workplaces, said 63-year-old Abbas, a regular commuter. He alleged that officials have been fooling people with false promises of an early resumption of services. That dredging remains pending even a year after the boat jetty renovation reflects the lackadaisical attitude of irrigation department officials, Abbas said. Meanwhile, a source with the irrigation department said: No action was taken against the Kollam-based contractor (who won the tender for dredging) despite giving reports against him for his failure to complete the deepening work. The work has remained incomplete for more than two years when the tender stipulates that deepening had to be completed within a year of awarding the project, the source said. Had dredging been completed on schedule, the boat service from Mattanchery would have started last September, the source said. It is learnt the contractor initially delayed the work stating there was no place to dump the silt. Addressing this issue, he was permitted to dump the silt in the sea. Despite multiple complaints against him, the contractor was able to extend the tender period with the support of the irrigation department officials and politicians, the official alleged. Meanwhile, Kochi MLA K J Maxy maintained that dredging is expected to be completed within a month and that the boat services will resume by June. The Mattanchery boat jetty was renovated at a cost of Rs 77 lakh and the dredging contract awarded for Rs 5 crore. The contractor carried out dredging for only Rs 1.5 crore, and the remaining is pending, said the source. The official said the contractor had given in writing to the district collector, in the presence of the MLA, that the work would be completed by the first week of January 2024. A little distance away, work on Kochi Water Metros terminal is progressing. The Water Metro service on the route will begin once the terminal work is completed by September this year, said a KWML official.

Travel tips: Kollam of Kerala is a city situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, if you come here then definitely visit these places.

Whenever there is talk of natural beauty and beautiful environment, Kerala is mentioned and that is why it is also seen as a great tourist destination. There are many places in Kerala that attract people's attention. One of these places is Kollam of Kerala which is the district headquarters of the state and a famous city. Kollam was once so famous as a trade center that Roman, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders all wanted to try their hand at the spices and cashew crops of the region. Kollam is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, which is one of the main reasons for its beauty. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about the important places of Kollam which become the main attraction here. Asthmudi Lake It is the second-largest lake in Kerala and also the gateway to backwater tourism in Kerala. This lake is famous for its beautiful views of coconut trees and palm trees on its banks. Boating facilities and houseboat rides are also available here. Several resorts along the coast offer a variety of water sports. This is a good attraction for photography lovers. Palaruvi Falls The English name of Palruvi Falls means stream of milk. The shape of the White Water Falls, which has a height of 300 feet and flows very fast, makes June to January the best time to visit this place. It is the 32nd-highest waterfall in India and is famous for providing Ayurvedic benefits. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Kollam as the tranquility of the surrounding forests and mist-covered mountains contrasts dramatically with the thunder of autumn. Mayyanad Home to many popular temples for Hindus and Muslims, Mayyanad is located about 10 km from Kollam city, housing some nine important temples. This city is situated on the banks of Paravur Lake and also on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The major attraction of this place is Lord Subramaniam Temple, the area also has an old mosque and many old churches which you can visit. Rameshwar Temple One of the religious places in Kollam, Rameswaram Temple is an ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century. It is believed to be built in the Pandyan style of architecture. It has several Tamil inscriptions from the same time. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is included among the 108 Shivalayams. The attractive feature of this temple is the huge statue of Vaila, the mythological demon. The temple provides an atmosphere of calmness and energy. Kollam is known as a main religious destination in tourism. Kollam Beach It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Kollam and is located at Kochuppilamudu, at a distance of 2 km from Kollam city center. Kollam Beach is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach. Mahatma Gandhi Park, adjacent to the beach, is a favorite place for strolling and relaxing. The palm trees and white sand along the beach attract tourists. The surroundings of the beach are calm and serene, making it an ideal holiday destination. There are plenty of hotels and resorts in the region where you can stay during your trip. Sasthamkotta Lake The largest lake and the first in Kerala is called Sasthamkotta and a historic Sastha temple is believed to have given its name to the lake. The primary source of drinking water for the residents of Kollam is surrounded by hills on three sides. The water of the lake is a freshwater supply because the water contains the larvae of Choborus (insect), which are found in the lake. Is responsible for eliminating germs from water and making it safe to drink. 27 types of fish live in the lake. You can go swimming and boating in this lake. Jatayu Earth Center Jatayu Nature Park is a rock-themed park that was opened on November 25, 2017. The adventure park has a 6D theater an audio-visual digital room, a cable car, and an Ayurvedic cave resort. It is also home to many adventure activities including paintball, laser tag, archery, bouldering, rock climbing, air-rifle shooting, etc. There is a huge statue of Jatayu bird situated on the top of the hill, which is very unique. Shri Mahaganpati Temple Sri Mahaganapathi Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Kollam, popular among worshipers as a center of spirituality and devotion. The centuries-old architecture of this temple attracts tourists. People of all religions are allowed to visit this temple. The idol of Lord Ganapati symbolizes the presence of this temple. The temple also has idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees visiting the temple offer Unaniyappam Udayasthamanpooja, Maha Ganapathy Homam, and floral offerings to the Lord. Thenmala The foothills of the Western Ghats in Kollam district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism place. The name Thenmala is known as Honey Hill. Parapar Dam crosses the Kallada River and is located in Thenmala. Thenmala forest honey is famous for its medicinal benefits. The place offers attractions like winding pathways, sway bridges, a theatre, musical fountains, boats, and more. To the east is the 13-arched Pathimoonam Kannara Bridge over a hilly railway track. Thenmala also has a deer park as an attraction. Karunagapalli Karunagapalli town is located 23 km from Kollam district. It is a municipality of Kollam and includes resorts and beautiful beaches. Because of the beauty of this place, it is also called God's own country. The main attraction for tourists visiting the town is the houseboat facility at Alumkadavu which is very close to Karunagappally town. If we talk about the history of this city, it is a Buddhist site, which is why you will see a beautiful place called Krishnapura Palace, which houses the deity of Lord Buddha. Adventure Park Adventure Park is one of the most visited picnic spots in Kollam. The park is located 3 km from the city center and is situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. As an ideal place for walking and picnics, the park enjoys immense popularity among travelers visiting Kollam. One of the most favorite activities to do at this place is backwater cruising. The Tourism Promotion Council of Kollam District organizes houseboat tours along this backwater belt. Apart from houseboats, travelers can rent other types of boats like luxury boats, speed motor boats, and electric boats depending on their requirements. The adventure park is spread over an area of 48 acres and is located in the premises of the Government Guest House. The park complex includes a children's park, a boat club and a hotel under the administration of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Thevali Palace One of the best places to visit in Kollam is Thevali Palace. The palace is situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. The palace once served as the home of the Maharaja of Travancore, it was constructed between 1800 and 1819 during the rule of Gauri Parvati Bai. What is special about the palace is that it presents an interesting fusion of Dutch, English, and Portuguese styles of architecture. The structure fascinates every tourist, history lovers must visit this place once (PC: Lifeberrys)

22-year-old unwed woman gives birth in private hostel in Kochi

KOCHI: Days after a suspected victim of sexual assault murdered her newborn in Kochi, a 22-year-old was found to have given birth in the bathroom of a city hostel, according to police. The unwed woman from Kollam, who is employed with a private firm in Kochi, delivered a baby boy in the bathroom of the private hostel on Sunday morning. The matter came to light when hostel mates force opened the bathroom door which had remained locked for a long time. On being alerted by hostel authorities, Ernakulam North police reached the spot and shifted the mother and baby to a hospital. The woman and child were shifted to a nearby hospital and are both safe, an officer said. Her family has been informed, and a friend had reached the hospital, the officer said. Her hostel mates were unaware of the pregnancy. The child weighing 2.8kg is healthy, according to hospital authorities. The young woman had arrived in Kochi over three months ago after landing a job with the private firm. She informed the childs father, who along with his parents were called into the station. As the woman has not lodged a formal complaint, no case has been registered. On May 3, a 23-year-old who had concealed her pregnancy delivered a baby in the early hours of Friday in her apartment bathroom. She allegedly then proceeded to throw the newborn onto the street in front of her flat complex in Panampilly Nagar. The baby was found dead and the woman was arrested.

Implementation of Kerala Inland Vessels rules puts SWTD staff in a fix

KOTTAYAM: The transition from the Kerala Inland Vessel Rules 2010 to the Inland Vessel (Manning) Rules 2022, established under the Inland Vessel Act 2021 of the Union Government, has left nearly 1,000 employees in the operating division of the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) in a fix. As per a directive from the SWTD, in compliance with the IV Rules 2022, the validity of certificates of competency and certificates of service issued to operating employees such as first and second-class boat master, serangs, engineers, engine drivers, and lascars will expire on June 6, 2024. To renew these certificates, employees must attend revalidation classes and basic safety courses at their own expense, and submit course certificates before the specified date. According to employees, the cost of the training programme is reportedly substantial, leaving many employees unable to afford it. The need for revalidation and training has created uncertainty and financial strain for many employees, highlighting the need for support and solutions to address these issues. Employees have highlighted that the training fees range from Rs 5,900 to Rs 14,160, depending on the position. Additionally, the training will take place at the Kerala Maritime Institute at Neendakara in Kollam, lasting anywhere from four to 13 days. Employees will also be responsible for covering the costs of accommodation during the training period. T S Suresh Babu, the general secretary of the SWTD Employees Federation (SWTDEF), expressed concerns about the financial burden being placed on employees. When the Kerala Inland Vessel Rule replaced the Canals and Public Ferries Rules in 2010, employees did not incur any additional expenses. The new rule should be implemented without imposing financial hardships on the employees, he said. Babu also mentioned that some employees, like lascars, hold multiple licenses and are capable of operating boats in the absence of a serang. Renewing all these licenses under the new rules would result in significant expenses for these employees. The SWTD order mandates that station masters ensure employees licenses are renewed in compliance with the IV Rules 2022. Station masters are also instructed to facilitate employees participation in the training program without disrupting boat services statewide. The Federations office bearers recently met with Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar to address these concerns and submitted a petition outlining the challenges faced by employees. The minister reportedly assured the Federation of a positive response from the government. Financial burden Validity of competency and service certificates issued to employees will expire on June 6, 2024. To renew them, employees must attend revalidation classes and basic safety courses at their own expense, and submit course certificates before the specified date

Woman delivers child inside hostel bathroom in Keralas Kochi

KOCHI, May 5: Days after a suspected victim of sexual assault tossed her newborn infant on to a street in Kochi, killing the infant, another woman was found to have given birth in the bathroom of a city hostel, the police said on Sunday. The 22-year-old woman from Kollam, who works in a company here, []

Two youths drown in Keralas Kollam

Two youths drown in Keralas Kollam Thiruvananthapuram: In a tragic incident, two youths drowned to death in the Kallada river in Keralas Kollam district on Sunday, police said. The deceased were identified as Nithin, 21, of Kulanada and Sujin, 20, of Manchaloor. The incident occurred at the Manakkatu Kadavu near Manchaloor Matam in Pathanapuram of [] The post Two youths drown in Keralas Kollam appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Woman delivers child inside hostel bathroom in Kochi, taken to hospital

KOCHI: Days after a suspected victim of sexual assault tossed her newborn infant on to a street in Kochi, killing the infant, another woman was found to have given birth in the bathroom of a city hostel, the police said on Sunday. The 22-year-old woman from Kollam, who works in a company here, delivered the child inside the bathroom of a private hostel on Sunday morning, and the matter came to light after her hostel mates forcefully opened the door as she was locked inside for a long time, the police said. We were informed by the hostel authorities. We immediately shifted her and the child to a nearby hospital. They both are safe now, they added. Police said that her family has been informed and a close friend of hers also reached the hospital. The hostel mates were unaware of the pregnancy. In a similar incident that had shocked Kochi on May 3, a 23-year-old woman who had concealed her pregnancy, delivered a baby in the early hours of Friday in her apartment bathroom, and allegedly threw the newborn on the street in front of her flat complex located in a posh residential area. The baby was found dead by conservancy workers, and police arrested the woman who delivered the child.

Kerala Coast Hit by Sea Surge; Orange Alert Extended

Kerala Coast Hit by Sea Surge; Orange Alert Extended Amidst warning of a 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon in coastal areas of the state, several places in Kerala have been witnessing high tidal waves and intense sea incursion since Saturday night. ''Kallakkadal' is a phenomenon of sudden sea swells causing rough waves in coastal areas. A number of houses were damaged and roads were flooded as massive waves hit the shores in many coastal hamlets. Sea water gushed into houses forcing residents to shift to safer places in Anchuthengu and Poonthura areas of Thiruvananthapuram. At several places, local people had to pay extra vigil to protect their fishing equipment, kept on the shores, from the high tidal waves. Besides Anchuthengu, Poonthura and Muthalapozhi hamlets in Thiruvananthapuram, sea incursion was reported in Mundakkal and Alappadu areas in Kollam district, Purakkad in Alappuzha and Kodungallur and Perinjanam in Thrissur district and so on, local people said. Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) on Sunday continued to place the southern coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu under Orange Alert warning as part of the ''Kallakkadal'' phenomenon. In its latest alert, the agency warned that the southern coasts of Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu comprising Kanyakumari and Tuticorin regions are likely to experience rough seas and sea surge due to extremely strong waves of 0.5 metres to 1.5 metres till 11.30 pm tonight as part of the phenomenon. INCOIS, the Central agency that issues weather warnings for fishermen in the country, advised people to safely moor their fishing vessels in the harbour. It also warned fishermen not to venture into the sea in small boats and vessels after 8 pm on Sunday. Authorities advised people to continue their caution and avoid trips to the beach and completely stay away from activities at sea. The term 'Kallakkadal' literally means a sea that comes suddenly like a thief. INCOIS has earlier said that the swells result from strong winds in the southern part of the Indian Ocean at certain times, and that they occur suddenly without any particular indications or warning which is why it is named 'Kallakkadal'.

Kerala's Coastal Communities Face Rising Seas

Kerala's Coastal Communities Face Rising Seas Amidst warning of 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon in coastal areas of the state, several places in Kerala have been witnessing high tidal waves and intense sea incursion since Saturday night. ''Kallakkadal' is a phenomenon of sudden sea swells causing rough waves in coastal areas. A number of houses were damaged and roads were flooded as massive waves hit the shores in many coastal hamlets. Sea water gushed into houses forcing residents to shift to safer places in Anchuthengu and Poonthura areas of Thiruvananthapuram. In several places, local people had to pay extra vigil to protect their fishing equipment, kept on the shores, from the high tidal waves. Besides Anchuthengu, Poonthura and Muthalapozhi hamlets in Thiruvananthapuram, sea incursion was reported in Mundakkal and Alappadu areas in Kollam district, Purakkad in Alappuzha and Kodungallur and Perinjanam in Thrissur district and so on, local people said. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) on Saturday withdrew a 'red alert' issued for 'Kallakkadal' in coastal areas of Kerala and the south Tamil Nadu coast and revised it to an 'orange alert'. The agency warned that low-lying areas of the Kerala coast were likely to experience rough seas and sea surge due to extremely strong waves of 0.5 metres to 1.5 metres till 11.30 pm on Sunday as part of the phenomenon. INCOIS, the Central agency that issues weather warnings for fishermen in the country, advised people to safely moor their fishing vessels in the harbour. Authorities advised people to continue their caution and avoid trips to the beach and completely stay away from activities at sea. The term 'Kallakkadal' literally means a sea that comes suddenly like a thief. INCOIS has earlier said that the swells result from strong winds in the southern part of the Indian Ocean at certain times, and that they occur suddenly without any particular indications or warning which is why it is named 'Kallakkadal'.

Dr Vandana Das murder case: Prosecution asked to present accused before court on May 8

KOLLAM: The Additional Sessions Court in Kollam has directed the Central Correctional Home, Thiruvananthapuram, to present G Sandeep, the accused in the Dr Vandana Das murder case, before the court. A hearing on the case was scheduled for Saturday. However, the defence counsel filed a bail application with the Supreme Court, thereby helping Sandeep not to be presented before the court. Prosecutor Pratap G informed the court that the bail application was a deliberate attempt by the defence counsel to delay the examination of witnesses. Following the arguments presented by additional sessions judge P N Vinod, the prosecution was instructed to produce the accused on May 8. Sandeep was arrested in May last year and has since been in judicial custody in the Central Correctional Home in connection with the case. The incident related to the case occurred on May 10, 2023. Sandeep stabbed 23-year-old Vandana with a pair of scissors when police brought him to the Government Taluk Hospital, Kottarakkara, for a medical examination.

Gramin Dak Sevaks bear the brunt as Kerala sizzles

KOLLAM : As scorching heat persists in the state, Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) -- delivery personnel under the postal department -- are facing hardship. Embarking on their duties at 10am, and toiling until 4.30pm, these dedicated workers brave extreme temperatures to ensure the timely delivery of 200 to 300 articles daily, often traversing long distances across rural and urban areas. The day for a GDS begins with reporting to the local post office by 8.30am. From there, they collect the articles slated for delivery throughout the day. I deliver between 200 and 300 articles daily, covering approximately 25km under the scorching sun. We are required to complete all deliveries by 4.30pm, often without respite. Despite experiencing symptoms like nausea and vomiting during duty, we must press on. Most of us rely on personal vehicles to deliver the articles, as the department does not provide four-wheelers, a GDS from the Oachira postal circle told TNIE . Furthermore, there is a glaring absence of additional compensation for their strenuous efforts. While they use umbrellas and sunscreen for protection, the prolonged duty hours leave them drained. According to the postal department, there are approximately 3.5 lakh GDSs under the Kerala circle. S Seetha, who recently completed 32 years of service as a GDS, lamented the lack of recognition for their dedication. After enduring eight hours of duty daily, we receive no acknowledgement from the department. I cover over 30km daily on my two-wheeler, spending around Rs 450 to 500 on petrol from my own pocket. Despite the long service, my salary remains stagnant at Rs 23,000, with no pension benefits. We labour under the scorching sun for four hours daily, yet our plight remains unheard. This is the reality we reluctantly accept. she said.

Kerala's Heatwave Intensifies: Yellow Alert Issued for 12 Districts by IMD

Kerala's Heatwave Intensifies: Yellow Alert Issued for 12 Districts by IMD The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a yellow alert for 12 out of the 14 districts in Kerala due to the likelihood of high temperature and humidity there till May 6. IMD said the maximum temperatures were very likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, around 38 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Thrissur and Kozhikode, around 37 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kannur districts and around 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts from May 4 to May 6. ''Hot and humid weather is very likely over these districts except in hilly areas during May 4 to May 6 due to high temperature and humidity. (YELLOW WARNING),'' it said. It also issued a yellow alert for Alappuzha and Kozhikode districts for today due to the possibility of warm night conditions there. The southern state has been reeling under hot weather conditions for several days leading to educational institutions being closed in Kerala till May 6. Additionally, the government has also issued a slew of directions which include avoiding working under the sun from 11 am to 3 pm by construction workers, farmers, hawkers, etc. It has also asked everyone to avoid exposure to sunlight during these hours of the day and remain hydrated.

Kerala: CBI arrests four police officers in connection with custodial death of Thamir Jifri

Malappuram: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested four police officers in connection with the alleged custodial murder of Thamir Jifri, a 30-year-old resident of Tanur in Malappuram. Jifri died while in the custody of the Tanur police last year. The post-mortem examination of Jifri's body showed that he sustained injuries as a result of physical assault inflicted by members of the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) squad operating under the jurisdiction of the Tanur sub-division of the Malappuram police. The DANSAF team allegedly handed over the 30-year-old to the Tanur police after physically assaulting him. The arrested individuals are senior civil police officer Ginesh, 37, of Pallikkal, Malappuram; civil police officer (CPO) Alvin Augustine, 36, of Neendakara, Kollam; CPO Abhimanyu, 35, of Thamarakulam, Malappuram; and CPO Vipin, 38, of Vallikunnu, Malappuram. All of them were part of the DANSAF squad. Earlier, the FIR registered by the CBI accused the four DANSAF members of murder. The arrests were made after a detailed investigation into the matter. The CBI took over the case from the Kerala Crime Branch following a directive from the Kerala High Court. The High Court instructed the Crime Branch to hand over the case diary and other related records to the CBI after considering a petition from Jifri's family. The family members informed the court that they would not receive justice if the police department investigated the case against police involving police officials.

Swell waves: Red alert along Kerala coast

THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a red alert along Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coast owing to swell waves till Sunday night. During the period, the coast will experience strong waves from 2.30 pm on Saturday to 11.30 pm on Sunday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority had already directed that people should be moved away from beaches from 10 pm on Friday. They have alerted fishermen living in vulnerable locations to shift to safer locations based on the directives of the authorities. They have advised the public to avoid trips to beaches and venturing into the sea. Swell waves cause panic along Kerala coast Fishermen have also been advised to move fishing nets and boats to safer locations, preferably in harbours. Swell waves lashed the Kerala coast causing panic in coastal communities on April 31. The sea attack caused damage to roads and fishing equipment, and also necessitated the rehabilitation of people in some locations. The severity was high in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur. IMD maintained a yellow alert in Palakkad and Kozhikode considering the heatwave alert on Friday. However, it did not issue any fresh heatwave alerts for any districts for Saturday.

Pregnant woman falls to death from train in Tamil Nadu, kin fault railways

CUDDALORE: A 21-year-old pregnant woman, who was travelling on a train with her family members for her baby shower function, accidentally fell from the train on Thursday night between Ulundurpet and Vriddhachalam and died. Efforts to save her by the family members failed as the emergency chain in the train compartment allegedly failed to work and they had to rush to the adjacent compartment to pull the chain to stop the train. But the express train had travelled for a distance of eight km by then and the woman could not be saved on time. The victim, Kasthuri (22) of Tirusulam in Chennai, was travelling on Kollam Express with husband Suresh Kumar and other relatives for the function to be held in Tenkasi. Speaking to reporters, family members alleged that Kasthuri, who was seven months pregnant, could not be saved because of the failure of the trains emergency brake. Immediately after she fell off the train, we attempted to stop the train by pulling the chain in S9 coach. As the train didnt stop, we rushed to S8 coach and pulled the chain. But by the time the train halted, it had crossed several kilometres from the spot where she fell, they said. Brake failure allegation to be probed If the train had stopped in the first attempt, we could have extended emergency medical support and saved her, they said. Suresh Kumar (25) of Melaneelidanallur near Sankarankoil in Tenkasi district, who works in a private company in Chennai, married S Kasthuri of Periyar Nagar nine months ago. The couple were travelling on the train with their family members to attend a temple festival in Melaneelidanallur on Saturday and organise a baby shower event for Kasthuri. The family had booked tickets on Kollam Express train from Chennai Egmore to Kollam. According to Vriddhachalam railway police, the incident happened when Kasthuri stood near the washbasin close to the entrance of the S9 coach. As she was continuously vomiting, Kasthuri was standing near the washbasin. After the train crossed Ulundurpet railway station, her family members heard some strange sound and immediately rushed to the entrance but they couldnt find Kasthuri there. They alerted other passengers and stopped the train by pulling the emergency brake, police said. After the train came to a halt, police personnel on the train tried to locate Kasthuri but they couldnt trace her. The train was then stopped at Vriddhachalam junction railway station. Her body was eventually found near Railway Overhead Bridge at Pu Mambakkam village in Kallakurichi district, about 19 km from Vriddhachalam station, and taken to a GH. An autopsy was conducted on Friday and the body was handed over to her family members. Vriddhachalam revenue divisional officer Saeed Mahamood inspected the body and held inquiries with her family. Railway sources said the allegation about brake failure would be investigated by a mechanical expert team. Usually, trains may not stop immediately after the emergency brake lever is pulled. We suspect there might have been confusion about the braking sequence, sources said.

8-month pregnant woman falls from speeding express train, dies near Ulundurpet

An eight-month pregnant woman, S Kasthuri, fell from Kollam Express near Ulundurpet. Her relatives unsuccessfully searched for her for three hours. An inquiry was ordered by the RDO to rule out foul play.

TN: Pregnant woman falls from moving train, dies

Cuddalore: A pregnant woman accidentally fell from a moving train between Ulundurpet and Vriddhachalam in Tamil Nadu and died, police here said on Friday. The woman was identified as Kasthuri (22) from Tirusulam, Chennai who was travelling in the Kollam Express with her husband Suresh Kumar and other relatives for her baby shower function in Tenkasi district. The woman, who was seven months pregnant, had complained of nausea and rushed to the washroom. However, she slipped and fell from the train on Thursday night, a senior police official said. Her relatives pulled the chain immediately after she fell off the train in a bid to save her. But they couldn't locate her body. They preferred a complaint with the police immediately after reaching Vriddhachalam railway station. The police located her body about a kilometre away from Ulundurpet, he said.

Tragic Accident: Pregnant Woman Loses Life After Falling from Train

Tragic Accident: Pregnant Woman Loses Life After Falling from Train A pregnant woman accidentally fell from a moving train between Ulundurpet and Vriddhachalam and died, police here said on Friday. The woman was identified as Kasthuri (22) from Tirusulam, Chennai who was travelling in the Kollam Express with her husband Suresh Kumar and other relatives for her baby shower function in Tenkasi district. ''The woman, who was seven months pregnant, had complained of nausea and rushed to the washroom. However, she slipped and fell from the train on Thursday night,'' a senior police official said. Her relatives pulled the chain immediately after she fell off the train in a bid to save her. But they couldn't locate her body. They preferred a complaint with the police immediately after reaching Vriddhachalam railway station. The police located her body about a kilometre away from Ulundurpet, he said. A case has been registered.

Travel tips: More domestic tourists come to see the beaches than foreigners, the calm and noisy sea creates turmoil in the mind.

India is a rich country culturally and geographically. The culture and civilization here make it an ideal country but the geographical position of India makes it richer than other countries. India is a geographically rich country. It has huge ancient hills and mountains and there is also a desert there. There are lush green forests and animals here and there is the beauty of rivers and lakes. But along with this, India is also a peninsula which is surrounded by huge, beautiful seas on all three sides. Adding to the beauty of India, these beaches have the power to fascinate anyone. Witness the beauty and vastness of India, these beaches provide a unique view with the waves crashing on the golden shining sand in front of the blue sea. The amazing view of the rising and setting sun from the beaches is seen only in India. The beaches of India are also the pride of India where lakhs of tourists come every year and get lost in the beauty of these beaches. These beaches of India present a dignified presentation of India. Top beaches of India India has a stunning coastline stretching over 7,000 km from south to west, bounded by the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea in the east. This amazing coastline boasts some spectacular natural beauty. These beaches give you a wonderful trip to explore the exhilarating sea world with its unique and beautiful flowers and creatures. Among the beaches in India, there are some that you must visit at least once in your life. Golden sand, crashing waves, lush green trees, and vast sea are waiting for you, so let us know about these beautiful beaches of India- Arambol Beach There are many beautiful and spectacular beaches in Goa and thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit these beaches every day, but if you want to explore the offbeat beach in August, then you should reach Arambol Beach. Present in North Goa, it attracts a lot of tourists. Many programs also take place from time to time on the banks of this beautiful beach. Many people also come here to enjoy water sports. Nightlife here is also very colorful. Gokarna Every day thousands of domestic and foreign tourists come to visit South India. In such a situation, if you want to explore the South Indian offbeat coastline in August, then you should reach Gokarna. Gokarna of Karnataka is considered a famous destination for its beautiful and beautiful beaches. In Gokarna, you can explore Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, and Paradise Beach. You can also visit here with family, friends, and partners. Bangaram Beach Lakshadweep is a very beautiful and beautiful tourist center of the country. Lakshadweep is also considered very popular all over the world for its beautiful beaches. In such a situation, if you want to explore any offbeat beach of Lakshadweep, then you should reach Bangaram Beach. There is a crowd of tourists on the banks of Bangaram Beach during the day and it remains lively till night. It is said that as the evening approaches, the seawater appears blue. Here you can also enjoy water activities. Apart from Lakshadweep Bangaram Beach, you can also explore Agatti Island. Kovalam Beach Kovalam beach, located in Kerala, 40 kilometers away from Chennai, on the way to Mahabalipuram, is a village known as Kovelong. Kovalam Beach, running along the Malabar Coast, has a long stretch of white sandy beaches and is one of the most popular sea beaches in Kerala. Kovalam, located at a distance of 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, actually has 3 beaches separated by a rocky landscape. Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and beaches make Kovalam the center of the sea coast. Ayurvedic massage centers, wooden raft rides, and shopping shops have also been built on this beach. The calm water here is considered ideal for swimming. The best time to visit here is considered to be from September to March. Varkala Located off the coast of Alleppey and Kovalam, Varkala is one of the premier beaches in India. An ideal spot for photography, the curved stretch of rock and the beauty of the sun will take your breath away. It is at a distance of 50 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 kilometers from Kollam. Varkala is fast becoming a popular wellness center with its many Ayurvedic massage and therapy centers. With its help, you can also remove your fatigue of many days. Palolem beach If you are looking for dolphins, then the Palolem Beach of Goa is one of the best places in India where your dolphin-watching wish can be fulfilled. This beach is located in South Goa. It is 76 kilometers away from the capital Panaji. There are coconut trees on the banks of this beach which attract tourists from all over the world. Palolem Beach is located at a distance of 37 kilometers from Marama Goa. It is called a beach like heaven and it is about 1 mile long. At this place, white sand is spread in the shape of half half-moon. This most beautiful and picturesque beach of Goa, Palolem Beach is covered with a thick forest of coconut palms. Baga Beach Baga Beach is the most popular and usually crowded beach. Baga Beach is located in North Goa. It is 16 kilometers away from Panaji, the capital of Goa. People enjoy all kinds of water sports here parasailing and windsurfing, scuba diving, etc. Baga Beach attracts tourists with its brown sand and palm trees that come very close to the water's edge. Along with this, it is also a place for many people to enjoy the sun rays lying on the sand bed under the sun, this beach is considered to be an ideal beach for fishing, lying in the sun, and paddle boating. Not only this, Baga Beach is known for parties, nightlife, and seafood. It has good restaurants and hotels near it. This beach attracts tourists with its brown sand and palm trees. Alleppey Beach The shining sand and clear waters of Alleppey Beach make it one of the most prominent places to visit in Kerala. Alleppey Beach is very popular among nature lovers and tourists. The beautiful view of sunrise and sunset from here makes your journey memorable. You can spend memorable moments with your family and friends along the banks of Alleppey Beach. Many special places around Alleppey Beach make your travel experience even more pleasant. Marari Beach Marari Beach is counted among the most prominent beaches of Kerala. If you are fond of spending time amidst nature then Marari Beach is the ideal tourist destination for you. There is also a small village in between which attracts a lot of tourists coming here. Here you can understand the art, culture, and lifestyle of South India very well. The experience of watching sunrise and sunset from Marari Beach is very pleasant. Marari Beach Travelers and Nature Lovers. Here by the beach you can spend a memorable time with your family and friends. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Kerala CM Orders Closure Of Educational Institutions To Counter Impending Heatwave

As Kerala continues to reel under hot weather conditions, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday held a meeting to assess the possibilities of heat waves in the state and issued several instructions including the closure of educational institutions until May 6. In an online meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority that was attended by District Collectors, the CM also issued directions with regard to the monsoon season, according to an official statement. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode districts due to an anticipated heatwave, Vijayan urged residents to refrain from direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm on Thursday and Friday. He directed that those working during these hours, like construction workers, farmers, hawkers, etc should adjust their work timings accordingly, holiday classes should be avoided between 11 am to 3 p.m., and daytime parades and drills should not be held at training centres of police, fire brigade and other forces, said the statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The CM said that educational institutions, including professional colleges, will remain closed until May 6. Additionally, he directed that audits should be carried out in areas prone to fires like markets, buildings, waste collection and storage facilities, hospitals, and major government institutions. Following instructions from the forest department to avoid forest fires, grazing cattle under the midday sun, and ensuring drinking water in tribal hamlets and habitations were the other directions issued in the meeting, according to the statement. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 40 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, around 39 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode, about 38 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Kannur, and around 37 degrees Celsius in the remaining districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kasaragod from Thursday till May 6. With regard to the monsoon-related preparedness, the CM directed the holding of a meeting under the leadership of the collector in the presence of the minister in-charge of the district to discuss the matters to be done first as part of the pre-rains cleaning work, it said. Local self-government bodies should start pre-monsoon cleaning on an urgent basis in order to clear blockages in drains, culverts, and small canals before the onset of the rains, he directed. Not allowing garbage to pile up, ensuring mosquito control, preparing buildings to be used as relief camps, releasing excess water from rivers and canals into the ocean, and clearing obstructions from the regulators and spillways of dams were the other directions issued by Vijayan in the meeting, the CMO statement said. Besides that, he also ordered that trees, branches, hoardings and posts that may pose a danger to people should be removed before the rains. Hazard warnings should be displayed at tourist attractions and awareness created among the public living in hilly areas prone to landslides, he added.

Now, book a private train from Kerala

KOCHI: In a first, private trains will be available for tourists from Kerala to destinations such as Goa, Mumbai and Ayodhya. To begin with, the private train journey from the state to Goa will begin next month. The facility is being launched by SRMPR Global Railways, a Chennai-based tour operator, in partnership with the Kochi-based Princy World Travel Limited. An individual or a group of 600 passengers can book a private train journey to the three prominent destinations from Kerala, said officials. The inaugural journey is set to depart from Thiruvananthapuram on June 4 to Madgaon in Goa. The four-day tour package is available in three categories: 2-tier AC at Rs 16,400 per person, 3-tier AC at Rs 15,150 per person and non-AC sleeper at Rs 13,999. The package includes stay, food and sightseeing. Services like off-board travel and excursions by buses, stay at hotels, tour guides, meals and travel insurance are provided along with these train journeys and allied onboard services. Though the Indian Railways introduced the concept of private players operating tourist trains on theme-based circuits under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains around a couple of years back, this is the first time that a private company is getting into this segment from Kerala. Earlier, such private train tours were launched from states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. For instance, the government of Karnataka in association with IRCTC operates private trains to Kashi Prayag, Gaya and Ayodhya. Similarly, private trains are operated between Coimbatore and Shirdi. Plan to import private trains from Germany According to officials of Princy Tours, the trains are purchased by SRMPR from the Indian Railways to operate exclusively for tourism purposes. From Kerala, there are mainly three tour packages Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram to Goa (four-day package) and Thiruvananthapuram to Ayodhya (eight-day package), said Devika Menon, director of Princy World Travel Ltd. Plans are on to operate around 12 trains from Kerala. Once the initial three routes gain maximum traction, new routes will be introduced, she said. This train is being introduced on a trial basis.The SRMPR group will import special trains from Germany to run them privately. Hopefully, the trains will arrive by this year's end, she said. The trains have limited stops and only those who have booked the tickets can enter the train. A total of 60 staff, including the paramedical team and pantry are available onboard, said Devika Menon. The train is equipped with CCTV cameras and WiFi. As per the initial plan, the tourist train will operate to the specific destinations with a weeks gap. We have received the slots to operate from June to September. The dates for Mumbai and Ayodhya will be released soon, she said. The trains will have boarding from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod from Kerala.

Kerala: Disciplinary action against 14 KSRTC drivers for absence from duty

KOLLAM: The KSRTC on Thursday took disciplinary action against 14 employees of the Pathanapuram depot citing absence from duty on April 29 and 30. While 10 permanent drivers were transferred, four temporary drivers were kept away from duty. The order was issued by the office of the Chairman and Managing Director of the KSRTC. Disciplinary action was taken due to the employees sudden absence from duty. This resulted in the cancellation of numerous services at the Pathanapuram KSRTC depot, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Additionally, the KSRTC incurred a loss of Rs 1,88,665. Such irresponsible behaviour by the employees will not be tolerated, the order stated. According to sources, 14 services were cancelled due to the absence of drivers. On April 29, the vigilance team from Pathanamthitta carried out an inspection at the Pathanapuram KSRTC depot. During the inspection, two drivers were dismissed from service after being found in an inebriated state. On April 30, 14 drivers were absent from duty. Consequently, 14 services at the Pathanapuram depot had to be cancelled, an official source said. Sudden absence Disciplinary action was taken due to the employees sudden absence from duty. This resulted in the cancellation of numerous services at the Pathanapuram KSRTC depot, causing significant inconvenience to passengers, says KSRTC order 14 services cancelled According to sources, 14 services were cancelled due to the absence of drivers.

Madras HC refuses to halt link road project

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently refused to halt a link road Rajapalayam - Sankarankovil - Tirunelveli to Tirumangalam - Kollam Road in Virudhunagar district. A division bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan, while dismissing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions filed by NA Ramachandra Raja and PAS Krishnamma Rajha said that the petitioners challenged the notification issued under Section 15 (1) of Tamil Nadu Highways Act for the project, as no prior environmental clearance was obtained as mandated under Clause 7 (f) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. The EIA is required as Rajapalayam is situated near the Western Ghats and has many important water bodies and wetlands which are used for farming. Secondly, the formation of a link road will not serve any purpose, as there is already an existing link road PACR Salai linking SH-41 and NH-744. Since Rajapalayam municipality has been declared and brought under the planning area under Section 10 of the TCP Act, the proposed project cannot be implemented as it does not form part of the roads provided under the master plan, the petitioners submitted. The state governments counsel said that technical experts proposed the link road after a detailed study, considering the importance and necessity of the link road to avoid traffic congestion. Moreover, no prior environmental clearance is required for the road as it is just 2 kilometres long. After the proceedings are completed, the authority concerned would inform the local planning authority before executing the work. Further, the proposed link road does not disturb any waterbody and is built by acquiring lands as per the procedure. A major portion of the compensation has been paid and the land owners have not objected to the project, the counsel said. The court said that as the compensation has been disbursed, the project, initiated in 2018 and approved as early May 2022, has been stalled due to the petitions. Any further delay would adversely affect public interest and may increase project cost. The state can go ahead and implement the link road project, the court said.

Two die of heatstroke; Kerala gears up to meet the challenge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOZHIKODE: On a day two suspected heatstroke deaths were reported in Malappuram and Kozhikode, the state government swung into action on Thursday rolling out a series of measures to cope with the prevailing heatwave conditions. A high-level meeting of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan decided to declare holiday for educational institutions, including professional colleges, till May 6. Meanwhile, a high level meeting attended by power minister K Krishnankutty and KSEB management decided not to go for load shedding in spite of the power crisis. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heatwave alerts in Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode for Friday. It also issued a warm night warning in Alappuzha. Palakkad is likely to record a maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius, Thrissur, Kollam and Kozhikode 39, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kannur 38, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kasaragod 37, on Friday. Palakkad remained the warmest district with a maximum temperature of 40.4 degree Celsius on Thursday. Kozhikode city reported 39, which is 4.6 degree Celsius above the normal. Muhammad Haneefa, 63, a resident of Padinhattummuri in Malappuram, passed away while undergoing treatment for heatstroke at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Thursday. He collapsed while working in a field near Tamarakuzhi on Wednesday. Preliminary assessment indicates dehydration to be the cause of hisdeath. Bijesh, a 41-year-old painter from Chakkumkadavu in Panniyankara, Kozhikode died of suspected heatstroke at his work site on Thursday. Feeling the heat Holiday for educational institutions, including professional colleges, till May 6 IMD issues heatwave alerts in Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode for Friday Warm night warning issued in Alappuzha CM calls for adjusting working hours to avoid direct sun In a statement issued the review meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, the chief minister called for adjusting the working hours for construction workers, farmers, street vendors, fishermen and other labourers so as avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm. The meeting has also directed to adjust the working hours at workplaces with asbestos, tin roofs and other heat-intensive environments. The meeting also decided to reschedule the parade and training sessions of police, fire brigade, NCC, SPC and other armed forces units accordingly. The fire department has been directed to carry out fire audits in vulnerable areas like markets, high rise buildings and waste management facilities. The meeting also decided to relocate people and migrant labourers residing in areas prone to heatwaves to safer locations or camps. All the cultural and sports events should be rescheduled to avoid direct sunlight. To protect animals during the heatwave, instructions have been given to provide water and shelter. Hospital and major government institutions have been asked to adhere to necessary disaster preparedness protocols. Pet care To protect animals during the heatwave, instructions have been given to provide water and shelter.

Kerala government to increase Plus-I seats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet has decided to allow more batches in government and aided schools in different districts to address the shortage of Plus-I seats. As per the decision, seats will be increased by 30% at government schools in seven districts -- Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. The cabinet has also decided to bring in a 20% increase in Plus-I seats in aided schools in these districts. In addition, a 10% increase in seats will be allowed at aided schools that demand more batches. The marginal increase in new batches will be made without creating an additional financial burden for the government. It is learned that sanction would also be given for a 20% increase in seats at all government and aided schools in Kollam, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, in addition to Ambalappuzha and Cherhala taluks in Alappuzha district. There will be no increase in Plus-I seats in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The 77 higher secondary batches sanctioned on a temporary basis in 2022-23 and the 97 temporary batches in 2023-24 will continue, subject to clearance from the finance department. Sanctioning 178 additional batches would give the government a financial burden to the tune of about Rs 19 crore.

Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Valerian Isaac, a traditional fisherman from Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram, is deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on his livelihood and the overall quality of life. He used to enjoy his summer with the sea cooling down when folks in the town sweltered in the heat. The situation however has changed dramatically. The sea has warmed up significantly. Consequently, the fish have migrated to cooler waters away from the coast. Previously, we relied on good winds and occasional rains to alleviate the heat. But this summer has proven to be the toughest yet, Isaac said. With the dwindling catch, only a handful of fishermen dare to venture out into the sea in his area. And they are not the only ones suffering. Adverse weather has also affected autorickshaw drivers, tour operators, vegetable vendors and those in the construction sector. As the government considers imposing further restrictions on operations between 11am and 3pm, the livelihoods of even more sectors hang in the balance. Isaac, like many others, had not heard of the term El Nino, a climate phenomenon responsible for warming the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean and often cited as a primary cause of harsh summers. However, he, along with the rest of the populace, has become acquainted with the term heatwave in recent times. Its sudden appearance in the vocabulary coincided with its confirmation in Palakkad on April 26, the day of the general elections. Such weather was once considered unusual, mostly associated with the traditional hot regions of the country. The India Meteorological Department first issued a heatwave alert in Kerala in 2016, the warmest year on record for the state, primarily focused on Palakkad. This year, the focus has again been on Palakkad which experienced scorching temperatures throughout April, with Thrissur following suit. Subsequently, heatwave alerts were issued for Kollam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha, as temperatures in these districts deviated from the norm significantly. A majority of those belonging to the fishing community in Perumathura in Thiruvananthapuram are spending their time under the shade of coconut palms. The reason being the roofs of their homes are made of asbestos and tin sheets, which increase the heat Weather experts assert the situation is similar across south and east India. An Asia-wide heatwave map published by international weather agencies depicts most countries in the region coloured in red. The temperature rise is attributed to global warming induced by climate change. The impact of El Nino exacerbates the situation, said D Sivananda Pai, senior scientist and ADGM of India Meteorological Department. According to him, the dry weather in Kerala has increased the temperature. In Palakkad, the relative humidity is now in the 30-40% range in comparison to the normal 60-80%. Thats why the temperature remains high. The condition is worse for people living in more humid areas as high moisture content does not help reduce body temperature, he said. Like this year, 2016 too was an El Nino year. While it was the warmest year in recent history, the damage, technically, was limited to a heatwave alert in Palakkad. What makes the conditions worse than 2016 is the absence of summer rain, especially in the northern districts, and the land use and land cover changes because of urbanisation, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Weather experts pointed out the situation is likely to improve by the second week of May when summer rains are expected to be more regular. The El Nino effect is expected to be neutral during the time of monsoon, but the experts have a warning the next El Nino year could be much worse than 2024. What is heatwave? Qualitatively, heatwave is a condition of air temperature that becomes fatal to human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal. Criterion for declaring heatwave Heatwave is considered to be in effect if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40Celsius or more in the plains, at least 30Celsius or more in hilly regions, and 37 Celsius or more in coastal regions. The departure from normal is 4.5 to 6.4Celsius. If the above criteria is met in at least two stations in a meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, a heatwave is declared on the second day. A woman carrying a pedestal fan on a two-wheeler in Kochi. With mercury level going up, residents are opting for various methods to beat the scorching heat Heatwave prone states Heatwave generally occurs over the plains of northwest India and central, east and north peninsular India from March to June. It covers Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sometimes, it occurs over Tamil Nadu and Kerala too. Impact of heatwave Water stress Health problems Livelihood problems Heatwave in Kerala First alert - Palakkad, in 2016 First alert - Kozhikode - 2020 First confirmation this year - Palakkad, on April 26 First alert in Alappuzha - April 30 Reasons for heatwave Global warming El Nino Absence of summer rain Urbanisation Number of days above 40 degrees Celsius in April in Kerala 2024 - 16 (15 in Palakkad) 2023 - 3 2016 - 14 1989 - 8

Nixing Ernakulam Jn from Venad Express halt list sees other trains get punctual

KOCHI: May 1, 2024, proved to be an emotional day for scores of passengers who had been travelling to Ernakulam Junction railway station onboard 16302 Thiruvananthapuram - Shornur Venad Express. That was the first day in a long time when Venad Express didnt come chugging into the station. Nor did the platforms see a flurry of hasty steps of office-goers rushing towards the exit to catch the autorickshaw in a last-minute dash to reach their places of employment before the punching deadline. Even as those, for whom Ernakulam Junction railway station has been the main thoroughfare for years felt sad and angry, others who travelled beyond were a happy lot. The removal of Ernakulam Junction station from the list of halts of Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur Venad Express from May 1 although a temporary move, according to officials has elicited a mixed response from passengers. Even though those travelling to places beyond Ernakulam welcome the decision, regular commuters who work in the government and private sectors, Kochi corporation, etc., have raised objections. The move comes after demand was raised by various passenger associations in the state. Speaking about the amount of time that could be saved if Venad skips Ernakulam Junction, Paul Manvettom, president of the All Kerala Railway Users Association (AKRUA), said, This has been a long-standing demand of passengers. A delay of 30 or more minutes every day is not desirable in this day and age when time is precious. Passenger associations, including mine, had petitioned the railway board and ministry with the demand. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the train made the right time at Ernakulam Town enabling all the other trains coming right after it keep their dates with the corresponding stations. For the first time in years, I was able to reach Ernakulam Town railway station at 10:40 am, says Tibin Kuriakose who commutes in Nagercoil-Mangaluru Parasuram Express. Before the halt was removed, those travelling in Parasuram Express had to suffer long halts at Tripunithura followed by another 10 to 15-minute stop at the outer of Ernakulam Town station, he adds. But since yesterday, it was bliss. No halt overs and no delay, says Tibin. A lot of the issues faced by Ernakulam Junction station can be resolved once this happens. However, we have demanded that to ease office rush and cater to the needs of people who disembark at Ernakulam Junction, a MEMU service from Kayamkulam or Kollam via Kottayam be run at around 7:55am, said Paul. It is a time slot that falls between Palaruvi and Venad Express trains. Echoing the view, Sreekumar V, a passenger who depends on Venad to get to Thrissur, said, Why waste 30 or more minutes? Just because this train gets held up, all other services that follow also get affected. It has a domino effect. I once happened to travel by Parasuram Express. The train was stopped at a place which resembled a no mans land. After more than 15 minutes here, the long-distance train was held over again, this time in the outer area of Ernakulam Town station, all for Venad Express. However, Liyons J, secretary of Friends on Rails, said, To take away the Ernakulam Junction halt of Venad Express, citing the arrival of Kochi Metro service to Tripunithura, is not justified. Metro is no substitute. We have expressed our strong protest on this matter. Those who oppose the move say Venad is an office-timing train from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam Junction. If the junction is skipped without providing an alternative, it would become a problem for hundreds of commuters, said Sindhu R, a state government employee whose office in located near Maharajas College. They also point to severe traffic congestion on the Kottayam to Ernakulam route. If Ernakulam Junction is avoided, it will be a disservice to passengers. If Venad departs from Tripunithura at 9.20 am, it can reach Junction station at 9.40am. Anyway, Venad usually reaches the station before 10am. But if a person gets down at Tripunithura at 9.20am, it will take them at least 15 minutes to reach a metro station. The metro service runs at seven-minute intervals. From there it takes 20 minutes to reach the Junction. Taking into account the time taken to get out of the station, it is not so easy for a person alighting at Tripunithura to reach their offices on time. Also, a metro ticket between the two destinations costs Rs 30. The average person cannot afford this, Liyons added. The critical voices, however, said the new arrangement will work if a MEMU service from Tripunithura is started to coincide with the time Venad arrives there. Not the first time In 2019, railways planned to change the route of Venad Express, which would have seen it skip Ernakulam South station. It was then decided to nix the stop after the train switched to Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) rakes. Unlike the old rakes, LHB coaches receive power from the engine. So electrical parts have to be disconnected before the engine is replaced. Then after reconnecting, the entire mechanism has to be inspected before the train can be allowed to proceed. This takes around 40 minutes. This is not the first time that Junction stop has been distanced from Venad. The train had run for around one-and-half years skipping the station, before it was reinstated following continuous representations by passengers and peoples representatives.

Not even a drop of water in 10 of 90 reservoirs in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: With summer heat on the rise, water levels in several reservoirs across the state have continued to decline. Shortage of drinking water has led to protests and concerns in some places, and with the southwest monsoon more than a month away, it may be a daunting task to ensure adequate supply. As of Thursday, the combined water storage in 90 reservoirs across the state stood at 51.992 tmcft, which is just 23.18% of their total capacity of 224.297 tmcft. According to Water Resources Department data accessed by TNIE, 10 out of 90 reservoirs in the state are completely dry, while 15 hover between 1 and 9% of their capacity. Barring Tirunelvelis Vandal Odai, none reach their full capacity. Consequently, people living in several rural areas have already begun to bear the brunt of water shortage. Residents of Keezha Puthur in Tenkasi staged a road blockade this week on the Thirumangalam Kollam national highway demanding drinking water supply to their area. About 100 residents of Piranoor near Shengottai gathered at Tenkasi collectorate, alleging they were receiving drinking water only once in 20 days. In Tirunelveli, Congress district president K Sankarapandian staged a protest by sitting on the steps of an overhead tank condemning drinking water shortage in various areas of Palayamkottai zone. Coimbatore has also witnessed protests in different places. The situation in Coimbatore and neighbouring districts led to Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department secretary D Karthikeyan holding a meeting with officials of Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Nilgiris and Erode districts to ensure water supply. While water supply is regular in most places in Madurai city, residents of extended areas of the corporation are facing difficulties with some pockets getting water once in four days. Residents are forced to purchase water from private players for Rs 13 to Rs 15 a pot. Despite the situation, officials from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board have expressed confidence about managing the situation efficiently. Speaking to TNIE, TWAD Boards Joint Managing Director Anand Mohan said, In April 2023, the board supplied 1,949 MLD water across the state. In April 2024, the supply in fact surged to 2,286 MLD. We have intensified water distribution in drought-affected regions, including the western belts and the delta. During a recent meeting held at the secretariat, Stalin allotted `150 crore to districts facing water shortage, signalling the governments acknowledgement of the situation and commitment to address it. Anand Mohan said efforts are on to pump water from the Upper Bhavani dam to mitigate shortage in Coimbatore. In addition, the TWAD Board is collaborating with municipal and panchayat officials in delta districts to ensure uninterrupted water supply, he said. A senior WRD official raised concern on groundwater levels. While 14 districts have seen no improvement in water table, 23 have witnessed decline compared to last March. The groundwater level in Dharmapuri, which stood at 5.51m last year, has declined sharply to 8.85m. (With inputs from Thinarakaran Rajamani @ Tenkasi, MS Thanaraj @ Madurai and M Saravanan @ Coimbatore)

Man Dies While Trying to Rescue Goat from Well in Kerala's Kollam

The man, Altaf, went into the 60-foot deep well to save the goat, but due to lack of air inside it, he became unconscious and drowned in the water, a fire force officer said

Kerala Registers 71.27% Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Elections: EC

Kerala Registers 71.27% Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Elections: EC Kerala has registered 71.27 per cent voter turnout in the April 26 Lok Sabha polls, according to the updated figures released by the Election Commission on Monday. As many as 71.27 per cent of votes were cast on polling day in the state, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul said. Out of the total 27,749,158 voters in the state, 19,777,478 voted through the electronic voting machines on April 26. Among these, 9,475,090 were male voters, 10, 302, 238 were female voters, and 150 were transgender voters, he said in a statement. The highest polling was registered in Vadakara constituency with 78.41 per cent, where 1,114,950 voters cast their votes. The lowest was in the Pathanamthitta constituency with 63.37 per cent, where only 906,051 of 1,429,700 voters cast their votes, Kaul said. The updated polling percentage in other constituencies are: Thiruvananthapuram (66.47), Attingal (69.48), Kollam (68.15), Mavelikkara (65.95), Alappuzha (75.05), Kottayam (65.61), Idukki (66.55), Eranakulam (68.29), Chalakudy (71.94), Thrissur (72.90), Palakkad (73.57), Alathur (73.42), Ponnani (69.34), Malappuram (72.95), Kozhikode (75.52), Wayanad (73.57), Vadakara (78.41), Kannur (77.21) and Kasaragod (76.04). In the absentee voter category, 1,80,865 votes were recorded, and in the category for officials on election duty, 41,904 postal votes were polled. Absentee voters include those belonging to the age group of over 85 years, voters with disabilities, those affected by COVID-19, and essential service workers. As many as 57,849 military personnel have applied in the service voters category, and 8,277 votes have been sent as of April 27. Service votes will continue to be accepted until the counting begins, the Chief Electoral Officer added.

Two succumb to sunstroke as Kerala swelters in severe heat

The greenery along the roadside near Vandipetta in Kozhikode provides some relief to people in the summer heat. (Photo: Venugopal) The greenery along the roadside near Vandipetta in Kozhikode provides some relief to people in the summer heat. (Photo: Venugopal) Kannur/Palakkad/Thiruvananthapuram: Two persons--a man in his 50s and an elderly woman--have succumbed to sunstroke in Kerala as the southern state grapples with severe heat conditions, disrupting daily life, officials said on Sunday. Heat-related fatalities were reported in the north Kerala districts of Kannur and Palakkad. As Kerala battles severe heat, the meteorological department has issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts for the upcoming five days. In response to the escalating temperatures affecting everyday life, the Women and Child Development Department has opted to suspend preschool activities in anganwadis in the state for a week. A Palakkad district health official stated that the 90-year-old woman was found dead in a canal in Elappully village on Sunday. The woman, a dementia patient, had suffered a sunstroke after venturing out of her home. Her post-mortem revealed burn injuries on her body which confirmed the sunstroke, the health official said. Last week, a man was found dead with burn injuries in the district, the official added, advising people not to step out of their homes between 11 am and 3 pm. A health official in Kannur district said a 53-year-old man who was being treated at a private hospital for sunstroke died in the early hours of Sunday. The man, originally from nearby Mahe, had suffered from sunstroke while involved in digging a well in the Pallur area near Chokli on April 26, the official said. He had symptoms of breathlessness and was immediately taken to a primary health center and later shifted to another hospital in Kannur. His condition worsened on Sunday morning and he died. Although there were no burn injuries on his body, he had other symptoms of sunstroke. The official confirmed that the case is being treated as a sunstroke-related incident. According to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there's a possibility of a heatwave in certain areas in Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts. Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41C in the Palakkad district, around 40C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38 degree C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37 degree C in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36 degree C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5C above normal) during April 28th to May 2nd, 2024, the weather agencies said. These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added. Additionally, there is a likelihood of heatwave conditions occurring in one or two locations within Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts specifically on April 28th and 29th, the agencies added.

Kerala: 30-year plea for voting facilities continues to fall on deaf ears

KOLLAM: For over 30 years, residents of Kidapram ward, nestled on an island within Munroe Island panchayat, have been enduring an arduous 10km journey by boat to vote in elections. Despite persistent appeals since 1992, both the state government and the district administration have turned a deaf ear to their requests for local voting arrangements. On election day, villagers undertake the taxing journey from Kidapram to Perungalam via boat to exercise their democratic right. Many opt out due to the strain. Despite criticism, local voters have been relying on boats arranged by political parties to avoid up to Rs 8,500 in transportation costs alone. Kidapram, which falls within the Mavelikkara constituency, has over 1,000 families and around 880 eligible voters. Of this, only 470 voters turned up for the recently concluded general election in the state. Besides the logistical challenge, health concerns also impacted participation. During elections, we are left to arrange our own boats or depend on party assistance. Even with transport in place, many elderly residents refuse to undertake the journey. After the difficult boat trip, we have to travel further to make it to polling stations, compounding our difficulty. The government should ensure that all citizens can exercise their franchise without facing obstacles at every turn, said S Anil, ward member of Kidapram North. Before 1992, a footbridge connected Kidapram to Perungalam. However, its destruction in the floods that year left villagers solely reliant on boats. Forget voting in elections, the lack of transportation facilities affects our livelihoods and daily activities. The delay becomes agonising especially when we move the seriously ill to hospitals. For a decade, we have been demanding adequate infrastructure for our ward, even petitioning the CM during the Nava Kerala Sadas. Regrettably, little progress has been achieved, laments Suseela, a ward member of Kidapram South.

Kerala Braces for Scorching Heat as Sunstroke Claims Two Lives

Kerala Braces for Scorching Heat as Sunstroke Claims Two Lives Two persons--a man in his 50s and an elderly woman--have succumbed to sunstroke in Kerala as the southern state grapples with severe heat conditions, disrupting daily life, officials said on Sunday. Heat-related fatalities were reported in the north Kerala districts of Kannur and Palakkad. As Kerala battles severe heat, the meteorological department has issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts for the upcoming five days. In response to the escalating temperatures affecting everyday life, the Women and Child Development Department has opted to suspend preschool activities in anganwadis in the state for a week. A Palakkad district health official stated that the 90-year-old woman was found dead in a canal in Elappully village on Sunday. The woman, a dementia patient, had suffered a sunstroke after venturing out of her home. Her post-mortem revealed burn injuries on her body which confirmed the sunstroke, the health official said. Last week, a man was found dead with burn injuries in the district, the official added, advising people not to step out of their homes between 11 am and 3 pm. A health official in Kannur district said a 53-year-old man who was being treated at a private hospital for sunstroke died in the early hours of Sunday. The man, originally from nearby Mahe, had suffered from sunstroke while involved in digging a well in the Pallur area near Chokli on April 26, the official said. He had symptoms of breathlessness and was immediately taken to a primary health center and later shifted to another hospital in Kannur. His condition worsened on Sunday morning and he died. Although there were no burn injuries on his body, he had other symptoms of sunstroke. The official confirmed that the case is being treated as a sunstroke-related incident. According to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there's a possibility of a heatwave in certain areas in Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts. ''Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41C in the Palakkad district, around 40C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37C in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5C above normal) during April 28th to May 2nd, 2024,'' the weather agencies said. These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added. Additionally, there is a likelihood of heatwave conditions occurring in one or two locations within Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts specifically on April 28th and 29th, the agencies added.

Plans afoot to revive manjakoori in Sasthamcotta Lake

The fish, which has vulnerable status in IUCN Red List, was ranched at the Ramsar site last month and fishers reported its consistent presence since then. Kollam district panchayat plans to start a hatchery near the lake to conserve the indigenous species

CPI(M) indulged in communal campaign in Kollam : N K Premachandran

Heat wave alert issued in Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat wave alert for Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts in Kerala, predicting high temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius. The alert, for April 27 and 28, comes after extreme heat was observed in recent days. Authorities are advising caution, warning of sunburn, heatstroke, and dehydration. They recommend staying indoors during the day, carrying umbrellas, and staying hydrated. Public events are advised to be postponed to the evening.

Weather Advisory: Heat Wave Alert Issued for Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts in Kerala

Weather Advisory: Heat Wave Alert Issued for Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts in Kerala The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued heat wave alert in Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala. The heat wave conditions would prevail in many places of these districts on April 27 and 28, the IMD said in a statement. The alert was issued in the wake of extreme heat recorded in the last few days and based on predictions that the temperature would rise up to 41 degree celsius in Palakkad and 40 degree celsius each in Kollam and Thrissur districts, it said. People should maintain extreme caution during such situations, authorities said. There are chances of people suffering sunburn and heatstroke, the statement said, adding that heatstroke can also lead to death. Authorities also advised people to take umbrellas while going out and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Among many directives, the IMD urged people to avoid going out during the day time as much as possible and postpone all public events to evening.

Scorching Heat Sparks Alert in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts

Scorching Heat Sparks Alert in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued heat wave alert in Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala. The heat wave conditions would prevail in many places of these districts on April 27 and 28, the IMD said in a statement. The alert was issued in the wake of extreme heat recorded in the last few days and based on predictions that the temperature would rise up to 41 degree celcius in Palakkad and 40 degree celcius each in Kollam and Thrissur districts, it said. People should maintain extreme caution during such situations, authorities said. There are chances of people suffering sunburn and heatstroke, the statement said, adding that heatstroke can also lead to death. Authorities also advised people to take umbrellas while going out and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Among many directives, the IMD urged people to avoid going out during the day time as much as possible and postpone all public events to evening.

Kerala LS polls: Low voter turnout leaves Left on a high

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The low turnout in the Lok Sabha elections, despite the high-decibel campaigning in the state, has left the three major fronts confused. Going by conventional theory, the CPM believes the drop in turnout hints at a lack of anti-incumbency sentiment against the state government. According to the CPMs internal assessment, only 370 UDF votes were polled in a polling booth at Kollam town, where the opposition front enjoys a majority of 1,200 votes. Its not an isolated incident, the party noted. The substantially low voter turnout of 70.35% has given fresh hopes to ruling Left, while it has left the UDF and the NDA a tad disappointed. Poll statistics of the last four general elections show whenever there has been a huge voter turnout, it has proven to be a washout for either LDF or UDF. In 2004, when the state recorded 77.77 polling percentage, the Left romped home with 18 seats. Similarly, in 2019, when the poll percentage was 77.84, the UDF won 19 of the 20 seats. As per the Lefts calculations, there was considerable leakage of UDF votes in its strongholds. In some places, it believes, the NDA poached UDF votes. The reluctance on the part of UDF voters was evident from low voter turnout in even assured seats like Ernakulam. The unexpectedly low poll percentage in Muslim League strongholds Ponnani and Malappuram indicated a visible reluctance among minority voters, too. The CPM claimed there was no dip in the Left votes, most of which were polled in the first half of the day itself. By around 5pm, 95% of the Left votes were polled. There was a visible dip in voter turnout in many UDF strongholds. The Left has considerable winning chances in many seats, said a CPM state committee member. The CPM leadership said there was a split in Muslim votes, and that would prove beneficial to the Left. Most political votes seem to have been polled, while the majority of the fluctuating voters didnt turn up, observed political commentator N M Pearson. Avida Saleem shows her ID card after voting at Government UP School at Valluvalli near Paravoor on Friday. The moderate voters who usually cast their franchise in favour of or against the governments have not been polled, he said. The absence of pro- or anti-state government votes show that the Left could well improve its performance. Meanwhile, the NDA maintains high hopes. In some constituencies, all the CPM votes havent been polled, said a senior BJP leader. Also there was considerable lag from the part of polling officials. This has also led to delay in polling and many voters returning without casting their votes. The UDF also claimed reluctance to vote among LDF supporters. Contrary to general perception, the dip in poll percentage was not due to absence of UDF voters, said CMP general secretary C P John. There was visible reluctance by LDF voters. The last minute issues around the E P Jayarajan episode might have contributed to this reluctance.

IMD warns of heat wave conditions in Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad

Palakkad records the highest temperature of 41.4C, followed by Punalur with 38.5C

Kollam records 65.37% voter turnout

The voting percentage dropped nearly 10 percentage points from 2019.

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency candidate K Muraleedharan on Friday cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and said that the Congress will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in the state. While speaking to the reporters, K Muraleedharan said that the party will win all the seats in the state. We are going to win all 20 seats in Kerala. Unfortunately, there is a deal between CPM and BJP in Kerala. The news has come out that EP Jayarajan (LDF convener) met BJP leader Prakash Javadekar. Their link is clear. We will win but we will block an unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in Kerala. Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, where high-profile candidates are in the fray this time, is going to witness a fierce triangular contest between BJP, Congress, and the CPI. Congress has fielded K Muraleedharan, son of late Congress doyen K Karunakaran whose pocket borough was once Thrissur, the ruling Left Democratic Front nominated former Agriculture Minister in the previous LDF government in the state, VS Sunilkumar. The constituency, where both Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF interchangeably won multiple times in the past seven decades, is currently held by Congress. All 20 seats will vote in the second phase in Kerala. These include Kasaragod, Kannur, Vatakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, and Thiruvananthapuram. The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 States/Union Territory including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir According to the ECI, over 15.88 crore voters will be voting in the second phase which includes 8.08 crore male electors, 7.8 crore female electors, and 5929 third-gender electors. A total of 4553 flying squads, 5731 static surveillance teams, 1462 video surveillance teams and 844 video viewing teams are keeping surveillance round the clock to strictly and swiftly deal with any form of inducement of voters across the 1.67 lakh polling stations, as per the ECI press note. (ANI)

After phase one, PM is panicking: KC Venugopal after casting vote in Alappuzha

Alappuzha: Congress candidate KC Venugopal cast his vote today at a polling booth in the Alappuzha constituency in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Venugopal is in the electoral fray against Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate AM Ariff and Bharatiya Janata Party's Sobha Surendran from the Alappuzha seat in Kerala After casting his vote, Venugopal told ANI, I am confident that the people of Alleppey will stand with me. After phase one of the Lok Sabha elections, the PM is panicking. I thank the PM for bringing the Congress manifesto into the public domain in a big way. Our manifesto is for the people whereas BJP's is for Adani and Ambani. In Kerala, UDF will sweep all 20 seats. The way BJP and CPM attacked Rahul Gandhi, the people of Wayanad will show that they are with him. The land of backwaters, with its history of swinging in favour of both the majors, Congress and the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), comprises seven assembly segments spread across Alappuzha and Kollam districts, namely, Aroor, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam and Karunagappally. Alappuzha is a stronghold of Congress, though this constituency has a communist legacy. Venugopal has a successful electoral history in Alappuzha, where he won the seat in the 2009 and 2014 general elections. Voting in all the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala is underway in the second phase. The results will be announced on June 4. Earlier, BJP-led NDA candidate from Thrissur Suresh Gopi cast his vote in Thrissur, Kerala in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 on Friday. After casting his vote, Gopi spoke about the significance of this election and the participation of the people in Kerala. You will see the people's hearts. The nation will see the participation of Kerala in the national development movement, sai Suresh Gopi, NDA candidate from Thrissur, after casting his vote. So the heart will bloom and Thrissur and such other constituencies in the states, Gopi said.

Confidence soars, hope floats in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a high-voltage campaign, the Lok Sabha elections are finally here. As Kerala goes to the polls in a single phase on Friday, all three fronts are optimistic about improving on their performances in the last election. With three different kinds of anti-incumbency factors in play against the Union government, state government and against sitting MPs in a majority of the constituencies the fronts have enough reasons to hope for a favourable verdict. In an election where the Left is primarily banking on the sentiments against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the sway of Muslim votes and the consolidation of community votes would prove the most crucial factor. However, the biggest takeaway from this Lok Sabha polls would be a major shift in the character of Kerala politics. This could well be the first election where the bi-polar politics of Kerala has transformed into a real tri-polar fight, with BJP candidates vying for top slots, that too for all the right reasons, in at least five constituencies where the party hopes to either win or finish second or even sabotage the probable winner. This election being crucial for all three fronts, the Congress-led UDF hopes to repeat its 19/20 performance of 2019 while LDF, going by internal assessments, is confident of substantially improving its tally, whereas the BJP hopes to make it big in at least two constituencies. Having claimed a Left wave across the state right from the beginning, the LDF has gradually settled into a more realistic expectation. Both CPM and CPI leaderships claim a pro-Left trend in all 20 constituencies and is confident of overcoming the anti-incumbency factor. The CPM is looking forward to victories in a minimum of four to five seats. The party calculates Attingal, where V Joy takes on Congresss Adoor Prakash and BJPs V Muraleedharan, as one of the most probable seats. We have a clear edge in Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Mavelikkara and Attingal. In Vadakara, there were certain issues, but now theres good support from women voters. In the final round, we hope to come up trumps in Kannur, Chalakudy, Kollam and Pathanamthitta too, said a senior CPM leader. Compared to 2019, when the Left faced negative votes from the Hindu community over Sabarimala and a Muslim consolidation over the Rahul Gandhi factor, this time around, theres only the anti-incumbency factor against the state government. The LDF however claims that it has overcome anti-incumbency and is banking heavily on an anti-BJP sentiment to gain ground. Noticeably, many feel the Lefts allegation of a Congress-League-BJP nexus is more on the lines of an anticipatory bail, in case things dont turn out as planned. Meanwhile, UDF has managed to make a mark in the final phase of campaigning. The front claims to have a favourable situation in all 20 seats. Secretly, though, they admit certain regional factors could throw a spanner in the works. In Attingal and Palakkad, there are certain issues with both the candidates and with campaigning. Similarly, the Twenty20 factor, in addition to the Jacobite and Orthodox support to the Left, could prove costly for the candidate in Chalakudy, pointed out a Congress leader. The Congress is sure that, unless there are last-minute undercurrents, the Muslim votes will remain with UDF. In Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP finished second in 2014 and 2019, Rajeev Chandrasekhar is clearly a strong challenger. Both UDFs Shashi Tharoor and LDFs Pannian Raveendran have stated that the BJP would be the main opponent, thus acknowledging its crucial role. Similarly in Thrissur, where Suresh Gopi takes on CPIs ex-minister V S Sunil Kumar and Congresss K Muraleedharan, there are reasons to believe that BJP could occupy at least the second slot, if not the first. Similarly, in Attingal, Palakkad and Pathanamthitta, besides Kottayam where BDJS leader Thushar Vellapally is contesting, the votes polled by NDA candidates will be a decisive factor. With the three fronts having left no stone unturned to prevent a leakage of votes, the polling day is when the undercurrents, vote-trading, and final strategies would find manifestation. Poll planks Citizenship Amendment Act was a major poll plank for the Left Two anti-incumbency factors anti-Modi and anti-Pinarayi would prove crucial In some constituencies, theres anti-incumbency against sitting MPs too Both the LDF and the UDF hope to woo Muslim minorities, as sway of Muslim votes will be the deciding factor The BJP hopes to make it big in at least two constituencies Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur while also nurturing hopes in at least five seats PM Narendra Modi addressed voters in close to 10 constituencies in a high-profile campaign The LS campaign began as a fight between LDF and UDF over CAA. Towards the fag end, there was a verbal duel between Rahul Gandhi and Pinarayi Vijayan The fake video allegation in Vadakara led to a legal fight between CPMs K K Shailaja and Congresss Shafi Parambil In Thiruvanamthapuram, UDFs Shashi Tharoor and NDAs Rajeev Chandrasekhar were locked in a legal fight over alleged remarks This could well be the first election where the bi-polar politics of Kerala has transformed into a real tri-polar fight, with BJP candidates vying for top slots

Voter alert: IMD issues heatwave warning in Kerala, advises caution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sweltering heat will be a cause for concern for voters across Kerala who will exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts and heatwave warnings in 12 districts on polling day. The IMD has said the temperatures are expected to be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal in the state. As of last week, around 437 heat-related ailments have been reported in the state since the advent of summer. There have been one confirmed and two suspected heat-related deaths. IMD has predicted the likelihood of a heatwave in one or two places in Palakkad on Friday, making the democratic exercise challenging for party workers, voters and officials alike. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements at booths in view of the hot and humid weather. Voting will be held in 25,231 booths across Kerala. Drinking water, areas having shade and separate queues for the elderly and the differently-abled are among the ECs arrangements made at booths to ensure voters comfort. All arrangements are in place. There will be separate queues for the elderly to reduce their waiting time. We have sensitised district collectors, and first aid, including ORS packets, will be made available at polling stations vulnerable to extreme heat, Sanjay Kaul, Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, told TNIE . Mothers coming to the booths with children will be able to use creche facilities at the polling stations, he said. Maximum temperature in Palakkad is likely to hover around 41 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the hottest district in the state. Maximum temperatures will be 39 degrees Celsius, the second highest, in Kollam and Thrissur districts. Maximum temperatures will be 38 degrees Celsius in Kannur and Kozhikode districts and 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts. Southern districts are expected to receive thunderstorms in the evening. We have advised authorities to keep community health centres and primary health centres on alert to deal with heat-related incidents, said an official with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Be smart, be safe Avoid prolonged heat exposure Wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes Cover your head with a cloth or hat or use an umbrella outdoors Drink sufficient water even if not thirsty to prevent dehydration Avoid direct sunlight from 11am to 3pm

Sun, style and strategy: Sartorial choices of Lok Sabha candidates in Kerala on fleek

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the mercury climbs, so does the style quotient on the campaign trail. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, candidates are shaking up their wardrobe and hair care routines to beat the blazing sun and win over voters. Some candidates stick to their signature style no matter the weather. Take the Vadakara LDF candidate K K Shailaja, whose crisp cotton sarees and infectious smile can cool down the hottest of days. When you imagine a politician in Kerala, the first image that comes to mind would be someone wearing a stiff white cotton shirt and the evergreen mundu. Though times have changed, some remain the same when it comes to the campaign trail. The majority of them are UDF candidates. They include UDF Kasaragod candidate Rajmohan Unnithan, Kannur candidate K Sudhakaran, Kozhikode candidate M K Raghavan, Thrissur candidate K Muraleedharan, Alappuzha candidate K C Venugopal and Mavelikkara candidate Kodikkunnil Suresh. LDF's Panniyan Raveendran is not to be ignored in his all time simple attire and long hair. To an extent, this saves them the trouble of choosing what to wear. Whether it is an election or not, white cotton shirts are what I choose any day, said K C Venugopal. 'No one wants to stay here anymore': The unflattering Kerala story Bonacaud Junction has to tell Another group of candidates are the kurtawalas. Elections have made them choose cotton kurtas over anything else. Thiruvananthapuram UDF candidate Shashi Tharoor, NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Pathanamthitta LDF candidate Thomas Isaac come under this category. Kollam NDA candidate K Krishnakumar wears cotton kurtas all day for campaigns. I wear cotton kurtas from Fabindia and try to have a change twice a day but it doesn't usually happen. Also in politics, changing more times can sometimes do more bad than good. However, if I get to change also, I immediately sweat. It's the heat of the campaign, that's fine, he said. Shafi Parambil, the Vadakara UDF candidate, can be seen in all kinds of clothes. One day he pulls off the chic young candidate in shirts and jeans, the next day he will be in white cotton shirts and mundu. Never does he miss wearing snazzy printed shirts and jeans and spreading his vibrancy into youth groups. From plain to printed, Alappuzha LDF candidate A M Arif is spiffy in linen shirts for campaigns. To escape the heat, the best is wearing linen shirts and mundu. I wear only linen for campaigns, said Arif. This candidate in the high-profile Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat has no house and lives in the party office NDA candidates Niveditha Subramaniam of Ponnani and Sobha Surendran of Alappuzha are saree folks. Cotton saree is a saviour in this weather, I avoid all other materials and try to change twice a day usually it doesn't happen but when I do, it's truly a refreshment and gives energy for the second half of the day, said Niveditha Subramaniam. Ernakulam LDF candidate K J Shine is usually seen in cotton sarees or set mundu but prefers salwar kameez for campaigns. During the first phase, I used to try and wear saree or set mundu but gradually I prefer salwar kameez to other clothing, said Shine. Battling hair loss amid the grueling campaign schedule, candidates like Krishnakumar and Niveditha Subramaniam prioritize haircare, finding time for weekly oiling sessions. Heavy hair loss is a factor while campaigning in this weather, you look haggard after campaigning but I try to oil my hair weekly, said Niveditha Subramaniam. Anna Linda keeps it real, admitting that election season leaves little time for hair and skincare routines. There is no time to take care of the hair and skin during election time, so he leaves it that way, she said about Hibi Eden's routine. The sartorial choices of candidates in this weather have been on fleek. From cotton classics to chic prints, they have made every effort to shine bright under the scorching sun.

This candidate in the high-profile Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat has no house and lives in the party office

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: S Mini, the candidate fielded by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is a politician from top to toe. In fact, she does not own a home and has been living in the party office for nearly three decades. Like most of her colleagues in the party, Mini, the lone woman in the fray in the high-profile segment, believes that the value of life comes from within and is not determined by material possessions or social status. She lives at the party's state committee office in the Kerala capital, along with her husband and party leader Shajar Khan. The couple's only son Alan M.S. is a degree student at Tirur in Malappuram. Mini joined the party at the age of 22, when she was doing a pharmacy course at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The firebrand leader of SUCI(C) says she joined the party against the wishes of her parents and siblings. There was stiff opposition from them and I was forced to quit home during my college days. Initially, I lived at a hostel and later moved to the party office. It was a wise decision for someone who wanted to become a full-time party worker, she says. Wayanad Election Notes: The solitude of Kerala's most famous tribal activist Vilappilsala protest During her political career spanning three decades, Mini was involved in numerous people's movements, small and big, in different parts of the state. The longest and toughest one perhaps was the people's protest against a polluting waste plant at Vilappilsala in the Kerala capital, says the 49-year-old. The strike which began as a relay satyagraha ended in a full-blown protest two years later. Somehow, we managed to overcome the numerous sabotage attempts by the government, city corporation and the police. I dedicate the victory to the mighty women in Vilappilsala, she says. What began as occasional outbursts took the form of an organised protest with the intervention of the SUCI(C). As the party's designated leader to Vilappilsala, Mini's initial assignment was to organise the local women. We formed committees for every fifty households and important decisions were taken by an apex committee. Party did not impose its decisions but equipped people to claim their rights, she said. The people's protest met with success when the government decided to shut the plant. At the peak of the strike, Mini was detained by the police for one full day. Years later, she was jailed by the police for accompanying Mahija, the mother of engineering student Jishnu Pranoy, to the DGP's office. Jishnu was found dead at the hostel of Nehru Engineering College in Thrissur and Mahija was proceeding to the DGP's office to protest against the delay in arresting those who allegedly pushed Jishnu into suicide. Mini was arrested by the police on conspiracy charges. She was jailed and released after eight days of judicial remand. The police are yet to file a charge-sheet in the court. Lush greenery, stark misery: Election vignettes from Kerala's Achankovil forest Nurses' rights The Indian Nurses Parents Association which works for nurses' rights was established under Mini's leadership. The idea of an organisation of parents was to help nurses who couldn't come out in the open against their employers. Mini travelled extensively in the country to resolve the issues faced by nurses and nursing students. One incident she vividly recalls is the visit to a private medical college at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The college had not returned the certificates of about 50 students, mostly Keralites, who refused to execute an illegal bond for a no-pay job after studies. The management did not change their stand in the deliberations with the INPA. Finally, Mini, with the help of a local SUCI leader, approached the district collector. She convinced him about the Supreme Court order banning the bond system at educational institutions. The collector then issued an order asking the management to return the certificates. Though the mission was successful, Mini says the collector was transferred within a few days, allegedly owing to the pressure from the college management which had considerable political clout. The manager later became the education minister in that state, she says. SUCI(C) contesting eight seats The party has fielded candidates in eight seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mini is the candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram seat. The other constituencies are Kollam, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Chalakudy and Kozhikode. Campaigning is in full swing and the party has good visibility in all the places. The party's first unit in Kerala was formed by a group of students of the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. It stepped into electoral politics by fielding Kochucherukkan in the Eravipuram seat for the 1970 Assembly election. The party's first Lok Sabha candidate James Joseph who contested from the Kollam seat garnered over 8000 votes. Founded in 1948, the SUCI(C) had a presence in the assemblies of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha at different times. Its lone MP was in the 15th Lok Sabha -- Tharun Mandal who was elected from West Bengal. Today, the Kerala unit of SUCI(C) has about 1200 full-time cadres and a few thousands of members.The party intervened in numerous public issues and equipped people to fight for their rights. It took the lead to unite people and organisations to fight for people's rights on issues ranging from the mineral sand mining at Thrikkunnapuzha to the anti-K-Rail protest. The party played a significant role in the people's movements at Chengara, Vilappilsala and Moolampilly.

All arrangements in place for polls in Kollam

Campaigning goes silent, but no less intense

A day ahead of the polls, candidates of the three major fronts in Kollam were busy meeting as many voters as possible

194 contestants vie for votes as Kerala gears up for polls with over 2.75 cr voters

Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 194 contestants in 20 Lok Sabha seats are seeking the blessings of the people as Kerala goes to the polls on Friday, after over a month-long fierce campaign by the CPI(M)-led LDF, Congress-headed UDF, and the BJP-led NDA. The Election Commission said there are over 2.75 crore voters in Kerala where polling will commence at 7 am on Friday. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul said 63,100 bottles of ink are used to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure flawless and transparent elections. This time there are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state out of which more than five lakh are first-time voters. Kottayam constituency boasts the highest number of candidates at 14, while Alathur has the fewest at five. Other notable figures are: 13 candidates in Kozhikode and 12 each in Kollam and Kannur. Of the total 194 candidates, 169 are men and 25 are women. The Vadakara constituency stands out with the highest number of female candidates, at four. The Election Commission said steps have been taken to ensure safe and peaceful polling by deploying 66,303 security personnel. Kerala Police and Central forces are providing tight security for the polling in a total of 25,231 booths arranged at 13,272 places. Police deployment has been made throughout the state as per the instructions of the Central Election Commission. When the polling for 20 constituencies in the state begins at 7 am on Friday, more than five lakh first-time voters will go to the polling booth. As the curtains fell on Wednesday evening, marking the conclusion of the over-month-long, high-octane public campaigning for the April 26 polls, Kerala on Thursday witnessed a silent campaign before the state votes. Two union ministers, a state minister, three actors and a few MLAs are among the total candidates who try their political luck this time. BJP-led NDA is fielding the most number of women candidates - five. Unlike the previous general elections, Kerala has seen a highly active and aggressive campaign. Diverse issues ranging from the implementation of the CAA, the alleged existence of 'love jihad', controversies surrounding 'The Kerala Story' movie, the Manipur violence, Rahul Gandhi's candidature in Wayanad, as well as alleged appeasement of minorities by various political parties, dominated the high-decibel public campaigns. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the UDF won 19 of the 20 seats, while the LDF had to settle for just a single seat.