Karnataka on a fast to complete Infra Projects

Karnataka has stepped up its efforts to take up 48 of the 148 projects worth about Rs 1 lakh crore under Public Private Partnership by actively pursuing the Centre's clearance, while sorting out local bottlenecks of land acquisition, reports Business Line.

The State, which had to struggle for a long time to executive its new green international airport, is now confident of overcoming the hurdles and set in motion the process of implementation, the report added.

The Infrastructure Department plans to take up 48 projects for early implementation and it has already prepared preliminary project reports for 20 projects, it said.

According to government officials, the State had proposed 110 projects in the transport sector alone, which relates to roads, railways and smaller airports.

Though private sector companies and investors have shown interest to invest in the projects, delay caused by clearances from the Central Government and departments, land acquisition and litigation had put paid to the hopes of the projects taking off early. Some of the projects were proposed three to four years ago, the officials were quoted as saying.

The projects, proposed to be offered to investors on design, build, operate and transfer modes, could not be taken up earlier because of enormous time taken in preparing the feasibility reports, it added.

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Grohe launches tech centre in City

Grohe AG, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of sanitary fittings, on Saturday, announced the launch of Grohe Technology Centre in the City.

Inaugurated by Water Resources Minister Basavraj Bommai, the centre is primarily designed to provide visitors with a first-hand experience of the Grohe product range. The range offers water saving solutions comprising faucets, showers and kitchen mixtures, highlighting the brand’s commitment towards water conservation. Briefing reporters, Grohe Vice President & Managing Director Mathew Job said “we see a lot of potential here as Bangalore is one of the fastest growing markets in the country and the consumer is exposed to international trends.” He said the estimated market size for sanitary fittings in the country is Rs 2,000 crore, and the company targeted a Rs 400 crore business here by 2012. The company plans to investment Rs 15 crore annually, and launch three more technology centres in the country by the year 2010. It recently launched an academy in collaboration with Don Bosco school in Mumbai called ‘Don Bosco Grohe Jal Academy’ to train the underprivileged with skills to become plumbers. The showers are priced in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 5 lakh.

Metro Reach-1 will be ready by December next year

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday said it was on track to complete the 8-km stretch (Reach-1) from Baiyappanahalli to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium by December 2010.

Addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here, Managing director of BMRCL, N Sivasailam, said: “The opening of the first line is a very feasible option. It is most likely to happen. We are on track.” Admitting that the award of underground (UG) tenders has suffered a delay, Sivasailam said the UG tender package would be rebid and awarded in three-month time. “However, we will open the line on the Northern stretch anytime between June and September 2011 and the Southern stretch between September 2011 and January 2012” Contract The BMRCL also announced that a contract has been signed with Johnson to supply 176 lifts to stations of Bangalore Metro at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Sivasailam further added that elevated stations will only have passenger space and there will be no room for merchandising. “Five per cent of our revenue is expected from sources other than fares, such as advertising. At the moment, our priority is to get the Metro running. It is better to test the market after the trains run” he said. Afforestation On a query from FKCCI members, Sivasailam said the BMRCL has begun an afforestation drive on 300 acres of land in the Tippagondanahalli catchment area. “Despite trees being cut, 90 per cent of them will be back, after project construction is done” he assured. The BMRCL also announced that it was working with BBMP to offer option of Transfer of Development Rights in lieu of a rehabilitation package for land losers. Source : deccanherald Bought to you by : Ravina Media Media &PR Division of Ravina Consulting No.429 Mahavir Tuscan Near Hoodi Circle, Whitefield Mahadevapura Post BANGALORE 560048 raghav@ravinaconsulting.com www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Centre’s aid for 8 projects in Karnataka

The Union water resources ministry has approved a Rs 2,019-crore assistance for eight major irrigation projects in Karnataka, involving construction of new canals and faster completion of pending works.


Karnataka Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who met Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal here on Friday, told reporters that the Centre had approved financial assistance for the projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Prime Minister’s Special Package for farmer suicide-prone districts.

The projects are: phase III in stage I of Upper Krishna Project, Bhima Lift Irrigation Scheme, Guddadamallapur Lift Irrigation Scheme, UKP stage II, Ghataprabha Project stage III, Karanja Project and Malaprabha Project.

Bommai said the minister informed him that his ministry had written to the Planning Commission to enhance the financial allocation under the AIBP project from the existing Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.

He also disclosed that the Union ministry of environment had cleared the Upper Bhadra Project, conceived to utilise 23 tmc feet of water from the Tunga and Bhadra reservoirs for irrigation and drinking water requirement of drought-prone areas of Chitradurga, Tumkur and Kolar districts.

As the total project cost is over Rs 5,900 crore, the State government has requested the Central government to consider this as a national project and allocate more funds, the minister said.

More funds

Meanwhile, the State government has requested the Centre to allocate more funds to repair canals in flood-hit districts. It was estimated that due to the recent floods, a total Rs 233.80 crore worth of irrigation infrastructure were damaged, including breach of several canals. As the existing Calamity Relief Fund does not have a provision to provide funds to repair damaged canals, the State government requested the Centre to allocate separate funds for the work.

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Rainwater Harvesting by BBMP

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has completed installing rainwater harvesting system in 16 of its buildings in the first phase, has called for tenders for rainwater harvesting structures in another 16 of its offices in the city.

The Rs 65 lakh project is expected to save nearly 1.2 crore litres of water every day in the future.

The Palike intends to complete the projects by April 2010. “We are targeting all the BBMP buildings in the city including hospitals, schools and ward offices for rain water harvesting for our internal use,” informed a Palike official.

In all, over 300 BBMP buildings are currently being targeted by the officials for rainwater harvesting. Palike officials said that the 16 buildings that already have RWH mechanism will save 1.2 crore litres of rainwaterper day.

“In the second phase Palike head office, the Council building and the IPP centre will be taken up for rain water harvesting,” said the official.

The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, consultants to the project, has provided the feasibility report. Officials state that the third phase of rainwater harvesting, as in the previous phases, will have the same number of buildings and cost around Rs 65 lakh.

Solar power

On the other hand, the BBMP still awaits for the Government to approve two projects of installing solar panel systems to generate electricity for their internal use.
The projects were to establish the Grid connect Solar PV Systems at the BBMP Main Building and the Council Building in the same vicinity. The project was to cost Rs 2.25 crore in total to install the system.

“While solar energy will be eco-friendly and cut down on our electricity consumption in conventional terms, the capital cost is on the higher side,” opined the official.
According to the officials, the project has been approved in-principle but is yet to be approved on paper.

The Horticulture Department in the meantime has decided to create at least a 1,000 recharge pits for water percolation in the parks under its
jurisdiction.

Source : deccanherald.com

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Petition on Tagore circle

The issue of Tagore Circle underpass was taken to the Central Government, with Hasiru Usiru, the Green Organisation submitting a petition to the Union Minister for Urban Development, Jaipal Reddy, on Saturday

More buses: Union Minister for Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy flagging off the BMTC buses at Shantinagar on Saturday. Transport Minister R Ashok, Principal Secretary Shankarlinge Gowda are also seen. DH PHOTOThe underpass project has been taken up by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) at a cost Rs 22 crore.

The NGO submitted the petition to Reddy, who was in the City for the flagging off 380
buses .

The petition states: “The BBMP claims that 12,000 passenger car units (PCUs) passed through the (Tagore) Circle. Independent survey done by traffic management experts about three months ago confirmed a figure of hardly 4,500-5,000 PCUs. This is a serious intentional exaggeration to justify the huge expenditure. It is reported in the media that ACP (Traffic) has disassociated with the traffic density figures assumed by BBMP.”
Reddy said that he was not for flyovers or grade separators in the City. “The flyovers (grade separators) will only cause traffic jams on it. I have tried to keep the number of projects for grade separators to a minimal through the JnNURM,” he said.

Twitter users meet Shashi Tharoor

This was the moment tweeple (people who use twitter) were waiting for - a meeting with poster boy Shashi Tharoor.


There was no proverbial ice to be broken during the tweetup (meeting of tweeple) at the Bangalore International Centre. No sooner had the minister of state for external affairs finished his introduction on how he got tweeting than questions gushed in torrents -- from whether he had become a Twitter addict to problems of dealing with the Left Front government in his constitutency.

He had the audience in splits as he described his adventures on the social networking platform. Stating that the cattle-class row did a lot of damage, he said, "I was called to defend Twitter on TV and explain what Twitter was to the Prime Minister. Some even advised me to give it up for the sake of my political career."

Why did he persist? "I am not revealing any state secrets. I see this is as a tool to demystify the process of governance. It brings in an element of transparency and accountability." One overzealous suggestion was that tweeting be made compulsory for all ministers. Tharoor quipped: "I shouldn't be the one to do that."

On the transition from diplomacy to politics: "I am here for the long haul. We are all here with a mission, to serve the society. When we leave, it should be a better place."

At one point, it seemed the roles had reversed: Tharoor was the listener. The audience, comprising mostly computer professionals generously offered suggestions on how his ministry could be made more transparent and interactive by using technology. But it's evident there is a long way to go, as Tharoor said, "Twitter is banned in the MEA."

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SKF unveils its Global Testing Centre in Bangalore

SKF, a leading global supplier in areas of bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, today inaugurated its India Global Testing Centre here.


Unveiling the new Testing Centre, Tom Johnstone- Group President and CEO, SKF told reporters "we are putting in place in India a knowledge infrastructure that will significantly reduce lead time for our customers and ensure we are able to respond speedily to the requirements for new products".

The main objective, Johnstone said, will be to conduct testing at close proximity to its customers for design process and supplier validation. This shall entail greater support for SKF's processes in a faster and cost effective manner by applying global test standards that adapt to local customer specific requirements.

The Global Testing Centre at the onset will cater to the two wheeler, automotive and sealing solutions businesses of SKF and will subsequently expanded to to encompass the industrial segment as well. The Centre will also cater to teting value added solutions that integrate SKF's five technology platforms.

"The Rs 10 crore Testing Centre is the first phase of the Global Technical Centre comprising the Testing Centre, Laboratory and Development Centre involving a total investment of Rs 30 crore and an overall employee strength of 100-130", he said.

Source : PTI

Bullet Train to link Bangalore - Chennai

Japanese investors have shown a keen interest in introducing a bullet train connecting Chennai and Mysore via Bangalore under a public private partnership model, besides setting up a Japanese industrial park on a 1,000-acre land in Tumkur.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has given the approval in principle to the proposal put forth by the representatives of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO). JETRO representatives held a meeting with the chief minister in this regard on Wednesday.

However, it is not clear which Japanese companies were interested in taking up the train project, its estimated cost, the State Government’s role in it and other details. Official sources said the plan was still in its preliminary stage. JETRO, sources said, has already conducted a survey and found the Chennai-Mysore route very viable for investment.

The Union government is seriously considering developing the Chennai-Mumbai industrial corridor on the lines of the Mumbai-Delhi industrial corridor.
Moreover, Japanese car manufacturing companies Hyundai and Toyota already have their units in Chennai and Bidadi near Bangalore. Toyota has plans to set up another unit in Mysore. This will throw up lucrative business propositions as far as freight service is concerned, sources said.

55 more underpasses, flyovers on cards

Many of the projects are bound to resemble the flyover at Windsor Manor and the underpass a few yards away at the Cauvery theatre junction. The only difference would be that the BBMP is likely to reduce the usage of the controversial magic box or the pre-cast element technology to almost zero.
According to BBMP sources, the Palike has proposed to build at least 55 more underpasses and fly overs at many bottleneck areas of the City including Minerva Circle, Shoole Circle, Kasturba Road, Shivananda Circle and near Commercial street. “Already we have planned to have a steel bridge from Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle. Work would start soon at Vidyapeetha Circle where an underpass is coming up. At Shoolay Circle we may require one project.

As the Metro Rail project is underway, we do not want to add more to the chaotic traffic in the City by starting new infrastructure projects. First we would like to have a clear picture of Metro Rail to take further steps in this regard,” said a top BBMP official.

CM thanks donors

It’s thanksgiving time for chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. In the wake of an overwhelming response from the public that resulted in
the state government mopping up over Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief works, Yeddyurappa has thanked the people of Karnataka, Bangaloreans in particular, for their support in contributing to flood relief.

Besides the Rs 1,000 crore from the public, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised to give Rs 1,000 crore. State government employees have given Rs 195 crore from their dearness allowance and Rs 30 crore from a day’s salary. Pensioners have contributed Rs 80 crore.

People who wish to contribute can draw their cheque/DD in favour of ‘Calamity Relief Fund of Karnataka’ account No. 823500111002.

Source : timesofindia.com

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‘Breast Cancer Handbook’ released

A “Breast Cancer Handbook”, a guide for women in dealing with breast cancer was released by Health Care Global Enterprises Ltd, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion Dr BS Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, HCG said, “Our attempt is to spread the core message that breast cancer is not a single disease; truly it is multiple diseases behaving differently in each individual.”

According to Dr Niti Raizada, Consultant, Medical Oncology and Consultant-in-charge, Center of Breast Health & Genetic Counselling Clinic, HCG, “The challenge today is to create awareness about growing incidence of breast cancer not only in urban centres but also rural areas. With breast cancer increasingly afflicting women even in their early 40’s and in some cases even 30’s, we should strive to encourage women to visit doctors for early detection as it is the best possible remedy.”

Sharing her thoughts, Sashi Venkat, key member of the Pink Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, said “Awareness about breast cancer is minimal in India. Efforts should be made by all concerned to reach this handbook to as many women as possible and persuade them to follow it in letter and spirit.”

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Bangalorean wins prize in Korean contest

A cartoon submitted by Bangalore-based cartoonist, B V Panduranga Rao has won a prize in the “Free Themes” category at the 18th Deojeon International Cartoon Contest 2009 organised in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

The prize-winning cartoon shows a big pot as a globe containing a little water at the bottom, to be distributed to millions of small pots all around. This cartoon has been included in the album brought out by the organisers and will be exhibited in the Korean Gallery in Seoul.

Rao is a former president of the Karnataka Cartoonists Association. His cartoons have been exhibited in Israel, Taiwan, Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Switzerland.

Source : deccanherald.com

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Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million

Bengaluru
Oct. 22: When it pours… Flood victims in the under-developed north must place their faith in a state government turning increasingly to corporates to rebuild homes and infrastructure in Karnataka’s 16 flood ravaged districts.

Kicking off the launch on Thursday with the B.S. Yeddyurappa government on their new initiative Aasare or shelter was Cisco, which became the first multinational to sign on to the new public-private partnership programme.

Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million. It will also set up two schools and provide healthcare software as part of a plan to introduce a telemedicine facility in the northern districts where floods destroyed the existing facilities.

Under the Aasare programme, the government will identify land on which the corporates will build houses for flood victims, a tired looking Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said, clearly signaling that he intends to get moving on the issue.

Appreciating Cisco’s gesture, Mr Yeddyurappa lauded the company “for exhibiting its corporate social responsibility,” and praised it “as a model for other companies to follow.” Last count, the chief minister’s kitty was overflowing. Rs 500 crore. Is there more coming?

Discover Darwin Now - exhibition opens in Bangalore

''A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life,'' so said Father of Evolution — Charles Robert Darwin. Feteing the bicentennial birth anniversary of the celebrated English naturalist and founding father of controversial Origin of Species theory, country’s Science City, is hosting a 15-day long Darwin Now Exhibition.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, British Library Manager Charu Sapra, said the idea behind bringing the globally travelling fair to India’s Silicon City was to inculcate an interest, and kindle a revival of scientific spirit, not only among City’s young adults, but equally among its larger highly erudite diaspora.



Darwin Now, she said, is a stunning exhibition created by British Council to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’.

The exhibition explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas and explains how those ideas are as important to us today as they were when they were first published.

Yes, nearly, 150 years ago — One man, and one book, came to symbolise the new biology of evolution, whose seminal study on the workings of nature and the variety of life re-imagined the ways that underlie all modern biology.


Further, Sapra said, the educative fair is aimed at walking students of various schools and colleges, as also others keen on pursuing science, through different facets of the scientist and the thesis he propounded and indirectly help in catalysing science education in the portals of various education in India and world.

The exhibits, with attractively designed posters seek to address Who was Charles Darwin? Why was he so controversial? Why is he still relevant today? and help explore his exciting world through interactive materials as people go through the discover Darwin now programme.
It explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas, and explains how they remain at the core of contemporary research in biology and medicine till date.

Darwin Now is an international programme which investigates evolutionary theory and the influence that Darwin has made on our society, Sapra pointed out. As British Council Director Science Dr Lloyd Anderson succinctly put it: the Darwin Now exhibition is both colourful and interactive, to be enjoyed by children and adults. Each panel tells its own story. These activities are designed for teachers and facilitators to help students to look at the world around them and to see how Darwin’s legacy lives on today.

While first leg of the exhibition is at The Forum, Hosur Road till October 26, the second leg shifts to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, T Chowdiah Road and will be on till November 2, 2009, Sapra said.
Darwin Now Exhibition Caravan, she said, will then chug on to Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, right through the year into the New Year. Yes, celebrate life, evolution and discover Darwin Now.

Source : deccanherald.com

The Kingfisher Great Indian October Fest 2009

October 16, 2009, Posted by Kingfisher at 4:23 pm

The Great Indian October Fest (TGIOF) is produced on the lines of internationally renowned German Oktoberfest, which takes place in Munich, Bavaria. TGIOF has the essence of Oktoberfest felicitously blended with Indian flavor.

Charm of the event lies in having oodles of fun with friends and family; along with non-stop live music performances, great art to see and participate, games to be enjoyed, spending time and searching the flea market for funky memorabilia, seeing and experiencing unique range of automobiles from past and present, enjoying classic movies and finally eating great, sumptuous food with fresh and refreshing beer.

TGIOF is a total package of fun and frolic to entertain one and all for three full days starting from Friday to Sunday. TGIOF is a carnival, a melting point for people to have a good time.



A total of 20 Food courts and comfortable covered seating areas for 400 people will be organized at the Food Fest area.

Sumptuous food will be available at the venue, catering all taste buds from starters to full course meals.

Food fest in its true style will have the following caterers with their stalls:

* BJN group: Chinese, Thai, Italian, German, English continental and Arab cuisines
* Clarks Resorts: North Indian, South Indian, Goan and Guajarati cuisines
* Pizza by U.S. Pizza
* Coffee and Pastries by Barista
* Chats and Mouth watering starters by Chef Victor
* Mirchi Fries: Indian Varieties – Chilli, Potato, Onion, Capsicum, Banana and many more
* Frankie Rolls: Vegetarian & Non Veg
* Plus loads of Popcorns, Sweet Corns, Candies and Roasted Starters

Special Attraction: Bombay Mithai & Ice Gol Guppies.

All the above caters will maintain high levels of hygiene and are well known for their great food. The overall arena will be cleaned & maintained hygienically for guests to enjoy their time.

Come Join the Party and be part of most happening event in Bangalore 23-25 Oct 2009

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