AYUSH to introduce Panchakarma treatment in villages

As more number of people are switching over to Ayurveda for treatment of chronic ailments, the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy (AYUSH) is gearing up to provide better services by recruiting personnel trained in Ayurvedic treatments as well as extending Panchakarma Chikitsa at 20 Ayurvedic dispensaries situated in various Taluks of the Mysore district.


Considered to be very ancient, Panchakarma treatment is offered in urban areas and has not yet reached the interiors, especially villages. Through the introduce of programme, villagers are benefited in large number, as the treatment is made easily available in their places.


Presently there are 38 Ayurvedic dispensaries in Mysore district, of which AYUSH will be introducing Panchakarma Chiktsa in 20 dispensaries by next month. AYUSH District Officer Dr Nagesh said that among 20 dispensaries, the infrastructure facilities at Hunsur, KR Nagar and HD Kote dispensaries are in good condition and the fund allocated by government will be used for the betterment of other dispensaries in a phased manner.


“Strengthening the staff and improving basic facilities at ten hospitals will be taken in first phase and 16 qualified trainers will be recruited for providing specialised treatment. The State Government has already sanctioned Rs 7 lakh for the project and in the second phase the programme will be extended to the remaining hospitals,” he added.


“Panchakarma treatment is a boon for treatment of chronic ailments like back-pain, joint-pain, knee-pain amongst others and usually doctors advise to undergo Panchakarma treatment,” said Chennamma who has got rid of ailment through Panchakarma.


Ayush doctors say though the relief from pain in people consuming allopathic medicines is temporary, it recurs as soon as the medication is discontinued, as a result more number of people are turning towards Ayurveda in the hope of seeking a permanent relief.


Explaining the process Dr Nagesh said first body will be detoxified and later treatment will be given for ailments. Through Panchakarma internal, external treatment, steaming, removal of toxins, oleation (oil massage), medicated enemas and nasal administration and following treatments will be provided.


Shortage of doctors
Ayush is also facing shortage of doctors. Among 134 posts, only 75 posts are filled and 59 vacant. An average of 7 staff is needed in every dispensaries, but at present there are only 1-2 staff. 16 multi-purpose workers will be recruited by this month end, on account of launch of the Panchakarma programme.
The response of Ayurveda dispensaries in 1997 was 38,000. Whereas since 2008 an average of 1,40,000 are visiting Ayurveda dispensaries. 

Incredible achievements of a women

Meet this women, who is relentlessly serving society for the past four decades. 56-year-old Dr B Nirmala is the woman, who has bagged several awards for her outstanding individual achievements in the field of health, education and social service making one mesmerise.

She has been educating rural women on matters related to health and legal issues, food hygiene, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse by conducting rallies, camps. Since 1997 she is actively involved in creating awareness among people about eye donation, body and blood donation. Because of her relentless efforts she has been successful in registering around 6000 people for eye pledging.

With the vision 'Tree Planting is part of life', she has motivated several people to plant at least one or two trees in their life-time. She has taken initiative to plant around 9850 saplings during the camp activities and other social service programmes organised by various NGO's. She has to her credit of donating more than 1.5 lakh books for needy people.

She has so far conducted more than 30 camps across State, of which she has organised 11 camps from Maharani's Science College, where she has rendered service as NSS officer for more than 15 years. At present she is serving as Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Hindi in the same college.

Another interesting feature of Nirmala is she is a national level cricket player. She has played for Karnataka and Rajasthan in 1989 and 1980 respectively. She represented Karnataka as one of the organisers in-charge of pitch during one day women's world cup cricket.

Over the past 45 years she has been conferred with state, national and international awards. She has bagged more than 700 awards and prizes, 32 medals of honour. Some notable ones being Mother Therasa Gold Medal Award, Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal Award, Best NSS Officer Award from Karnataka Government, Shining Image of India Gold Medal Award, National Vocational Excellence award and Environmental Award. She has also excelled in literary field composing poems for over 200 Hindi movies and has penned several articles.

She said her parents late Mallamma and GM Battimallappa, retd DAG of GoK, IAAS have played major role in her life and motivated her lot in every step. "Since a child I was interested to do social service. While I was in fourth standard, I carried a medical kit along with me to school to treat if someone got injured," she said smilingly.

“Women should be bold and develop an attitude of positive thinking. Should learn to face problems courageously, and not to give up at any stage of life,” is her motivation words.

Ranks to her credit

Dr.Nirmala, a Doctorate degree holder has bagged first rank in BA (Hons) Sociology, fourth rank in MA Sociology from Rajasthan University, first rank in MA Hindi with four gold medals and second rank in M.Phil from Bangalore University.

  

1,800-year-old temple a boon for childless couples

It is natural for humans to seek solace from God when all other efforts fail. Sri Santhana Venugopala Swamy Temple (Huchappa Gopala) at Hemmaragala Grama, Nanjangud taluk in Mysore district is where devotees, especially childless couples, go to overcome their problems.

The temple which is said to be 1,800 years old, was built during the reign of the Cholas and Gangas. There is a stick (danda) in the temple which is said to have belonged to Koundinya Maharshi, a saint from the pre Buddha era. Before relinquishing his body, he is said to have transferred all his spiritual powers to the stick which is believed to cure any ailment, the priests say.

Couples without children from across the country come here to worship. The ceiling is adorned with small silver cradles as a testimony to the number of couples who were blessed.

Several couples have written in the temple records that they were blessed with children after offering prayers here. Some even recovered from serious ailments. Devotees offer pooja to the Santhana Sudharshana Chakra placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. There is a Nagarkallu in the temple’s backyard.

People believe that by worshiping it, their supposed ‘sarpa dosha’ will be removed. “Since the time of our ancestors, we have been visiting this temple and I believe that there is a supreme power here. The deity is very powerful and we have been cured of all ailments,” says Seenappa, a villager.


A couple who had travelled all the way from Hyderabad said it was their second visit. They had prayed for a child three years earlier and were finally blessed. Though the temple comes under the Muzrai Department, all the developmental works are taken up by devotees. On Saturdays and Sundays, thousands of devotees offer prayers as the temple which is 14 km from Nanjangud.

‘Huchappa Gopala’

The presiding deity is also known as ‘Huchappa Gopala.’ According to priest N Veeraraghavan, one of the Chola kings had only girl children and prayed to Lord Gopala to bless him with a boy. When his 12th child was also a girl, he left the baby at the temple for a day out of anger.

However, when he came to pick up the child the next day, it was a boy. Since then, the deity has been addressed as ‘Huchappa Gopala’.

Science on Wheels, for enhancement of science knowledge

Learning on the move: Science on Wheels Project (Mobile van) for enhancement of science knowledge for the Rural Government High School Students.

Larsen ad Toubro, Engineering and construction company, under educational development activities is launching a project called 'Science on Wheels' (Mobile Labs) in association with Agastya International Foundation, Bangalore and Public Education Department.

The inauguration of the project will be held on June 12 at Hinkal High School at 10.30 am. During the financial year, L&T aims to provided full equipped science lab for 20 selected government high schools of Mysore Rural Block.

'Science on wheels' is an initiative for 8th to 10th class students. A Van equipped with specially designed science models and accompanied by trained local instructors, goes to various schools to conduct workshops for the underprivileged students.

Unique models and methodology followed in the workshops helps in improving students understanding of science subjects.

Mobile science labs vehicles manned by a driver and two trained instructors carries experiments and capable of traveling long distances even to remote schools to exhibit concepts and involve children and teachers in hands-on science. The instructors teach scientific concepts through simple and innovative experiments. The sessions emphasise interaction and questioning. The lab has complete working models of the entire solar system.

Speaking to Express, Programme in-charge officer Santhosh Shetty said that most experiments are simple in nature and used materials are commonly available.

“Children are able to relate better to concepts explained through interactive demonstrations rather than through rote learning. They learn about astral bodies, rotation and revolution, effect of gravitation eclipses and how the brain deciphers signals through innovative models developed by Agastya’s resource partners,” he added.

Informal women’s achievement through Nari Adalat

Nari Adalat Arbitrators Sannathayamma (Hunsur), Basamma (Nanjangud), Lakshmma (Hunsur), Kamalamma (Nanjangud) were in Mysore on Tuesday, on a meeting. 

'Nari Adalat' (Women Court) is doing wonders in district, specially being voice of the voiceless women. The judges, rather the arbitrators at the Adalat are all women who have never been to any law school.

In spite of being illiterate and not having any formal education the women sympathize with the problems faced by other women in their villages. Over the decade these women are relentlessly raising voice against all forms of violence meted out to women, solving thousands of cases cases every year. Serious cases will be refereed to Police and they will followup the developments of the case.

Majority of cases come in Adalat are dowry harassment, domestic violence, extra-marital affairs, alcohol abuse, divorce, child marriage, suspect of virginity, removal of female foetus, gender discrimination and inordinate behaviour from spouse, women beaten up and abused by husbands who are alcoholic, property dispute and much more.

The women solve the disputes amicably through mediation, sometimes even counseling the couple on options like going for adoption instead of remarriage. The women have even take up cases and fight against social injustices in the taluk.

'Nari Adalat' has been working effectively for the past ten years as an alternate legal body in five taluks of districts, such as Nanjangud, Periyapatna, Hunsur, KR Nagar and HD Kote.

The 20 women members meet every month in their respective taluks and discuss the developments of case. They even travel neighbouring villages and solve cases. This programme was initiated by Mahila Samakhya organisation, to help women who scare to go to police and courts.

65-year-old Basamma of Shettahalli Grama, Hulhalli Hobli in Nanjangud Taluk says: “We are not educated. But, we have developed courage to question the wrong-doings and raise voice against injustice.

Basamma from last ten years has solved thousands of cases in Taluk.

55-year-old Sannathayamma of Hunsur Taluk says: “Without any education we are happy for striving for the betterment of the families. Women courageously come in front of Nari Adalat and seek protection.”

After hearing arguments from both the sides the women leaders of the Adalats solve their problems. They say even few men have approached adalat following misunderstanding with partner.

  

Transgenders, homosexuals to stage play

Members of Ashodaya Samithi, a society involved in the welfare and rehabilitation of sex workers, has chosen a platform to showcase their talent and inform people they are no different than other members of the society.

As many as 25 transgenders, homosexuals and sex workers have come together to stage a mythological play in Mysore, cultural capital of Karnataka. All of them have been relentlessly practicing for the past one month to give their best for the event which will become a trend-setter in the days to come.

The one hour play titled 'Samrat Soudhana' involves such characters like Bhishma, Shikandi, Shakuni, Duryodhana, Gandhari, Vidura, Karna, Krishna amongst several others. Music and songs for the play are being composed by the troupe members themselves. The play will be staged at Rangayana at the end of this month.

Raghu who is doing the role of Dhuradhana said: “The experience and joy is unsharable. It is a great opportunity for us to come to reach out to the general public who always look down upon us. Through play we can bring out our feelings, pain and agony in front of society and inform we to are party of society."

Director of the play G Chandra Praba, is proud of his novel attempt.

Earlier, he has credit of directing plays for blinds and orphans children, factory workers, deaf and dumb children since 2009.

He says being in theater field from last seven years his motto is to provide equal opportunity for needy people, and bring them to the main stream of society.

Assistant Director Ningaraju said some artistes are equal to professional performers in singing, dancing and dialogue delivery. He says, through staging play the artistes gets courage to face the ups and downs of life.

He requested Kannada and Culture department to provide a platform for artistes to showcase their talent during Bahuroopi theater festival, summer camps and other events.

Rainy season harrowing time for vegetable vendors and hawkers

 Though the continuous downpour has brought relief to people reeling under severe water shortage, including farmers who depended on rains for sowing crops, it has caused lot of problems for small section of the society, that is the vegetable vendors and roadside hawkers.

Vendors of vegetables and other perishable products like fruits and flowers, who sell in open have to proceed hurriedly for save place to escape from the lashing rain water.

Even vendors selling vegetables and fruits carrying on push-carts not venture out in fear of rain. They trudge long distances covering every locality and extension in the city. But the sudden rains has forced them to return home earlier, causing a huge loss to their daily earnings.

The worst affected are the vendors selling in front of the Devaraja Market, Central Jail, Portion of Sub Urban Bustand and those in the wholesale market situated on MG Road. Rain water accumulates on roads for long time here, worsening the situation more. With earned little money it has become challenging task for them to lead life.

If water soaks the vegetables especially onions, garlic, potatoes and flowers rot very soon says Pushcart vendor G Raju, who has faced loss in business due the rain.

Naganhalli Geethamma who sells groundnut in front of central jail says,

“we bring products borrowing money from the lender. When heavy rain lashes we have to run for nearby shops seeking shelter to keep products and accommodate ourselves. This has affected our business severely.”

Greens Seller Nanjamma, who has three daughters says, she is exhausted to lead life. “With earned 100-150 profit have to take care of three children. When rains lashes foot falls of people declines and has become difficult to lead life with earned money. Corporation has not bothered to provide shelter,” she regretted.

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Several farmers in Mysore are giving up tobacco cultivation

In a good move, farmers of Periyapatna, Hunsur, KR Nagar have given up tobacco cultivation and have switched over for growing horticulture crops since last year. According to Horticulture officials, farmers in the region are cultivating Banana, Papaya, Rose, stretching across more than 150 acres of land where once tobacco was grown, a commercial crop in great demand. 

Thanks to the persistent efforts of Horticulture Department who were to able to convince farmers to take up growing alternative crops in place of tobacco, under Comprehensive Horticulture Development programme.
While, some farmers have given up tobacco cultivation completely considering the health hazardous. Some are switching over after the imposition of ban by the Central Government which has set a target to reduce 50 per cent of tobacco cultivation by 2020.

Of the 33 villages coming under Saligrama Hobli in KR Nagar, five villages namely, Pashupathi, Mavanoor, Gummanahalli, Kedaga, and Shigavalu farmers have switched over up to 90 per cent for alternate crop Banana. Saligrama is spread over a geographical area of 1109.49 hectares of which dry land comprises of 308 hectares, where banana cultivation has been taken up in more than 35 acres. Even at Hunsur and Peiryapatna the farmers are growing papaya in 35-36 acres of land respectively.

Farmer Somegowda who has grown bananas said the margin of profit per acre of land is around Rs 2 lakh per annum which was not the case with tobacco. “Tobacco requires lot of investment and profit margins are less with just around Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh per acre. It is also labour intensive right from nursing to marketing” he added.

KR Nagar Taluk Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture CT Krishnakumar said there is more willingness from farming community to switch over to alternative crops, considering the profit and subsidy provided under several schemes.

Hunsur Horticulture Senior Assistant Director Somaiah said by switching over to alternative crop farmers can avail benefits under various schemes such as RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), NHM (National Horticulture Mission) and NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Anti-Tobaco Forum Vasanthkumar Mysoremath welcomed the move of farmers, but said still many of them are growing tobacco illegally and urged strict action against those farmers.

Water Crisis: Construction workers life is untold misery

The city is reeling under unprecedented water crisis throwing open new problems with each passing day. The new on the list is the construction industry. Thousands of construction workers families who are depend on construction activities for livelihood are severely affected as the works have come to a stand still in several places because of water shortage.

The labourers are finding it difficult to seek other job or go elsewhere, as they don't have knowledge in any other field. Badly affected are daily wage labourers who want to earn and eat there.

Many of them who come from nearby villages such as Ramnahalli, Kyathmaranahalli, Nanjangud, Chamarajanagar are employed by contractors for brick laying, plastering, centering and other activities. They are paid Rs 200 to Rs 400 depending on the work structure.

Couple Kempaiah and Savithramma, native of Kyathmarhalli, who were on work after gap of three days said: “we have forgotten comfortable living. Increase in prices of essential commodities, poverty, unemployment has pushed our life into misery. Our problems has become untold misery.”

Painter VS Panduranga says: “Construction works have been temporarily halted in several places due to lack of water. Until the construction works completes we are jobless. We are eagerly waiting for the monsoon.”

Building Contractor Roshan Biag said: “In one side due to new sand policy we are facing shortage of sand and fighting for quality sand. In addition water problem is looming city delaying works.”

Manoj who has laid foundation for house in Sharadadevi Nagar said: “I have halted construction work for time being. Only after water problem

solves, I start constructing house. We cant offer for tankers.”

Mysore City Corporation Commissioner PG Ramesh said that instructions have been given for construction industries, and citizens to stop construction work until water problem resumes.

Public toilets shut down due to water crisis

Water situation has worsened for high extent in Mysore. With the city presently reeling under severe water crisis, has not spared even the public toilets.

Most of the public toilets have closed down due to lack of water. Though the city Corporation has made arrangements to supply water through tankers to these toilets, it is not sufficient to last the whole day. As a result they close immediately when water runs out.

Compare to men, women are facing lot of problems. Close of public toilets has caused lot of inconvenience for hundreds of women who come to city to sell fruits, vegetables, betel leafs, flowers and much more. Apart from the general public others who frequent these toilets are workers employed in nearby shops, road side vendors, travelers, tourists and students who are put to great inconvenience.

Several women complained that due to insufficient water, toilets are not cleaned properly and are forced to attend the nature call amidst fear of infection. This has even affected the passers-by and vendors accompanied to toilets.

Raj Singh, employee of sub-urban bus stand pay and use toilet said due to shortage of water they have shut doors of toilets for two-three days in the last few days.

Employee Birajnandan Tagore of pay and use toilet situated adjacent to D Devaraj Urs road said they are trying to manage with a tanker of water provided. When questioned about foul smell being emitted by toilets he said they are using water in limited to adjust it for a whole day.

Keralite Gajan who is staying in Mysore from last two days said, “the employees deputed in toilets ask us to use limited water stating there is no water. The toilets are emitting bad smell and are maintained badly. Its high time arrangements should be made to provide sufficient quantity of water and maintain cleanliness”.

Vegetable Seller Thayavva says: “there are several public toilets located at various places in the city providing great relief to people who suddenly gets the urge to answer nature's call. But, people rushing to the nearby toilets over the past few days to answer the call were shocked to see them closed because of no water.”

  

This stretch turns death trap

The pathetic condition of Shivaji Raod in NR Mohalla has become nightmare for residents. Huge potholes on the middle of the road pose threat for commuters. The stretch is not tared from long time and footpaths are encroached by roadside vendors, and shop owners.

Filled with potholes the stretch is not motor friendly. Commuters call the stretch as 'death trap' and allege that no measures have been taken to asphalt the road and are fed up with several rounds of complaint.

Surrounded with Schools, religious places, hospitals, several choultries the road is always buzzed with people activity and known as commercial street. The stretch connects Mysore Bangalore Road (junction of central jail), Bannimantap, Ashoka Road, Sub-urban Bus stand, Bangalore Ring Road and several other areas.

Auto Driver Ali Mohammed says the stretch is not safe for either commuters nor pedestrians. “Huge potholes pose threat. Unaware of potholes, there are several instance where vehicle drivers have lost control over vehicle, by applying sudden break.”

“One cannot drive on stretch without applying brakes. The driving pleasure gets exhausted in avoiding these potholes. Being double road the roads can be widened and need to be tared to ensure smooth flow of vehicles. In this single stretch about seven choultires and function hall are set up and traffic congestion is common,” says Reshma Unnisa, resident.

MCC officials said soon they will address the issue and the works were delayed following ULB and Assembly elections.

  

BJP's vote share sees a drastic dip in Mysore

The assembly elections results has shook the base of BJP in Mysore and Chamarajanagar district. Not a single BJP candidate from 14 constituencies of Mysore and Chamarajanagar district have succeeded in elections.

The candidates who contested from 10 constituencies of Mysore district have obtained only 1.44 lakhs votes (10.07 per cent), against 14,30,181 votes. Whereas in Chamarajanagar the candidates have obtained 27,455 votes against 5,89,801 votes.

While, the KJP performance in both the district is good comparatively to BJP. In Mysore district KJP has obtained 1,61,113 votes (11.26 per cent), which is 1.19 per cent more than BJP. In Chamarajanagar, it has obtained 1,53,850 votes, dealing a severe blow to BJP.

It can be remembered here old Mysore region provided base for BJP three decades ago. In 1983 elections H Gangadhar had won from Krishnaraja constituency. In 1985, 1989 BJP lost the elections. In 1994 BJP won the elections in Krishnaraja, Narasimharaja and Chamaraja constituencies.

But after a gap of 10 years, that is in1999 elections BJP set a record in district by winning in five constituencies out of 11. In 2004 Shankarlingegowda and in 2008 SA Ramdas and Shankarlingegowda won the elections. While, 2013 election is a nightmare for BJP.

If compare to previous two elections, this time BJP was completely rooted out in district. In the previous 2008 elections, BJP had succeeded from Krishnaraja and Chamaraja constituencies. The total per cent of votes obtained from district is 3.87 lakhs (27.85 per cent) against 13,91,309 votes. The party managed to hold second and third position. Whereas, this time the party holds fourth and fifth position in several constituencies.

2013 elections

This time about 2.5 lakhs voters have cast their right against BJP in Mysore district. Apart from three constituencies of Mysore city and HD Kote in the remaining constituencies the BJP has lost deposit. In Varuna, the BJP has slipped to 10 th place.

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BJP position in Mysore and Chamarajnagar District

Constituency	Candidate	Votes obtained	Place
Krishnaraja	SA Ramdas	46546	2
HD Kote	Siddaraju	31248	3
Chamaraja	L Nagendra	26168	3
Narasimharaja	BP Manjunath	12443	4
Chamundeshwari	A Hemanthkumar Gowda	8308	4
Nanjangud	Dr Shivaram	7074	4
T Narasipur	C Ramesh	5175	4
Krishnarajanagar	MP Kumar	1860	4
Hunsur	KS Annaiahnayak	4229	5
Varuna	SD Mahendra	1070	10

Chamarajanagar	S Somanayaka	6919	5
Hannur	BK Shivakumar	1323	8
Kollegal	GN Nanjundaswamy	17224	4
Gundlupet	HG Mallikarjunaswamy	1989	7

 

Congress party sweeps in Chamarajanagar district

Congress candidates has swept Chamarajanagar district by winning all the four constituencies in a huge margin, sidelining other major political parties. The total number of votes obtained by Congress in district is 2,31,249. KJP has obtained 1,53,850 votes, while BSP 55,520, JD(S) 55,240 and BJP 27,455 votes.

Congress has won Hannur and Chamarajanagar constituencies in a margin of 11549 and 11196 respectively. Whereas in Kollegal the margin is 10193, followed by 7675 votes in Gundlupet.

Bahujan Samaj Party and Karnataka Janata Paksha have given good fight for Congress, compare to JD(S) and BJP. At Chamarajanagar and Gundulpet the close fight for Congress is from KJP, whereas in Kollegal by BSP and in Hanur by JD(S) party. BJP party performance has completely tumbled in the district.

Chamarajanagar

Congress candidate C Puttarangashetty has won the Chamarajanagar constituency in a huge margin of 11196 votes, against KJP candidate KR Mallikarjunappa who has obtained 43,244 votes.

Puttarangashetty has obtained 54,440 votes, while Vatal Nagaraj of Kannada Chalavali Vatapaksha has got 18,408 votes BJP candidate RP Nanjundaswamy 9278, JD(S) candidate SP Sannamada Setty 2696 votes.

Hannur

Congress candidate R Nagendra from Hannur has won the battle against JD(S) candidate Parimala Nagappa in a margin of 11549. Nagendra has secured 55684 votes, whereas Parimala 44135. While, BJP candidate BK Shivakumar has succeeded in taking only 1323 votes.

Kollegal

S Jayanna, congress candidate has won the battle from Kollegal against Bahujan Samaj Party candidate N Mahesh by securing 47,402 votes.

Mahesh who has secured 37209 votes, has lost the elections in a margin of 10193. BJP candidate GN Nanjundaswamy has bagged only 17224 votes, while JD(S) candidate N Chamaraju 4392 votes.

Gundlupet

Congress candidate HS Mahadeva Prasad has won Gundlupet constituency in a difference of 7675 votes. Prasad has secured 73723 votes against KJP candidate CS Niranjanakumar who has obtained 66048. While BSP Nagendra has secured 6052, followed by JD(S) BP Muddumallu 4017, and BJP candidate HG Mallikarjunaswamy 1989 votes. 

Guppy fish to fight against dengue

In a bid to eradicate malaria and dengue menace from society, a social worker has taken a drive of distributing 'Guppy fish' to the villages in Mysore district.

Social Worker Somashekar Gowda who is breeding Guppy fish is distributing about 10 lakh fishes in district at free of cost. On Tuesday, he distributed about 10,000 fishes at D Salundi where dengue virus has spread across village, taking four lives. He has placed Guppy fishes in more than 50 puddles in and around of villages, where mosquitoes breed.

He says, Guppy fishes is the right solution to control dengue virus, as its prevent mosquitoes of breeding by eating larvae. “When guppy fishes eat larvae it controls the regeneration of mosquitoes. By placing a pair of guppy fishes is puddles, ponds, huge difference can be witnessed. As dengue has proved fatal, its high time citizens should breed guppy fishes in their surroundings and prevent spread of viral diseases,” he said.

He says, if Mysore City Corporation takes initiative to place a small cement pond in every 100 meters and breed Guppy fishes, in a span of four months Mysore can be declared as free of mosquitoes, eradicating dengue and malaria.

Kalpavruksha Trust President Dr HB Rajashekar said dengue fever is caused due to Aedes Egypti Mosquito and female anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of malaria. “The female mosquitoes breed on stagnant water. When guppy fishes are left in pond, the fishes eat the larvae produced by mosquitoes, destroying the breeding from the root level. It helps to curb dengue, malaria menace,” he observed.

Asking people to borrow fishes from Somashekar at free of cost and ensure mosquitoes not breed in their surroundings, he seeked help of people to make Mysore a role model district in state. For details contact 93427 10209 or 99725 28181.

    

Farmers harvest short term crops on vast dry land of KRS

 Due to insufficient rains and drought the receding backwaters at Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir has exposed vast areas of dry lands, which at normal times would remain submerged under flowing Cauvery river.

This has turned into a boon for farmers residing on the banks of Krishnaraja Reservoir. Taking the advantage of the exposed dry lands the farmers have started harvesting short term crops stretching over quite a few acres, right behind the dam. Acres of land has turned into a green carpet making one wonder whether a river ever flowed there.

Farmers of Kannambadi, Anandvoor and surrounding villages are growing crops like Sesame (Yellu), field bean (Thadnikalu), watermelon, Jowar and other crops which can be harvested within a span of two to three months. Some farmers had already begun harvesting dried field bean to prepare seeds for the next sowing session.

The river bed silt is naturally rich in soil nutrients, doesn't need any fertilizers or chemicals, says farmers. Being already a wet land there is less dependency on water. In case, water is needed the farmers collect water from the river in pot and sprinkle over crops. The farmers claimed that lands once belonged to their ancestors which was submerged after the construction of the Dam.

Farmer couple Vijaya and Lokesh said "We physically removed stones and pebbles lying on the dry riverbed and later sowed seeds. Already we have harvested good quantity of jower, field bean. We are making seeds of few grams, which will be helpful for the next sowing in our agriculture land.”

Farmer Sreenivasan said: “We do not find any difficulty to cultivate the river bed and harvest crops. It was nearly a decade ago, when the water level had dropped similarly we had harvested crops in the same manner.”

Civic issues haunt residents

Though the heavy rains lashed in city from last two days has brought down the temperature consistently, the aftermaths affect of rain has severely affected the normal life. Citizens are facing severe hardship with power cut, water disruption and many other civic problems.

Following thunder, lightening several trees have been uprooted in city crushing the cable connections. Electric poles have fallen and transformers are under repair in several areas, which has resulted to power cuts for more than 20 hours in several areas.

Oozing of potholes, unclean garbage has also created fear among residents of spread of epidemic diseases. In down shallow areas of Kanankagiri the rain water has entered houses. While, in heart of the city, Bannimantap, Vidyaranyapuram, Kesare, Chamundipuram, RMC Yard, the roads itself had disappeared ! Motorist were seen moving very carefully in fear of potholes and trench. In many streets the tar and jelly stones have been washed out creating potholes.

Jayu, resident of Saraswathipuram said from Friday 7 pm to Saturday 4 pm there was no power supply in the area and due to inadequate supply of water and power they are facing lot of problems.

“Every time when it rains, the residents are more vulnerable for power cuts, compare to other areas. The concerned staff fail to resume the power after rainfall stops. Two years ago, they resumed the power after four days, which are terrible days in my life,” added Jayu.

NIE Engineering Student Madhu said: “For an average lightening we face power cut problems and power are not resumed even after days together. I feel we have to step ahead with advancement of technology.”

Supriya resident of Yadavagiri said: The Under Ground Drainage network in area is very badly maintained. It gets clogged oftenly and when rains the situation worsens more.   

Youngsters help voters to exercise their franchise

Thanks for the initiative of Election Commission which helped hundreds of people to find their polling station easily on Sunday. Unaware of where to exercise their franchise some people were seen wandering searching their polling booth. While, some of the voters were seen returning back following missing of name in voter ID list.

In such, the youngsters sitting at voter assistance booth were seen facilitating such voters to find their name and polling station easily, by just sending a SMS to 9243355223.

The youngsters were seen providing the compete details for voters in a few second, such as Assembly Constitution, serial number, name, address and room number where they should exercise their franchise by sending the message.

“I was totally confused, tensed after hearing of missing of name from my voters list. At any cost I do wanted to miss my voting right and I approached the youngsters to assist me. They helped me to get my serial number and polling room number by sending a SMS. Which helped me to cast my vote,” said Sindhu resident of Saraswathipuram.

“The election staff in a polling booth said my name is missing in the list and asked me to visit nearby booth. But, the boys sending the message confirmed me that my voting rights is in the same booth. By collecting the serial number I crossed check with the officials again, where I found my name,” said Shilpa, resident of Nenjumalige.

Chethan of NIE College said he has sent about 26 message till 11 am. “Am feeling very happy for being part of electoral process. Many of the people are confused with their poling booth and we are helping out them by sending a free SMS.”

Another Voter Assistant Nandini said the initiative has helped lot of people to find their polling booth in a few seconds and there is very good response from public to know their polling booth. 

Know the details of candidates at tip of your mouse

Gone are the days when the voters were in the dark as to who they were electing or what their background was. But thanks to the efforts of 'Association for Democratic Reforms' along with the National Election Watch, has set up a website http://myneta.info/ providing all information of the candidates contesting the elections.

Specially for first time voters the website is boon, as they can knew better about the candidates for whom they exercise their franchise. The site provides complete background details of the candidates based on criminal, financial, educational, income tax, total assets and other details.

Interestingly the site also lists candidates who doesn't have a PAN number or filed Income Tax Returns. By further clicking on a particular candidate they can get complete data about the nominees. The primary source for the data used here are based on reports provided by the candidates themselves in their sworn affidavits filed at the time of submitting their nominations.

“It is a worthy exercise and all the voters should visit this site once to know the candidates they are voting for,” says Shyana, BBM student of Saraswathipuram College.

The voters can also watch 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha Elections winners, their expenses, who were MPs in the last election, and all State Assembly Elections posts by visiting the website. During non-election period the citizen can access the details of sitting MP and MLA of their area.

SMS campaign

Apart this the voters can get details of Neta's by calling toll free number 1800-110-440 or sending SMS to 9246556070,” specifying constituency name or the pin code of the area.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF CANDIDATES UPDATED IN WEBSITE

Total number of constituencies=224

Total candidates analyzed by NEW = 1052

Candidates with declared criminal cases = 220 (21%)

Candidates with declared serious criminal cases = 110 (10%)

Crorepati candidates = 681 (65%)

Candidates who are graduate or above = 589 (56%)

Candidates who have not declared PAN = 142 (13%)

Total women candidates = 58 (6%)

Total candidates who have filed ITR = 747 (71%)

 

Awful journey of Hemophilia victims

With the non availability of free Anti Hemophilic Factor (AHF) in government hospitals people with hemophilia (PwH) are suffering hard to get treatment. There are instances of People have sold their property to bear the expenditure of treatment. Sharing their agony, Hemophilia patients requested government to make treatment available at affordable cost, if cant supply it freely. 

Mahesh resident of Maddur with tears in eyes said: “my two sons were infected with hemophilia since birth. My wife Bhagyamma committed suicide along with my second son, depressed over the issue.” Now, Mahesh is leading life with his elder son 12-year-old Appusri Gowda, who is PwH.

18-year-old Nataraj, an 2nd year B.Com student is undergoing treatment from four months of baby. His father Paremsh, an Agriculturist said “to provide treatment I sold portion of the land. With the non availability of drugs in government hospitals, where are facing lot of problems.”

Patient Kempegowda of Somanahalli, Hunsur Taluk said his son and grand son are suffering from hemophilia. “The treatment is very expensive and cant be beard by a common man. We have walked from pillars to post seeking help, but no one looked towards us. Government should look into this issue seriously.”

Karnataka was the first state to provide medicine for Hemophilia patients with a BPL card. But unfortunately as it was not included in the State budget the supply of these medicines has been stopped since three years.

According to Doctors An average of Rs 1.5 is needed for a patient. In houses about 2-4 persons have Hemophilia and the economic condition of the families makes people their life misery. For 250 ML of vial it costs Rs 3475 and for 300 ML about 5,500.

Hemophilia Federation of India Vice President Vikash Goyal said 16,000 people in country, 1500 in state and about 89 in Mysore are identified with Hemophilia.

Hemophilia cases are increasing in country and identification of undiagnosed people is a big challenge. 80 per cent1.2 lakh people of people in country are suffering with Hemophilia and about 70 per cent of Hemophilia patients become disabled, he added.

He said, HFI has submitted a memorandum to government seeking allocation of Rs 20 crore in the budget for treatment and provide a special hemophilia ward in government hospitals. But still their demands have remained unaddressed.

Virkam Hospital Dr Anjali Arun said that the Hemophilia disorder can lead to death and patients suffer from severe joint and muscle bleeding. Girls, women have bleeding in gems.

About Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic, life-long threatening bleeding disorder, incurable in nature and a very expensive to manage in terms of medication and care. The major challenge is treating poor people with Hemophilia as most of the patients are economically poor.

Water problems looms city in large extent

Water problem is hovering in large extent in city. Citizens are finding hard to tackle the issue and over come the water crisis. Housewife Sujatha, resident of KG Koppalu said she was waiting from 4 am to collect the water and has not obtained sufficient water for daily use.

“Let any government shall come to power our situation remains the same. As per my knowledge no development works has taken in our area from last two decades,” she regretted.

Residents of Kannegowdana Koppalu, Sunnadakeri were seen quarreling in front of water tap to collect the water. In several houses there is no water tank facility to store the water. The women were seen collecting water in plastic pots, huge drums, and other kitchen utensiles.

About 60-70 per cent of Mysoreans depend on Cauvery water and some have access to Kabini water. The situation might worsen in coming days, if the water level at reservoirs fails to reach the brim.

Following dip in KRS and Kabini reservoirs, Mysore City Corporation decided to release water two days once. According to officials, the KRS dam has reached the lowest level in last nine decades. The water level at KRS reservoir is 67.59 ft against 124.80 feet, whereas in Kabini its 2246.77 feet against 2284.00 feet.  

Another hard truth is water problem is common in several areas of city. TK Layout, KG Koppal, Vidyaranyapuram, Ittegegud, Nazarbad, Nanjumalige, Sharadadevi Nagar, Rama Krishna Nagar, Udyagiri, Naidunagar, Siddartha Layout, NR Mohalla, Bannimantap and for several other locality residents overcoming water problems has become day to day task.

Hit in construction works
The scarcity of water has not only affected for drinking purpose, whereas even it has affected the construction of house. Contractor Murali says, from last two days they have not got sufficient water to take-up construction water, as the water released is not sufficient.

Demands for water pots
Manasmarket trader Aktar said demand for plastic pots, huge water drums has gone up from last few weeks. “Majority of the pots are sold to villagers. They collect about 8-10 pots of water for a time from the nearby lakes, borewells and later transport in cycles, bullock carts,” he added.