coimbatorein

Mayor claims allegations are baseless, politically motivated

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:27:00 +0000

The city Mayor and AIADMK District Secretary SM Velusamy has strongly dismissed the allegations of misappropriation and acting in violation of his official capacity levelled against him by a section of his elected councillors from his own party on Monday.

Velusamy told that it was a political ploy and should not be taken seriously. However, the development seems to have political undertones as it has exposed the fissures within the party framework in the district as members of the anti-Velusamy faction claimed that some senior district level AIADMK leaders are also not happy with him and his style of functioning.

"There is no factionalism in the district unit of the party. It is all baseless allegations and politically motivated rumours. Whoever has indulged in embezzlement of city corporation funds will be booked if found guilty after a probe is conducted," said Velusamy.

Modify over-bridge at Gandhipuram: Coimbatore MP PR Natarajan

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:19:00 +0000

The proposal to construct a three tier over-bridge at Gandhipuram in the city is expected to undergo some changes from its initial proposal.
The district administration has called for a meeting on June 15 to finalise the basic design of the project after some opposition to the initial proposal. The latest objection has been lodged by Coimbatore MP PR Natarajan who has submitted a petition to district collector M Karunagaran on Friday, citing that underpasses have been a failure in the city as similar structures on Avinashi Road and Lanka Corner are constantly getting waterlogged during the rainy season, resulting in traffic congestion. He has also cited that if the underpass is scrapped from the design then the total cost of the project could be considerably reduced.

"There is no requirement for a three tier over-bridge and the project should be modified and made more viable and practical in design and execution," said PR Natarajan in his official petition.

University senate search panel member elected

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:15:00 +0000

S Saravanakumar, professor at Cumban College of Arts and Science, won a place in the search committee for the vice-chancellor of Bharathiyar University, on Friday with 114 votes.
Saravanakumar was the nominee of the senate and soon the government nominee will also be elected. Last week, syndicate members of the search committee were elected.

N Senthamarai, who won 65 votes, was the main opponent, but she lost.

Jumbo census concludes in Coimbatore

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Three-day elephant census in the district concluded on Thursday. As many as 200 forest staff and representatives from NGOs participated in the census in six ranges in Coimbatore district.
The forest staff and NGOs had spot the marks of elephants near water holes. They collected information in the form of elephant dung, peeling off of the bark from trees. "We have collected the evidence and will announce the number of elephants in Coimbatore district within a week," said V Thirunavukkarasu, district forest officer, Coimbatore.

Digitization of data on criminals to be completed within 2 months, says senior cop

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:50:00 +0000

The city police have sped up efforts to compile a database of criminals and digitally link all police stations within its limits, for effective maintenance of law and order. The works are part of the Criminal and Crime Integration Technical Network and Systems (CCTNS) project which is expected to make the functioning of the department more transparent, effective, accountable and citizen-friendly.
"We are working on compiling historical data that covers the last ten years. Digitization of data has been going on in Coimbatore, Tiruvallur, Sivaganga and Ariyalur districts. Work will be completed within two months," said ADGP (Crime Records Bureau) Ashish Bengara.

"We are using the Common Integrated Police Record Update System (CIPRUS) software to digitize data. We are updating all cases under investigation, all disposal and petty cases, cases under the Arms Act, and narcotic cases," said Bengara.

Backroom manoeuvre on for post of vice-chancellor of Bharathiar University

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:46:00 +0000

Though the process of finding a successor to Bharathiar University vice-chancellor C Swaminathan, whose tenure ends this August, has just begun, back room maneuvers have already begun among academicians in the region to win this coveted post.
While a sizable section of teachers in the university and affiliated colleges have started campaigning for senior syndicate member N Chenthamarai, those close to Swaminathan have begun efforts to reinstate him for a second term. Though Swaminathan was appointed by the erstwhile DMK government, he is reportedly close to the present higher education minister, reason enough to hope for a second term.

Sources close to the vice-chancellor have confirmed that he was mending fences with the AIADMK government. "If God permits.....,'' was the response of Swaminathan when asked about the possibility of one more term for him. The risk factor here is the ultimate choice of chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who seldom reinstates nominees of the previous DMK government.

Residents hoist black flags to protest poor facilities in Coimbatore

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:42:00 +0000

The absence of adequate drains and channels to ensure flow of excess water from the dingy lanes is the first sight that welcomes anyone walking into GM Nagar near Ukkadam.
It is one of the low-lying areas in the city, prone to flooding during the rainy season every year. Being locked inside their modest homes with stagnant rainwater filled with slush and garbage has become an annual ritual for them. The resentment towards the city corporation led to a protest where residents hoisted black flags atop their residences and commercial establishments.

People from the neighbouring Gandhinagar and Kottaipudhur localities also joined in the protest. By Monday afternoon more than 1,500 black flags were hoisted, sending a clear message to the city corporation officials. Corporation officials pacified residents and assured them of taking remedial measures within the next 10 days.

14 drunk drivers sent to jail - Coimbatore

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:59:00 +0000

In a major move to ensure that tipplers are kept off the road, city police have started invoking strict measures against drunk drivers and have sent 14 people, including four wheeler drivers to Coimbatore Prison after they were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody on Sunday.
The move is expected to act as a strong deterrent to drunken driving, the city police say. This is the first time police are taking measures to ensure tipplers are put behind bars. Since violatiors have to serve jail time, they will think twice before getting on city streets after downing a few pegs.

"There have been numerous accidents in the city involving drunk drivers and some of them are so inebriated that they do not realize the seriousness of taking a life or causing an accident. We have decided to deal with them in the strictest possible manner," said T Senthilkumar, deputy comissioner of police (Traffic and Crime).

Government press to be revamped - Periyanaickenpalayam

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:55:00 +0000

After several years of indecisiveness, directorate of printing at Union Ministry of urban development has decided to modernize the Government of India Press at PeriyanaickenPalayam in Coimbatore.
Replying to a question from Coimbatore MP P R Natarajan in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for urban development, Saugata Roy, announced that the modernization efforts would be undertaken soon after obtaining a detailed study from National Buildings Construction Corporation. The corporation has already been entrusted with the task of constructing new buildings for the press to accommodate world class printing machineries. Once modernized, the press can avail orders from various central government departments pertaining to printing works.

The press was in disarray for an extended period, as it was neglected by the department. Though a few computers were installed a decade ago and an offset machine was installed, the press failed to win contracts even from the government. The ban on recruitment had also affected the press as they were unable to fill vacancies. The facility was working in a very nominal way with over 400 staff unsure of their future. Employees can now breathe easy as the minister has assured Natarajan that all existing staff will be retained despite modernization. "We will train them in operating the new machines," said Saugata.

Efforts on to find new VC for Bharathiar University

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Efforts are on to find a new Vice Chancellor for Bharathiar University, as the existing VC, C Swaminathan's term will come to an end this August. The university syndicate has nominated retired IAS official P Sonai to the three-member search committee which will suggest three names to the governor for the post.

During the syndicate meeting on Saturday, higher education secretary T S Sridhar proposed Sonai's name which was approved by the majority. The senate of the university will meet next Friday to decide on its nominee to the committee while the third member would be nominated by the government.

A committee was also formed for the selection of a new registrar in the place of P Thirumalvalavan, who will retire on June 8. The new registrar would be selected by June 5 and the university has already received 18 applications for the post. A six member committee has been constituted to decide on the registrar as per UGC law.

Six fined for hunting rabbits

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:47:00 +0000

Six persons were fined Rs 25,000 on Sunday for hunting wild rabbits near Karamadai. Forest department officials have seized two country made guns and four dead rabbits from them.
The six were identified as R Suresh, 28, D Senthil alias Vellingiri, 34, R Thangavelu, 30, P Rangaraman, 45, all hailing from Ezhusuli near Karamadai, P Karthick, 26 and J Arul, 25 of Thimmampalayam.

"Our anti-poaching team was on patrol early Sunday morning at Kattanji hills where four persons tried to escape. But our team chased them. Two hunters were secured at Periyaputhur hills. We have imposed a penalty of 25,000 on them," said M Nazir, Range officer, Periyanaickenpalayam forest range.

Remove tinted glass from vehicles, urges Coimbatore top cop

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:41:00 +0000

With the Supreme Court order banning the use of tinted glass and sun control films on all vehicles, city police commissioner A K Viswanathan has urged residents to remove them within three days.
``We will initiate action against those who continue to use sun control films and tinted glasses. Only plain glasses are accepted. Transparent films will not be entertained,'' he said. A fine ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 300 would be collected from each violator under Central Motor Vehicles Act, he said.

According to the commissioner, the ban is applicable to all vehicles including government and police vehicles. Exception would be given only in rare cases of extreme sensitivity and that too as per the provisions, he clarified. Police have already held talks with Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and private bus operators to remove tinted glasses.

Young soldier confident of bagging medal at London Olympic Games

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:37:00 +0000

Ooty's Olympic dreams may very well be fulfilled by a young soldier from the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) at Wellington in the Nilgiris who has qualified for the London Olympic Games.

Twenty-two-year-old Sepoy K T Irfan is the third Indian walker to qualify for the Games when he finished 19th in the World Race Walking Cup at Saransk in Russia on May 12, covering 20km in 1:22:09 hours. The 'A' standard in the 20km walk event for the Olympics is 1:22:30 hours.

Since his enrolment in the army, Irfan has been working hard and his perseverance paid off in 2011 when he won the national championship in the 20km walk held in Kolkata and Patiala. He participated in various state and national events, setting records on two occasions in Cochin and Patiala.

"The soldier has made his regiment, the Indian Army and the entire nation proud. Through hard work, unparalleled focus and devotion, he has qualified for the Olympics," said Brigadier S S Jadhav, VSM, commandant of MRC.

Two Coimbatore boys head to Nasa for prestigious meet

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Rohan M Ganapathy, a student of Hindustan College in the city and a native of Ooty, and his friend Shakthi Guhan will be the only students from across the world to attend the prestigious Global Space Exploration Conference.

Their papers, which they submitted eight months ago online to International Aeronautical Federation, has been chosen for presentation at the world's most prestigious space meet, which is held once in five years at NASA headquarters.

Of the 2,100 papers submitted from 88 scientists and PhDs, Rohan and Shakthi are the only students to enter the conference. Their paper on finding water in Jupiter's moon and life in Saturn's moon entitled 'Technology Challenges of Europa and Titan Exploration Mission' was chosen for presentation at the meet. Europa is Jupiter's moon and Titan is Saturn's moon.

Railway station to see new facilities for disabled

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Two weeks ago, M Narayanan, a resident of Sreepathy Nagar in the city, was returning from a trip to Kumbakonam when the train he was travelling in chugged into Platform no 6. Narayanan, who is physically challenged, knew he was in trouble as the platforms 5 and 6 did not have handrails on the staircase leading to the subway. "It is quite dangerous out there. Even though I had my son and wife for support, they had to literally carry me all the way down. Though a wheelchair was available, the staircase is too steep for it to be used," he told.

As Narayanan is the vice-president of the Sreepathy Nagar Residents' Welfare Association, he met top railway officials and made a complaint. Now just days later, change is underway.

Prompted by a visit by 50 physically challenged persons to the railway station, its manager D Chandrasekaran on Tuesday promised to open a separate counter for physically-challenged people. "Actually the separate counter is supposed to be open for a long time. But the person manning it was not present. Now on the insistence of the NGO, we are opening the separate counter for physically challenged people at the Coimbatore Railway Station," said Chandrasekaran.

"The lack of facilities so far at the station was troublesome for physically challenged persons. But after today with the cooperation extended by the station manager, the station will have many new facilities for them," said Raj Kumarr Velu, founder and president, Change India.

Chopping away the green cover in the city

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:24:00 +0000

The ongoing road widening works of the state highways department is taking a toll on the green cover in the city and suburbs as over 600 trees will be removed from the city's landscape after the completion of the entire project. The state highways department has been granted permission from the forest and revenue departments to cut these trees as per the requirement of their proposal.

"The permission has already been granted and the highways department is proceeding as per their proposal. They are removing trees and electric poles to widen these roads," said a senior revenue department official.

The widening works will be carried out on Thadagam Road from Government College of Technology to Edayarpalayam covering a stretch of 3.5 kilometers at an estimated cost of Rs 2.64 crores. As many as 250 trees will be axed for the project to widen the road from the existing 6.5 metres to about 15 metres, making it a four lane road to ease the flow of traffic. The work is expected to begin soon.

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:19:00 +0000

A major attempt to loot the house of S Balaji, an income tax officer, residing at Kothari Nagar in Singanallur was averted on Sunday, when the thief broke-in to the house while he was away on a pilgrimage trip. Thanks to the burglar alarm system installed, the burglary was stalled.

With the number of burglary cases in the city sky-rocketing, installing a burglar alarm is essential. However, most people do not consider it a worthy investment. A small investment in an alarm can give one peace of mind and prevent thieves from looting your residence. "But awareness levels are low, and thus the demand for security alarms is not much. When you compare the substantial demand for security systems from commercial establishments, residential demand is negligent," says S Baraneetharan, proprietor, Ion India, a dealer of burglar alarm systems in Coimbatore. He indicated that 80 per cent of sales come from commercial establishments.

Man, father arrested in dowry case - Kovaipudur

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:16:00 +0000

The RS Puram all woman police on Friday arrested a man and his father for allegedly keeping a woman in confinement and harassing her demanding dowry. The mother-in-law of the woman is absconding.

According to police, A Anjali, 20, of Kovaipudur was studying B Com final year in a private college here. M Ashwinkumar, 22, of RS Puram had completed BE and was staying with his father B Manoharan and mother M Rajakumari. Last year, Anjali and Ashwinkumar were doing project and they met in a computer centre often and fell in love. But both of their families initially refused to accept the love but later their marriage was held on November 1, 2011. But Anjali's family did not give any dowry to the groom's family.

After the marriage, Anjali was living with her husband and his parents. But her in-laws demanded 250 sovereigns of gold and a car from her. But she refused to tell their demands to her parents. Then she was kept under confinement and was beaten up by her in-laws and her husband. Unable to put up with the torture, she approached a Coimbatore court to register a case against the trio. The court had ordered to the police to register a case. Based on the court direction, RS Puram registered a case against the trio on Friday and arrested Ashwinkumar and his father Manoharan.

Four buses destroyed in fire - Kuniamuthur

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:12:00 +0000

Fear engulfed the busy Kuniamuthur area around noon on Saturday when four buses parked inside a vehicle body building workshop completely destroyed in fire.
Thick smoke emanated from the workshop located inside the busy residential area close to Palakkad Main Road made people panicky. Traffic on the highway was disrupted for more than an hour as people stopped their vehicles in the middle of the road and rush to the spot.

There was no casualty as all the 15 workers at the unit were moved out immediately after the fire started. Fire fighters took more than one and half hour to douse the fire but could not save the buses from fire. One bus was partially burnt while four buses gutted fully.

Carelessness at Coimbatore corporation swimming pool results in mishap

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:08:00 +0000

A seven-year-old boy has died who had been admitted to a private hospital here with critical brain damage after he met with an accident while taking summer swimming coaching at the Coimbatore corporation swimming pool near Gandhi Park in the city.
Corporation officials, meanwhile, claimed that fresh tenders were being called for maintenance of the swimming pool and that they would ensure it was handed over to proper contractors for maintenance and safety of swimmers.

‘Permanent posts must for PHC nurses’

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:05:00 +0000

The nurses on contract duty at Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the state must be given permanent postings, said Dr G R Ravindranath, the president of the Tamil Nadu Medical Workers Association at a press meet in the city.
He said there are around 1,629 PHCs, all over Tamil Nadu, and that nurses were appointed at these centres on a contract basis, suffering poor working conditions. "They are paid a meagre Rs 4,000 in the first year of joining, and an addition of Rs 500 for every year in work," he said. For the last five years, the government has not been appointing nurses in permanent posts. Instead, temporary workers are appointed, and are not provided with the facilities or pay scales available to regular employees, he said.

Government declares Annur a taluk, people thrilled

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:02:00 +0000

V Karuppusamy, a resident of Pattaikkaran Pudur village near Annur, is a relieved man. The news about the government's decision to elevate Annur as a separate taluk has come as a shot in his arm as he can now avoid frequent trips to Coimbatore north revenue office for work.
Annur was earlier part of Avinashi town panchayat but after the formation of Tirupur district out of Coimbatore in February 2009, Annur and more than 21 villages were subsumed under Coimbatore north taluk office in the city, which almost needed half a day's travel just to reach the spot.

Karunanidhi daughter’s aide threatening us: Martin’s wife

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:59:00 +0000

In a surprise twist of events, lottery king Santiago Martin's wife and his close family members have filed a complaint at the city police commissionerate accusing two lottery agents including a person close to former chief minister M Karunanidhi's Bangalore-based daughter Selvi of trying to frame Martin in a fake lottery case.
They also alleged that they were getting constant threats from the duo after Martin was released on bail on May 7.

"They are trying to extort Rs 2 crore from our family and are constantly threatening us over the phone," alleged M Leema Rose, Martin's wife, in her complaint.

Corporation mulls shifting Omni bus stand to Ukkadam

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:53:00 +0000

In an attempt to decongest the city streets and ensure smooth flow of traffic, the city corporation is thinking about shifting the Omni bus stand from the present location on Sathy Road near Gandhipuram to the vacant land available near Ukkadam sewage farm.

According to senior corporation officials the proposal is to allot about 10 acres of land as parking space for Omni buses from the total 100 acres of corporation owned land next to the Ukkadam Sewage Treatment Plant.

The Omni bus owners association has already expressed doubts about the feasibility of shifting the bus stand to Ukkadam as they had earlier sought for a new location on Avinashi Road. However, corporation Commissioner TK Ponnusamy said that the Bus Stand has to be shifted out but the civic body is yet to finalise the location.

Kovai Corporation appoints 6 new lawyers to solve pending cases

noreply@blogger.com (coimbatorein) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:48:00 +0000

The city corporation has appointed six new advocates to represent the civic body in its legal matters in an attempt to strengthen its legal wing.
Two of them will appear on behalf of the corporation in legal issues filed before the district courts while the remaining others will take care of legal matters before the Madras High court. At the moment the city corporation has 989 pending cases filed before the various district courts, Madras high court and also the Supreme Court.