Protect elephant corridors

Udhagamandalam: The need to protect elephant corridors was emphasized at a meeting of the Public Awareness Association of Udhagamandalam held here on Sunday.

Expressing concern over the unauthorised constructions which have come up inside the corridors, the participants said that in keeping with an order of the High Court the district administration should snap their power and water connections.

The meeting resolved to urge the government to expedite work on setting right the damage that had been caused to the Coonoor-Mettupalayam highway by the landslides that had occurred recently. It regretted that rules relating to display of cutouts were being flouted in this hill station.

The authorities should caution consumers about the quality of items being sold by pavement hawkers.

SOURCE : THE HINDU

Wearing of helmets compulsory from Jan. 1

Udhagamandalam: With effect from January 1 all the motorcycle riders in the Nilgiris district will have to compulsorily wear helmets, according to the Superintendent of Police, the Nilgiris Kapil Kumar C.Saratkar.

Stating that even pillion riders will have to wear helmets, he told presspersons here on Monday that appropriate action will be taken against those who violate the rules.

Pointing out that accidents were on the rise owing to a variety of reasons, he said that many motorists were throwing caution to the winds and driving or riding after consuming alcohol.

Despite warnings, people were using cell phones while driving.

Some were on the roads even before their learning process was over.

Adverting to the peculiar road conditions in this hilly district, Mr. Saratkar said that many motorists, particularly from the plains, found it difficult to negotiate the curves.

Among the accident victims, the majority were two-wheeler riders.

To ensure the safety of the motorbike and pillion riders, helmet-wearing has been made compulsory.

SOURCE : THE HINDU