City inching closer to pipeline dream

KOZHIKODE: It seems that there is hope round the corner for the industrial aspirations of the energy-starved north Kerala. If the Rs 3,100-crore project of laying a natural gas pipeline from Kochi LNG terminal takes shape, Kozhikode will enter the big league of cities with a direct-to-home piped gas distribution network.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline (KKBMPL) project is being implemented by Kerala Gail Gas Limited, a joint venture project between Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Gail Gas Limited. Currently the firm is in the process of obtaining a right of way from landowners along the 720km stretch. In Kerala, the pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad,Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod. The work on this is likely to be completed by March 2013. Meanwhile, the work on the 44-km-long first phase of the pipeline from Kochi to Kalamassery is nearing completion.

According to KSIDC officials, the company will also bid for setting up a city gas distribution network in Ernakulam in the first phase when the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) issues notification. The proposed network for Kozhikode would provide households with a direct supply of piped natural gas. Further it will free up city-based gas cylinders, which could be used for gas distribution in the rural areas.

An earlier notification issued by PNGRB for Ernakulam geographical area got cancelled in November 2011 and a re-notification is expected soon. The gas pipeline will use 2.5 MMTP of natural gas that will be made available after the LNG terminal in Kochi is commissioned for industrial and infrastructure development across the state.

A top KSIDC official said the gas network will provide a reliable supply of clean and cheap source of energy. Industrial clusters will also get an opportunity to set up captive gas-based power generation units using the gas feed. "This is going to be an attractive option for Kozhikode as it has several power intensive industrial units," he said.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod

City inching closer to pipeline dream

KOZHIKODE: It seems that there is hope round the corner for the industrial aspirations of the energy-starved north Kerala. If the Rs 3,100-crore project of laying a natural gas pipeline from Kochi LNG terminal takes shape, Kozhikode will enter the big league of cities with a direct-to-home piped gas distribution network.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline (KKBMPL) project is being implemented by Kerala Gail Gas Limited, a joint venture project between Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Gail Gas Limited. Currently the firm is in the process of obtaining a right of way from landowners along the 720km stretch. In Kerala, the pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad,Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod. The work on this is likely to be completed by March 2013. Meanwhile, the work on the 44-km-long first phase of the pipeline from Kochi to Kalamassery is nearing completion.

According to KSIDC officials, the company will also bid for setting up a city gas distribution network in Ernakulam in the first phase when the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) issues notification. The proposed network for Kozhikode would provide households with a direct supply of piped natural gas. Further it will free up city-based gas cylinders, which could be used for gas distribution in the rural areas.

An earlier notification issued by PNGRB for Ernakulam geographical area got cancelled in November 2011 and a re-notification is expected soon. The gas pipeline will use 2.5 MMTP of natural gas that will be made available after the LNG terminal in Kochi is commissioned for industrial and infrastructure development across the state.

A top KSIDC official said the gas network will provide a reliable supply of clean and cheap source of energy. Industrial clusters will also get an opportunity to set up captive gas-based power generation units using the gas feed. "This is going to be an attractive option for Kozhikode as it has several power intensive industrial units," he said.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod

MP gets Rs 1000 cr WB project for higher education

TNN | Jan 30, 2012, 10.45AM IST

BHOPAL: A 1000 crore World Bank project will be implemented soon in order to carry out extensive reforms in higher education sector in Madhya Pradesh.

"All formalities are being completed to facilitate launch of the project. The project is aimed at streamlining the higher education sector", an official spokesman said after a quarterly review meeting of higher education department at Mantralaya on Saturday.

State chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanreviewed financial and physical progress. He asked authorities concerned to speed up construction of college buildings.

It was informed that the general enrolment ratio(GER) of the state has increased from 12.5 to 16.9 exceeding the national level. The use of IT has been maximized. The online counseling for B.Ed has benefited 26000 students who secured admission through online process.

The meeting was informed that new faculties have been introduced in 74 colleges. A proposal for establishing Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University has been forwarded to the centre. Minister for Higher Education Laxmikant Sharma, Chief Secretary Avani Vaish and senior offices were present.

MP gets Rs 1000 cr WB project for higher education

TNN | Jan 30, 2012, 10.45AM IST

BHOPAL: A 1000 crore World Bank project will be implemented soon in order to carry out extensive reforms in higher education sector in Madhya Pradesh.

"All formalities are being completed to facilitate launch of the project. The project is aimed at streamlining the higher education sector", an official spokesman said after a quarterly review meeting of higher education department at Mantralaya on Saturday.

State chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanreviewed financial and physical progress. He asked authorities concerned to speed up construction of college buildings.

It was informed that the general enrolment ratio(GER) of the state has increased from 12.5 to 16.9 exceeding the national level. The use of IT has been maximized. The online counseling for B.Ed has benefited 26000 students who secured admission through online process.

The meeting was informed that new faculties have been introduced in 74 colleges. A proposal for establishing Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University has been forwarded to the centre. Minister for Higher Education Laxmikant Sharma, Chief Secretary Avani Vaish and senior offices were present.

School teacher forces girls to dance in Betul district of MP
BHOPAL: A school teacher in the tribal Betul district of Madhya Pradesh asked students to fetch liquor for him and then caned the girls, forcing them to dance in a closed classroom onRepublic Day. The teacher, Mahesh Malviya, has been suspended and an inquiry ordered against him.

This shocking incident came to light when 30 school children from Deochowki village in Betul and their parents reached the district collector's office on Saturday complaining that Malviya handed Rs 30 to a 10-year-od tribal student, and asked him to fetch a bottle of country liquor from the nearest outlet.

The class V student walked half-a-km to buy the liquor bottle. Malviya then poured the drink in a glass, locked the door of the classroom, and asked the girl students aged between seven and 11 years to dance for him. When the girls did not dance satisfactorily, he caned them.

Showing injury marks on their bodies to the Betul district collector, the girl students said, "Masterji beat us because we could not dance. He also shut the door and we could not run away. Then we climbed out of the window and ran to hide in the forests.''

Betul collector Chandrasekhar Borkar confirmed the incident. "Students and their parents complained about the incident. We have ordered an inquiry and found the allegations to be true,'' he told TOI.

During inquiry it was found he was also accused of rape in 2008, when he was posted in Peepaldhana Government School in Bhagoli village also in Betul. District Congress chief Shashi Rajput said, "It's amazing how such a man was reinstated as a teacher. We demand a criminal case be registered against the teacher.''

School teacher forces girls to dance in Betul district of MP
BHOPAL: A school teacher in the tribal Betul district of Madhya Pradesh asked students to fetch liquor for him and then caned the girls, forcing them to dance in a closed classroom onRepublic Day. The teacher, Mahesh Malviya, has been suspended and an inquiry ordered against him.

This shocking incident came to light when 30 school children from Deochowki village in Betul and their parents reached the district collector's office on Saturday complaining that Malviya handed Rs 30 to a 10-year-od tribal student, and asked him to fetch a bottle of country liquor from the nearest outlet.

The class V student walked half-a-km to buy the liquor bottle. Malviya then poured the drink in a glass, locked the door of the classroom, and asked the girl students aged between seven and 11 years to dance for him. When the girls did not dance satisfactorily, he caned them.

Showing injury marks on their bodies to the Betul district collector, the girl students said, "Masterji beat us because we could not dance. He also shut the door and we could not run away. Then we climbed out of the window and ran to hide in the forests.''

Betul collector Chandrasekhar Borkar confirmed the incident. "Students and their parents complained about the incident. We have ordered an inquiry and found the allegations to be true,'' he told TOI.

During inquiry it was found he was also accused of rape in 2008, when he was posted in Peepaldhana Government School in Bhagoli village also in Betul. District Congress chief Shashi Rajput said, "It's amazing how such a man was reinstated as a teacher. We demand a criminal case be registered against the teacher.''

Manipur sees over 80 percent turnout, seven killed
Imphal: Manipur recorded over 80 percent turnout in the assembly election Saturday but the figure could go up as voting was still on in some remote parts of the state, while at least seven people, including a paramilitary trooper and a suspected Naga militant, were killed in poll-related violence.

"We are expecting the final poll percentage to be around 86 percent. It will take time as polling is continuing in some remote polling booths across the state (as at 9.30 p.m.). In some polling stations, polling has been completed but we are yet to receive a confirmed report from the returning officers (ROs)," chief electoral officer P.C. Lawmkunga told IANS. 

"However, looking at the trends, we are expecting that the final polling percentage will be around 86 percent," he said adding that they would be able to calculate the exact percentage of polling only Sunday morning. 

A major tragedy was averted in Sagolband constituency after police and security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It was later defused.

The state election office said that although the polling was officially to end at 3 p.m., the polling officers would wait till those already in queues at the booths have cast their votes.

According to officials, voting was taking more time as every voter was being photographed after casting their vote, to ensure transparency and stop proxy voting. This was being done for the first time in India, they said.

Live webcasting was also done at 60 polling booths in the Imphal valley, an official said and added that the poll panel can monitor the whole process of voting through it. This has been done for the first time in Manipur.

Violence was reported in Chandel district as a group of armed militants tried to capture a polling booth in remote Chakpi Karong village but were thwarted by security personnel. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was killed and six others were seriously injured in the ensuing gun battle.

The injured, who included a suspected Naga militant, a woman voter, three other polling officials and a young girl, succumbed on way to the hospital.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and continued peacefully till noon with people turning out in huge numbers to elect a 60-member assembly despite a string of bomb blasts during the past one week.

In Tipaimukh constituency also, a minor incident of violence was recorded when some irate electors damaged an EVM at a polling booth. This caused security personnel to open fire but no one was injured.

Voting took place amid tight security at 2,357 polling booths, of which 875 were termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his legislator wife, Landhoni Devi cast their vote around 7.30 a.m. at a polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the two-time chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

"People will come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority had deployed 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the election.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki area in Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night but there was no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and a Congress party candidate in the state. One person was killed in the blast.

Manipur sees over 80 percent turnout, seven killed
Imphal: Manipur recorded over 80 percent turnout in the assembly election Saturday but the figure could go up as voting was still on in some remote parts of the state, while at least seven people, including a paramilitary trooper and a suspected Naga militant, were killed in poll-related violence.

"We are expecting the final poll percentage to be around 86 percent. It will take time as polling is continuing in some remote polling booths across the state (as at 9.30 p.m.). In some polling stations, polling has been completed but we are yet to receive a confirmed report from the returning officers (ROs)," chief electoral officer P.C. Lawmkunga told IANS. 

"However, looking at the trends, we are expecting that the final polling percentage will be around 86 percent," he said adding that they would be able to calculate the exact percentage of polling only Sunday morning. 

A major tragedy was averted in Sagolband constituency after police and security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It was later defused.

The state election office said that although the polling was officially to end at 3 p.m., the polling officers would wait till those already in queues at the booths have cast their votes.

According to officials, voting was taking more time as every voter was being photographed after casting their vote, to ensure transparency and stop proxy voting. This was being done for the first time in India, they said.

Live webcasting was also done at 60 polling booths in the Imphal valley, an official said and added that the poll panel can monitor the whole process of voting through it. This has been done for the first time in Manipur.

Violence was reported in Chandel district as a group of armed militants tried to capture a polling booth in remote Chakpi Karong village but were thwarted by security personnel. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was killed and six others were seriously injured in the ensuing gun battle.

The injured, who included a suspected Naga militant, a woman voter, three other polling officials and a young girl, succumbed on way to the hospital.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and continued peacefully till noon with people turning out in huge numbers to elect a 60-member assembly despite a string of bomb blasts during the past one week.

In Tipaimukh constituency also, a minor incident of violence was recorded when some irate electors damaged an EVM at a polling booth. This caused security personnel to open fire but no one was injured.

Voting took place amid tight security at 2,357 polling booths, of which 875 were termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his legislator wife, Landhoni Devi cast their vote around 7.30 a.m. at a polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the two-time chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

"People will come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority had deployed 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the election.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki area in Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night but there was no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and a Congress party candidate in the state. One person was killed in the blast.

Fire kills 32 in Peru rehab centre
Lima: At least 32 drug addicts have died at a rehab centre in Lima when a fire swept through the two-storey building.

The fire Saturday was caused by an explosion of a gas cooker, the RPP radio said. 

But witnesses said it started when some inmates set fire to their mattresses.

The victims could not escape as the exits were mostly locked up, Xinhua reported. 

Some patients survived by jumping out of the windows on the second floor.

The injured were sent to hospital.

Fire kills 32 in Peru rehab centre
Lima: At least 32 drug addicts have died at a rehab centre in Lima when a fire swept through the two-storey building.

The fire Saturday was caused by an explosion of a gas cooker, the RPP radio said. 

But witnesses said it started when some inmates set fire to their mattresses.

The victims could not escape as the exits were mostly locked up, Xinhua reported. 

Some patients survived by jumping out of the windows on the second floor.

The injured were sent to hospital.