Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: Chintamani and impact of urbanisation on water management in small towns, and more
Even as the water crisis that hit Bengaluru this summer hogged the headlines, turning the spotlight on water security in urban India, little attention has been paid to the rise in significance of smaller towns and cities in the country, which are charting the new phase of the urbanisation narrative.
A recently published study has highlighted this trend using the example of Chintamani, a town around 75 kilometres from Bengaluru. The study shows how these towns are feeling the pangs of urbanisation — from over-exploited groundwater and depleting aquifers to polluted lakes and fragmented planning.
Karnataka witnessed 10th International Yoga Day celebrations at many districts on June 21. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah participated in a yoga session at Jindal Steel Plant in Toranagallu in Ballari district. The event was organised by Shwaasa Yoga Samstha, in association with Santosh Lad Foundation.
More than 3,000 IAF personnel and their family members, trainees, Agniveervayu and students also participated in a demonstration organised by HQ Training Command (IAF) in Bengaluru.
In Mysuru, known to be a yoga hub, thousands of practitioners performed various asanas in front of the iconic Mysuru Palace. The district administration had made arrangements for nearly 10,000 people to take part in the event. Mysuru is a major destination for learners of yoga with not less than 120 institutions imparting lessons in the ancient Indian discipline.
Trekking to Kudremukh and Netravati (or Hirimariguppe) peaks in Kudremukh National Park will be allowed only through online booking from June 25. According to Sivaram Babu, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, trekkers will have to log on to www.kudremukhanationalpark.in to book their trip.
Only 300 trekkers will be allowed on each peak per day and a person can book for a maximum of three persons. Booking for an entire month will open on 25th of the preceding month. For example, booking for entire July will open on June 25.
NDA government in A.P. neglecting students and education sector badly hit, alleges Jagan Mohan Reddy
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of neglecting all sectors and not paying the fee reimbursement benefits to the students.