Row over fee for waterlily festival
The Hindu
Following criticism, visitors have been exempted from fee during weekdays
Even as people continue to throng the polder banks of Malarikkal to view the waterlily flowers in full bloom, the tourism festival organised in connection with the annual season appears to have run into rough weather following protests over the imposition of fee for visitors. The event, which took off on August 14, stipulates a fee of ₹30 per head for entering the Malarikkal village, venue of the festival, besides a parking fee of ₹50 The organisers have also imposed a fee of ₹500 and ₹1,000 for wedding and commercial shoots at the flowering locations . The move, however, drew criticism from a section of visitors, who have launched an online campaign questioning the rationale behind the imposition of fee for a mere wayside view of flowers. Criticisms are also being levelled against the fee of ₹100, set per head for a boat ride among these flowers, by comparing it with the cost of a boat cruise along the Vembanad lake.
Axar Patel appointed captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, expressing readiness and confidence in leading the team.
Kochi City police seize 2 kg of ganja, arrest 3 students in overnight raid at Government Polytechnic College hostel.
‘Instead of accusing Gen-Z of lacking skills or discipline, we need to ask what drives them’ Premium
At a recent event held in the city, Cambridge University Press & Assessment launched an advisory panel comprising leaders from top global corporations, aiming to bridge the employability gap in India and better align academic output with industry needs. A whitepaper released at the event highlighted the growing importance of communication skills, the need for stronger collaboration between industry and universities, and strategies to bridge the persistent skill gap.
AIADMK and BJP legislators walk out of Assembly during budget presentation, demand resignation over TASMAC irregularities.
Han Kang's witness literature explores human violence and redemption, reflecting on dark chapters in South Korean history.
How did the rupee symbol come into existence: Tamil Nadu government replaces national rupee symbol with Tamil script in Budget 2025 amid language controversy.
Karnataka CM supports DMK-led opposition against delimitation, sends Deputy to Chennai meeting with Tamil Nadu CM Stalin.
Under the NBS, newborns are screened for communication disorders before they are discharged from the hospital. For this, AIISH has collaborated with several hospitals to conduct screening which is performed to detect hearing impairment and other developmental disabilities that can affect speech and language development. The screening has been helping in early intervention for those identified with the disorders, as any delay in the identification poses risk and affects successful management of children with hearing loss, according to AIISH.
Jadavpur University loses Institute of Eminence status due to budget cut, sparking political controversy and student protests.
Hyderabad's Government Super Speciality Veterinary Hospital offers affordable pet care, bridging the gap in pet healthcare services.
Majestic, once a bustling shopping hub, now struggles with declining footfall due to online shopping trends.
Kasthurba Gandhi Kanya Gurukulam: A legacy of women's empowerment, Gandhian values, and inclusive education for underprivileged students.
Andhra Pradesh SIPB approves ₹3.10 lakh crore investments, targeting 3.12 lakh jobs, including major projects by ArcelorMittal and BPCL.