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Rajamudi, black rice emerge crowd favourites at Desi Rice Mela in Mysuru
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A machine was deployed to clear accumulated garbage at a black spot on Goripalya Main Road in Bengaluru on June 4, 2026. | Reviewing the progress on July 29, the Lokayukta expressed dissatisfaction over the continued existence of garbage black spots despite repeated directions and several review meetings. The authority noted that complaints of illegal dumping and unscientific waste disposal continue to be received from across Bengaluru.The review was held to assess compliance with directions issued during a meeting on June 10, where commissioners of all five city corporations and the Chief Operating Officer of BSWML were instructed to implement a series of measures to improve waste management.The Lokayukta directed civic bodies to deploy GPS-enabled garbage collection vehicles, immediately install GPS devices in existing vehicles that lack them, and phase out old vehicles that cannot be equipped with the technology. Junior Health Inspectors, supervisors and marshals were made responsible for preventing the formation of garbage black spots, while Assistant General Managers were instructed to closely monitor waste collection in residential areas and interior roads. BSWML was directed to initiate action against contractors violating waste management norms.During the review, Bengaluru East City Corporation informed the Lokayukta that it has identified 168 garbage black spots, of which 50 have been cleared, and assured that the remaining sites would be removed by August 15 with measures to prevent their recurrence.Bengaluru West City Corporation reported that 155 of the 385 identified black spots have already been cleared. Another 150 black spots would be removed by the August 15 deadline.Bengaluru North City Corporation stated that it had cleared 171 of the 268 identified black spots and promised to remove the remaining sites in a phased manner, with at least 50 more black spots to be cleared by August 15.BSWML Chief Operating Officer informed the Lokayukta that GPS devices, supplied by Intel, are being installed in garbage collection vehicles. As part of the first phase, 500 vehicles operating in the C.V. Raman Nagar and Shantinagar zones will be fitted with GPS by August 15.BSWML has identified 5,837 Bulk Waste Generators across Bengaluru through a comprehensive survey. It plans to operationalise 1,000 waste processors across the five city corporations by August 15 to strengthen scientific waste processing and reduce illegal dumping.The Lokayukta directed all civic agencies to submit regular progress reports and ensure strict implementation of waste management measures to eliminate garbage black spots and improve cleanliness across Bengaluru. Published - August 01, 2026 03:16 pm IST
The Desi Rice Mela, which concluded in Mysuru on Sunday (July 19), attracted visitors who were keen to witness traditional varieties of rice. | A. Sriram The two-day Desi Rice Mela concluded in Mysuru on Sunday (July 19), with traditional rice varieties attracting an enthusiastic response from consumers, particularly young families. Organised by Sahaja Samruddha, Sahaja Seeds and Save Rice Campaign, the event highlighted the nutritional and cultural value of indigenous rice varieties.Speaking after distributing prizes to winners of the traditional rice cooking competition, paddy farmer Syed Ghanikhan of Kirugavalu urged consumers to adopt native rice varieties for better health. He said these nutrient-rich varieties, cultivated by earlier generations, had sustained local food culture and promoted well-being.The cooking contest featured dishes such as Mapillai Samba Idiyappam, Kichadi Samba Khichdi, Kappakki Payasa, Kempu Akki Shavige, Kempu Akki Payasa, Avalakki Payasa and Parimala Akki Pulao. Bharati won the first prize, while Nagamani Virupaksha secured the second prize.A children’s painting competition on the theme ‘The World of Paddy – As I See It’ was also held. Kushal R., Rishika and Moulya S. emerged winners in the 5–9 years category, while Tanish Kumar, Gokul Aryan and Lalitya M.N. won the top three prizes in the 10–12 years category.Visitors were fascinated by the colourful red and black rice varieties, many seeing them for the first time. Rajamudi rice witnessed high demand, while Kala Bhat black rice sold out quickly. Producers sold around 25 quintals of traditional rice during the mela, according to the organisers.However, sales of paddy seeds remained subdued as farmers were reluctant to purchase them due to delayed reservoir water releases following poor monsoon rainfall. “Despite this, the mela succeeded in creating awareness about the importance of conserving and consuming traditional rice varieties,” the organisers added. Published - July 19, 2026 07:29 pm IST
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