After much ado, OU hostels to remain open for students in Summer
TARNAKA: After several political twists and turns, the Osmania University hostels issued a circular stating that the hostels are set to remain open for students during the summer vacation. Adding to the political fuss, students residing in the hostels have also given a formal representation to the University administration requesting them to provide the hostel facilities along with electricity and water supply for the summer stay.
Scores of students from Osmania University appear for the competitive examinations that are going to be held in the upcoming months. Keeping this in mind, the University’s administration has extended the stay for students in the summer season as well.
Usually in Summer season, as per the academic calendar, University announces holidays for the summer vacation in the month of May. However, now the hostels would remain open.
The Osmania University, in its official circular stated that “Acknowledging the diverse academic needs of our student body, the University’s administration has recently received a formal representation from a group of students. These students have expressed a sincere desire to utilize the summer vacation period for intensive preparation aimed at various competitive examinations. Recognising the significance of their request and the commitment to their academic pursuits. The University administration has undertaken a thorough review of the situation.”
To accommodate students preparing for govt exams
It further added that, “In response to the aforementioned representation, the University administration is pressed to announce that the University hostels will remain operational during the summer vacation period. The decision is intended to accommodate those students who wish to stay back on campus and leverage the available facilities for their exam preparation and academic endeavors.”
Earlier students belonging to the Block III from ladies hostel in Osmania University have also given a written representation signed by hundreds of students to keep the hotel open during summer vacation and to provide water and electricity facilities.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
