Cyberabad police push for safety features in school buses
HYDERABAD: School buses should have safety features like seat belts, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and GPS tracking systems, said Cyberabad Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis at a traffic awareness meeting on June 11 (Tuesday).
Cyberabad Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) D. Joel Davis and other traffic branch and Road Transport department officers held a traffic awareness meeting with school correspondents at Cyberabad Police Commissionerate.
Various issues discussed in the meeting are as follows:
Safety:
School transport vehicles need to undergo regular maintenance and inspections. Buses should have safety features like seat belts, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and GPS tracking systems. Schools must conduct regular emergency procedures, including evacuation drills, to prepare students and drivers for any emergencies. Additionally, students must be educated on safe practices for boarding, riding, and getting off the bus.
Supervise and monitor safety practices, and establish communication between parents and school management. Conduct road safety awareness programs for schoolchildren and school bus drivers to promote road safety awareness among children, parents, and drivers. The school management may seek assistance from the Traffic Training Institute (TTI), Cyberabad.
Congestion:
To reduce traffic congestion in front of schools and prevent accidents, it is recommended that designated drop-off and pick-up points be created within the school premises. Traffic marshals should be stationed outside the schools to manage the flow of vehicles. Additionally, bus routes should be carefully planned to minimize travel time and congestion.
When hiring school bus drivers, make sure they are professional and have valid heavy vehicle driving licenses. Also, create a system to prevent drunk driving and cell phone use while driving. School management should provide designated parking facilities or arrange for parking places if they are not available on-site. Consider implementing staggered timings to alleviate congestion.
Other traffic-related issues:
The Joint Commissioner of Police has asked the school management to bring any traffic-related issues to the attention of the Cyberabad Traffic Police (CTP). Commuters and school management can contact CTP to raise grievances and suggestions via WhatsApp at 7569311356. Failure to make proper arrangements and causing traffic congestion will be taken serious action.
Joint Commissioner of Police Traffic, D. Joel Davis IPS, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Medchal Traffic (in-charge of Madhapur Traffic), DV Srinivasa Rao IPS, along with Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police Madhapur Traffic, Shiva Kumar, and Medchal Traffic, Veeranna, as well as Kondapur Motor Vehicle Inspector Sunitha, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Traffic Inspectors, and various school managements in the Cyberabad jurisdiction attended the meeting.
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.
