ED seizes Rs. 61 Lakh in Al Kabeer exports environmental violation; firm accused of improper waste disposal
PATANCHERU: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized a significant movable asset – a fixed deposit valued at Rs. 61 Lakh – belonging to Al Kabeer Exports Private Limited under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
The ED initiated an investigation based on a complaint filed by the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) in the Court of Special Mobile Judicial First Class Magistrate, Sangareddy, Telangana. The complaint alleged that Al Kabeer Exports Private Limited was engaged in processing frozen buffalo meat and failed to adhere to TSPCB norms governing the proper classification and disposal of solid waste generated during animal slaughter.
The company obtained permission from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) that all solid waste generated during animal slaughter on the premises should be properly classified and disposed of as per the norms of TSPCB. However, the company did not follow the norms prescribed by TSPCB to treat the solid waste generated in the processing of frozen buffalo meat and committed offences under sections of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The ED investigation revealed that Al Kabeer Exports Private Limited did not comply with the statutory requirement for the treatment of hazardous solid meat waste generated on their premises. Instead, the company disposed of the hazardous waste in an open area, resulting in the pollution of surface and ground water in the surrounding areas. The ED investigation also revealed that by committing the said scheduled offence, the company generated proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 61 lakhs, which have been provisionally attached as mentioned above. Further investigation is underway.
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.
