Garbage pile near government office raises sanitation concerns at Rajendra Nagar Circle
Hyderabad: A significant mound of waste has accumulated at Pillar 233 of the PVNR Expressway Flyover, opposite the National Fisheries Development Corporation Building in Rajendra Nagar Circle 11. This is not just a matter of sanitation neglect but a pressing health hazard, particularly due to its proximity to a government office. The situation is not only inconveniencing commuters but also posing immediate and serious health risks.
While speaking to Hyderabad Mail, Syed, a resident of Rajendra Nagar and admin of a ‘Swachhhyd’ page on a social media platform, expressed his disappointment. “The garbage near the government office is neglected, and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) seems unresponsive,” he said.
Syed further highlighted additional concerns: “The garbage dump is located near a school, which recently resumed its academic year. The ongoing monsoon season poses a health hazard for the children. Additionally, a nearby hospital could also be affected,” he added.
The resident of Rajendra Nagar Circle pointed out that proper hygiene maintenance should be a year-round effort, not just a focus on days like October 2nd, which marks the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).
Syed pointed out a broader issue of waste management in Hyderabad. “The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) appears unresponsive to citizen complaints. Trash is becoming common across the city, likely due to a lack of dustbins. People end up littering because there’s nowhere to dispose of waste properly,” he stated.
Syed demanded immediate and decisive action from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). He urged them to clean the area around the government office, implement effective waste management solutions, and take immediate steps to address littering in the city.
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.
