Haj pilgrims ordeal due to lack of facilities in Makkah
Hyderabad:Haj pilgrims from Telangana are facing a hard time at Makkah due to lack of proper facilities. Subsequently Telangana State Haj Committee shot a letter explaining the plethora of issues faced by the Haj pilgrims and requested the Ministry of Minority affairs to shift the pilgrim to places where there are proper lodging facilities.
In its letter from the Minorities welfare department undersigned by Shaik Liyakat Hussain Executive officer of Telangana State Haj Committee listed out the various issues faced by Haj Pilgrims-Haj pilgrims of building No 350 and 352 in Aziziya category are in very much distress. The building is in dilapidated condition. Further there are no basic facilities and utilities like no supply of drinking water, no water supply in building, no proper electrical and sanitary fittings, No exhaust fans in bathroom, no fridges in working conditions, no proper working air-condition, electrical sockets in damage conditions”.The Azizia region is the region where the pilgrims are provided lodging facilities. It is about 4 km from Haram (the grand mosque).
Explaining the plight of Haj pilgrims Shaik Liyakat Hussain said,”The Haj pilgrims are very much anxious and angry for the bad facilities provided in the buildings. There are no officials from the Indian Hai office in Makkah (IIM) and Consulate General of India(CGI) to look after the welfare of the Haj pilgrims and to attend to their grievances”.
Considering the ordeal suffered by Haj pilgrims, Shaik Liyakat Hussain requested the Joint Secretary to Government, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, to shift the Haj pilgrims of building No 350 and 352 to another building in Aziziya.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. The Hajj pilgrimage is an annual event that takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. As a journey of a lifetime, Hajj is a mandatory religious duty that must be undertaken by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so.
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.
