Hyderabad citizens unite for Ladakh’s Statehood movement
HYDERABAD: Public-spirited citizens and collectives gathered at Lamakaan in Hyderabad on Sunday evening to show solidarity with the democratic people’s movement in Ladakh, advocating for statehood and sixth schedule status under the Constitution.
The citizens peacefully marched from Lamakaan to the Ambedkar Statue, calling for the immediate granting of 6th Schedule Status and statehood to Ladakh. The Lamakaan campus echoed with slogans of Save Ladakh, Save Ecology, Save Himalayas and Save Democracy.
Environmentalists, feminists, farmers’ rights activists, youth activists, and concerned citizens, including Dr. Babu Rao, Sagar Dhara, Sumitra, Natasha Ramarathnam, Bhanu, Sreeharsha, Anita, Ruchit, Meera Sanghamitra, among others, joined the solidarity action. This gathering was part of the nationwide call for solidarity on April 7 to support the movement.
The meeting and march also expressed outrage at the Union Government’s attempts to suppress the peaceful protest and create tension. This led to the cancellation of the Pashmina March scheduled for April 7, 2024, by the organizers at the last minute. Internet curbs and imposition of Section 144 demonstrate the government’s apprehension of growing support for the movement within Ladakh and across India.
Participants in the protest echoed the sentiments of the people of Ladakh, emphasizing the urgent need for statehood and constitutional protections under both the Sixth and Fifth Schedules of the Constitution. They emphasised the importance of preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecology, syncretic culture, and asserting its own autonomous development paradigm, given its high population of indigenous people and diverse minorities.
The participants condemned the Central Government’s betrayal and insensitivity towards the people of Ladakh, highlighting its failure to fulfill its 2019 poll promise of granting 6th Schedule status. Despite months of united protests by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Association, the Centre has not engaged in substantive dialogue, exposing the government’s anti-people stance.
The protest meeting commended the spirit of the people of Ladakh, including women, youth, and leaders of different faiths, for their collective fight and fast to assert their rights. Some members also drew parallels between Ladakh’s struggle for autonomy and Telangana’s decades-long struggle for statehood.
Participants expressed concern about attempts by corporate entities and China to acquire large swathes of pastoralist land, especially in the Changthang border area, which would threaten territorial sovereignty, ecology, and the livelihoods of nomadic communities.
Organisers emphasised that Ladakh’s struggle reflects broader challenges faced by India today, including protecting ecology, democracy, federalism, and challenging the government’s promises. They stressed the interconnectedness of Ladakh’s struggle with that of Telangana and the rest of India in confronting anti-people and anti-nature forces.
The solidarity action was held by the Telangana chapter of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Climate Front (Hyderabad), and Lamakaan.
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.
