Hyderabad Police enforce Section 144 on vote counting day
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Police have implemented limitations on public gatherings and events near counting centers on June 4 to maintain harmony during the Lok Sabha General Elections and Secunderabad Cantonment AC bye-election.
Section 144 in Hyderabad
Hyderabad Police Commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy has issued orders to restrict activities in order to preserve peace and calm in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Ahead of the vote counting on June 4, 2024, orders have been received for 16 counting centers in the twin cities. The limitations will be implemented from 6 AM on June 4 to 6 AM on June 5, 2024, as per section 144 and the Hyderabad City Police Act.
Notification
Counting of Votes for General Elections to the HoP Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituencies – 2024 and Bye-Election for Secunderabad cantonment AC is scheduled on 04-06-2024 at (16) counting centers in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secund…https://t.co/GGgfcB4Qkg
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) June 3, 2024
The Commissioner has banned gatherings of five people or more and any marches within a 200-meter radius of the counting centers. It is also not allowed to have sticks, flags, lathies, firearms, or any other possible weapons within a one-kilometer distance of the counting centers. Setting up temporary structures such as shamianas, pandals, and khannaths in streets and public areas is prohibited in order to avoid overcrowding.
Prohibitions on noise and public gatherings
The use of mikes, public address systems, and musical instruments is forbidden near the counting centers. Singing, speeches, and broadcasting through speakers are also prohibited. The Commissioner bans the collection and carrying of stones or other objects that could be used as missiles.
Additionally, making speeches, gestures, or displaying pictures, symbols, and placards that could incite religious animosity or hatred between communities is prohibited. These measures aim to prevent disturbances and ensure a peaceful counting process.
Police officers, including Home Guards and Special Police Officers (SPOs) on duty, are exempt from these restrictions. Officials involved in election and counting duties are also exempted. The public is advised to adhere to these orders to avoid prosecution.
The Hyderabad Police urge citizens to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth and orderly vote counting process. These restrictions are part of the authorities’ comprehensive efforts to maintain peace and security during the crucial election period.
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.
