Pub-G addiction claims life of 21-year-old student in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: In a heartbreaking incident, a 21-year-old student was found dead in his residence in Yellareddyguda, Hyderabad. The tragedy unfolded when his mother, Pontur Jaya, returned home on the evening of January 3, 2024.
Jaya, a 35-year-old housewife, had gone to Srinagar colony to meet a friend. She received an emotional message from her son at around 8pm stating, ‘Bye mummy Love you Jagratha’. She rushed home, alarmed by the message and unable to reach him by phone, to find the main door locked from the inside.
With the help of the watchmen and others, they forced open the door to find Akhil hanging from the ceiling fan in the bedroom. He was immediately rushed to NIMS hospital, where the duty doctors confirmed him dead at 9:55 p.m.
The family’s tragic journey began in 2018 with the death of Akhil’s father, P. Vishwanath, a production manager, owing to illness. Jaya and Akhil had since moved to an apartment in Yellareddyguda.
Investigations revealed Akhil’s struggle with PUB-G addiction, forcing him to bunk college for the past three months.
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.
