Over 20 lakh outdated vehicles causing trouble in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Nowadays, pollution and accidents are the primary concern in any city when it comes to road safety. But, pollution is increasing day by day because of using outdated vehicles. There are over 20 lakh outdated vehicles causing trouble in Hyderabad, which are more than 15 year old. Out of these, 17 lakh are bikes and 3.5 lakh are cars. What is more concerning is this number is increasing day by day.
It is noteworthy that one out of every four vehicles plying in greater area is an outdated vehicle. RTA officers and Traffic police are not showing any concern regarding accidents and pollution, which is happening because of these vehicles. And these vehicles are coming on the roads without fitness tests and without paying green tax.
Any vehicles over 15 year old has to undergo fitness test and have to pay green tax to hit the roads. But without following any of these, even vehicles which are 15 to 20 years old are plying on major roads freely.
According to RTA calculations, there are 80 lakh to 90 lakh vehicles in Hyderabad and 21 lakh vehicles are 15 years old or above. These includes 17 lakh two-wheelers, 3.5 lakh cars, 1 lakh goods vehicles, 20 thousand autos and 4 thousand cabs. It seems that about 2000 buses belonging to various educational institutions are also more than 15 years old. Many of these vehicles have to pay green tax but the owners do not care. Fitness tests are also not conducted.
Outdated vehicles causing trouble
Most of the outdated vehicles causing trouble by emitting dangerous gases like carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and methane in high doses. Officers said that such vehicles also consume a large amount of petrol and diesel. Hazardous gases are emitted from these vehicles and mixed with the air. Doctors say that there is a risk of respiratory diseases due to breathing such air. Also, road accidents are increasing day by day due to unfit vehicles.
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.
