Task Force finds hygiene violations at Shadab Hotel and Nimrah Cafe near Charminar
HYDERABAD: Task force team conducted rigorous inspections in various food establishments across Hyderabad on Tuesday and Wednesday. They discovered significant hygiene and safety violations, leading to improvement notices being issued to multiple eateries and Oil refineries.
Inspections at Oil re- packing units in Katedhan
The task force team inspected three oil repacking units in the Katedhan area on Tuesday. The inspected units were Bhagyanagar Oil Refineries, Kedia Agro, and Ambica Oil Industries. The inspections revealed numerous violations.
Windows in these units were open to the outside environment without proper insect-proof screens. Additionally, doors were not close-fitted, allowing pests to enter. Vehicles intended for transporting raw materials and finished goods lacked valid FSSAI licenses. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers, pest control records, and cleaning schedule records were missing.
The food businesses did not maintain a recall plan document for their products. Food material was not tested through internal or accredited laboratories. Furthermore, no technically qualified person was employed by the Food Business Operator (FBO). The FBO also failed to provide headgear, gloves, and uniforms or aprons to the staff.
Notably, Bhagyanagar Oil Refineries and Kedia Agro did not display a true copy of their FSSAI license at a prominent place on their premises. Consequently, improvement notices were issued to these establishments to rectify the observed deficiencies.
Inspections in several eateries at Charminar
Task force conducted inspections in the Charminar area on Wednesday. The inspected establishments included Nimrah Cafe and Bakery, Arabiana Restaurant, and Hotel Shadab. Each establishment exhibited various hygiene violations.
Nimrah Cafe and Bakery
At Nimrah Cafe and Bakery, the FSSAI license true copy was not displayed prominently. Several food handlers were found without haircaps, gloves, or aprons. The premises for baking and aeration lacked proper insect-proof screens, and the doors were not close-fitted. Fresh cream and pastry stored inside the refrigerator were unlabeled. Additionally, medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control records were missing. However, the baking equipment and surrounding areas were found in a tidy and hygienic manner.
Arabiana Restaurant
Arabiana Restaurant displayed similar issues. The FSSAI license true copy was not prominently displayed. Food handlers did not wear haircaps, gloves, or aprons. The kitchen premises were open to the external environment without proper insect-proof screens. Dustbins were open without lids, stagnant water was present, and untidy and greasy exhaust fans were observed. The refrigerator was in a very unhygienic condition with food articles not properly covered or labeled. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control records were missing.
Hotel Shadab
The task force team also inspected Hotel Shadab. They found improperly labeled and seized Eagle Brand Cutting Coconuts, Dried Rose Petals, Cardamom, and Jeera. Semi-prepared and raw food articles stored inside the refrigerator were not properly labeled or covered. The FSSAI license true copy was not prominently displayed. The kitchen area on the ground floor was open to the outside environment without proper insect-proof screens. Dustbins were open without lids. Flaking plaster from the ceiling, dust, and cobwebs were observed over the gas pipeline in the ground floor kitchen area. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not found. However, the FBO was found to carry out pest control measures every fortnight, with records available.
The inspections revealed serious hygiene and safety violations in multiple food establishments in Hyderabad. Improvement notices have been issued to ensure compliance with food safety standards, aiming to safeguard public health.
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.
