Hyderabad

Depleting groundwater levels trigger worries in Nirmal, Mancherial

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The average groundwater level of the district plummeted to 10.19 metres in March this year as against 8.94 metres in March 2023 reflecting a decline by 1.25 metres.

Updated On – 14 April 2024, 06:29 PM


Depleting groundwater levels trigger worries in Nirmal, Mancherial

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Nirmal: Groundwater levels in the district continue to deplete to an alarming low. The dip in level is worrying farmers growing various crops in the ongoing Yasangi season and the public who depend on wells and hand pumps for drinking water.

The average groundwater level of the district plummeted to 10.19 metres in March this year as against 8.94 metres in March 2023 reflecting a decline by 1.25 metres. Mancherial district’s average groundwater level dropped down by 0.96 metres, while Asifabad and Adilabad districts saw a decrease in groundwater level by 0.56 metres and 0.19 metres last month respectively compared to the corresponding period last year.

The water level is expected to dip by at least 2 metres in the coming two months. Yield of domestic and agriculture bore-wells was already reduced by 20 percent.
“Standing paddy crop is likely to wither soon due to lack of supply of water from the KNR project and depleting groundwater levels. Officials should survey crop damage and the government must extend support to farmers,” Gangaram, a farmer from Bellal village in Kaddam mandal said.

The depletion in groundwater is attributed to lack of supervision on exploitation of water and poor recharge of groundwater. “Officials should monitor exploitation of water by the public and also take steps to recharge the groundwater using various methods such as proper management of irrigation projects and reducing wastage of water,” V Rajkamal Reddy, a groundwater expert from Peddapalli remarked.
Nirmal and Mancherial district ground water department Deputy Director P Srinivas Babu said excess rainfall registered in the month of October and November ran off to the rivers instead of percolating in the ground due to lack of check dams and farm ponds. He advised the public to dig rainwater harvesting pits and soak pits and optimum utilisation of water to overcome depletion of the ground water level.

Nirmal

• Ground water level in March-2024: 10.19 metres
• Ground water level in March-2023: 8. 94 metres

• Deviation: -1.25 metres

Mancherial

• Ground water level in March-2024: 7.04 metres
• Ground water level in March-2023: 6.08 metres

• Deviation: -0.96 metres

Asifabad

• Ground water level in March-2024: 8.38 metres
• Ground water level in March-2023: 7.82 metres

• Deviation: -0.56 metres

Adilabad

• Ground water level in March-2024: 9.11 metres
• Ground water level in March-2023: 8. 92 metres

• Deviation: -0.19 metres

Water levels in irrigation projects

• Kaddam Narayana Reddy (KNR) project: 206 metres out of the storage capacity of 213.36 metres
• Currently, the project has 2.778 tmc of water as against storage capacity of 7.603 tmc

• Swarna project in Sarangapur: 358 metres as against 360 metres

Hyderabad

Alternative arrangements to supply water to Hyderabad from Yellampalli

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Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) authorities are making alternative arrangements to draw water from the project.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 06:57 PM


Alternative arrangements to supply water to Hyderabad from Yellampalli


Peddapalli: In the wake of the decline in water levels in the Sripada Yellampalli project, alternative arrangements are being made to supply drinking water to Hyderabad.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) authorities are making alternative arrangements to draw water from the project. Besides arranging separate motors, an electricity supply system is also being developed to operate motors.

Besides irrigation needs, the Yellampalli project is designed to supply drinking water to Hyderabad, Mission Bhagiratha, National Thermal Power Corporation and Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (RFCL).

In order to quench the thirst of Hyderabad people, every day, 56 cusecs (0.03 tmc) of water is being drawn with the help of six motors (each 6.6 kv capacity) and supplied to the State capital. It is not possible to pump the water with the help of a head regulator if water levels in the project are depleted beyond 138.3 metres. Presently, 141.75 metre (7.08 tmc) water is available in the reservoir and it may decline to 138.3 metre by May 1.

So, HMWSSB authorities have started alternative arrangements to draw water from the project. A 1.8 km earthen road is laid up to the head regulator, which is located near to HMWSSB’s gravity canal. 25 motors (each 125 HP capacity) are being fixed in the project where water is available.

Since it is mandatory to operate motors, electricity transformers are fixed. Electric wires with 100 conductor capacity are also fixed to 11 electric poles. Water, which will draw with the help of temporary motors, will be dumped in HMWSSB’s gravity canal from where water will be supplied to Hyderabad with the help of regular motors.

The process is going to start in the next 20 days. Arrangements are also being made to supply water to RFCL and Mission Bhagiratha from HMWSSB’s gravity canal.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Executive Engineer (Yellampalli Project) Swamy said HMWSSB authorities were making alternative arrangements to draw water since it was not possible to get water with the help of the regular system if water levels declined further.

Water levels in the project are declining drastically due to lack of inflows. Presently, 7.08 tmc (141.75 meter) water is available in the project as against its storage capacity of 20.175 (148 meter). 10.33 tmc (143.08 meter) water was available in corresponding time of last year.

Hyderabad

Gram Panchayats to be involved in wildlife protection

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The department also stressed on the need for a coordinated effort in cutting down such incidents, especially use of snares or traps connecting electricity lines.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 06:39 PM


Gram Panchayats to be involved in wildlife protection

The department also stressed on the need for a coordinated effort in cutting down such incidents, especially use of snares or traps connecting electricity lines.

Hyderabad: Gram Panchayats will now be playing a crucial role in wildlife protection, curbing man-animal conflicts and prevention of hunting and other unauthorized activities. This is after the Forest department expressed its concerns over increasing man-animal conflicts and hunting incidents. The department also stressed on the need for a coordinated effort in cutting down such incidents, especially use of snares or traps connecting electricity lines. The 12,769 Gram Panchayats in the State are likely to pass resolutions to this effect.

Accordingly, the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (PRRD) appointed Panchayat Raj and Rural Employment Deputy Commissioner P Ravinder as the nodal officer for finalizing different tasks.To begin with, man-animal conflict would be made one of the essential agendas for discussion in Gram Sabhas, especially forest fringe villages. Social boycotting of villagers involved in hunting of wild animals to be recommended, officials said.

Emphasis was being laid on creating awareness among villagers regarding the dangers involved in hunting and punitive provisions of Wildlife Protection Act. Issues relating to wildlife conservation or hunting would be discussed during the monthly District Protection Committee meetings.

Electricity department linemen or staff dealing with power supply in villages would also be sensitized.

Forest department Principal Secretary Vani Prasad said a model resolution draft was being prepared facilitating the Gram Panchayats to adopt and pass them. Wildlife protection can be achieved by involving local community and most people still were not aware that compensation would be paid to farmers in case of cattle killing. All such aspects would be informed to the Gram Panchayats and in turn to the villagers, she said.

“Villagers will be requested to share information with the Forest department on any wild animal movement in their vicinities. Similarly, they can alert us if they come across any poaching or hunting attempts,” said Vani Prasad, adding that post the elections once the model code of conduct was lifted, the resolutions could be passed by the Gram panchayats.

The forest department has already instructed the field staff on forest fringe villages to continuously sensitise villagers about about the ongoing “Catch the trap” drive. The intelligence network, including informers should be utilized on war footing basis and the Circle Head or District Forest Officer are to personally manage and monitor this aspect to bring effective results of prevention of poaching.

This apart, Forest Range Officers were directed to organize awareness and interactions sessions with other departmental officials, including Police, Revenue, Panchayat and Tribal Welfare and Electricity to cut down man-animal conflict and poaching activities.

Hyderabad

Five persons booked for operating illegal finance firms in Asifabad

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The finance firms were not registered as well. The operators were found to have collected debit cards and mobile phones before sanctioning loans.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 06:35 PM


Five persons booked for operating illegal finance firms in Asifabad


Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Police cracked the whip on illegal financiers by booking five persons who were allegedly fleecing the public by offering loans at exorbitant rates of interest across the district on Saturday night.

Unaccounted cash of Rs.23 lakh and documents relating to loans including 61 promissory notes, 32 blank cheque leaves, were seized.

Superintendent of Police K Suresh Kumar, in a statement, said the accused were Tapase Srinivas and Thanuku Dattadri from Asifabad town, Sabeer, Chidurala Rajasekhar and Santosh belonging to Kaghaznagar.

Fifteen special teams conducted simultaneous raids on the finance firms in Asifabad and Kaghaznagar towns in the district, following a complaint received from a victim.

During the raids, ten persons were found to be providing loans at hefty rates of interest. Police said the accused finance firms were fleecing the public by giving loans for between 5 percent and 20 percent rate of interest.

The teams were surprised to find white papers containing signatures of the loaners. They stated the details of the loans were not recorded on registers.

The finance firms were not registered as well. The operators were found to have collected debit cards and mobile phones before sanctioning loans.

Police warned organising finance firms without obtaining a license from a competent authority was an offence. They stated a watch was kept on the illegal financiers.

They advised the public not to depend on the private money lenders and not to fall prey to the firms. ACPs P Sadaiah, A Karunakar, Inspector G Satheesh and T Srinivas took part in the raids.

Hyderabad

KTR calls upon people to thwart conspiracies to undermine Constitution

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He emphasised the need to safeguard the constitutional spirit to achieve equality in the society.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 06:17 PM


KTR calls upon people to thwart conspiracies to undermine Constitution


Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao called upon the people of Telangana to recognise the conspiracies of certain political parties and to thwart their attempts to endanger the Constitution of India authored by Dr BR Ambedkar.

He emphasised the need to safeguard the constitutional spirit to achieve equality in the society.

“On one hand, conspiracies are being carried out to attack the constitutional systems and weaken them, while on the other hand, attempts are being made to undermine democracy and control the constitutional institutions. In such troubled times, citizens of this nation should take up the responsibility to safeguard the Constitution which will be a true tribute to Dr Ambedkar,” he said after paying tributes to Ambedkar on the occasion of the latter’s birth anniversary at Telangana Bhavan on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Rama Rao said the party under the leadership of K Chandrashekhar Rao continued the Telangana struggle for 14 years, mobilising lakhs of people with the spirit of Babasaheb Ambedkar – educate, organise and agitate.

“We achieved Telangana only through people’s struggle. Our government functioned for ten years as per the teachings of Ambedkar and his ambitions,” he said.

He said that the previous BRS government established 1,022 residential welfare institutions with his idea that education would lead to development, then to progress and finally achieve equality in the society.

He exuded confidence that when future generations rise, all inequalities in the society will vanish.

Noting that Dr BR Ambedkar was a great leader on par with Mahatma Gandhi, Rama Rao said welfare programmes initiated in the State during BRS rule for the Dalit and tribal communities, have stemmed out of the former’s idealogy.

As a mark of respect to him, the BRS government constructed the 125 feet tall statue of Dr Ambedkar in Hyderabad and also named the State Secretariat after him.

Hyderabad

Rich tributes paid to Ambedkar on birth anniversary in Adilabad

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In-charge minister Seethakka paid floral tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution at a programme held in Indervelli mandal centre.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 06:15 PM


Rich tributes paid to Ambedkar on birth anniversary in Adilabad

Collector Rajarshi Shah along with SP Guash Alam pay tributes to Ambedkar by garlanding his statue in Adilabad on Sunday 

Adilabad: The 133th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar was celebrated on a grand note across the erstwhile Adilabad district on Sunday.

In-charge minister Seethakka paid floral tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution at a programme held in Indervelli mandal centre. Stating that Ambedkar was a ray of hope for the marginalised communities, she recalled his role in authoring the Constitution of India. She called upon people to emulate the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Meanwhile, Collectors Rajarshi Shah, Ashish Sangwan, Badavath Santosh and Venkatesh Dothre offered floral tributes to Ambedkar in the Collectorates of Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts, respectively. They asserted Ambedkar had strived hard for uplifting the lives of peasants and proletarians, besides struggling for rights of the downtrodden communities.

Superintendents of Police Gaush Alam, Dr Janaki Sharmila, DCP Ashok Kumar and K Suresh Kumar took part in the celebrations.

Hyderabad

Mission Bhagiratha officials deny shortage of water; bore water for emergency situations

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The Mission Bhagiratha department reassured that the State currently has an ample water supply, effectively meeting the required demand through Mission Bhagiratha.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 05:31 PM


Mission Bhagiratha officials deny shortage of water; bore water for emergency situations


Hyderabad: The Mission Bhagiratha department has said that there was no shortage of water at present in the State and that the required quantity was being supplied through Mission Bhagiratha. The present water storage was sufficient to cater to the drinking water needs this summer, it said, also stating that bore water would be used as an alternate source in emergency situations during breakdown or interruption of Mission Bhagiratha water supply system.

Responding to a news report “Mission Bhagiratha purpose defeated” published in these columns, the department said the required quantity of water being was being supplied through Mission Bhagiratha and that in view of the prevailing heat wave conditions, as a precautionary measure, local sources and pump sets were revived and brought into working condition.

“The required levels of water for drinking water purpose are maintained in the storage reservoirs of Krishna and Godavari reservoirs daily in coordination with the Irrigation Department. There is no shortage of water at present in the State and, the present water storage is sufficient to cater to the drinking water needs of this summer,” it said in a statement.

“In view of the prevailing heat wave, as a precautionary measure, the local sources and pump sets are revived and brought into working condition. The bore water will be used as an alternate source in emergency situations such as breakdown or interruption of Mission Bhagiratha water supply system due to leakage, repairs, maintenance shutdowns, power fluctuations, tampering, etc.

Further, any interruption in Mission Bhagiratha water supply is attended immediately and supply is restored within 12 hours. During the breakdown period, the local sources are used to cater the need for drinking water in the villages. To monitor the quality of water, tests are being conducted daily in the 186 laboratories spread over the entire state of Telangana. Further, to monitor the water quality on daily basis around 12877 chlorine test kits were procured and distributed to the Gram Panchayats to test the water quality at site,” it said.

“There are 23839 rural habitations in the State of Telangana which are provided with treated surface water of 2194 MLD @ 100 LPCD. Another 136 habitations which are islolated and located in remote forest areas are provided with ground water. It is to be noted that this year, drinking water supply through Mission Bhagiratha is increased by about 15% when compared to the last year’s supply of 1889 MLD. To monitor the daily drinking water supply status, village level log sheets are maintained which are signed by both Gram Panchayat and Mission Bhagiratha Officers,” it added.

Hyderabad

DRDO successfully conducts field trials of MPATGM system

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DRDO & Indian Army conduct successful trials of indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System

Updated On – 14 April 2024, 05:15 PM


DRDO successfully conducts field trials of MPATGM system


Hyderabad: Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has been field evaluated in different flight configurations several times with the objective of proving the technology with high superiority.

The system consisted of the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and the Fire Control Unit.

Adequate number of missile firing trials have been successfully conducted towards achieving compliance of complete operational envelop as stipulated in the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (Infantry, Indian Army), a release said. The Warhead Flight Trials were successfully conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan on April 13 and the missile performance and warhead performance were found to be remarkable.

Penetration trials of the Tandem Warhead System of MPATGM were successfully completed and it is found capable of defeating modern armour protected Main Battle Tank. The ATGM system is well-equipped with day/night and top attack capability.

Dual mode seeker functionality is a great value addition to the missile capability for tank warfare. With this, technology development and successful demonstration have been concluded and the system is now ready for Final User Evaluation Trials leading towards its induction into the Indian Army.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful trials of the system, terming it as an important step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defence system development.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the trials.

Hyderabad

Rareism, women’s fashion brand expands with third outlet in Hyderabad

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The opening of the new outlet marks a milestone for the brand, as it takes the total store count to 30 across India.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 04:41 PM


Rareism, women’s fashion brand expands with third outlet in Hyderabad


Hyderabad: Rareism, the women’s fashion brand by Bengaluru-based fashion retailer The House of Rare, has opened its third outlet in Hyderabad. The launch was attended by actor Sreeleela.

The opening of the new outlet marks a milestone for the brand, as it takes the total store count to 30 across India. The 650 sft store is designed to provide a unique shopping experience for women, offering them an extensive collection of fashion-forward clothing that caters to their diverse needs and preferences, a press release said.

Rareism is a brand known for its desk to dinner approach, and the new outlet is expected to further strengthen its presence in the market. The brand is a subsidiary of Radhamani Textiles Pvt Ltd.

Abhishek Srivastava, Business Head of Rareism, said, “Rareism is India’s answer to European fashion. We believe that multifaceted is not a word, it’s a woman, and we aspire to become a one-stop destination for women.”

Hyderabad

Cyberabad SOT busts ganja chocolate ring, arrests shopkeeper

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Acting on information, the SOT team raided a shop at Balanagar and caught Manoj Kumar Agarwal (54), a resident of Jagathgirigutta.

Published Date – 14 April 2024, 04:35 PM


Cyberabad SOT busts ganja chocolate ring, arrests shopkeeper


Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Special Operations Team caught a shop keeper who was selling ganja mixed chocolates on Sunday.

The police seized 26 kg of the contraband from him.

Acting on information, the SOT team raided a shop at Balanagar and caught Manoj Kumar Agarwal (54), a resident of Jagathgirigutta.

The SOT also seized dry ganja weighing around 4 kg from him.

The man had purchased the chocolates from one Mohan, a resident of West Bengal, DCP Special Operations Team, D Srinivas said.

Efforts are on to nab Mohan, who is absconding.