Allu Arjun did not instigate the incident: Purandeswari

Kurnool: BJP state president and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari clarified that Tollywood actor Allu Arjun was not responsible for the stampede in Hyderabad following the release of Pushpa-2 . Speaking in Prakasam district, she stated that Allu Arjun merely visited the theatre as part of promotional activities. Purandeswari criticised the Chikkadapalli police for arresting the actor without detaining others involved, noting that the theatre owner and manager were already arrested for security lapses. She also discussed the Jamili Election Amendment Bill, emphasising its referral to the JPC for a detailed, inclusive review.

Villagers kill leopard by arranging snare trap in Andhra Pradeshs Metlapalli; case booked

A case has been registered and investigation is on, Rajahmundry Conservator of Forests said

Nuzvid controversy escalates as TDP activists continue to lash out at trio

VIJAYAWADA: The ongoing dispute within the TDP over a few leaders sharing the stage with YSRCP leader and former minister Jogi Ramesh during the unveiling of the Sardar Gouthu Latchanna statue in Nuzvid has escalated, with party activists attacking the leaders on social media platforms. Minister for Housing and Information and Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy, along with TDP MLA Gouthu Sireesha, APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao, and other party leaders, attended the event in Nuzvid, where they shared the stage with Ramesh. The YSRCP leader has been accused of leading a mob to the residence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu when the latter was in opposition, and of making serious allegations against TDP leadership in the past. The incident angered TDP activists, prompting the party high command reportedly seeking an explanation from the leaders involved. In response, both the Minister and the MLA clarified that Rameshs presence at the event was purely coincidental and offered apologies to the leadership. Konakalla also explained that the event was conducted without regard to political affiliations, and emphasised that they would explain the episode to party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and general secretary Nara Lokesh. Despite these clarifications, social media abuse against the three TDP leaders by a section of party activists has continued unabated. YSR Congress accuses TDP of targeting BC leaders It is understood that another faction within the party has taken serious exception to the situation, questioning why the matter is being prolonged despite the leaders explanations. As the three leaders who attended the programme belong to the Backward Classes (BCs), the YSRCP has criticised the TDP leadership, accusing it of caste-based discrimination within the party. Former Rajahmundry MP Margani Bharat alleged that the TDP was deliberately targeting BC leaders and pressuring them to apologize repeatedly. Meanwhile, TDP politburo member Varla Ramaiah challenged YSRCP president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to summon Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy and seek clarification on land-grabbing allegations made by the husband of suspended Assistant Commissioner of Endowments Kalingiri Santhi. Can Jagan instruct Vijayasai to resign from his MP position and stay out of the party until he is proven innocent? Varla demanded. A senior TDP leader, pointing out that Naidu had urged party cadres to avoid posting objectionable content on social media and criticised YSRCP activists for abusing political rivals, called on party activists to immediately cease posting abusive comments on the issue.

Government targets Rs 25k crore investments with new tourism policy

VIJAYAWADA: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh unveiled the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-2029 at the Tourism Investors Conference held in Vijayawada on Tuesday. The event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers), marked a significant step towards revitalising the States tourism sector. Highlighting the governments ambitious tourism plans, Durgesh said, The main objective is to attract investments worth Rs 25,000 crore under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The policy offers comprehensive opportunities across various sectors, including temple, adventure, eco, village, wellness and agricultural tourism. He explained the States strategic advantages, including its vast coastline, historical heritage, natural resources, and perennial rivers, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a prime destination for tourism. The TDP-led NDA government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, is committed to transforming the State into a global tourism hub with infrastructure of international standards, he asserted. The new policy envisages setting up of 10 thematic circuits and 25 tourism projects across the State. Notable plans include development of three eco-tourism circuits, 10 temple circuits and two cruise circuits. Establishment of five beach circuits in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Srikakulam, Nellore and Machilipatnam and creation of Buddhist circuits in Amaravati-Nagarjunakonda and Visakhapatnam-Thotlakonda are also part of the policy. Tourism Secretary V Vinay Chand explained the policys focus on industry status for tourism, connecting Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas and other sacred sites, besides enhancing coastal and river tourism. Amrapali Kata, Managing Director of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), detailed the policys targets, which include increasing tourisms Gross Value Added (GVA) from 4.6% to 28% and employment from 12% to 15%. The policy also envisions setting up of seven anchor hubs in Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati to serve as tourism focal points. We are striving towards making AP one of Indias top 10 States for foreign tourist arrivals, she explained. AP Chambers president P Bhaskara Rao and CII president D Ramakrishna lauded the governments structured approach to promote tourism in a big way.

AP Permits 11 Premium Liquor Stores in 9 Districts

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has given permission to set up 11 premium liquor stores in nine districts. The government on Tuesday directed the prohibition and excise department to issue gazette notification district-wise for this purpose, covering the municipal corporation limits of Vijayawada (NTR) and Visakhapatnam, two each; while Rajahmundry (East Godavari), Kakinada, Nellore, Kadapa, Anantapur, Kurnool and Guntur will have one each. District prohibition and excise superintendents would issue the gazette notifications from Tuesday evening. A non-refundable application fee of Rs 15 lakh would have to be paid. Excise sources said the last date for applications is December 31. The licence for the premium stores is likely to be issued in January, 2025. No permission will however be given to consume liquor in premium stores. The district-level committee will comprise the excise deputy commissioner, excise assistant commissioner and district prohibition and excise officer. It would scrutinise the applications to ascertain the suitability of the proposed location and whether there is compliance with all the norms. Also, the financial capability of the applicants will be checked by verifying his/her IT returns etc. The committees will forward the applications to the excise commissioner, who will verify them and forward to the state government with a recommendation to give or not give licence for the premium liquor stores. The government will set up an evaluation committee to further subject the applications to scrutiny. Based on its recommendations, the government will give the final nod. The selected entities should pay a Rs 1 crore licence fee. It will go up by 10 per cent every year for five years.

Henchmen attack police vehicle, free ganglord in Rajahmundry

Amaravati: In a major development in Andhra Pradeshs Rajahmundry, henchmen attacked police who arrested their gang lord in a fake currency case and freed him from police captivity during transit, in APs Rajahmundry. According to reports the AP police from Ganguvari Sigadam of Srikakulam district arrested Rapaka Prabhakar alias Pratap Reddy, who has been heading Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

My role in Game Changer will surprise audience: Srikanth

Global Star Ram Charan's Game Changer is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Directed by Shankar, this political action drama is set for a grand release on January 10, 2025. The ensemble cast of this movie includes popular actor Srikanth, who played a pivotal role in the movie. Today, Srikanth interacted with the media and shared his experiences of working on this prestigious project. Q: How do you feel about your characterization in the movie? A: I feel that my characterization in this movie is fresh and distinct compared to my recent work. I never imagined I would portray such a character. When they first narrated the first half, I questioned why they thought of me for this role and whether I could pull it off. However, after hearing the second half, I knew I had to take on the role no matter what. It was such a compelling character. Once the prosthetics were done and I got into the look, I felt confident that I could do justice to the role. Working with Shankar garu is a dream for many, and I consider myself fortunate to have such a significant role in his film. Q: How many days did you take to finalize your getup in the movie? A: They made a few designs initially. After doing trials for two-three designs, they finalized one. Q: Was it tough to get into that prosthetic makeup? A: It was my first time. One needs a lot of patience while getting into that getup. We need to sit for 2-3 hours to get the makeup done. We can't sweat till evening. We should balance all these things. It is tough. Initially, I found it difficult, but later I figured out how to manage myself in that makeup. Q: Until now, you have seen Shankar from outside. Now, you got a chance to work with him. Can you tell us what you feel about his vision? A: He is already a proven director nationwide. Right from the first day, he made us very comfortable. He is very patient and goes for as many takes as possible. As he was an artist before, he knows how his actors need to act in his film and injects his vision into us perfectly. We just follow it. Q: How is your characterization in the movie? A: I am playing the role of the Chief Minister in the movie. There is a positive and negative side to this character. These shades come out as per the situation. Rest everything you have to watch the film. Q: Did you take any references, observe anyone, or does your character have any mannerisms in the movie? A: The character I play is of an aged CM character. With the getup, my behaviour comes automatically, be it walking style, delivering dialogues subtly, and lowering down my energy levels. Q: CM Character in Shankar's Oke Okkadu clicked with the audience very well and became a reference for such characters. Will your role in the movie have any such new dimension? A: For me, I felt the character was a new dimension for myself. Q: Will you be the follower of Ram Charan garu's older role in the movie? A: (laughs) You have to watch the film to see if I was a follower or a friend or anything else. Q: With which character do you have more combination scenes? A: I have scenes with everyone: Charan, SJ Suryah, Jayaram, and Samuthirakani. SJ Suryah's performance is outstanding. His character has layers of humour, cunning, and sarcasm, taking it to the next level compared to his role in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. Working with such versatile characters has been an amazing experience. Q: Were you skeptical after listening to your character in the movie? A: Playing my character without any prior experience of playing such a character is a challenge. As I said, I was skeptical after hearing the first half. However, when I listened to the second half, and especially the flashback episode, I was mind-blown and decided to do it. Q: What was the most unlikely response you got after wearing that getup? A: They created my look after seeing a picture of my father, who has passed away. The moment I wore that getup, I went straight home, and my mother was shocked to see me like that. To add to her surprise, I called her Baby just to tease her. I never imagined I would resemble my father so much until I put on that getup. Q: Game Changer is Shankar's first Telugu film. Before that, he has only done Tamil films. Have you ever thought of working in his movie? A: I never expected to work with Shankar garu. As Shankar garu's films have pan-India appeal, they chose actors of such level. Generally, we get characters from all industries. But getting this type of character is very rare. Rajendra Prasad and Jagapathi Babu did these kinds of characters, but it is new for me. But Shankar garu showed confidence in me. Eventually, I also did it. Q: You worked with Charan in the past. How was it sharing screen space with him again, and was there any difference in his style of acting? A: Absolutely. There will be a lot of difference. When we did Govindudu Andarivadele, it was a kind of youngster character. Whatever he has been doing now are matured characters, be it Rangasthalam, RRR. As he is now a Global Star, the characters will be of that level. Both his characters in this movie are performance-oriented roles. Especially, playing Appanna character in this movie is challenging. Playing such characters needs a lot of experience. He aced it completely. Q: What is your favourite character among all the movies you have done till now? A: All of them are my favourite characters. But the toughest one was this character in Game Changer. I never played a role of this age in my career. People will be surprised to watch me on screen. Q: You call Chiranjeevi Anna. What does Charan call you? A: He also calls me Anna. He never called me Babai (laughs). Not only Charan, but Bunny and Sai Dharam Tej also call me Anna. Q: What is your opinion on the current trend of filling movies with action and elevation scenes rather than having a solid story? A: If such movies are getting hit, it means that audiences are enjoying them. People are not watching if there is only a story and no elevation scenes. When story and elevation scenes are mixed well, movies are becoming bigger hits. Q: Does Game Changer have elevations and story? A: Yes. From Shankar garu, you can expect strong stories. Even though his recent movies disappointed, he never failed as a director. I hope he makes a strong comeback with this movie. There are all commercial elements in it. There is entertainment, political angle, and many twists. It will definitely be a big hit. Q: Recently, Shankar wrote the stories of his movies. But for this film, Karthik Subbaraj wrote the story. What is your view on this exchange? A: Karthik Subbaraj is a famous director and a writer too. If Shankar garu took that story, imagine how impressed he was with it. Q: Nowadays, every big film has a lead to a sequel in the end. Will Game Changer also have such an ending? A: No. I think Game Changer is a standalone single-part movie. Q: Game Changer had a lot of shooting days. Did you miss something during this shoot? A: People often think that we prolong shoot unnecessarily. But that is not the case. For example, we shot in Rajahmundry as per the planned schedule. But managing the artist combination dates for each schedule will be a hectic task. Maybe one and a half years were wasted due to managing the dates of various actors and their particular getups.

SCR to run Sabarimala special train services from Dec.19

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) is running Sabarimala special trains covering several important pilgrimage destinations enroute from December 19 to January 24. These trains are planned for the benefit of Ayyappa devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The devotees travelling by these special trains can conveniently plan to visit enroute pilgrimage centres of important temples in Kerala. The temples included in the circuit are the Sastha temples at Pandalam, Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. Other famous temples covering enroute stations are Golden Temple at Vellore, Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam, Mariamman Temple at Samayapuram (Tiruchirappalli), Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at, Thiruparankundram (Madurai), Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Palani (Dindigul), Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur (Virudhu Nagar) and Sri Krishna Temple at Punalur etc. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad specials (four services): These Special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07173 / 07174 Kakinada Port Kollam Kakinada Port specials (six services): Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. Train No. 07177 Vijayawada Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Guntur, Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07178 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Rajampet, Kadapa, Yerraguntla, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu, Koilakuntla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad Specials (six services): These special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Sivakasi, Rajapalaiyam, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07179 Kakinada Town Kollam Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, New Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva and Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07180 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Guntur, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala and Tenali stations. Train No. 07181 Guntur Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Bethamcherla, Dhone, Gooty, Anantapur, Dharmavaram, Kadiri, Madanapalle, Piler, Pakala, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07182 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (one service): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07185 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These Special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda and Narasaraopet, stations. Train No. 07183/07184 Narsapur Kollam - Narsapur Special (Four services): These special trains will stop at Palakollu, Bhimavaram Jn, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of first AC, 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second-class coaches.

Andhra Government aims to make tourism major revenue source

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need to strengthen law and order to ensure tourist safety and urged District Collectors to formulate plans to make tourism a significant revenue source. Addressing a review of the Tourism Department on the second day of Collectors Conference, Naidu called for promoting the States distinctive cuisine and cultural heritage, with an operational timeline of six months. Tourism officials reported significant progress in positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leading destination for domestic and international travellers. The Central government recently recognised the States tourism policy as the best in the country, paving the way for investments by groups like Oberoi, Taj, Club Mahindra and Mayfair. The State targets Rs 6,500 crore in investments for hotels and resorts, expected to generate over 25,000 jobs. Notable investments include Rs 2,100 crore by Oberoi, Rs 1,000 crore by Club Mahindra, and Rs 1,250 crore by Radisson. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh highlighted the need for world-class infrastructure, including five-star hotels as outlined in the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Master Plan. He announced the preparation of a year-round events calendar and the appointment of an agency to promote the States traditions, arts and festivals. Seven key destinations Visakhapatnam, Araku-Lambasingi, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati have been identified for focused development, alongside 25 theme-based tourist routes. Detailed project reports for these initiatives are expected by February 2025. Tourism Secretary V Vinay Chand presented updates on projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the SASCI scheme, with a combined investment of Rs 250 crore. Key destinations under development include Gandikota, Akhanda Godavari, Srisailam, Amaravati, and coastal corridors. Additionally, Araku-Lambasingi, Konaseema and Papikondalu are witnessing rapid development.

New Delhi-Rajahmundry Airbus service launched

KAKINADA : Union civil aviation minister K. Rammohan Naidu, along with MP D. Purandeswari, launched the Airbus service to New Delhi from Rajamahendravaram Airport on Thursday. The two flew into Rajamahendravaram from Delhi in the Airbus, which airport authorities welcomed by showering it with water, as is the custom. Rammohan Naidu announced that new air services will be launched soon from Rajamahendravaram to Tirupati, Shirdi, Ahmadabad, Jaipur and Varanasi. Facilities at the airport too will improve once the new terminal at the airport is completed soon. The civil aviation minister underlined that people of Rajamahendravaram and Godavari districts need not go to other airports but fly directly to New Delhi or Mumbai for going abroad. Rammohan Naidu underlined that India had mere 74 airports in India during 2014. But their number has now risen to 158. Another 50 new airports will be coming up in the country during the next five years, he declared. The civil aviation minister said people are now flying more, as they want to save their time to develop their business or career. Rajamahendravaram MP Purandeswari stressed the need for launching new services to all cities and towns in the country from Rajamahendravaram, which is developing economically. Lok Sabha member Tangella Uday Srinivas said that he has proposed an airport for Kakinada district, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan representing the Pithapuram constituency. He said appropriate land is being identified for establishing the airport. MLAs Jyothula Nehru, N. Ramakrishna Reddy, Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, Adireddy Srinivas, M. Venkata Raju, B. Bala Ramakrishna, M. Venkata Raju and RUDA chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary were among those present.

Rammohan Naidu flags off Rajahmundry to Delhi direct flight

Union Civil Aviation Minister promises to make efforts to operate flights from Rajahmundry to Tirupati, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur

Varra Ravindra Reddy in Police Custody for Two Days

Kadapa: YSRC party social media activist Varra Ravindra Reddy has been sent to two days of police custody. The police filed a petition requesting 10 days of custody, but the court granted only two days and directed that Ravinder Reddy be questioned in the presence of his counsel. Pulivendula Police will take him into custody at 9 a.m. tomorrow from Rajahmundry Central Jail, where he is currently lodged. Ravinder Reddy was arrested for allegedly posting derogatory and abusive content about the family members of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on social media. Two of his associates, who allegedly provided shelter to Ravinder Reddy despite knowing his actions, were also arrested.

Direct Flight Service Launched Between Rajahmundry and Delhi

Rajahmundry : A direct flight between Rajahmundry and Delhi was inaugurated on Thursday at Rajamahendravaram Airport. The flight was officially launched by Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu, MP Daggubati Purandeswari, and Kakinada MP Thangella Uday Srinivas, who were also onboard the inaugural flight. Recently, a direct flight to Mumbai from Rajahmundry was also introduced. Speaking on the occasion, MP Purandeswari called the day unforgettable for Rajahmundry and highlighted the significance of connecting the city to other major destinations in the country. She also announced that direct flights to Shirdi, Tirupati, and Ayodhya would be launched soon. Rammohan Naidu emphasized that Rajahmundry is now well-connected to major cities across India.

Direct flight between Delhi, Rajahmundry from today - The Hans India

Direct flight between Delhi, Rajahmundry from today The Hans India

Dump yard-free urban areas in Andhra Pradesh within 10 months: Minister Narayana

GUNTUR: The State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is striving to free urban areas in Andhra Pradesh from dump yards by October 2025, said Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) P Narayana. He visited the solid waste management plant at Kondaveedu in Chilakaluripet constituency, Palnadu district on Tuesday. The plant, operated by Jindal Group, converts municipal solid waste into electricity and produces bricks from the ash. The Minister, along with local MLA Prathipati Pulla Rao, Swachha Andhra Corporation Chairman K Pattabhi Ram, and Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) Commissioner P Srinivasulu, reviewed the plants operations. The plant handles 1,200 tonnes of waste daily from three municipal corporations -- including Vijayawada, Guntur, and Mangalagiri-Tadepalli -- and six municipalities: Tenali, Sattenapalle, Narasaraopet, Chilakaluripet, Bapatla, and Ponnur. Highlighting the plants efficiency, Narayana emphasised that sustainable waste management can significantly contribute to clean energy production. He also announced that plans to set up new plants in Nellore-Gudur and Kakinada-Rajahmundry corridors, and between Kadapa, Kurnool, and Anantapur are underway. These projects aim to manage 6,890 tonnes of municipal waste generated daily across the State. Further, he explained that the cost of treating one tonne of garbage is currently between Rs 500 to Rs 750, emphasising the importance of efficient waste transportation and treatment to reduce expenses. He noted that a single facility could serve municipalities and areas within a 50 to 60 km radius, significantly streamlining waste management efforts. Plants in Kondaveedu and Visakhapatnam currently process 2,169 tonnes of waste daily, the MAUD Minister pointed out. Elaborating on decisions taken by the TDP-led NDA government between 2014 and 2019, he said, I studied solid waste management in countries like Singapore and Japan, where advanced systems are operational. Singapore has four such plants and 49 in Tokyo. Inspired by these models, we planned to set up 13 waste-to-energy plants in AP. Unfortunately, the previous YSRCP government abandoned most of these projects. As a result over 85 lakh metric tonnes of garbage piled up. He criticised the previous government for focusing solely on imposing garbage tax and burdening people without effectively addressing waste disposal issues. He highlighted that an amendment has already been made to eliminate the garbage tax. Swachha Andhra Corporation MD Anil Kumar Reddy, Jindal AP President (Operations) MV Chari, and GMC officials were present.

SCR to run additional services for Sabarimala pilgrims

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) will run additional services between various destinations for Sabarimala pilgrims in order to clear extra rush. Train No. 07173/07174 Kakinada Port - Kollam - Kakinada Port Specials (6 services): Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur. Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both directions. Train No. 07175/07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad Specials (4 services): These Special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second-class coaches. Elimination of stoppage at Coimbatore: Train No. 07151 Kacheguda Kottayam Sabarimala Special will not stop at Coimbatore on 2, 9, 16 and 23 January 2025 due to operational reasons. Train No. 07133 Kacheguda - Kottayam Sabarimala Special will not stop at Coimbatore on 12, 19 and 26 December 2024 due to operational reasons.

Rajahmundry: Ex-MLA Varma Challenges YSRC for open debate on KSEZ

Varma called on former minister Kurasala Kannababu, Dadisetty Raja, and former MP Vanga Githa to meet at Uppada Bus Centre at 3 p.m. on Monday for a public discussion

Andhra Pradesh: Jagan Assures Legal Support to Harassed Social Media Activist

Vijayawada : Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy assured social media activist Puli Sagar of full legal support after the latter was allegedly harassed and arrested by the police in Rajamahendravaram. The former Chief Minister claimed that the activist, a Dalit, was subjected to police harassment by the Rajahmundry police. He stated that the issue would be raised with the National Human Rights Commission and the National SC/ST Commission. Earlier, the victim told the media at the party office that the Rajamahendravaram inspector had detained him in a lock-up, beaten him, harassed him, and used caste-based abuses against him. Former MP Margani Bharat and former MLA T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu, who accompanied Puli Sagar, alleged that the government was harassing social media activists by filing false cases against them. They claimed multiple cases were being registered for the same issue in different locations to target the activists. We will pursue legal remedies and support the activists, they added.

Chebrolu police arrest accused in minor girl murder case

VIJAYAWADA : The accused in the murder of a minor girl at Kothareddypalem village in Chebrolu Mandal under Chebrolu police station limits on July 15 last has been arrested. He was Naramamidi Nagaraju (44), a native of Kondapalli village in Ibrahimpatnam Mandal of NTR district. Guntur SP Satish Kumar said a police team arrested the accused at a spinning mill in Rajahmundry. Nagaraju was involved in two cases, one of these being the murder of a woman under Ibrahimpatnam police station limits. Eight special police teams had been formed under the supervision of Tenali DSP Janardhan Rao. These teams visited Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka as part of the investigations and finally arrested the accused in Rajahmundry based on a tip-off from a police informant. The SP commended Tenali police officer T Janardhan Rao and personnel from Ponnuru and Chebrolu stations for their efforts leading to the arrest. Rewards and appreciation certificates were presented to them.

Rajahmundry- Air Service directly to Mumbai from Madhurapudi AirPort

For the first time, Airbus operations have commenced between Mumbai and Rajamahendravaram Airport, announced Airport Director S. Jnaneswar. The inaugural flight departed from Rajamahendravaram to Mumbai at 6 pm on Sunday. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Anaparti MLA N. Ramakrishna Reddy, and other dignitaries attended the launch event. Airport officials marked the occasion by ceremonially spraying water on the aircraft as it arrived. Jnaneswar noted that the first Airbus from Mumbai landed at Rajamahendravaram Airport at 6.45 pm, completing the journey in 1 hour and 50 minutes with 172 passengers. The return flight departed for Mumbai at 7.15 pm, carrying 120 passengers. He further announced that Indigo Airlines would commence a direct service to New Delhi from Rajamahendravaram on 12 December. The flight from New Delhi is scheduled to depart at 7.30 am, arriving in Rajamahendravaram by 9.45 am. The return flight will leave Rajamahendravaram at 10.30 am and reach New Delhi by 1 pm. Jnaneswar encouraged the public to utilise these new air services to Mumbai and New Delhi, which provide faster and more convenient travel options.

Tourism Minister flags off direct flight from Rajahmundry to Mumbai

Direct flight to Delhi from Rajahmundry to be launched on December 12

Talasani Denies Familys Link to Dilawarpur Ethanol Plant

HYDERABAD : Former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Thursday said none from his family was involved in any manner with an ethanol plant that was to come up at Dilawarpur in Nirmal district, and that Congress leaders were levelling baseless accusations at him. Speaking with reporters, Talasani said minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, and TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud were accusing him because his son was allegedly a director in the company. My son was one of the eight directors in a company running a distillery in Rajahmundry but he resigned from that position in 2016. The Congress leaders are going around showing documents from that period to accuse me of wrongdoing. I, or my family, have nothing to do with the Dilawarpur ethanol plant, he said.

Hyderabad: SCR launches QR facility at 35 parcel offices

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR ) on Friday, November 22, introduced the QR code facility in 35 of its parcel offices. The facility will help bring in the cashless transaction at Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Warangal, Bidar, Kazipet, Lingampalli in Secunderabad Division and Kacheguda, Nizamabad in Hyderabad Division. Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Samalkot, Gudivada, Tenali, Gudur, Kakinada Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Eight Trains Cancelled due to Non-interlocking Works

Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway has canceled eight trains due to non-interlocking works associated with the commissioning of the Automatic Block Signalling System between the Thadi and Duvvada sections. According to a release from railway authorities, the following trains will be canceled starting November 25: Train numbers 12718 and 12717, operating between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, Train numbers 17267 and 17268, operating between Kakinada Port and Visakhapatnam, Train numbers 17239 and 17240, operating between Guntur and Visakhapatnam, Train numbers 07466 and 07467, operating between Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.

SCR conducts mock drill on train fire mishaps in Rajahmundry

At least 100 staff drawn from various wings of the railways participated in the drill conducted under the aegis of South Central Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations) Konda Srinivasa Rao

Council witness heated debate on new medical colleges

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed a heated debate with the ruling coalition members targeting opposition YSRC party for failing to start the new 17 government medical colleges. The opposition party accused the government of trying to mislead the house on the issue and staged a walkout. Soon after the council session began with Question Hour on Friday, Bhumireddy Ramagopal Reddy asked health minister Satya Kumar Yadav whether basic facilities are available at the newly constructed medical colleges. He wanted to know the quantum of funds sanctioned for construction of these colleges. The minister replied that five new medical colleges at Vizianagaram, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Machilipatnam and Nandyal have started first year admissions for total 150 seats in 202324. The medical college at Paderu commenced first year admissions in 202425 with 50 seats. Satya Kumar criticised the YSR Congress government for failing to fully construct even these six medical colleges. He maintained that the previous government spent meagre funds, resulting in the works remaining pending. The minister pointed out that Vizianagaram college had been sanctioned 500 crore, but only 147.56 crore had been spent. He gave the respective amounts for Rajahmundry college as 475 crore and 99.96 crore, Eluru 525 crore and 148.76 crore, Machilipatnam 550 crore and 230.38 crore, Nandyal 475 crore and 95.27 crore, and Paderu 500 crore and 150.34 crore. Overall, Satya Kumar underlined that while administrative sanction had been given for 8,540 crore, only 2,125 crore had been spent, amounting to 23 per cent. The minister disclosed that the National Medical Commission had recently inspected the Government Medical College at Pulivendula. However, the commission did not give permission to start admissions for 202425, owing to deficient infrastructure and lack of adequate faculty members. Likewise, Satya Kumar charged that work at government medical colleges in Markapuram, Parvathipuram, Adoni and other places is also slow, due to which hundreds of students have been unable to pursue medicine. In contrast, the minister pointed out that AIIMS at Mangalagiri had been constructed in a record 17 months at a cost of 1,600 crore. Satya Kumar kept targeting the previous regime, which led to YSRC members raising a hue and cry in the council. Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju had a tough time putting the house in order as members from both the ruling and opposition started finding fault with others on the issue. Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana accused the health minister of misleading the house on the issue and staged a walkout along with his party members in protest.

Centre approves widening of Rajahmundry-Anakapalli and Rayachoti-Kadapa national highways to six lanes, says MP

Guru Nanak Jayanthi celebrations begin

Hyderabad: As devotees gather for early morning hymn recitations, followed by grand processions and community meals at gurdwaras, the city fills with the reverence and festivity of Guru Nanak jayanti. Sikhs in Hyderabad and Secunderabad have commenced their week-long celebration for Guru Nanak's Prakash Parb or Revelation Day on November 15. This marks the 555th anniversary of Guru Nanak's revelation. Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Secunderabad organised a Nagar Keertan on Monday and Hyderabad Sabha will hold another on November 13. A large congregation is planned for November 15 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally. The beauty of the morning processions or Nagar Keertans lies in their inclusiveness, as people of all faiths join in celebrating and honouring Guru Nanak Devs teachings and legacy with vibrant festivity. This procession usually takes place a day or two before Prakash Parb. Led by the Panj Pyare or the five beloved, the procession includes the singing of hymns, music, martial arts displays (Gatka) and decorated floats. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on a beautifully adorned float, with devotees paying respects along the route. Hyderabads connection to Sikh heritage is rich and longstanding. Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself visited the Deccan region in 151213 during his second Udasi (journey). His route passed through significant locations, from Jagannath Puri and Visakhapatnam to Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Golconda, Bidar and eventually Rameshwaram before he journeyed to Ceylon (Sri Lanka). During this period, the Deccan was ruled by Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar, who had defeated the Sultans of Bijapur and Golconda. Bidar, known for its educational and social reform initiatives, was a hub of learning and housed the renowned Mahmud Gawan madrasa. This institution, led by scholars and scientists from around the world, accommodated over 500 students, providing free boarding, lodging and a library with 3,000 manuscripts. At Bidar, Guru Nanak Ji performed an act that left a lasting impact on the community. When locals faced a water scarcity issue, he is believed to have created a freshwater spring by touching the base of a hillock with his feet, a spring that has flowed continuously for the past five centuries. This spring symbolises Guru Nanak Ji's enduring compassion for all, explained Sardar Sajjan Singh, a city-based heritage expert and member of the Sikh Heritage Preservation and Conservation Subcommittee, SGPC Amritsar. The Sikh presence in Hyderabad expanded in 1832 when Nizam Nasir-ud-Daula, through Prime Minister Raja Chandu Lal, requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to send troops to the Deccan to assist with law enforcement and revenue collection. The Maharaja dispatched a renowned Sikh contingent, known as the Sikh Force, which was stationed at Kishan Bagh, an area still referred to as Sikh Chhawni (Sikh Cantonment) today. The Nizam provided land for the Sikh Force and gurdwaras were soon established across the city. Though the Sikh Force was formally disbanded in 1956 following Hyderabad's merger with India, Sikh families have continued to settle in Hyderabad over the years. Today, Hyderabad is home to 34 Gurdwaras, each serving as a pillar of faith, unity and community for the citys Sikh residents.

Police seize ganja worth Rs 72.50 lakh

Adilabad: Asifabad police seized 290 kg of ganja valued at Rs 72.50 lakh being transported in a tanker lorry, on Thursday in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. The authorities revealed that the ganja was being moved from Rajahmundry. The police received intelligence about the illicit transportation of dry ganja destined for Maharashtra via the Wankidi inter-state checkpost. Acting on this information, the police intercepted the tanker near the inter-state checkpost at Wankidi. Upon inspection, they discovered the ganja.

Jan Sadharan special trains between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada from Nov 1

These special trains will also have stoppages at Gannavaram, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Annavaram, Tuni, Elamanchili and Anakapalli.

South Central Railway redeveloping 53 stations in Andhra Pradesh at 1,397 crore

SCR will develop Tirupati station at 300 crore, Rajahmundry at 214 crore and Nellore at 102 crore, according to officials

ChandraBabu Naidu back on Balayya talk show

Unstoppable with NBK Season 4 is a thrilling program that many of its fans are waiting for. The series is watched by many avid fans especially as it comes with the unique combination of nostalgia, laughter, emotions and a lot more as AHA brings the new season live starting today at 8:30PM. The new season introduced a new sequel in an animated promo that showed Nandamuri Balakrishna (NBK) showing superpowers at its best. The first episode features Chandrababu Naidu, who serves as the AP Chief Minister, as the special guest while the show is aptly called Idi Balayya Panduga. Fans will be taken on a trip down memory lane reliving some of the greatest moments of Balakrishna including his famous role in Bobbili Simham while hoping that NBK would once again reprise such iconic roles as well as have a few jokes at Naidus expense. Chandrababu Naidu puts a humorous twist to things as he attempts to buy groceries for only 500 rs- something completely absurd for a politician, a side of him that has never been shown to the public before. This is one of the instances where the companionship of NBK and CBN will enhance the viewers experience. The two will, nonetheless speak about other events in detail including some of the difficulties Naidu has recently faced during Rajahmundry Jail, portraying a more serious side of the episode. The first season premiere of the fourth season of the show Unstoppable with NBK is going to fill the audience with a lot of emotions including nostalgia, humor and reality based narratives. Make sure you catch this thrilling opening of Season 4 on Aha Video!

Hoax Bomb Threats: Security Beefed Up At Airports in AP

VIJAYAWADA/ TIRUPATI/ VISHAKHAPATNAM: A host of bomb threats to several airlines since Thursday proved to be a hoax, but security has been beefed up at the airports as a precautionary measure, officials said on Friday. The authorities at the airports in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Rajahmundry have been carrying out checks in the airport buildings and other facilities as per the standard operation procedure. They kept a close tab on suspicious persons and objects and are screening passengers and bags on their arrival at the airports. THE bomb threats were coming through social media platforms. Airport staff was on alert alert while attending to telephone calls and emails pertaining to the bomb threats. An Air Star flight faced the hoax bomb threat on Thursday when it was heading for Tirupati. The airport authorities along with the security personnel carried out a thorough search soon after the flight landed at the airport after parking the flight at an isolation bay. The threat proved to be a hoax. Tirupati Airport director Srinivasa Rao said, The Air Star airline received a WhatsApp message claiming that a bomb was placed on the flight S5-154. The airline authorities informed this to the Tirupati airport authorities through a WhatsApp message. We carried out a thorough search and found there was no bomb in the flight. The flight was delayed by about 20 minutes for the checking before it took off for the next destination. The message originated from an account named AdamLanza333, and the flight was scheduled to arrive at 7pm at the airport and take off at 7.30pm. The police booked a case and started an investigation. At Visakhapatnam airport, the authorities remained on full alert. Airport director Raja Reddy said, We received three to four hoax bomb threats last year but found no bomb in the flights. We have been maintaining high security at the airport. Airports Authority of India says every airport will have an isolation bay to move the aircraft facing bomb threat soon after it lands there, in order to carry out thorough checks on the aircraft, cargo and others as per standard operating procedures. Vijayawada airport director Lakshmi Kanth Reddy said, We faced a bomb threat last year and it was a hoax. Airport authorities in Rajahmundry too have enhanced security. Airport director Gnaneswara Rao said, As a precautionary measure, we are keeping a close vigil and keeping track of telephone calls, e-mails and social media platforms.

Pinipe Srikanth sent on remand to Rajahmundry Central Jail in volunteer murder case

Durga Prasads death was due to strangulation, confirms medical report; former Ministers son engaged a team to execute the killing, says Superintendent of Police

Lab Technician Posts To Be Filled Soon in Government Hospitals: Kandula Durgesh

Kakinada: The State government plans to fill Lab Technician positions in Government Hospitals soon, as these technicians play a crucial role in disease diagnosis and treatment facilitation, said Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh. Speaking as the chief guest at the East Godavari District Lab Technicians Knowledge Conference in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday, organized by the Rajahmundry Labs and Lab Technicians Welfare Association, Durgesh emphasized the importance of lab technicians in supporting doctors. He highlighted the governments responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of lab technicians in society. Durgesh noted that both doctors and patients rely heavily on laboratory services for accurate diagnoses through MRI scans, X-rays, and other tests. He promised to allocate a site for a lab technicians office and provide insurance coverage.

AP: First Medical College Inaugurated at Paderu

Visakhapatnam : The inaugural ceremony for the first medical college in Paderu district, took place on Monday, by District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar. This milestone event marks the beginning of medical education in the region, with 50 MBBS seats allocated for the current academic year. Out of these, 42 students have successfully enrolled and commenced their studies. During the inauguration, Collector Dinesh Kumar emphasized that Paderu is a safe environment for medical students to thrive. He encouraged them to pursue their studies without fear and to aim for excellence. The Collector highlighted the efforts of engineering officers who worked diligently over the past month to establish essential facilities such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry labs, fulfilling directives from the Chief Minister to initiate medical classes this year. The collector also addressed concerns from parents regarding safety and accessibility in Paderu. He reassured them that the region has transformed significantly over the past 15 years, moving away from previous issues related to terrorism. He noted that Paderu is well-connected, with Visakhapatnam just two hours away, and ongoing infrastructure projects aim to improve road access to approximately 1,100 villages in the district. The Collector promised that all necessary facilities would be fully operational within two to three months, including a playground for students. He pointed out that local health challenges such as sickle cell anaemia and malaria would provide valuable learning opportunities for future doctors trained at the college. Joint Collector M.J. Abhishek Goud shared his personal experiences from his medical education journey, emphasizing the importance of the profession in saving lives. He expressed hope that the inaugural batch would set a high standard for future students. Among the attendees were college officials including Principal Prof. Hemalatha Devi and Medical Supervisor Prof. Vishwamitra, who welcomed students and their families during a meeting organized by the college management. Students expressed their enthusiasm about joining Paderu Vaidya College. K. Bhavana from Guntur, who secured a rank of 594 in NEET, shared her initial hesitations about enrolling but was encouraged by faculty members regarding the college's facilities and environment. Another student, Dhatri from Rajahmundry, recounted how her personal health experiences inspired her to pursue a medical career. Parents also voiced their support, Bhasha, a parent from Ongole, whose daughter was admitted, praised the college's rapid development and expressed hope for his children's futures as doctors.

Kirtilals Opens its New Showroom in Rajahmundry

About Kirtilals Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers Pvt. Ltd. is operating under the brand name 'Kirtilals' across south India with 14 exclusive showrooms along with its online store www.kirtilals.com. Kirtilals is the first diamond and gold jewellery brand to be certified by ISO 9001: 2008 in both retail and manufacturing units. The brand has its flagship store in Coimbatore and has a legacy of more than 8 decades of operations with more than 3, 00,000 customers which are spread over 5 continents. Retail Showrooms presence in Coimbatore | Chennai | Madurai |Tiruppur| Salem | Kochi | Bengaluru | Hyderabad | Vijayawada | Visakhapatnam and Sales desk at New Jersey USA.

ONGC May Set Up Mini-LNG Plants Across Five States To Evacuate Gas From Isolated Fields

It has identified two sites at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, one each at Ankleshwar and Cambay in Gujarat, and one in Jharkhand's Bokaro to set up the plants.

Drones Set to Revolutionise Cleanliness Drive in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA : In a pioneering move for the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, Gandham Chandrudu, MD of Swachh Andhra Corporation, unveiled the integration of drone technology to enhance cleanliness efforts across Andhra Pradesh. This initiative marks the first use of drones in the states urban sanitation drive. Chandrudu announced the commencement of this innovative pilot project on Tuesday across several municipal corporations including Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Nellore. In collaboration with AP Drones Corporation, these drones will primarily identify unhygienic areas and garbage accumulations, facilitating targeted sanitation operations. The drones will not only assist in locating and monitoring cleanliness tasks but also play a crucial role in post-cleanup assessments, ensuring that community service efforts meet the desired cleanliness standards. This technology will also extend to overseeing other government initiatives until October 2, aiming to improve service delivery through real-time monitoring. Additionally, Chandrudu highlighted the intent to utilise drone-collected data for ongoing and future cleanliness campaigns. Efforts are underway to integrate this data with a dedicated Swachhta Hi Seva portal by the Government of India, allowing for continuous updates and enhancements in sanitation strategies.

347 crore new terminal, facelift for Rajahmundry Airport

Vijayawada : Rajahmundry Airport is getting a facelift, apart from a new terminal and other amenities, at a cost of 347 crore. The airport currently operates 10 arrivals / departures daily to sectors like Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. A direct flight to Delhi is going to be launched once the revised schedule comes up in October. In addition, a few more flights are in the offing. Keeping in view the expected growth, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sanctioned 202 crore for a new terminal at the Rajahmundry Airport. The remaining amount of 145 crore will be spent on other amenities like aero bridges, commercial lounges and outlets, washrooms with latest gadgets, and so on. The existing terminal can accommodate nearly 1,300 passengers at a time during peak hours. Once the new terminal is completed, the two terminals will be able to handle over 2,000 passengers. The existing terminal will be used for arrivals and the new terminal for departures, so that passengers can arrive at and depart from the airport from two separate entrances, unlike only one entrance at present for both arrivals and departures. Union minister for civil aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu recently visited the airport and reviewed the ongoing works. He asked the AAI authorities to complete the works in an expeditious manner, so that the new terminal can be started as per schedule. Rajahmundry Airport director S. Gnaneswara Rao said, We are expecting the new terminal with all amenities to be completed by August next year. We will then be able to comfortably accommodate more passengers at the airport. Significantly, Rajahmundry Airport has a long runway with a length of 3,165 metres, which is almost equal to the one at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. It can thus handle Airbus 321, Boeing 377 and other big-sized aircraft. The airport has a cargo terminal too. There is not much traffic though as currently, only ATRs are handling the cargo.

AP Government orders major reshuffle of 47 DSPs

VIJAYAWADA: In a major reshuffle of deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, director general of police (DGP) Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao transferred 47 DSP across the state. A.B.G. Tilak, DSP (CID) has been transferred and posted as SDPO, Kasibugga. B. Rajasekhar, DSP attached to ANTF has been posted to Women police station, Srikakulam. S. Raghavulu, DSP (Intelligence) will be SDPO, Cheepurapalli. N.S.V.K. Durga Rao, DSP (Intelligence) has been posted as ACP, Vijayawada West. Y. Prasada Rao DSP (Intelligence) will be ACP, Mylavaram. Names and new postings of other DSPs are D.N.V. Prasad, DPTC Srikakulam. M. Srinivasa Rao, SDPO Vizianagaram. M. Rambabu, SDPO Palakonda. S. Appala Raju, ACP North, Visakhapatnam city. D. Srihari Raju, SDPO Peddapuram. Y. Govinda Rao, SDPO Kothapeta. D. Viswanath, SDPO Tadepalligudem. D.S.R.V.S.N. Murthy, DSP ACE. K. Latha Kumari, Police Headquarters. Ch. G.V. Prasada Rao, DTC Eluru. Dr. K. Sravanthi Roy, ACP North, Vijayawada. U. Bangar Raju ACP South, Vijayawada. V.V. Appa Rao, CSB-2, Vijayawada. Sk. Abdul Azeez, SDPO Guntur East. M. Ramesh, DSP (Traffic), Guntur. M. Hanumantha Rao, SDPO Sattenapalli. G. Gurnadha Babu, Police Headquarters. U. Naga Raju, SDPO Markapur. M. Maheswara Rao, SDPO Kanigiri. P. Sridhar, SDPO Kaval. M. Venkata Ramana, Police Headquarters. M. Giridhar Rao, DPTC Nellore. T. Venkateswarlu, SDPO Ananthapuram Rural. B. Prasad, SDPO Chandragiri. Yenuganti Srinivasa Rao, SDPO Renigunta. V. Giridhar, SB Tirupati, Shaanu Shaik, DPTC Chittoor. Valluri Srinivasa Rao, SDPO Ananthapuram. Amudla Sreenivas SDPO Guntakal. P. Ramakrishnudu SDPO Tadipatri. S. Mahaboob Basha, Women PS Ananthapuram. Sarath Raj Kumar, DPTC Ananthapuram. J. Sivanarayana Swamy, SDPO Kadiri. M. Upendra Babu, SDPO Yemmiganur. Sk. Abdul Karem, DPTC Kadapa. B. Seetha Ramaiah, SB Guntur. P. Ramachander Rao, DSP ACB. D. Muralidhar, DSP RSASTF. V. Narayana Swamy Reddy, DSP / AC, 4th Battalion, APSP Rajahmundry. B. Suneel, DSP / AC, 14th Battalion, APSP Ananthapuram. Nagabhushanam Muthyale, DSP V&E, and M. Raja Gopal Reddy, PTC, Tirupati. The DGP instructed unit officers concerned to relieve these DSP immediately by making alternate arrangements, so that they can report to their new places of posting and submit a compliance report to the Police Headquarters.

Floods Caused by River Godavari Receding

Houses are submerged in flood water at an islet with river Godavari in spate in Rajahmundry on Friday. Around 14.59 lakh cusecs of flood water was released into Bay of Bengal. DC Houses are submerged in flood water at an islet with river Godavari in spate in Rajahmundry on Friday. Around 14.59 lakh cusecs of flood water was released into Bay of Bengal. DC Kakinada: Floods caused due to River Godavari, including reservoirs dependent on it, are receding. Flood waters of Yeleru reservoir have receded from housing colonies. Following this, sanitation workers have started cleaning the streets. By 8 p.m. on Saturday, Yeluru received just 5,875 cusecs of water from upstream. Officials discharged the same downstream by opening two gates. Officials said Yeluru currently has 22.52 TMC of water out of its capacity of 24.11 TMC. Islet villages in Konaseema district are slowly recovering from floods, though several villages continue under knee-deep water. Water has receded from Kanakayalanka causeway and vehicular traffic over the causeway has resumed. Paddy fields and banana, chilli and other crops are, however, still inundated in Eluru, Konaseema and Kakinada districts. Farmers are waiting for the waters to fully recede before taking up operations to save their crops. In Eluru district, water has not yet receded from Dacharam-Kukkunuru road in Velerupadu mandal. There is no road access to eight villages. People of these villages are coming to Velerupadu mandal headquarters by an alternative route, which is long and around the hills. Farmers and flood-affected people have requested the state government to provide flood relief compensation amounts quickly, so that their losses come down to some extent. Housing minister K. Partha Saradhi visited Seetharamapuram in Agiripalli mandal of Eluru district on Saturday. He asked the veterinary department to open medical camps, so that goats, sheep, cows and other cattle can be treated. The minister assured owners of cattle that died due to floods that insurance amounts will be provided to them.

Dearth of doctors leaves Rajahmundry GH struggling: A.P. Health Minister

GH barely has 180 doctors against the required 340 for daily services and teaching, says Satya Kumar Yadav during visit to the hospital

BJP committed to developing Amaravati as AP capital: Purandeswari

Vijayawada: Rajahmundry Lok Sabha member and AP BJP unit chief D. Purandeswari reaffirmed the party's dedication to developing Amaravati as the state's capital. At a meeting with teachers and intellectuals at the party's headquarters on Friday, Purandeswari highlighted the BJP-led NDA government's support for Amaravati's development. She noted that the government had previously allocated Rs 2,500 crore and approved a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing an Outer Ring Road at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore. Additionally, funding for internal roads in Amaravati was also secured. Purandeswari emphasised that the central government remains focused on providing financial assistance to ensure Amaravati's growth as the state capital. Regarding the Visakha Railway Zone, she said that the central government is awaiting a suitable site proposal. A letter has been sent to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Purandeswari expressed optimism that the railway zone's development would begin once the site is finalised. She also addressed concerns about the damage to the Polavaram projects diaphragm wall, stating that the Centre plans to release Rs 990 crore for the project's construction. Purandeswari praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attributing the countrys current satisfaction to his leadership. She credited Modi with various achievements, including the abolition of Article 370, the end of Triple Talaq and reforms to the Waqf Board.

Special weekly trains between Tirupati and Srikakulam Road via Duvvada to clear festive rush

These trains will also have stoppages at Renigunta, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala, Tenali, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Tuni, Anakapalli, Pendurthi, Kottavalasa, Vizianagaram and Chipurupalli

Andhra Pradesh: 7 Labourers Die As Van Overturns, 1 Injured

Vijayawada: In a tragic accident, seven labourers lost their lives, and one was injured when a van carrying cashew nuts overturned into a dry irrigation canal near Chilakavaripakalu in Devarapalli mandal late Tuesday night. According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Devabathula Buraiah, 40, Thammireddy Satyanarayana, 45, P. China Musalaiah, 35, Kathava Krishna, 40, Kathava Sathipandu, 40, Thadi Krishna, 45, and Bokka Prasad. The incident occurred when the van, loaded with cashew nut bags, reached the Aripatidibbalu-Chinnaigudem road. The driver lost control, causing the van to swerve into a roadside canal. Eight labourers sitting atop the cashew bags were trapped under the bags, while the driver, cleaner, and another labourer in the cabin escaped unhurt. Local villagers and the police rushed to the scene to rescue the trapped labourers. Unfortunately, seven labourers died on the spot. The lone survivor was shifted to a government hospital for treatment. The police have booked a case, arrested the driver, and launched an investigation. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and anguish over the tragic incident, extending his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also inquired about the survivors condition and assured that the government would provide assistance to the bereaved families. Former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed concern and demanded better medical care for the survivor, while urging the government to support the victims' families. Upon learning about the tragic death of the seven labourers, Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh rushed to Rajahmundry from Bengaluru. Along with East Godavari district collector Prasanthi, he visited the homes of the bereaved families and handed over an ex gratia of `5 lakh to each.

21 Cities Under NCAP Cut PM10 Pollution by Over 40 pc Since 2017-18, Shows CPCB Data

New Delhi: Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 levels. Khanna, Durgapur, Kurnool, Dera Baba Nanak, Vadodara, Allahabad, Asansol, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Akola, Ananthapur, Durg Bhilainagar, Surat and Noida recorded a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels during the same period, the data showed. A 10-20 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution was recorded in 21 cities -- Delhi, Howrah, Thane, Latur, Nellore, Gajraula, Alwar, Chittur, Kala Amb, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amravati, Patiala, Jaipur, Ongole, Chandrapur, Nashik, Jhansi, Sangli, Kota, Devanagere and Rajahmundry. India launched the NCAP in 2019 with a target to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. In practice, only PM10 concentration is being considered for performance assessment. Surat was on Saturday ranked as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, followed by Jabalpur and Agra. The Union environment ministry presented the National Clean Air City Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan - 2024, held at a national workshop celebrating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Jaipur. While Surat, Jabalpur and Agra secured the top three positions among cities with populations of more than 10 lakh, Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) were recognised as the best among cities with populations between three and 10 lakh. Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list among cities with populations under three lakh. Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the environment ministry to rank cities based on the implementation of activities approved under the city action plan and air quality in cities covered under NCAP. These cities were awarded for significant improvements in air quality through various best practices to reduce air pollution. Key activities included paving roads, promoting mechanical sweeping, bioremediation of legacy waste, solid waste management, converting reclaimed land from dump sites into green spaces, greenbelt development, intelligent traffic management systems, and Miyawaki afforestation.

New MoU To Boost Star Labeling of Appliances in AP and TG

Bureau of Energy Efficiency workshop on 'Perform, Achieve and Trade'. (DC image) Bureau of Energy Efficiency workshop on 'Perform, Achieve and Trade'. (DC image) Vijayawada: The National Test House (NTH), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union Ministry of Power. This MoU urges State Designated Agencies (SDAs) in Southern states and proactive regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Union Territories, to implement rigorous measures to promote the Star Labeling Programme. Milind Deora, secretary of BEE, along with directors Kamran Shaik, Smt. P Samal and Abhishek Sharma, discussed the benefits of the MoU. They emphasised that the agreement will significantly enhance capacity building and market surveillance, ensuring strict monitoring of Star-labeled electrical appliances in accordance with the Energy Conservation Act, ultimately benefiting consumers. The MoU was formalised in the presence of Nidhi Khare, secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs; Pankaj Agarwal, secretary of the Ministry of Power; and Dr. Srikanth Nagulapalli, Director General of BEE. The signing was conducted by Milind Deora and Alok Kumar Srivastava, Director General of NTH. Deora highlighted that BEE is encouraging consumers to select star-rated appliances due to their financial and environmental advantages. He also called on SDAs to intensify their efforts in promoting these appliances, focusing initially on major cities and towns such as Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh; Hyderabad, Warangal, Sanga Reddy, Khammam, and Mahabubnagar in Telangana; and Bengaluru, Mysore, and Hubli in Karnataka. Nidhi Khare underscored the importance of high-quality, durable products for consumers. Products should be designed to last, not fail. This MoU marks the beginning of a strong partnership between NTH and BEE, dedicated to upholding consumer rights and ensuring product reliability, she stated.

Deep Industries Wins Rs 1,402 Crore Project From ONGC

The letter of award involved production enhancement operations in mature oil fields at Rajahmundry.

61 lakh worth trees illegally felled in Devarapalli, Maredumilli South between February-March in A.P.

A flying squad of the Forest Dept. from the Rajahmundry office conducted field inspections from February 28 to March 7 in the Rampachodavaram division and detected the deforestation, says PCCF Chiranjiv Choudhary

Rajahmundry Central Prison inmates despatch food packets for Vijayawada flood victims

Heavy Rains Disrupt SCR Operations

Hyderabad: Railway services were thrown asunder because of incessant rains across the Secunderabad, Vijayawada and Guntur divisions in the two Telugu-speaking states. The entire South Central Railway (SCR) network was adversely impacted due to heavy discharge of flood water from upstream that badly damaged tracks, compelling the authorities to reschedule or outright cancel several trains as a precautionary measure. The inundation of the track between Kesamudram and Intekanne, Tadla Pusapalli and Mahabubabad and the Rayanapadu railway station resulted in cancellation or diversion of several train services. Almost 80 trains were cancelled, while five trains were partially cancelled to avoid any further congestion on the section. Nearly 49 trains were diverted via alternate routes to offer some relief to the stranded passengers. SCR officials deployed all resources that were available to meet specific requirements in order to minimise inconvenience to passengers. Arun Kumar Jain, SCR general manager, was personally monitoring the situation and regularly interacting with the concerned DRMs to assess the situation at the ground-level. An emergency control room has been set up at rail nilayam, the SCR headquarters. At the divisional offices in Secunderabad, Guntur and Vijayawada, senior officers are regularly monitoring the situation at Rayanapadu, the worst hit. Heavy rains are causing major disruption of trains passing through this station. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been evacuating stranded passengers at Rayanapadu station. Helplines have been set up at major stations like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nandyal, Donakonda and Nadikudi in the Secunderabad, Vijayawada and Guntur divisions.

Train services hit as tracks breach due to heavy rain at three places in SCR

SCR announces helpline numbersHyderabad 27781500, Secunderabad 27786140/27786170, Kazipet 27782660/8702576430, Warangal 27782751, Khammam 27782985/08742-224541/7815955306, Vijayawada 7569305697 and Rajahmundry 0883-2420541/0883-2420543.

Rural Ankura Yatra to Connect Startups and Investors in AP

Vijayawada : Union minister of state for rural development Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar launched the Ankura Yatra initiative by the International Startup Foundation at Vaddeswaram KL University in Tadepalli mandal on Saturday. Scheduled from September 30 to October 3, the Rural Ankura Yatra will provide a platform for startup founders, investors, and mentors to collaborate on innovative projects. Chandrasekhar highlighted that this unique bus journey is the first of its kind globally and aims to transform rural India by creating local job opportunities and promoting start-up enterprises. Dr. JA Chowdary, chairperson and convenor of Ankura Yatra, noted that the pilot phase will cover key locations in Andhra Pradesh, including Vizag, Rajam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Amaravathi, Kuppam, Tirupati, Anantapur, Kadapa, and Kurnool. KLU Chancellor Koneru Sathyanarayana also participated in the event.

Secure Nod From Centre for Five Medical Colleges, Jagan Tells CM

VIJAYAWADA : YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has urged Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu to secure central approvals for the proposed five medical colleges in AP so that these can commence classes this academic year. The state government should release the remaining funds for timely completion of these medical college projects, the former CM said. He criticised Naidus preference for privatization, accusing him of transforming the public healthcare sector into a system that prioritizes private interests over the welfare of the common people. Jagan Reddy warned that such policies would result in unaffordable healthcare services for the general public. In a statement, he urged the CM to leverage his influence with the central government to ensure that the permissions are granted without further delay. He criticised the Naidu government for neglecting the public health sector. Naidu is deliberately ignoring crucial medical infrastructure development. His failure to prioritize the commencement of the five new medical colleges, which were scheduled to begin classes this year, is evidence of the state governments inefficiency, he said. Jagan Reddy noted that during the 2023-24 academic year, five medical colleges in Vizianagaram, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Machilipatnam and Nandyal successfully began classes, adding 750 MBBS seats and benefiting students from underprivileged backgrounds. Classes for five additional colleges in Paderu, Markapuram, Madanapalle, Pulivendula and Adoni were scheduled to begin in the 2024-25 academic year. Even though Naidu is in an alliance with the BJP, he is unable to secure the required approvals. This has led to the loss of an additional 750 seats, he said. He also noted how Naidu ignored the promise made during the elections to fill all medical seats in new colleges under the convener quota.

Shamshabad Police Arrest Two for Selling Expired Chilli Powder

Hyderabad: The Shamshabad police on Friday arrested Chandraprakash and Urmaram of Pedda Shahpur for food adulteration. Shamshabad sub-inspector Narasimha Rao, the two were filling date-expired chilli powder in new packets and selling them by putting up a new date on them. Nalgonda Police Seize 163 kg Ganja, Arrest Five Nalgonda: The task force on Saturday arrested five ganja peddlers at Thipparthy and seized 163 kilograms of the narcotic worth about `41 lakh from their possession. They were taking the ganja, purchased at Gokavaram near Rajahmundry, to Karnataka on the Narketpally-Adhanki state highway when they were intercepted and arrested, according to Nalgonda DSP K. Shiva Ram Reddy. The arrested peddlers were identified as Kasle Narsimha of Bachupally, Hyderabad; Govind Singh of Karnataka; Nallanganti Bheemaraju of Vikarabad and Shiva Koti Umamahesh from East Godavari. Two gang members were at large. Cherlapally Road to Get New Safety Features Hyderabad : Nalgonda district SP Sharath Chandra Pawar along with senior officials of the police and roads and buildings departments inspected the road passing through Cherlapally in Nalgonda town which has become accident-prone, and chalked out safety measures. The SP directed officials to installing central lighting, flashing lights, zebra crossing lines and speed control indicators. He said radium stickers would be installed at intersections and lighting at key intersections Woman Takes Own Life Days Before Wedding Warangal :A 25-year-old whose marriage was scheduled on August 29 died by suicide at her house in Chelpur of Ghanpur mandal in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district on Saturday. The victim, Komala, was the youngest daughter of Batike Sampath and her completed her graduation. Three years back, her parents arranged for her marriage and conducted the engagement ceremony. But Komala refused to get married and her parents cancelled the wedding. The family recently arranged her marriage with a person from Pocharam village. Her parents went to Bhupalpally town on Friday to make arrangements. When they returned home on Saturday, they found Komalas body. On a complaint from her father, police began an investigation. 80-Year-Old Man Arrested for Killing Son in Shamshabad Hyderabad :The Shamshabad police on Saturday arrested an 80-year-old man for allegedly killing his 32-year-old son in an inebriated state over his idleness. Shamshabad sub-inspector Narasimha Rao identified deceased as Shiva Kumar, 32. The father was physically challenged, the SI said. Shiva Kumar was unmarried and unemployed and would constantly ask for money from his father, who receives a pension of `4,000 every month. The son was also constantly harassing his father for being drunk. Vexed by this, the father slit the sons throat on Friday evening. A case was registered against him. Subsequently, he was arrested and sent for judicial remand, the SI said. Ganja Peddlers Arrested in Hyderabad Hyderabad: The state excise team along with Dhoolpet excise and enforcement personnel have so far arrested nine ganja peddlers and suppliers including five women and seized 2,848.3 kg of the drug from their possession. The five women were arrested at Jungurubasti of lower Dhoolpet with 11.3 kg ganja, said, Anji Reddy, superintendent of Dhoolpet excise. The accused were identified as organiser Kamala Bai, Durga Singh, Divya Singh, Deeksha Singh and Neha Singh alias Gowri. Suppliers Deepak Singh and Mahesh Singh fled the spot. The main supplier Sangeetha Saahu of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was at large, Anji Reddy said. On August 8 and 9, a special task force along with local excise personnel seized 1.120 kg of ganja at Purnapul and arrested Arjun Singh and Kunal Singh. Over 80 excise officials including law and order teams are presently conducting surprise checks in the identified areas in the city and if required we will be enhancing the strength, an excise officer said. The raids were carried under the instructions of the Director of Enforcement Prohibition and Excise V.B. Kamalasan Reddy and under the guidance of S.Y. Qureshi, joint commissioner, enforcement, and P. Pranavi, assistant commissioner of STF.