Train services disrupted for about an hour at Visakhapatnam railway station due to technical snag

The railway authorities quickly swung into action and the technical staff replaced the snapped overhead cable wire on a platform

Flight from Visakhapatnam to Malkangiri in Odisha over Eastern Ghats is on the cards

Utkal Sankrutika Samaj senior executive member says the flight service will benefit Odias visiting Vizag for various purposes

NETA NATTER | DEMAND FOR INQUIRIES WILL LEAD TO SUPPLY REVANTH

Ask and ye shall receive. That appears to be the story with the BRS with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy turning the tables on the Opposition party in the Legislative Assembly using the BRS challenges to his advantage. It started with former power minister G. Jagadish Reddy daring Revanth to order an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant project. Revanth seized the moment, and announced a judicial probe. Then came former finance minister T. Harish Rao, who challenged Revanth to cancel the Outer Ring Road (ORR) lease tender awarded during the last days of the BRS regime. Again, Revanth acted, initiating an SIT inquiry into the irregularities in the ORR tender. While BRS leaders including Harish and KTR accuse Revanth of vendetta politics, Revanth says these inquiries follow BRS leaders own demands in the Assembly, asserting his commitment to transparency, and not revenge. KOMATIREDDY BROTHERS DRAW EVERYONES ATTENTION In Telanganas political soap opera, the current talk of the town is the Komatireddy brothers. While the elder Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is a minister, his younger brother Raj Gopal Reddy is lobbying hard for his turn. Raj Gopal, who switched from the BJP to the Congress, claims the party promised him a ministerial berth a promise he says remains unfulfilled even after a year of Congress governance. However, Congress MLAs are up in arms against the idea of two Cabinet posts for the same family, same caste and same district. Critics argue that such favouritism would alienate party cadres, spark public backlash, and tarnish the Congress image. But Raj Gopal remains defiant, insisting on his due. The Komatireddy saga adds yet another twist to the long-awaited Cabinet expansion, keeping political circles buzzing as speculation and internal rifts escalate. SPOOKY FORT ATTRACTS THE SUPERSTITIOUS It is not quite haunted like the old ruins in movies sometimes are, but the Koulas fort in Jukkal mandal of Kamareddy district has built a reputation of its own for all those who visit. At least those who are government officers. And, of course, for politicians. The lore goes that folks from these categories after a visit to the fort will face a certain transfer and this received some fresh traction soon after the recent visit to the age-old edifice by excise and tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao. Soon after Jupally checked out the fort, began a demand from BC welfare organisations who are staking claim that a person from one of their communities, the Goud community to be particular, be made the excise minister. And so, the wait is on to see whether the if-you-want-a-transfer-visit- Koulas-fort belief will stand the test of time. FORESTS MINISTER LAYING LOW? It is not uncommon for people to wait for a visit by a minister to their village, or neighbourhood in case of a large town, hoping for some good tidings to follow. But in the case of the erstwhile Adilabad district, things appear a little different. It is not roads, parks, or the like but tigers and leopards that are on top of the minds of people here who have been wondering why forests minister Konda Surekha has not visited areas which recently witnessed conflicts between wild animals and humans, and even the death of a woman. Whether Surekha will actually visit the human-wildlife conflict areas is up in the air but the question of why she has not done so, other than expressing sympathy to families of victims of wild animal attacks through statements issued from Hyderabad, is increasingly doing the rounds. TEA STALL AWAITS FOR CM ENTHUSIASTICALLY For those familiar with the Chai Pe Charcha started by the BJP, here is an update. Apparently hoping to catch the governments eye, employees of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in Jangaon have decided that maybe a cup of tea, or a whole tea stall, will catch the eye of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and get redressal of their long-pending demands. And so, they ran a tea stall during their protest programme pointing out that while in the Opposition Revanth had assured them that he would address their issue of regularising their employment within the time it takes to sip a cuppa. And so went the explanation, the tea stall protested, but they were not certain if the aroma of the tea had reached the Chief Minister yet. BJP MLA FLAUNTS DOUBLE STANDARDS Wrong for some. Right for me. What is sauce for the goose may no longer be sauce for the gander. This appears to be a fairly accepted norm in politics on various issues, none more common than leaders jumping from one party to another. When Andhra Pradesh former minister Mutamsetti Srinivasa Rao, who in the past wore a clutch of different party caps, quit the YSRC after the general elections, it did not take long for BJP MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju to point out that it was unethical for political leaders to quit a party which lost an election, clearly pointing out that enjoying power and then quitting after a loss was just not the thing to do. But if they are joining BJP they are welcome, Raju told media persons in Visakhapatnam raising quite a few eyebrows. COMPETITION AMONG AP POLITICOS HEATS UP There is a certain sense of competition between APs Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and human resources minister Nara Lokesh in the who-is-the-more-efficient- minister stakes. All appeared to be going well on this front in general with folks quite happy being in one of the two camps, but recently home minister Anitha threw a proverbial wrench into the works. For her, it was neither Pawan nor Lokesh who was the most hardworking and efficient in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet but water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu. The recent floods in Vijayawada proved that Rama Naidu was second only to Naidu when it came to work, she said, pointing out that Rama Naidu, within 36 hours, had many breaches to the Budameru canal filled. That, Anitha said, was the proof of the pudding. PAWAN MAVAYYA ON THE RISE Move over, Jagan Mavayya theres a new Mavayya (uncle) in town. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan seems to have taken a page out of AP former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys book, earning the affectionate nickname during his recent visit to a government school. The states parent-teacher meeting initiative brought Pawan to the Municipal Corporation High School in Kadapa, where he interacted with students, and won their hearts. One student even presented a hand-drawn sketch of Pawan, which he autographed and gifted back. Soon, videos of Pawan interacting with the school kids began doing the rounds on social media and netizens promptly crowned him Pawan Mavayya making him the new political uncle, a sort of an honour in the state. Contributions from K.M.P. Patnaik, Narender Pulloor, Vadrevu Srinivas, L. Venkat Ram Reddy, Pillalamarri Srinivas, Avinash P. Subramanyam, and Neeraj Kumar

TV Rajesh Kumar Inspects Jail Legal Aid Clinics in Vizianagaram

Visakhapatnam: Additional Senior Civil Judge of Vizianagaram district and Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, TV Rajesh Kumar, visited Vizianagaram Sub-Jail on Saturday and organised a legal knowledge seminar for the prisoners. After educating the inmates on their rights, the senior judge inquired about elderly and sick prisoners aged over 70. The Superintendent of the sub-jail reported that there were no such prisoners. The judge also inspected the Jail Legal Aid Clinics operating on the premises. He enquired about the functioning of the clinics, including the roles of lawyers and paralegal volunteers. The judge stressed that Jail Legal Aid Clinics should continue to provide timely legal aid to the accused. He also emphasised the importance of the District Legal Services Authority in ensuring no accused person in remand is left without legal representation. The judge visited the kitchen, dining hall, storeroom, and toilets during his inspection.

GVMC Discusses 2025-26 Budget in Crucial Standing Committee Meeting

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Maha Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) held a crucial meeting with standing committee members to discuss the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The meeting, led by Standing Committee Chairperson Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari, took place at the GVMC headquarters. During the session, officials explained each budget item in detail. Committee members raised concerns over the allocation of funds and urged officials to increase budgetary provisions for development initiatives. They called for funds dedicated to the development of the GVMC constituency and the inclusion of various projects proposed under the Janmabhoomi-2 initiative. The committee also emphasised the lack of allocations for the Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-plan funds during the previous administration, insisting these funds be included in the current budget. The meeting saw the participation of GVMC additional commissioner SS Verma, chief engineer Shiva Prasad, examiner of accounts Vasudeva Reddy, assistant examiner Adinarayana, D.D.H. Damodar Rao, secretary B.V. Ramana, supervising engineers K.V.N. Ravi, Rammohan, Sampath Kumar, Govinda Rao, Samson Raju, chartered accountant Satyanarayana, sports director Raju, executive engineers, town planning officers, and others.

Pawan Kalyan Launches Rs 5.5 Cr Road Project in ASR District

Visakhapatnam :Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has announced major road development initiatives in tribal areas during his visit to the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday. As part of it, he laid the foundation for a 5.5 crore BT road between Gummanthi and Ballagavaru in Anantagiri mandal. Speaking on the occasion, he said the NDA government will be building roads totalling to 95.8 kilometres in ASR district, involving an expenditure of 105.37 crore. 72 crore will come from the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana and 33 crore from the Panchayat Raj department. The roads will benefit 72 villages with 4,369 residents. Pawan Kalyan walked three kilometres uphill along one of the proposed roads and interacted with the local Adivasi. He said his vision is to develop the area, which has just 20 houses, into a tourist destination. He pointed out that if two homestays are built in the village with the consent of locals, it would benefit the village economically. He stressed on the need to provide not only roads but also health facilities and drinking water to the sparse population living in 2,612 hamlets within 420 panchayats. The Deputy CM underlined that Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu promptly allocated 49 crore for connecting 24 tribal village panchayats with roads. The central government has also cleared initiatives like Van Dhan, specifically designed for tribal development. Our aim is not to derive electoral gains but ensure that tribal populations do not struggle due to lack of roads, Pawan Kalyan clarified, mentioning that roads will provide access to education for tribal youth. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern over cultivation of ganja in tribal areas on commercial scales. The associated mafia are posing a challenge to police officials. He stressed on the importance of raising awareness among youth about eradicating ganja. To move forward on this matter, he wanted alternative employment opportunities created in the tribal regions. During Pawan Kalyans visit, the district collector informed him that 1,500 hamlets in the area have no links with the mainstream. Rehabilitating them will cost around 2,200 crore, the collector stated.

90 kg ganja seized from a locked house at Malkapuram in Visakhapatnam

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal organises silver jubilee celebrations for Visakhapatnam Bench

Visakhapatnam Bench of ITAT was established in 1997 and has jurisdiction over seven districts of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh to Get 2,000 Electric Buses

Visakhapatnam: In a major step towards sustainable public transport, transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced that the Public Transportation Department (RTC) will soon receive 2,000 electric buses. The announcement was made on Saturday during the inauguration of six new buses at the Parvathipuram Bus Complex. Accompanied by MLA B Vijaya Chandra, Minister Reddy toured the town in the newly introduced buses and stressed the government's commitment to reorganising the RTC and recruiting drivers and conductors. He emphasised the need for developing backward areas like Parvathipuram and assured cooperation in addressing worker issues, citing his family's 40-year association with the RTC. The Minister announced plans to modernise the Parvathipuram RTC infrastructure, including reviewing disciplinary actions for minor infractions and revoking night halt allowances. He discussed strengthening RTC cargo services, leasing properties for 33 years, and seeking central funds for road development. Highlighting efforts to improve sports infrastructure, Minister Reddy announced a sports complex and indoor stadium in Parvathipuram. He laid the foundation for a driving track in Narsipuram and a multi-purpose sports complex at SVD Degree College. Additionally, he inaugurated a fountain at a Seethanagaram bus shelter and planted a sapling at the RTA office. Government Whip Thoyaka Jagadeeswari, Parvathipuram MLA Bonela Vijaya Chandra, district revenue officer K Hemalata, RTC executive director A Vijaya Kumar, and others attended. Outstanding RTC workers were felicitated during the programme.

CITU continues protest against Port Hospital privatisation in Visakhapatnam

The privatisation is immoral as the development of the hospital was possible only through the efforts of government authorities and its workers, says CITU State general secretary

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Launches Anti-Cannabis Campaign in Tribal Region

Visakhapatnam: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan addressed the critical issue of cannabis proliferation during his visit to Bhalagarulu village in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The address was part of a review of the implementation of government schemes in the region. Speaking at the Pinakota Panchayat gathering, Pawan Kalyan expressed grave concern over the increasing cannabis addiction among youth. The widespread availability of cannabis is ruining young lives and fostering criminal behaviour in our society, he stated. The Deputy CM emphasised that the lure of quick money has led many individuals into the illegal drug trade, often resulting in imprisonment. To tackle this crisis, the ASR District Police has launched Swachh Sankalpam, a comprehensive anti-drug awareness campaign. This initiative employs advanced technology, including drone cameras, to locate and destroy cannabis plantations. Additionally, the programme provides farmers with alternative crop seeds, encouraging them to abandon cannabis cultivation. The campaign adopts a holistic approach, focusing on rehabilitation and prevention. A newly established de-addiction centre at Paderu District Hospital will offer treatment for cannabis addiction. Meanwhile, skill development programmes are being implemented to create employment opportunities for tribal youth. Concluding his address, the minister urged citizens to actively participate in police awareness campaigns and fully utilise government schemes. By staying away from drugs and engaging in productive activities, we can build a brighter future for our region, he emphasised.

CREDAI expresses concern over proposed 18% GST on Floor Space Index premiums

It warns of increased property costs and impact on affordable housing

PVTG tribes seek Pawan's visit to hilltop villages

Visakhapatnam: The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) residing in eleven hilltop villages under the jurisdiction of the Pinakota, Peddakota, and Jinubadu panchayats have formally appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to visit their remote hamlets. The tribal communities have specifically requested the deputy chief minister to visit at least two villages, Rachakilam and Gummanthi, to observe their challenges firsthand. These eleven hilltop villages in Ananthagiri mandal collectively house approximately 1,500 families. The tribespeople have emphasised the urgent need for improved road infrastructure to facilitate access to essential services, such as ambulances. They have identified the roadworks from Ballagaruvu to Gummanthi via Dayarthi as critical to addressing this issue. Currently, the lack of adequate road connectivity prevents ambulances from reaching Rachakilam village. When it was announced that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan would visit the region, ASR District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar initially considered organising a public meeting for the deputy chief minister at Gummanthi village. However, due to insufficient road access, the meeting venue was relocated to Ballagoruvu village, where authorities laid a BT road to accommodate the event. Despite the venue change, tribal leaders from the eleven hilltop villages have reiterated their request for Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to visit their communities. They believe that by touring Rachakilam and Gummanthi, the deputy chief minister will gain a comprehensive understanding of their circumstances and the pressing need for road construction. Additionally, the tribal representatives have urged the deputy chief minister to instruct ASR District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar, ITDA project officer V. Abhishek, and other senior officials to prioritise road infrastructure development in their villages.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Wins Hearts During Tribal District Tour Despite Rain

Visakhapatnam: Rain couldn't dampen the spirits of deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan during his two-day tour of the tribal regions of Andhra Pradesh. The visit was marked by a blend of official engagements and heartfelt interactions with local communities. On Saturday, despite continuous rain and blocked roads, the deputy chief minister visited the ASR district to lay the foundation for several road development projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure in these underserved areas. A planned public meeting at Gummanthi village had to be relocated to Ballagoruvu village due to accessibility issues. Authorities ensured proper arrangements by laying a BT road at the new venue. During his visit, the Deputy CM engaged in everyday activities, purchasing local products, including turmeric, tamarind, and eco-friendly handmade plates and glasses from tribal vendors. A highlight of his visit was his spontaneous interaction with local children, where he personally fed them sweets and posed for photographs with women and their babies. The deputy chief minister's personable approach was also evident during his earlier visit to the Manyam district, where he joined tribal residents in dancing in the rain. In a lighter moment, he playfully requested his enthusiastic supporters, who were chanting OG and anna, to let him focus on his official duties.

Navy vessel INS Ranvijay completes 37 years

Visakhapatnam: INS Ranvijay, a Kashin-class destroyer, celebrated 37 years of service on Saturday. The ship was commissioned on December, 21 1987 at Poti, in the erstwhile USSR. Weighing 5,000 tonnes, the guided missile destroyer has exemplified combat readiness and operational capability throughout its service, living up to its motto of Sangrame Vaibhavasya (Glorious in War). Ranvijay is equipped with powerful surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. The ship also boasts anti-aircraft and anti-missile guns, with capabilities to launch torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. Its comprehensive sensor suite covers all domains of maritime warfare. Additionally, it carries a Kamov 28 helicopter, further enhancing the anti-submarine capabilities of the Sunrise Fleet. Following modernisation, Ranvijay has upgraded its arsenal, improved habitability for its crew, and significantly enhanced combat efficiency with modern seamless networked systems. This has made it one of the most compact yet formidable fighting machines in the Indian Navy's blue-water deterrent fleet. The ships readiness and agility are maintained by a dedicated and professional crew, consisting of both men and women. This well-knit team exemplifies service before self, prepared to take the battle to the seas and shores of Indias adversaries.

KV-Waltair celebrates 44th annual day

APCZMA member appointed

Where to eat what: 5 localities in Visakhapatnam and their famous foods! - Yo Vizag

Where to eat what: 5 localities in Visakhapatnam and their famous foods! Yo Vizag

Incessant rainfall continues as Depression moves over sea along north Andhra Pradesh coast

In Visakhapatnam, 5 mm of rainfall was received near Kailasagiri from 8.31 a.m. to 11 a.m. on December 21, 2024, while Srikakulam districts Gara received the States highest rainfall of 31.75 mm

Incessant rains cause untold miseries for paddy farmers in Andhra Pradeshs Vizianagaram district

The district received 2698 mm rainfall, across all the 27 mandals, as against the normal rainfall 99 mm in the last three days

GRPF busted trafficking of minor girls for employment

Visakhapatnam: A human trafficking ring was uncovered at Visakhapatnam railway station, resulting in the rescue of 11 individuals, including nine minors. The operation was conducted by the Government Railway Police (GRP) during a routine check on the Visakhapatnam Kirandul Express, where they intercepted young girls. The primary suspect, Ravi Bisoy, the contractor of Handloom Company, was arrested and is alleged to have trafficked over 100 girls using fake Aadhaar cards to place them in employment at a private company. The rescued individuals were identified as coming from Navrangpur, Odisha, with others originating from various villages in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. According to GRP Circle Inspector (CI), the minor girls were reportedly en route to Tirupur to work in a handloom factory. These girls came from impoverished families, highlighting the vulnerability of such communities to trafficking schemes. Following their rescue, the minor girls were sent home, and authorities obtained an undertaking letter from Ravi Bisoy. The case has since been transferred to Navrangpur for further investigation.

5 Churches to visit in Visakhapatnam for Christmas and New Year celebrations! - Yo Vizag

5 Churches to visit in Visakhapatnam for Christmas and New Year celebrations! Yo Vizag

Minister Keshav seeks Central aid for river-linking projects in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has urged the Centre to give priority to river linking projects in Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget 2025-26. Participating in a meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajasthan as part of the exercise to prepare the Union Budget for the next fiscal, he said nearly 2,000 TMC of Godavari flood water flows into the sea annually. On the other side, Rayalaseema region experiences low and erratic rainfall, and is perennially affected by drought. The AP government has envisioned to link Krishna, Penna and Vamsadhara to take the surplus water through a series of canals and reservoirs to the drought-prone and backward districts of Rayalaseema and South-Coastal districts, he explained. Mentioning that the Centre recently announced support to link 11 rivers in Rajasthan to transform it into a water-surplus region, Keshav urged the Centre to provide financial assistance to the river linking project of AP in the Union Budget 2025-26 on similar lines. He requested the Centre to adopt 90:10 funding pattern for all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Purvodaya States and provide viability gap funding for different PPP projects such as development of road infrastructure, airports, ports and metro rail projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. He sought sanction of five Textile Clusters for AP keeping in view the huge number of weavers in the State.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan lays stone for 19 roads worth Rs 46 crore in agency areas of Manyam

PARVATHIPURAM-MANYAM: Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Konidela Pawan Kalyan on Friday laid foundation stone for as many as 19 roads with an estimated cost of Rs 46 crore for various tribal villages in Parvathipuram-Manyam district. Braving heavy rain, he reached Bagujola village under Duggeru Gram Panchayat in Makkuva mandal from Visakhapatnam, and laid the foundation stone for Bagujola - Sirivara road taken up at an estimated cost Rs 9.5 crore under MGNREGA. He was accorded a rousing welcome with traditional dances by tribal people. Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani, District Collector A Shyam Prasad, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Commissioner Krishna Teja and other officials received him. Later, he visited a photo exhibition organised at Bagujola depicting the situation of the road connectivity in Parvathipuram Agency, where he interacted with the local tribes, and enquired about the difficulties being faced by them due to lack of proper road connectivity. He also laid the foundation stone for other roads worth Rs 36. 71 crore for various tribal villages in the district. Over 3,800 tribals will benefit in as many as 55 hamlets in a stretch of 39.32 km with this road connectivity. The residents of these 55 hamlets will get relief from the doli journey with the construction of roads. The Deputy Chief Minister also held a meeting with the local tribesmen at Bagujola and enquired about their socio-economic status and the welfare schemes and development programmes being implemented by ITDA. Parvathipuram-Manyam district is known for its natural beauty. Road connectivity is necessary for the development of any area. Though the financial status of the State is not good, we have been giving top priority to roads and other facilities in villages, he said.

In report to CM Chandrababu Naidu, Health Ministry lists out achievements in first six months

VIJAYAWADA: The Ministry of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education has submitted a six-month performance report to Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, showcasing achievements under key health schemes. Launched on November 14, the universal cancer screening initiative under NCD 3.0 has reached 33.58 lakh individuals, detecting 29,469 suspected cancer cases for further treatment. The Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) screened 70 lakh students for diseases and disabilities, leading to 488 surgeries, including 108 cleft lip corrections and 24 cochlear implants. Three City Diagnostic Centres in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati now offer 87 diagnostic tests, reducing costs for the urban and rural poor. Emergency care saw a boost with e-ICU facilities launched at Rampachodavaram and Parvathipuram area hospitals in partnership with Aster Ramesh Hospitals. The Gundeku Bharosa (STEMI) Programme expanded critical heart care to 22 hospitals and 234 CHCs, saving 971 lives with free Teneplex injections worth Rs 45,000 each. Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadavs 30-point action plan, announced in August, has enhanced patient care at General Government Hospitals (GGHs) through monthly reviews. The AYUSH budget saw a 400-fold hike to Rs 84 crore for 2024-25. Disaster readiness improved with a Rs 14 crore Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Medical Management Centre at Visakhapatnam Institute of Medical Sciences. Nearly 10 critical care blocks with 75 beds each were built at district hospitals for Rs 230 crore. A Metropolitan Surveillance Unit was set up at GGH-Guntur for Rs 20 crore to monitor disease outbreaks in Guntur and Vijayawada. Jan Aushadi Kendras were established in 25 hospitals, with plans for expansion. Government medical colleges are preparing for National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) participation to improve teaching standards. Officials said the report underscores APs commitment to accessible, quality healthcare.

Only 24.9 per cent of Andhras coastline stable, 31 per cent eroded

VISAKHAPATNAM: Thirty-one per cent of Andhra Pradeshs coastline is eroding, 44 per cent is accreting, and 24.9 per cent remains stable, according to a report by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR). The report, titled Management of Coastal Erosion along Andhra Pradesh - Shoreline Change Atlas of Andhra Pradesh, provides a detailed analysis of erosion and accretion patterns along the States 1,027.5 km-long coastline. The study, covering the period from 1990 to 2022, indicates that 318.96 km of the States coastline have experienced erosion, 256.32 km remain stable, and 452.3 km are under accretion. While erosion means the land near the sea is being worn away by waves, currents, and storms, accretion means the opposite. An expert in the subject explained that accretion means the build up of sand and sediments, creating new land. However, this could be both good and bad. In Andhras case, accretion is not necessarily bad on its own, but must be carefully managed. If it leads to an imbalance, like worsening erosion elsewhere or affecting local livelihoods and ecosystems, it could become problematic. Sustainable coastal management can help balance the benefits and risks. The study, conducted using Resourcesat-2 and LISS-IV satellite data, excluded river and creek areas and focused on the shoreface length. Erosion along the shoreline at Varuns Children Park in Vizag Study lays emphasis on shoreline mapping It highlights that coastal erosion is a significant concern in certain districts. West Godavari recorded 52.5 per cent erosion, while Kakinada reported 52.8 per cent. Krishna district followed with 43.8 per cent erosion. On the other hand, accretion exceeded 50 per cent in Anakapalli (56.7 per cent) and Vizianagaram (54 per cent). Most coastal districts in the State have shown an accreting trend over the last 32 years. The study categorises the 1,027.5 km coastline into seven segments based on erosion and accretion levels. It noted that 91.96 km falls under high erosion, 39.64 km under moderate erosion, and 187.7 km under low erosion. Additionally, 256.31 km is considered stable, while 281.72 km falls under low accretion, 57.78 km under moderate accretion, and 112.8 km under high accretion. Hard structures such as seawalls and groynes have been widely used for protection, but their long-term impacts on sediment transport and beach morphology are raising concerns. Soft solutions like beach nourishment, which involves replenishing sand on eroding beaches, are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives, the report stated. The study emphasised the importance of mapping shoreline changes regularly to develop precise measures for coastal protection and management. NCCR has been monitoring and analysing shoreline changes across India under the Coastal Processes and Shoreline Management (CPSM) project since 2013. This ongoing effort aims to provide updated and reliable data for effective coastal management, ensuring the safety and sustainability of coastal regions.

Pawan promises better road connectivity, healthcare facilities in tribal areas

The government will spend 36.71 crore on laying new roads on 19 routes, says the Deputy Chief Minister

Four Visakhapatnam students win U.S. fellowship for restoring coastal ecosystem with seagrass

Seagrasses play a vital role in combating climate change by absorbing more carbon dioxide than terrestrial plants, say the students

NIRF initiative to improve teaching quality in AP medical colleges

Vijayawada: AP health department has directed government medical colleges in the state to participate in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to improve the quality of teaching in AP and compete with other leading medical colleges in the country. This is part of the 12 initiatives taken up by the health department in the last six months to improve medical care in the state. In this regard, the health department led by health minister Satya Kumar Yadav submitted a report of its performance during the last six months to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday. According to the report, the health department took up universal cancer screening and covered 33,58,347 persons. Of them, 29,469 women are suspected of having cancer and have been sent for further examination and treatment. Under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), meant to screen 70 lakh students for various diseases and deformities, 488 surgeries have been performed and other interventions taken up. Action has been initiated to set up three city diagnostic centres at Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. The department has taken up an e-ICU initiative for the benefit of people living in remote and tribal areas, while Gundeku Bharosa (STEMI) programme has been extended all over the state involving 22 big hospitals to provide critical heart care in the golden hour. Budget allocation has been enhanced to over 84 crore for AYUSH department, while there is a plan to set up chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear medical management centre at the Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences. Ten critical care blocks with 75 beds each have been taken up in the state at a cost of 230 crore. A Metropolitan Surveillance Unit is being set up at an expenditure of 20 crore at the Guntur Government Hospital. Jan Aushadhi outlets will be set up at 25 teaching and district hospitals in the first phase.

Continuous rain soaks Visakhapatnam

GVMC Commissioner directs officials to focus on low-lying and hillock areas and shift residents to rehabilitation centre if there is a need

Visakha Dairy Chairman Adari Anand Kumar resigns from YSRCP

Andhra Govt. Increases Job Quota for Sports Persons From 2 to 3%

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive sports policy aimed at transforming the state into a hub for sports and nurturing talent at all levels. State sports minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced the policy while inaugurating a Rs 6 crore multi-purpose indoor hall at the Vizzy Stadium in Vizianagaram district on Friday. Ramprasad Reddy highlighted the need to revitalise the sports sector in Andhra Pradesh which, he said, had weakened over the past five years. He announced plans to increase job reservations for sportspersons from 2 per cent to 3 per cent and incentives for athletes who excel in national and international competitions. Dwelling on preparations for hosting the National Games in Amaravati in 2027, the minister said sports facilities will be created in every constituency. He underlined the government's commitment to integrating education with sports, which play a crucial role in the development of youth. He revealed plans to establish a sports school in Vizianagaram. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju expressed concern over the neglect of Vizzy Stadium, which had originally been inaugurated by former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao in 1983. She said her father Ashok Gajapathi Raju had been worried about the incomplete indoor hall becoming a site for anti-social activities. She expressed happiness that the current coalition government has completed its construction.

YSRC Demands Public Apology From CM, Pawan Over Ippatam Lands

Vijayawada: YSR Congress has demanded a public apology from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for spreading misinformation regarding Ippatam lands and drug-laden containers at Visakhapatnam Port. Speaking to media, former AP Trade Promotion Corporation chairman Kanumuri Ravichandra Reddy said the Supreme Court has dismissed the case over Ippatam lands and imposed a fine on petitioners, while CBI, after a thorough investigation, has denied that drugs had been found in the container at the Vizag port. Ravichandra Reddy underlined that Pawan Kalyan had falsely gone to town claiming that farmers houses had been demolished in Ippatam village during widening of roads. He pointed out that Supreme Court recently dismissed the farmers claims as baseless and imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on each petitioner. Likewise, the YSRC leader said Chandrababu Naidu had alleged that a drug-laden container had arrived in Visakhapatnam. He underlined that a thorough CBI investigation had found no evidence of drugs in the case. Condemning both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan for making defamatory statements, Reddy accused them of tarnishing APs image and maligning YSRC leaders, including MP Vijayasai Reddy, for political gains.

Ghost Nets Threaten Olive Ridley Turtle Arrivals Along Vizag Coast

Visakhapatnam: A dead Olive Ridley sea turtle on Mukkam beach in Bhogapuram mandal has highlighted the growing concern among local fishermen and environmentalists about the safety of these turtles. Fisherman Pangi Amar says tens of Olive Ridley turtles have died till now this month. He and his fellow fishermen say sea turtles are dying due to untreated pharmaceutical waste and pollutants from various industries. When Deccan Chronicle contacted Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board chief engineer, P.V. Mukunda Rao, he stated, We are constantly checking whether the waste coming from industries is being treated and discharged into the sea. We are holding discussions with NGOs and the National Institute of Oceanography. We have learnt that Olive Ridley sea turtles are dying due to hits by mechanised boats and getting trapped in ghost nets. District forest officer S. Venkateswara acknowledged the issue stating, Problems are indeed being caused by mechanised boats and ghost nets. However, since these are directly related to fishermen's livelihood, we cannot take direct action. That is why we are organising large-scale awareness campaigns. We are making great efforts to increase the number of Olive Ridley hatcheries all along the seashore. However, environmentalists are dissatisfied. They say the dead Olive Ridley washing up ashore on Mukkam Beach indicates more action is necessary. They are advocating the elimination of fishing net subsidies, which would help reduce the number of ghost fishing nets. Otherwise, fishermen would not abandon their entangled nets in the ocean, making them ghost nets. These pose a grave threat to biodiversity. Fishermen are often unwilling to retrieve their entangled nets from the sea due to the associated costs. Environmentalists underscore the critical need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard Olive Ridley sea turtles to ensure the long-term sustainability of their population.

Visakhapatnam Port Authoritys sports meet begins

Chinta Mohan slams Amit Shahs remarks on Ambedkar

Transport Minister launches APSRTC month-long cargo door delivery programme in Visakhapatnam

The APSRTC is transporting cargo from one place to any other place in the State within 24 hours, he says

Visakhapatnam range DIG cautions ASR district police on possible infiltration of Maoists from Chhattisgarh and Telangana

Gopinath Jatti directs them to gather advance intelligence to prevent any untoward incidents, enhance the police information system to strengthen internal communication and raise public awareness regarding Maoist threats and preventive measures

NTPC Simhadri wins silver award for energy conservation in Andhra Pradesh

Establish geopark in Visakhapatnam, INTACH urges the Union and State governments

The city has the potential to join the prestigious UNESCO Global Geoparks Network

NTPC Simhadri holds special vendor development programme to empower MSMEs

Visakha Dairy chairman, other directors quit YSRC

Visakhapatnam: In yet another blow to the YSRC, Visakha Dairy chairman Adari Anand Kumar and other directors resigned from the party. Anand sent his resignation letter to party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He had been staying away from the party activities for the last few months and as a continuation, he resigned from the party primary membership and other positions. Others who tendered their resignation include Visakha Dairy directors Saragadam Varaha Venkata Sankarrao, Pilla Ramaa Kumari, Seeramreddy Suryanarayana, Kolla Katamaiah, Dadi Pavan Kumar, Aarangi Ramana Babu, Chitikela Rajakumari, Reddy Ramakrishna, Sundarapu Eshwar, Paradesi Gangadhar. In the last few months, the YSRC witnessed several senior leaders like Muttamsetti Srinivas Rao, who served as a minister during the YSRC rule, and former MLA Grandhi Srinivas also quitting the party.

Visakha Dairy Chairman Adari Anand Kumar and Directors Resign from YSRCP

Visakhapatnam: Visakha Dairy Chairman Adari Anand Kumar along with several directors has resigned from the YSRCP. Anand submitted his resignation letter to YSRCP President YS Jagan. He has been distancing himself from party activities in recent days. Anand stepped down from both the primary membership and all positions within the YSRCP. The directors who resigned alongside Anand include Saragadam Varaha Venkata Shankar Rao, Pilla Rama Kumari, Seeramreddy Suryanarayana, Kolla Katamayya, Dadi Pawan Kumar, Aarangi Ramana Babu, Chitikela Rajakumari, Reddy Ramakrishna, Sundarapu Eeshwar, and Paradeshi Gangadhar.

Minister Ramprasad Reddy announces free bus service for women soon

Visakhapatnam: Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy has declared that a free bus service for women will be introduced shortly. He emphasised that APSRTC is committed to serving the public efficiently. On Friday, Reddy inaugurated the APSRTC door delivery service at Dwarka Bus Station.

IIT study identifies Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Kurnool as high-risk drought zones - Yo Vizag

IIT study identifies Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Kurnool as high-risk drought zones Yo Vizag

Andhra Pradesh government declares Ratha Saptami as State festival

The decision follows a proposal from the Endowments Commissioner, highlighting the temples annual income of 11.26 crore and its popularity among devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.

GVMC Commissioner inspects sachivalayams, Anna Canteens

Man from Gajuwaka dies of heart attack in Canada

Continuous drizzle leaves city soaked

Pawans visit to ASR district likely to be marred by rain

Christmas treats from Visakhapatnams bakers and hotels

From the classic Italian panettone, the quintessential plum cake to DIY cookie kits, heres a list of delectable Christmas treats from bakers and hotels in Visakhapatnam

How the Anglo Indian community of Visakhapatnam celebrates Christmas

From rose cookies to soulful carol sessions, Christmas is a joyful celebration of festive treats and community bonding for the All India Anglo Indian Association, Visakhapatnam chapter

Doctors of a lesser State: A long wait for permanent registrations in Andhra Pradesh

While their counterparts from States like Telangana and Rajasthan have begun practising or joined PG courses in India after receiving permanent registrations (PRs), the FMGs belonging to the COVID-19 batches in Andhra Pradesh continue to wait for their PRs even after six months. The foreign medicos patience wears thin with the State officials insisting on a certificate verification process to rule out fake candidates as per the latest NMC advisory. Worried that they might not be eligible for the soon-approaching NEET-PG counselling, the FMGs seek government intervention in ensuring that their PRs are issued and that they dont lose an academic year over rules that seem to vary from State to State, writes Nellore Sravani

Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu Says AP has 3.2 lakh Fake Pension Beneficiaries

Visakhapatnam: Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu has cited a recent survey to say that around 320,000 ineligible persons are receiving welfare pensions in the state through fabricated documents. He shared this information during the opening of a new rice purchasing centre in Nathavaram mandal, Anakapalle district on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, Ayyanna Patrudu referred to the issue of fraudulent pension claims, highlighting how fake age certificates and other wrong information were being used to access pensions unlawfully. Each fake beneficiary receives Rs.4,000 per month. This means a loss of Rs.120 crore to the government every month. This comes to Rs.1,440 crore annually, Over a period of five years, the total loss could reach Rs.7,200 crore, he said. The Speaker noted that these funds could have been better used for infrastructure projects such as road construction or building three reservoirs the size of the Thandava reservoir. Ayyanna Patrudu said he raised the issue with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Rain Lashes North Andhra As Low Pressure Intensifies

Chances of upper air circulation to descend down, as low-pressure activity is high. Chances of upper air circulation to descend down, as low-pressure activity is high. Visakhapatnam: Many parts of the north Andhra region received heavy rainfall as the well-marked low-pressure area intensified and lay over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the southwest adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on Thursday. The associated upper cyclonic circulation extended up to 5.8km above mean sea level. The system is likely to move nearly north-west towards the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on Friday. It is likely to move northward along the AP coast in the subsequent 24 hours, stated IMD Amaravati in its report. Under the system, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over the north coastal AP and Yanam on Friday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over the same area. Squally winds of 40 to 50kmph, gusting up to 60kmph, are likely over the north and south coastal AP and Yanam. Reports said the daylong drizzle disrupted normal life during the day on Thursday. Hawkers were off the road and office-goers had a tough time reaching their homes. Vizianagaram district received the maximum rain since Wednesday. Bondapalle received the highest of 2.5cm, Merakamudidam 1.6cm, Vizianagaram town 1.5cm, Therlam 1.4cm, Srungavarapukota 1.2cm, Mentada 1.1cm, Anakapalle 1.1cm, Denkada 1.2cm and Koyyalagudem (Eluru district) 1.2cm.

CM Naidu to be chief guest for Navy Day on January 4

Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam collector M.N. Harindranath on Thursday held a review meeting with senior officials, including those of the Indian Navy, in connection with the Navy Day scheduled on January 4. The collector said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will participate in this event as the chief guest. Suggesting a green room near the podium, he asked police and other officials to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the CM. Harindranath wanted barricades at strategic places to prevent inconvenience to the public. LED screens will be placed on the Beach Road and different places in the city for the public to view the event. Navy officials present at the meeting said that an OP demo will be held on the evening of January 4 at the R.K. Beach. There will also be a laser show, display by drones, fighter jets flying overhead and ships manoeuvring in the sea. There will be full rehearsals on January 2. GVMC commissioner P. Sampath Kumar, VMRDA commissioner K.S. Vishwanathan, DCP Ajitha, naval commanders Y.K. Kishore and Manoj Kumar, lieutenant commanders Sanjib Sharan and Uzair Khusro, and DRO BH. Bhavani Shankar participated in the meeting.

Rs 2,200 crore-worth road projects planned to connect 1,500 hamlets in ASR district

Visakhapatnam: ASR district administration has called tenders for the massive exercise of laying roads to connect 1,500 hamlets, which have no links with the mainstream areas in the district. The value of the total works is 2,200 crore. Tenders have also been called for relaying of the road from G.K. Veedhi to Sileru, which connects AP to Odisha. This road got damaged in the cyclone during July this year. The project will cost around 36 crore. State government has already sanctioned 18 crore for the works. During the recent collectors conference, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a serious view of tribal people using dolis to shift their infirm and ill to hospitals. The CM said in future, such a thing should not happen, ASR district collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar told this correspondent on Thursday. The collector said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed his concern over the matter. He is expected to visit the agency area on Saturday to assess road connectivity to interior areas, he disclosed. When asked about the source of funds, Dinesh Kumar said 60 per cent of the amount will be sourced through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan. The remaining expenditure will be borne by the state government. The collector said most of the roads damaged by frequent rains due to cyclones and low pressure systems have been repaired at a cost of 6 crore. Sources in the agency areas said bad roads in the agency areas are receiving negative publicity, as inconvenienced tourists, whose numbers have increased, have started highlighting the matter. Police have identified 96 black spots in the ASR district, where road widening is required, along with speed breakers. A senior police official said the highest number of 15 black spots are under G. Madugula police station, eight each under Koyyuru and Rampachodavaram, seven under Araku Valley and five each under Munchingput, Peda Bayulu, Dumbrigua, Anantagiri and Annavaram police stations.

Century-old churches gearing up for Christmas festivities

Visakhapatnam: The coastal city prominently dotted with century-old churches is getting set for the colourful Christmas celebrations. The churches throughout the city have begun joyous celebrations in their spiritually charged and tastefully adorned settings. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of traditional treats. The season sees the precincts of several churches colourfully illuminated for an added effect. The main congregations will be at the iconic St. Pauls Church, Ross Hill Church, St. Johns Church, and St. Anthony's Church. A midnight mass marks the culmination of the celebrations. The church services for the season feature heart-warming carols, candlelight processions, and inspiring sermons, all of these creating a memorable experience. Overall, the combination of spiritual devotion and festive cheer makes Christmas here a delightful occasion for many to share the joys of the season. The St. Pauls Church, located near Waltair Club and Governors House, is a notable landmark with a historical significance. Known for its vibrant Christmas festivities, the church illuminates the Waltair junction with lights and fills the air with carol songs. With a history spanning over 180 years, it provides a rich backdrop for Christmas celebrations. The Ross Hill Church, also known as Visakhapuri Mary Matha Gudi, was constructed in 1864 for Monsieur Ross, an Englishman who functioned as a local judge. Converted into a chapel in 1867, the church is perched atop a hill, offering tranquil views of the city and the port area. Its magnificent architecture attracts tourists year-round. The special mass held there during Christmas imparts a profound sense of divinity to the august gathering. Established near the old post office in 1846 with funding from the East India Company, the St. Johns Church is one of the oldest in Visakhapatnam. Sir Arthur Cotton's design features teak wood imported from Burma and stained-glass paintings from Europe. Notably, this church houses an ancient pipe organ that remains operational. The Christmas season sees considerable footfalls, making it a pivotal site for devotion and celebration. Visitors are encouraged to partake in their festive initiatives for a memorable experience. The St. Anthony's Church, situated near Jagadamba, dates back to 1852 and initially served the Tamil-speaking Catholics. The church set up an educational institution that continues to operate today. As the second-largest parish in the city, this is highly recommended for visitation during the Christmas season. This time around, these churches promise an experience filled with joy, a sense of history and community spirit. Whether ones a local or a visitor, these historic landmarks offer a delightful setting.

Bullet bike ambulances mooted for tough tribal terrains

Visakhapatnam: Patients from difficult terrains, like from many hilltop Adivasi villages in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district, find it very difficult to reach the nearest hospital, particularly during emergencies. Fellowmen have to carry them on beds or chairs tied to wooden poles till the nearest motorable road, from where 108 ambulances take them to the hospital. To avoid the delay due to humans carrying the patients on shoulders, the previous Telugu Desam government proposed bike ambulances, which could negotiate the pathways in forest and hilly terrains. The bike ambulances could reach the nearest road quicker than humans carrying chairs or beds would. A 108 ambulance would then take over. Alternatively, if the patient is not too ill, the bike ambulance itself could take the patient to the hospital. Bike ambulances had been launched state-wide on April 20, 2018. The then state government initially made available 42 feeder bike ambulances for Paderu ITDA region, 24 for Parvathipuram, 22 for Rampachodavaram, 15 for Seethampet, eight for K.R. Puram and six each for Srisailam and Chintoor ITDA regions. From January to November this year, 20,096 individuals across the ASR district have received emergency services through these feeder bike ambulances, 40 per cent of them pregnant women. However, these bike ambulances face challenges in reaching areas where the terrain is more difficult. The bikes do not have the power to climb up certain areas. Interacting with Deccan Chronicle, ASR district medical and health officer (DMHO) Jamal Basha disclosed that they have proposed Bullet bike ambulances, which have more power, for reaching villages in more difficult areas, like hilltop villages. This would make the emergency bike medical services smoother. The proposal has not yet received approval yet. ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) too have advocated the need for Bullet bike ambulances, particularly to reach the tougher tribal terrains.

Two Inter-State Thieves Arrested in Suryapet

Suryapet: Suryapet Town-II police arrested two inter-state thieves on Thursday, recovering two stolen cars and 16 motorcycles from their possession. The accused were identified as Korapati Narsingh Rao (44) from Indiramma Nagar, Secunderabad, and Batha Prasad (39) from Bandaluppi, Andhra Pradesh. Presenting the suspects at a media conference, superintendent of police Sunpreet Singh revealed their modus operandi. The duo, who met through their real estate dealings, would hire cars and flee with them after intoxicating the driver. They would stop at isolated locations, offer liquor to the driver, and steal the vehicle when he was incapacitated. They also used duplicate keys to steal motorcycles. The arrests followed a complaint on December 16 from Marru Venkateshwarlu, who reported that two men stole his car during a trip from Suryapet to Vijayawada. He had offered them a ride, but they sped away with his car when he stopped to buy sweets on Vijayawadas outskirts. The duo was caught during a vehicle check in Suryapet Town-II limits on December 18. They confessed to multiple thefts across various police jurisdictions. Prasad was also found to be involved in two vehicle theft cases in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Forget staying in, here are 5 experiences to have on the weekends in Visakhapatnam - Yo Vizag

Forget staying in, here are 5 experiences to have on the weekends in Visakhapatnam Yo Vizag

6 iconic Korean dishes from K-dramas & where to find them in Visakhapatnam - Yo Vizag

6 iconic Korean dishes from K-dramas & where to find them in Visakhapatnam Yo Vizag

Heavy rainfall likely in parts of State for next two days, officials on alert

VIJAYAWADA: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Nellore, Tirupati, Kakinada, Anakapalli, and Visakhapatnam, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. Additionally, a yellow alert has been sounded for Krishna, NTR, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Vizianagaram districts, with forecast for moderate to heavy rainfall for the next two days. A low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal over southwest Bay of Bengal with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 5.8 km above mean sea level has become more marked and now lies over the same region. The IMD, in a report, stated that it is likely to move nearly northwestwards towards north of Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast during the next 24 hours. Under its influence, heavy rainfall is predicted in parts of AP on December 19 and 20. The department also issued a warning of strong winds, with speeds ranging from 35-45 km/hour, along the coast. According to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) in-charge director KVS Srinivas, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to lash Vizag city and surrounding coastal regions starting from Thursday. The officials have further advised fishermen on the South Coast to refrain from venturing into the sea due to rough conditions. Vizianagaram Collector Dr BR Ambedkar instructed official machinery to take steps to mitigate crop loss. On Wednesday, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and other parts of Central Coastal AP experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

Guntur, Krishna and West Godavari districts identified as high-risk flood zones in State

VISAKHAPATNAM: Guntur, Krishna and West Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh have been identified as high-risk flood-prone areas, according to a recent report titled District-level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using the IPCC Framework. The report categorises Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, Prakasam, Kurnool, Anantapur and Nellore as medium flood risk zones, while Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, and Chittoor fall under the low-risk category. The report also highlights that Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Prakasam and Kurnool are among the districts facing a high risk of drought. Anantapur, Kadapa, Chittoor, Krishna, East Godavari, West Godavari, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam are classified under medium drought risk, with Nellore being the only district under low drought risk. This detailed assessment, released on December 13, 2024, at IIT Delhi, provides an in-depth analysis of flood and drought risks across 698 districts in India. It was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, IIT Guwahati and CSTEP (Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy) Bengaluru, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The study noted that the development of risk maps for floods and droughts facilitates comparative analysis of districts within a State based on standardised indicators. These maps, it stated, encompass flood and drought hazards, the degree of exposure to these hazards, and overall vulnerability, fostering a holistic understanding of climate risks. By determining the components of flood and drought risks, the report added, policymakers can uncover the relative contributions of hazards, exposure, and vulnerability within each district. The report further stated that both State and Central governments face mounting pressure to deliver drought and flood assistance due to the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Risk assessments, such as those presented in the report, enable governments to prepare proactively by allocating resources, deploying staff, and designing programmes to build resilience in districts most affected by floods and droughts. Additionally, the report highlighted that hazard-specific risk profiles at the district level can help identify areas requiring urgent attention. It noted that these profiles enable policymakers to identify entry points and interventions, thereby focusing efforts on critical districts to mitigate the impacts of climate hazards.

Indian Navy commissions INS Nirdeshak

VISAKHAPATNAM: INS Nirdeshak, the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) project, was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth presided over the commissioning ceremony, which was hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The ship is part of a series of four survey vessels under construction by Garden Reach Shipbuilding & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, assist in navigation, and support maritime operations, the vessel marks a major step in strengthening Indias maritime capabilities. The secondary roles of the vessel is to serve as a hospital ship and to take part in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. The vessel is the successor of the former ship Nirdeshak, that served the Indian Navy with distinction for over three decades. It was decommissioned on December 19, 2014. Union Minister Sanjay Seth emphasised the vital role of survey ships in ensuring maritime safety. Highly specialised ships, the Survey Vessels, play a vital role in charting the ocean. These are sophisticated niche platforms that allow for a more accurate collation of oceanic data, its precise processing, and, as a result, highly reliable charts that enhance maritime operations and safety, he said. Highlighting the diplomatic role of survey ships, he added, When our Survey Ships undertake missions in support of a friendly country, they epitomise what India believes in helping a friend in need without asking for something in return. This would help in strengthening our bilateral ties and in opening up and promoting trade opportunities in the long term. The new Survey Ships will make us more potent also, as foreign fleets are looking towards Bharitya Nausena for hydrographic cooperation. It is built with over 80% indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The ship is equipped with advanced hydrographic systems, including Multi Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV). These technologies enable precise mapping for safe navigation, expand survey capabilities in challenging zones, and support environmental studies and wreck identification. The vessel is expected to contribute significantly to the security and environmental health of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), while reinforcing Indias leadership in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. It will also support Indias SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by promoting shared maritime data with friendly nations. The ships construction involved collaborative efforts by the Indian Navys Warship Design Bureau, GRSE, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and several MSMEs, showcasing Indias focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The journey of the new Nirdeshak began with its keel laying on December 1, 2020, marking the start of its construction. The ship was launched on May 26, 2022, and later underwent basin trials to test its functionality. To oversee its development and operational integration, the Nirdeshak Cell was established at INS Circars on February 15, 2024. The ship completed its Contractor Sea Trials from May 9 to 13, 2024, followed by Final Machinery trials held between July 15 and 17, 2024. The Nirdeshak embarked on its maiden voyage from Kolkata to Visakhapatnam from October 28 to 30, 2024. Built with the capability to accommodate one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), the ship will be based at Vizag. Significance of hydrographic surveys Facilitate resource exploitation (e.g., fishing, mineral exploration) Support environmental protection & management Assist in maritime boundary delimitation Contribute to the Natl Marine Spatial Data Infra Promote coastal tourism Enhance maritime defence and security Aid in tsunami, flood, and inundation modelling Assist in coastal zone management Advance marine science research

GVMC makes fresh new year resolution to ban single-use plastic

While the ban has been in force for a few years now, single-use plastic products have slowly resurfaced across the city thanks to a lull in implementation during elections

Taxpayers awareness meeting held

Rainfall alert to north coastal A.P.

Madhurawada in the city recorded the highest rainfall of 15.5 mm till 8 pm on Wednesday.

Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Committee Meets Union Steel Minister

Visakhapatnam: The Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee, led by CPM MP Sivadasan, met Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to address challenges at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). Committee president J. Ayodhya Ram stated that the minister assured them of resolving RINL's issues before Sankranti. The delegation highlighted problems faced by permanent and contract workers and stressed that with adequate raw materials and working capital, RINL could achieve full production capacity. Kumaraswamy reportedly secured an agreement from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allocate Rs 10,000 crore for RINLs revival. The committee expressed optimism about the plants future.

Commission on SC Sub-Categorisation Visits Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: A government-appointed commission on the sub-categorisation of scheduled castes, chaired by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, visited Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The commission convened at the district collector's office to gather proposals from SC groups, employment associations, and community leaders. District collector M.N. Harendira Prasad presented caste-wise statistics and departmental inputs. A total of 194 memorandums were submitted. The Dalit Sangham Eikya Vedika highlighted that Articles 341 and 342 mandate parliamentary approval for changes to the SC list, requiring a two-thirds majority. They stressed reservations address social disadvantages, rejecting the relevance of the creamy layer criterion.

Speaker Ayyanna promises to expand Narsipatnam NTR Hospital

Visakhapatnam :A meeting of the Narsipatnam NTR Government Hospital Development Committee, attended by Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu, has decided to expand the 150-bed hospital to a 200-bed facility. The Speaker said he would strive to obtain the necessary permissions. DCHS Srinivas, RDO Ramana, municipal commissioner Surendra, superintendent Dr Sudhasharada, and others were present. The Speaker promised to support fundraising efforts for the hospital's development and suggested holding monthly meetings of the committee. He called for submission of details on patients referred to private hospitals over the past five years, including reasons for their referrals. The committee decided to install a solar system for the newly constructed building and improve sanitation and patient meals. The Speaker emphasised the need to repair and utilise the existing doctors' quarters. He promised to allocate `15 lakhs for this purpose. The committee also decided to repair the ambulance and noted that the Anakapalle MP promised new ambulances. Acknowledging the need for a CT scan machine, DCHS Srinivas estimated the cost to be `2.5 crore. The Speaker promised to secure funds from NRIs and the government for this purpose. Additionally, new colour bed sheets will be used for patients and the Anna canteen will provide meals for patients and their helpers. The Speaker thanked Anakapalle collector Vijaya Krishnan for her assistance and appealed for her cooperation in developing the Anakapalle and Narsipatnam hospitals through CSR grants and NRI contributions.

Peddler, two others held with 2kg of ganja

Hyderabad: The West Zone Task Force along with Banjara Hills police arrested a peddler, two consumers, and seized two kg ganja and other incriminating materials from his possession. The accused S. Prem Kumar, 21, who works as animator, is a resident of Indiranagar. He was found selling ganja to consumers near his house, E. Jangaiah, inspector of the task force, said. During investigation Prem Kumar confessed to the police that due to insufficient income, he procured ganja from his known man Shankar, a native of Narsipatnam in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Jangaiah said quoting the accused. The accused was also wanted in a case under (crime number 1075 of 2020) registered with the Narsipatnam town police station, Visakhapatnam. Besides, two kg of ganja, a two-wheeler, three mobile phones, and packing materials were recovered from the accused, stated the press release issued by Y.V. Sudheendra, DCP task force, on Wednesday.

Narayana Promises Petrol Bunks in all 123 Civic Bodies Through Deal with OMCs

Vijayawada: Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana has promised petrol bunks in all 123 municipal bodies in the state through the signing of a pact with the oil marketing companies. The minister was inaugurating a petrol bunk set up at a cost of Rs.1.96 crore by the Rajamahendravaram municipal corporation (RMC) with support from Indian Oil in Rajamahendravaram. He called for a plan of action to set up petrol bunks in all municipal bodies, by drawing inspiration from RMC. RMC used to spend Rs.25.54 lakh per month on fuels for its vehicles. With the setting up of the petrol bunk now, it would help save some money. Expectations are that the new petrol bunk would have a turnover of `three lakh per day. The minister slammed the previous YSR Congress government for its failure to release Rs.3,200 crore to the municipal bodies, as the amount had been collected in the form of taxes. The present government, he said, has already released the first instalment of the 15th Finance Commission funds to the civic bodies and would release the second instalment shortly. The minister also took part in a meeting on the preparations for the Godavari Pushkaralu, 2027 in Rajamahendravaram. The meeting was attended by East Godavari Collector Prasanthi, other officials and local public representatives. Narayana reviewed the progress of the works related to drinking water, drainage system etc. He said the RMC made a plea for Rs.1,587.80 crore while Kovvur division sought Rs.280.90 crore for development works in connection with the Godavari Pushkaralu. The proposals would be discussed in the presence of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. The minister proposed a waste-to-wealth project, by generating power from municipal waste. The plant would be set up in between Rajamahendravaram and Kakinada. He promised to set up a similar project between Kadapa and Anantapur. We would call tenders for setting up a waste to energy plant between Nellore and Gudur in 15 days, he said. Waste to energy projects, he said, are running successfully in Guntur, Mangalagiri and Visakhapatnam. The minister said nearly 7,000 tonnes of waste was being collected from the states civic bodies every day.

CM Naidu to attend Revenue Sadassu in Ganguru on Dec 20

Vijayawada :Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would participate in the Revenue Sadassu at Ganguru in Penamaluru mandal, Krishna district, on December 20. He would interact with the public and discuss the revenue issues at the programme. Revenue Sadassulus started on Dec 6 for all 17,404 villages in the state, which is attempting to redress revenue-related grievances like land encroachment. Naidu said these conferences would serve as a platform for citizens to file complaints. These can be registered online on the spot and receipts will be issued immediately. Each complaint will have a clear resolution timeline, ensuring timely action, he said. A total of 94,017 grievances were received from 26 districts till Wednesday. On Wednesday, 5859 complaints were received on Record Of Rights (RoR), 767 relating to revenue (mee seva), 670 for resurvey, 597 on assignment of government land, 175 on government lands encroachment, 162 on assignment of house sites, 161 on caste verification certificates, 136 complaints on land inclusion/removal from 22A prohibition on lands, 133 grievances on agency land problems and 1887 complaints relating to various other issues. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Visakhapatnam North MLA, participated in the Sadassu at Dondaparthi village of Seettammadhara mandal. Bojjala Venkata Sudhir, MLA from Srikalahasti participated in the Sadassu at Muchivolu village in Tirupati district. MLC Ramgopal Reddy participated in the Sadassu in Pulivendula village in Pulivendula village of Kadapa district. MLA Vara Prasad was in Sivakodu village of Razole mandal of BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. MLA Yanamala Divya from Tuni participated in the event at Valluru village of Tuni mandal of Kakinada district. MLA Kamineni Srinivasrao from Kaikaluru participated in the Sadassu at Vaivaka village of Mudinepalli mandal in Eluru district. Naidu will attend the Revenue Saddassu at Ganguru on Dec 20 and observe the ground situation. As part of his district tour, Naidu will also review the paddy procurement process at the Venkatadri Oils Rice Mill near the Rythu Seva Kendra. Collector Balaji said the chief minister would interact with farmers on paddy procurement and assess the facilities provided by Rythu Seva Kendras. The CM would visit the rice mill and then proceed to the revenue conference at Ganguru village.

Monthly Crime Review Meeting Highlights Urgent Police Initiatives in Anakapalli

Visakhapatnam: Anakapalli district superintendent of police (SP) Tuhin Sinha has conducted a comprehensive monthly crime review meeting at the district police office. The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing investigations across various categories, including general crimes, serious offenses, property-related cases and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. During the session, the SP utilised a presentation to systematically review cases involving the Indian Penal Code Sections 174 and 194, marijuana-related offenses, and missing persons. He emphasised the importance of addressing the backlog in investigations and urged officials to expedite their efforts in resolving these cases. He further highlighted the necessity for immediate responses to complaints related to women and children, stressing on building trust in the police department is paramount. He directed officials to prioritise the resolution of Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) petitions to ensure swift justice for victims. The agenda also included strategies for tackling pressing issues such as road safety, cyber fraud, thefts and narcotics prevention. The SP instructed officers to enhance visible policing on national highways and other key routes to mitigate road accidents. He proposed organising awareness programmes aimed at educating the public on road safety rules. In a bid to curb anti-social activities, he called for installation of CCTV cameras at major intersections and business complexes. He advocated for a robust enforcement strategy focusing on visible policing against offenses like drunk driving, eve teasing and public drinking.

Residents blame pollution for diarrhoea outbreak in Bharanikkam

Some patients were transferred to private hospitals in Visakhapatnam for better medical care, according to Gani Shetty Satyanarayana, the CITU district vice-president

Union Steel Minister assures aid of 10,000 crore to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by January 15, say VUPPC leaders

The announcement comes in the wake of a delegation of trade union leaders from Visakhapatnam meeting the Union Minister in Delhi requesting his immediate intervention in bailing out the plant from a financial crisis

Union MoS Commissions Survey Ship in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Nirdeshak, a cutting-edge Survey Vessel (large), marking another milestone in the country's maritime capabilities. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard here, presided over by Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth. The vessel, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, represents a significant achievement in indigenous shipbuilding. Over 80 per cent of its content was sourced domestically. INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic systems, including multi-beam echo sounders, side scan sonars, autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles, enabling precise oceanic mapping and data collection. Sanjay Seth said the survey ships served as a powerful instrument of maritime diplomacy. When these ships undertake missions to support friendly countries, they embody India's core diplomatic philosophy of unconditional assistance. By providing support without expecting immediate returns, these vessels can forge stronger bilateral relationships and potentially create long-term trade opportunities. Moreover, these new survey ships enhance India's maritime capabilities, with foreign naval forces increasingly seeking hydrographic cooperation with the Indian Navy, he said. Vice Admiral and flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Eastern Naval Command Rajesh Pendharkar said INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the survey vessel large project, represented a state-of-the-art addition to the fleet. The vessel is a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance in shipbuilding, showcasing Indigenous design and construction capabilities. It is designed to perform a wide range of hydrographic surveys in both coastal and deep waters and can also be mobilized for humanitarian assistance or as a hospital ship. He commended GRSE for its growth and capability in building complex naval vessels and acknowledged the contributions of various teams involved in bringing INS Nirdeshak to fruition. He praised the commissioning crew for achieving a high state of readiness upon commissioning. The ship boasts over 80 per cent indigenous content, reaffirming Indias expertise in ship design and construction and the Indian Navys trust in Aatmanirbharta. The 110-metre-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 3800 tonnes, is powered by two diesel engines and can accommodate 230 crew members.

APEMCL to Expand Into Monitoring of Biomedical, Battery and E-Waste

In a clear violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016, formulated a year ago, none of the 22 government medical college hospitals in the state owns an effluent treatment plant (ETP) to treat the liquid medical waste. In a clear violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016, formulated a year ago, none of the 22 government medical college hospitals in the state owns an effluent treatment plant (ETP) to treat the liquid medical waste. Tirupati: To address the evolving waste management challenges, Andhra Pradesh Environment Management Corporation Limited (APEMCL) will broaden its scope and start monitoring and controlling the generation of biomedical, battery and e-waste. APEMCL chairman Polamreddy Dinesh Reddy revealed this while inspecting the Coastal Waste Management Plant in Nellore district on Wednesday. He and Venkatagiri MLA Kurugondla Ramakrishna reviewed the plants operations and commended its role in safeguarding the environment. Speaking to the media, Dinesh Reddy said over the last six years, APEMCL has crossed the milestone of managing 6,09,624 metric tonnes of hazardous waste, 19,45,023 kilo litres of effluent waste, and 85,22,171 tonnes of fly ash. This success reflects the state governments dedication to balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability, he declared. The corporation chairman said APEMCL expanding its scope to monitoring biomedical, battery and e-waste is a step toward building a comprehensive waste management policy for Andhra Pradesh. He appreciated Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the environment portfolio, for their vision of creating innovative and effective strategies for managing different kinds of waste. Protecting the environment is a formidable task. But with APEMCLs technical advancements and systematic approaches, we are achieving significant progress, Dinesh Reddy maintained. He pointed out that the Coastal Waste Management Plant, established by the previous Telugu Desam government, is a critical hub for collection, treatment and disposal of industrial waste. He highlighted the effectiveness of Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) units in Nellore and Visakhapatnam districts, which use advanced processes to ensure that hazardous materials do not pollute groundwater or harm the environment. The corporation chairman underlined technological innovations introduced by APEMCL, including the Online Waste Exchange Portal. The portal has an Online Manifest System and a Vehicle Tracking System to facilitate transparent and safe handling of industrial waste. Through these technological advancements, we have streamlined management of hazardous waste in the state and minimised the risk of improper disposal, he added.

Indian Ocean Regions survey ship INS Nirdeshak commissioned at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard

A sophisticated niche platform, the survey vessel will allow for a more accurate collation of oceanic data, enhance maritime operations and safety and also act as a credible maritime diplomacy tool

Visakhapatnam to ban single-use plastics in fisheries sector

As per directives issued by the Vizag district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics will be enforced in Visakhapatnam district starting 1 January 2025

Bad Weather and Navy Ops Disrupt Flight Services in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Bad weather and Indian Navy operations caused major disruptions at Visakhapatnam Airport on Wednesday. Airport officials reported that three flights were delayed, while three others had to be diverted to different locations. Airport director S. Raja Reddy reported that the delayed flights included the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad flight (6E307), which was delayed by 1 hour and 10 minutes; the Bangalore-Visakhapatnam-Bangalore flight (6E218), which was delayed by 1 hour; and the Chennai-Visakhapatnam-Chennai flight (6E845), which experienced a 45-minute delay. The Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam flight was diverted to Vijayawada due to unfavourable weather conditions, specifically cloud patches in the approach area. The Delhi-Visakhapatnam flight was redirected to Shamshabad Airport in Hyderabad for the same reason. Furthermore, the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam flight was diverted to Hyderabad due to low visibility at Visakhapatnam Airport. Raja Reddy stated that, apart from weather-related issues, the delays were exacerbated by construction activities conducted by the Indian Navy at both ends of the runway. This situation has led to the unavailability of the Instrument Landing System, further complicating flight operations. Passengers have been advised to stay updated on flight schedules and plan accordingly to minimise disruptions. Raja Reddy said, We are working to address the issues and ensure smoother operations moving forward.

INS Nirdeshak commissioned into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard

India's naval power got a boost. INS Nirdeshak joined the fleet. The commissioning happened in Visakhapatnam. The ship is built for hydrographic surveys. It will help navigation and maritime operations. The vessel strengthens India's maritime diplomacy. It supports the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' initiative. The ship is mostly indigenously built.

If youre in Visakhapatnam, theres no better time than now to visit these 9 places - Yo Vizag

If youre in Visakhapatnam, theres no better time than now to visit these 9 places Yo Vizag

Visakhapatnam weather: Rain & thunder expected in coming days - Yo Vizag

Visakhapatnam weather: Rain & thunder expected in coming days Yo Vizag

Flights delayed, diverted at Vizag airport

INS Nirdeshak Joins Indian Navy Fleet in Visakhapatnam Today

The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest vessel, INS Nirdeshak, in a grand ceremony on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, presides over the event, marking a significant milestone for India's naval capabilities. INS Nirdeshak, the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project, was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The ships construction highlights Indias commitment to self-reliance, as more than 80% of its components were sourced from domestic manufacturers. The newly commissioned vessel pays tribute to its predecessor, the original INS Nirdeshak, which was a significant asset to the Indian Navy for 32 years. The earlier vessel played a crucial role in various naval operations before being decommissioned in 2014, marking the end of an era in the Navy's history. With advanced capabilities, including an endurance of 25 days at sea and speeds exceeding 18 knots, the new Nirdeshak is designed to carry forward the legacy of its forerunner. Modernizing India's Hydrographic Fleet The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak represents a key step in modernizing the Indian Navy's hydrographic fleet. It will play a crucial role in Indias SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), supporting both regional security and scientific exploration. The ships primary mission is to map Indias maritime zones, including ports, harbours, and coastal areas, improving navigation safety for both commercial and naval vessels. INS Nirdeshak is also equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic equipment, satellite-based positioning systems, and terrestrial survey tools. These technologies make it an advanced cartographer of the seas, capable of providing valuable data for safe navigation across vast oceanic regions. A Ship Built with Indian Expertise INS Nirdeshaks development began in December 2020, and the ship was launched in May 2022. It has undergone extensive testing to ensure it meets the highest operational standards. This ship, like others in the Survey Vessel (Large) series, is a product of Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, with more than 80% of its components sourced from Indian manufacturers, including large and small private firms and public companies. The vessels steel was also made in India. This project is part of a larger effort, with 63 of the Indian Navy's 64 ships currently under construction in Indian shipyards. These vessels contribute to building a strong and self-reliant maritime force, crafted by Indian hands. Shipbuilding as a Catalyst for Economic Growth The construction of warships like INS Nirdeshak supports thousands of skilled jobs each year. At GRSE alone, the shipbuilding process has employed around 1,600 workers annually. Additionally, outsourced work supports nearly 10,000 people each year. These projects drive technological innovation and create a robust industrial ecosystem that not only enhances defence capabilities but also boosts Indias export potential in the shipbuilding industry. The SVL project is a vital part of Indias push for strategic autonomy and economic transformation. By strengthening the nation's industrial capacity, it helps secure Indias position as a leader in advanced shipbuilding. Looking Towards 2047 The commissioning of the new INS Nirdeshak is a milestone in the Indian Navy's strategic vision to transform into a Fully Aatmanirbhar Force by 2047. This reflects India's commitment to self-reliance, showcasing advancements in indigenous shipbuilding technology, and strengthening national defense capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.When it officially joins the fleet in Visakhapatnam, it will stand as a symbol of India's growing self-sufficiency and innovation in defence. The vessel represents not just a leap in maritime capabilities, but also a forward-looking vision where technology, industry, and sovereignty come together to shape India's future.

1960s to today: 5 oldest restaurants in Visakhapatnam that stood the test of time - Yo Vizag

1960s to today: 5 oldest restaurants in Visakhapatnam that stood the test of time Yo Vizag

Brain-dead mans organs give life to four

VISAKHAPATNAM: The family of a 52-year-old brain-dead patient donated his organs, giving a new lease of life to several individuals awaiting transplants. Murali Krishna, a resident of Visakhapatnam, met with a road accident on December 14 while returning home from a family function. He suffered severe brain haemorrhage and was declared brain-dead by doctors at KIMS Icon Hospital on Tuesday. Despite their grief, Murali Krishnas family, comprising his wife, daughter, son, and relatives, made the noble decision to donate his organs. The medical team at KIMS Icon Hospital sensitised the family about the importance of organ donation, following which they gave their consent. Following this, State Jeevandan Coordinator Dr Rambabu issued the necessary permissions. The medical team retrieved Muralis two kidneys, liver, and heart. As per the Jeevandan protocol, the organs were allocated based on a seniority list and transported to other hospitals with the support of the city police, who facilitated a green corridor. On behalf of the State government, Visakhapatnam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Srilekha and State Jeevandan Coordinator Dr. K. Rambabu paid tributes to Murali at the hospital and handed over financial assistance of Rs 10,000 and a certificate of appreciation to the family. State Jeevandan Coordinator Dr K Rambabu said, We must overcome myths and step forward for organ donation. He emphasised that despite extensive awareness campaigns, myths surrounding organ donation persist, preventing families of brain-dead individuals from coming forward. He noted that thousands in the state are waiting for organs, and Murali Krishnas family has set an example by dispelling such misconceptions. He urged people to follow their lead and donate organs to save lives. He also extended gratitude to the family, the medical team for sensitising them, and the police department for their assistance in transporting the organs.

Will simplify land records and solve disputes

VISAKHAPATNAM: Revenue, Stamps, and Registration Minister Anagani Satya Prasad has pledged the governments commitment to simplifying revenue records and addressing long-standing land registration issues to prevent public complications. Addressing the North Andhra Regional Revenue Officers Conference at the Visakhapatnam Collectorate on Tuesday, the Minister highlighted the governments focus on protecting government lands and resolving public grievances transparently. The conference covered critical issues such as the 22A prohibitory orders, freehold land disputes, and the re-survey process. Public representatives, senior revenue officials, district Collectors, joint Collectors, and Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) from North Andhra districts attended the event. Minister Satya Prasad informed that the government had received 2.8 lakh grievances related to land registration and revenue matters during ongoing village meetings. He assured that relevant details, including maps, would be made available at village and ward secretariats, with updates shared through SMS and phone calls. The Minister acknowledged errors in a previous resurvey conducted in 6,688 villages and outlined plans to re-survey an additional 9,000 villages with simplified procedures and public approval. With Visakhapatnam growing as an IT hub, the Minister emphasised the need to address revenue issues, particularly in freehold land matters, while ensuring swift resolutions and transparency. Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) RP Sisodia urged officials to expedite land dispute court cases and resolve issues promptly through the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS), while focusing on government land protection. Legislators from North Andhra districts raised concerns regarding restrictions under the 22A list and called for stronger measures to protect temple and government lands, as well as fair compensation for project-affected areas. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Government Whips Ganababu and Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, along with other legislators, presided over the meeting. District Collectors MN Harendhira Prasad, Vijay Krishnan, Shyam Prasad, and Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar, along with joint Collectors and revenue officials, also participated.