Awareness Meet for Medical Aspirants in Visakhapatnam on July 28 - Hello Vizag
Awareness Meet for Medical Aspirants in Visakhapatnam on July 28 Hello Vizag
Ministry of Ports invest Rs 7,000 crore in Sagarmala projects in Andhra Pradesh
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has invested over Rs 7,000 crore in Sagarmala projects in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at transforming the States maritime sector. Replying to a question raised by MPs Krishna Prasad Tenneti and YS Avinash Reddy regarding the proposals under the Sagarmala Project in the State, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Lok Sabha that the ministry has received 29 new proposals from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, worth approximately Rs 3,300 crore, covering various projects, including port development, coastal berths, and fish landing centres. The Minister highlighted that 13 projects valued about Rs 2,500 crore are currently receiving financial assistance under the Sagarmala Scheme. These projects, include Ro-Pax and passenger jetties, fishing harbours, port modernisation and skill development. The ministry has already sanctioned Rs 450 crore for the development of these projects, he noted, adding, Additionally, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have undertaken 36 projects in AP, with a combined investment of Rs 4,600 crore. Among these, 22 projects worth Rs 2,530 crore have been completed, while 14 projects worth Rs 2,070 crore are in various stages of implementation. He also mentioned the establishment of two Centres of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The Vizag Centre, a first of its kind in Asia, has equipped over 10,000 students with engineering and technical skills, he said.
Caravan tourism project back on track in Visakhapatnam
Apart from identifying suitable places to set up caravan parks, efforts on to organise meetings with all the stakeholders involved in the project next week, say officials
Centre trying to convert major ports into landlord ports, alleges CPI(M) leader in Visakhapatnam
Centre trying to convert major ports into landlord ports, alleges CPI(M) leader in Visakhapatnam The Hindu
In APs Visakhapatnam, An All India Dance Competition Set To Offer Rs 50,000 To Winner - News18
In APs Visakhapatnam, An All India Dance Competition Set To Offer Rs 50,000 To Winner News18
Awareness meet for medical aspirants in Visakhapatnam on July 28
Visakhapatnam: Trains rescheduled
Train No. 12830 Bhubaneswar MGR Chennai Central Express will be rescheduled to leave Bhubaneswar at 1:10 pm on August 1 instead of its scheduled departure at 12:10 pm
Visakhapatnam observes Kargil Diwas
Sainik School Korukonda in Vizianagaram district also observed the day solemn reverence and patriotic fervour. The event commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial by school principal Group Captain S.S. Shastri
Visakhapatnam-Palasa MEMU train to be short-terminated for safety works
Tomatoes to be sold at 30/kg in all the rythu bazaars in Visakhapatnam from July 27
Ports Ministry Receives 29 Proposals Worth Rs 3,300 Cr From Andhra Pradesh
New Delhi : Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has received 29 new proposals worth Rs 3,300 crore from Andhra Pradesh covering various projects, including port development and coastal berths, Parliament was informed on Friday. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said 13 projects in Andhra Pradesh, valued around Rs 2,500 crore, are currently receiving financial assistance under the Sagarmala scheme. These projects include Ro-Pax and passenger jetties, fishing harbours, port modernisation, and skill development. The ministry has already sanctioned Rs 450 crore for the development of these projects, Sonowal said. Additionally, he said the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have undertaken 36 projects in Andhra Pradesh, with a combined investment of Rs 4,600 crore. Among these, 22 projects worth Rs 2,530 crore have been completed, while 14 projects worth Rs 2,070 crore are in various stages of implementation, he added.
Development of ports, coastal berths and fish landing centres are among the proposals costing 3,300 crore, the Union Minister says
Dating app fraud: Hyderabad youth arrested for duping Visakhapatnam engineer of 28 lakh
Two other accused in the case are absconding, say police
Delicate orthopaedic surgery performed in Visakhapatnam hospital
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Tributes paid to Indian soldiers
Vice-Admiral Sameer Saxena, Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi lay wreaths at Victory at Sea War Memorial
In APs Visakhapatnam, An All India Dance Competition Set To Offer Rs 50,000 To Winner
Participants aged between 10 and 15 years will be deemed juniors, while those aged 16 and above will be seniors.
AP Development Minister Ponguru Narayana urges for probe into TDR bond irregularities
VIJAYAWADA: Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana said that stern action would be taken against all those involved in the large scale irregularities that took place in the issuance of TDR bonds. Replying to a question, he said a departmental inquiry and a probe by Anti-Corruption Bureau (AC B) would also be ordered into the irregularities. A total of 3,301 TDR bonds were issued in 48 Urban Local Bodies and Urban Development Authorities during 2019-24 and irregularities were reported, he told the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday. In Tanuku alone, a scam to a tune of Rs 691.43 crore came to light where TDR bonds were issued at an inflated rate. As against the price of Rs 4,500 per square yard, TDR bonds were issued at the rate of Rs 22,000 per square yard and location was shifted to about 1.4 kms away from the actual site. The actual cost of bonds were worth Rs 63.24 crore but they were issued for a whopping Rs 754.67 crore. This resulted in a scam of Rs 691.43 crore, he pointed out. Three officials were suspended in this connection. AC B probe is underway. Similar irregularities were brought to the notice of the government from Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Tirupati. MLA Arimilli Radhakrishna urged Narayana to take action against former minister Karunuri Nageswara Rao, who is the mastermind behind the bonds scam in Tanuku.
Vizianagaram Police Warn Residents of Courier Service Scams
Visakhapatnam: The Vizianagaram district police are urging residents to be aware of scam calls and video calls impersonating courier services. Cybercriminals are using these tactics to extort money from victims, according to District SP Vakul Jindal. The perpetrators typically initiate contact through phone calls, falsely claiming affiliation with a courier company like FedEx or Blue Dot Couriers. They proceed to fabricate a scenario where the victim's package supposedly contains contraband, including drugs, fake passports, or gold. This fabricated scenario is then used to threaten the victim with legal repercussions or arrest for alleged involvement in money laundering activities. The SP emphasised that the scammers may attempt to elicit personal information such as residential addresses, Aadhaar card numbers, and phone numbers. He further stated that in some instances, cybercriminals may resort to video calls, utilising platforms like WhatsApp and Skype. During these calls, they may impersonate legitimate authorities, such as CBI, Customs, or Police officers, to threaten them with incarceration, ultimately coercing them into transferring funds into their accounts. The police department urges residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant against such deceptive tactics. If you have fallen victim to this scam and incurred financial losses, you are encouraged to report the incident to the National Cybercrime portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/ or by calling the national helpline number 1930.
Rains Recede in Andhra Pradesh; Strong Winds Forecast
Visakhapatnam: The rains receded in most parts of the state while IMD Amaravati has forecast strong surface winds for north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema. A report from IMD on Thursday said strong surface winds with speed reaching 30-40 kmph were likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema till July 29. It said ASR and Parvathipuram districts received rainfall since Wednesday. Saluru received 18.4mm rainfall, Garugubilli 17.6 (both in Parvathipuram Manyam district) and Paderu (ASR district) 17 mm, Bobbili (Vizianagaram district) 16.4mm, Araku Valley (ASR district) 14.4, Rolla 6.4, Madakasira 6.2 and Hindupur 5.8 mm - all in Sri Sathya Sai district. Weatherman said temperature might shoot up till another monsoon trough brings in rains to the state. Some parts of AP have witnessed slight increases in the maximum temperature. Tiruapathi recorded 36.8 degree C, the highest in the State and the increase was 2.4. Jangamaheswarapuram recorded 34.5 degrees C and the increase was 2 degrees C. Kalingapatnam registered the lowest temperature of 30.2 degrees C.
Efforts Underway to Complete 3.13 Lakh TIDCO Houses: AP Minister
Vijayawada: Urban development minister Ponguru Narayana has said efforts were on to complete the construction of TIDCO houses and arrange the basic facilities in them. The minister informed the AP legislature on Thursday that permission has been taken from the Centre to build 7 lakh houses through TIDCO. We are trying to complete 3,13,832 houses by the end of December with all basic facilities. Narayana was replying to questions from Telugu Desam MLAs PGVR Naidu, Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Tenali Sravan Kumar and Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao on Thursday. On the details of TIDCO houses constructed between 2014-2019 and the and basic facilities provided in the houses in several areas in Visakhapatnam district, Narayana said TIDCO houses are meant for the poor women. Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu wanted these houses to be constructed and handed over to the women beneficiaries as early as possible, he said. The minister said that when he had been abroad in relation to the construction of Amaravati capital, he studied how the houses were constructed for the poor there. The centre has given permission to construct a total of 7,01,481 houses through TIDCO, of which 5,00,000 houses have been issued administrative permissions under the TD government of 2014. The minister said that out of the total 5 lakh houses, tenders were called for 3,13,832 houses. Some 77,371 houses were completed, while 89,671 houses are ready by 75 per cent and 49,329 houses by 50 per cent. Narayana said 2,16,370 houses have been completed by 2019. Some 52,192 houses were removed from the list because the YSR Congress government has not completed even 25 per cent of the houses. Work on some 2,61,640 houses have been started in 104 municipalities. Tenders have been called for 864 houses in Visakhapatnam Padmanabha Nagar, he said. In Mulagada (Visakhapatnam), 504 houses have been allocated and construction of 336 houses completed. Even though the construction of houses has been completed in some places, basic facilities have not been provided to these, the minister said.
Pained to know about the flattening of red sand dunes through newspapers and TV, take stringent action against culprits and initiate measures to protect them from further damage, says Waterman of India
Cybercriminals using matrimonial, dating apps to find targets for honey trapping, say police
Software employees, businessmen and college-going youth have been prime targets, they say; public urged not to befriend unknown persons on social media platforms
VMRDA serves notices to Vaisakhi Valley developers
Action comes after GVMC corporator files complaint against the developers allegeing that they flouted corporation norms
Anakapalli Collector Vijaya Krishnan directs officials to visit village, submit report; team, led by DE Prasad and MEE Umamaheswara Rao trek to Neellabandha, Pithrigadda and Pedhagaruvu hamlets and interact with tribal people
MV Huahine, vessel carrying largest cargo to India, arrives at Vizag port
The port is thrilled to support such initiatives and is committed to transforming Vizag port into a hub for bulk cargo transhipment in the future, says port chairman M. Angamuthu
Visakhapatnams Vizag Writers community offers a platform for writers to share, learn and grow
Vizag Writers, a community of writers, poets and storytellers,is an inclusive space where every voice is heard, every story matters and every writer finds a place to belong
Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman for the year 2023-24 was awarded to the PSUs located in Visakhapatnam by Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) PIB
CREDAI told to integrate eco-friendly measures in realty sector in Visakhapatnam
GVMC Commissioner Mr. Sampath Kumar underscored the necessity of preserving the natural environment
Massive protest planned on July 30 for removal of toll gate between Vizianagaram-Visakhapatnam
APSRTC started collection of extra amount from the passengers traveling in the route, Vizianagaram Zilla Poura Vedika president Bhisetti Babji said
Heavy Rainfall Hits RTC Operations, Power Supply in Visakha Region
GHMC has no motors to pump water from flooded roads unlike in foreign countries. GHMC has no motors to pump water from flooded roads unlike in foreign countries. Visakhapatnam: The heavy rainfall in the combined Visakha district has caused major disruptions to RTC bus services and power supply in the region on Wednesday. RTC cancelled services to distant areas, including daily services from here to Hyderabad and to Vijayawada, Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram. Bus services in the Anakapalle district have also been affected as heavy rainfall inundated a bridge near Vaddadi. Night services to Seeleru and Bhadrachalam have been suspended. RTC manager Andhavarapu Appalaraju told Deccan Chronicle that daytime service occupancy has significantly decreased due to adverse weather conditions, including roadblocks in the Agency area due to fall of trees and branches. This led to a drop in the average occupancy ratio to 52 per cent. RTC's daily income has decreased from an average of Rs 98 lakh to Rs 78 lakh over the past five days. Strong winds led to power outages in Araku and surrounding areas since Monday. Electricity officials said the strong winds caused tree branches to fall on power lines, disrupting the supply. Allegations have been made that the residents of Devarapalli and Gajapatinagar Mentada mandals are blocking electricity supply to Anantagiri mandal due to high electricity demand for agricultural boreholes in Devarapalli and Mentada. This caused power supply disruptions in villages in the Agency areas, including Pinakota, Peddakota, Kiverla, Chinabadu, Painampadu, Vengada, Valasi, Languparthi and Rombilli. D. Gangaraju, a member of the Anantagiri Zilla Parishad territorial committee, told Deccan Chronicle, We are demanding an electricity substation in Valais village to address this issue. The matter will be raised at the Zilla Parishad governing body meeting on July 27. We will also lodge a complaint with the district collector.
Andhra Pradesh: CITU Asks Why Centre Did Not Allot a Penny to VSP
Visakhapatnam: CITU state general secretary CH Narasinga Rao asked why the BJP-led government at the centre did not announce any package for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in the union budget despite its promises to revive the plant. He said the staff of VSP had hoped for support in the budget. But the centre has not allocated a single penny to the steel plant. Narasinga Rao asserted that the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Committee will continue waging its fight until centre halts the privatisation of VSP and merges it with SAIL. He demanded an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore and captive mines for VSP so that it can operate to its full capacity. The CITU leader criticised the central government, saying its budget aims to raise Rs 50,000 crore by selling public sector undertakings.
Visakhapatnam cybercrime police arrest a woman from Hyderabad for duping IT employee of 22 lakh
There are 237 vacancies at KGH in Visakhapatnam, says Health Minister in Andhra Pradesh Assembly
Central Pollution Control Board identified Visakhapatnam as a non-attainment city for air quality improvement as particulate matter level is exceeding the national standards of 60 micro grams per cubic meter, says Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan
Andhra Pradesh: Four-year jail term for ganja smuggler
Visakhapatnam :The Anakapalli local district court has convicted and sentenced a ganja smuggler to a four-year and five-month prison term. Nilakayala Mohan, a resident of Shankaram village in Anakapalli mandal, was found guilty by the 10th Additional District Judge, Nandanavanam Srividya. In addition to the prison sentence, Mohan was fined `1,000.The accused, Mohan, was arrested by Parawada police on January 24, 2020, for possessing four kilograms of ganja. After a thorough investigation, the police filed a charge sheet against him. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented by the prosecution. District superintendent of police, M. Deepika, commended the efforts of the investigating officer, SSI Gopi, and the prosecution team for their successful prosecution of the case.
Provide better amenities at offices, GVMC Commissioner directs officials in Visakhapatnam
Take steps to prevent seasonal diseases, Visakhapatnam District Collector directs officials
Harendhira Prasad tells officials to conduct fogging and anti-larval operations
Checkings will be conducted in various parts of the city, says Deputy Transport Commissioner
GITAM university organises graduation ceremony in Visakhapatnam
3,168 graduates receive their degrees, including 44 gold medals; 99 research scholars get doctoral degrees
Centre announces skilling, internship schemes for youth in Budget
Central government has announced in the Union Budget 20242025 a major skilling initiative to empower 20 lakh youth per annum over the next five years. Part of the Prime Minister's package, it involves setting up of 1,000 industrial training institutes (ITIs), where youth will receive 12 months of training, a monthly stipend of 5,000, and a one-time assistance of 6,000. The programme, with a total budget of 60,000 crore, will be funded by Government of India, state governments and industries. Additionally, five national institutes will be upgraded to train the trainers who will impart skills to the youth. The government is also offering an internship programme with 500 top companies for 1 crore youth over the next five years. Applications for these internships will be processed online. Candidates with elite qualifications or certain familial and financial backgrounds will be excluded. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, AP Nirodyaga JAC state president Hemantha Kumar said as per a statement of then panchayat raj minister Nara Lokesh, 36 lakh unemployed youth had been awaiting job notifications. With more youth qualifying since then, unemployed will be 50 lakh in 2024. He wondered whether skill certificates will make students eligible for any specific job roles. Visakhapatnam district skill development officer Sai Krishna Chaitanya said currently there are one skill college and 10 skill hub centres in Visakhapatnam, providing training in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, automobiles, apparel, electronics, healthcare, beauty and wellness. He said total 2,442 students have acquired skill certificates from these institutions, and 2,800 job opportunities have been provided. Subham, a recent graduate working in Bengaluru, expressed concerns about government-provided stipends replacing company stipends, potentially leading to financial loss for interns. Another student Pingali Bindu highlighted the heavy workload and lack of stipends in private IT companies. She expressed hope that the government initiatives will alleviate these issues. A group of transgender individuals in Visakhapatnam shared their struggles despite receiving skill training in beauty parlour courses. They say banks are not providing them loans to set up their parlours. Existing parlours are discriminating and not employing them. Millennium Software head Sreedhar Reddy praised the governments initiative, saying stipends will encourage more students to take up internships.
Centre promises Rs 15,000 crore aid for Capital Amaravati, Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: For the first time since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the Centre has announced major financial assistance for the State in the form of support to build Amaravati capital city and completion of the Polavaram Irrigation Project at the earliest. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who tabled the Union Budget on Tuesday, announced Rs 15,000 crore for the current financial year and additional amount in the future for building Amaravati. Asserting that the BJP-led NDA government has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, she said, Recognising the States need for a capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged, with additional amounts in future years. Terming the Polavaram Irrigation Project the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and its farmers, Sitharaman said, Our government is fully committed to financing and early completion of the Polavaram Irrigation Project. This will facilitate our countrys food security as well. Further, she announced that funds will be provided for essential infrastructure such as water, power, railways and roads in Koparthy node on the Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor and Orvakal node on Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Funding for capital city will increase economic activity: Naidu An additional allocation will be provided this year towards capital investment for economic growth. Additionally, as stated in the AP Reorganization Act, the Centre will provide grants for backward regions of Rayalaseema, Prakasam and North Coastal Andhra. Later in the day, during an interaction with journalists, Sitharaman said the Centre will provide assistance to the State in the construction of Amaravati capital city as it is mandated under the AP Reorganisation Act. She clarified, The Rs 15,000 crore we have announced will be given through World Bank and other agencies. The State, too, will have to fund the project. Considering the present financial position of the State and whether it can extend the counterpart funding or not or whether the Centre would give the sum as a grant, a call will be taken later after discussion with the World Bank. The Finance Minister noted that Andhra Pradesh was the only State in the country without a capital. Welcoming the Union Budget, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed happiness that his requests for aid, made to the Union Ministers during his visits to New Delhi, had been accepted. In a brief interaction with mediapersons in the Assembly lobby, he remarked, Funding for the capital city construction will increase economic activity, as people will be assured that the Centre is supporting the State. This in turn will increase revenue from the taxes. Funds to the State in any form will be beneficial only. On the Polavaram project, he said though the exact figure was not given, the Centre has assured that it is its responsibility to ensure completion of the project, which is all that is needed. Naidu said they are expecting financial support for backward districts along the lines of the Bundelkhand package, which will also ensure industrial incentives. In a post on X, Naidu said, On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I thank the Honble Prime Minister, @narendramodi Ji and Honble Union Finance Minister, @nsitharaman Ji, for recognising the needs of our State and focusing on a Capital, Polavaram, industrial nodes and development of backward areas in AP in the union budget of FY 24-25. This support from the Centre will go a long way towards rebuilding Andhra Pradesh. I congratulate you on the presentation of this progressive and confidence-boosting budget. #APBackOnTrack. Speaking in the State Assembly while replying to the Governors address, Naidu remarked, Good days have come again for Amaravati. Meanwhile, in a jab against the TDP, the YSRC sought to know why the Chief Minister was thanking the Centre. In a series of posts on X , YSRC MP V Vijayasai Reddy said, TDP lost a golden opportunity but settled for Rs 15,000 cr. that will be arranged meaning it will be a loan on AP. Bihar gets Rs 26,000 cr. allocated and we get Rs 15,000 crore arranged. As expected Tokenism from Token Development Party (TDP). Amaravati: The story so far Following the bifurcation of the State, the TDP-led NDA formed the government in residual Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The government had taken up construction of interim Secretariat at Velagapudi, Legislative Assembly, High Court complex and started the Seed Access Road. At the time, the Centre, on its part, released Rs 2,500 crore for the construction of Amavarati. As per Naidus proposal, the capital city - to be constructed between Vijayawada and Guntur - with 33,000 acres land pooled from farmers was planned in an extent of 217 square kilometres. It was to have six clusters. However, when the YSRC won the elections and formed government in 2019, the then Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, proposed that the State would have three capitals - Legislative capital in Amaravati, Executive capital in Visakhapatnam and Judiciary in Kurnool. With the TDP-led NDA coming back to power in the State, activity in Amaravati has resumed. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had made a couple of visits to Delhi and sought budgetary allocations for the State, particularly for Amaravati and Polavaram. Counterpart funding Later, Sitharaman clarified, The Rs 15,000 crore we have announced will be given through World Bank and other agencies. The State, too, will have to fund the project. Considering the present financial position of the State and whether it can extend the counterpart funding or not or whether the Centre would give the sum as a grant, a call will be taken after discussion with the World Bank.
Two abandoned women with mental health issues reunited with families in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Two women aged 50 and 51 with mental health issues who were found abandoned in the city in 2023 were reunited with their families on Tuesday by Helping Hearts, a non-profit organisation which rescued and treated them. The 50-year-old woman, who was rescued on November 25, 2023 in Selvapuram, is a native of Odisha. Sources said a year ago, she came to Coimbatore with her husband looking for a job. However, her husband, who was addicted to liquor, deserted her. The other woman is from Kanchipuram district. She was rescued on October 8 at Vadugapalayam near Pollachi. She became mentally ill after the death of her husband and two sons. A year ago, while returning after seeing her daughter, she lost her way and reached Coimbatore by train. Helping Hearts rescued the two and admitted them in the Emergency Care and Rescue Centre for homeless people with mental illness at Mettupalayam. The home is run by an NGO supported by the Coimbatore district administration. After regular treatment and counselling by the doctors of Mettupalayam government hospital and social workers, the two recovered and recalled their identities and family details. Y Thilagavathi, a psychiatric social worker of Helping Hearts, said, The two slowly recovered from the trauma and started to recall their identities. Though they did not recognize their native exactly, they revealed the district and state. The Odisha woman was from Pappadahandi town in Nabarangpur district. We approached Coimbatore police to locate her family on July 9. After investigation, police shared the contact details and location of her family. We confirmed their claim through a video call. It was a pleasant surprise to the family. She was taken to Visakhapatnam by train and united with her family. The Kanchipuram woman was united with her family at Arakkonam railway station. The two women were rescued in a similar condition - laughing on their own, incoherent speech and wandering behaviour. While it was difficult for them to recall their own identity, it was challenging for us to identify their native. However, we understand their mother tongue and the treatment provided at the shelter at Mettupalayam healed them and somehow they recalled their native. We identified their family members through the local police and reintegrated them on Tuesday, said M Ganesh, Managing trustee of Helping Hearts.
Union Budget to Help Vizags Major Water Projects: GVMC
Visakhapatnam : Union Budget special focus on augmenting drinking water supply in urban areas will help Visakhapatnam complete its major drinking water projects, said GVMC superintendent engineer (Water Supply) K. Ravi. He pointed out that a proposal is pending with the government for laying a pipeline from Yeleru Reservoir to Madhuravada through Gopalapatnam at a cost of 3,500 crore. This will supply 186 million gallons of water per day Vizag, catering to the needs of the citys population till 2050. Similarly, another project to pump water from Mudasarlova to Madhurawada zone costing 550 crore is also pending with the government, Ravi said. Hope these two projects will be implemented following the announcement in the union budget, Ravi told this correspondent. On incentives for waste management, GVMC chief medical officer Dr. Naresh Kumar said special allocation in the union budget will help build new garbage transfer stations in Anakapalli and Bheemili, provide funds for the ongoing new network of underground drainage system and extend incentives for alternatives to plastic. GVMC collects 1,200 tonnes of dry and wet garbage per day, which includes 40 tonnes of plastic waste. Housing, the major component of urban projects envisaged in the union budget, will set the ball rolling for affordable dwellings for the urban middle class. CREDAI city president B. Srinivas said proposed sanction of 2.4 lakh crore for the PM Awas Yojana will boost the real estate sector in tier two cities like Visakhapatnam. He underlined that revision in the income tax slab will increase the buyers capacity in the real estate market.
Union Budget dashed our hopes, say employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
They express anger over neglecting the steel plant issue by Union Finance Minister in her budget speech
He urges Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority officials to take action
'Special allocations' made to Andhra Pradesh in Union Budget after five years: TDP
AMARAVATI: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday said special allocations were made to Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget after five years, citing commitments announced for the Polavaram Project, industrial corridors and others. In a post on 'X', the ruling party noted that Rs 15,000 crore funds were allocated for the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh in fiscal 2024-25. Rs 15,000 crore for the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh this fiscal, additional funds for Polavaram (Project) lifeline, funds for Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor this year and special funds for seven backward districts, said the party in the post. Presenting the Budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the NDA government at the Centre has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Sitharaman said, special financial support will be facilitated by the Union Government through multilateral agencies. Recognising the state's need for the capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged with additional amounts in future years, she said. Budget 2024: Centre to arrange Rs 15,000 crore for development of capital city of Andhra Andhra Pradesh, Bihar come in for special attention in the budget Without specifying the magnitude of funds or a timeline, the finance minister observed that the Centre is fully committed to financing and early completion of the Polavaram Project and termed it as the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. According to Sitharaman, the Polavaram Project, a mega-irrigation project on the Godavari River, will also facilitate food security for the country. As part of the industrial development of the southern state under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, she said funds will be provided for essential infrastructure such as power, water and railways in Kopparthi node of the Visakhapatnam Chennai Industrial Corridor. Sitharaman said a similar impetus will be extended to the Orvakal node of the Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Further, she emphasised that additional allocation will be provided this year towards capital investment for economic growth, without mentioning the specifics. The finance minister promised grants as mentioned in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 for backward regions in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Special allocations made to Andhra Pradesh in Union Budget after five years: TDP
Amaravati: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday said special allocations were made to Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget after five years, citing commitments announced for the Polavaram Project, industrial corridors and others. In a post on 'X', the ruling party noted that Rs 15,000 crore funds were allocated for the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh in fiscal 2024-25. Rs 15,000 crore for reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh this fiscal, additional funds for Polavaram (Project) lifeline, funds for Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor this year and special funds for seven backward districts, said the party in the post. Presenting the Budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the NDA government at the Centre has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Sitharaman said, special financial support will be facilitated by the Union Government through multilateral agencies. Recognising the state's need for the capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged with additional amounts in future years, she said. Without specifying the magnitude of funds or a timeline, the finance minister observed that the Centre is fully committed to financing and early completion of the Polavaram Project and termed it as the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. According to Sitharaman, the Polavaram Project, a mega-irrigation project on the Godavari river, will also facilitate food security for the country. As part of the industrial development of the southern state under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, she said funds will be provided for essential infrastructure such as power, water and railways in Kopparthi node of the Visakhapatnam Chennai Industrial Corridor. Sitharaman said similar impetus will be extended to the Orvakal node of Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Further, she emphasised that additional allocation will be provided this year towards capital investment for economic growth, without mentioning the specifics. The finance minister promised grants as mentioned in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 for backward regions in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Budget 2024: Centre to arrange Rs 15,000 crore for development of capital city of Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced Rs 15,000 crore financial support for the construction of Amaravati, the Capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Finance Minister (FM) also said the Centre is committed to the completion of the Polavaram Project. We are recognising the State's need for a capital. We will facilitate financial support. Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged. We will provide an additional amount in future years, Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2024. She further added that the Centre is committed to the completion of the Polavaram Project, the lifeline of farmers, as per the AP Reorganisation Act. Budget 2024 LIVE: Internship for 1 crore youth in 500 top companies; MUDRA loan limit doubled to Rs 20 lakh Nirmala Sitharaman prioritised financial support and schemes for NDA-ruled states and Andhra Pradesh stood among them. The TDP joined the NDA and came to power in the recent elections. The announcement came as a shot in the arm for the TDP-led NDA government in the State which announced its commitment to construct Amaravati Capital, which was ignored by the previous YSRC government. At a time when the state government is finding it difficult to mobilise resources, the Centre's announcement came as a breather for the Chandrababu Naidu government. Apart from Amaravati and Polavaram, Nirmala Sitaharaman also announced the Visakhapatnam - Chennai Industrial Corridor and Orvakal - Hyderabad Industrial Corridor for the development of the industrial sector. #BudgetWithTNIE | FM #NirmalaSitharaman on Andhra Pradesh reorganisation Act. #Budget2024 LIVE: https://t.co/YJQ3TdOpsw pic.twitter.com/7bBHMe7V6b The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 23, 2024
Dont interfere in free sand policy, zero tolerance to crime: Andhra CM to NDA MLAs
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday sent a clear message to the leaders of NDA not to interfere in the sand policy. We have started the implementation of free sand policy in the State and we have to ensure that it is implemented in a transparent manner, he asserted. Mentioning that the people have handed over the power to the NDA reposing their immense faith in it, Naidu underscored the need to provide good governance in terms of welfare and development. The Chief Minister addressed the MLAs and MLCs of the TDP, JSP and BJP, along with Deputy Chief Minister and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan, and Health Minister Y Satya Kumar of BJP, at the Assembly Committee Hall on Monday. He also issued a stern warning that no one would be spared, irrespective of their party affiliation, if they take law into their hands. I wont tolerate even if there is a small mistake from our side. There should be zero-crime in the State, he averred. I was in jail for 53 days and you can imagine how I suffered. But still there is no question of adopting any kind of vengeful attitude. Let us punish anyone as per the provisions of law, but no political vengeance, and leaders of all the three alliance partners should be very clear on this, he said. The previous government ruled the State without giving any values to democracy, he said and recalled that when Pawan Kalyan visited Visakhapatnam he was firmly resisted. When I visited any place as the Leader of Opposition, all kinds of obstructions were created, Naidu pointed out. AP Legislative Council Chairman Koye Moshenu Raju administered oath to the newly elected MLC P Hariprasad from the Jana Sena Party in his Chambers at the AP Legislature. Informing the MLAs and MLCs about the dramas that the YSRC leaders played with regard to the murder of Jagans paternal uncle YS Vivekananda Reddy, the TDP supremo said they have mastered the art of escaping safely after committing the crime. The latest incident of setting files containing the details of assigned lands and lands under Rule 22A on fire at the Madanapalle Taluk Office is a classic example of this. Now, they are trying to convert it into a fire accident, but there are a lot of doubts on this, he stated. I have immediately asked the Director General of Police to rush to the spot, and speed up the investigation. The lethargic functioning of administration, and how it collapsed during the previous regime, is clearly understood after witnessing the Madanapalle incident, he observed. Maintaining that the Vinukonda incident is another example of how the YSRC is resorting to false propaganda, Naidu pointed out that though the murder was purely due to personal rivalry, YSRC chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is demanding imposition of Presidents rule in the State. The Chief Minister directed the MLAs and MLCs to be part of the pension distribution every month, and announced that Dokka Seethamma canteens will be set up in the State as wished by Pawan Kalyan. The condition of roads is very bad due to the previous governments negligence, he said and stressed the need to take up immediate repairs, which may cost around Rs 250 crore. Let us focus on this after the end of rainy season, he said. The Chief Minister also revealed that the Centre is ready to extend financial assistance to the State as he explained its poor condition to the Union Ministers during his recent visit to New Delhi. Leaders of all the three alliance partners should work in close coordination without causing any harm to the sentiments of any party, he stressed. He reiterated that traffic should not be stalled during his visits and stated that he will periodically review this. He also wanted the MLAs and MLCs too to follow this norm and avoid sirens, which will cause inconvenience to the general public. Pawan Kalyan faulted Jagan for criticising the NDA government within a month after its formation. Though the people have taught Jagan a lesson with a crushing defeat to his party, he has not changed his attitude, and he is behaving like as he is still the Chief Minister, the JSP chief observed. Pawan Kalyan affirmed that he and his party will strongly support any decision taken by Naidu for the development of the State. Two New MLCs ADMINISTERED oath AP Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju administered the oath to the two newly-elected MLCs in his chambers at the Andhra Pradesh Legislature on Monday. C Ramachandraiah of TDP and P Hariprasad of Jana Sena Party were elected as MLCs under the MLA quota. Congratulating the two MLCs, the Council Chairman handed over them the manual of the AP Legislature. AP Legislature Secretary General Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara, TDP MLC Panchumarthi Anuradha and others were present Assembly session till July 26 The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu has decided to conduct the session for five working days till July 26. It is learnt that the government besides proposing to table three white papers, has also decided to introduce two bills, one to repeal the AP Land Titling Act, and the other to restore the name of Dr NTR to Dr YSR University of Health Sciences. Soon after the completion of the Governors address to the joint session of Assembly on Monday morning, the Speaker conducted the BAC meeting. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Ministers Payyavula Keshav (Legislative Affairs) and Nadendla Manohar (Civil Supplies), and P Vishnu Kumar Raju of BJP attended the BAC meeting. The government, which already released four white papers on Polavaram, Amaravati, Energy and Natural Resources, has decided to release the remaining three on Law and Order, Excise and State Finances on the floor of the House
Anakapalli Police Recover 176 Stolen Mobiles Worth Rs 25 Lakh
Visakhapatnam: In a major success, the Anakapalli district police recovered a staggering 176 mobile phones worth Rs 25 lakh. This recovery marks the sixth successful phase of their mobile recovery initiative, bringing the total to a whopping 1,756 phones worth approximately Rs 2.45 crore recovered to date. The phones, reported stolen or lost from various locations across the district, were tracked down by the polices dedicated IT core team. They utilised a combination of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) maintained by the Central government and other sophisticated investigative methods. Recognising the inconvenience of visiting police stations to report lost phones, the Anakapalli police have implemented innovative online and mobile solutions. Citizens can now register complaints with ease by simply typing Hi on the district polices dedicated WhatsApp number (95052 00100) and clicking on the provided link (akpmobiletracker.in). This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for a formal FIR (First Information Report) and eliminates unnecessary trips to police stations. Speaking at a programme held on Monday to return the recovered phones to their rightful owners, SP Deepika expressed her satisfaction with the teams achievements. She commended the IT core team and the entire police force for their relentless efforts in mobile tracking and their commitment to exceptional citizen service. The user-friendly mobile tracking website and WhatsApp support system are direct responses to public feedback, stated SP Deepika. We are thrilled that these innovative initiatives are encouraging more people to report missing phones, ultimately leading to faster recoveries and reunions with their valuable belongings.
JS Corporator Peethala Murthy Yadav Files Complaint over Illegal Excavation of Erra Matti Dibbalu
Visakhapatnam: Jana Sena corporator Peethala Murthy Yadav has lodged a formal complaint with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), raising serious concerns over unauthorized construction activities by the Bheemunipatnam Mutual Aided Co-operative Building Society. The complaint was submitted during the GVMC grievance programme held on Monday. Yadav's complaint highlights significant violations in Bheemli Mandal's Nerella Migrant Village, specifically at Survey No: 118/5A (Old Survey No: 49/1). He claims that the society has commenced building constructions without obtaining the necessary permissions from central, state, and local government departments. The area in question is a designated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and is recognized for its unique geo-heritage red clay dunes (Erra Matti Dibbalu). The corporator's letter outlines that these dunes, ranging from ten to ninety meters in height, are a protected geo-heritage site under the Department of Geology and Research's Geo-Heritage Notification. The excavation of these dunes using heavy machinery is cited as a severe breach of environmental laws, including the Andhra Pradesh Water, Land, and Trees Rules (2004) and several High court orders. The Bheemunipatnam Mutual Aided Co-operative Building Society is destroying our heritage by excavating the red clay dunes for construction, without any permissions, Yadav stated in his complaint. He referenced several regulatory and judicial directives, including the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 2011 and multiple orders from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which mandate that any construction within such sensitive areas must be preceded by thorough environmental assessments and requisite permissions. If these activities are not stopped and appropriate measures are not taken, we will pursue further legal action, Yadav mentioned.
Red Cross Rushes Relief to Flood-ravaged Tribal Areas in Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam: In the wake of devastating floods that swept across Andhra Pradesh, the state Red Cross Society swung into action to deliver critical aid to vulnerable tribal communities. ASR district, one of the areas hardest hit by the relentless downpours, witnessed widespread flooding in tribal villages and hamlets. Thousands of families were displaced and forced to seek refuge in relief camps managed by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). Responding swiftly to the crisis, the Red Cross deployed a team of dedicated volunteers to the severely affected Kunavaram and Chinthoor mandals. These volunteers arrived armed with essential supplies to assist the flood-stricken families. B.V.S. Kumar, the state coordinator for blood banks and projects, played a key role by personally visiting the Chinthoor relief camps. His presence ensured smooth coordination of relief efforts, guaranteeing the effective distribution of much-needed aid. Sarala Vandanam, the special collector in charge of flood control command, spearheaded the distribution of Red Cross tarpaulins and mosquito nets to 500 families across Chinthoor and Kunavaram mandals. This vital initiative aimed to provide immediate shelter from the elements and safeguard the communities from mosquito-borne diseases.
Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam district court has sentenced man to 20 years of imprisonment for the rape of his seven-year-old daughter, committed within the jurisdiction of the Mallkapuram police station. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) court imposed a fine of Rs 12,000 on the accused and ordered the government to provide Rs 4,00,000 in compensation to the victim.
Heavy rains fill water bodies in Visakhapatnam to the brim
The city has recorded Large Excess (78.8%) rainfall during the current southwest monsoon season and there will be no water problem in the coming months, say officials
Visakhapatnam students bag prizes at INTACHs poster making competition
P. Durga Pranathi of Sri Prakash Vidya Niketan school, one of the 10 national winners, made a poster on the Undavalli caves of Amaravati
Visakhapatnam students bag prizes at INTACHs poster making competition - The Hindu
Visakhapatnam students bag prizes at INTACHs poster making competition The Hindu
Visakhapatnam hospital performs robotic knee-replacement surgery
VIJAYAWADA : In view of the incessant rains lashing the State, Power Utilities in the State have launched steps to restore power supply in flood-affected areas in all districts. In a teleconference with senior officials on Sunday, Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K Vijayanand, who is monitoring power infrastructure damages and restoration activities, said the power utilities are carrying out restoration activities on a war-footing to ensure that electricity is restored to the affected villages as soon as possible. Vijayanand reviewed the status of restoration works in five Discom circles (Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari) in APEPDCL region, two circles (Kurnool and Kadapa) in the APSPDCL region, Vijayawada and CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority) in APCPDL region that were affected due to heavy rains. Officials informed Vijayanand that the estimated cost of power infrastructure damages is Rs 193.89 lakh. Three 33/11 KV sub-stations in Eluru Circle (Kukunuru, Velairpadu and Rajeev Nagar) and one sub-station in Rajahmundry Circle (Maredumilli) in the APEPDCL region were affected. As many as thirty-five 33 KV poles, 597 11 KV poles, 11 KV lines covering 19.94 km, 234 DTRs, 641 LT poles, 208 villages/hamlets, 58,235 nonagricultural services, 1,946 agricultural services were affected, officials explained. The 33 KV sub-stations, 33 KV lines, 33 KV poles, villages and non-agricultural services are completely restored. Works are going on swiftly in the other affected areas and around 110 special teams have been formed, officials said. Stating that the Energy Department had put official machinery, particularly the power utilities on high alert to face any kind of emergency, the Special Chief Secretary said, Special teams are working round the clock for speedy execution of works to restore electricity. The required men and material have already been made available for completing the works. Staff at the power utilities are taking stock of restoration works periodically to restore electricity as soon as possible. Further, he urged people to cooperate with the staff during the restoration of power supply, once they take up the works after the water recedes in flood-affected areas. He requested them to contact AP Discoms toll-free number 1912 in case of power disruptions and asked them to take precautionary steps to prevent and avoid any unforeseen incidents or accidents in the rainy season. Explaining the status of restoration works in APEPDCL region, CMD I Prudhvi Tej said power restoration measures have been taken up quickly by moving poles, transformers, and necessary materials to the section offices of the divisions in all the circles in advance. Stating that most of the damage was mainly reported in Rajahmundry and Eluru circles. The Discoms are on high alert to receive complaints from consumers, further helping call centres and control rooms to inform the field staff, who are on the ground to restore power in a short time, he explained. The special Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of APTRANSCO & DISCOMs and asked officials to speed up the balance restoration works.
BJP unlikely to appoint floor leader of Assembly now, considering the perfect fit
VIJAYAWADA : The BJP is unlikely to appoint the partys floor leader for the first session of the Assembly commencing Monday. The BJP, which went to the elections in alliance with the TDP and Jana Sena Party, had won eight of the 10 seats it contested. The TDP, which led the NDA in the State, gave one Cabinet berth to the BJP. It is learnt that there are quite a few contenders for the floor leader post among the seven BJP legislators. The BJP is weighing seniority, caste and regional equations while considering the names for the floor leader as well as Whip posts. If a situation comes where it has to select one leader from several for any post within the party or in the government, it adopts the policy of giving priority to those who are in the party for long rather than those who joined it from other parties. The same criterion may be adopted in this case too, a senior leader said. The BJP which won three Lok Sabha seats in the State, gave priority to first-time MP from Narasapuram and party loyalist Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma when it had to pick one MP for the Union Cabinet berth from AP, putting aside former Union minister D Purandeswari and former Rajya Sabha MP CM Ramesh as both of them started their political career in other parties. Similar was the case with the choice of Y Satya Kumar for the State Cabinet post. When it comes to remaining seven MLAs, P Vishnu Kumar Raju and Kamineni Srinivas represented the party in the 2014-19 Assembly, while PV Pardhasarahi is a first time MLA. The four other MLAs -- C Adinarayana Reddy, Y Satyanarayana (Sujana) Chowdary, N Eswara Rao and N Ramakrishna Reddy had joined the BJP from other parties. Ramakrishna Reddy and Eswara Rao joined the BJP just before the elections, and it is unlikely that they will be chosen either as the Legislature Party Leader or the Whip, sources said. Of the remaining, Vishnu Kumar Raju, two-time MLA from Visakhapatnam North, stands a chance to be the floor leader. However, with the party MP from Kshatriya community inducted into the Union Cabinet, it has to be seen if the BJP selects another leader from the same community for the post. Adinarayana Reddy, a senior leader from Kadapa, may also be considered apart from Kamineni for the post. However, the BJP has put on hold the appointment of the two posts for the time being, sources added.
TD Grabs GVMC Standing Committee Before Mayors Post
Visakhapatnam: The GVMCs political landscape is changing. The Telugu Desam, which took power in the state last month, is keen on securing the mayor's seat and gaining control over the standing committee. Over 20 YSRC corporators are reportedly ready to quit the party and join the TD. Of them, Saripalli Govinda Rajula Venkata Apparao, Kampa Hanok, Boddu Narasimha Patrudu, Rajana Rama Rao, Illapu Varalakshmi, Prasad, Lodgala Apparao and Koduru Appalaratnam have approached the TD, and more are expected to follow them soon. In the March 2021 civic elections, the YSRC won the mayor post and a majority of the wards. Of the 98 wards, YSRC won 58, TD 30, JS three, Independents four, and CPI, CPM and BJP one each. Subsequently, three corporators from TD and four independents declared their support for the YSRC. YSRC's strength in the council increased thus to 65. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas Yadav, corporator of the 21st ward, resigned the post after he was elected as an MLC. The ward remained vacant. Two independent corporators initially supported the YSRC but joined the JS before the 2024 elections. After winning the general elections, the TD-led alliance aimed to grab the mayor post in GVMC by wooing members from the YSRC. Some YSRC corporators expressed a readiness to switch sides, but the TD declined admission to five controversial corporators. As of now, 20 corporators are readying to join the TD in the presence of state party president Palla Srinivasa Rao. More might do so later. The GVMC standing committee's tenure ends on July 27 and a new panel is to be elected. With over 20 YSRCP corporators joining the TD, its strength will increase to 48. Combined with JS and BJP, the total strength will be 54 in a house of 97. Of the 97 corporators, 10 members will be elected to the standing committee. It is likely that the TD-led alliance, with the backing of 54 corporators, would win all the ten seats. The standing committee election would take place by the end of July. A council meeting is planned for August 3, after the completion of the process. A no-confidence motion against the mayor can be filed only after the mayor has served a term of at least four years. Hence, this motion can be introduced only if the existing Municipal Act is amended at the state legislature level.
TD, YSRC Raise AP Issues at all Party Meeting
Vijayawada: Telugu Desam MPs sought funds for Polavaram, Amaravati, Visakhapatnam steel plant, railway projects and raised other issues at the all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Sunday. YSR Congress MPs raised the demand for special category status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh. They also sought President's Rule in AP in view of the sharp deterioration in the law and order situation in the state. The all-party meeting held in the Main Committee Room of Parliament House Annexe was chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh. NDA ally, JD(U), demanded special category status for Bihar. TD parliamentary party leader Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu said, We have requested the central government to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. We discussed the Polavaram project, the railway projects, and other issues of AP. The state government is giving priority to law and order, he said and alleged that the YSRC was trying to divert peoples attention from the state's financial problems. MP Srikrishna Devarayalu said TD mentioned the financial destruction of AP during YSRC's five-year rule, at the all-party meeting and listed the debts the state incurred in the last five years. YSRC MP, V Vijayasai Reddy, said YSRC MPs raised the demand for special category status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh at the all-party meeting. TD parliamentarians were also present in the meeting convened by the Centre, but they kept quiet on the matter. Vijayasai Reddy said, We highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in AP and called for Presidents rule in the state. He alleged that AP has been witnessing targeted attacks on YSRC leaders and workers ever since the TD alliance assumed power a month ago, and added that YSRC will raise the AP issues including the poor law and order and violence in the Parliament session.
Andhra Pradesh: Residents Urge MP to Remove Railway Line above Borra Caves
Visakhapatnam: Residents of Ananthagiri mandal and members of Borra Caves Guides and Employees Union have appealed to Araku MP Dr. G. Tanuja Rani to prevail upon Railways ministry to remove the railway line above Borra Caves and drop the proposal to double the railway track. They said the train movement over the single railway track above Borra Caves has many times led to earth and rocks falling in the caves, at times narrowly missing tourists. In a memorandum submitted to the MP on Sunday, residents and staff of the caves said while the situation at the ancient caves is already grave, East Coast Railways is planning to double the Kothavalasa to Kirandul) line by laying a second track above the Borra Caves. Once a double track is laid, there will be frequent movement of trains, which might cause a major landslide, closing the historic Borra Caves altogether, the area people warned. They pointed out that the caves are visited by thousands of people every day during the peak season. A landslide could harm a large number of people. The said Borra Caves is a major source of income for local people. In addition, the state government annually earns Rs 5 crore from the caves. The area people said if at all, a second track must be laid, it should be at least 40 to 50 metres away from the existing line above the caves. Borra Caves are one of the largest in the country, distinctly exhibiting a variety of stalagmite and stalactite formations, such as Shiva-Parvati, Mother-Child, Rishi's Beard, Human Brain, temple, crocodile and mushrooms. The shapes trigger the imagination of tourists, with some giving religious interpretations to them.
Authorities Shut Tourism Spots in ASR District, Halt Night Travel
Visakhapatnam: Alluri Sitarama Raju district administration has closed all tourism spots in the district, apart from banning night travel on the ghat roads following continuous rains in the agency area for the last three days due to low pressure in the central Bay of Bengal. Schools have also been shut. We have closed Chaparai waterfall in Araku and Kothapalli waterfall in G. Madugula mandal to prevent any untoward incidents. We have closed night travel on the ghat roads. RTC authorities have been asked to reschedule their bus operations in the district accordingly, said ITDA project officer Paderu Abhishek. Gandipochamma Temple in Rampachodavaram mandal has also been closed due to floods, local sources said. These steps have been taken in view of the rains leading to landslides and breaching of roads. Sachivalay staff have been sent to interior villages to ask people to remain indoors and not cross the streams in their area, as they are overflowing. The five ghat roads that have been closed from 7 pm to 6 am are Paderu-Vaddadi, Paderu-Chintapalle-Kokkirapalle, Lammasingi-Downuru, Rampachodavaram-Chinturu-Maredumilli and S. Kota-Araku. Authorities said they will review the situation on Monday before deciding whether or not to reopen the ghat roads and schools. Road traffic between AP and Odisha remains disrupted due to the road between Chinturu and Kalleru villages on NH-316 in ASR district getting washed away due to rains. Sources said most of the ghat roads have suffered minor damages. Repairs will be taken up once rains recede. The inclement weather has led to a drop in temperature in the agency, creating pleasant weather, Lambasingi tourism officer Appala Naidu said.
YSRCP, TDP spar after all-party meet, Jagan's party says TDP 'ignoring' special status demand
New Delhi: Leaders of the ruling TDP in Andhra Pradesh and opposition YSRCP engaged in a war words ahead of Parliament's Budget session over the issue of special category status for the state and its interests.The session begins from Monday and will have 19 sittings till August 12. After an all-party meet convened here by the BJP-led government at the Centre on the eve of the session, the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP accused the TDP of ignoring the issue of special category status and compromising the state's interests. The TDP, a BJP ally, hit back by blaming the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government for Andhra Pradesh's financial woes, and said the N Chandrababu Naidu-led dispensation will come out with a white paper in a day or two on the financial status of the state which will send shockwaves. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who was present at the meeting, took a swipe at the TDP, saying the JD(U) and the YSRCP demanded special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, but strangely the TDP kept quiet on the matter. Like the TDP, the JD(U) is also an ally of the BJP and part of the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre. Briefing reporters on the issues raised by the YSRCP at the all-party meeting, the party's floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, Vijaisai Reddy, said the YSRCP demanded imposition of President's Rule over the law and order reakdown in the state under the TDP's rule of a few weeks. He said eight issues were raised by his party, and the first one was of special category status for Andhra Pradesh. It has been our demand right from the day it was promised by then prime minister Manmohan Singh on the floor of the Rajya Sabha. Even today, we demand that the special category status is the only solution. The TDP is completely ignoring the issue...it is compromising with the interests of the people of the state, Vijaisai Reddy said. He said the YSRCP also raised the issues of Andhra Pradesh's share in the central pool of taxes and states following population control being punished in share of revenue. The issue of population as a criteria for sharing of funds must be addressed by the Finance Commission, Vijaisai Reddy said. He said the party also raised the issue of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, saying it is opposed to any attempts of its privatisation. Another very important issue raised was that of lawlessness in Andhra Pradesh and the breakdown of law and order, Reddy said. He claimed that 490 government and 560 private properties have been attacked, and there have been 1,050 assault cases and 31 murders in 45 days days of TDP rule. We have appealed to the government to impose the President's Rule in Andhra Pradesh to prevent breakdown of law and order, he said. The YSRCP leader said Jagan Mohan Reddy will be in Delhi on Tuesday and hold a dharna against the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government. Briefing reporters about the issues TDP raised at the all-party meeting, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said at the meet, his party made the request to be given enough time in Parliament to raise all issues pertaining to Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh government is going to release a white paper on the status of finances of the state in a day or two. We want the people of India to have a look at it. It will definitely send shockwaves among the people, he said. We want the members to examine the financial status of Andhra Pradesh which has been deteriorating day by day so that whatever demands we are going to make, we want all parties to accept them, Devarayalu told reporters after the meeting. He also said his party will raise in Parliament issues such as the Amravati capital region, its opposition to the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the need for a skill census. Asked about YSRCP's allegation that the TDP government was ignoring the special category status issue and compromising with people's interest, Devarayalu said, We are clear, we are not stuck with one or two issues, we have an entire gamut of issues. We will definitely use this opportunity of the coming Budget session to raise all the issues important for Andhra Pradesh. On the YSRCP's charge of lawlessness under the TDP rule, he said, We should remember they (YSRCP) are trying to run away from assembly session in Andhra Pradesh. The CM of Andhra Pradesh has said he will answer all questions. Instead of raising issues in the assembly session starting Monday, they are running away from the assembly and are trying to divert attention from the financial mess the state is in. There is no law and order issue in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Naidu has made it clear that law and order is the top most priority, he said.
INTACH Heritage Quiz to be held on August 9 in Visakhapatnam
Entries have to be submitted through school principals by July 31
INTACH Heritage Quiz to be held on August 9 in Visakhapatnam
Entries have to be submitted through school principals by July 31
Andhra Pradesh: Jana Sena Launches Membership Drive, Celebrates Guru Pournima
Visakhapatnam: The Jana Sena, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has launched an active membership registration drive at the office of 29th Ward. This initiative is being carried out as per the directives of south constituency MLA Vamsi Krishna Srinivas. During the registration drive, Manyala Srinivas emphasised the importance of membership for all Jana Sena activists and encouraged brave women to join as well. He highlighted the benefits of the membership, including access to insurance facilities, and urged everyone to spread awareness in their local areas. In a related event, Vamsi Krishna Srinivas celebrated Guru Pournima by participating in a special puja at the Saibaba temple. The ceremony included a special puja to the deity, followed by the theertha and prasadam distribution. The MLA underscored the significance of the Guru's guidance in achieving ones goals and wished the community a blessed Guru Pournima.
Andhra Pradesh: Thousands throng Indrakiladri on final day of Shakambari festival
Vijayawada: Vijayawada witnessed a vibrant conclusion to the three-day Shakambari festival at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) atop Indrakiladri. Scores of devotees thronged the temple to offer prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga, worshipped as Shakambari Devi during the festival. A sea of devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina, a ritualistic circumambulation of the Indrakiladri hill, that commenced at dawn with Vedic chants. The streets leading to the temple resonated with chants of Jai Bhavani, Jai Durga as devotees and performers dressed as Goddess Kanaka Durga joined the procession. Cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere.During the Giri Pradakshina, devotees offered fruits, coconuts, flowers, and special prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga and Malleswara Swamy. The procession culminated at the Maha Mandapam.Simultaneously at the temple premises, priests performed traditional rituals including Saptha Sathi Havanam, Mahavidya Parayanam, Shanthi Pousthika Homam, and Mantapa Puja. The three-day festivities concluded with EO K.S. Rama Rao and his wife performing Purnahuti, Kushmandi Bali, Marajanam, Kalsodwasana, and Aashirwada rituals at 9:30 am. Adding to the fervour, devotees offered a large number of Aashada Masam sarees to Goddess Kanaka Durga on the last day. Notably, the Kanaka Mahalakshmi Devasthanam temple in Visakhapatnam also presented an Aashada Masam saree to the deity.
Rains damage 84 lakh worth power network under Visakhapatnams EPDCL limits
Heavy rains and gusty winds cause 84 lakh worth of damage to electricity networks in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
APEPDCL control room toll free numbers to report power outage
Visakhapatnam: Power minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed the officials of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) to be on high alert for potential power outages and electrical accidents caused by the continuing rains. In a teleconference held with the EPDCL officials on Saturday, he urged the staff not to take leave for a few days and be available on duty to provide timely services such as repairing downed electricity poles and transformers and prevent accidents caused by low-hanging electric wires. The minister has asked the EPDCL to have a special focus on the flood-affected areas of Kukunoor and Velerupadu and keep the necessary machinery and equipment ready. He advised tshe officials to fence the transformers and increase their base height by adding cement blocks to mitigate the risks associated with low-height transformers. Additionally, he suggested operating control rooms 24/7 to collect information from the power consumers on accidents and power disruptions. During the teleconference, APEPDCL CMD Prudhvi Tej Immadi discussed necessary power restoration measures with the company directors, senior engineers and executive engineers, emphasizing the urgency of resolving power outages quickly. The CMD announced that control rooms have been established in five circles to receive complaints and address power outages reported by consumers. He urged the public to remain alert about severed electric wires, fallen poles and damaged transformers and to report such issues through the toll-free number 1912, WhatsApp chat number 8500001912, or specific control room phone numbers. The APEPDCL control room phone numbers are: Toll-free number: 1912, Corporate Office: 9440816373, Srikakulam: 9490612633, Vizianagaram: 9490610102, Visakhapatnam: 7382299975, Rajahmundry: 7382299960, and Eluru: 9440902926.
Thousands take part in Giri Pradakshana along Simhachalam Hills in AP
Visakhapatnam: Thousands of devotees took part in Giri Pradakshana walking barefoot alongside Simhachalam Hills near Visakhapatnam. Considering Giri Pradakshina as most auspicious, devotees walked alongside Simhachalam Hills where Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is located, covering 32 kms from Simhachalam, Adavivaram, Hanumanthawaka, Appughar, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, Seethammadhara, Madhavadhara, Gopalapatnam and culminating again at Simhachalam. The district administration made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event. Temple officials in coordination with the police department took necessary steps to ensure that devotees attend the event without any problem.
21 YSRCP corporators may join TDP
Visakhapatnam: In a major setback to YSRCP, as many as 21 corporators of Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation are likely to join TDP on Monday. The corporators took part in a meeting convened in a resort on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam to chalk out their future plan. Though former Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath tried to pacify them urging them not to take any hasty step, the corporators allegedly did not relent. He conducted a meeting with the corporators in the Mayors chambers to pacify them but 25 corporators failed to turn up triggering speculations that these corporators would join TDP on Monday. If these corporators join TDP then the YSRCP would lose the Mayor post.
Shri Jatothu Hussain, Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes interacts with top management of RINL and representatives of Visakhapatnam Steel Plants ST Employees Welfare Association PIB
Lakhs of devotees take part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
VISAKHAPATNAM: Despite light drizzles, people from various walks of life fervently participated in the annual Giri Pradakshina of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. This event, held on the full moon day of the Aashada month, involves circumambulating the hill on which Lord Narasimha resides to seek his divine blessings. Lakhs of devotees embarked on this 32-km-long spiritual journey. Devotees trekked the roads around Simhachalam Hill, starting from the foothill at Simhachalam and passing through Adavivaram, Hanumanthawaka, Jodugullapalem, Appughar, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, Seethammadhara, Balayya Sastry Layout, Port Stadium backside, DLB Quarters, Muralinagar, Madhavadhara, NAD flyover, Susarla Colony, Baji Junction, Saptagiri Junction, Gopalapatnam, Prahladapuram, Srinivasa Nagar, and Gosala, before returning to the foothills. As many as 2,600 police personnel were deployed, and bio-toilets, medical camps, ambulances, and refreshment stalls were set up along the 32-km stretch. Various individuals, non-profit organisations, and representatives from various companies generously extended their support by providing food, water, refreshments, and a range of services to the participants of the Giri Pradakshina. This years event saw an exceptional increase in the number of stalls along the route, with an overwhelming number of people stepping forward to serve pilgrims. Police officers, GVMC personnel and officials stepped up to maintain law and order, manage traffic, and ensure the smooth flow of devotees, ensuring no untoward incidents
IMD issues yellow warning for three districts in Andhra Pradesh
VISAKHAPATNAM: The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) Amaravati Centre has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall on Sunday in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Parvathipuram Manyam and Srikakulam districts. The warning also includes thunderstorms with lightning and strong surface winds, reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema. According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), moderate rains are expected in several districts, including Parvathipuram Manyam, ASR, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Kurnool, and Nandyala, on Sunday. APSDMA Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath noted that, following the instructions of the Chief Minister, a total of Rs 21.50 crore has been sanctioned for rescue and relief operations in the districts affected by heavy rains and floods. Kurmanath stated that the flood flow is being continuously monitored, and instructions are being provided to the authorities on the necessary measures to be taken. The Home and Disaster Management Minister, Vangalapudi Anitha, conducted a comprehensive review with officials concerning the heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh. On Saturday, Anitha communicated with the Collectors of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and ASR districts via telephone to assess the rainfalls impact and receive the latest situational updates from these districts. In response to the flooding, seven villages in the ASR district have been relocated to designated resettlement centres. At the request of the ASR district Collector, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units have been deployed to the flood-affected areas. Field operations have been initiated, and the minister has urged district officials to prioritise food, medical facilities, and infrastructure. Additionally, relief camps have been set up in the Chintoor Agency. Pregnant women and patients from the flood-affected zones have been relocated to nearby medical facilities to ensure their safety and well-being. On Saturday, several locations in the State reported significant rainfall. Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam and Avanigadda in Krishna district recorded the highest rainfall of 33 mm between 8.30 am and 7.00 pm. Other notable rainfall figures include S Rayavaram in Anakapalle with 26.25 mm, Bobbili in Vizianagaram with 23 mm, and Koyyuru in ASR district with 11 mm.
CM Naidu asks TDP MPs to focus on getting funds from Centre rather than 'irrelevant' issues
VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked his party MPs to strive for getting support for the State from the Centre rather than focussing on irrelevant issues like YSRC president YS Jagan Mohan Reddys proposed protest in New Delhi, which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday. Naidu chaired the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party (TDPP) meeting at his residence in Undavalli on Saturday. Interestingly, he also invited his Cabinet colleagues to the TDPP meeting and attached each MP to a Minister of the State government so that they can work in tandem to resolve issues in their respective departments at the Central government level. Once every three months, I will review your performance in terms of how much funds you have secured, the projects and approvals received from the Centre, Naidu informed the MPs. Jagans dharna irrelevant, its meant to abstain from Assembly session: CM When one of the MPs raised the issue of Jagans dharna, the Chief Minister reportedly remarked, What the YSRC chief does in the national capital is irrelevant. What the TDP MPs do is important. Alleging that Jagan was conducting the dharna in the national capital only to abstain from the Assembly session in the State which will commence on July 22, Naidu said the former CM has no guts to face the facts that will be highlighted on the floor of the House in the form of White Papers. Stating that the prevalent culture of ganja and drugs during the YSRC regime has resulted in the untoward incidents in the State, the 74-year-old said the YSRC leaders have admitted that the murder in Vinukonda took place because of ganja. Claiming that the State government has no funds even for emergency expenditure, he charged Jagan with floating corporations for debts and diverting the employees PF amount to other departments. After observing the damage done by the previous government, one will think that even terrorists are better in comparison to YSRC leaders, he quipped. Making it clear that there was no question of compromising on the law and order situation in the State, Naidu accused Jagan of politicising personal attacks. Further, he said the YSRC chief was resorting to spreading propaganda in the name of political violence only because his existence is in danger now. Stating that nothing is more important to him than maintaining law and order, Naidu said no one can escape the law. He directed police officers to initiate stringent action against those resorting to criminal activities. People have reposed immense faith in us and elected us with a thumping majority. We all should stand by them and show development along with welfare. We have taken a decision to implement five promises despite the State facing financial difficulties. Our next steps should be in the direction of winning the election in 2029. We have to do good for the people without any delay, Naidu stressed. Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister and Srikakulam MP K Ram Mohan Naidu said the Chief Minister has instructed them to work in the direction of bailing the State out of debts by securing more grants, Centrally-sponsored schemes and infrastructure projects for the State. Exuding confidence that the State will get priority in the Union Budget, Ram alleged that several Centrally-sponsored schemes were stalled in the State as the previous YSRC government did not release matching grants and also diverted the Central funds. Further, he asserted that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant will not be privatised and added that efforts are being made for the establishment of the Railway Zone at Vizag and to make it operational at the earliest. Jagans invite YSRC chief YS Jagan has invited all political parties to join his protest in New Delhi What Naidu told his MPs Get funds for Amaravati, Polavaram and Jal Jeevan Mission and other projects Focus on implementation of the issues in the State Reorganisation Act Distribution of assets listed under Schedule IX and X should be completed Set up of Petroleum University in Vizag Focus on Kadapa Steel Plant Procure funds for Prakasam district under backward district category Focus on achieving 90% subsidy from Centre for micro-irrigation in backward districts Achieve industrial incentives for backward districts Completion of Amaravati - Anantapur Highway, Amaravati outer ring road at the earliest Highways, ports, airports and industrial parks should be brought under one umbrella
RLDA invites bids for commercial development of railway land at Visakhapatnam
As per the official statement of the RLDA, the development will consist of 60 per cent residential and 40 per cent commercial. The land, with an approximate area of 4.71 acres (19,061 sqm), will be leased for 99 years with a reserve price of Rs 170 crore. The built-up area (BUA) offered is 91,403.31 sqm.
Focus on Funds for AP from Centre, AP CM Naidu Tells TD MPs
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday asked Telugu Desam MPs to obtain funds from various ministries of the Centre. He underlined that funds for Polavaram and Amaravati are crucial for APs development. Addressing the TD Parliamentary Party meeting before commencement of the Parliament session on Monday, the CM advised party MPs about the strategies they must follow. State ministers also attended the meeting along with MPs. Naidu told the partys MPs that (former chief minister) Jagan Mohan Reddy is doing fake politics for existence. There has been no change in Jagan Mohan Reddy's behaviour even after people have completely rejected him in the elections. Looking at what the previous YSRC government and Jagan Mohan Reddy have done, it seems extremists and terrorists are a bit better than these two, the Chief Minister remarked. What Jagan Mohan Reddy will do in Delhi is not important now. What we should do is important, Naidu underlined. He directed party members to work in Parliament with one agenda Development of Andhra Pradesh. He asked them to seek information from various departments. According to the need, the members must meet the Union ministers of respective departments along with the state ministers. MPs should get projects, funds and schemes from the centre for AP. People have put a lot of hope on us. They have made us win with unshakeable majorities, the CM stated. He said funds for projects like Amaravati, Polavaram and Jal Jeevan Mission need to be obtained from the Centre. MPs must ensure implementation of guarantees contained in the AP Reorganisation Act. Division of properties in Schedules 9 and 10 of the AP Reorganisation Act should be completed. We have already started discussions with the Telangana government on this, he pointed out. Naidu asked the MPs to counter the false propaganda on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Talk to the Centre, so that it takes steps to run the plant efficiently. It (Centre) should consider allocating mines to VSP, he said. The Chief Minister told the MPs to pursue the railway and highway projects that are to be implemented in Andhra Pradesh. You (MPs) should work in such a way that every minute, every day counts. If you take initiative to this level, good things will happen in the state soon, Naidu added.
Rains Cut Off Road Between AP and Odisha; Five Ghat Roads Closed
A view of the under-construction ghat road to Kondaveedu fort on Thursday. (Photo: DC) A view of the under-construction ghat road to Kondaveedu fort on Thursday. (Photo: DC) Visakhapatnam: The depression over Bay of Bengal crossed the Odisha coast near Chilika Lake on Saturday, triggering heavy rains in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued downpour in parts of the north coastal Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. The IMD, Amaravati, said the depression will continue to move west-northwest across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, gradually weakening on Sunday morning. Authorities in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district moved families to safety from vulnerable areas in the district, which received heavy rainfall. Most of the streams and rivulets in ASR district are overflowing due to incessant rains over the last two days. Some roads have got cut off due to gushing streams. Trees got uprooted. IMD, Amaravati, scientist Dr. S. Karuna Sagar said Chinturu in ASR district received the highest rainfall of 21 cm between Friday 8:30 am and Saturday 8:30 am, followed by Anakapalli 13 cm, Nuzvid (Eluru district) 10 cm, Paderu and Vara Ramachandrapur in ASR district and Narsipatnam in Anakapalle district 9 cm. Araku Valley in ASR district and Kukunoor of Eluru district received 8 cm rainfall each. Visakhapatnam city, Therlam and Bondapalle (Vizianagaram district), Kurupam (Manyam district), Tekkali (Srikakulam district), Kunavaram (ASR district), Chodavarm (Anakapalle district), Rudravaram and Dornipadu (Nandyal district) recorded rainfall of 8 cm each. With incessant rains battering many parts of ASR district for the past three days, the district administration has closed five ghat roads Paderu-Vaddadi, Paderu-Chintapalli-Kokkirapalli, Lammasingi-Downuru, Rampachodavaram-Chinturu-Maredumilli and S. Kota-Araku from 7 pm to 6 am to avoid any untoward incidents. Authorities will take a decision on reopening these roads after reviewing the situation on Sunday morning. Heavy rainfall washed away a section of the Chinturu-Kalleru road on NH-316 in ASR district, cutting off the road between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. As a result, vehicular traffic has come to a grinding halt. Sources said hundreds of vehicles remain stranded on either side of the AP-Odisha border.
PUT centre at KGH to reduce Hysterectomies
Visakhapatnam : The uterus serves many functions beyond childbirth, and removing it will lead to several complications. Despite its many roles, many women opt to remove it with hysterectomy surgery due to excessive bleeding after childbirth. As part of its Preserve the Uterus (PTU) initiative, Bayer in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government inaugurated the countrys first Centre of Excellence at King George Hospital (KGH), here on Monday. Bayer collaborated with the Andhra Pradesh government by signing an MOU in last March as the state has the highest rate of hysterectomies at 8.7 per cent. The event included a training session for approximately 100 doctors from government hospitals and ASHA workers. They were trained on the use of LNG-IUS (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) devise, which offers a non-invasive approach to managing heavy menstrual bleeding. Shweta Rai, country managing director for Bayers pharmaceuticals division, told the Deccan Chronicle that early hysterectomy affects women's mental health and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Our clinical trials of LNG-IUS have shown a 97% reduction in menstrual blood loss over 12 months. This device releases levonorgestrel hormone into the uterine cavity, provides effective contraception for up to five years and significantly reduces menstrual blood loss over time, she explained. Dr P. Sivananda, the superintendent of KGH, emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving women's health by reducing the reliance on hysterectomies. He stated that the training sessions were crucial for equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to offer alternative treatments so that a hysterectomy would be considered only as a last resort. Dr Sandhya Devi, head of the gynaecology department at KGH, expressed pride as the hospital was chosen to establish the country's first PTU centre and reiterated the commitment to provide effective treatment to the problem by improving the capabilities of medical professionals through continuous training.
North Andhra ministers ask officials to be vigilant during rains
Visakhapatnam: Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, who also holds the disaster management portfolio, held a teleconference with collectors of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) districts in view of the incessant rains. Other north Andhra ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and Gummidi Sandhyarani also got in touch with officials to know about the situation in the north Andhra region following the heavy rains. Officials informed them about relocating people of seven villages in the ASR district to their designated relief centres. NDRF teams have moved into the various flood-affected areas. Relief camps have been established and food and medical facilities are being made available. Pregnant women and patients from flood-affected zones have been relocated to nearby medical facilities. Arrangements are being made to restore power supply wherever it has got cut off due to snapping of wires or short circuit. The ministers advised people not to cross streams in view of the risk involved. The said necessary resources must be mobilised to avoid risk to lives or inconvenience to people.
Ripple effects of MS outage felt
Hyderabad: A total of 24 Hyderabad-bound domestic flights were cancelled on Saturday as a ripple effect of the blue screen death. The airlines assured passengers they have the option of rebooking a flight or refund. The flights that were cancelled were to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Raipur, Lucknow, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram and Goa. Around 200 flights had been cancelled on Friday due to the global Microsoft outage. They included 20 departures and 17 arrivals in Hyderabad. According to experts, although rectification of the MS glitch was repaired, its ripple effects will continue to be felt for a few more days. Meanwhile, authorities at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here confirmed operations at the airport have become normal.
Some flights cancelled from Visakhapatnam airport on Day 2 also
Experts highlight the need to bring down high rate of hysterectomies in Andhra Pradesh
First Preserve the Uterus Centre of Excellence in the State inaugurated at KGH in Visakhapatnam
Braving showers, several thousands of devotees take part in Giri Pradakshina in Visakhapatnam
Authorities make elaborate arrangements for those taking part in the 32-km trek; NGOs and volunteers provide food, beverages to devotees
Visakhapatnam District Yogasana Competition to be conducted on July 28
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes visits Visakhapatnam Port Authority
Need to adopt ethical practices in the energy sector as it can impact millions of lives and have a long-lasting consequences on environment, he says
Iron barriers outside Andhra University Vice-Chancellors office removed in Visakhapatnam
Higher Education Minister Nara Lokesh lauds the move
