Bathukamma Festivities: GHMC Makes Extensive Arrangements Across Hyderabad
Hyderabad: To facilitate the smooth conduct of the Bathukamma festivities, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has made arrangements at 450 locations across the city, including artificial ponds, where the festival can be celebrated.
Additional measures include the deployment of 384 sanitation workers, construction of 1,450 temporary toilets, and installation of 82 temporary electrical lighting points.
This year, major celebration venues include People’s Plaza, LB Stadium—which will witness a world record attempt—Jalavihar, Kapra Lake, Uppal Nalla Cheruvu, Sarooragar Lake, Charminar, Rajendranagar, Mehdipatnam, Khairatabad, Jubilee Hills, Kukatpally, Musheerabad, Amberpet, Secunderabad, Begumpet, Serilingampally, and Hussainsagar.
The civic body is also undertaking special sanitation drives, fogging, desilting, and safety checks at the ponds. With the active participation of women’s groups, local associations, and volunteers, the GHMC aims to make the Bathukamma celebrations more vibrant this year.
GHMC Commissioner R. V. Karnan said, “Bathukamma is Telangana’s identity and cultural pride, and the corporation is committed to ensuring safe celebrations.”
16 Indie Puppies Adopted in GHMC Programme
Hyderabad: Sixteen indie puppies were adopted at a programme held by the GHMC veterinary wing at KBR Park on Sunday. The GHMC announced that the puppies were vaccinated against rabies, and their new owners were provided with official vaccination records.
Owners were advised to bring their pets to animal care centres for Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgery at the appropriate age to ensure responsible pet ownership.
Ex-DSP Nalini Seeks Settlement of Pending Financial Dues
Hyderabad: Former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nalini, who resigned during the Telangana statehood movement, has accused the state government of neglecting her appeal for the settlement of long-pending financial dues.
In a statement, Nalini said that she submitted a 16-page representation last year requesting the release of nearly Rs. 2 crore in subsistence allowance, which she claims was denied during her suspension period. She also sought support for establishing a Veda Vidya Centre.
Although the file was reportedly reopened after the Congress came to power, there has been no progress since, and her petition has been pushed aside.
Nalini expressed frustration over successive governments ignoring her appeals, despite her role in the agitation and her service background. She urged that if anything happens to her, politicians should refrain from using her name for posthumous awards or political mileage. Instead, she requested that any support be directed to her Vedamrutam Trust.
Her statement has brought attention once again to grievances from officers who left service during the height of the statehood struggle and continue seeking redress years after Telangana’s formation.
Roundtable in Hyderabad Discusses Fallout of Nepal’s Youth Movement on India
Hyderabad: Speakers at a Sunday event noted that following the Gen Z youth uprising in Nepal, several governments have become alert to the possibility of similar youth uprisings within their own populations.
Writers, doctors, and students from the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) and Hyderabad Central University (HCU) participated in a roundtable titled “Youth Uprising in Nepal: Implications for India,” organised by the In Defence of Reason Forum.
Writer Anand Singh explained, “The trigger was widespread discontent with unemployment, corruption, and political instability in Nepal. In many parts of India, these same issues trouble the youth. This is why ruling parties frequently introduce youth-oriented policies, but core problems remain unresolved.”
Students expressed the view that the immediate demand of youth in any state is a transformation of the system itself, not merely a change of governments or policies.
Doctors Srinivasulu and Suhas, along with social activists, highlighted India’s close connectivity with Nepal as making the issue more pressing. Large numbers of workers cross the border, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow, seeking employment.
The current unrest has impacted these workers and disrupted plans of Indian tourists traveling to Nepal.
Ex-Soldiers Explore New Careers with Drone Pilot Training
Hyderabad: Thirty-two retired soldiers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have recently completed a drone pilot training programme in Hyderabad, marking a shift from military drills to operating cutting-edge technology.
Organised by the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) with support from the Sahyog Care Foundation, the course ran from September 6 to the past weekend. It began with classroom lessons in Secunderabad covering drone technology basics, followed by simulator training in Keesara, and concluded with six days of hands-on flying in real field conditions.
Training also covered applications of drones in agriculture, logistics, mapping, disaster management, and small business potential.
The programme quickly led to opportunities: four companies interviewed trainees during the course. About twelve veterans expressed interest in starting ventures, with guidance from India Drone Academy, which offers assistance with procurement, training, and business planning. Others have been shortlisted for technical or administrative roles, while some opted for advanced training.
This initiative serves as a bridge between military service and the demands of a rapidly growing high-tech industry. With the growing need for drones in surveying, monitoring, and delivery, veterans with technical skills and discipline are well-positioned to succeed.
AWPO officials noted that such training helps ex-servicemen remain relevant in a changing job market while easing their transition back to civilian life. The successful completion of this batch is expected to pave the way for similar programmes in the region.
Railways Cuts Price of Packaged Drinking Water by Rs. 1
Hyderabad: The Railway Ministry has announced a reduction in the price of Rail Neer, its packaged drinking water sold on trains and at stations, effective Monday.
The maximum retail price for the one-litre Rail Neer bottle has been reduced from Rs. 15 to Rs. 14, while the 500 ml bottle price has decreased from Rs. 10 to Rs. 9.
These revised rates will apply to IRCTC/Railways’ shortlisted packaged drinking water brands sold on railway premises and trains.
Four Roads in Telangana to be Widened, Announces Union Minister Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced on Sunday that his request to widen four single-lane roads to double-lane roads in the city has been approved by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
These projects will be implemented under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme and are expected to improve road connectivity and boost regional economic development in Telangana.
Kishan Reddy extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Nitin Gadkari on behalf of the people of Telangana for their continual support and cooperation in the state’s development.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/ghmc-makes-arrangements-at-450-places-for-bathukamma-1905258