Fake gas kits burn up cars!

Family members of Sandeep Krishna, a BPO employee were in for a rude shock when their four-wheeler suddenly caught fire on the Khairatabad flyover a few days back. They were lucky to escape unhurt. In another case, N Sudarshan suffered mild burns when a minor explosion took place in a car hired by him from a private agent at Begumpet.These incidents are becoming common with a number of four-wheelers and autos running on fake LPG kits in the city. Even though these kits are available on the cheap in the market, the dangers of gas leak and and explosions endanger the lives of riders and others in the vehicle. It is an open secret that hundreds of unauthorised LPG-run vehicles are plying in the city. Most vehicle owners prefer to purchase fake gas kits which are available for Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 while the original kits cost around Rs15,000.Regional Transport Authority (RTA) officials said there is every possibility of more such incidents taking place as gas leakage is common in vehicles running on fake kits. They added that the summer heat only adds fuel to the fire. Taking serious note of the incidents, RTA officials have decided to crack down on vehicles running with fake gas kits. “To identify violators who are using fake LPG and CNG kits, we will start a special drive in the city,’’ RTA joint commissioner B Venkateshwarlu told Express.He instructed all regional transport officers and inspectors to register cases against vehicle owners found using fake gas kits.He also warned RTA officials would cancel the authorisation of dealers who are selling fake kits. There are six gas conversion kit dealers in the city who are authorised by the RTA to provide kits for four-wheelers and autos.Officials would also provide safety tips to people who run their fourwheelers on LPG kits.“We have decided to organise awareness camps on usage of gas kits and asked all authorised kit dealers to educate vehicle owners on properly installing the kit in their vehicles,’’ said B Venkateshwarlu.

By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com

Shop staff to get only one holiday

Will employees working in different business concerns in the twin cities continue to enjoy two-day holidays? With merchants and managements of different business establishments reportedly pressuring higher officials for withdrawal of staggered weekly holidays, they just might become a thing of the past.The Labour department has submitted a comprehensive report to the state government for immediate consideration of the staggered holiday Act. Dr HK Nagu, in-charge Labour commissioner told Express the department has submitted a detailed report suggesting to do away with two-day weekly offs for employees. “Most merchants and owners of  business concerns approached higher officials to chnage the Act,’’ he added. The new rule was implemented by Navin Mittal, the former district collector. As part of the Act, the labour department divided the city into five business zones. Staggered holidays were being implemented zone-wise wherein an employee got holiday on Sunday when shops are generally closed and any other day in the week.For instance, on Monday, business establishments were closed on Monday in Begumpet, Secunderabad, Minister road, MG road, SP road, SD road, West Marredpally, Bowenpally and surrounding areas. Areas around Koti, Abids, Nampally, Lakdi-ka-pul, Khairatabad, Erram Manzil, Punjagutta, Ameerpet, Sanathnagar, Somajiguda, Greenlands, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills will be closed on Tuesday. Wednesday is a holiday for establishments around Tarnaka, Osmania University, Lalapet, Bagh Amberpet, Tilaknagar, Nallakunta, Sitaphalmandi, Padmaraonagar, lower Tank Bund, Musheerabad, Ramnagar and Vidyanagar. Similarly on Thursday shops and businesses are closed in New Nallakunta, Baghlingampally, Chikkadpally, Narayanguda, Himayatnagar, Adarshnagar, Saifabad, Basheerbagh, Hyderguda, King Koti and Barkatpura. Friday is a holiday in areas like Kacheguda, Chaderghat to Dilsukhnagar, Saidabad, Santoshnagar, Chandrayangutta, Barkas, Esamia Bazar, Badi Chowdi, Sultan Bazar, Afzalgunj, Gowliguda, Puranapul, Pathargatti, Charminar, Falaknuma, Begum Bazar, from Abids Junction towards Mozamjahi market, Vijayanagar Colony, Masab Tank, Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Gudimalkapur, Langer Houz, Mallepally, Karwan, Chatrinaka and Shalibanda.With employees taking two-day weekly offs, owners and traders were sometimes forced to open shops on Sundays. As labour officials are strictly implementing the system, the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry has now demanded withdrawal of the system. “All government departments remain closed in Sundays. Why is the labour department concentrating on opening business establishments on that day? asked C Anand Kumar, general secretary, APFCCT.  “It is not practically feasible to implement the new rule in the twin cities. We are demanding the government to look into the labour department’s report,” he added. 

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com

Dry spell for beer lovers this summer

Thinking of quenching your summer thirst with some ice cold beer? Better brace yourself for some disappointment as a number of wine shops and bars in the city are gracing their doorsteps with ‘no stock’ signs. The reason? Dealers, who supply beverage brands to them are unable to provide them with enough stock. With wine shops mushrooming in every nook and corner of the twin cities including the suburbs, there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of liquor, leading to a shortage of beer, say shop owners. The situation is such that wherever one orders a beer, the standard reply is that only ‘lager’ beer is available and stocks of strong and very strong brands are temporarily not available. “With the onset of summer, we expected an increased demand for liquor, especially chilled beer, but the supply is way below our expectations. Dealers have failed to supply beer brands complaining of no stock,” said S Shanker Goud, manager of a famous bar and restaurant located at Kompally. But for pubs and lounges in the city, shortage of beer does not seem to be a cause of concern with most of them inviting customers for chilled beer. “As the demand for various beer brands remains huge, we have made every effort to keep the beer flowing, especially keeping in view the sunny days ahead,” said Sandeep Mehta, chief executive officer (CEO) of Bottles and Chimney, Begumpet. But the situation remains dry for the around 500 wine shops and 100 bars and restaurants in the twin cities.“Every wine shop stocks at least 200 bottles of different brands of beer during the hot month of March. But, this year, most shops have a ‘no stock’ sign. Since the demand is still high, we are providing only Kingfisher. There were reports that a staggering number of 48,000 bottles per day are generally sold in March but the situation is disappointing this time around,” said D Venkateswara Rao, general secretary of Andhra Pradesh Wine Dealer Association. Accusing the AP Beverage Corporation of reluctance in taking orders for more stocks, a delegation of managements of wine shops, bars and restaurants led by the AP Wine Dealer Association had met the Minister for Excise and Prohibition, Mopidevi Venkataramana, a few days ago. “The minister has promised to supply all brands of beer to meet the increasing demand. He said that at least 10 lakh cases of beers will be stocked for the convenience of customers and wine dealers,” Venkateswara Rao added. 

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com

SR Nagar: Crime hub of AP

Sanjeevareddy Nagar is the most unsafe area in the twin cities, followed by Punjagutta. Both areas, where hundreds of business establishments have come up alongside residential colonies, are places which record the maximum number of crimes not only in the city but in the state.The increasing population seems to be one of the reasons why SR Nagar police station registers the maximum number of offences. Interestingly, SR Nagar continues to be most crime-prone in state for the last three years. “700 to 800 cases are registered in SR Nagar police station every year. Its jurisdiction is vast and the increasing population is a key reason for more offences being reported there,” said SV Ramana Murthy, additional director general of police, Criminal Investigation Department. SR Nagar is followed by Punjagutta, considered one of the business hubs with several major business establishments in the area.Offences like murders, murders for gain, chain snatching, kidnap, rape were reported in large numbers from SR Nagar police limits in 2010. Similar cases also get reported from Punjagutta, which again has a vast jurisdiction. Interestingly, Punjagutta police are mostly engaged in VIP and bandobust duty, as the Raj Bhavan and chief minister’s camp office are under its jurisdiction.In SR Nagar, 103 localities have been segregated into five sectors and the police station has two inspectors, five sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, seven head constables, 82 constables and 72 Home Guards. The station also has one mobile vehicle, two Rakshaks and four blue colts.“There is a proposal to divide SR Nagar police station into two parts by setting up a new police station in Borabanda with the crime rate escalating in the area. Bifurcating the police station and providing more staff might help in reducing crimes,’’ said Punjagutta assistant commissioner of police J Subbi Rami Reddy. Statistics show dacoity, thefts, rioting, kidnapping, cheating and drug peddling have increased in both Hyderabad and Cyberabad police limits. 

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com

Drinking water shortage likely

City denizens are in for a tough time this summer due to depletion ground water table in different parts in Greater Hyderabad. Already, people are facing acute shortage of drinking water due to irregular supply from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB). The situation is likely to turn worse in the next three months as reservoirs levels in Singur, Manjira, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar are dwindling with each passing day. Ground Water department officials said the ground water, reported at 19.05 m below ground level would deplete in March and April.With day temperatures touching 35 to 36 degrees Celsius, ground water is likely to depleted to around 1.7 m below ground level. Dhanunjaiah, deputy director, Andhra Pradesh Ground Water department told Express the present ground water levels in the city and Rangareddy district is at least 19.05 m below ground level (BGL) but it would dip further in March and April. “The shortage is likely to increase and might lead to severe drinking water crisis,’’ he added. Already, there is at least 20 per cent deficit rainfall in the twin cities. Dhanunjaiah said the department had completed area-wise survey of ground water.  “Drinking water problem will continue till advent of next monsoon,’’ he added.Meanwhile, localities like Jeedimetla, Kapra, Rajendranagar, Alwal, Shamshabad, Patancheru, Gachibowli and Shamirpet are facing severe drinking water shortage due to lack of water supply. Board officials said they will press at least 300 additional tankers.The Board is supplying 250 million gallons of water, which is the highest quantity ever supplied. Besides, it is geared up to meet any crisis and arranged for 1,000 water tankers.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com

‘No power cuts till exams are on’

City denizens should brace themselves for power cuts in summer with the Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (CPDCL) planning to impose power regulation in the twin cities. The only relief is the city would be exempted till Intermediate, CBSE and ICSE exams are on. Meanwhile, CPDCL officials have already instructed Rangareddy district officials to impose power cuts for at least one hour from 12 noon to 5 p.m every day.MT Krishna Babu, chairman and managing director, CPDCL told Express they have directed Rangareddy officials to regulate domestic power supply with power consumption going up due to soaring temperatures.“There will be no power interruptions in Greater Hyderabad till the examinations are on,” he added.Krishna Babu said power consumption had touched its highest level at 112 million units early in summer while last year the peak was 104 million units. The figures indicate that power consumption has increased this year.“To provide round-theclock power supply without any interruptions, CPDCL is planning to purchase 500 million standard cubic gas from GAIL. Assuring regular power supply to residents, Babu said the plan to purchase gas would be sanctioned by Monday.However, most localities in the twin cities are facing load-sheddings due to unofficial power cuts even before the onset of summer. With complaints increasing, CPDCL has said it would examine the situation and provide proper facilities to ensure power supply.

By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com

Future bleak for many vendors

Yousuf, a read-ymade garments shop owner at the SRT Nagar market cannot believe his fate. His eldest son, 10-year-old Omar was busy collecting debris and cleaning his father’s charred shop on Monday. Yousuf’s shop was one affected in the major fire which broke out in the adjacent vegetable market, leaving 140 push-carts gutted. With the ready-made dress shop located close to the market, most garments were completely burnt in the mishap. “As my elder sister Fathima’s wedding is to be held in April, I started helping my father by selling dress materials on a push-cart after school. Luckily, I could save some Rs.5,000 worth dress materials on the push-cart,’’ said Omar. “However, most of the garments at his father’s shop was completely gutted. All my father’s hopes have gone up in the flames,” he said, before resuming his work. Meanwhile, the SRT Nagar market, wore a deserted look on Monday. A few merchants resumed their business under the shade of plastic sheets later in the day. Similarly, Yadamma lost all her dry fish stock in the fire. Covering her head with a plastic cover to protect from the heat, 55-year-old Yadamma resumed her business again on Monday. “The fire  has brought back gloomy days for my family. After my son died in a road accident a few years ago, I started selling dry fish at the market to pay for the treatment of my husband Narsing, who is suffering from diabetes. I kept stock worth at least Rs.3,000 on the push-cart for the Sunday market before going home. I reached the market around 5.30 am on Sunday but to my shock found all my stock lying destroyed,’’ she said.Most shopkeepers resumed their business activities by selling on the ground after the GHMC staff cleared the debris. “If the fire fighters had reached early, loads of vegetables could have been saved. We stocked a number of vegetable bags on the push-carts ahead of the Sunday market. One of the merchants alerted us by sending SMSes when the fire broke out around 4.30 am. But by the time we reached the spot, all my vegetables were burnt. I have to spend at least Rs.12,000 to rebuild my two push-carts and Rs.10,000 to reconstruct the shed,’’ said Anand, a vegetable seller helplessly.

By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com

‘Students suffering undue stress

Ravinder (15), a resident of Amberpet called the suicide helpline and said he was very stressed due to his exams.He could not concentrate on his studies and suffered blackouts as soon as he sat to write down one. He was suffering from fear of failure said he wanted to end his life. Another caller, Usha Rani, a resident of Nallakunta said she had decided to kill herself unable to face the pressures at college.However, with counselling and a patient ear from the suicide desk staff, both Ravinder and Usha Rani were able to prepare for their final examinations without any tension and depression. The suicide help desk, set up a few years ago has provided a helping hand for those with suicidal tendencies over telephone, e-mail and chat.“The suicide help desk has saved as many as 200 students by counselling. We receive at least 40 calls per week from students complaining about stress and depression. Our work is to ensure the caller’s needs and best interests are kept in mind. We provide free and confidential support with empathy, unconditional acceptance and for the caller to speak about his problems without having to reveal his or her identity,’’ said Aparna Adhikari, manager, suicide help desk.Reportedly, the number of suicidal deaths increase during January to April with students studying various courses facing pressure from their school, college and parents to do well in their exams.For instance, Pranathi, a 19-year-old resident of Borabanda studying in the Indira Priyadarshini College, Nampally committed suicide by consuming Action 500 pills a few days ago. In another incident, Swetha (17), studying Intermediate first year at Gayatri College in Chintal committed suicide by pouring kerosene and setting herself on fire. Police registered cases against the colleges in both cases for putting undue pressure on the students. Aparna Adhikari said at least 75 per cent callers are between the age of 15- 40 years, including mostly students, 20 per cent callers between 41-50 years and 15 per cent in 51-70 age group. Of them, 60 per cent callers were male and 40 per cent female.Students and others suffering from depression, stress and suicide-related crisis can call at 46004600 from 10 a.m to 7 p.m from Monday to Friday or login to www.suicidehelpdesk.org.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com

Mosquito menace on the rise in city

Is the constant buzzing in your ear giving sleepless nights? Are you not able to keep your windows open after the sun goes down in the evening? Well, with summer on its way, mosquitoes are also becoming a regular menace for denizens. The sudden increase of mosquitoes has led vector-borne diseases affecting many people. The GHMC says it is trying to tackle the problem but fogging seems to be taking place only in selective areas.About 10 days back, GHMC officials received a complaint from residents of Ziaguda that their locality was facing severe mosquito menace. Complaints have been pouring in from many areas in the twin cities but officials have identified only Ziaguda, Chengicherla, Amberpet, RTC crossroads and Bholakpur as the worst hit.“We have instructed all circle officials to take up precautionary measures like fogging, spraying and bleaching to tackle the menace. Residents can lodge complaints in respective circle offices and we will pursue the matter,’’ said S Aleem Basha, additional commissioner (Sanitation and Health).When asked about why safety measures being taken only in posh areas, Basha said, “We do not segregate among localities for providing sanitation measures. We provide proper facilities in supplying fogging machines, bleaching material and are continuing fogging operation in all circles under GHMC limits.” Jaleel Khan, a resident of Bholakpur, however, vented his anger saying residents in their locality were suffering from diseases due to mosquito bites and even after several complaints, there was no response from GHMC officials. Meanwhile, GHMC’s urban malaria scheme has started its campaign of keeping surroundings clean to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.T Ratna Joseph, chief entomologist, GHMC said as many as 18 malaria cases were reported in January while 14 cases were reported in February from Bholakpur, Ziaguda, RTC crossroads, Amberpet and other localities. “Poor sanitation is not the single reason for increasing number of mosquitoes. Most localities are in bad shape due to water stagnation, open slaughter houses and other reasons causes which lead to breeding of mosquitoes,’’ he added. He said the mosquito population increases between January and May. “Summer days, with cool night hours are considered ideal weather for breeding of mosquitoes. Heaps of garbage in most localities are an added problem,’’ he explained. “Fogging is not the permanent solution for cutting down on mosquitoes but it somehow controls their proliferation. We found many people in localities in Circle 9 (Bholakpur, RTC crossroads) and Circle 5 (Old City) were down with diseases caused by mosquitoes,’’ Joseph said.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com