Hyderabad discussions [Archive]

pding

May 25th, 2006, 03:20 AM

can i ask the mods to change the name of this thread to "Andhra Pradesh discussion".

i really didn't know much about formation of AP. here's a timeline.
http://www.1upindia.com/states/andhrapradesh/history.html

_________________________________________________________________
Some Historical Events from in the Post Historical Era:

1947, Jaipur Session - A committee was set up with Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramaiah (JVP) by the All India Congress Committee to look into the demand for a separate Andhra State.

The JVP Committee approves reorganisation of states on linguistic basis but suggests delay in implementation.

August 15, 1950 - Government of India's non-chalance results in peoples' restlessness. Goparaju Sitarama Sastry commences fast unto death.

September 25, 1950 - Goparaju Sitarama Sastry calls off his fast after assurances from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru about formation of a separate Andhra state.

October 19, 1952 - Andhra stalwart Potti Sreeramulu begins fast unto death when no initiative towards their demands is undertaken.

December 15, 1952 - Sreeramulu takes his last breath, making a supreme sacrifice for the cause of the Andhras.

Bowed down by pressures and angry threats, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru makes a surprise announcement in the Lok Sabha that steps are being taken to form a separate state of Andhra Pradesh.

January 1953 - The Government of India appoints Justice K.N.Wanchoo to look into the matter.

March 1953 - Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announces the ushering in of the first linguistic state in the country on October 1, 1953.

October 1, 1953 - Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam takes charge as Chief Minister of Andhra state with Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy as the deputy.

December 1953 - Government of India appoints the States Reorganisation Commission headed by Justice Fazal Ali to decide on the demand for the formation of linguistic states in other parts of the country.
________________________________________________________________

Potti Sreeramulu and Tanguturi Prakasham are the most famous historic persons of telugu origing in the modern times when it comes to politics.
also, AP was the first liguistic state to be formed.

what r your all's thoughts on this history?

harsh1802

May 25th, 2006, 05:25 AM

May be we need to create another thread......for tht pding.

Abt some real historical information abt A.P. chk this.....

http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history.html

Awesome info!

:)

Hindustani

May 25th, 2006, 07:18 AM

There is a reason why this thread is created. There are many forumers who wanted to discuss advantages and disadvantages & I mean pros and cons of HYDERABAD METRORAIL in Hyderabad ORR thread.

There are many of us who wanted to learn, discuss and debate upcoming Hyderabad metrorail. This thread will be very active as the latest development and news of metro will sparkle many view points in future.

pding..................If you want AP discussion thread. create a different one. No need to change Hyd discussion into AP discussion. Hyd is a very happening and active metro & there is lots of breaking new, projects and infrastructure stuff going on.

My point is we desperately need a Hyderabad discussions thread for many forumers who like to express & debate their point-of-views

Krav

May 25th, 2006, 10:55 AM

I think the MMTS system failed because there were/are in-adequate feeder
bus services to its stations. Most of its stations are also not very close to
major population centers of Hyderabad which resulted in lower ridership.

APSRTC for some reason did not think it was in its best interests to cultivate
rider-ship for MMTS by running feeder services to the stations. To prevent
this from happening in the future any mass transit system planned should
invite APSRTC as a stakeholder in the project (by asking it to pick up 3-5%
stake in the project).

We know that the current traffic crisis in Hyderabad is only going to get
worse in the future. A big part of the current traffic crisis is the low road
surface area in Hyderabad which is significantly lower than its peers. So one
solution for resolving the traffic problem is to significantly increase the road
density. But this increase in road density is not possible in congested areas of
the city.

Therefore a viable alternative can be a train-based mass rapid transit system
in these congested areas which can transport a huge number of passengers
in a fast, efficient and secure manner. The system should be viable 30-40
years down the line so the design of the stations, the selection of the
coaches/engines should reflect these requirements.

A metro system along the lines of the delhi metro seems to fit most of these
requirements. If such a metro system is well planned it can significantly
decrease the commute times being any two points in the city and increase
the productivity of the general population.

Since the Hyderabadi system is being designed as a completely over the
ground system it would infact be much cheaper than the system in Delhi.
The cost-benefit analysis I am sure would favor Hyderabad having such a
system but I am not adequately informed about the project to make such an
analysis myself.

pding

May 25th, 2006, 03:27 PM

all the discussion on metro can be done in Hyd projects thread. Metro is a Hyd project, so we can discuss it there. i don't understand why we need a different thread for Hyd metro discussions. that can be done in Hyd projects thread, as metro is one of the projects of Hyderabad.

this discusison on metro is very much pertaining to SSC forums and i'd rather keep it in Projects thread than Chaibar, which is for unofficial discussions.

Luckystreak

May 25th, 2006, 03:40 PM

Leaving aside the thread/forum organisational stuff

coming to actual point of : Does Hyd need a metro now?

When almost all cities in Western Europe with a population of more than 300,000 have/maintain a functioning metro for decades, its ridiculous that even for a city with a poplulation of over 5 million, we are still hestitating to go for a metro.

Now the failure of MMTS is a valid point..but that does not counter the point that other transportation will also fail. The metro can learn from the mistakes in MMTS and if it can provide proper connectivity for the office going middleclass, there is no reason why it will fail.

We cannot coax people using cars to opt for a metro..but the success of the metro depends on the success of making the auto rickshaw/ city bus / two wheeler commuting population to use the new system.

ramkan

May 25th, 2006, 06:48 PM

Hyderabad Metro is going to be on standard gauge unlike the Delhi Metro which is on Broad Gauge(thanks to Mr. Jaffer Sheriff, who insisted that all railway lines should be on Broad Gauge for easier integration to existing rail network :bash: ).

This should reduce the cost of rolling stock and maintenance aswell. So the estimates could be lower than the current estimates for Delhi Metro.

But we have to factor in the cost escalation since Delhi Metro is built

sudheeshnairs

May 25th, 2006, 08:19 PM

When almost all cities in Western Europe with a population of more than 300,000 have/maintain a functioning metro for decades, its ridiculous that even for a city with a poplulation of over 5 million, we are still hestitating to go for a metro.

Very much right..I read somewhere that the standard is to have a MRTS if the city population exceeds 1 million. In that case Indian Cities has to go a long way.

pding

May 28th, 2006, 12:11 AM

since we have stopped talking about the metro, i'll post this in here.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5549/hk6vm.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hk6vm.jpg)

hari krishna has reentered the political scene of Telugu Desam and AP. he ofcourse has a lot of populist energy, just like his father NTR. hopefully (i'm not sure if i want to say that), he does something to the dwindling support for TDP and Naidu. we should recall that TDP got only 49 seats out of the total 294 seat AP assembly.
minorities, farmers, and backward classes have drifted away from TDP's voter bank and the new populist talks by TDP leaders are efforts to get them back.

Hindustani............i'm not trying to deviate from the topic. since there isn't much to talk about the metro, i posted this. if mods see it as inappropriate, then they'll take the action. i have no problem.

Hindustani

May 28th, 2006, 12:44 AM

Hindustani............i'm not trying to deviate from the topic. since there isn't much to talk about the metro, i posted this. if mods see it as inappropriate, then they'll take the action. i have no problem.

pding..............This thread is created to discuss/debate/learn anything & everything Hyderabadi NOT just about Hyd metro. Hyd Metro was only an excuse to create this thread b/c mods are not too happy when there is heated discussion/debate in projects threads since the purpose of projects thread is only to post news/renderings/underconstruction images. Any heated debates will defeat the purpose of the projects threads. a comment or two are okay.

Here. We can discuss about Toilets not being flushed properly in Hyd for I care. Anything and everything Hyderabadi !!!. So cheer up. :)

pding

May 28th, 2006, 01:34 AM

alright, i completely get your point.

coming to toilets, seriously, it's a shame that we still don't have good public toilet system. i'm not saying the gov't should make a corporation for that. but at least the existing one's can be cleaned up and modernized and "attendents" should be installed here so everybody who litters can be fined.

ferrari_fan

May 28th, 2006, 02:33 PM

^^ yeah, Delhi should really be treated as a model to other large, fast-growing Indian cities - they have really neat and clean 'Public Conveniences' all over the place, and even get revenue from ads outside the loos..

about the Metro, i think all of India's 6 metros should have already completed their Metro projects by now, but at least now they should be taken up, and fast... also, howcome nobody's considered linking the Metro and MMTS and make them complementary services rather than completely separate entities?
in Chennai, we face the same problem with the MRTS having pretty poor patronage, but no plans to link it up to the proposed Metro...

the HYD Metro is definitely a necessity, especially considering the fact that the city is now one of the fastest growing in the whole country..

pding

May 28th, 2006, 05:28 PM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1581209.cms

Delimitation may raise 2 LS, 10 Assembly seats

There will be more political activity in the Hyderabad area in the next Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as the number of seats in the region is set to increase substantially as a result of the delimitation exercise that is presently on.

While the Lok Sabha seats are going to increase from two to four, the Assembly seats would shoot up from the current 19 in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts to 29 by the next elections.

The biggest contributor to the increase in the number of seats in the region is in Ranga Reddy district, which will have two Lok Sabha seats including itself and Malkajgiri.

Ranga Reddy district, which currently has six Assembly seats, will get eight more to take its tally to 14. Ranga Reddy district in the backyard of Hyderabad is gradually getting integrated into the city what with rapid urbanisation.

Hyderabad presently has two Lok Sabha seats: Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The exercise is in the final stages with the Delimitation Commission redrawing constituencies on the basis of the 2001 population. The existing seats based on the 1971 census do not reflect the new reality.

Hyderabad, which currently has 13 Assembly seats, will get two more to take its tally to 15. In all, the city region is to get an additional 10 Assembly seats, which would be the biggest beneficiary of the delimitation exercise.

As a result, with two more Lok Sabha seats and 10 more Assembly seats, the city region will see more asiprants clamouring for seats. At present, Medak and Siddipet Lok Sabha constituencies are the closest to the city region.

hyderabad's political importance is growing. are these all steps towards making Hyd a Union Territory? if so, I encourage them to keep going. A Chandigarh or Delhi type Metro/urban area in a union territory will serve Hyd's purpose well. actually, i say make the whole Hyd + RR distict region into a seperate state. and when roads are built, all major centers in the state will be connected to the Hyderabad state.

Hindustani

May 28th, 2006, 06:17 PM

I'm all for Hyd as Union Territory for future. That means more funding, better management. Hyd can then also serve as capital for Telengana and Andhra if needed.

Chandigarh and Delhi are nice examples.

Luckystreak

May 28th, 2006, 10:22 PM

..Edited

Babji

May 29th, 2006, 11:27 PM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1581209.cms
HYDERABAD: There will be more political activity in the Hyderabad area in the next Lok Sabha and Assembly elections...

As a result, with two more Lok Sabha seats and 10 more Assembly seats, the city region will see more asiprants clamouring for seats. At present, Medak and Siddipet Lok Sabha constituencies are the closest to the city region.
would it be good, bad or ugly?
is it purely based on census or the present political scenario?
more seats will bring in more funds and more developments.
more seats also bring in more localisation as in decentralisation...
this will also strengthen the city's #s as against the rest of the region's #s!

pding

May 30th, 2006, 10:14 PM

http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/31/stories/2006053112870400.htm

BJP move kicks off a new row

With the BJP national executive adopting political resolution extending support to separate Telangana in New Delhi on Tuesday ending speculation over the issue, a new controversy has cropped up on whether the party should submit a letter to the UPA Sub-Committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee.

While the Congress insists that the BJP should submit a letter to the sub-committee, the BJP and the TRS felt otherwise.

Ridiculing the resolution, APCC president K. Keshava Rao said the BJP was deliberately avoiding sending its written commitment to the sub-committee. "BJP has shifted its stand 17 times in the last 17 months on the issue. It had gone back on the resolution supporting Telangana adopted at Kakinada meet," he said.

Assembly resolution

He recalled that BJP leader L.K. Advani had opposed both separate Telangana as well as second States Reorganisation Commission (SRC). "They talked about an Assembly resolution and then about consensus. Now, the party does not want to give any written commitment. How do I understand what they want?"

On the other hand, BJP national secretary B. Dattatreya hailed the resolution and said the "ball is now in the court of Congress". He said the resolution was a clear signal to the sub-committee, not to come out with excuses. "Now it depends on the political will of Congress. They can introduce a bill in Parliament if they are sincere."

Regarding the insistence by Dr. Keshav Rao that BJP should furnish its views to the sub-committee, he said the party in the first place did not recognise it. Besides, without stating its own stand, Congress had no "moral right" to seek a letter from BJP. He advised Dr. Rao to bring pressure on AICC president Sonia Gandhi for creation of Telangana.

Two third support

Union Minister of State and senior TRS leader A. Narendra hailed BJP's support to separate Telangana terming it as a step closer to formation. "With BJP's support, we have two third support in Parliament and the Bill on Telangana will be passed. It is a matter of time". Profusely thanking the party, he asserted that there was no need for a letter to the sub-committee. "Till now Mr. Mukherjee has been blaming the BJP. There is no room for excuse and suspicion now".

we need a discussion on this telangana issue from everybody in SSC India forums. pls list all the pros and cons of seperate telengana.

for me: i just can't imagine how Hyd and surrounding areas could be transformed into a hub of industrial activities if Uttaranchal and HP type concessions are given to units that setup here. the added advantage in this region is Hyd: urban area, talent pool, infrastructure like International Airport. the companies that are setting up in the north will rethink and the "new region will attract many manufacturing units.

also, it is easier to attract funds with smaller states. since Telangana has low literacy rate and pretty much everything low, Centre will give more funds and rapid growth can be achieved but there is a danger of mis-management and the rise of "factions" especially with the ppl poorly educated.

i'm in for Hyderabad as a union territory.

pding

May 31st, 2006, 01:30 AM

Note to Moderators:

please unlock the Telangana poll. i can personally promise you that there won't be any bashing on my part. also, it will be a constructive discussion. everybody will air their views and there will be no bashing. if there is, then you should ban the individuals involved in that.

Forumers: let us all concentrate on stressing the positive aspects of our own cities/states/country, and keep bashing to a minimum.

pding

June 1st, 2006, 02:28 AM

http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/01/stories/2006060112850100.htm

State students bag 10 p.c. IIT seats

Notwithstanding the new format of the IIT-JEE, students from the State continued their golden run bagging more than 10 per cent of the IIT seats in the country.

According to figures available, nearly 600 students will get into the portals of IIT this year. The topper from the State this year is B. Sesha Pavan of Narayana College, who got the all-India 5th rank. Incidentally, the student got second rank in EAMCET-2006 and third in AIEEE this year. A notable feature is the success of students from rural background. State students also bagged top ranks in reserved categories like SC, ST and Physically Handicapped (PH).

The first rank in the ST category went to Lokesh Durga Bharath of Narayana Nellore branch while the 4th rank in PH category went to D. Anil Reddy of Vijayawada Nalanda college. Son of an RTC driver, R.U.V.N. Satish of Sri Chaitanya college in the city bagged 9th rank in PH category.

A majority of success stories have come from corporate colleges. Students of Narayana institutions got 291 seat getting ranks while Sri Chaitanya got 217 ranks. The IIT fame Chukka Ramaiah's institute will send 103 students to IITs this year while Nalanda IIT Academy and Delta Educational Academy will send 32 candidates each. Several State students figured in the top 100 ranks.

Narayana group Chairman P. Narayana said the State was likely to improve the position to 11 per cent of seats from 8.5 per cent last year and attributed it to students' awareness and their hard work. He said the innovative teaching concepts help students crack the test confidently. Dr. Narayana also gave Rs. 3 lakhs to the State topper Sesha Pavan and the same was handed over by the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

B.S. Rao, Director of Sri Chaitanya said 176 of his students got in the general category itself that was a record of sorts. Chukka Ramaiah said the new format gave scope for some luck and conceptual testing suffered.

that's some real andhra talent. it's a known fact that around 10% of student intake into the IITs every year is from Andhra. and corporate colleges like Chaitanya and Narayana deserve the credit for this.
also, the Ramiah insitute should be commended for it's work. the success rate here is equal to or, i think, greater than even Kota.

Babji

June 1st, 2006, 02:33 AM

Telangana issue is gaining momentum and it has been in news on and off.
Many forumers might like to air and share their views.
It would be worthwhile to open the Telangana poll.
A poll is just a poll, not a competition nor a debate.

I would request the admins to consider this. :)
Thanks.

pding

June 1st, 2006, 09:16 PM

please reopen telangana thread. i don't understand what's the problem with discussing this issue in the chaibar. this is and important issue and the pros and cons of a seperate state should be discussed. it will be a constructive discussion.

i know you're gonna delete this post again but i don't understand what's the problem of debating this issue.........

Krav

June 2nd, 2006, 09:22 PM

Hindu: Speed up work on MRTS: YSR (http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/02/stories/2006060219300300.htm)

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy instructed officials to speed up pre-construction activities of the proposed Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in a parallel processing mode and start construction activity by this year-end to ensure that the first section is opened by December 2008.

Regarding MMTS, the Chief Minister was told that some 40,000 passengers were utilizing the 64 services run every day. It can easily go up to 1 lakh if the originally envisaged 314 MMTS trains are run and the frequency maintained every 15 to 20 minutes.

Senior railway officials explained that there were severe capacity constraints in Secunderabad railway station yard and on the MMTS routes because of the movement of goods and long passenger trains. Therefore, they were unable to increase the frequency and number of MMTS trains.

Babji

June 3rd, 2006, 02:51 AM

Hindu: Speed up work on MRTS: YSR (http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/02/stories/2006060219300300.htm)

Regarding MMTS, the Chief Minister was told that some 40,000 passengers were utilizing the 64 services run every day. It can easily go up to 1 lakh if the originally envisaged 314 MMTS trains are run and the frequency maintained every 15 to 20 minutes.

Senior railway officials explained that there were severe capacity constraints in Secunderabad railway station yard and on the MMTS routes because of the movement of goods and long passenger trains. Therefore, they were unable to increase the frequency and number of MMTS trains.

shame on SC Rly for coming up with such lame excuses.
how could "capacity constraints" change so much so fast?
why can't they increase capacities, instead of denying conveyance to public?

looks like a hug wash.
people know the truth.
the truth is, there are not enough frequencies.
its time to start a post card/email movement on GoAP, APSRTC & SCRly.

look at chennai and see how good is thier local train/MRTS system.
they are even expanding more.

Hindustani

June 6th, 2006, 08:40 PM

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/3977/mango29tn.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1314/mango38mj.jpg

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/184/mango43js.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/639/mango59co.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5710/mango64bx.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2387/mango70ux.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3697/mango82kv.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/8079/mango92ba.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/5189/mango105ps.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3989/mango119ob.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/341/mango120de.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/179/mango134cf.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2149/mango142vb.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7555/mango151js.jpg

pding

June 6th, 2006, 08:50 PM

nice pics man. very tempting to see so many mangoes.

p.raghavendra6

June 21st, 2006, 07:59 AM

Yummy !!!

harsh1802

June 21st, 2006, 08:04 AM

:drool: :drool: :drool: :eat:

Babji

June 26th, 2006, 02:04 AM

Hyd Folks,
Would any one have a list of Flyovers in Hyd (old n new)?
What could be the approximate number 10? 20? 30? 40? 50? 60?
how about starting a list (as in SCC INDIA ROLLCALL), so at the end we have a complete list?

This would be very informative to Hyd folks away from Hyd for a few years.

Babji

June 26th, 2006, 02:19 AM

This is what I could recollect...
if anyone knew more, pl. add to the list. :)

Hyd Flyovers (old n new)

1. YMCA (Sec’bad) Flyover
2. Hari Hara Kalamandir Flyover
3. Begumpet Flyover
4. Airport Flyover
5. Masab Tank flyover
6. Sanatnagar Flyover
7. Khairatabad Flyover
8. Telugu Talli Flyover
9. Basheerbagh Flyover

Babji

June 26th, 2006, 02:45 AM

Hyd Flyovers (old n new)

01. YMCA (Sec’bad) Flyover
02. Hari Hara Kalamandir Flyover
03. Begumpet Flyover
04. Airport Flyover
05. Masab Tank flyover
06. Sanatnagar Flyover
07. Khairatabad Flyover
08. Telugu Talli Flyover
09. Basheerbagh Flyover
10. Tarnaka Flyover

pding

June 26th, 2006, 05:32 AM

good info babji. currently, Telugu Talli is the longest one in Hyd, right?

p.raghavendra6

June 26th, 2006, 05:59 AM

good idea.

Babji

June 26th, 2006, 06:02 AM

good info babji. currently, Telugu Talli is the longest one in Hyd, right?
I guess!
It is also the most controversial, expensive and took longest time to complete. but they did complete!
Tarnaka (1992-94?), Sanatnagar (1995?) and Khairatabad (1996?) Begumpet (1997?) are the oldest.
All the rest came up later. may be some folks, presently in Hyd, should confirm.

p.raghavendra6

June 26th, 2006, 06:11 AM

No, Tarnaka flyover didnt complete in 1992, it was opened in 2000 beginning.

Babji

June 26th, 2006, 06:55 AM

No, Tarnaka flyover didnt complete in 1992, it was opened in 2000 beginning.
thanks for the update.
(I remember seeing the columns raising since 1992-3-4...).

Babji

June 27th, 2006, 03:11 AM

arijeetb

June 27th, 2006, 01:14 PM

Babji

June 29th, 2006, 02:29 AM

Hindustani

June 29th, 2006, 02:35 AM

ok. well. osmania flyover is incomplete u/c for past 6 yrs. I thought the list is for completed/ready/under use by Hyd traffic. :)

Babji

June 29th, 2006, 02:39 AM

ok. well. osmania flyover is incomplete u/c for past 6 yrs. I thought the list is for completed/ready/under use by Hyd traffic. :)
and also under construction. :)
I think the osmania flyover is partly funded by Indian Ralways, because of the Rail crossing. IR always wants to do things their way and slow in releasing funds. since they made tonns of profit this year (17000 -20000 crore approx), lets hope, they will complete this work by 2008! (just to be sure). :)

adheet

June 29th, 2006, 03:50 AM

Appended some more...

Hyd Flyovers (old n new)

01. YMCA (Sec’bad) Flyover
02. CTO Paradise
03. Begumpet Flyover
04. Airport Flyover
05. Masab Tank flyover
06. Sanatnagar Flyover
07. Khairatabad Flyover
08. Telugu Talli Flyover
09. Basheerbagh Flyover
10. Tarnaka Flyover
11. Marreddypally Flyover
12. RK Puram Flyover
13. Moulali
14. Narayanaguda
15. Near Kompalli
16. Punjagutta (2007)
17. Greenlands (2007)
18. Jamai-Osmania (2008)
19. Nalgonda crossroads (2008)
20. Chandrayangutta (2008)

grimmm

June 29th, 2006, 06:13 AM

1 more flyover at RTC cross roads would have been added to the list. But unfortunately local congress mla lobbied against its construction at the request of shop owners who would lose their properties.
Now the proposal is dropped.

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 01:56 AM

Hyd Flyovers (old n new)

01. YMCA (Sec’bad) Flyover
02. CTO Paradise
03. Begumpet Flyover
04. Airport Flyover
05. Masab Tank flyover
06. Sanatnagar Flyover
07. Khairatabad Flyover
08. Telugu Talli Flyover
09. Basheerbagh Flyover
10. Tarnaka Flyover
11. Marreddypally Flyover
12. RK Puram Flyover
13. Moulali
14. Narayanaguda
15. Near Kompalli
16. Punjagutta (2007)
17. Greenlands (2007)
18. Jamai-Osmania (2008)
19. Nalgonda crossroads (2008)
20. Chandrayangutta (2008)

21. KPHB – HITEC City (Rly Xing)
22. Hafeezpet (Rly Xing)
23. Balkampet
24. Fathehnagar

Many THanks Adheet and Grimmm.

I vaguely remember hearing about the #21, 22, 23 and 24 some time ago, but not too sure if they really exist.
Would some one please confirm whether or not any/which of these 4 exist? :)

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:11 AM

Pics Courtesy: Hindustani and all other photographers.
Telugu Thalli Flyover

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2674/hyd3044fl.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:19 AM

Pics Courtesy: Hindustani and all other photographers.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/3273/hyd49qn.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:21 AM

Pics Courtesy: Hindustani and all other photographers.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/240/hyd3056zl.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:27 AM

Pics Courtesy: Luckystreak and all other photographers.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9753/2732897960060919870phuaggfs0ry.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:31 AM

Pics Courtesy: Luckystreak and DK_RULZ.

Masab Tank Flyover

Pics by DK_RULZ

Masab Tank
http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/9549/12943151510bebb5fdaod4iw.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:35 AM

Pics Courtesy: Luckystreak and all other photographers.

Telugu Thalli Flyover

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3069/imageloader12nc.jpg

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/594/untitled6bp.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:37 AM

Pics Courtesy: Naga_Solidus.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

From the Showcase Gallery...

Flyover construction:

http://www.fixhyderabad.com/images/begumpet_roads/PUNJAGUTTA_FLYOVER_03.JPG

http://www.fixhyderabad.com/images/begumpet_roads/PUNJAGUTTA_FLYOVER_04.JPG

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:44 AM

Pics Courtesy: Luckystreak.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/546/imageloader1pv.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 04:51 AM

Pics Courtesy: Hindustani.

Basheerbagh Flyover

[IMG]http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3237/hyd13ih.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 05:26 AM

Pics Courtesy: .sherlock01

Masab Tank Flyover

Masab Tank Flyover
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/2796/img00545xf.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9926/img00559lu.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 05:31 AM

Pics Courtesy: .sherlock01

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/1706/img01079gu.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 05:50 AM

Pics Courtesy: Suncity and Adurthy.

Khairatabad flyover

pics by adurthy.

http://img208.exs.cx/img208/6430/hyderabadaerial1s7oe.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 06:46 AM

Photographer : K Ramesh babu Credit: THE HINDU

Telugu Thalli Flyover

http://i5.tinypic.com/16ap535.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 07:04 AM

Pic courtesy: Hindustani.

Name this Flyover in Hyd... :)

http://i4.tinypic.com/16apmw7.jpg

Hindustani

July 1st, 2006, 07:48 AM

Babji

The lighted one in the night with Birla mandir on top is a Basheerbagh flyover
The aerial image with hussain sagar is probably Khairatabad flyover.

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 06:57 PM

Babji

The lighted one in the night with Birla mandir on top is a Basheerbagh flyover
The aerial image with hussain sagar is probably Khairatabad flyover.

Thanks for the update Hindustani.

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 07:00 PM

Hyd Airport Flyover
(Pic: Thanks to Hindustani and photographers). :)

http://i3.tinypic.com/16bg5ki.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 07:01 PM

Panjagutta Flyover :)

http://i5.tinypic.com/16bg6tw.jpg

Babji

July 1st, 2006, 07:04 PM

(Pic: Thanks to Luckystreak and photographers)

Secunderabad Flyover

http://i3.tinypic.com/16bg8yr.jpg

Luckystreak

July 1st, 2006, 07:53 PM

^^secunderabad flyover

Babji

July 2nd, 2006, 12:20 AM

^^secunderabad flyover
Hyd Flyovers (old, new n upcoming :) )

01. YMCA (Sec’bad) ................ 02. CTO Paradise
03. Begumpet Flyover............... 04. Airport Flyover
05. Masab Tank flyover............. 06. Sanatnagar Flyover
07. Khairatabad Flyover............. 08. Telugu Talli Flyover
09. Basheerbagh Flyover ........... 10. Tarnaka Flyover
11. Marreddypally Flyover ......... 12. RK Puram Flyover
13. Moulali (ECIL X Roads) ........ 14. Narayanaguda
15. Kompalli (Paradise-Medchal).. 16. Dabirpura (old city)
17. Jamai-Osmania (2006))........ 18. Hafeezpet (2006)
19. Balkampet (2006) ............... 20. Fathehnagar (2006)
21. Nalgonda crossroads (2006).. 22. Chandrayangutta (2006)
23. Punjagutta (2007) .............. 24. Greenlands (2007)
25. KPHB – HITEC City (2008) .... 26. Fathehnagar (2008)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Is Hari Hara kalamandir flyover diff from CTO flyover?

Babji

July 3rd, 2006, 04:53 AM

27. Seethaphalmandi (2006).

Naga_Solidus

July 3rd, 2006, 06:09 AM

Does anyone have details on the Hitec City-KPHB flyover? Ive nev er heard of it before.

Babji

July 4th, 2006, 01:55 AM

KPHB - HiTec City Flyover - I remember having read somewhere ...
another upcoming road starting adjacent to JNTU, going via Malaysian Township, Hitech City Rly Stn, NAC(HITEX) and joining the road from Miyapur before Shilparamam. a flyover above the railway trax wud also be part of this road.

May be it is on the plans, probably for 2007-2008.
Someone presently familiar with this area could confirm. :)

Babji

July 4th, 2006, 02:08 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/13/stories/2003081310680300.htm

Chaotic approach to 'hi-tec' stations

HYDERABAD Aug. 12. The name is `Hi-Tec City' and it certainly is very chic. The brand new railway station of the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) en route Lingampalli has come as a boon to the people residing at Kukatpally Housing Board Colony, which spreads just across.

But, the station has come as a crashing disappointment to scores of software professionals and others working within the Hi-Tec City, Cyber Gateway, Madhapur and their environs, as they do not have a direct approach road to the station!

``There were many software professionals working near the Hi-Tec City who came by train yesterday. They were very much confused on which road to take to reach Madhapur. I am not surprised today none are here,'' remarks a railway police personnel manning the station.

People working in and near the Hi-Tec City have to travel by NH-7 road through the packed railway level crossing, touch the Hafeezpet MMTS station and then onward to the Hi-Tec City station!

``It takes nearly an hour to reach the spot and get into a train. We are really disappointed,'' says Uday Chander, a software professional.

Presumably, an approach road was sanctioned from Madhapur to the Hi-Tec City station to reduce the distance to about two km. "This station would be full if the road is laid,'' feels T. Seshagiri Rao, living in KPHB Colony.

There was a short cut road to Madhapur overseeing the area presently occupied by the National Academy of Construction (NAC), which Mr. Rao and others used to take. This narrow road traverses under the existing track. But after the NAC came into being, the route ran into a wall, literally.

The railway level crossing itself has scores of lorries vying for space with other vehicles and the snail's pace of construction of a flyover has compounded the problem. "Traffic is always heavy on this road and because of the flyover construction the approach road to our station has not been laid,'' complains Balakrishna, living in Allwyn Colony near the Hafeezpet station.

Few other stations like Borabanda and Khairatabad, too, are bogged down by absence of proper approach roads.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Would any one know which flyover is this news item talking about?

Babji

July 4th, 2006, 03:32 PM

http://www.cyberabadtimes.net/2005/05/new-flyovers.asp

New flyovers
Road-users plying on the worst-congestion corridor in the city â€” Kukatpally to Dilsukhnagar â€” can breathe easy. Two flyovers are likely to come up on this most traffic-dense corridor next year. Apart from the four new flyovers to be built this year, Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda) plans to add two more: Dilsukhnagar-LB Nagar flyover and Uppal village-Ramanthapur flyover. According to a study done by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, the Kukatpally-Dilsukhnagar corridor carries a staggering 40,000-50,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak hours. The average demand on this corridor is about 3,07,000 passengers per day. Huda officials said Uppal also needs a flyover as the city has extended up to the Singapore township. If the township is completed and house allottees move in, traffic on that stretch will increase manifold. Huda is likely to appoint an agency to conduct a demand survey for the two flyovers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(28) Dilsukhnagar-LB Nagar flyover (2006-2008)
(29) Uppal village-Ramanthapur flyover (2006 -2008).

Babji

July 5th, 2006, 02:42 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/02/stories/2006020218640300.htm

RoBs' deadline
Much delayed road overbridges (RoBs) at Sitaphalmandi and at Adikmet are to finally see the light of the day. The Additional Commissioner, who visited these sites on Wednesday, said notices would be issued to property owners on either side of RoBs.

Since alignments have been fixed properly, work will be speeded up.
He expects to get them ready for opening in June.
----------------------------------------------------
hopefully, they will be completed at least by DEC 2006. :)

Babji

July 5th, 2006, 03:21 AM

Disputes come in the way of overbridge construction
(stale news from Aug 2005)

Work at Jamia Osmania started seven years ago

May not be ready till early 2006
Cites land disputes as a reason for delay
Residents are a harried lot here

http://i6.tinypic.com/1z1d16p.jpg

AT SNAIL'S PACE: Work in progress on a flyover at Jamia Osmania Railway Station in Hyderabad Photo: Satish H.

HYDERABAD: If newcomers to the city have never heard of an alternative road to Osmania University or Tarnaka through Adikmet, they are not to be blamed. Even those familiar with all roads in the capital have long forgotten about it, thanks to the long delay in completing the road overbridge at Jamia Osmania.

Though construction work on the ROB was revived recently after a change in contractor, it may not be ready for traffic until early next year.

Construction on the ROB was mooted to reduce traffic on the University road and because it was linked to the Uppal highway. Work began seven years ago but was abandoned two years later as disputes arose between the contractor and Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad.

Contractor's demand
The budgeted amount to start with was Rs.6 crores. The contractor sought revised prices because of escalation in steel and cement prices after work was started...

... Some locals put their foot down when the demand for widening service roads was made. With no private properties on the OU side, the bridge was completed on that side till the tracks.

'All sorted out'
"There was a dispute over alignment of the ROB by residents on either side and whose properties would be affected. There were obstacles in the form of a graveyard and a religious structure.

But we sorted them out," explains B. Jayarami Reddy, Vidyanagar corporator.
All this delayed the project. However, MCH officials insist that the work will be completed on schedule this time.

harsh1802

July 5th, 2006, 05:55 AM

^^ Even the Moula Ali fly over took a lot of time to be completed.

Hindustani

July 6th, 2006, 12:36 AM

Babji...................nice image. sooner the Jamia Osmania flyover is completed the better.

pding

July 6th, 2006, 04:59 AM

i'm really looking forward to the d'nagar flyover. the vijayawada highway needs some help in this sectio. it is way too conjusted.

Babji

July 6th, 2006, 05:39 AM

HUDA plans to construct flyover in AP
Thursday July 6 2006 00:00 IST

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) on Wednesday planned to construct a flyover from Moosarambagh to Dilsukhnagar in the city parallel to the metro rail corridor on either side to provide unhindered access to the road traffic of this congested stretch.

A release from HUDA said here that the chairman D Sudheer Reddy held discussions with the additional commissioner municipal corporation of Hyderabad N V S Reddy and other officials about the plan.

The flyover would have two separate viaducts on either side of Metro guideway structure and the approximate length of the flyover would be two kms.

The flyover would likely to be launched on October two to mark HUDA's 31st anniversary, the release added.
One more on the pipe line.
On the whole, it looks like GoAP/HUDA is trying to do their best.
Most of the delays appear to be related to land aquisition and cost escalation
The people, community leaders and contractors should also do their part to complete these projects in time.

harsh1802

July 6th, 2006, 08:43 AM

hey guys,

Jai created a poll for the new Akshardham temple. @ Delhi.....a beauty in terms of its architectural brilliance....do vote.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9148341#post9148341

Babji

July 10th, 2006, 02:53 AM

No takers for separate Telangana at grassroots level

Rajasekhara Reddy cashing in on panchayat poll verdict to take the wind out of Telangana Rashtra Samiti’s sail

KVVV Charya

Hyderabad The recently concluded panchayat election results in Andhra Pradesh have sent out clear signals that there are no takers for the much debated ‘Telangana statehood’ at the grassroot level.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which campaigned for a united Andhra Pradesh, won decisively in eight out of 10 districts in the Telangana region, while the Bharatiya Janata Party, which promised Telangana statehood, stood marginalised and managed to win only a few seats.

BJP’s national leaders, Rajnath Singh and LK Advani, have been vocal about offering separate statehood to Telangana if people voted for them.

However, some political leaders feel that Telangana cannot be treated as an issue in the local body elections. “Local body polls always reflect the issues at villages, local political formations and various issues relating to the district,” they say. But this has not prevented the AP chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, also a defender of a united state, from reading the verdict as a clear message against bifurcating the state. Reddy has already begun using the verdict to neutralise threats from Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leaders, like K Chandrasehar Rao and A Narendra.

Meanwhile, TRS could win only five Zilla Panchayat Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) in Medak district, which is represented by Union minister Narendra in Parliament. Even in Karimnagar district, from where Chandrasekhar Rao won elections, the TDP won 22 ZPTCs, while the TRS won just four.

Interestingly, the Telangana voters from Ranga Reddy district, where major industrialisation is taking place, have voted for TDP. It is said the people are vexed with the way the Congress government is going about acquiring land in the district. For instance, to provide 5,000 acre to the GMR group for the international airport, people from about 12 villages will have to be relocated. Alos, people are worried that the government would acquire another 25,000 acre for Reliance Industries, which has evinced interest in setting up a chemical complex.

URL: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=133365

pding

July 10th, 2006, 05:52 PM

i hate the fact that TDP is now going anti-development. but clearly, i think even Telangana ppl are not impressed by the seperate state talk. a major blow for TRS and even BJP. this issue will slowly come to rest in the next couple of months.

Babji

July 11th, 2006, 03:09 AM

2011 Cricket World Cup Final - Should Hyd pitch in to host?

http://i6.tinypic.com/1zmdmd5.jpg

Update: (Source: Wikipedia)

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (formerly known as Visaka International Stadium) is an exclusive cricket stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. It has a capacity of 55,000 spectators and is built over 16 acre space.
It provides one of the best facilities for the cricketers and best rest rooms in the world.
The first match held in this stadium was between South Africa and India.

Babji

July 11th, 2006, 03:15 AM

The way it appears in the picture, they could easily expand capacity to 75,000-80,000 by aquiring some land on at least two sides and building some rows of seats.

That would make it clearly the second largest in the country (next to Kolkata's 1,00,000 capacity.

pding

July 11th, 2006, 03:25 AM

yes it is possible. it is not surrounded by crowded areas. there is a lot of open space around the stadium.

Babji

July 11th, 2006, 03:25 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/15/stories/2006061522680300.htm

City may house National Cricket Academy

NCA might be set up at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal
HCA to temporarily put on hold its ambitious Club House project
Sharad Pawar enhances infrastructure grant from Rs. 4-crore to Rs. 10-crore

HYDERABAD: If everything goes according to plan, the Hyderabad Cricket Association might well realise the dream of housing the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as hectic efforts are on to shift it from Bangalore.
The NCA might be set up at the new Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association has been asked to build an indoor cricket facility and also improve player facilities for the shift to happen, said its secretary and NCA Director N. Shivlal Yadav. Mr. Yadav said that this was the reason for the HCA to put on hold its ambitious Club House project albeit temporarily.

"NCA is the topmost priority for us as it will directly benefit cricketers. The Club House will be taken care of at a later stage," he said...

"We are hoping that our efforts will bear fruit as we want to showcase our stadium for hosting big international matches," averred Mr. Yadav

pding

July 11th, 2006, 03:27 AM

if this becomes true, then Hyd will have a better chance of hosting the Final.

Babji

July 11th, 2006, 03:28 AM

yes it is possible. it is not surrounded by crowded areas. there is a lot of open space around the stadium.

I hope they would plan ahead and aquire some more land.
They should also pursue the club house, which would make the stadium more resourceful.
May be they should invite private funding if necessary.

Hindustani

July 11th, 2006, 03:43 AM

Babji

July 11th, 2006, 03:53 AM

New Hyd Cricket Stadium is suppose to be a 75,000 seater. But in the pictures, Tier No. 3 is missing & probably still u/c & will stay like that for years depending how much money HCA has. From the images, it is clearly 2 tiers so far, renderings suggest 3-tier stadium when fully completed.

http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/12/images/2005051216890301.jpg
Thanks Hindustani.
Thats definitely a VERY GOOD news.
as of date, The Hindu article says 50,000 and Wikipedia says 55,000 capacity.
When the Tier No. 3 is completed, 75, 000 capacity would still make it the second largest in the country!

adheet

July 11th, 2006, 05:13 AM

I dont think that the current capacity is close to 50,000. My understanding is that the eventual capacity when the stadium is completed (including the 3rd tier) will be covered seating for around 55,000.

Hope Hyd is awarded some matches in the near future so that HCA can raise the money it requires to complete construction.

pding

July 21st, 2006, 12:09 AM

little request to the mods on my part. can you guys change the title of this thread to Hyderabad/AP discussions.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072113250400.htm

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8413/0405voteaptp5.th.jpg (http://img111.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0405voteaptp5.jpg)

_________________________________________________________________

an interesting trend: in most of the Telangana districts, TDP has increased it's vote share considerably in the recent Panchayat polls, since the '04 assembly elections. and congress' vote % has gone down considerably.

YSR is prolly lookin' at these results and wondering why this is happening. also, the TDP is trailing Congress only by a few percentage points in a number of districts. this tight competition will keep both parties runing on all engines. but there is always a danger of populist agendas when there is such close competition. and with CBN going to any length to regain power, this is not a welcome situation.

pding

July 22nd, 2006, 09:18 PM

http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?category=National&slug=AP+farmers+worried+over+scanty+rains&id=90486

AP farmers worried over scanty rains

Farmers in Andhra Pradesh are chanting prayers to the rain Gods to as time is running out for their crops.

Ramulu, a farmer from the state, is worried as his hope is quickly turning into despair.

When the monsoon came early this year, he borrowed money to sow cotton and turmeric. But if it doesn't rain soon, the cottonseed will die and the turmeric plant will dry up.

"We planted our seeds in the first week of June but there has been hardly any rainfall and the crop is dry. We have put in close to Rs 60,000. Don't know what to do," said Ramulu.

Deficit rainfall

There is deficit rainfall all through Andhra Pradesh and in the northern Telangana district where agriculture is mainly rain fed the shortfall is almost 50 per cent.

"For the past three years, rainfall has been very erratic as a result we have to bear the losses," said another farmer.

"They have planted seeds in 28 lakh hectares out of which 3.5 lakh hectares has withered away. As of today, if it rains the contingency plan would be to supply seed to replant on the dried up fields," said the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Already, seed has withered away in lakhs of acres and seedlings are drying up.
_________________________________________________________________

after three years of relatively good amount of rainfall, it seems like this year is not gonna be a good one for AP farmers. i honestly hope and pray that situation revives. if agri gets screwed, then not just farmers, but other sectors too will get effected and it will drastically effect the growth of the state. let's pray

Babji

July 23rd, 2006, 11:55 PM

Rains likley in AP
Webindia123.com: Hyderabad | July 23, 2006 10:41:29 PM IST

Light to moderate rain are likely to occur at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Isolated rain or thunder showers are likely to occur over Rayalaseema in the next 24 hours.

According to officials of meteorological department here, rain occurred at many places over Telangana and at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and isolated rains over Rayalaseema.

Rainfall recorded in cms are Utnoor 5, Kunavaram and Nuzvid 4 each, Chintalapudi, Koyyalagudem and Polavaram, Dowlaiswaram, Kaikalur, Kaleswaram, Metpalli and Koida 3 each, the Met department said.

UNI AP ROY PA KP1854
Thanks PDING! Your heart is pure.
Your prayers are answered!.
Thanks to the Rain Gods!

Babji

July 26th, 2006, 12:52 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
Osmania flyover by November

Hyderabad, July 25: The flyovers at Greenlands and Punjagutta are likely to be delayed, MCH officials said on Tuesday. But there was good news on other fronts: Work was on schedule on the Chandrayangutta and Nalgonda flyovers, and the long pending road overbridges (ROB) at Jamai Osmania and Sitaphalmandi will be completed soon.

MCH additional commissioner, transport and traffic, N.V.S. Reddy told this correspondent that work on the flyovers were hit because of difficulties in land acquisition. Officials expect to open it by May next. The MCH expects to complete the eight-year-old Jamai Osmania ROB by November.

MCH additional commissioner, projects, Dhanunjay Reddy told this correspondent that 19 of the 23 slabs had been put up, and construction on the Tarnaka side had been completed. One abutment and all the 22 piers have been constructed. “The approach on the Adikmet side will be completed in a month,” he said.

The bridge is being constructed to reduce traffic on the University road and to provide an alternative link to the Uppal road. Work began in 1998 but was abandoned two years later following disputes between the contractor and MCH. The corporation later awarded the project to a new contractor. One pier needs to be completed on the seven-year-old ROB at Sitaphalmandi. “The deadline is January 2007,” he said.
the eight-year-old Jamai Osmania ROB by November 2006.
the seven-year-old ROB at Sitaphalmandi: January 2007.
The flyovers at Greenlands and Punjagutta: May 2007.

Babji

July 30th, 2006, 09:32 PM

Is Hyderabad a sport?
CHARUDUTTA JENA
[ 30 Jul, 2006 2050hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
RSS Feeds| SMS NEWS to 8888 for latest updates

We have played host to several international and national sporting events, but do we have what it takes to lure the World Cups and Commonwealths?

India is ready to claim a large share of the international sports map. It has already hosted the Afro-Asian Games and a WTA Open apart from numerous national championships, and is now looking forward to hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2010, the Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the World Military Games in October 2007.

Hyderabad has played a significant role in inspiring confidence in the country's ability to host international sports events. The city has successfully hosted the Afro-Asian Games and the World Women's Squash Championship. It is surging ahead to host the World Military Games. But then, it also lost an opportunity to host the World Women's Boxing Championship recently, due "official apathy", according to the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation.

Is the city ready to shoulder the responsibility of being India's premier sporting destination ahead of the World Military Games and the Commonwealth Games? Hyderabad Times assesses...

Sports infrastructure: Here Hyderabad scores over other big cities like Chandigarh, Delhi and Kolkata. The city has world-class facilities for athletics, cycling, sailing, basketball, badminton, gymnastics, swimming and shooting.

"The city's sports infrastructure is ready for international events. I had a talk with the chief minister about sporting infrastructure and he asked us to come out with new projects without getting concerned about the funds," says BK Harnath, joint secretary, AP Olympic Association.

Apart from stadiums, the Hyderabad International Convention Centre also offers worldclass facilities for indoor games, including indoor tennis and badminton.

"Gachibowli Stadium and LB Stadium have state-of-the-art facilities for sports," says Kamalavardhan Rao, vice-chairman and managing director of SAAP. The stadium at Uppal is Hyderabad's answer to Eden Gardens of Kolkata, Wankhade Stadium of Mumbai or Chinnaswamy Stadium of Bangalore.

"The city also has good infrastructure for football but did not find the opportunity of hosting the India vs Japan qualifying match of the Asian Games.

It will be held in Karnataka in August," says Ghulam Jeelani, state secretary of the football association. "We also have very good facilities for volleyball, hockey and basketball," he says.

Accommodation for players : The inadequacy of accommodation facilities for sportspersons became evident during the Afro-Asian games in which visiting athletes had to be put up in hotels across the city – some far from the stadiums.
BK Harnath says, "Lack of accommodation facilities for players in and around stadiums is an impediment to the city's aspirations to host more international events."

In a bid to solve the accommodation problem, SAAP is planning to build a sports village near the Gachibowli Stadium. Kamalavardhan Rao, says, "The sports village will solve the accommodation problem ahead of the World Military Games to be held in 2007.
The sports village will accommodate 600 people and will have seminar halls, gymnasiums, saunas, jacuzzis and medical facilities. But will the village fall short in accommodating more than 5000 sportspersons that every international event attracts?

Rao believes that a temporary sports village can supplement the permanent one to accommodate sportspersons during international events.

International visibility: Former national hockey player P Kantaia says, "For Hyderabad to emerge as an international sporting destination, it needs to have more visibility.

The onus is on sports associations to conduct events in which sportspersons from other countries can participate." SAAP believes, "The key to increasing the city's visibility across the world is organising more events, improving training capacities by bringing in good coaches and keeping other countries updated about sports activities and infrastructure in the city.

We have conducted eight international and 14 national sports events." Events, other people in the know, believe have to be planned four to 12 years in advance.

Connectivity : Traffic commissioner AK Khan, who was the mayor of the national games sports village and involved with the Afro-Asian Games, says, "Air, rail and road connectivity to the city is very good.
About 150 international flights ply to Hyderabad. National Highways 5 and 7 pass through the city, and the Secunderabad station connected well to both Northern and Southern states."

But he suggests that roads inside the city connecting Gachibowli stadium and LB stadium to the railway station and airport falls short of international standards.

The outer ring road will make connectivity between Secunderabad railway station and Gachibowli stadium better. "Roads in the city need repair work at some places," he adds.

Rail connectivity to Gachibowli Stadium is good – thanks to the Secunderabad-Lingampally MMTS service. The international airport that's under construction in Shamshabad will give Hyderabad an added edge.

"Once completed, the international airport will be a real boost for the city to host international events," says Jeelani.

hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com

Babji

July 30th, 2006, 10:52 PM

Suggestions to improve ridership on MMTS

Hyd Folks,
It appears that SCRly finally woke up and trying to promote ridership on MMTS.
How about some suggestions to improve ridership on MMTS?

1) Improve parking facilty and security at the MMTS stations
2) Encourage riders to use bicycles/ mobikes to reach the stations.
3) Permit carrying bicycles on the MMTS (it is allowed in many countries).
4) Reduce fares (until March 2008) to encourage more people to use MMTS
5) Provide feeder services (free of cost) during peak hours.
6) Encourage building working mens/womens hostels withing walking distance from MMTS stations.

Please feel free to donate your suggestions :)
and would some one please find a way to forward these suggestions to SCRly officials.

kashyap3

July 30th, 2006, 10:58 PM

try to expand already existing lines into high traffic areas

or wait till the metro proposal comes in

Babji

August 7th, 2006, 03:41 AM

Now that Falaknuma is connected to the city by MMTS (and 2009-2010) MRTS,

Should MMTS or MRTS be extended to SHAMSHABAD?
which (MMTS/MRTS) is preferable and why?

harsh1802

August 7th, 2006, 04:10 AM

Obviously MRTS.....no one wants a second grade feeder servcie to be connected to a world class interantional airport right!Tht wld look crappy.

Naga_Solidus

August 7th, 2006, 05:07 AM

Frankly, they should use a new 200km/h-250km/h HSR link to Shamshabad, using the ORR's paralell railway lines and sharing them with the MMTS in a manner similar to KLIA Ekspres.

kashyap3

August 7th, 2006, 07:55 PM

that would be a waste of money

is the plan for hyderabad metro already being implemented? or does it still have to be approved?

if it has, which sections are going to be underground?on ground?elevated?

Luckystreak

August 7th, 2006, 08:28 PM

that would be a waste of money

is the plan for hyderabad metro already being implemented? or does it still have to be approved?

The bids were supposed to be closed in August and the work has to start by the year end.

If it has, which sections are going to be underground?on ground?elevated?

There are no proposed underground sections, most of it is elevated.

kashyap3

August 7th, 2006, 10:13 PM

metros on ground level are eyesores
they should always be on seperate levels to roads, hence the point of rapid transit

Babji

August 8th, 2006, 02:07 AM

metros on ground level are eyesores
they should always be on seperate levels to roads, hence the point of rapid transit
they have plans to barricade the tracks with 6-8 feet high metal mesh on either side, wherever it had to run at ground level. the barricade will help provide security and also prevent any distraction for the road traffic.
also,this may only happen at places like Miyapur and Falaknuma, which are less crowded and close to the MRTS depots/yards.

kashyap3

August 8th, 2006, 03:41 AM

well, anywhere along the metro is now going to get crowded once it starts to function

is there a map?

Babji

August 9th, 2006, 01:25 AM

that would be a waste of money...
metros on ground level are eyesores
they should always be on seperate levels to roads, hence the point of rapid transit
well, anywhere along the metro is now going to get crowded once it starts to function...

on one hand, we don't want to spend too much of money.
on the other hand, we want every thing in state-of-the-art form.
building elevated tracks unnecessarily would escalate the costs.
we also need to keep the common man in mind -
people have to pay the fare on a daily/monthly/usage basis.
it is always a good idea to keep the costs low and standards high.

kashyap3

August 9th, 2006, 03:52 AM

yes but building on ground level will unnecessarily expose it to natural hazards like flooding etc in low lying areas

Babji

August 13th, 2006, 09:07 PM

AP court permits immersions in Hussainsagar
Saturday, August 12, 2006 (Hyderabad):NDTV.com

The Andhra Pradesh High Court gave a green signal to the immersion of Ganesh idols in the Hussainsagar Lake. The High Court had initially expressed unhappiness over the pollution being caused to the lake and has also said that the debris be cleared in 72 hours. The court has asked the government to look for alternate strategies to reduce the pollution burden in future.

Environmentalists have protested for many years now against the practice of immersing the idols in the Hussainsagar. They argue that the plaster of paris and heavy metals used to colour the idols, pollute the lake.

Organisers upset: This year, the Andhra Pradesh High Court suo moto, had asked the idols to be kept away from the Husainsagar, a move that upset the organisers.

"The court says that immersion should not happen and that it causes pollution. It is not true and the court has not been given the correct picture," said an organiser. "Doesn't the amount of garbage and pollutants that are dumped 364 days cause pollution. One day if we immerse our Ganesha, is it pollution? Aren't the illegal housing and uncovered drains around the lake not pollution?'' he further asked.

The organisers say many Ganesh idols are already being immersed in other lakes but the bigger ones will have to come to Husainsagar, the biggest lake in the city. "Immersion without any doubt will also happen in traditional lakes, Himayatsagar and Husainsagar Lake. No force can stop us," Bhagvanth Rao, Gen Secretary, Ganesh Utsav Committee.

The administration also seemed reluctant to stir a hornet's nest.: The date for Ganesh Immersion has come very close already, so the immersion should be allowed to take place this year in Hussainsagar itself. And from next year, a bund should be identified and created for this purpose," said T Krishna Reddy, Mayor of Hyderabad. The court has also asked the government to submit a report by October 9 on what long-term plans it has to reduce the burden on the lake.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
may be they should address this issue in a phased manner.
may be they should also put a height restriction on the idols of Ganesh.
they could instead have larger images on canvas or wooden/cardboard cutouts.
lets hope, they would do some thing for the next year at least!

Babji

August 15th, 2006, 03:05 AM

http://www.cyberabadtimes.net/reader.asp?id=2
Seetaphalmandi and Jamai Osmania (Since 1997).
While all eyes are on the four new flyovers coming up at some of the busiest roads in the twin cities, everyone seems to have forgotten about the sluggish work on road overbridges (ROBs) at Seetaphalmandi and Jamai Osmania.

The Work started in 1997 and still going
These ROBs are located away from the main roads. Nevertheless, they are key link to nearby residential localities. But, construction has been painfully slow. Undue political interference, delay in property acquisition, opposition from locals, contractor problems, etc., have led to many stoppages.

Jamai Osmania ROB will be completed by October, says Additional Commissioner (Planning and Projects) K. Dhananjaya Reddy.

Seetaphalmandi ROB will take some more time as 32 properties are yet to be taken over. Land acquisition route has been resorted to as owners are not only happy with the compensation package, but want reduction in service road widths.

Work began in 1997 and the ROBs were to be ready within two years. But when the contractor (NBCC) delayed work, the Government cancelled the work order and brought in another contractor two years ago before running into the properties' acquisition issue.

Mr. Reddy says road-widening on the Liberty-Himayatnagar road (26 properties taken under land acquisition, 40 more left) and the Dar-us-Salam-Ek Minar masjid road (19 properties acquired of 40) has commenced.

Babji

August 17th, 2006, 12:57 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/17/stories/2006081722080100.htm

Digvijay endorses Government stand on ORR
New policy on decent compensation for land oustees on the anvil

HYDERABAD: AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh on Wednesday appreciated the Rajasekhara Reddy Government for "addressing all contentious issues" raised in the last few months, particularly land acquisition in Hyderabad over which the Opposition kicked up a row.

"The Government is concerned about the issues raised by farmers and others, whose lands are being acquired for major projects in and around the city," Mr. Singh said. In fact, the Government would soon come out with a policy that would help the land oustees to get a decent compensation.

Mr. Singh made this statement after discussing with Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and APCC president K. Keshava Rao the representation he received earlier from two city Congress MLAs Janardhan Reddy and M. Sashidhar Reddy. These MLAs drew his attention to the recent auction of Government lands at Kokapet and land acquisition for the Outer Ring Road and other mega projects by displacing the poor. They also complained about diversion of Krishna water to Rayalaseema from the Pothireddypadu head regulator.

On right track: Mr. Singh, who chaired the three-hour-long Manifesto Implementation and Coordination Committee meeting at Gandhi Bhavan, told reporters later that the Government was on the right track in executing major irrigation projects and launching the Indiramma programme. Without naming the two Congress MLAs, he pointed out that a land acquisition policy was on the cards to benefit the oustees. On Pothireddypadu, he said Dr. Reddy had categorically stated that the interests of Telangana and Krishna delta would not be affected. The regulator was meant only to divert surplus floodwater to Rayalaseema.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
looks like they arrived at consensus within Congress circles on ORR land aquisition issues.
a battle won for YSR but the war is still ahead in the assembly.

kashyap3

August 17th, 2006, 04:28 AM

the first phase of the ORR compared to the rest is like comparing a mouse to an elephant

if they take so long to complete the first phase, how long will it take to get the rest done?

Babji

August 18th, 2006, 02:18 AM

the first phase of the ORR compared to the rest is like comparing a mouse to an elephant

if they take so long to complete the first phase, how long will it take to get the rest done?

Its not just the size, it is the spirit that matters.

The first step is always the most important step.
Once you go thru the motions, the rest follows!

Babji

August 18th, 2006, 02:36 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/18/stories/2006081810210400.htm
PJR taken to task by members at CLP meet
MLA raises Kokapet, Pothireddypadu issues
Expressed doubts about Jala Yagnam being beneficial to Telangana
Many MLAs accuse him of harming party's interest
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hyderabad: Several members of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) took exception to the stand of party MLA from Khairatabad, P. Janardhan Reddy, on issues like Pothireddypadu head regulator and Kokapet land sale and advised him to observe restraint. The outburst against the MLA reportedly began soon after the AICC general secretary and in-charge of AP Congress affairs, Digvijay Singh, left the committee hall of the Assembly where the CLP meeting was convened here on Thursday.

Mr. Janardhan Reddy is reported to have raised the issue of Pothireddypadu and Kokapet land sale accusing the Government of neglecting Telangana region and acting against the interests of farmers. He sought to know whether Rs.53, 000 crore Jala Yagnam programme would benefit Telangana at all as the share of the region in Krishna waters was insufficient.

This provoked several MLAs from Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana regions to take on Mr. Reddy accusing him of harming the party's interests "for personal reasons". Ministers Botsa Satyanarayana and Sabitha Indra Reddy cited the Jala Yagnam as a sign of Government's commitment to develop all regions. In fact, Telangana region was being given a greater focus by the present Government, they argued.

The PCC president, K. Keshava Rao, advised the CLP members to appreciate the Government's efforts in developing the State instead of levelling baseless accusations. He said every decision taken by the Government had the approval of a majority of Congress MLAs.

Towards flood relief: Earlier, Mr. Digvijay Singh and the Chief Minister, Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy, asked the CLP members to apply themselves to the task of governance more seriously.

The meeting resolved that each Congress MLA would donate Rs. 10,000 and the Ministers and MPs Rs. 20,000 each for flood relief work in the State.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did not want to start a political discussion, but
What a change? Is Congress Party really out to clean up their image, or what?
PJR is a perfect example of "dead wood", the congress party should get rid off!

Babji

August 19th, 2006, 01:19 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081923440100.htm
ORR: court stays land acquisition
Judge refers matter to Division Bench of High Court for serious consideration
Proceedings for Musi beautification project also stayed
Petitioners maintain ORR alignment was altered 114 times to favour "powerful" persons

HYDERABAD: The High Court has stayed further proceedings pursuant to the land acquisition notifications issued after the change in alignment of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) project at Kandlakoya village in Medchal mandal for two weeks.

The judge G. Raghu Ram also stayed the land acquisition proceedings near Uppal for the Musi beautification project. He was dealing with a batch of petitions filed by people affected by the two projects. The judge referred the matter to a Division Bench as the issues, including the environment angles, needed a serious consideration.

The petitioners, S. B. Kirloskar and others, levelled serious allegations against the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and its Chairman D. Sudheer Reddy who is made a respondent, along with another Congress leader Amabti Rambabu. The petitioners maintained that the ORR alignment had been altered 114 times to favour a few "powerful" persons. Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, senior counsel S. Ramachandra Rao said that the HUDA was depriving the poor of their lands in the name of realignment. In his counter affidavit, the ORR Project Director, however, claimed that everything was as per law.
While disagreeing with the contention that a committee of six IAS officers was asked to look into the complaints, Justice Ram remarked that the public law did not recognise such committees. He felt that the counter affidavit was not forthcoming about serious issues raised by the petitioners.

In another batch of writ petitions, Dubba Narasimha Reddy of Uppal and others, challenged the proceedings initiated to acquire their land for Musi beautification project. Their counsel D. Prakash Reddy informed the court that hundreds of acres were being acquired, when the land on banks of Musi river was sufficient for setting up the sewage treatment plants. They complained that the authorities were not acting as per law and that they were trying to acquire the farmlands without proper exercise on deciding on the actual requirement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
???

Naga_Solidus

August 19th, 2006, 01:33 AM

Oh god, they better get on with work on the ORR already and stop dilly-dallying. This is getting ridiculous.

If this land acquisition issue is really taht big a deal, then they should at least continue with their road widening and, more importantly, some of their proposed ORR link roads should be grade seperated, as should the Inner Ring Road. This will improve connectivity throughout the Hyderabad Metro Area, not jsut among the outer suburbs.

Babji

August 19th, 2006, 02:11 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081920180400.htm
ORR row: BJP plans `Chalo Assembly'
Dattatreya demands a judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities in land transactions

HYDERABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party will organise `Chalo Assembly' on August 25 focussing on the alleged irregularities in land transactions in the Outer Ring Road (ORR) project.

Party secretary Bandaru Dattatreya in a press release demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. Friday's stay by High Court on the implementation of the project has vindicated the allegations of the party, he said. Mr. Dattatreya said Mines and Geology Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy, who hails from Ranga Reddy district, and the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) Minister, D. Sudhir Reddy, had no replies to their queries on the realignment of the road at several places. The alignment of the road was altered to protect the lands of some VIPs.

In a separate statement, CPI said a party delegation called on relatives of Pesarakayala Sattamma, who allegedly died of shock after losing her two-acre land under the project, at Pedda Amberpet in Hayatnagar.

Plea to YSR: Meanwhile, Kulavivaksha Vyatireka Porata Sangham urged Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to return the land auctioned by the HUDA at Kokapet to Dalits who were in its possession for the past several decades.
KVPS wanted the Government to stop victimising Dalits in the name of development. The Government should, instead, acquire the lands owned by the rich for the projects that were being proposed in and around the twin cities. KVPS would organise a round table on Saturday in protest against the forcible acquisition and auction of the lands of Dalits.

Members of political parties as well as the representatives of Dalits and weaker sections' organisations would attend the meeting.

Babji

August 20th, 2006, 06:10 PM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(28) Dilsukhnagar-LB Nagar flyover (2006-2008)
(29) Uppal village-Ramanthapur flyover (2006 -2008) .
(30) Langar Houz Jn Flyover (2006 - 2008)

Source:TOI
Hyderabad: The construction of flyovers at Dilsukhnagar, Uppal Ring Road and Langar Houz junctions will commence in October. Their design, alignment and estimates have been readied and the tenders will be finalised in September.

The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority would construct these flyovers to ease traffic congestion at the junctions. M/s Span Consultants has prepared the designs and estimates for the proposed flyovers at Langar Houz and Dilsukhnagar, whereas the one at Uppal has been designed by M/s STUP Consultants.

The Dilsukhnagar flyover is estimated to cost Rs 55 crore,
the one at Uppal Rs 25 crore and
Langar Houz flyover Rs 11 crore.

In order to avoid land acquisition between Malakpet and Moosarambagh, changes have been made in the alignment of the flyover between Dilsukhnagar and Moosarambagh. Land acquisition for this project would be minimal. The length of this flyover would be 3.5 km with six ramps and two obligatory spans. This flyover would ease traffic congestion at Dilsukhnagar and provide direct access to the National Highway 9. The Huda was supposed to extend the flyover from Moosarambagh junction by about 100 metre towards Malakpet. Now, the authorities have decided to end the flyover at Moosarambagh junction on one side and Kothapet junction on the other in order to minimise land acquisition. The flyover has been linked with the proposed Metro Rail Corridor and it would go parallel to the rail corridor on both sides to provide unhindered access to the road traffic on the congested stretch.

The Uppal flyover is a bidirectional four-lane underpass along the Secunderabad-L B Nagar Ring Road. Extra land is needed for the loops of this flyover near Kendriya Vidyalaya School and police station. Its length is 690 metres and width eight metres. The length of the underpass is 408.5 metres and its width is 18.5 metres.

The 454 m long and 16.5 m wide flyover at Langar Houz will connect Nanal Nagar Chowk and Bapughat. It will have two lanes in each direction with two ramps, an obligatory span.

Babji

September 2nd, 2006, 11:30 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/03/stories/2006090304850600.htm
Four senior Janashakti leaders arrested

KARIMNAGAR: The CPI(ML) Janashakti group suffered a body blow with the arrest of its Central Committee secretary and four other State Committee leaders of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh from a bus stand in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

The arrested naxalites include Janashakti Central Committee secretary Kura Rajaiah alias Rajanna (59), a native of Boinwada in Vemulawada temple town, State Committee members of Andhra Pradesh Yerramreddy Narasimha Reddy alias Satyam (31) of Devaruppala in Warangal district and Nambhi Narsimhaiah alias Ram Pullaiah (53) of Adoni in Kurnool district.

Maharashtra State Committee secretary Ramakishan Pawar alias Ram (50) of Sakinaka in Mumbai and the district committee secretary of Biznur district of Uttar Pradesh Ashok Kumar Rajputh (50) of Ranipur of Biznur district were also nabbed. Rajanna joined the Janashakti some 30 years ago and was accused by the police of being involved in several cases of murder, extortion, arson and kidnapping. He was also instrumental in supplying arms and ammunition to the erstwhile People's War.

Disclosing this at a news conference here on Saturday, Karimnagar Superintendent of Police Devendra Singh Chauhan said that on credible information about the naxalites organising a meeting in Uttar Pradesh and also to execute pending non-bailable warrants against Kura Rajaiah, the special police party proceeded to Uttar Pradesh. The police nabbed the five naxalites near the Barabanki bus stand.

Arms, ammunition seized : The police also recovered a .32 pistol, one HE 36 hand grenade, 40 electric detonators, an 8 mm rifle, a 9 mm rifle, several cartridges, Rs. 3 lakh in cash, party literature and 36 important documents besides their personal belongings...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
this is a big catch - would it help control naxal menace in the state?
may be, such big fish must be holed up out side AP for security reasons.
hope the state police handle them carefully and extract more info.

pding

September 3rd, 2006, 03:54 AM

Babji

September 13th, 2006, 03:49 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091319790300.htm

Yatri Nivas lease hanging in balance
---------------------------------------------
HYDERABAD: Three months after the expiry of lease on Yatri Nivas, prime property at Secunderabad belonging to Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, suspense continues over its renewal.

Steep hike : The property was given on 10-year lease to Amogh Hotels Ltd., on June 11, 1996 and the term ended on June 10 this year.

In view of the steep hike in the value of the property, even as APTDC Board met and felt the renewal of contract clause in the Joint Management Control agreement could not implemented in toto, a petition was filed by a contender in the High Court seeking direction to APTDC for issuing fresh tender notification to enable others to submit their tenders.

Petition dismissed: While the High Court, according to sources, dismissed the petition last Saturday, the Government is yet to decide on the recommendations submitted by the Board for renewal of lease on fresh terms.

The property that was originally given on a monthly rent of Rs. 2 lakhs is now yielding Rs. 3.1 lakhs and is worth much more considering the present market value. The lessee offered a rental of Rs.7.5 lakhs for renewal of lease which the 12-member board in its meeting in May this year declined on the ground that it was not reflective of market price. The present value of Yatri Nivas with an extent of 5,300 sq.yards is estimated to be between Rs. 19,000 to Rs. 50,000 per sq.yard.

Business share : Subsequently, the lessee who developed Yatri Nivas into a prime property, made a request for negotiating the price again. The Board which met again reportedly decided on a rental value of Rs.17 lakhs a month reflective of market price.

Though the renewal clause in JMC mentioned 20 per cent hike in the rent and two per cent business share, the board decided on the new figure based on prevailing market value and sent it to the Government, sources said.

Report sought : The Government had also sought a detailed report from the Board on the lease agreement and it was furnished to it. Meanwhile, pending disposal of petition, the lease was being renewed every month so far. With the court now dismissing the petition, the Government sought the advice of Advocate General on the recommendation of the board, it is learnt.

The Board is awaiting Government's response to their recommendations for further action on lease agreement.
APTDC seems to have gained expertise in making loss making deals.
is this due to lack of accountability or pure politics?

Babji

October 1st, 2006, 02:53 AM

Rail Over Bridge work at Kukatpally to take off in Nov
Newindpress.com
HYDERABAD: The long-felt need of IT professionals to have a Railway Over Bridge (ROB) to connect the Hi-Tec City with Kukatpally will soon be fulfilled. The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has finally initiated the process for constructing ROB, which will take one year for completion.

Last year, HUDA laid a four-lane spinal road, which connected the JNTU junction at Kukatpally with Hi-Tec City junction, via Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB).

This road has provided relief to the people of Kukatpally and surrounding areas, who otherwise had to take an extended detour via Ameerpet or Chandanagar to go to the Hi-Tec City. But the location of the railway track and the resulted in diversion of traffic via Railway under Bridge was impeding the otherwise free flow of traffic here.

The four-lane ROB to be built at a cost Rs 25 crore will be 910 metres in length and 21.5 metres in width. In addition, there will be two service roads of 280 metre length on both the sides, said Vivek Deshmukh.

Tenders for ROB have already been invited. They will be finalised by the end of October. “The works will commence in the first week of November. It will be completed in 15 months,” he added.

Meanwhile, HUDA has decided to construct two more flyovers at Uppal and Langer Houz to ease traffic congestion. The proposals will be finalized soon, he said.

Babji

October 1st, 2006, 03:00 AM

Hyd Flyovers (old, new n upcoming :) )

01. YMCA (Sec’bad) ................ 02. CTO Paradise
03. Begumpet Flyover............... 04. Airport Flyover
05. Masab Tank flyover............. 06. Sanatnagar Flyover
07. Khairatabad Flyover............. 08. Telugu Talli Flyover
09. Basheerbagh Flyover ........... 10. Tarnaka Flyover
11. Marreddypally Flyover ......... 12. RK Puram Flyover
13. Moulali (ECIL X Roads) ........ 14. Narayanaguda
15. Kompalli (Paradise-Medchal).. 16. Dabirpura (old city)
17. Jamai-Osmania (1998-2006)). 18. Hafeezpet (2006)
19. Balkampet (2006) ............... 20. Fathehnagar (2006)
21. Nalgonda crossroads (2006).. 22. Chandrayangutta (2006)
23. Punjagutta (2007) .............. 24. Greenlands (2007)
25. KPHB – HITEC City (2008) .... 26. Fathehnagar (2008)
-----------------------------------------------------------

#25 is becoming a reality, at last.

(27) Seetafalmandi (1999-2007)
(28) Dilsukhnagar-LB Nagar flyover (2006-2008)
(29) Uppal village-Ramanthapur flyover (2006 -2008)
(30) Langar Houz Jn Flyover (2006 - 2008)

future:
31. E Exp Hwy M’patnm – Rajen Nagar 11.5 KM 600 crore (2006-2008)
32. Secbad Bhoiguda- Secbad Clock Tower (via Bus Terminus) (2007-2008)
33. Nacharam Road Mallapur ROB Cherlapally (2006?)

Babji

October 4th, 2006, 03:32 AM

who goes first...

#1: Lanco Hills Township project (1*90 + 12*20 storey) in 100 acres at Lanco Hills near Gachibowli (2007-2009)

#2: APIIC Business District 120 storey iconic tower in 90 acres at Manchirevula (2007-2008)

#3: TSI signature tower(s), ICICI joint venture in 12 acres at Nanakramguda (2007- 2009)

#4: Secunderabad Bus Terminus 28 storey Twin Towers in 10+ acres (2007-2008)

harsh1802

October 4th, 2006, 05:03 AM

^^ Awesome news everywhere in Hyderabad these days....and ofcourse in India.

We need to do more and plan for the future......i hope after the formation of Greater Hyderabad, a comprehensive plan should be developed by MCH to micro-plan into every small detail. Things like seperate Bus lanes, 2nd & 3rd phase planning of the metro, monrail as a feeder service to metro......etc.

I hope the MCH would also be more aggressive in promoting Greenery around the city.

grimmm

October 4th, 2006, 05:30 AM

hey when did they announce 28 storey twin towers near sec'bad bus terminal.

harsh1802

October 5th, 2006, 12:15 AM

^^ i think it's been a while now and even Mr. Reddy has laid the foundation stone over there on Dussera i think.

Babji

October 5th, 2006, 01:03 AM

Secunderabad Bus Terminus

The State Government has appointed Hyderabad Urban Development Authority as the executing agency for the Rs.250-crore project.

HUDA has invited Expression of Interest-cum-Request for Qualification from bidders of national and international repute for the project. The EOI is to design and build the bus terminus-cum-business centre on some 10 acres of land on Engineering, Procurement and Construction basis.

The authorities are planning to build a super structure with 28.5 lakh sft of carpet area, including 90,000 sft for covered parking area to accommodate at least 1,200 cars and 14,000 two-wheelers. The last date for submission of bids is September 14. The project is to be completed in 24 months.

The business centre will include 500 shops in 28-storey twin towers.
the new bus terminus-cum-business centre will have 65 bus terminals and
a multi-level parking facility to accommodate 1,200 cars and 14,000 two-wheelers.
there is also a proposal to construct a flyover from Bhoiguda to the Clock Tower.
subways will be built connecting the bus terminus with the railway station
there will be a provision to accommodate hawkers in the terminus
there is also a proposal to include the new bus terminus on the MRTS connectivity map

Babji

October 5th, 2006, 02:34 AM

Is the much publicised Fab City waiting and waiting and waiting for GoI announcement of hardware policy?
Is the Ministry of Finance (Mr P Chidambaram?) holding the Hardware policy?.
Is Mr Maran busy match fixing?
in the mean time...
Oct 05, 2006:
Aspocomp bets big on $100 mn Chennai plant

Finland-based manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs) Aspocomp said it was investing $100 million to set up a new high density interconnections (HDI) PCB manufacturing plant. The plant, first in the country, will be based in Sriperumbudur. Aspocomp also supplies components to Nokia.
http://www.business-standard.com/search/storypage_new.php?leftnm=1&leftindx=1&subLeft=1&autono=260684
Sep 25,2006:
Anniyan: Guys, Today i had a chance to speak to one of my close friend's uncle who holds a senior position in Intel. He was in the high level team which came to india in 2004 to study the location. He told me that Intel has already reserved the land in Siruseri, and they were interested only in Madras. They were very particular abt that the logistics and they wanted their plant to be located near the city itseems.
Sep 15, 2006
http://www.tn.gov.in/pressrelease/pr140906/pr140906_e_319.pdf
Judish Raj: ET says for every US $ invested by Dell at a manufacturing site seven time more investments come from its suppliers. In the case of Dell's Sriperumbudur facility we estimate it to be not less than $300 Mn around Rs 1350 Cr official sources claimed.
Sep 14,2006
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshowcnews/1991401.cms
Dell to set up India manufacturing plant in Tamil

what next?

Hindustani

October 5th, 2006, 03:29 AM

I think 28F Twin Towers at Sec Bus Term. will go first because of the low height & should get fire clearance.

Babji

October 5th, 2006, 03:59 AM

I think 28F Twin Towers at Sec Bus Term. will go first because of the low height & should get fire clearance.

I would fully agree with you.
also, HUDA has already invited tenders for this project.
and RTC is in dire need of bus bays near and around Secbad stn
and HUDA need not worry about marketing the space - it will sell like a hot cake
and HUDA has gained expertise in project management - they should be able to complete it in time.

harsh1802

October 6th, 2006, 01:03 PM

Hey guys.....wht happened to the formation of HMRC?

It was supposed to be up in Sept. itself right!?

pding

October 6th, 2006, 09:35 PM

these days Mr. Maran is faming around the country and perhaps around the world as Information and Communications Minister of Tamil Nadu. the post at centre has been vacated for sometime now.

harsh1802

October 7th, 2006, 04:21 AM

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6594/062op7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6555/061nu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6691/09635rw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/4637/09ph8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I'm really waiting for the day when something like this runs in HYderabad & Secunderabad.......................andofcourse it will be a better design than this.

:) :)

Babji

October 12th, 2006, 02:36 AM

lets put on our thinking caps and
list three most poorly handled/managed projects by GoAP in recent times:

1. Kakinada Sea Ports Ltd
2. Telugu Talli Flyover
3. Volks Wagen

its open to all.
whats on your list?

grimmm

October 12th, 2006, 05:48 AM

1. Kakinada Sea Ports Ltd
2. Telugu Talli Flyover
3. Volks Wagen
4) ORR.

ORR is being screwed up big time. They have changed the definition of a ring road. Maybe phase 1 has no issues, but remaining phases are neck deep in controversies.

Naga_Solidus

October 12th, 2006, 06:28 AM

I hope tehy'll make the rest of it expressway standard like the first phase, as per the originnal plan.

And what ook them so long with the TT flyover?

grimmm

October 12th, 2006, 07:04 AM

I hope tehy'll make the rest of it expressway standard like the first phase, as per the originnal plan.

And what ook them so long with the TT flyover?

The reason for the delay was that 1 ambedkar statue had to be shifted from the way which sc/st activists opposed.

I think one end of the flyover was supposed to dropdown at liberty junction, but due to some resistance it alignment was changed to drop down at lower tank bund. Am i right?

Naga_Solidus

October 12th, 2006, 08:47 AM

Yes, the TT flyover was, in fact, meant to have supr towards Liberty Jn, with two arms.

THankfully, the same problems that the TT flyover faced havent been an issue for the Punjagutta and Greenlands flyovers.

BTW, whatever happened to the Nalgonda one?

Babji

October 13th, 2006, 02:06 AM

Work on Nalgonda Flyover seems to be progressing well.
It might be open to public by mid 2007.

Oppostion parties are trying to make a big issue out of ORR
however, HUDA seems to be in control. hopefully, Phase 2 of ORR will be smoother and better.

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/13/stories/2006101319460500.htm

Special relief package for ORR displaced soon
HUDA chairman accuses CPI (M), TDP, BJP of double standards

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Urban Development Authority chairman D. Sudheer Reddy has termed the protests by opposition parties demanding land-for-land for the ORR displaced as an exercise to prove their existence.

Addressing media persons here on Thursday, the HUDA chairman said that neither the TDP during its tenure in the State nor BJP or CPI (M) ruled States ever gave land-for-land when they acquired land for various purposes.

He, however, indicated that the Cabinet sub-committee would soon announce a special compensation package to the farmers affected by the ORR. The land compensation package implemented by different States were studied by the sub-committee and the special package to which final touches were being given would be the best in the country. He said that 3,196 small farmers were losing their entire land and the special package would do them justice.

The CPM ruled West Bengal Government acquired 5,500 acres for Tata Cars unit and resorted to ruthless lathi-charge injuring Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee all for demanding better compensation to farmers. The same party was now adopting dual standards and demanding land-for-land here, he pointed out.

Babji

October 13th, 2006, 02:10 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

Old city gets Rs 2,000 cr grant

Hyderabad, Oct. 12: The State government has unveiled a Rs 2,000-crore package for the development and beautification of the old city of Hyderabad. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy said that the package would ensure modern drainage system, 24-hour water supply and better roads to every colony in the old city. It will also get beautiful parks, swimming pools and other amenities, he added.

He promised to spend Rs 800 crore on construction of an underground drainage system. This would be completed in five years. To facilitate daily water supply to the people living in the Old City, reservoirs will be constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore within a year. The government would allocate Rs 120 crore for nala development, he added. Two road over-bridges will be constructed at Kandikal Uppuguda and parks will be developed in different localities. Beautification of the Charminar and Raja Hussain Dargah would be taken up.

future Flyovers/ ROBs:
31. E Exp Hwy M’patnm – Rajen Nagar 11.5 KM (2006-2008)
32. Bhoiguda- Secbad Clock Tower (2007-2009)
33. Kandikal Gate (Old City) (2007-2009)
34. Uppuguda ROB (Old City) (2007-2009)

Babji

October 29th, 2006, 09:27 PM

Transco under pressure with CM statement
http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
Hyderabad, Oct. 29: With power demand being pegged at 180-190 million units a day for the Rabi season, the recent announcement by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy assuring free power to all lift irrigation (LI) schemes has put the energy department on the backfoot.

Power requirements of the LI schemes amount to 3,500 mega watt, according to the power officials. APTransco is already facing record demand of 175 million units. This unprecedented rise in agricultural demand coupled with domestic requirements is making the task tough for Transco. Transco already buys about 500 MW power from other States to cover the gap between generation and demand....

AP CM rules out privatisation of power
Sunday October 29 2006 00:00 IST Newindpress
UNI

HYDERABAD: Squarely blaming the previous TDP government’s ‘misplaced thrust’ on gas-based power plants responsible for the current power shortage, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday ruled out privatisation of power distribution in the state.

1500 mw of gas-based power capacity was lying idle over the last six months for want of gas

Dr Reddy said though his government was able to bring down Rs 1200 crore burden on the public by successfully negotiating on fixed charges with Independent Private Power Producers (IPPS), it was able to procure only 500 mw of power after scouting from ‘‘Kashmir to kanniyakumari--leaving a shortage of 700 mw-- even purchasing power at a high Rs five per unit’’.

‘‘People are suffering and there is no escape from power shortage which is likely to continue for another two years,’’ he added...
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/07/stories/2006040714700400.htm

Two States stop power supply

HYDERABAD: Tamil Nadu and Kerala stopped power supply to Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, making the current shortage in the State acute. This may force the AP Transco and the distribution companies to increase the duration of power cut for the domestic sector in the rural areas and later in towns.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Orissa came to the rescue of the State, the first by offering 300 MW and the latter two 100 MW each when Andhra Pradesh faced shortage in March. The Transco has been buying power from these states all these days at huge cost to fulfil its obligations, especially towards farmers and students. However, Taml Nadu and Kerala withdrew their support citing their own scarcities. Transco CMD Rachel Chatterjee told The Hindu after a review of the situation by the Chief Minister that they had approached West Bengal with a plea to spare at least 100 MW but to no avail. She said the energy demand on Wednesday was 170 mu as against 147.1 mu the same day last year, a hike of 16 per cent.
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/14/stories/2006091413810400.htm

TDP blames Government for power shortage

HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday charged the Government with stopping power generation at Srisailam project to maintain the level at 854 feet to ensure supply of water to Pothireddypadu regulator thereby plunging the State into a power crisis.
1500 mw of gas-based power capacity: lying idle since April 2006 for want of gas
Purchased from Independent Private Power Producers (IPPS): 500 mw (as of Oct 2006)
shortage of power: 700 mw (as of Oct 2006)

could they have prevented this shortage?
would privatizing power help improve situation? ... any ideas...

Babji

November 7th, 2006, 02:50 AM

source : http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Skins/TOI/Client.asp?Daily=TOIH&login=ragece&Enter=true&Skin=TOI&AppName=1
LEGAL WRANGLES
Huda raises red flag on its own townships

Hyderabad: Close on the heels of the Growth Corridor project along both sides of the Outer Ring Road being put on the back burner, the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda) has decided to put the townships project on hold, apparently perturbed over the court battle on land acquisitions. In fact, there seems to have no indication that any of the proposed 13 integrated townships would be materialised this year.

Huda, which initially proposed 22 townships to develop the outskirts of the city, reduced the number to 13 following the realty boom.

However, the urban body had announced that the twin projects—ORR and satellite townships—would be taken up simultaneously. But as soon as it notified land for the project, the locals approached the court and secured stay over land acquisition.

Now, Tellapur where Huda has 400 acres of its own is the only place left for developing a township without any resistance. “We would like to go ahead with the project starting from Tellapur this year,” ORR project director Piyush Kumar told TOI.

Besides the urban body has notified private land in surrounding areas which include about 42 acres in Adibatla, 89 acres in Almasguda, 461 acres in Nadargul, 251 acres in Raikunta, 191 acres in Mankhal, 42 acres in Kismatpur, 35 acres in Dargah Khaleej Khan, 175 acres in Injapur, 151 acres in Turkayamjal, 633 acres in Antaipally, 551 acres in Srinagar, 93 acres in Tellapur and 830 acres in Uppal.

But it is facing strong resistance from residents in Nadargul, Mankhal, Srinagar and Uppal areas. In Srinagar, where most of the notified land belongs to the family members and relatives of former home minister T Devender Goud, the owners approached the court to secure a stay. It is learnt that land owners at many place are demanding huge compensation for their land.

“We are not able to acquire land even after notifying them. As the ORR package has not been finalised yet, we cannot go ahead with the townships project,” said a senior Huda official.

“The urban development authority would file a counter in the court against stay in Nadargul, Mankhal, Srinagar and Uppal to vacate the stay,” he added.

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716900400.htm

TDP asks Chief Whip to surrender land
`Be prepared to face criminal action'
TDLP team `inspects' the land allegedly grabbed
Wonders how land worth Rs. 6 crores could be regularised

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam Legislature Party members on Monday reiterated their demand that Chief Whip N. Kiran Kumar Reddy surrender the land that he had allegedly `encroached' and said that if he failed to do so, be prepared to face criminal action.

A TDLP team, accompanied by several city unit leaders of the TDP on Monday afternoon visited the land that was allegedly `grabbed' by the Chief Whip in the MLAs Colony on Road No. 12, Banjara Hills.

The team included E. Dayakar Rao, A. Sreedevi and G. Sayanna.

Mr. Rao told presspersons after `inspecting' the land in Banjara Hills that it was a mistake both on the part of the Sri Venkateswara Housing Society to regularise the 830 square yards of land and on the part of the Chief Whip too.

He wondered how land worth a whopping Rs. 6 crores could be regularised in the name of Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy for a paltry sum of Rs. 3.76 lakh.

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
Forest Officials find: 15,000cr worth forest land is grabbed

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
AP media baron is accused of chit fraud

IMG Deal: "The Centre has returned the ordinance. They told us that some amendments have to be made in the ordinance. Our legal department is at the job and will send it to the Centre soon," the official said.

Is there a storm brewing up in AP politics?
will it benefit the people of the state??
will it hamper the dev projects???

Babji

November 7th, 2006, 03:56 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/11/stories/2005031113070300.htm

Ray of hope for Krushi Bank depositors CID seeks to auction chairman's property
HYDERABAD, MARCH 10. After their dreams were shattered way back in August 2001, the depositors of the scam-hit Krushi Bank are optimistic of getting back their hard earned money someday.

Even as the bank's fugitive chairman, K. Venkateswara Rao, still haunts the State police, there appears to be a ray of hope for the depositors, going by the recent move of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Andhra Pradesh.

CID sleuths, who had seized the properties belonging to Venkateswara Rao after the scam had surfaced, recently filed a petition in the court, requesting auction of some of the property so that the money could be paid to the depositors. "In all probability, the vehicles owned by Rao, which include two Mercedes Benz and four other cars and two-wheelers, will be auctioned by the court by the end of this month," the CID officials disclosed. The total worth of the property seized was around Rs. 19.5 crores, some of which is not claimed by anybody.

Ramini Vidyasagar, of Dilsukhnagar deposited Rs. 4 lakhs. "I deposited the money only for a month with a view to purchasing land. But the bank downed shutters," he said.

Ditto is the case with 70-year-old D.C.R Das, who retired from BHEL, Bhopal. "I invested Rs. 1 lakh. I hope to get back my hard earned money some day," he said.

03/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/03/stories/2006070320290500.htm
Krushi Bank chief in CID custody
HYDERABAD: Sleuths of Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Sunday took the extradited Chairman of Krushi Cooperative Urban Bank Kosaraju Venkateswara Rao into their custody.

Rao was taken to CID office at Masab Tank from Chanchalguda prison amid tight security. Rao will be in police custody till July 7. When media persons repeatedly asked him about threat to him, Rao replied that he would reveal all the details before the court. The CID officials later in the evening reportedly grilled Rao about Rs. 38 crore deposits belonging to Charminar Bank.
Rao was brought to the city from Bangkok on June 27 and was remanded in judicial custody till July 11.

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/28/stories/2006062821530400.htm
Krushi Bank scam: focus on collection of evidence
HYDERABAD : With the arrest over, focus of the sleuths is on the crucial exercise of collecting evidence against Krushi Bank chief K. Venkateswara Rao.

CID Additional DGP M. Ratan, addressing a press conference hours before Rao was brought to city from Thailand, said police were making efforts to retrieve the nearly Rs. 6.6 crores invested by Rao in some Mumbai-based firms.

While allegedly siphoning off the deposits by applying loans on fictitious names and sanctioning the same by virtue of he being the bank chairman, Rao also diverted Rs. 6.6 crores, "During interrogation, we hope to secure more details," he said.

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716890400.htm
Krushi chief's property to be auctioned
HYDERABAD: The State Crime Investigation Department has decided to auction the second and third floors of G. S. Chambers owned by scam-hit Krushi Cooperative Urban Bank Chairman Kosaraju Venkateswara Rao at Nagarjuna Circle in Punjagutta on November 25 at the Nampally court here.

Officials said a notification would be issued within two days.Rao's Punjagutta property comprises 7,500 square feet on the second floor, 5,250 square feet on the third floor and 2,075 square feet on the fourth floor of G.S. Chambers. "We will take all necessary steps to prevent bidders from forming a syndicate to bag the properties at lesser price," an official said.
that is approx 15000 sft, would fetch a min Rs. 4,50,00,000.00

what is the total worth of the scam?
how many depositors lost how much?
would GoAP get any of this?
where is the rest?

p.raghavendra6

November 7th, 2006, 10:48 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716900400.htm

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
Forest Officials find: 15,000cr worth forest land is grabbed

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
AP media baron is accused of chit fraud

IMG Deal: "The Centre has returned the ordinance. They told us that some amendments have to be made in the ordinance. Our legal department is at the job and will send it to the Centre soon," the official said.

Is there a storm brewing up in AP politics?
will it benefit the people of the state??
will it hamper the dev projects???

hectic mud slinging goin on. I wonder where it leads to :dunno:

pding

November 7th, 2006, 03:46 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716900400.htm

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
Forest Officials find: 15,000cr worth forest land is grabbed

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#AP%20media%20baron%20is%20accused%20of%20chit%20fraud
AP media baron is accused of chit fraud

IMG Deal: "The Centre has returned the ordinance. They told us that some amendments have to be made in the ordinance. Our legal department is at the job and will send it to the Centre soon," the official said.

Is there a storm brewing up in AP politics?
will it benefit the people of the state??
will it hamper the dev projects???

all this leads to only one conclusion: whether it is TDP or Congress, land mafia has become a major issue in AP. if this continues for some more time, we could have CBI investigations, national level scandals, and all this will take a beating on dev projects.

pding

November 7th, 2006, 03:51 PM

i think it's about time somebody makes a legislation for having more transpanrency in the activities of politicians and political parties. that is the only way to solve this. this problem is not just in AP, but in every state. but usually these things don't get out in the open and if they do, there is a good chance that these "inside things" will charge up the political atmosphere to a good deal.

For Congress it is bad, and even for the people it will be bad: b/c any land acquisition will now go through several rounds of inquiries and it will def affect industrial as well as agri and power projects.

Babji

November 9th, 2006, 01:23 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
YSR takes Margadarsi to PC

Hyderabad, Nov. 8: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy rushed to the national capital on Wednesday and discussed the Margadarsi Financiers issue with Union finance minister P. Chidambaram, putting the matter firmly on the agenda. “The Margadarsi issue did figure in my discussions with the Union finance minister,” Dr Reddy told mediapersons in New Delhi after the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that legal opinion was being sought on whether insurance cover which is available to deposits in cooperative and nationalised banks would be extended to deposits made in institutions like Margadarsi Financiers. He said the State government’s role in the issue was limited. He stated that earlier there was pressure from depositors on the State government when Krushi and Prudential cooperative banks collapsed. “A similar situation might come if something happens to Margadarsi,” he said.

The Congress’s Rajahmundry MP Vundavalli Aruna Kumar on Monday had complained to Union finance minister P. Chidambaram that Margadarsi Financiers, a Hindu Undivided Family, was collecting deposits in violation of section 45S of RBI Act 1934. The Chief Minister said that Mr Chidambaram stated that the allegations made by Mr Kumar against Margadarsi Financiers would be looked into and necessary action taken.

Dr Reddy said two major issues in the controversy were: legal status of the company collecting deposits and the company incurring Rs 1,100 crore loss when other companies in the group were making profits of Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore. The CM reportedly used his Delhi visit to lend his voice to the controversy, according to sources, following reports that a senior State minister had impressed upon a Union minister about the need to maintain restraint on the issue. Both were believed to have decided to lobby with the party high command.

The duo was of the view that the controversy might send out signals that the government was resorting to a witch hunt. Dr Reddy effectively scotched that attempt. Sources said the Chief Minister briefed party in-charge Digvijay Singh on the issue and clarified that there was no witch-hunt.
RBI opts to be silent
Hyderabad, Nov. 8: The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday refused to comments on the legal status of Margadarsi Financiers which has allegedly collected deposits from the public against norms. Congress MP V. Aruna Kumar on Monday complained to Union finance minister P. Chidambaram that Margadarsi was collecting deposits in violation of section 45S of RBI Act 1934.

When asked if the deposit collection by Margadarsi Financiers was legal, RBI chief general manager and press relations division in-charge Alpana Killawala told this correspondent over phone that the RBI cannot offer comment at this stage. “Keeping in view the complexities involved in the issue the RBI has chosen not to offer any comments as of now,” she said.

Financial experts say this is strange. “How can RBI shirk its responsibility of clarifying the legal status of the company when lakhs of depositors are anxious about their money,” said a chartered accountant on condition of anonymity. “The apex bank is bound to act and make its position clear on the legal status of Margadarsi and it cannot keep mum for long,” he said.

Interestingly, the Economic Survey of 1998-1999 made the position very clear with regard to collecting deposits by certain agencies, including Hindu Undivided Family. The Economic Survey presented with the Union Budget of 1998-1999 made the position very clear with regard to collecting deposits by certain agencies including Hindu Undivided Family, a chartered accountant said. It made it clear that HUF cannot accept deposits, he said.

p.raghavendra6

November 9th, 2006, 06:24 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
YSR takes Margadarsi to PC

RBI opts to be silent

Hyderabad, Nov. 8: The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday refused to comments on the legal status of Margadarsi Financiers which has allegedly collected deposits from the public against norms. Congress MP V. Aruna Kumar on Monday complained to Union finance minister P. Chidambaram that Margadarsi was collecting deposits in violation of section 45S of RBI Act 1934.

When asked if the deposit collection by Margadarsi Financiers was legal, RBI chief general manager and press relations division in-charge Alpana Killawala told this correspondent over phone that the RBI cannot offer comment at this stage. “Keeping in view the complexities involved in the issue the RBI has chosen not to offer any comments as of now,” she said.

Financial experts say this is strange. “How can RBI shirk its responsibility of clarifying the legal status of the company when lakhs of depositors are anxious about their money,” said a chartered accountant on condition of anonymity. “The apex bank is bound to act and make its position clear on the legal status of Margadarsi and it cannot keep mum for long,” he said.

Interestingly, the Economic Survey of 1998-1999 made the position very clear with regard to collecting deposits by certain agencies, including Hindu Undivided Family. The Economic Survey presented with the Union Budget of 1998-1999 made the position very clear with regard to collecting deposits by certain agencies including Hindu Undivided Family, a chartered accountant said. It made it clear that HUF cannot accept deposits, he said.

never thought Ramoji Rao has a lot of power in central govt too. :ohno:

Babji

November 10th, 2006, 01:08 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
Margadarsi: Depositors demand refund

Hyderabad, Nov. 9: Mild tension prevailed at the Margadarsi Financiers head office near Public Gardens here on Thursday when scores of depositors thronged the office and demanded refund of their deposits. Between 10.30 and 11.30 am, around 200 de-positors turned up at the office. Many demanded that Margadarsi Finan-ciers return their deposits, while a few inquired about the veracity of the allegations against the company.

Congress MP Vundavalli Aruna Kumar has alleged that Margadarsi Finan-ciers is a Hindu Undivided Family and cannot collect deposits. The Rajahmundry MP had also pointed to the losses of Rs 1,100 crore suffered by Margadarsi Financiers.
Local officials refused to entertain any demand, saying rules do not permit premature payments. They said there was no threat to deposits and asked depositors keep faith in group chairman Ramoji Rao. When the depositors remained unconvinced, officials promised to take up the matter with the management. Anticipating further trouble, the management asked for police protection.

When contacted, assistant commissioner of police, Saifabad, K. Umamaheshwar Rao said a sub-inspector, a head constable, four constables and a section of Andhra Pradesh Special Police consisting 12 personnel were deployed at the Margadarsi office.
http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#MP%20Aruna%20to%20sue%20Ramoji
MP Aruna to sue Ramoji

Rajahmundry, Nov. 9: Local MP Vundavalli Aruna Kumar was consulting his lawyers to file a defamation suit against Eenadu group chairman Ramoji Rao and managing director of Margadarsi Chit Funds Sailaja Kiran for calling him a liar, sources said. Mr Kumar had alleged that Margadarsi Finan-ciers as a Hindu Undivided Family could not collect deposits.

He also pointed to the losses of Rs 1,100 crores at Margadarsi Financiers. Sources said Mr Kumar, who arrived here on Thursday to take part in local programmes, was considering filing criminal cases along with defamation suit against some depositors who called him names on camera on ETV-2 television channel.

Sources said that Mr Kumar wanted to make Mr Rao, Ms Kiran, ETV-2 personnel and depositors as parties while filing the defamation suit. Sources said Mr Kumar was acquiring the clippings of statements of those who had made statements defaming him. In Hyderabad, the Congress Legislature Party said that the complaint made by Mr Kumar was not politically motivated. Government chief whip N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said Mr Kumar had just brought the irregularities at Margadarsi Financiers to the notice of finance minister P. Chidambaram.

Babji

November 14th, 2006, 11:50 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/15/stories/2006111505810300.htm

Windshield of bus breaks, one injured

NELLORE: An attendant of a Volvo bus of RTC sustained injuries when the windscreen of the bus broke into pieces near Tada on Sunday while the bus was on its way to Chennai from Hyderabad.

Panic-stricken passengers came down heavily on the crew of the bus as well as the RTC management for not taking enough care in maintaining the luxury coach. They alleged that the front glass had cracks even when the bus left Hyderabad.

The bus reached Chennai three hours behind schedule.
how careless!
would a private operator run the bus in that condition?
a stitch in time... when would APSRTC learn?

Babji

November 17th, 2006, 01:53 AM

Huge encroachment on wakf land
[ 17 Nov, 2006 0204hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: About 1,500 acres of wakf land and 510 acres belonging to Jamia Nizamia have been encroached upon under Serilingampally municipality by none other than government agencies.

This came to light during a fact-finding drive launched by the Assembly House Committee for Minorities led by Kadapa MLA (Congress) Ahmedullah on Thursday. The entire wakf land comes under Dargah Shah Wali located in Raidurg village of Ranga Reddy district. The team comprising MLAs Ahmedullah, Akbaruddin Owaisi, Sheik Subhani, Ranga Reddy district collector L Premchandra Reddy, Wakf Board special officer-in-charge Sheik Madar and Jamia Nizamia rector Moulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed verified the revenue and wakf records which revealed that the land worth thousands of crores of rupees belonged to Wakf Board.

As per the wakf records, there is a total of 1,654 acres that belongs to Dargah Shah Wali. Of the total dargah land, 250 acres has been allotted to Indian School of Business, 1,022 acres has been given away to Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), 200 acres to Moulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu) and 29 acres has been left with Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda). Only 150 acres of land is left with the dargah but some portion of the remaining land is encroached by individuals and structures have come up on good amount of land. Ahmedullah said that the wakf land would be recovered and the land where prime institutions have come up would be converted into "lease-deed" so that ownership of wakf board could be established. A review meeting will be held on November 20 where a policy decision would be taken to safeguard the available wakf land and retain the ownership over the encroached properties, he said.

Akbaruddin Owaisi demanded that government should not delay in getting the wakf land back. Even when court judgments on most of the land came in favour of the Wakf Board, neither the Wakf Board nor the government made any efforts to take control over the properties, he said.

Owaisi demanded that all the institutions that have encroached wakf land be brought under "lease-deed" and Muslim students be given a 10 per cent reservation in ISB and jobs in other institutions like APIIC.

The House Committee visited several sites in Ranga Reddy district on Wednesday where it detected that hundreds of acres of wakf land has been allotted to various agencies, projects including IMG and for the upcoming international airport at Shamshabad. The committee found that more than 900 acres of land in Shamshabad was being used for the new airport, 87 acres allotted to Apparel park, 420 acres to IMG, 340 acres for maternity hospital and 230 acres encroached upon by tribals
how could there be so much inconsistency btn wakf records and dist land records?
how did the wakf board kept silent for so long??

Babji

November 17th, 2006, 02:25 AM

Hyderabad boys erase Sachin-Kambli record
T S Sudhir Thursday, November 16, 2006 (Hyderabad): NDTV

For all those worried about the future of Indian cricket after Sachin Tendulkar can now afford to take it easy. The country has discovered the successor to the Master Blaster in Hyderabad.
http://i15.tinypic.com/47b7y9j.jpg
Shaibaaz Tumbi and Manoj Kumar were not even born when Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli etched their names in the record books in 1988 for the highest partnership. The two eighth class students truly belong to the brave Gen-next of Indian cricket, having erased the 18-year-old record by scoring 721 runs in 40 overs in an inter-school tournament in Hyderabad.

The joy and pride is visible particularly when you ask how the team in opposition, St Phillips school, reacted on the field to the flurry of boundaries. "They were really tired. After a point, they started walking, and not running, after the ball. The umpires were also telling us to stop and declare the innings, since the opposition wouldn't score nearly as many anyway," said Shaibaaz Tumbi, member, St Peter's High School Team.

Unlike coach Ramakant Achrekar who was not too happy with Tendulkar and Kambli not declaring the innings, coach Harish was keen that Manoj and Shahbaz rewrite the history books. "We planned for a match win. But suddenly I was surprised that they scored 721. It is marvelous and it is a big achievement for the school and for the children," said Harish, Cricket Coach, St Peter's High School.

Egging on his son Shaibaaz, was Imtiaz Tumbi who runs a catering business in the city. "I was watching the match right from when he was on 80. I wanted him to finish his century. In fact I was putting pressure on him to play groundstrokes and try to achieve 150. Then 200, 250 and then 300,'' said Imtiaz Tumbi, Shaibaz's father.

Manoj and Shaibaaz are now the toast of their school, St. Peter's High School in Secunderabad. "These days, you do not find a century or a double century in one-day games. Triple centuries by two members of our team is great. They made our school proud," said a school mate.

The two opening batsmen are now in contention for a place in Hyderabad's junior team, a claim the selectors would find very tough to ignore.

Young talent: In an indication that the city's cricketing fraternity is excited about new talent, the Hyderabad cricket team was found discussing the exploits of the two boys. "It was a long-standing record. The record has been broken in India, that too in Hyderabad. We are all very happy,'' said AT Rayudu, member, Hyderabad Ranji Trophy Team.

For Hyderabad, the exploits of Manoj and Shaibaaz have come as a breath of fresh air. "It is very good for Hyderabad cricket. For Indian cricket, it is just another milestone. But in Hyderabad, to encourage youngsters of that age, is a positive sign,'' said Vivek Jaisimha, coach, Hyderabad Ranji Trophy Team.

Firmly grounded: But the city has made a mark for itself in recent years with tennis sensation Sania Mirza leading the charge. An entire generation of parents has dreamt of their sons and daughters emulating Sania. "To the parents I would like to say that please do not push them into tennis. If they want to get into tennis, it is good because that is what my parents did. They never pushed me into it. They said, do you want to try it out and I was the one who chose,'' said Sania Mirza, World No 66 in Tennis.

Former cricketers also advise caution, saying while it is time to celebrate a world record, it is more important to ensure the two boys have their feet firmly on the ground. "It is too early to predict anything. Let them play, let them blossom and get some more runs consistently. I want to see what they are going to get in the next match. That is where the consistency and maturity will come in,'' said Arshad Ayub, who scored 32 ODIs and 13 Tests for India.

Hyderabad earned the tag of being the sports capital of the country with the state-of-the-art stadia that were built in the last few years. It is perhaps logical that talent is coming into the limelight now.

Various records: Mohammad Shaibaz Tumbi (324 not out off 116 balls) and B Manoj Kumar (320 not out off 127 balls), with their unbroken 721-run opening stand, have established a number of records:
Highest partnership for any wicket in any class of cricket, surpassing the unbroken 664 between Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar for the third wicket for Sharadashram Vidyamandir against St.Xavier's at Bombay in 1987-88.
Highest ever total in a limited-overs game, surpassing the previous best of 630 for five in 45 overs by United Cricket Club against Bay Area in a league match in California on August 27, 2006.
St Phillips' paltry total of 21 means the victory-margin of 700 runs is the biggest ever in limited-overs cricket.
First ever instance of two triple centuries in the same innings in limited-overs cricket. The boys were playing for St Peter's High School against St Phillips at Parade ground, Secunderabad on November 15.

Schoolboys create world record
November 16, 2006 Rediff.com
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B Manoj Kumar and Mohamed Shaibaaz Tumbi, who registered a world record partnership of 721 runs in an inter-school match, say they had planned to play out the entire 40 overs and score as many runs as possible.

The 13-year-olds struck unbeaten triple centuries each in the Under-13 inter-school one-day cricket match in Hyderabad on Wednesday to wipe out the long-standing record of 664 runs achieved by Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli for the third wicket in 1987-88 for their school Sharadashram Vidyamandir in Bombay.

"We thought of playing full 40 overs and scoring centuries because first year's selection is very important," said Manoj, whose role model is Yuvraj Singh.

Shaibaaz, who idolises Tendulkar, said: "Actually we didn't plan this. We just kept on playing. We thought we have to stick for 40 overs on the wicket".

Manoj cracked 320 off 127 balls studded with 46 boundaries while Shaibaaz hit 324 laced with 67 hits to the fence for St. Peter's High School at the Gymkhana Ground against St. Phillip's High School.

It is a first instance of two triple centuries being scored in the same innings in limited-overs cricket.

Their baffled opponents folded up for 21 in 7 overs. Manoj and Shaibaaz said their rivals were so tired of fielding that they stopped chasing the ball towards the end. "In almost 15 overs, he completed his century and I completed my 120 runs. So they were really tired and were just walking and not running behind the balls," Shaibaaz said.

"The umpires were also telling us that you just declare and go because they [the opponents] cannot outscore you. But we said we want to at least complete 300 runs and then more," he added.

Asked what were they telling each other during their stint in the middle, Manoj said: "We were telling that let us score competitively. We should play our natural game and play according to the merit of the ball".

He, however, denied that there was any kind of competition among them. "He [Shaibaaz] was scoring faster than me, completing the double and then triple century first. But lastly I gained concentration and scored 320," Manoj said. "When we crossed 600-mark, our coach told us '64 more runs' and we were set for a record. We got those runs quickly and completed the record," Shaibaaz said.

Despite their world-record feat, Shaibaaz and Manoj have their feet firmly on the ground and are not taking their places in the team for granted. "We don't think so. There are players who are better than us. They will also play and try to get the runs," said Manoj. "Triple century does not mean that we are on the tree. We have to learn more techniques and think how to get further."

Babji

November 17th, 2006, 02:58 AM

The Times November 17, 2006 (rediff)
Teenagers rack up 721 in 40-over slogathon
From Dileep Premachandran in Bombay

IF YOU had just returned from a wilderness retreat, you might have wondered why two 13-year-old boys wearing baseball caps were hogging the limelight on every TV news channel in India. Even in a country obsessed with cricket statistics, the saturation coverage suggested that life would never be the same again for Boddepalli Manoj Kumar and Mohammad Shaibaaz Tumbi.

To be fair to the pair, they did not just break a record, they obliterated it. It had been established in February 1988, when Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli added 664 for Shardashram Vidyamandir School in a Harris Shield match against St Xavier’s. Within 20 months, Tendulkar had donned the India cap, and when Kambli followed in 1993, those who had witnessed the carnage at Azad Maidan could tell themselves that they had seen the first blows of India’s batting revolution.

But where Shardashram needed 120 overs to amass 748 for two, Tumbi and Kumar, the openers, needed only 40 overs to wallop an unbeaten 721. They were aided by some incredibly wayward bowling, with the St Phillip High School boys sending down 57 wides and three no-balls. Even more astonishing was the fact that they got to such a mammoth score without a single six being hit at the large Parade Ground in Secunderabad.

Secunderabad, twin city of Hyderabad, has no real claims to sporting fame, though it does house the St John’s Academy, where V. V. S. Laxman, the India batsman, honed his skills as a teenager. After the blitz from Kumar and Tumbi, the opposition were so shell-shocked that they folded for 21.

Tumbi, who scored 324 off 116 balls, said: “We were just concentrating on the game. We were not playing to break records but it is a nice feeling that we broke the record of our idol, Sachin Tendulkar.” Kumar, who is keen to model his game on Yuvraj Singh, India’s left-handed middle-order batsman, made 320 from 127 balls and insisted that the run-fest did not mean that their names would be first on the team-sheet in future.

“There are players who are better than us,” he said. “They will also play and try to get the runs.”

Kambli, who still plays Ranji Trophy matches for Bombay after a career blighted by ill-discipline, injuries and poor form, hailed the feat and said that the record could not be dismissed simply because of the uncompetitive nature of many school cricket games. “It’s extremely difficult unless you have some talent,” he said, talking to Cricinfo. “Our coach used to tell us that thirties and forties are just not good enough. It was tougher for us because school cricket was more competitive at that time.

“It was largely because of our coach [Ramakant Achrekar], who kept telling us to always try for a big score. Even if we got a double or triple-hundred, he never used to congratulate us. He used to ask, ‘Why didn’t you stay not out?’ ”

The Tendulkar-Kambli partnership took place in a two-day game, and happened only because Achrekar stayed away from the second day’s play.

After the opening day, with Tendulkar on 192, Achrekar had given instructions that they should declare first thing the next morning. But the 15-year-old Tendulkar paid no heed and by the time the punishment ended, he had made 326 to Kambli’s 349.

Kambli went on to average 54.2 over a 17-Test career that started so promisingly with a double-century in only his third Test, against England on home turf at the Wankhede Stadium. Tendulkar, who remains his close friend, is into his eighteenth season on the international treadmill.

When one of the most talked about records in Indian sport fell, Tendulkar was busy gearing up for his latest challenge in South Africa. If either Kumar or Tumbi scale such heights, Indian cricket would have a lot to be thankful for.

cricmania.com
Cricket-Schoolboys rewrite record books with 721-run stand
11-16-2006 , 11:52© 2006 AFP
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Indian schoolboys Manoj Kumar (left) and Shaibaz Tumbi (right) did the unthinkable when they put on a "world record" 721 for the opening wicket off 40 overs in a one-day cricket match.

NEW DELHI (AFP) - A pair of Indian schoolboys did the unthinkable when they put on a "world record" 721 for the opening wicket off 40 overs in a one-day cricket match, the Times of India reported.

Shaibaz Tumbi and B. Manoj Kumar achieved the feat on Wednesday playing for St Peter's High School against St Philips High School in an under-13 inter-school match at Secunderabad in southern India.

Tumbi hammered 324 off just 116 balls and Kumar 320 off 127 deliveries in an eye-defying display of aggressive batting. The pair smashed 103 fours during their stand but not a single six at the huge Parade ground.

Their feat also eclipsed the previous best stand, in any form of cricket, of 664 between Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar and former Test batsman Vinod Kambli in an inter-school match in Mumbai in February 1988.

"We feel nice to have broken the Tendulkar-Kambli record. We knew our individual scores and were told about the world record only when the innings ended," one of the boys told reporters.

St Philips also conceded 77 extras, including 57 wides and three no-balls, meaning the Tumbi-Kumar duo had 10 extra overs to continue with their run-riot.

"There was a competition between us after reaching 200 that who will complete a triple-century first. We then decided that each will play three balls in an over," said Tumbi.

"I never knew I was breaking a world record. I was just playing for myself and my school. I only realised when I returned to the pavilion that I'd broken a record by scoring a triple-century."

The St Philips batsmen wilted after the onslaught and were dismissed for a paltry 21, losing by a whopping 700-run margin.

Three world records were struck -- highest total, highest stand and highest margin of victory -- in any form of limited-overs cricket at any level, according to former Indian cricket board statistician Mohandas Menon.

The previous one-day record was 630-5 off 45 overs by United Cricket Club against Bay Area in a league match in California, United States, The Times said.[/QUOTE]
http://inwww.rediff.com/newshound/hy.html

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/17/stories/2006111703912100.htm

A stupendous achievement
Manoj hit an unbeaten 320 (127 balls, 46x4) and Shaibaaz scored 324 not out (116 balls, 57x4)

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HAIL THE HEROES: Mohammed Shaibaaz and Bodepalli Manoj Kumar being chaired and cheered by their schoolmates for their mammoth record-breaking performance. — Photo: H. Satish

[QUOTE]HYDERABAD : It is a day that Bodepalli Manoj Kumar and Mohammed Shaibaaz will remember for a long, long time as the entire staff and students of St. Peters High School felicitated the two, who had only 24 hours earlier set a World record with an unbroken 721-run stand for their school against St. Phillips High School in the inter-school (under-13) cricket tournament at the Parade Grounds (Secunderabad).

For the record, Manoj hit an unbeaten 320 (127 balls, 46x4) and Shaibaaz 324 (116 balls, 57x4) and St. Phillips team was skittled out for only 21 on Wednesday. The partnership eclipsed the 664-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli.

The beaming faces showed that everyone wanted to share the moment of glory.

The school had got its affiliation only this year. All the cricketers of the school get free education and they have just one net on the premises.

The bubbly Shaibaaz said that his inspiration came from the double century by another schoolboy G.H. Vihari a day before. "When we read about that, we thought why not go for it," he said.

The school coach Harish Kumar said that Shaibaaz had never opened before. "Just before the match, he came to me and said that he would try for a double century. I warned him that if he doesn't score a century, I will drop him for the next match!"

Now the coach will have to rethink his outlook for Manoj and Shaibaaz have scripted a new chapter in cricketing history.

"It all happened in a span of four hours. We won the toss and just went for the strokes from the word go. Everything clicked," said the two young cricketers. The two umpires, A. Venugopal and M. Kumar, said they had not seen batting of such kind in any form of cricket before. "We had difficulty in retrieving the ball for there were in all 103 fours but fortunately no sixes," the two umpires said.

The shining mementoes and cash incentives from the school management (Rs. 5,000 each) and Jampana Pratap, local councillor, (Rs. 10,000 each) could well be the first of the many laurels to come the way of the two batsmen.

Unfortunately, this piece of cricketing history was not recorded on camera. "I kept watching and before I could realise it, they had completed triple centuries," recalls an excited Imtiaz Abdullah Tumbi, Shaibaaz's father, who was at the venue.

Kudos from Kambli : Meanwhile, Vinod Kambli, who held the previous record with Sachin Tendulkar, in a chat with The Hindu said that the most difficult part during such a long partnership was trying to not get out.

"It is a stupendous task to score 721 in just 40 overs. It takes lots of courage and determination and I am happy that two Indian boys broke the record. I was pleasantly surprised to read about it this morning and am delighted for the two young cricketers. My only advice to them is to treat this as the first step in the long, grinding journey of what should be a successful career," he said.

"I remember how Sachin and I repeatedly ignored the messages from our coach Ramakant Achrekar to declare the innings in 1987-88. Luckily, there was no such problem for the Hyderabadis," he quipped.

pding

November 17th, 2006, 04:13 AM

i have no idea what to make of this new wakf controversy...i will just keep quiet keeping in mind the huge political implications that this has

Babji

November 18th, 2006, 03:25 AM

Seven rules to beat stress
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2006 12:00:17 AM]

Bring your ‘being’ in : Personal is the new professional. You spend 12-16 hours at office. Your work is your identity. Leaving any facet of yours out of the office will fragment you. Be yourself. Take personal calls. Put up pictures of your baby. This helps you give all of yourself to work too.

More rules = more stress : Do you need that cup of tea, made just that way, at just that time of day? Self-imposed rules enhance stress levels. When you don’t get that cuppa at that time or get it too hot, you stress out. The lesser rules you bind yourself by, the lesser the stress.

Stop looking for similarity: If you look for like-minded people, you get stressed. There will always be people who won’t agree, who do things differently yet are as efficient. Respect differences and your stress will go down by volumes. Keep looking for likeminded people and resistance will be persistent, as will stress.

Forget focus : The 21st century is not for the focused. It belongs to the spontaneous, who go with the flow and change gears with ever changing whims of the team, hour or boss! Spontaneity spells success. Being focused gets you more stressed. Some things are always beyond your control.

Perfection is a tragic flaw: Celebrate your mistakes. Flawed people who accept their mistakes and are willing to improve constantly are valued much more than perfectionists who insist on everything going in a streamlined way. Being a perfectionist will only add to your stress. Being flawed and knowing it will set you free.

Adventure is the game : Most stress stems from doing the same thing over and over again. Playing safe? More like recycling garbage! Do different things everyday. Without the stress of doing it ‘just’ right, you can let yourself goof up and actually have fun! Start from trying another dish at your favourite restaurant.

Stop using the S-word : For a lover, stress is the anticipation of meeting his lover. For an athlete, stress is the much needed adrenalin rush. For many, stress is a much-abused word. Sometimes we are plain busy, fatigued or irritated but we call ourselves ‘stressed’. And when we believe we’re stressed, we actually are! Seven rules of survivors

Babji

November 18th, 2006, 03:35 AM

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/quickies/461743.cms

Work as a team
Most relationships, no matter how cosy, at some point, reach a stage where both partners just can't seem to agree on certain issues. From what they believe in to what they want out of life, it seems like the two people are on completely different wavelengths. This could affect your relationship, where one of you gives in, which, in turn, causes you to be resentful. Alternatively, both could just sit back and refuse to budge. Either way, the relationship suffers because both of you refuse to compromise. Here's how the two of you should play on the same team.

A positive approach
A healthy relationship is one where both compromise and co-operation are vital elements. A relationship can only work when both of you feel like you have equal rights. If it's just one person who is doing all the compromising then, naturally, that partner will end up feeling like he or she has to constantly give in. This, in turn, could lead to a lot of bitter feelings.

You must be able to express how you're feeling openly and talk about how the situation is upsetting you. Try to work together and find a solution that enables both of you to win. This way, neither feels like they are losing out. This paves the way for a more fulfilling and healthy relationship.

Babji

November 19th, 2006, 12:59 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/19/stories/2006111916300200.htm
Goddess Kali statue surfaces

HYDERABAD: Thousands of people thronged the causeway near Chaderghat bridge after a statue of goddess Kali surfaced while digging the soil for laying drainage pipeline on Saturday.

As news of the statue spread, huge crowds gathered at the causeway, decorated the place with green leaves, erected small tents and performed special prayers. Mild tension prevailed as Chaderghat police and local revenue officials tried to shift the statue. Archaeological department officials on examining the statue said it could be nearly 400 years old.

Local BJP leaders and devotees thronged the causeway bringing traffic to a standstill. Residents of the area said they would prefer to install the statue at the spot where it was found.

Babji

November 19th, 2006, 10:44 PM

Volkswagen runs over State, parks itself in Pune

Hyderabad, Nov. 19: The German car company Volkswagen announced that it would set up its Indian car unit near Pune and not at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh as previously planned. The decision to locate the plant on a 500-acre site at Chakan, near Pune, was taken at a Volkswagen board meeting at Wolfsburg, Germany, on Friday. Volkswagen officials are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to set up the Rs 1,500-crore plant on November 29.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy called Volkwagen’s decision “disappointing”. “We were getting signals (about Volkswagen shifting). If not Volkswagen, some other company will come,” he said. “Let us see... the government has some more options,” the Chief Minister told mediapersons. “There are some more projects in the pipeline. We are examining them.”

Did the options include the legal recourse?
Top legal officials said the government would not move court. The AP government had not signed an MoU with the carmaker. Opposition parties quickly picked up the issue. Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu fired off 27 questions to the State government on the deal and alleged that corruption had put paid to the deal.

His main focus was Mr Botsa Satyanarayana who was industries minister when the Vasishta Wahan scam broke. It came at a convenient time since Mrs Jhansi Rani, the wife of Mr Satyanarayana, is the Congress candidate for the December 4 Bobbili byelection. Mr Bandaru Dattatreya, newly elected chief of the State BJP, demanded a through probe into the issue. State CPI(M) secretary B.V. Raghavulu criticised the government for its failure to bag the deal.

Mr Naidu told mediapersons that in a recent interview a former official of Volkswagen clarified that he only received Rs 3 crores of the Rs 11.67 crores paid by the State government [to Vasishta Wahan] and he was not aware of the remaining money. Mr Naidu stated that the remaining money might have been siphoned by Mr Botsa Satyanarayana, then industries minister.

“Just because of the corruption we missed prestigious auto project, the industrialists are baffled with the highest corruption levels in the congress government,” Mr Naidu observed. “When the controversy broke, Volkswagen threw out the people involved, but the Chief Minister promoted Mr Satyanarayana {to marketing), gave the [Vizianagaram] zilla parishad chairpersonship to his wife and has now nominated her for the Bobbili byelection to his wife. The government did not take action on a single person,” Mr Naidu said.

The decision ended the four-year drama, which included a Rs 11-crore scam, over the company coming to Visakhapatnam. Volkswagen first announced that it would set up a plant at Visakhapatnam in 2003. In February last year, the Rajasekhar Reddy government deposited Rs 11 crores in the account of ‘Vasishta Wahan’ to set up a special vehicle purpose for the project. It turned out that Vasishta Wahan was set up by then Volkswagen official Helmut Schuster, Indian businessmen Alagar Raja and Ashok Jain, and did not involve the German carmaker.

The State government called a CBI probe, the Indian businessmen were arrested and most of the Rs 11 crores recovered. After the dust had settled Volkswagen offered to pay the government Rs 11 crores. The government refused, and instead began negotiations all over again. Volkswagen officials re-inspected Visakhapatnam and new sites in Nellore district. The company had declared that the project would come up in Andhra Pradesh. Mr Satyanarayana, under whom the money was paid to Vasishta Wahan, clarified that the amount paid to the company was not lost and in fact the representatives of the company had come forward to pay back the amount. “Thinking that the company will come to the State, we refused to take the money,” he said.

Naidu’s 27 posers:

1. Volkswagen chief executive Bernd Pischetsrieder had made it clear that there was no MOU with the AP government. What was the government response?

2. Volkswagen India representative Dr Schuster had requested release of equity to Vasishta Wahan. Will you hand over public money on anybody’s request without following rules and regulations?

3. If release of money requires approval of the Board of APIIC to take equity in the
company, how can the Chief Minister sign it without verifying it?

4. The State government paid money on January 10 but Vasishta Wahan was not
registered at all. Was the State government aware of this?

5. How did the government issue GO 12 for release of funds to Vasishta Wahan?

6. How was the bank account for the company opened before its actual incorporation?

7. The Volkswagen delegation arrived in Hyderabad on January 13. How did the
government pay the money even before the delegation came to Hyderabad?

8. Did the Cabinet approve the funding in Vasishta Wahan?

9. Do the bylaws of APIIC allow it to participate in equity of a private company?

10. Who forced the government to pay money on January 10? What action has been taken against them?

11. The government said that it had the expert opinion from chartered accountants
from Mumbai. Can the government release the report?

12. Who were the mediators in the deal?

13. The escrow account with Vasishta Wahan was changed to current account. How did this happen?

14. Is it a fact that Mr Schuster was in India between June 27-30?

15. Is it a fact that Mr Ashok Jain, Mr Jagadish Raja and Dr Schuster spoke with
minister Botsa Satyanarayana on telephone even after the controversy broke out?

16. Was the Chief Minister informed about funds transfer?

17. Did the Chief Minister sign the funds transfer file? On whose recommendation did he do it?

18. Why did minister Botsa Satyanarayana go to Germany even after the transfer of
funds to Dr Schuster’s account?

19. Release the minutes of the meeting between Volkswagen and government officials.

20. Why did the minister take his relative Murali Krishna along with him?

21. Since Rs 11.67 crore was misused, what action has the government taken?

22. Why did the government not arrest Mr Raja when he was in Hyderabad?

23. Why did not the Chief Minister take action against Mr Botsa Satyanarayana even after the funds misuse was confirmed?

24. A cousin of Mr Raja, Ms Gayatri Chandravadan, went missing after she was
questioned by the police. How did this happen?

25. What is the progress of the CBI inquiry? Is it inquiring into the minister’s role in the scandal?

26. Have the land transactions made in Vizag and surrounding areas and the
minister’s involvement been included in the CBI inquiry?

27. Is there any document from Volkswagen with the State government stating that it has information about Vasishta Wahan?

Babji

November 19th, 2006, 10:52 PM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#Volkswagen%20runs%20over%20State,%20parks%20itself%20in%20Pune
Volkswagen runs over State, parks itself in Pune
Naidu’s 27 posers
21. Since Rs 11.67 crore was misused, what action has the government taken?

http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/16/stories/2005091617210200.htm Grand plans go awry?
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/09/30/stories/2006093002901900.htm
Caretaker Government :Briefing presspersons here after the State Cabinet meeting, the State Information Minister, Mr Mohd Ali Shabbir, said that the IMG Bharata was allotted about 850 acres of land in two places - at Serilingampally and Mamidipally respectively at Rs 25,000 per acre.

"These transactions have taken place at the time of the caretaker Government in February 2004. In the first instance, the sale of land by a caretaker Government is illegal and even then after more than two and a half years, the private party (IMG Bharata) to which the land was sold, has not taken any developmental activities with regard to sports development for which the land was sold to them," according to a statement circulated after the Cabinet meeting.

could Volkswagen be an honest mistake on the part of GoAP at the hands of some selfish businessmen?
which one of the two projects are more damaging to the state:
IMG Bharat (TDP) (850 acres @ Rs. 25,000)?
or Volkswagen (Congress) (Rs. 11.67 crore)?

Babji

November 20th, 2006, 11:04 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/21/stories/2006112110880400.htm
YSR hits back at Naidu on Volkswagen

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has launched a tirade against Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu for holding the Government responsible for Volkswagen's decision to set up its plant in Pune.

Referring to Mr Naidu's reasoning that he (Dr. Reddy) would not have supported his Cabinet colleague Botsa Satyanarayana so strongly on release of Rs 11.67 crores to Vasist Wahan unless he, too, received kickbacks, the Chief Minister sought to apply the same logic to the controversies during the Telugu Desam regime like the Rs. 250-crore liquor scam.

LNG terminal project :At a press conference here on Monday, Dr. Reddy said if he were to be held responsible for Volkswagen's decision, Mr. Naidu should take the blame for non-execution of the Rs. 19,500-crore LNG terminal project of Kakinada about which he had shouted from rooftops.

He said Mr. Naidu attended the World Economic Forum meet in Davos and CII meetings with the promise of getting investments. Though 23 MoUs were signed after a CII partnership meet in 2000 for an investment of Rs. 22,877 crores, only Rs. 83 crores flowed in. Only Rs. 99 crores was realised out of 41 MoUs signed the next year out of Rs. 17,200 crores.

Dr. Reddy said the average annul investment in the last five years of Mr. Naidu's regime fell to Rs. 1,450 crores from Rs. 2,668 crores during 1991-95. It had gone up to Rs. 2,159 crores now under his leadership. The annual investment was expected to be Rs. 5,000-6,000 cores in next two years, he said.

Babji

November 21st, 2006, 12:10 AM

Akbar gives proof of encroached wakf land
[ 21 Nov, 2006 0237hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: The revenue officials were left in a spot on Monday when MLAs produced documentary evidence claiming Wakf Board's ownership over thousands of acres of land. Earlier the officials had shrugged off claims of the House Committee on Minorities Affairs that over 5,000 acres of land under the Andhra Pradesh State Wakf Board in Ranga Reddy district had been encroached upon by government agencies.

At a review meeting at the Assembly, MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi produced revenue records of all the encroached land, claiming that the property belongs to the Wakf Board. It even stunned officials when Owaisi fished out documents claiming that the land on which Indian School of Business, Microsoft and Moulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu) stand were all Wakf property.

Ranga Reddy collector L Premchandra Reddy had no option but to admit the revelations of the House Committee. Premchandra Reddy assured the committee that the district administration would study all the documents and come out with a comprehensive report along with an action plan for the Wakf Board to reclaim its land.

Owaisi produced revenue records of over 2,716 acres of land along with the pahani records. CPM legislator M A Ghafoor wanted the collector to disprove the claims of the House Committee if the latter does not agree on the findings of the MLAs.

House Committee chairman Syed Mohammed Ahmedullah asked the collector to remove encroachments over the Wakf land and re-establish the ownership of the Board. He wanted the revenue department to confirm details about the land of the ISB and Microsoft at Gachibowli and take measures to return it to the Wakf Board. "The ISB, Microsoft and Manuu may be given the allocated land on lease or may pay an appropriate rent to the Wakf Board," Owaisi demanded.

The district collector sought two months' time from the House Committee for completing the verification process.

Babji

November 25th, 2006, 10:06 PM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
Krushi auction gets Rs 2.6 cr

Hyderabad, Nov. 25: An auction of Krushi Bank properties on Saturday at the Nampally criminal courts got Rs 2.6 crores.The highest bid for the GS Chambers second floor right wing was Rs 3,340 per square feet and Rs 3,335 in the left wing. DSP Raj Kumar said 12 bidders participated. After completion of the auction the court will decide on distributing the same to the depositors.

some relief at last for the depositors.

Babji

November 26th, 2006, 10:14 PM

SC had ruled on which firms could take deposits
http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

Hyderabad, Nov. 26: In a previous judgment that could have a bearing on the Margadarsi Financiers case, the Supreme Court had ruled that it was “necessary to prohibit unincorporated bodies from accepting deposits from the public” to prevent depositors and borrowers from “committing financial suicide”. Media baron Ramoji Rao had claimed earlier this month when the controversy arose, that two retired chief justices of the Supreme Court had opined that Margadarsi Financiers could accept deposits despite being a Hindu Undivided Family firm.

But the Supreme Court judgment, given in Writ Petition (C) No 168 of 1997 on May 12, 2000, runs counter to Mr Rao’s claim. Congress MP Vundavilli Aruna Kumar, who complained to Union finance minister P. Chidambaram against Margadarsi Financiers, is believed to be working with legal experts to possibly move court and make use of the Supreme Court judgement.

The judgement was in strong support of Section 45(s) of the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934. Chief Justice B.N. Kirpal and Justice M.B. Shah had on May 12, 2000, observed that the “prohibition” on unincorporated bodies collecting deposits from public “has come about, inter alia, in the interest of unwary depositors and borrowers with a view to prevent them from committing financial suicide.”

The court observed that “the need for such restrictions had become acute and imperative in view of largescale mismanagement of public funds” by unincorporated bodies.” The Supreme Court was dealing with a petition filed by one Bhavesh D. Parish engaged in the business of shroff. The court ruled that unincorporated bodies could carry on their financial business either from their own funds, funds borrowed from relatives or from financial institutions.

It observed that the real grievance was that the appellants did not want to comply with norms of prudential management. It suggested to shroffs to get incorporated and bring their business under regulatory authorities. “Margadarsi Financiers may argue that the rule does not apply to it and Vundavilli Aruna Kumar might be of the view that the rule does apply. It is for the regulating authority, the RBI, to take a clear stand,” said management consultant B. Kamalakar Rao. Mr Rao was a member on several expert committees of the RBI.

“The RBI also owes an explanation on why it remained silent for four years,” he said. Mr Rao was of the view that the income-tax department should have taken a note of losses getting accumulated year by year at Margadarsi Financiers and sought the company’s explanation. The RBI itself in the FAQ section on its official website www.rbi.org.in has clarified its position on “some entities (not companies” carrying out activities of Non Banking Financial Companies.

Question no 33 and its answer read:
“Q: There are some entities (not companies) which carry on activities like that of NBFCs. Are they allowed to take deposits? Who regulates them?”
“A: Any person who is an individual or a firm or unincorporated association of individual can not accept deposit except by way of loan from relatives, if his/its business wholly or partly includes business that of loan, investment, hire-purchase or leasing company or principal business is that of receiving of deposits under any scheme or arrangement. or in any manner or lending in any manner.”
Margadarsi in a fix.

Babji

November 28th, 2006, 02:48 AM

Owaisi booked for diatribe
[ 27 Nov, 2006 0203hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: Police have slapped cases against Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi and two others for allegedly making "inflammatory and instigating speeches and creating public nuisance" at a meeting in Hafeezbaba Nagar late on Saturday night. Police themselves were at the receiving end of Owaisi Jr.'s diatribe.

The MIM party had taken permission from police to hold their public meeting and were told to close it by 10 pm as per rules. Chandrayangutta legislator and MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who spoke at the meeting, reportedly made provocative speeches, bordering on communal lines.

Akbaruddin also allegedly used ‘foul language' against editors of two major Urdu newspapers and also against city police commissioner A K Mohanty. "Akbaruddin in his speeches used instigating and inflammatory language, which might have caused communal disharmony, and also used abusive language," the Kanchanbagh police said. In his speech, Akbaruddin also criticised the traffic police for imposing challans on traffic rule violators.

"If the traffic police penalise you, smash their heads. I am with you. I will ensure that no case is booked against you," Akbaruddin allegedly told the gathering. The speeches were also extended beyond the permitted time, i.e 10 pm. "The speeches went on till 10.30 pm and a case for creating public nuisance was also booked against the organisers," Kanchanbagh police inspector Ramdass Teja told TOI on Sunday. The organisers were also booked for creating nuisance by bursting crackers and using microphones beyond the stipulated timing.

Cases were booked against Mohd Asif, the organiser of the meeting, and Mirza Ali Baig, a MIM activist. Ramdass Teja said they have audio tapes of the speeches as proof to proceed in the case. Cases were booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153 (a) (delivering provocative speeches), 290 (creating public nuisance) and others. Police, however, are yet to make any arrests.
good job by AP Police.
ppl should respect the law and should help protect the law!

pding

November 28th, 2006, 03:58 AM

nice job by the police!!! a daring act indeed....this coming from an MP is shame for politics and the democratic system.

Babji

December 3rd, 2006, 12:43 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120316510100.htm
Bitter campaigning ends

HYDERABAD: The fortnight-long campaign for the byelections to Karimnagar and Bobbili Lok Sabha seats, marked by acrimony and trading of corruption charges, came to an end on Saturday setting the stage for polling on December 4. Hotels, lodges and guest houses that were choked with political leaders and their followers in Karimnagar and Vizianagaram districts breathed fresh air with the Election Commission ordering them to leave before 5 p.m.

Normally, campaign in the past have been about achievements. This time, quite unusually, major political players were at pains to disown any responsibility for their earlier roles endorsing printing of a health warning on beedi packets, a major issue in Karimnagar, and establishing a nuclear power plant at Kovvada in Srikakulam district. Before ending their campaign on the last day, Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy and Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu accused each other of corruption and lack of integrity.

While the Karimnagar campaign generated intense political debate on Telangana sentiment initially, it soon gave way to the parties' concern for the welfare of beedi workers. It began at the public meeting of the Chief Minister at Sircilla on November 12, when some beedi workers protested against the health warning whose printing was made statutory through the passage of a Bill in Parliament unanimously. All the parties claimed they had opposed the Bill.

TRS president K.Chandrasekhar Rao, who is banking on the Telangana sentiment to see him through, has to contend with strong dissidence among his own party MLAs in the district. Congress candidate T. Jeevan Reddy faces a similar problem with some senior colleagues of his distancing themselves from the campaign. Traditional road shows and public meetings marked the Congress and the TDP campaign, the TRS cause was aided by the `Dhoom Dham' cultural shows organised by Telangana intellectuals. The BJP pressed into service Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh at Karimnagar, but the TRS could not persuade film actor Vijayashanti to campaign for it.

In Bobbili, the focus is squarely on Marketing Minister Botsa Satyanarayana, who is being targeted by the TDP on corruption charges. His wife B. Jhansi, who is the Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad Chairperson, is the Congress nominee.
looks like congress has some edge at both places
its too early to predict though.

Babji

December 4th, 2006, 01:22 AM

T-growth was issue: YSR

Hyderabad, Dec. 3: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy on Sunday said that the Opposition had by and large endorsed his developmental programmes as was evident from their campaign for the Karimnagar and Bobbili byelections. Dr Reddy told mediapersons here, “During electioneering the Opposition pulls up the government for not completing a project or taking up a programme. But in these byelections no party could make such an allegation. We feel it is a credit for our government.”

He said that even Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao had not denied that the Congress government was developing Telangana. “He was of the view that the Congress cannot seek votes because the government has done its duty. But it is a common practice that the ruling party seeks the people’s mandate based on its performance,” he said.

He said Telugu Desam (TD) president N. Chandrababu Naidu was trying to raise non-issues. “The nuclear power plant at Kovvada (in Srikakulam district) is totally a non-issue. It was Mr Naidu who played a proactive role in securing the plant for Srikakulam by asking his MLAs to raise the issue in the Assembly and then actively pursuing it with the Vajpayee government

,” Dr Reddy said. He ridiculed Mr Naidu for talking about family rule in Bobbili and the alleged corrupt practices of marketing minister Botsa Satyanarayana. He said Mr Naidu had become Chief Minister only because of his father-in-law N.T. Rama Rao. “If Mr Naidu can explain how he has grown into a multi-millionaire with just two acres of land in his village, one can appreciate his talk on corruption. It will be a good tip for poor farmers,” he said.

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#Dope%20may%20stain%20Indian%20team

Babji

December 10th, 2006, 01:58 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/10/stories/2006121018330500.htm
Tension over demolition

HYDERABAD: Tension prevailed at Madhapur on Saturday when locals tried in vain to prevent Serilingampally municipal authorities from demolishing buildings constructed `illegally'.

Madhapur police arrested a watchman Malleshwar Rao, who went up a five-storeyed building under construction threatening to commit suicide if the demolition drive was not stopped. Two otherswho tried to obstruct the officials also were taken into preventive custody.

Legal controversy : According to Madhapur Inspector S. Jayaram, 627 acres of land belonging to Ghatkesar Gurukul Trust got embroiled in legal controversy after the trustees sold some 110 acres to different persons. The High Court directed that no person should construct any building and maintain status quo.

In pursuance of court orders, the civic authorities demolished eight buildings, which had more than 1+2 floors. People building houses in the area surrounded the officials demanding that structures belonging to `powerful politicians' should be razed to ground first.

Naga_Solidus

December 10th, 2006, 04:43 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

Hyderabad, Dec. 9: The State government has decided to extend the P.V. Narasimha Rao Elevated Expressway up to Nagarjuna circle near Punjagutta, covering Banjara Hills Road No. 1. The Expressway was originally meant to extend from the international airport at Shamshabad to the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Mehdipatnam.

However, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy decided to extend it further to ensure smooth flow of traffic to and from the international airport. He also asked officials to ensure four-lane traffic in the extended part of the expressway. It is estimated that the extension would cost Rs 50 crores. The government is planning to entrust the task to Simplex, which is constructing the expressway. Alignment studies will be taken out immediately.

Sources said that the chief minister approved the development of an alternative route to the Srisailam highway between Chandrayangutta and Pahadisharif. He has also directed that the entire 53 km stretch of the inner ring road be made eight-lane. Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda) managing director Jayesh Ranjan said that the chief minister wanted to improve connectivity to the international airport and this was the reason for extending the expressway.

The chief minister also felt that it was necessary to improve connectivity to the peripheral areas to encourage people to move out. Sources said Mr Rajasekhar Reddy asked officials to start the groundwork for the extension without waiting for funds from the Centre. He wants the work to be completed before the airport becomes operational. Huda has also been asked to develop an alternative route to Srisailam Highway as it forms a crucial link to the Hardware Park, Fab City, Aga Khan School project and special economic zones.

pding

December 10th, 2006, 06:41 AM

entire inner ring road: eight lane???

harsh1802

December 10th, 2006, 07:58 AM

^^ Yeah.....tht would be really cool!

But have to see how they are gonna get the land for the widening.....and all tht!

Man.....YSR is really building on the foundations laid by CBN, in regard with the Twin cities, ..........actually he is going out in a big way to see to that Hyderabad becomes a great city.

Way to go Mr. C.M. ...........WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!

Babji

December 12th, 2006, 12:10 AM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#State%20plan:%20Sue%20Ramoji,%20sell%20assets%20of%20Margadarsi
State plan: Sue Ramoji, sell assets of Margadarsi
Hyderabad, Dec. 11: The State government, it is learnt, has decided to file a criminal case against media baron Ramoji Rao and prosecute him for accepting deposits from the public in violation of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The government is contemplating attaching Margadarsi Financiers’ properties and auction them, if necessary, to protect the interests of depositors and safeguard their money.

Highly placed sources in the Secretariat told this correspondent that chief secretary J. Harinarayana held a discussion with officials of the home and law departments to study the modalities of taking action against Margadarsi Financiers. On Monday, principal secretary (home) Paul Bhuyan, additional director-general of CID M. Ratan and other officials of the finance and law departments had detailed deliberations with Chief Minister’s adviser (economic affairs and planning) D.A. Somayajulu to discuss how to prosecute Mr Rao.

Sources said as per Sections 58 (B) and 58 (E) of the RBI Act, notices would be served on Mr Rao shortly seeking explanation as to why he should not be prosecuted for collection of deposits in the name of Margadarsi Financiers, though it is an unincorporated body. The government is likely to designate principal secretary (home) as the competent authority to serve notices on Mr Rao and then attach the properties of Margadarsi Financiers, in the event of the government not being satisfied with the explanation given by Mr Rao.

“It is a criminal case as more than Rs 2,200 crores was collected in the form of deposits without following any rules. The government can take suo motu action against the company under the Andhra Pradesh Financial Establishments (Protection of Depositors) Act, 1999, which has Presidential assent, though there is no complaint from any depositor,” a senior official dealing with the issue said. Sources said instructions have been issued to the police department to act swiftly and arrest the managers of respective branches of the Margadarsi, in case there is any complaint in any police station.

The RBI, too, in its recent directive, left it to the State government to take further action in the Margadarsi case. Though under the 1999 State Act, the government can arrest the defaulter of deposits before prosecuting him, the Chief Minister reportedly directed that there was no need to arrest Mr Rao. “The purpose of the exercise is to put an end to the illegal financial dealings of Margadarsi Financiers and safeguard the interests of depositors, not to harass him individually. It is a different matter that if the criminal case is proved in the court of law, the accused is liable for 10 years of imprisonment and a penalty of Rs 1 lakh,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the government is also contemplating cornering Mr Rao through political means. Sources said a question would be raised in the ongoing Winter Session of the State Assembly by some Congress members, who would demand that the government disclose the names of chit holders of more than Rs 1 lakh in Margadarsi Chit Funds. The government has information that most of the chit holders of more than Rs 1 lakh are depositing the amount in Margadarsi Financiers, after the chits have matured.

“This way both the depositors and the company are avoiding payment of income tax, thereby affecting the exchequer of both the Centre and the State. The Congress members will also argue in the Assembly that Margadarsi Financiers should pay back the amount to even non-matured deposit holders, since the company being an unincorporated body, cannot hold the depositors money till the maturity period,” sources added.

Babji

December 12th, 2006, 03:02 AM

Why is Infosys buying so much land?

George Iype July 25, 2006 http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/jul/25infy.htm
Ten thousand employees work in the twin buildings for Bell South in America. More than 5,000 work in a single office complex for AT&T. Then why does Infosys need thousands of acres of land? If Wipro and IBM can work out of rented offices in Bangalore, why can't Infosys?' writes an angry blogger about Infosys. It is not just bloggers, many people in Bangalore say they fail to understand why the software giant is acquiring land not just in Bangalore, but all over India.

Infosys is today said to be the largest owner of land among IT companies in India, and not everyone is happy about this. Last year, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda took on Infosys, levelling charges of 'land grabbing', accusing the company of doing little for Bangalore's growth as an IT hub.

So why does Infosys need so much land? Officially, Infosys says the company believes in building its own facilities to enhance productivity and maintain a young, collegial culture for the organisation.

Infosys' global headquarters and campus at the Electronics City, Bangalore, is the world's single largest software development facility among IT services companies. The company has large campuses and facilities at various development centres in India.

These centres are equipped with the latest technology and solutions for enterprise networking, office productivity, collaborative software engineering, and distributed project management. They also include facilities for ongoing education, fitness, sports, and multi-cuisine cafeterias.

How many acres of land does Infosys own? The company declined to reveal the figure, saying it is "in the silent period before the quarter results." But rough estimates -- provided by sources at Bangalore-based builder Sobha Developers, the real development firm that is in charge of executing Infosys campuses -- indicates that the company owns hundreds of acres of land across India, where it has built, and is continuing to build, huge campuses.

"Is Infosys a real estate company or an IT firm? I fail to understand why they are greedy for land," says agitated social activist K Krishna Raghav, who supported an agitation by farmers who protested against the Karnataka government's decision to give land to Infosys reportedly at a throwaway price in Bellandur, a village on the outskirts of Bangalore.

"Why does Infosys need lots of land? Why do they need a golf course at their campus when people do not have living space in Bangalore?" asks Raghav. Two years ago, Infosys came under attack from villagers in Bellandur who alleged that the IT major was buying wetland at rates much lower than prevailing market rates.

According to the villagers, the price of land in the Bellandur area ranged from Rs 40 lakh (Rs 4 million) to Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 15 million) in 2003. But the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board agreed to sell 100 acres to Infosys at a uniform rate of Rs 9 lakh (Rs 900,000) per acre. However, it was not executed because of the controversy.

Currently, Infosys owns only 80 acres of land in Bangalore where it employs nearly 25,000 people.

But the company has applied for 845 acres of land on the outskirts of Bangalore and requested KIADB to acquire the land after securing zoning requirements from the government and complying with the law. The land is being acquired on a consent basis and after paying the market price to the landowners. The land in Bangalore has been sought as two different plots. On one plot of land, a software development center will be set up, which will generate employment for 25,000 people. The second plot of land is being sought, a short distance away, to provide residential facilities for our employees and to set up essential amenities like a school and a hospital. This will provide Infoscions with a better quality of life and avoid long commutes.

Both the plots will be fully utilised for the purpose of the company as per the government requirements, with a proposed investment of Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion), in the first phase.

"Does Infosys need to provide more than 1,500 square feet of office space per employee?" asks Reghu Kumar, a Janata Dal-Secular politician in Bellandur. "They have built a golf course on their campus while people do not have any place to sleep in the city," said Kumar, whose party, the JD-S, rules Karnataka in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The second largest Infosys campus, after Bangalore, will be in Hyderabad. The company is building a huge campus in the city spread over 550 acres of land. Infosys already has a campus over 50 acres in Hyderabad. Early this year, the Andhra Pradesh government sold 550 acres of land to Infosys at Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million) per acre: a low price in booming Hyderabad.

Infosys officials say the company is acquiring so much land because it is strapped for space. The company these days is building an additional space of 31,76,400 square feet at various development centres across India.

So where, in India, is Infosys building space? Bangalore: The Electronic City is the company's global headquarters. It is the world's single largest software development facility among IT services companies.

Two software development blocks of 426,000 sq ft with 4,130 seats and a Multimedia Centre of 26,000 sq ft with 110 seats have already been completed at the Bangalore centre.

In addition, a software development block of 196,000 sq ft with 2,500 seats, a food court of 61,000 sq ft, an employee care centre of 264,000 sq ft and a multi-level car park of 310,000 sq ft are under construction. The existing capacity at the Infosys Bangalore campus comprises 20,84,836 sq ft with 14,465 seats.

Pune: Last year, two software development blocks of 250,000 sq ft, with 2,400 seats, were completed in Pune. A food court of 50,000 sq ft and two software development blocks of 374,000 sq ft with 3,000 seats, are under construction. Together, the Infosys campuses in Pune have a built-up area of 848,647 sq ft. with 5,931 seats.

Bhubaneswar: A software development block of 95,000 sq ft, with 800 seats, and an employee care centre of 100,000 sq ft, have already been completed. Currently, a software development block of 139,000 sq ft, with 1,300 seats, is under construction. The campus has a built-up area of 384,000 sq ft with 2,000 seats.

Chennai: An employee care centre of 75,000 sq ft has been completed. Currently, the campus has a built-up area of 496,317 sq ft with 2,976 seats. For the second campus in Chennai, work is under construction for two software development blocks of 250,000 sq ft, with 2,400 seats and a food court of 50,000 sq ft.

Hyderabad: A software development block of 154,000 sq ft of 1,100 seats has been completed. Civil works are in progress for the Enterprise Solutions University, including employee care facilities, of 300,000 sq ft. Currently, the campus has a built-up area of 616,000 sq ft with 3,965 seats.

Mysore: The 441,000 sq ft Global Education Centre, capable of training 4,500 professionals at a time, an employee care centre of 110,000 sq ft, 2,350 residential rooms of 110,000 sq ft and a food court of 36,000 sq ft, have been completed.

Two software development blocks of 420,000 sq ft, with 4,200 seats, 258 residential rooms of 141,900 sq ft, a food court of 39,000 sq ft and a multiplex building of 56,000 sq ft are under completion. Currently, the campus has a built-up area of 2,206,630 sq ft with 1,734 seats and can train and house 4,500 employees.

Mangalore: Infosys is buying 25 acres of land in Mangalore for expanding. Plans to invest Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) in the Mangalore centre, which has topped in customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction among other Infosys centres.

The Mangalore centre, which celebrated its 10th anniversary, recently has grown from 20 employees in 1995 to more than 1,600 employees currently, servicing over 42 clients across the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Chandigarh: Work is in progress for a software development block of 330,000 sq ft with 3,100 seats, a food court, a health club and employee care centre of 1,74,500 sq ft.

Thiruvananthapuram: Interiors have been completed in the leased space of 22,000 sq ft, with 220 seats. Infosys has acquired 50 acres of land to build its own facility in Thiruvananthapuram.
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=209062 Chennai
http://in.rediff.com/money/2004/feb/26infosys.htm Chennai Sholinganallur 13 Mahindra City 129
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/16/stories/2006061602820400.htm Chennai
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1653292.cms Chennai 125

http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/15/magazines/fortune/infosys_fortune_032006/ Murthy's dream
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN001851.pdf Paradise in B'lore
http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/sep/19bspec.htm B'lore etc
http://specials.rediff.com/money/2004/aug/05sld1.htm B'lore
http://in.news.yahoo.com/060325/43/635ql.html B'lore 845
http://www.infosys.com/gdm/gallery.asp B'lore pics

http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/jul/31infy2.htm Mysore 335
http://www.mysoresamachar.com/info_trg_cent.htm Mysore 270
http://community.webshots.com/album/188284946xMrYWK Mysore pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejo/sets/72057594065274204/ Mysore pics

http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/13/stories/2005081308390400.htm The Big2
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/01/15/stories/2003011500401700.htm Hyd 50
http://www.infosys.com/investor/analystmeet2005/india/road_map.asp Hyd Route Map
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb192006/business1620332006218.asp Hyd
http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/28/stories/2006032803120600.htm Hyd 550

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4286244551 Pune Pics
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/debaryasarkar/albums Pune Pics 2
http://www.maharashtraitparks.com/Infosys_Final_Press_Release.htm Pune 110

harsh1802

December 12th, 2006, 06:25 AM

ranga

December 12th, 2006, 07:36 AM

Well for me the issue is plain and simple.......if INFOSYS is paying the market value for the land it is buying, then no one should have any problems.

But the problem is that INFOSYS and other IT companies in the past and also uptill now have been receiving land at lot less than their market values......and i think this should stop now.

Why such large tracts of land are required for software companies.Most of the space created r vertical structures with large floor plates that can be accomodated in few acres. The buying spree by top software companies in hundreds of acres at lower then market prices is pure sepuculation and cast doubts about the booming outsourcing business surviving beyond a decade from now.

ranga

December 12th, 2006, 07:48 AM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#State%20plan:%20Sue%20Ramoji,%20sell%20assets%20of%20Margadarsi

Proceed also criminally against the CM for holding excess land in violation of AP land reforms act all these years. Cannot escape now by masquerading as a role model.Law is equal to everyone.

pding

December 12th, 2006, 09:03 PM

i don't agree with giving up such huge amount of land. they need to make a law on this at the centre level. no need to waste land. atleast more than double the current strength can be accommodated in the land that infosys currently owns, and that too without troubling the aesthetics of the campus, maybe a little reduction in the greenery.

Babji

December 13th, 2006, 02:01 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/13/stories/2006121305820400.htm
Government to take over excess, assigned land

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has announced that the drive to take over assigned and excess land under ceiling law will begin with those under the occupation of two major publishing houses.

Before directing authorities to serve notices on the managements of these two houses on Tuesday, Dr. Reddy announced that he was voluntarily handing over 618 acres of surplus land located in his estate at Idupulapaya in his native Kadapa district to the Collector, as the registration was not in order.

Individuals safe : Dr. Reddy said the land was bought by his father for his company -- Raja Reddy Resorts -- and he was entitled to about 10 acres. Some of it was in the name of his relatives.

The Chief Minister said the Government did not intend to target individuals or trouble them. However, illegal businesses such as accepting deposits from people who are not part of the Hindu undivided families or acquiring assigned land or possessing more land than permissible under the law would not be allowed henceforth.

"No one will be spared, however big or powerful one is," he added. In his case, Dr. Reddy stated that though he could seek exemption under certain provisions, he did not prefer to do so because he would be setting a bad precedent.

Margadarsi row : He said Chief Secretary J. Harinarayana was directed to examine the Margadarsi Financiers controversy and initiate appropriate action. Government Chief Whip N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Whips S. Udayabhanu and D. Sridharbabu, in a statement, hailed the Chief Minister's move to hand over his estate land back to the Government.

Describing it as `historic,' they said leaders of such integrity and vision were rarely found these days. Recalling the road-widening works on Banjara Hills Road that began with the demolition of the Chief Minister's previous residence, they said Dr. Reddy had even asked his relative to halt Swarna Hydel Project upstream of Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme when farmers protested in Mahabubnagar district.
It was unfortunate that the Opposition was trying to derive political mileage out of his sacrifices too, they said.

Babji

December 13th, 2006, 02:06 AM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#Sanghi,%20GVK,%20Ramoji%20get%20notices;%20CM%20lands%20in%20row
Sanghi, GVK, Ramoji get notices; CM lands in row
Hyderabad, Dec. 12: The State government served notices on the Sanghi group, the GVK group and the institutions owned by media baron Ramoji Rao to declare the extent of lands they hold. Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam and the Left parties demanded that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy be prosecuted for holding on to 618 acres of land in Vempally till recently in violation of the Land Ceiling Act.

Notices to the Sanghi and Ramoji Rao institutions were issued by the Ranga Reddy district collectorate since the lands are located in the district. The notice states that the government has information that they are holding land above the eligibility under the Land Ceiling Act which have not been declared and asks why the excess lands, if any, should not be taken over by the government.

Denying it was an act of vendetta, the Chief Minister said, “I voluntarily surrendered 618 acres after I came to know that it was in excess of the Land Ceiling Act. Let other organisations and individuals surrender excess land voluntarily.”. He said that the lands had been purchased by his father Y.S. Raja Reddy in the name of organisations and individuals. “I had developed immense attachment towards the land. When I came to know that it was in excess, I decided to surrender it,” he said in the Assembly lobbies.

But that was not enough for the Telugu Desam, the CPI(M) and the CPI. Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu said Dr Reddy had become ineligible to continue as Chief Minister for holding excess land which was a punishable offence. “He is trying to project himself as a role model, but in fact he has committed a grave offence. Such offences are punishable with up to two years in jail. He has to face the punishment,” Mr Naidu said. “In fact, he is ineligible to be Chief Minister.”

Speaking to the media in the Assembly premises, Mr Naidu questioned Dr Reddy’s claim that he did not know of the violation. “He really has guts. How is it that he is unaware of the Act? Unless he faces punishment for his misdeeds he cannot take action against others,” Mr Naidu added. He disapproved of the government “targeting” Ramoji Film City which he said had become the No. 1 film studio in Asia.

“The Chief Minister talks about others’ misdeeds but ignores his mistakes,” Mr Naidu said. “He has assigned land in Pulivendula, bought government land in Banjara Hills for Rs 1,000 per square yard instead of purchasing it at market value and enjoyed 618 acres for years,” he said. “The Natarajan Commission has found grave irregularities in the allotment of barytes mines to the company owned by Dr Reddy and he has earned much more notoriety than (former chief ministers) N. Janardhan Reddy and M. Channa Reddy,” Mr Naidu said.

“There are serious allegations that his close relative Subba Reddy has purchased huge extents of land along the Outer Ring Road,” Mr Naidu said. He added, “I have a clean record. I came from a middle class family and grew up in business. I do not own an inch of illegal land. The government can initiate any action against me.” The CPI(M) demanded prosecution of the Chief Minister while the CPI wanted a clarification from him.

CPI(M) legislator Tammineni Veerabhadram said Dr Reddy’s family had enjoyed the lands illegally for over three decades. He pointed out that the government did not mention Dr Reddy in the list of persons having assigned lands presented to the court. CPI State secretary K. Narayana asked Dr Reddy under what provision of the law did he keep the land and whether it attracted provisions of Land Ceiling Act.
Mr Narayana said all assigned lands should be taken over by the government and distributed among the landless poor. “Our party will oppose the government’s move to divert assigned lands taken over from big firms.”

Babji

December 13th, 2006, 04:16 AM

Proceed also criminally against the CM for holding excess land in violation of AP land reforms act all these years. Cannot escape now by masquerading as a role model.Law is equal to everyone.

I think YSR should be rewarded and commended for doing so voluntarily, what ever may the reason. How many other BIG ppl (politicians, land lords, farmers, businessmen...) holding hundreds of acres have come forward? even at this time... but YSR did.

There are many western countries where the Judiciary negotiates with the culprit/person involved in a case. If the person is willing to admit certain degree of responsibility in the case without further arguments or willing to cooperate with judiciary to bring bigger fish to justice, then the penalty/punishment will be reduced for such a person accordingly. I think, that saves a lot of resources (money, time, energy, frustration, retalliation, delayed justice, burning the proof etc) for the Govt and the ppl. This is a widely accepted procedure.

YSR desrves some good marks here. He is setting a good example.
Let other BIG fish follow suit, instead of finding fault with an honest gesture.
Those (politicians) who are asking for criminal proceedings against YSR are only trying to divert attention, inorder to save themselves!

Babji

December 15th, 2006, 01:54 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121517720100.htm
`Many bigwigs have illegal landholdings'

HYDERABAD: Several political leaders, industry big wigs and realtors are now being accused of illegally possessing land as the controversy triggered by the surrender of lands by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in his native Vempalli mandal in Kadapa district enlarged on Thursday.

According to Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao, the State Government is gearing up to serve prosecution notices on persons refusing to voluntarily surrender their illegal landholdings, particularly assigned lands. "The Government will treat such surrender as an act of good faith and not apply penal provisions," he told reporters.

The authorities estimate that the land that has gone into illegal possession around the State capital alone is valued at Rs. 20,000 crores. Though some of these "encroachers" could seek exemption from handing over the land under 18 (2) of the amended AP Land Reforms (Ceiling on Agricultural Holdings) Act, such indemnity is discretionary.

Pandora's box opened :A committee of three senior IAS officers was constituted by the Government on November 23 to inquire into the landholdings of Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu in Madhapur, an area that houses the HI-TEC City. Mr. Naidu said this was the 23rd probe ordered against him by the present Government as part of its counter-offensive.

A Congress member T. Jeevan Reddy virtually opened the Pandora's box in the Assembly by listing out the names of Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu, TRS floor leader G. Vijayarama Rao and TDP MP C. Ramachandraiah as among those in illegal possession of land.

The House witnessed uproarious scenes throughout the day. As many as 43 opposition members were suspended when they obstructed question hour demanding a debate on Thursday and not on Friday. Ch. Rajeshwara Rao (TDP) spearheaded the Opposition attack demanding that Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy step down on grounds of propriety. This was the first time in the State's history that a Chief Minister had gone on record admitting his guilt, he said.

Giving a new twist to the controversy, the Chief Minister declared that the extent of land he had surrendered was only 310.57 acres and not 618 acres as reported in the media.

"It was a slip of tongue," Dr. Reddy said amid jeers from TDP benches. He said he and his relatives possessed a total of 614 acres of land of which 310 acres was assigned land. "We will now be left with only 120 acres after deducting waste and fallow land," he added.

Finance Minister K. Rosaiah justified the discrepancy saying that 310 acres was the authenticated figure that the authorities had on record. If the Opposition wanted exact details of YSR Estates, they should have waited till Friday for full-fledged information.

Directive to officials : When the debate in the Assembly finally got off, Mr. Jeevan Reddy said it was strange that the TDP chose to attack the Chief Minister instead of welcoming his sacrifice. He said the TDP had no moral right to demand Dr. Reddy's resignation as several of its leaders were holding lands illegally. As he began reeling out statistics of the lands held by them, TDP members rushed to the podium forcing Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy to adjourn the House for the day.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reportedly directed revenue officials to take over assigned lands without fear or favour in tune with the ordinance promulgated last month.

Congress MLA J. Ratnakar Rao has announced that he would emulate the Chief Minister by handing over the excess lands to the Government. A couple of more Congress legislators are also contemplating a similar move.

pding

December 15th, 2006, 03:04 AM

Babji: dude, YSR is doing his best to develop agri as well as industries in AP. he is doing a good job to develop the state and is a guy with common sense. but no need to idolize him. he is a corrupt politician just like a majority of Indian politicians. it would be wrong to assume he is clean in his record. everybody in AP knows his gunda/factionist background in Pulivendula (Rayalaseema). he is just another Congress neta who is corrupt to the core. and the same goes with Chandrababu Naidu. but TDP is still relatively less corrupt than congress.

Babji

December 15th, 2006, 03:51 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506950400.htm

G.O. 610: State forms panel

HYDERABAD: A Cabinet sub-committee with Rural Development Minister D. Srinivas as Chairman has been constituted to oversee implementation of G.O. 610 on jobs for locals in Telangana. Other members are: Ministers — K. Jana Reddy, D.S. Redya Naik, Dharmana Prasada Rao, K. Ranga Rao and J.C. Diwakar Reddy. Minister K. Rosaiah said relevant order on the sub-committee was issued.

Babji

December 15th, 2006, 03:53 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506970400.htm

Land deals: Naidu's turn to face probe
HYDERABAD: Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu is all set to face a probe — 23rd inquiry against him — by a committee of three senior IAS officers for his alleged involvement in land dealings in Madhapur, near Hyderabad.

Addressing a press conference in the Assembly lobbies, Mr. Naidu referred to the Congress charges made against him on his land holdings and said the latest inquiry was based on a letter sent to the Government by Congress MLA Vatti Vasant Kumar. Mr. Kumar in his letter alleged that Mr. Naidu had committed a `mega fraud' in land deals in and around Hyderabad when he was Chief Minister. Acting on the letter, the Government appointed the committee. "They have ordered 22 inquiries and this will be the 23rd. They can go on adding some more. I am not worried. They can also order inquiries against others. But let them not victimise and act in a vengeful manner," he warned.

He said as the Opposition was coming up with fresh evidences to expose the Chief Minister, ruling party members were mounting a counter-attack. Referring to the specific charge that Heritage Foods owned by his family had bought assigned land of five acres in a village in his native Chittoor district, he said an enquiry had already been conducted in 1989 when the Congress was in power.

Heritage Foods clarifies :Meanwhile, Heritage Foods (India) Ltd has clarified that it had not purchased any Government lands in Gundisettipalli of Chittoor district for setting up of integrated pack house.

M. Sambasiva Rao, president of the Heritage Foods, clarified that it had bought three pieces of land 0.39 acres, 1.97 acres and 1.42 acres in survey nos. 134/3, 136/3 and 138/1B respectively.

Babji

December 15th, 2006, 03:58 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506980400.htm

MLA names 4 leaders having assigned lands

HYDERABAD: Congress member T. Jeevan Reddy touched off a furore in the Assembly by naming four leaders of Opposition parties as having acquired the Government land meant for the poor.

Participating in a debate on the surrender of assigned lands by the Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, he alleged that the Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu, former BJP president, M. Venkaiah Naidu, TRS floor leader G. Vijayarama Rao and TDP MP, C. Ramachandraiah, were in illegal possession of land at one point of time or the other.

He said Mr. Venkaiah Naidu had applied and secured five acres of DKT (Darakasthudaru) land in 1978, while serving as an MLA declaring himself poor. He enjoyed the land till 2004 but was forced to disclose possession of the same and surrendered it after it was brought to light. BJP member G. Kishan Reddy objected at the mention of Mr. Venkaiah Naidu's name.

Mr. Reddy said part of 238 acres owned by Mr. Chandrababu Naidu and his family at Balayapalli in Nellore was found to be assigned land. Last month, Heritage Foods purchased 5.6 acres of assigned lands at Gundisettipalli in Chittoor district, he charged. Mr. Ramachandraiah owned 150 acres assigned lands in Kadapa district, he said, prompting the TDP members to rush to the podium.

The TRS leader produced `fake receipts' and acquired 145 acres in Ranga Reddy district, he said.

Dr. Vijayarama Rao said he would quit politics if the charges against him were proved. He said assets declared by Dr. Reddy before the Election Commission did not contain the Idupulapaya lands.

pding

December 15th, 2006, 04:34 AM

yeah, ok.......Congress leaders are the least corrupt and so now they're gonna comment on how other party's leaders have illegally occupied lands. he should have some common sense and realise that ppl are not gonna buy these acts of "sincerety"....

grimmm

December 15th, 2006, 05:11 AM

A Congress member T. Jeevan Reddy virtually opened the Pandora's box in the Assembly by listing out the names of Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu, TRS floor leader G. Vijayarama Rao and TDP MP C. Ramachandraiah as among those in illegal possession of land.

Congress should realise that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others.
How many times was the alignment of ORR changed just to make it not pass through congress politicians lands. Where as ORR was specifically aligned to target devendar goud's land, poor fellow he must be waiting like hell to take reveng on congress once he's back in power.

Babji

December 16th, 2006, 02:10 AM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#Babu%20bought%20out%20farmers%20for%20family%20run%20Heritage Babu bought out farmers for family run Heritage
Hyderabad, Dec. 15: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Friday released copies of pattadar passbook of farmers from whom Heritage Foods (India) Limited, owned by the family of Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, had allegedly purchased land. In the State Assembly, the Congress got the support of the CPI and smaller parties as it pinned down the Telugu Desam over land holdings of Mr Naidu.

Government chief whip N. Kiran Kumar Reddy told mediapersons at the CLP office that Mr Naidu should come clean on the land. In the documents released by Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy, surveys numbers 136-3, 138-1B and 139-3 are marked DKT lands (non-transferable assigned lands) in the village records.

The actual holder was one Shoku Babu Naidu and his name was recorded in the adangal, Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy said. He said that though Mr Naidu had denied that Heritage Foods had purchased government assigned land in Shantipuram, company president M. Sambasiva Rao had stated that Heritage Foods had purchased assigned lands after it had changed hands twice. “Mr Naidu should come clean. He should explain the discrepancy in his (Mr Naidu’s) and Mr Rao’s statements,” he said. Mr Sambasiva Rao in a press release clarified that his company never purchased the land with survey number 139-3 as per the registered document No. 804 in the office of sub-registrar at Kuppam. He clarified that land in survey No. 136-3 was purchased from one Mrs Vasanthamma and not from one Mr Abdul Latheef as stated in the report released on Thursday by the Madapanalle sub-collector. He said as per the documents available with Heritage, land in survey number 138-1B is not DKT.

In the Assembly, Congress legislators alleged that Mr Naidu’s family had purchased assigned (land given by the government to the poor) and DKT lands in Nellore district in 2001. Apart from the CPI, the Congress got the support of the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Janata Party, the CPI(ML) (New Democracy), which endorsed Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy’s act of surrendering 310 acres.

The Samajwadi Party’s D.K. Aruna alleged that the TD was “trying save a media baron” and that its attack on the government was motivated. Her position was surprising, given that the Samajwadi Party had joined the Telugu Desam to protest the Chief Minister’s holding on to government land. CPI(M) floor leader Nomula Narsimahaiah demanded that government take back assigned lands which were in the possession of Ramoji Film City, Usha Kiron Movies and Sanghi Group. He also criticised the Chief Minister for keeping assigned land for decades. During the debate, TRS legislature party floor leader Dr K. Vijayarama Rao said that he had got a clean chit from the Lok Ayukta on allegations that he had purchased assigned land. Congress legislator T. Jeeven Reddy said that TD leaders did not have any moral right to talk about the Chief Minister as Mr Naidu’s wife Bhuvaneswari and other family members had purchased assigned land in Nellore district. His charges drew protests from the TD members who demanded a chance to explain their stand. Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy refused, stating that Mr Nagam Janardhan Reddy had already spoken on the issue on Thursday. The Speaker allowed Mr Naidu to speak since the allegations were against his family.

Mr Naidu denied the allegations and said the Congress was attacking every person who raised his voice against the government. BJP leader Kishan Reddy said the Chief Minister’s revelation of his land holding had led to the controversy. The Chief Minister shot back, “Do you mean that I have to hide the information to avoid uproar?”

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 02:50 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
CLP shows more Heritage land

Hyderabad, Dec. 17: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Sunday came out with more documentary evidence in support of its claim that the Heritage Foods, owned by the family of Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu, had purchased inam (land given to individuals) and government-assigned lands at Gundu Settipally village of Shantipuram mandal in Chittoor district.

Addressing a press conference at the CLP office here, government chief whip N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said the Heritage Foods had purchased 5.67 acres of DKT (non-transferable) lands and 1.19 acres of inam lands and changed the survey number and the name of the original beneficiary in a bid to browbeat the law.

Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy accused Mr Chandrababu Naidu of misleading the State Assembly with his statement that Heritage Foods was not in possession of any government-assigned lands. Asked whether the Congress would move a privilege motion in the State Assembly, he said they would think of what step they should adopt in case Mr Chandrababu Naidu did not accept the fact that he had given “wrong information.”

According to the documents available with the CLP, the Heritage Foods had purchased 1.19 acres of inam land belonging to Choudeswari Temple under Survey No. 139/5 (80 cents) and 0.39 cents under Survey No. 134/4. The document number is 870/06 registered on May 8, 2006. He said Heritage Foods also purchased DKT lands under Survey No. 136/3 belonging to S.A. Abdul Khader.

Though Abdul Khader is the rightful owner of the DKT land, the document registered in favour of Heritage showed Vasantamma as its owner. The Field Demarcation Book clearly mentions the name of Abdul Khader as the rightful owner. Heritage got the name of the DKT land owner changed with ulterior motives, he alleged.

Moreover, the Heritage document shows 2.28 acres under Survey No. 138/3. But there is no such number in the village. The Survey No. is actually 139/3 in Gundu Settipally village. Heritage also purchased directly from DKT land holder Chinna Vengatappa 1.42 acres of land under Survey No. 138/1/B (DKT No. 570/4/71 in 1981.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 02:51 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

Naidu writes to President, PM
Hyderabad, Dec. 17: Intensifying his tirade against Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy on surrender of lands at Vempalli in Kadapa district, Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday shot off letters to more than a dozen departments of the State government besides the CBI and the Election Commission of India.

Sources said the TD chief on Sunday also wrote letters to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A TD-delegation will meet the President and the Prime Minister and submit a memorandum seeking removal of Dr Rajasekhar Reddy from chief ministership.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 02:52 AM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
Punish CM, says Bardhan

Hyderabad, Dec. 17: Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan on Sunday said that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy should be punished under the provisions of the Land Ceiling Act for keeping surplus lands with him for a long time. He found fault with Dr Rajasekhar Reddy for failing to disclose the excess lands in his possession and wanted the Chief Minister to offer an explanation to the people on land deeds.

Speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating a two-day political workshop for employees working in life insurance and banking sectors at party office here, Mr Bardhan advised that all those having surplus land in their possession should surrender it to the government.

Meanwhile, The CPI-Maoists demanded that the government constitute a committee with leaders of people's organisations, intelligentsia and experts in revenue affairs to bring out the details of the surplus, assigned, temple and forest lands occupied by politicians and big industrial firms.

CPI-Maoist State secretary Praveen said all the alienated lands should be handed over to the government for distribution among the landless poor. The Maoist leader said in a statement that all the accused in illegal land deals should be prosecuted. He called upon the people to wage an agitation to expose corrupt politicians.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 02:54 AM

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 03:05 AM

'TDP conspiring to end my political career': Krishna Yadav
Monday December 18 2006 00:00 IST UNI

HYDERABAD: Fomer Telugu Desam Party leader and former Minister C B Krishna Yadav, who was released on bail in the multi-crore telgi stamp paper scam, on Sunday alleged that the 'TDP had conspired to end his political career by figuring his name in the scam' during Chandrababu Naidu Government in the state.

Speaking to UNI over phone, Mr Yadav said, ''some TDP leaders wanted to eliminate me from the party. ''The big leaders were involved to defame me for their own selfish interest, he said alleging that the leaders in the TDP who were against me have ''strong hands'' behind the conspiracy.''

"The TDP leaders have neither met me nor send any messages, including the TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, to know my health when I was in Yerawada jail in Pune. I did not receive any kind of message even after I was granted bail by Supreme Court on December 10 from the party. No TDP leaders have expressed happiness and congratulated me after I was released or even not phoned me after I arrived to the city on December 13," Mr Yadav said.

''I had served the TDP party for the last 15 years. But the TDP leaders have forgotten the services that I did to the party immediately after I was arrested,'' he regretted. He said he would reveal the names of the TDP leaders, who conspired at an appropriate time.

Clarifying that he had not received invitation from any political he said he would work for the development of people of his Himayatnagar constitutency. The further course of political decision would be taken after getting a clean chit in the case, he added. Mr Yadav was arrested on September 6, 2003, at Pune in connection with the stamp scam.

ranga

December 18th, 2006, 02:22 PM

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

==
the land deals issue seems to be becoming a major issue.
would it hamper the dev projects...

I too fear that.This is not a new thing here but investors these days will be cautious to invest here if this row continues.

ranga

December 18th, 2006, 02:51 PM

I think YSR should be rewarded and commended for doing so voluntarily, what ever may the reason. How many other BIG ppl (politicians, land lords, farmers, businessmen...) holding hundreds of acres have come forward? even at this time... but YSR did.

There are many western countries where the Judiciary negotiates with the culprit/person involved in a case. If the person is willing to admit certain degree of responsibility in the case without further arguments or willing to cooperate with judiciary to bring bigger fish to justice, then the penalty/punishment will be reduced for such a person accordingly. I think, that saves a lot of resources (money, time, energy, frustration, retalliation, delayed justice, burning the proof etc) for the Govt and the ppl. This is a widely accepted procedure.

YSR desrves some good marks here. He is setting a good example.
Let other BIG fish follow suit, instead of finding fault with an honest gesture.
Those (politicians) who are asking for criminal proceedings against YSR are only trying to divert attention, inorder to save themselves!

YSR himself is a BIG fish trapped himself by his loud mouth.Judiciary does not negotiate with a culprit. I hear this word to be somewhat odd in judisprudence. If the person turns approver then the punishment may be mitigated to some extent but not absolved.Honest gesture, setting an example, all these hosanas is not applicable to this man.Don't be so naive to beleive these politicians including YSR will be giving up their lands and handing them over generously to the poor.THe rulers of AP belonging to certain communities are notorious for land grabbing, encroachments subverting the laws as it has happened to AP land reforms act.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 08:10 PM

Justice served! (it has nothing to do with Hyd, but just about the way judiciary works)...

Monday, December 18, 2006
Chronology of events leading to Lalu's acquittal
Press Trust of India

Patna, December 18: Following is the chronology of events leading to Lalu Prasad's acquittal:
1 March 11, 1996: Patna High Court directs CBI to probe fodder scam cases.

2 March 19, 1996: Supreme Court affirms PHC order, asks 2-member bench to monitor progress of investigation.

3 August 19, 1998: Disproportionate Assets case registered against Lalu.

4 April 4, 2000: Lalu chargesheeted. Rabri devi's name included as co-accused for abetment of the offence.

5 April 5, 2000: Lalu/Rabri surrender to CBI court. Rabri gets bail, and Lalu sent to jail after judge rejects his bail prayer.

6 May 10, 2000: Patna High Court grants provisional bail to Lalu which is extended on 25 occasions.

7 June 9, 2000: Charges framed against Lalu/Rabri

8 November 23, 2006: Arguments conclude in the case.

9 December 4, 2006: Judge fixes December 18 for delivering verdict.

10 December 18, 2006: Lalu, Rabri acquitted.

URL: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=78351
Lalu, Rabri get clean chit in assets case
Monday, 18 December , 2006, 11:19 Sify (rediff.com)
Patna: Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday won a major legal battle when he and his wife, former Bihar Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, were acquitted in the disproportionate assets case against them.

Lalu and his wife were present when the CBI Judge Muni Lal Paswan pronounced the verdict in a jam-packed court here, sending their supporters outside into a frenzied jubilation. The case in which the Railway Minister was accused of amassing property worth Rs 46 lakhs above his known source of income between 1990 and 97 as Bihar Chief Minister was an offshoot of the infamous fodder scam. Rabri Devi was accused of abetting her husband.

Lalu was the main accused in the case while his wife was charged by CBI with aiding and abetting her husband in the alleged crime. It was this case, which had led the CBI, for the first time, to raid the official residence of the Chief Minister. During the trial CBI, which registered the case against Lalu on August 19, 1998, stuck to its charge that he had accumulated assets of over Rs 46 lakh disproportionate to his known sources of income between March 1990 and March 1997 as Bihar Chief Minister, the defence contended the assets were all accounted for.

While 94 witnesses, including Brigadier R P Nautial, ex-director general of CRPF A P Dorai and former speaker late Radhanandan Jha, were presented for the defence, a total of 132 people, including former CBI SP of Patna, V S K Kaumudi, deposed for the prosecution.

The FIR in the case was registered by Kaumudi under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The chargesheet was filed on April 4, 2000 by him against Lalu for allegedly possessing assets worth Rs 46,26,820 disproportionate to his known sources of income. The name of then Chief Minister Rabri Devi was included in the chargesheet for abetment of the offence under section 109 IPC read with section 13(1)(e) of Prevention of Corruption Act.

Charges were framed against Lalu and Rabri Devi on June 9, 2000. Apart from the disproportionate assets case, Lalu's name figures in as many as six cases of the multi-crore rupee fodder scam, estimated to run into more than Rs 900 crore. Out of these, one case is pending with the CBI court here while the rest were transferred to the court of special CBI judges at Ranchi since the place of occurrence of offences was within the territory of Jharkhand state.

Lalu has filed a discharge petition the case here, while charges have been framed against him in all the five cases in Jharkhand.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 08:41 PM

Nitish Kumar refrains from direct comment
ZeeNews
Patna, Dec 18: Deftly sidestepping a direct reaction to the acquittal of his bete noire Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and his wife in a disproportionate assets case, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said only parties involved in it could react to the development.

"Neither I personally nor the Bihar government were parties to the case which was between a Union Minister and a central investigative agency -- CBI. It`s they who can make comments. To me, it is just news, a piece of information," he told reporters at his residence shortly after the verdict was pronounced.

When asked about Lalu`s assertion that he and his wife had been proved innocent "despite the trial by the media and political rivals", Kumar said "Lalu has been in the habit of creating ghosts which he can beat with a stick. I never interfere with the course of justice".

Asked if Lalu`s acquittal had not blunted the edge of opposition`s campaign against tainted ministers in the Union government, Kumar replied "This is just one case (in which the duo has been acquitted). There are several others".

Bureau Report

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 08:54 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/18/stories/2006121809550100.htm
Assigned land takeover in fixed timeframe - APCC expresses support for YSR's initiative
http://i16.tinypic.com/2igdlvk.jpg
ALL'S WELL: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy greeting former Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao as N. Janardhana Reddy, APCC president K.Keshava Rao and Minister for Finance K. Rosaiah look on at the APCC executive meeting in Hyderabad on Sund ay. -Photo: Mohd. Yousuf
HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday fully backed the efforts of Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy to take over assigned lands in a fixed timeframe so that the poor are benefited.

The APCC executive meeting, held here in the backdrop of Dr. Reddy surrendering 310 acres land and the subsequent demand from the Opposition seeking his prosecution, saw the party leaders expressing wholehearted support for the gesture. Hailing the move, they said the decision would pave way for the second phase of land reforms.

The APCC chief, K. Keshava Rao, hoped others would follow suit. "The decision is a path breaking measure that the Congress has adopted and it will usher in a new agrarian, people-oriented revolution," he told reporters.

District panels : The party would constitute district-level committees to identify the assigned lands, he said. The right to land should form part of the proposed legislation on land reforms and assigned lands. All Government lands, assigned, surplus and unused lands should go to the people as a right.

Dr. Reddy said close to 55-lakh acres had been distributed to the poor so far but at least 20 per cent of these might be in the hands of the rich and influential. If the assigned lands were surrendered to the Government, at least nine lakh poor people would benefit. He also took a dig at the TDP president for encouraging corporate farming.

Note of caution : Party legislator P. Janardhan Reddy reportedly cautioned the Government not to allot land to companies indiscriminately. The Government should incorporate a clause wherein the land allotted to companies could not be disposed of. Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao said Dr. Reddy would continue in power because of his good decisions.

Former Revenue Minister, P. Narsa Reddy, said that there was bound to be lot of pressure from the leaders on the move to reclaim assigned land. AICC secretary P. Sudhakar Reddy alleged that Left parties' leaders were also in possession of assigned lands.

The Chief Minister was said to have shot down a proposal from the APCC chief to convene an all-party meeting on assigned lands. Former Chief Ministers N. Janardhana Reddy and N. Bhaskara Rao, Finance Minister K. Rosaiah, former Minister M. Satyanaryana Rao and others attended the meeting.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 09:06 PM

but, one thing I can't quite understand.
let us say, there are about 100 acres of such excess land in one village
there are 500 poor families (permanent residents, no fixed/movable assets, living purely on daily wages)
if they give one fifth of acre per family, that is not enough to cultivate profitably, so they woud sell it off again!
so, who gets how much of this land? who determines that? on what basis?
what about thousands of other poor families in the neighbouring villages?
is this the right way to make use of this excess land to benefit only a select lot of poor people?

also, in the present scenario, if the original assignee has sold this land for profit to someone,
would they still take back that land from the buyer and give it back to the original assignee/his hiers?
why can't Govt sell it to ppl (with no/limited land) and use the money for dev projects to benefit more poor ppl?
or, why can't Govt hold that land and lease it to highest bidding farmers and use the money for dev projects?

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 09:46 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121908220100.htm
Resignation demand turned down
The surrender of assigned lands issue rocks Assembly again

HYDERABAD: The Government turned down the Opposition's vociferous demand for the resignation and prosecution of Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy for having admitted to holding assigned lands in the Assembly on Monday, saying there was no such provision in the laws.

For the third consecutive day, the Assembly was rocked by the issue of the surrender of assigned lands (to the poor) by the Chief Minister with the treasury benches and the Opposition indulging in acrimonious exchanges and slogan-shouting.

In fact, the debate ended noisily as it began three days ago with Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy adjourning the House abruptly with placard-wielding Telugu Desam Party members rushing to the podium and raising slogans against the Chief Minister. They were objecting to Congress member T. Jeevan Reddy's comment against Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Intervening during the debate, Dr. Reddy admitted to his family-owned company holding another chunk of over 900 acres of non-agriculture land in Konduru near Rajampet in Kadapa district. "I do not want to hide anything," he said. Barring this, the Government threw no new light on the controversy even after a marathon five-hour debate.

Both stick to stand : Both the Government and the Opposition refused to budge from their known stands. The latter's demand for constituting an all -party committee to visit Idupulapaya in Kadapa, where Dr. Reddy's family held this assigned land, fell through. The Government stuck to its view that the surrender of assigned land by the Chief Minister was part of a strategy to bring out all such lands and distribute them to the poor. But the Opposition remained unconvinced wondering how the Chief Minister could be absolved after his confession that he had indeed violated the laws.

The only concession shown by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was to despatch a two-member semi-official committee to survey his and other lands in Idupulapaya in Kadapa district in a week's time. He said it could comprise either of the two senior IAS officers-- S. V. Prasad "who had served under you (TDP)" and Raghottam Rao-- and M. Sambasiva Rao (a former IAS officer), who is President of Heritage Foods owned by the family of Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Dr. Reddy's offer came in response to the TDP members'allegation that he owned more than 3000 acres and to the way they displayed huge photograph of the aerial view of the land owned by him and his family in Idupulapaya. He went on to invite the floor leaders not as a committee, but to have dinner with him for Christmas as he would be camping there to celebrate the festival.

Naidu's charge : On his part, Mr. Naidu said Dr. Reddy was guilty of violating seven laws from the AP Land Reforms Act to AP Panchayat Raj Act besides changing the extent of his land holding frequently and his statements. "He has no right to continue as he has violated the Constitutional oath he has taken."

Dr. Reddy took pot shots at the opposition parties turn by turn and berated Mr. Naidu for not ordering a single CBI inquiry during his nine-year rule. Quoting the assigned lands law, he said there was no provision for prosecution if the land was surrendered in good faith.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 10:09 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121904430400.htm
YSR possesses 3,079 acres, says Telugu Desam
HYDERABAD: The TDP has claimed that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is in possession of lands to the extent of 3,079 acres. After the Assembly adjourned, the party released details of these lands along with survey numbers on Monday. In addition to these lands, the party expected Dr. Reddy to own a few more hundred acres whose details it would release shortly. TDP leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy said Dr. Reddy owned assets worth crores of rupees in other States.

Babji

December 18th, 2006, 10:36 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121904520400.htm
Land law to be amended
Land for original assignees * Penal provisions to be incorporated in Act * 80,000 acres of land already recovered

HYDERABAD: Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao announced on Monday that the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfer) Act, 1977, would be amended to restore assigned land to original assignees and punish officials responsible for registering them to others.

Replying to the debate in the Assembly on the lands surrendered by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Minister said that penal provisions would be incorporated in the Act to prosecute those retaining such lands after promulgation of the ordinance declaring these transactions null and avoid.

Mr. Prasada Rao said the Government had embarked upon a programme with the slogan `land back to the poor' to distribute land, recovered or surrendered, to the original beneficiaries. Already, 80,000 acres of assigned land had been recovered against an estimated nine lakh acres that could be recovered under the ordinance.

This would be re-distributed at the rate of three lakh acres annually under phases IV and V of the land distribution programme. So far, 4.34 lakh acres had been distributed, he said.

Loopholes in law : The assigned lands had gone into the hands of others due to lack of sincerity on the part of non-Congress Governments and loopholes in the law. The proposed amendments would cover all these gaps. The situation now was such that even records relating to these lands were missing because the of mandal revenue system introduced in 1984 by the TDP. Efforts were on to bring back the old revenue system and complete the survey of lands in order to resolve all land disputes.

The Congress assigned top priority to land as productive asset. All pieces of legislations related to distribution of land to the poor were introduced by Congress Governments. He wondered as to why the Telugu Desam was worried when the Chief Minister had surrendered his lands and upheld the Congress' 50-year-old legacy.

TDP ridiculed : He ridiculed the TDP for trying to project that the possession of these lands by him was brought to light by it when the truth was otherwise. "If you knew about these lands, why no action was taken during your nine-year period?" he asked TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Minister said it was unfortunate that Mr. Naidu who himself had acquired 5.67 acres of assigned lands at Gundusettipalli, was raising an accusing finger against the Chief Minister. He added that a chopper from Bangalore was hired to photograph the latter's lands.

Babji

December 19th, 2006, 10:48 PM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#Top%20firms%20join%20rail%20land%20wagon
Sitara was built on forest land

Hyderabad, Dec. 19: Media baron Ch Ramoji Rao and Sanghi Industries, owned by Congress MP Girish Sanghi’s family, have encroached upon forest land. This disclosure was made in a report submitted to the State government by a high-level committee of the forest department last week.

While conducting extensive field level visits in November, the committee noticed that some of the major constructions of Ramoji Film City had come up on forest lands. Sources in the forest department said Film City had also constructed a star hotel — Sitara — on forest land.

The committee noted that Sanghi Industries was using land in Yapral forest block to dump industrial waste. Constructions of Film City were also noticed when the survey sketch of the forest block was compared with the sketch from Google Earth imagery. The committee felt that there was small encroachment in the forest blocks between 7 and 15 of Yapral reserve forest.

“We are yet to carry out a detailed survey with the help of Google images and global positioning system,” said a member of the committee. “It is premature to say how many acres are under encroachment.” However, the department has decided to issue notices to the encroachers under Section 20 the AP Forest Act and give a reasonable opportunity for them to move out. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary J. Hari Narayana held a review of the report on December 17 and directed that the department submit a more detailed report to the government.

pding

December 20th, 2006, 08:55 PM

ok, to be a little fair towards YSR, Naidu has built a five start hotel in Singapore and Mauritius along with a holiday resort (not sure about the resort) in Mauritius also.

Babji

December 20th, 2006, 09:26 PM

and there is one in Tirupati. and another one in Hyd.

Babji

December 20th, 2006, 09:28 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/21/stories/2006122108070200.htm

Archery champ aiming high
Part of bronze-medal winning trio at Asian Games

VIJAYAWADA : Mangal Singh Champia, the adopted son of Vijayawada who was part of the bronze-medal winning trio of Indian archery team at the Doha Asian Games, was accorded a warm welcome on Wednesday.

The Jharkhand-born archer, who is pursuing his graduation at Guntur's Sanskrit Collegecreated history by winning the first medal in archery for India at Asian Games. "I made Vijayawada my second home since 1999. I am grateful to the Krishna District Archery Association, AP Archery Association and Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) for supporting me ," Mr. Champia said turning emotional.

Asked about his future aims, Mr. Champia was quick to say: "Winning a medal in Beijing Olympics."

Babji

December 21st, 2006, 03:32 AM

Even Charminar was up for grabs
Ganesh S Lakshman [ 21 Dec, 2006 0140hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: The existing rules on the one hand and connivance and laxity of revenue officials on the other hand is what led to transfer and registration of thousands of acres of land illegally by the influential and the powerful in the state.

These include government land, assigned land, endowments land and Waqf land. As per the (All India) Registration Act, 1908, applicable to the state of Andhra Pradesh, the registrar is supposed to register a document or a deed without going into its legality or propriety.

"Therefore, any document claiming ownership of a property, say state-owned properties like Charminar or the Secretariat, or even the registrar's own house, has to be registered by the registrar when it is brought up to him,"said an official.

As a result, the 370 registrars are said to be not at fault for registering any document. "Even chief minister's father Raja Reddy having got assigned land registered under his name from a third party, it would not be the state's fault as per the Act,"the official added.

However, the state Assembly on Wednesday passed the Registration (Andhra Pradesh Amendment) Act, 2006. "Section 22-A of the original Act has been amended to ensure that no government property can be registered. Once this Act is notified, it would not be possible to get properties like Charminar registered but private properties of individuals, including that of the registrar can be registered,"the official said.

With regard to laxity of revenue officials, which also ensured illegal registration of thousands of acres, sources said for various reasons, none of the rules are enforced. "The registrar has to send a list of the registrations to the MROs to ensure there is no duplication. This never happens,"said the official. On their part, the 1104 MROs are supposed to initiate action to incorporate the registrations sent by the registrar in their records. "This too does not happen. Not only that, with regard to assigned land, the MRO is duty-bound to inspect the assigned land in his jurisdiction once a year,"he said.

The extent of land in possession of the CM that is increasing by the day is a result of all these factors, revenue officials said.

harsh1802

December 21st, 2006, 07:12 AM

N.P. Singh retires

Source: The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121905701800.htm)
HYDERABAD: It was an emotional decision for the 33-year-old Hyderabad medium-pacer Narinderpal Singh. He was virtually forced to quit first-class cricket after a creditable 13-year-stint with Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy and for south zone in the Duleep Trophy.

Controlling his tears, NP, as he is often called, said he felt it was time to quit the sport as there were quite a few youngsters waiting in the wings to take over from him.

"No, I am not uncomfortable. After the failure in the first two matches, I have been giving a thought to this," he remarked on announcing his retirement.

NP's exclusion from the squad currently playing Mumbai has proven to be the final straw for him. The general feeling was that he could have been given a more dignified send-off after playing three more matches on home turf.

An assistant general manager in SBH, NP was known for his match-winning spells when the team needed it. He had a total of 16 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls.

"I thank the HCA secretary N. Shivlal Yadav, my coaches including late M.L. Jaisimha and all my teammates for their wonderful support over the years," he said. When asked for advice for youngsters, he said: "One should never be found wanting in commitment. Play for the team and aim big."

Hyderabad would be hard pressed to find a replacement for the medium-pacer. NP's career haul of 305 wickets from 97 matches at an average of 26.81 is an impressive one.

Hyderabad bowling coach Kanwaljit Singh paid tributes to NP. "I enjoyed playing with him for 10 years and he was wonderful company in the dressing room. We will miss him badly but every sportsperson has to face this (retirement) one day or the other," he said.

:master:

Babji

December 21st, 2006, 06:23 PM

KHAMMAM: Implementation of resettlement and rehabilitation package
Thursday December 21 2006 09:52 IST
KHAMMAM: Implementation of resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) package for the Polavaram project oustees is posing ever new problems for the officialdom. In some cases, past follies of the government departments are tumbling out of the cupboards leaving the mandarins red-faced.

In Vinjaram village of Kukkunuru mandal, where the distribution of compensation for the land lost, is being currently taken up, the officials were non-plussed when they found at least five cases where there were two contenders for the same chunk of land.

For instance, both Maganti Narsaiah and Kareti Jaggaiah have furnished pattadar passbooks and other relevant documents for the same 2.11 acre land. Similarly, Bandarupalli Venkama and Maganti Suraiah were claimants for the 2 acre land on survey No. 111. Both furnished pattadar pass books and had records of obtaining farm loans from the banks on the basis of those documents.

Three more such cases have come to light in the village where 326 families are to be given compensation. When contacted special deputy collector V Dharma Rao admitted the occurrence of such cases and said the administration was examining how the documents for the same land were being touted by two persons and how the beneficiaries were enjoying government largesse all these years undetected. “These disputes pertain to transactions among the non-tribals. We are shuddering at the very thought of what would happen in tribal-dominated villages where the Land Transfer Act (1/70) is in force,” a revenue official told ...

Babji

December 21st, 2006, 11:01 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/22/stories/2006122223910100.htm
Government seeks report on Margadarsi Financiers

HYDERABAD: Invoking its powers under the Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishments Act, 1999, the State Government has appointed its Advisor (Finance) N. Rangachari to examine all records of M/s Margadarsi Financiers "with a view to protecting the interests of the depositors."

Simultaneously, it has authorised Inspector-General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Krishna Raju "to file application in courts of jurisdiction and take other action under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934". The Authorized Officer, as he has been termed, has, in particular, been empowered to take action under sections 45 (T) and 58 (E) of the RBI Act.

Mr. Rangachari, who is a former Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA), has been mandated to submit a report as to whether Margadarsi has raised deposits from the public in violation of the RBI Act or under provisions of the AP Act and also whether it has acted in a manner prejudicial to the depositors' interests. Two separate Government Orders (GOMSs 800 & 801) issued on December 19 were released to the press on Thursday.

pding

December 21st, 2006, 11:18 PM

poor Ramoji is taking the brute force of Congress...

Babji

December 22nd, 2006, 03:48 AM

URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070201571900.htm
Cabinet okay for Greater Hyderabad
Hyderabad , July 1 2005
THE State Cabinet on Friday approved the creation of Greater Hyderabad by merging the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad with 12 municipalities within the twin cities and eight villages and has approved a plan to invest Rs 800 crore to strengthen its infrastructure. The Cabinet also approved the formation of Greater Visakhapatnam by merging Gajuwaka municipality and surrounding 32 villages with Vizag. While Greater Hyderabad would get expanded from about 175 sq km to 725 sq kms,
the Vizag municipality will expand to 505 sq kms...
Date:02/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070218350500.htm
Greater Hyderabad: shape of bigger things to come
HYDERABAD: Redefining its very contours, the city is poised to undergo a metamorphosis of sorts, thanks to the concept of Greater Hyderabad given shape by the State Cabinet on Friday.
With major changes in the character, size, boundaries and population, Hyderabad would no longer be the twin cities it was all these days, with 12 poor cousins -- 10 municipalities from Ranga Reddy district and two from Medak district -- and eight gram panchayats joining the big family and taking the population beyond the 60 lakhs mark.

The recognition of a mega city would bring more Central funds for the development of the city and for operational purpose, the New Delhi model of having a corporation and a metropolitan council could be followed, he suggested. The move would usher in a more focussed administration for the city and the sprawling suburbs, he maintained. The MCH Standing Committee Chairman and Congress leader, D. Mohan, noted the Greater Hyderabad status would get the city A1 status.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/22ap1.htm
Andhra Pradesh high court stays the formation of Greater Hyderabad
Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad | August 22, 2005 21:22 IST
Andhra Pradesh high court on Monday stayed the formation of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on various grounds. This decision came in response to a writ petition filed by a Hyderabad member of Parliament and others alleging that the decision was illegal and unconstitutional.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice G Chandraiah, passed orders on a writ petition filed by MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Majlis-e-Ittehaadul Muslimeen legislators and corporators. The petitioners had contended that the government had already in reality decided to form the GHMC and the issual of notices to 12 municipalities and the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad for their merger to form the new entity was a mere formality.

In nine municipalities, the term of the elected council had expired by March 2005. Hence, the State Election Commission was eager to hold the polls to these civic bodies but the government had decided to postpone the elections, citing the decision to form GHMC. It was further contended that the proposal to form GHMC was in violation of Article 371 (D) of the Constitution and the 74th Constitutional amendment as the government had no power to postpone elections to civic bodies.

The government order made on July 20 was challenged on the ground that it was invalid as per the law. It was contended that the action was designed to reduce the term of the corporators of the existing Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. The petitioners also contended that GHMC would be too big an administrative unit and that the move was intended at getting Hyderabad declared a union territory on the formation of separate Telangana.

The division bench, while passing the interim orders, felt that, prima facie, there was a good case for staying the operation of the government notification for the creation of GHMC.

Babji

December 23rd, 2006, 01:08 AM

Kidnap drama at MLA quarters
[ 23 Dec, 2006 0245hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
HYDERABAD: It was high drama at MLA quarters in Adarsh Nagar. While a realtor-cum-advocate accused the associates of a Congress MLA of kidnapping, the MLA flatly denied it.

Police later arrested nine men said to be the MLA's supporters.Police said nearly 40 men went to the farmhouse of Syed Mohd Ahmed — a realtor and advocate from Himayathnagar — at Fateh Shahpur in Shamshabad and brought him allegedly to meet Adoni MLA P Sai Prasad Reddy and sign a sale deed of his land. Reddy stays in Quarter No. 168 in the MLA quarters.

Seeing Ahmed being bundled into the car, the staff at the farmhouse informed the Shamshabad police. Ahmed is the son-in-law of Nawab Mir Mahboob Alam Khan, the director of the Anwar-ul-Uloom educational institutions.

Mahboob is the son of Nawab Shah Alam Khan. The Cyberabad police immediately alerted their counterparts in the city who reached the MLA quarters and rounded up nine men.

pding

December 23rd, 2006, 03:47 AM

URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070201571900.htm

Date:02/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070218350500.htm

http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/22ap1.htm

i am totally confused...i thought MIM wanted Hyd to be a seperate entity if seperate telangana happens bc of the possibility of BJP gaining power...so, why are they doing this now????

harsh1802

December 23rd, 2006, 04:32 AM

Babji

December 23rd, 2006, 06:18 PM

i am totally confused...i thought MIM wanted Hyd to be a seperate entity if seperate telangana happens bc of the possibility of BJP gaining power...so, why are they doing this now????

imo, MIM had a never been a party based on principles. They are more of an opportunistic party. They use the support of the religiously charged mobs to meet their (leaders') personal goals. Give them their share of the loot and the power, they won't disturb you. MIM has been winning elections consistently in certain areas but what did they do to develop the lives of their ppl? not much! most of the funds granted for public projects have been mis-appropriated. (ex: Urdu Academy bldg in old city). City congress leaders understood this philosophy well and they always maintained some kind of relationship (power sharing) with MIM. These power sharing deals reached their peak during Chenna Reddy's regime - mutual co-op to rescue each other when there is an external threat to their power...

In the recent past MIM expressed a desire for a separate Nizam State (Urdu State).
Hyd Union Territory may not suit them because MIM is primarily concentrated in the old city and surroundings. The name Nizam State appeals well to their party. Hyd UT sounds more like a cosmopolitan area and may not suit their political interest. so they want to prevent formation of Greater Hyd.

So, they want to be friendlty with congress, not opposing them openly.
But they might bring up the issue of Urdu State again during 2009 elections time. in the bargain, they may try and get the best (seat sharing) they could. but they do realize that times are changing and they can't ask for too much in the present scenario. they don't seem to trust KCR either...

The recent dev projects (Charminar ped, MRTS to Falaknuma, road widening, drainage etc) would also make ppl think out side the box. thats why BJP is investing their time more on the surrounding municipalities and ORR pockets to win more new vote banks.

Babji

December 23rd, 2006, 07:54 PM

New party floated in AP
Created on : 12/23/2006 06:01 PM (NORMAL )
Hyderabad, Dec 23 (UNI) A new party, Trilinga Praja Pragati Party(TPPP) has been floated in Andhra Pradesh to ''forge a united front of the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and women.
Releasing a copy of a communication from the Election Commission recogising the TPPP as a regional party at a press conference here, Party President Triupuraneni Maharadhi said the party would strive to restore the rural economy.

The party would also strive to extricate, ''The political firmament from mudslinging malice, money mania and murky mafia'' and move towards ushering in a new era of heatlhy political atmosphere that could serve the interests of the state and its people, Mr Maharadhi added.
this could make a dent into the traditional vote banks of the Congress in the coastal dists.
Trilinga (the land of the three Lingas) is the historical name of the ancient Andra region.

pding

December 24th, 2006, 06:59 AM

^^ These political parties make me sick. Not even one political party tried to do anything substantial for the Telangana region except for YSR's government in the last two years which did work on some irrigation projects.

Now most of the leaders of from these regions are shouting for a separate state simply because it is gonna meet their own personal and political ends.

Why doesn't the TRS and the BJP settle for a Telangana without Hyderabad!? Can't they develop their own capital somewhere in the interiors of Telangana thus aiding in the development of the region? BAstards......damn bastards!

I would like to see the twin cities as an Union territory. It shouldn't belong to neither Andhra nor Telangana. Let them develop their own damn capitals.

:evil:

nobody is a bastard because he/she asked for Hyd to be part of Telangana. if one city is in the heartland of you state and you are asking for it to keep it the way it is, it is but natural. but keeping in view the larger aspect of development of Hyd and an incubating center for industry and talent, i believe Hyd should be made a union territory. also, what if Hyd is part of telangana? anybody, including andhras can stay in hyd. nobody is forcing or nobody can force anybody out of anywhere in India. anybody can and will stay anywhere.

pding

December 24th, 2006, 07:04 AM

this is just my view. BC leaders should focus on integrating the backward classes into mainstream India and not divide them into a seperate stream of ppl. how can they aspire to become an integral part of india if they want to only vote for exclusively BC parties. i don't think this party will go much headway into votes. both Congress and TDP have votebanks extending to all communities. this party will either die out eventually or be a very minor player. but i could be dead wrong. let's wait and see.

Babji

December 24th, 2006, 09:42 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122504430400.htm
State not to touch assigned land of poor: YSR
HYDERABAD: Allaying apprehensions over the recently passed Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Amendment Bill, the State Government has made it clear that the assigned lands in possession of the poor and the weaker sections will not be touched during the drive to resume them. The Government will not resume assigned lands purchased unknowingly by the poor and it will, instead, ensure that such lands are regularised in the names of those in their possession.

This was made clear by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy here on Sunday while renewing his call to those enjoying assigned lands to voluntarily surrender them to the Government within 90 days. Dr. Reddy asked the district Collectors to be on alert while dealing with the assigned lands while the mandal level authorities should ensure that separate cells were opened in their office to identify such lands.

In this direction, he asked the mandal revenue officers to prepare lists of assigned lands under their jurisdiction to ascertain whether they were in possession of the original allottees. He wanted local people to inform the officials about the assigned lands in possession of others so that no attempt was made to tamper with the records.

Field inspections :Once the lists were prepared, the revenue officials concerned would conduct field inspections that would be followed by submission of detailed report to the assignment committees headed by the legislators concerned. The Government was committed to distributing the resumed assigned lands to the poor and the landless while the non-cultivable lands would be utilised for public purposes like construction of hospitals and schools.

Panel report :The Cabinet Committee on assigned lands headed by Municipal Administration Minister Koneru Ranga Rao would submit its report on December 28 and some major decisions on land assignment was expected to be taken on the same day. Referring to the political parties' criticism on his decision to voluntarily surrender lands in possession of his family, Dr. Reddy said while he had intended to set an example by volunteering to give the lands, some political parties were raising hue and cry, as they were afraid of losing the lands they were enjoying.

Babji

December 26th, 2006, 11:54 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/27/stories/2006122721730400.htm
MCH to hold talks with city MLAs

HYDERABAD: The MCH will be holding a series of Assembly constituency-wise meetings with local MLAs and other public representatives to review the progress of works in their respective areas, according to Commissioner Sanjay Jaju.

The Commissioner informed the MIM team comprising MLAs -- Mohd. Moazzam Khan (Asifnagar), Mohd. Muqtada Khan (Karwan), Mumtaz Ahmed Khan (Yakutpura), Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri (Charminar) -- that MCH had grounded works of Rs. 43 crores out of Rs. 100 crores in old city this year .

Fresh order :He explained, in detail, the works taken up like road widening, storm water drains repairs, Musi conservation project, Charminar pedestrianisation project, etc. The Commissioner told the team that MCH was preparing estimates to spend up to Rs. 450 crore as part of the Rs. 2,000 crore-package on infrastructure improvement announced by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

The MIM MLAs sought faster progress of works. They reportedly wanted the protocol to be followed in clearing any work pertaining to the area as they felt that the projects sought by local corporators were being given the nod without their knowledge.

Babji

December 28th, 2006, 06:09 PM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/28/stories/2006122823830500.htm
Operations against Maoists a huge success in 2006
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh has recorded phenomenal success in counter-revolutionary operations in 2006 with the State police managing to build extraordinary pressure on the Maoists, forcing them to vacate their strongholds of Nallamala forests, Telangana districts and to a large extent in the Coastal and North Coastal districts. So successful was the State that Jharkhand, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Orissa and nine other affected States were asked by the Centre to replicate the `Andhra Model'.

Despite a reduction in the number of fatalities on the Maoist side this year, as against the preceding years, the Maoists suffered irreversible setbacks as several of their top cadres were killed. This year saw the killing of 134 naxals (163 in 2005). The other significant development this year has been the drastic fall in number of murders committed by Maoists. This year, they killed 52 persons as against 211 last year.

Notable achievement :Another significant achievement of the police forces is that they managed to reduce the fatalities by a considerable percentage. As against 25 policemen killed in 2005, there were only 11deaths on the police side this year. The series of losses and the relentless pressure by the police forced the Maoists to go for a strategic retreat in almost all the districts. Though the Maoist cadres are stated to be active in interior agency areas of Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts on the Orissa border, they are on the `self-defence' mode as revealed by several naxalite documents seized by the police.

This success predominantly is attributable to the `intelligence-driven' operations which inflicted crippling blows to the Maoist movement. The biggest success for the Andhra Pradesh Police is the busting of the top-secret operation in which the Maoists were planning to equip their cadres with rocket launchers to provide a definite edge in their fight with the police.

In a well-coordinated intelligence operation, police seized 275 unassembled parts of rocket launchers, 27 rocket launchers, 600 unloaded rockets in Mahabubnagar and Prakasam districts. With the surrender of Tech Madhu, the chief architect for getting the rocket launchers fabricated, an inter-State racket had been exposed.

Police acknowledge the fact that getting an upper hand over the Maoists in Nallamala forest area and in agency areas on Orissa border was the biggest achievement of 2006. Though the efforts to reduce the `impregnability' of Nallamala forests had begun three years ago, it was this year only that the police could claim to have touched nook and corner of the forest tracts, that offered excellent protection to the Maoist leaders and squads. Simultaneously, operational pressure was maintained in plains and semi-forest areas. The other biggest success for the police is their success in `demining' the rural roads. There is a quantum jump in `demining' operations where police unearthed as many as 251 landmines all over the State.
GoI should utilize the services of DGP Swarnajit Sen, who is superannuating on Dec31, 2006 from AP Police.
He is the man who dared his life to change history of Naxal movement in AP for better.

pding

December 28th, 2006, 06:19 PM

what does superannuating mean?

Babji

December 28th, 2006, 06:22 PM

what does superannuating mean?

Its like retiring from the services with full benefits after completing 60 years of age...
Such ppl can takeup part time or full time job on their own will, as long as they want to.

Babji

December 30th, 2006, 12:02 AM

Mohanty may be replaced
Ganesh S Lakshman
[ 30 Dec, 2006 0145hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
HYDERABAD: The rumblings in the state police that has preceded the upcoming superannuation of current DGP Swaramjit Sen continued to dog the force with the state government actively proposing to replace Hyderabad police commissioner A K Mohanty.

The simmering began some weeks ago when Sen lobbied for an extension. However, the state decided to appoint M A Basith as the new DGP effective December 31, the day Sen retires.

But Sen's exit has been shrouded in a spat with Mohanty, with the former manipulating the promotion of Vinoy Kumar Singh, joint commissioner, coordination, as additional commissioner,coordination as well as law and order and arming him with a rare charter of duties. The state, however, heeded to Mohanty's protests over this move last week and rescinded earlier orders.
It would be a big loss for Hyd if AK Mohanty goes away.
He is the man who got videographic proof of some anti-social elements trying to provoke mobs during a public speech and booked them red handed.
He is the man who broght stone pelting incidents in old city to the minimum.
He is the man who shifted his office to the old city to get a grip on law and order.
He is the man who survived several representations against himself by vested interests.
Hyd really needs him.

Babji

December 31st, 2006, 12:50 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/31/stories/2006123119940100.htm
Charminar logo to brand city * `Hyderabad on Mission Tomorrow' *

http://i13.tinypic.com/440ey50.jpg
THUMPING VICTORY: Students with the new logo which was selected after a poll at the Hyderabad Youth Summit on Saturday. Photo: K. Ramesh Babu

HYDERABAD: The over 400-year-old, four-minaret structure continues to hold sway -- an icon with which everyone in the twin cities relate to. A majority of the over six lakh Hyderabadis who participated in the poll for selecting a logo to brand the city gave a `thumbs up' to the sentinel that is as old as Bhagyanagar itself.

The logo of Charminar along with a caption `Hyderabad on Mission Tomorrow' was formally unveiled by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy at the concluding function of Hyderabad Youth Summit organised at People's Plaza along the banks of Hussain Sagar. From Saturday morning, over 300 students started pooling all the entries in scores of boxes and counted them non-stop for four hours. In the end, 2,36,177 lakh persons voted `Charminar' as their logo for Hyderabad. The nearest to come was the logo designed in seven colours depicting the vibrant nature of Hyderabad with 1,44,869 votes. After unveiling the logo, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy called upon the youth to get involved and play an active role in the overall development of Hyderabad. "The youth should be involved in various developmental activities in the twin cities. The Government on its part will do its best to provide them with ample opportunities," Mr. Reddy said.

Working models : Spirited debate by students from colleges on the topic `Hyderabad, a city with a rich past -- now move it into the future' lit up the summit. Several children from various schools also showcased working models on the use of technology in reducing environment pollution. The Youth Summit concluded with Antakshari in the presence of noted TV stars Anu Kapoor and Durga Jasraj.

Babji

December 31st, 2006, 03:40 AM

Sen: I will get a bigger job
Deccan Chronicle http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp

Hyderabad, Dec. 30: Outgoing director-general of police Swaranjit Sen on Saturday said that he was tipped off on a post at the Centre and was expecting orders within three days. Sources said he may take over the unified command against Maoists or as adviser to the Union home ministry. Mr Sen told reporters, “I will take up it if it is challenging and an elevation from the present one. I said that I was ready to take up the post from anywhere in the country.”

Asked whether Maoists would rise again if Telangana is given Statehood, “If you ask me 24 hours after I retire I will answer you with all details.” Asked why his term was not extended, Mr Sen stated that it was a joke. Mr Sen will be given a send off on Sunday with him sitting on a flower-bedecked chariot pulled by IPS officials.

Babji

December 31st, 2006, 11:10 PM

Demand for Hyderabad State
Deccan Chronicle

Hyderabad, Dec. 31: After Jai Telangana and Jai And-hra it is now “Jai Hyderabad” movement that kick started on Sunday, demanding a separate Hyderabad State, by activists of the Jai Hyderabad Praja Aikya Vedika after a meeting in Kukatpally.

Clashes broke out between TRS activists and Jai Hyderabad activists on Tuesday in which an activist of Jai Hyderabad movement was injured and a car was damaged. The injured was identified as J. Srinivas. Kukatpally police arrested four TRS activists for sparking the incident. The arrested were identified as Kapil Raj, S. Raju, Satish Reddy and Chandar. Kapil Raj was earlier involved in a bus bu-rning case at Jubilee Hills as part of the TRS movement.

Balanagar assistant commissioner of police S. Madhavachari said, “We initially gave permission to the Jai Hyderabad activists for the procession at Kukatpally but cancelled it later suspecting that it would lead to trouble. However, they gathered at the venue and raised slogans demanding a separate state. They also demanded that Hyderabad and surrounding municipalities be declared as free zone while implementing 610 GO. They also distributed pamphlets.

“While they were dispersing, TRS activists arrived and attacked a car and beat up Srinivasa Rao, an activist of Jai Hyderabad movement.” Kukatpally police booked a case under section 324 IPC(hurt) and 425 IPC(damage of private property) against the TRS activists. TRS MLA Nayani Narasimha Reddy, who visited the area, demanded the release of the activists. TRS alleged that the Jai Hyderabad movement is taken up by a group of realtors.

Babji

January 2nd, 2007, 01:41 AM

Hyderabad not a real problem
Jinka Nagaraju [ 2 Jan, 2007 0149hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: When the Telangana issue gathered momentum after K Chandrasekhara Rao quit his Lok Sabha seat, it seemed that the real estate lobby was very upset. Cashing in on, and in fact fuelling the boom in Hyderabad, the realtors were upset that talk of a separate Telangana would apply a brake to the runaway realty prices.

The thinking was that the Telangana issue would push Andhra Pradesh on the throes of civil disturbance, thereby affecting development in Hyderabad and hence land prices. Their apprehensions were not misplaced because in the past when ever the Telangana issue had reared its head, the first casualty has been the escalating real estate prices. But two months later the real estate lobby is singing an entirely different tune. Let there be Telangana, and let this new state also have Hyderabad, is the latest refrain from the real estate lobby.

Andhra can have a new capital, they say. And this capital should be built in the region of Vijayawada, spread over the sprawl between Mangalgiri to Gannavaram, is the contention. Interestingly, when the Telangana issue came up at the time of the 2004 polls, Visakhapatnam was seen as the most serious contender for the capital of the bifurcated state (if it ever happened). In line with this thinking, the state government spawned development activities in a big way in Vizag post 2004. But the real estate lobby which stands to gain most if a new place is developed, is now pitching for Vijayawada as capital.

To sell their idea, they have also spawned the idea of a mega capital for Andhra rivalling and in fact, beating Chennai in size. "A new capital area means massive development and construction and real estate activities,"an analyst pointed out. So successful has been the real estate lobby - including builders and contractors, some of whom are politically well connected - that even intellectuals, politicians and veterans of the erstwhile Jai Andhra movement have started mouthing these ideas.

Babji

January 3rd, 2007, 03:23 AM

Jannat prevails, Balwinder police chief
[ 3 Jan, 2007 0224hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
HYDERABAD: How powerful is the principal secretary to the Andhra Pradesh chief minister? Quite it would seem. With the government having taken an in-principle decision to replace Hyderabad police commissioner A K Mohanty, the Chief Minister's principal secretary Jannat Hussain has moved in and convinced Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to appoint buddy Balwinder Singh in the coveted position.

An IPS officer of the 1976 batch, Singh is presently in New Delhi working in a joint secretary-level position in the Central Vigilance Commission. The cop has been out of the state for over three years. Balwinder Singh had undergone training as probationer in Kakinada alongside Hussain. The two had later served together in two districts. According to sources, the state government has written to the central government to relieve Balwinder Singh quickly from his present position.

With the name of Balwinder Singh being finalised, the chances of the earlier favourite additional director general of police M Ratan has come to nought. Official sources said that Ratan's name was struck off as he is from Telangana, the region from which both the new Director General, Basith and Cyberabad police commissioner Mahender Reddy hails from. "The thinking is that all the three important police positions should not go to persons from the same region,"sources said.

Before Ratan, the name of Aravind Rao, additional Director General intelligence had been considered but the official refused the position. The name of former police commissioner Dinesh Reddy had also been mooted.

Babji

January 4th, 2007, 04:23 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/18/stories/2006111817570300.htm
Entertainment centre faces a `heritage' block
HYDERABAD: The construction of an urban family entertainment centre on the former premises of the Gandhi Medical College at Basheerbagh has run into rough weather after the MCH and officials from the Heritage Committee of HUDA stalled the demolition of the structures there.

The town planning officials of MCH approached the police on Thursday opposing the demolition drive of G.S. Group of Companies. The reason they cited was the presence of two heritage structures listed with HUDA. As a result, on Friday, the work came to a standstill.

"Lady Hydari Club and City Infrastructure Board building on the premises have heritage value. The G.S. Group was supposed to submit the layout designs and measures it would take to protect these two structures before demolishing others," a HUDA official said.

MCH officials pointed out that since the G.S. Group did not submit designs, they had to approach the police to stop the demolition. The centre, conceived by the Tourism Department, was planned to house multiplexes, malls, indoor game-parks, conference halls and a five-star hotel among other facilities.
any update on this since then ...

Babji

January 5th, 2007, 02:08 AM

http://www.deccan.com/home/homedetails.asp#10%20firms%20in%20shortlist%20for%20100-storey%20city%20tower
Mohanty shifted, Balwinder Singh is city police chief
Hyderabad, Jan. 4: The State government on Thursday shifted Hyderabad city police commissioner A.K. Mohanty and brought Mr Balwinder Singh, on deputation with the Central Vigilance Commission, to replace him. Mr Mohanty was transferred as additional director-general, law and order, a more prominent post which was held by Mr P.V. Naidu till he became principal secretary, home.

Senior IPS officer N.V. Surendra Babu was posted as additional commissioner of police, coordination, Hyderabad. In Cyberabad, Mr Mahender Reddy was replaced as commissioner by Mr S. Prabhakar Reddy, hitherto director, Anti-Corruption Bureau. Mr Mahender Reddy was commissioner since the commissionerate was set up in 2003. He was transferred to a post that is yet to be created: inspector-general, computer services and standardisation. In all, the government reshuffled seven IAS officers and maintained seniority in the postings. Sources said MIM leaders including the Owaisis had not taken kindly to Mr Mohanty and had complained against him. The government was under tremendous pressure to shift him, the sources said. Mr Mohanty, a 1975 batch officer appointed in October 2005, was also involved in a running battle with Mr Swaranjit Sen who retired on December 31.

The decision to bring Mr Singh back from Central deputation to be posted as Hyderabad police commissioner came as a surprise because another senior officer, Mr M. Ratan, was seen as the front-runner. Mr Singh, a 1976 batch official, is slightly senior to Mr Ratan. It is learnt that chief secretary J. Harinarayana preferred Mr Singh for the post. Mr Singh is said to be a close friend of the chief secretary and also of the Chief Minister’s principal secretary Jannath Hussain.

Mr Singh was previously superintendent of police, Nalgonda, DCP (Traffic), Hyderabad, DIG Warangal range and IG (provisions and logistics) before going on Central deputation.
I am glad that Mohanty stays within Hyd, even in a more prominent post.
We don't want any major disturbances in beureacratic circles in AP for at least the next 2 years.

Babji

January 7th, 2007, 01:27 AM

YSR turns to secret surveys to feel pulse
Deccan Chronicle
Hyderabad, Jan. 6: Thirty months in power have seen a distinct change in some strategies of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and the State Congress.The party, which was always reluctant to hold training camps for party workers is planning three regional training programmes. Dr Reddy has begun commissioning secret surveys and opinion polls because the government does not want to leave any scope for anti-incumbency factor to grow before the Assembly elections that is 30 months away.

Both training camps and surveys bear the hallmark of TD president Chandrababu Naidu. Dr Reddy has found secret surveys as the best tool to get an idea of what people think of his rule. “It is a mid-term appraisal of the performance of the government,” Dr Reddy admitted at the party’s two-day brainstorming session which concluded on Friday.

Dr Reddy has begun involving party leaders in government meetings on local problems. As a first step, he called upon Congress leaders to participate in power sub-station committee meetings to ensure that farmers get seven hours of power supply. Congress leaders are participating in large numbers in grama sabhas held in villages to select beneficiaries.

Mr Naidu used to get Telugu Desam personnel to select beneficiaries. The three regional training camps proposed to be conducted soon will train Congress leaders and workers on various issues including countering Opposition onslaught.

Babji

January 8th, 2007, 01:14 AM

Behind The Scene: Where does Krishna Yadav go?
Greatandhra
Former Himayat Nagar MLA C Krishna Yadav, who spent more than three years in Pune jail for his alleged involvement in Telgi fake stamps scam, is back in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Though Krishna Yadav was a forgotten chapter in Hyderabad politics all these days, his return has raised the question again: where does he go? He was suspended from the Telugu Desam soon after he was arrested by Maharashtra police, for which he has been very angry with Chandrababu Naidu. But, since the Congress has been gunning for his head, it is doubtful that he would join the Congress party. And the city BJP leaders would definitely not allow him into their party either and moreover, the BJP itself is in a shambles; therefore, Krishna Yadav may not prefer it.

Surprisingly, several Telugu Desam leaders and even a few Congress leaders issued advertisements in local newspapers on Wednesday, welcoming Krishna Yadav back into the city. So, it is adding to the confusion further.

There is a talk that Krishna Yadav might consider the option of joining Telangana Rashtra Samithi, which is the only party that appears to have some bright future!
http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/14/stories/2006121417040400.htm
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/14/stories/2006121417040400.htm
Conspiracy hatched against me: Krishna Yadav

HYDERABAD: Fake stamp case accused C. Krishna Yadav received a tumultuous welcome when he arrived in the city on Wednesday after being enlarged on bail from the Yerawada jail in Pune.

Traffic snarls became the order of the day, as the former Telugu Desam city legislator drove to his house in Lal Darwaza in a convoy of vehicles. As his followers raised slogans, Mr. Yadav stopped at a temple on Basheerbagh crossroads and at the Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza, before covering a 2-km distance on foot to reach his home. Later speaking to mediapersons at his house, he alleged that a political conspiracy was hatched against him and that he was implicated in the fake stamp scam. He maintained he was innocent and argued that there was no evidence against him.

He interpreted the apex court observations as a `clean chit' given to him. "There is no evidence against me. The police arrested me based only on allegations and foisted the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act." Evading direct replies to pointed questions about the possibility of some Telugu Desam leaders being involved in the conspiracy against him, he promised to disclose the details "at an appropriate time."

On his future plans, the former Minister maintained that he had to discuss with his friends and supporters in Himayathnagar Assembly segment on the course of action he would follow.

Reminiscing his jail experience, he said he had read many books penned by famous personalities. He had also keenly observed how `power' played a major role in important issues and that the more than three years' jail stint had also provided him an opportunity to `study administration and poverty.'

Festive atmosphere : Huge arches, banners and hoardings were erected at important junctions to welcome Mr. Yadav. The environs of Lal Darwaza came alive with his followers bursting crackers and dancing to `teen mar' drumbeats. Some residents showered flower petals while he was conducting a padayatra from Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza to his house.
Telgi's aide spilled the beans on Yadav
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/173212.cms

p.raghavendra6

January 11th, 2007, 06:31 AM

The curve that kills
75 Have Died In The Last One Year

Hyderabad: For an onlooker, it is just a small 50m long bend at Malakpet railway station. But for people in the vicinity, it has been claiming so many lives that they have begun to believe it is a ‘cursed curve’.

And, their fear is not limited to the killer curve alone. The track of 8 km between Vidyanagar and Uppuguda railway stations with Malakpet in the midst, has emerged as the slayer stretch. For, in the last one year, 75 persons have died in train accidents there.
According to railway officials, the curve disallows people from seeing the trains coming from either side. So, when passengers are crossing the track, they are unmindful of the speedy trains and become easy prey. In 2006, over 20 persons died, officials added.

However, the villain of the piece in these 75 deaths is the MMTS. Except for a couple of victims who were hit by other trains on the route, all these deaths have been caused by MMTS, a source in the South Central Railway (SCR) said.

Of the six stations that form the danger zone, the maximum mishaps have been in Malakpet. “The movement of MMTS is silent and fast. People walking on the tracks don’t hear it coming. By the time they try to jump away, it is too late,” said M Nageswar Rao, circle inspector for railways, Kacheguda, under whose jurisdiction the entire 93 km MMTS stretch, from Sitaphalmandi to Gollapalli, falls.

In all, 178 people were killed on the 93 km track last year by trains. Seventy-two others survived but many of them are said to have lost a limb or two.

There have been several instances where the victim got out of one track to avoid an oncoming train only to be hit by another plying in the opposite direction. Even a brush with a speeding MMTS train is enough to cause fatal injury,” said Zorawar Khan, sub-inspector of police (railways) Kacheguda.
However, Kacheguda station manager D Chandra Reddy blames the victims for accidents. “People are careless. They do not heed to warnings and walk on the tracks,” he said.

K Rama Rao, sub-inspector of police (railways) of the same station, said: “Since there are residential areas on both sides of the track; near Malakpet and Yakutpura, it is the fastest way for the residents to get from one side to the other. Therefore, they walk across the tracks. And in many cases, they are run over.” The station manager says that the SCR can do little to prevent the accidents. But there are many others who feel that if SCR could intensify the monitoring of tracks during peak hour traffic, the number of accidents could be drastically reduced.

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7350/getimagelr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Why dont they plan a overbridge there to cross the tracks, when it is highly accident prone area.

Babji

January 12th, 2007, 01:18 AM

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122124260300.htm

This `S' does not stand for safe
http://i1.tinypic.com/2ajnrwo.jpg

HYDERABAD : Eleven persons have been killed in road accidents in the last three weeks on this stretch of road, but the authorities concerned remain a mute spectator.

They have not initiated any measures to check the trend. The 2.5-km-long stretch, located on the old Kurnool highway, known as inner ring road, frequently witness ghastly accidents mainly due to absence of a median and proper lighting.

The two accidents -- one on November 21 involving a car and a tanker and the other recently between an autorickshaw and a lorry -- were head-on collisions and occurred at the same spot.

This stretch, on which a large number of heavy vehicles move, has many peculiarities. While the entire road from Aramghar intersection to Chandrayanagutta has a median with lights, the authorities for reasons best known to them chose to leave this stretch without such basic requirements.

In different shape : While a major portion of the road is straight, this stretch has a `S' curve between Indian Oil petrol bunk and Moghal Engineering College. The road is sloped on either side of the `S'. As a result, vehicles coming from both directions move at speed. The recent accidents occurred where the two gradients converge.

The situation is worse during nights. With heavy vehicles beaming full headlights, the visibility for people riding two-wheelers is poor. Even an iota of error in judging movement of oncoming vehicle leads to a fatal accident.

A month ago, a lorry run over a school-going boy on the same stretch at Bandlaguda crossroads triggering violence by locals. "We're told that every month the Ranga Reddy district administration conducts coordination meeting with various Government wings. What is happening to their coordination?" questions Rafeeq of Vyasapuri Colony.

The Cyberabad police say they have already asked the Government to make the `S' curve straight if possible, lay a median and install lights. The authorities called for tenders and cancelled them susequently `due to some technicalities.'
© Copyright 2000 - 2006 The Hindu

Babji

January 20th, 2007, 01:51 AM

Sen to have breakfast with Bush
Newindpress.com
HYDERABAD: Former DGP Swaranjit Sen will participate in the 55th annual national prayer breakfast with US President George Bush and other leaders in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the American government at Washington DC on Feb 1.

Harvest Ministries director Caleb Premanandan is the other invitee from the State. While Premanandam will leave here on Jan 29 Sen will leave on the following day. Sen will also be felicitated by the Telugu Association of North America during his stay in the US.

Babji

January 21st, 2007, 04:37 AM

Princess diaries
Namita A Shrivastava [ 19 Mar, 2006 2154hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

The eighth Nizam's ex-wife is in town to fight his estate and secure her daughter's inheritance. Princess Manolya Onur in an exclusive interview.

PRINCESS Manolya Onur, third wife of H E H Mukkaram Jah, VIII Nizam of Hyderabad, possesses a quiet, elegant grace. But in her exclusive interview with the Hyderabad Times, she proves that she can get tough when pushed.

The former Miss Turkey is in town to secure property rights for her 15-year-old daughter and lashes out at the Nizam and his first wife, Princess Esra, who holds the power of attorney to his estate.

Princess Manolya Onur, a normally reticent and soft-spoken lady, makes a huge effort of will in sharing deeply personal aspects of her life. "I think the people of Hyderabad have a right to know who I am, why I married the Nizam and why I divorced him. I've been quiet for nine long years but now the time has come.

As a mother, if I don't protect my daughter's interests, who will?"

The Nizam, who married five times, is said to be worth millions. He owns palaces, land, caches of jewellery, antiques and artifacts, and several trusts.

The Nizam Trust alone is estimated to be worth twenty thousand crores. The 72 -year-old Nizam now lives on a seaside resort in Antalya, Turkey, mostly by himself. Princess Manolya, 51, lives in Istanbul with her teenaged daughter, Niloufer...

Excerpts from an interview:

How did you meet the Nizam and what led to the marriage?

We met in Istanbul at a friend's place and six months later we decided to get married. I didn't know who he was. Once when we were walking down a street in Turkey he pointed to a palace and said, "My mother used to live here."

Another time he said, "That palace has all my uncles' pictures on the walls..." I, of course, thought he was out of his mind! Although he proposed to me after the first meeting, I took my time.

He had left an open ticket, which I thought was very romantic but not very logical. Finally, our nikaah took place in the August of 1990, at the Chiraan Palace in Hyderabad and soon I had my daughter, Niloufer (named after Durreshevar's cousin married to Prince Mozam Jah). Her first birthday party was celebrated here, in Hyderabad, and she took her first steps in the Chiraan Palace.

You married the Nizam after the most glorious phase of his life which was from 1967 to '85. In fact, did you see any of the pomp and glory that the Nizams were renowned for?

Well, I did not marry the richest man in the world; I married a man who had just lost his wife, was heartbroken, had two little kids, and was in the midst of a big financial tussle.

But I loved him. And I'd say we were happily married. It was all going fine till I had my back problem and had to undergo surgery in the US. My legs were paralysed and I could not walk for about a year...

My husband wasn't beside me when I needed him the most. Instead, he was with someone else. I was taken aback because for me, my marriage meant everything. When we were in Australia, I cleaned and cooked for him. We lived a very simple life.

His marriage to Jemila, the 22-year-old Moroccan, came as a shock. The DNA test proved the child was not his and within weeks he had divorced her, only to marry Orchid. I remember I was shopping when he called on my phone and completed the " talaaq talaaq talaaq".

I was shocked. I couldn't deal with it. So we agreed on a settlement and separated. I could not go to any court because I was in Turkey, which follows the Swiss law, but we were married under the Islamic law. However, after the first couple of months, he stopped honouring the settlement and I decided to go to court in India.

Has the settlement come to you?

It hasn't, and that's why I am in Hyderabad. According to the Nizam I have to ask Princess Esra for my daughter's and my rights. But how can I ask her? I fail to understand how an ex-wife can be given the GPA to the Nizam's property?

They were divorced in 1979 and she has lived in London since. Her children accused the Nizam of senility in court, and yet she holds the power of attorney. And now, I have to ask her for my rights.

How can an ex-wife be fair to my daughter or to me? It's not reasonable. And she has openly said that she would not give anything to Niloufer who is still a minor...

Esra uses her title and throws parties in India and abroad, wears Chanel, drives a Rolls Royce, stays in five star suites but refuses to give us anything. I sometimes wonder why. She wants her son, Azmat to get the title and whatever the Nizam owns now.
Have you tried speaking to her?

Yes, twice. She invited me over for tea in Turkey and assured me that everything would be alright. Nothing came of it. But I
have faith in the Indian judiciary, and hope to eventually get what is due to me, my haq.

I don't need titles or palaces but I want what's due to my daughter. It's my duty to protect her rights. She's a lovely person, looks so much like her grandmother, Durreshevar . The Nizam's other wives have been paid millions of dollars but not me.

His other children – Azmat and Shekyar, children of Esra and a Azam, son of Helen – each were endowed with 30 million dollars. But he does not support Niloufer — not her school fees, medical bills, clothes, nothing. All I am asking for is the settlement he agreed upon.
Have you communicated with the Nizam?

I have, but his estates are managed by Esra. The last cheque that I received, came from Esra's mother's account. How do you explain that?

My daughter's rights should come from her father, the court, not from an ex-wife. It is my husband's duty to protect our daughter's future.

If a man forgets to take care of his innocent child, I'd say there is something wrong with him. I think he's really sick! I feel sorry for him...

All he says is, talk to Esra or Shankar Das, Esra's legal advisor. My daughter spent a week with him a couple of weeks ago, but there was no talk of any inheritance.

So you have still not received the alimony?

I have received nothing. Now only the Chiraan Palace is left and everybody is after it. In the settlement, the Nizam promised that the Chiraan Palace will be his during his lifetime and then will go to Niloufer.

I am told the six acres, sold recently by HUDA (near KBR park) were on the outskirts, and were auctioned for Rs 330 crores. That's how much the property is worth.

He has the money to pay his lawyers, fly them business class to Turkey so that the hearing can take place there, and put them up in the best of hotels, while I am still after him to pay his daughter's school fees.

It's disgraceful. The other day I was told, in the family court, that the parcel with the Nizam's cross examination report given to the advocate commissioner in Turkey last October is "lost".

The parcel's seal was opened in front of all the parties but the main cross examination report was missing. How can that be? I have a copy of it and in that the Nizam admits to the promise he had made to my daughter.

p.raghavendra6

January 23rd, 2007, 04:01 PM

Source : Times of India

Auto meters down till GO is scrapped

Hyderabad: Auto rickshaw unions are in no mood to relent and end their indefinite strike, which began in the city on Monday.

Leaders of Anti-Digital Meters Auto Rickshaw Struggle Committee, an umbrella federation of 11 auto rickshaw unions, said that the strike would continue till the government scraps GO 213. As per the GO, all new auto rickshaws plying the municipal corporation roads in the state would have had to install digital meters by January 1, 2007.

Though the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operated additional services, those who arrived in the city by train and long-distance buses faced hardship in getting proper transport to their destinations. School students and office-goers bore the brunt of the strike as parents had to drop their wards at the schools.

The union leaders claimed that the strike was total. While the main roads in the city were devoid of auto-rickshaws, it was just another day for those operating in the suburbs as they extracted exorbitant charges from hapless commuters.

The APSRTC operated 254 additional buses in the city on Monday and has plans to ply similar number of buses in the coming days. The union leaders condemned the statements made by the traffic police and legal metrology officials on Sunday that some unions were reluctant to participate in the strike. “The strike was total and even the Congress-affiliated INTUC, which is not part of the struggle committee, took part in the strike,” said Bharat Mazdoor Union general secretary A Ravi Shankar.

The union leaders burnt effigies of the transport minister near Charminar on Monday and staged ‘rasta roko’ at Kothapet and Balanagar.

Though the city police had announced that protection by Blue Colts teams would be provided to auto drivers who are not participating in the strike, union members reportedly flattened the wheels of such autos in several parts of the city. They were seen exchanging heated arguments with such drivers.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9194/getimage4my.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SPACE FOR ALL: A parent takes his kids to school after the city auto drivers announced an indefinite strike from Monday. Parents had a tough time on the first day of the strike with most of them dropping their wards at school, who would otherwise have taken an auto