HYDRAA Chief Inspects Desilting Works in Ameerpet
Hyderabad: HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath on Thursday inspected the ongoing desilting and flood prevention works in Ameerpet, one of the most flood-prone areas of the city during heavy rains. Officials informed the commissioner that three of the six main drainage pipelines have been restored, and work continues on the remaining lines.
More than 45 truckloads of silt and debris were removed from stormwater drains near Maitrivanam Junction and Gayatri Nagar. Ranganath said similar large-scale garbage removal in Hyderabad could provide permanent relief to many flood-affected areas. To ensure smooth water flow and prevent floods, GHMC has instructed officials from HMWS&SB and irrigation department to complete all pending works before the next monsoon.
Blood Donation Camp Celebrates Police Flag Day
Hyderabad: Central district police organized a blood donation camp for Thalassemia patients on Police Flag Day on Thursday. 210 people, including students from various universities, civilians, female volunteers and police personnel, donated blood in the camp.
Central district DCP Shilpavalli emphasized that Thalassemia is preventable through awareness and timely pre-marital screening. “When both partners are carriers of Thalassemia minor, there is a 25 percent chance of their child being born with Thalassemia major, leading to lifelong medical difficulties. Therefore, avoiding marriage between two carriers and promoting genetic counseling are essential preventive measures,” he said, adding that the public, especially young people, should come forward for voluntary blood donation and actively participate in awareness campaigns to prevent Thalassemia and support affected patients.
Chandrakanth, president of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Association, emphasized the critical importance of regular availability of safe blood for Thalassemia patients, who require blood transfusions approximately every 15 days to survive.
Cops Warn Against Fake Schemes
Hyderabad: The state police has directed cyber crime police stations to create awareness among citizens about fake messages in the name of the Central government’s schemes. A senior official said fraudsters are sending SMS and WhatsApp messages and their numbers have increased significantly. Senior citizens, entrepreneurs, disabled people and retirees are the main targets, he added.
“We are equipped with advanced anti-spying and other software like most developed countries, but details cannot be disclosed at this time,” he said, urging people to cross-check messages before clicking on links or seek help from nearby cybercrime police or local police stations.
Citizens are asked to apply only through official websites and not to respond to strangers claiming to be representatives of government-sponsored programs.
Experts Discuss Ways to Build Accessibility into Product Design, Education, and Public Infrastructure
Hyderabad: Audio-guided classrooms for the visually impaired, AI-powered design tools for developers and mobile apps that can help inspect buildings for accessibility were among the innovations showcased at Hyderabad’s Accessible by Design symposium this week.
Hosted by BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus as part of the AccessQuity research initiative and supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, the two-day international event explored how technology can become truly inclusive when created with the participation of people with disabilities.
The symposium brought together disability rights advocates, technologists, researchers, and educators to discuss ways to embed accessibility into product design, education, and public infrastructure. The discussions marked a shift from treating accessibility as an afterthought to making it a core design principle.
“Accessibility is not charity or compliance. It is innovation that benefits everyone,” said Deepa Palaniappan, accessibility consultant at Azim Premji University. “Technology becomes smarter and more human when users with disabilities are involved from the beginning.”
Ahead of the symposium, BITS Hyderabad hosted a hands-on workshop on Accessibility and Universal Design in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. Participants used the Yes to Access (YTA) mobile app to perform real-time accessibility audits of built spaces, while sessions led by dVerse Technologies CEO Krishna Thiruvengadam and Srinivasan N. of the Association of Persons with Disabilities demonstrated how inclusive products can be designed from scratch.
Plenary speakers include Prof from IIT Madras. Hemachandran Karah, Prof from NALSAR University of Law. Amita Dhanda and Prof from National Institute of Design. Shilpa Das featured and they discussed emerging ideas in assistive technologies, inclusive education, and accessibility law. Experts said that through initiatives like these, Indian institutions are starting to view accessibility as a driver of innovation rather than a legal mandate.
Power Board Launches Pole Mount Transformers
Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad is all set to experience a safer and more efficient power distribution system with the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL) deciding to implement the pole-mounted distribution transformer system, where transformers are mounted approximately 3 meters above the ground on iron structures fixed on electric poles. This height ensures unobstructed pedestrian movement and significantly reduces the risks associated with waste accumulation around transformers.
In addition to improving safety and cleanliness, this method reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for large concrete foundations. The decision to implement pole-mounted transformers was taken following suggestions from Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. TGSPDCL chairman and managing director Musharraf Faruqui said this new method will be standard for all new transformer installations in the city.
Traditionally, distribution transformers were installed near ground level along roadsides, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and creating hazards due to the accumulation of litter and plastic waste around these units. Such conditions occasionally cause short circuits and electrical leaks, posing a risk to the public.
Musharraf, including Dr. Narasimhulu, along with other officials including chief engineer (Metro) Prabhakar, chief engineer Venkanna and other senior officials, conducted a site visit to check the ongoing work of the new transformers.
Flooring Collapsed in Buddha Bhavan, None Hurt
Hyderabad: A portion of Buddha Bhavan in Bhoiguda, which houses offices of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and the Telangana State Women’s Commission, suffered structural damage on Thursday as the cement slab above the ground floor shops collapsed.
The sign stretching over the shop’s shutters suddenly fell to the ground. Fortunately, the affected shops had been empty for some time and no injuries were reported. Officials said the building had visible cracks and would be inspected for safety before reopening.
The End of Three Lives in Separate Events
Hyderabad: Three people, including two women, died by suicide in separate incidents reported in Petbasheerabad and Mailardevpally on Wednesday and Thursday. In the first case, 26-year-old Anandita Mehta, a private teacher, was found dead at her home in Petbasheerabad on Wednesday morning. Anandita and her husband Gautam Charan Ghadi had moved to Hyderabad from Gujarat six months ago. Police said the woman was alone when the incident occurred and the reasons have not yet been determined.
In another incident within the same police station limits, 45-year-old Sadiq Mansoor Minseria died by suicide in Kompally on Thursday afternoon. Police said Sadiq suffered from mental health issues and was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his flat in Daredias Dreamz, Block A.
Ayesha Parveen, a 25-year-old housewife from Roshan Colony in Mailardevpally, died by suicide at her residence on Thursday morning. When her husband returned home, he found the door bolted from the inside, climbed through it and discovered her dead. Police registered three separate cases and sent the bodies to Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals for post-mortem. Investigations are continuing to determine the causes of deaths.
