Latest news with #NMourya
Hans India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Disappearing water bodies leave citizens at mercy of monsoon
Tirupati: Aspell of heavy rain is enough to throw life out of gear across the undivided Chittoor district. From Tirupati and Chittoor city to Puttur, Palamaner, Punganur, Kuppam and Srikalahasti, clogged drains, vanished lakes and encroached waterways trigger flooding year after year, leaving residents in low-lying areas anxious every monsoon. Despite crores of rupees spent on storm water management, the results are meagre on the ground. People are often unable to sleep when it rains as within hours, water enters their homes in the low-lying areas. The temple city, lying at the foothills of Seshachalam, is particularly vulnerable as nearly 20 waterfalls feed local lakes before draining into the Swarnamukhi River. But unchecked urbanisation has destroyed the natural channels. Pedda Cheruvu has been taken over for government offices, Peruru tank was built over, and Thummalagunta pond gave way to a cricket stadium. Avilala Cheruvu, once spread over 200 acres, was damaged during political events in 1992 and 2008 despite Supreme Court protection. It is learnt that Tirupati once had 44 water bodies, of which six disappeared between 1975 and 1990, another ten between 1990 and 2004, and several more in the years that followed. An inlet channel that was originally 30 to 40 feet wide has now narrowed to barely 15 feet due to encroachments, a factor that contributed to the severe flooding witnessed in 2021. Several colonies including Madhura Nagar, Railway Colony, Satyanarayana Puram, Sivajyothi Nagar and Bairagipatteda face routine inundation. A drainage canal project launched in 2015 on the Tirupati–Karakambadi stretch remains incomplete, while a Rs 189 crore package sanctioned in 2023 for canal restoration is stuck due to land issues and political hurdles. Other towns show a similar pattern. In Puttur, the outlet canal of SR Cheruvu was blocked, flooding Jendamaanu Veedhi and Bhavani Nagar. In Palamaner, choked feeder channels to Eddula Cheruvu forced evacuations during heavy rain. In Chittoor, proposals for an underground drainage system remain unimplemented while silt-choked drains cause regular overflow. The Tirupati Municipal Corporation, however, has initiated daily desilting of drains. Commissioner N Mourya directed officials to ensure free flow of rainwater while acknowledging complaints about leaking sewage lines and stagnation. Experts warn that climate change is likely to bring more intense rainfall and say restoring natural waterways, clearing encroachments and building modern storm water systems are essential. They also stress that desilting drains before the monsoon could avert much of the flooding. Until then, residents across the district will continue to dread every passing cloud.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
‘Stree Shakti' free bus travel scheme for women launched in Tirupati
Tirupati: The State government's flagship women's welfare initiative, 'Stree Shakti', offering free bus travel for women in RTC services, was launched in Tirupati on Friday evening by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. Marking the launch, the Minister formally handed over the first 'zero fare' ticket to Tirupati Municipal Corporation Commissioner N Mourya. Speaking on the occasion, Ramanarayan Reddy said that before the elections, when the government had promised free bus travel for women under Stree Shakti scheme, opposition parties had criticised the move. 'Today, we have fulfilled that promise, ensuring free travel for women in RTC buses,' he said. Tirupati district Collector Dr S Venkateswar described the scheme as a 'boon' for women. He explained that women could avail free travel in Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, Express, and Metro Express buses by showing a valid government-issued photo ID card. This facility is available for travel anywhere within the district and across the state. 'In our district, an average of 41,000 people travel by bus every day. With the launch of this scheme, we expect an additional 30,000 women passengers daily,' the Collector said. The district's 11 depots operate 356 buses across 136 routes in which women can avail the benefit. He added that the scheme is expected to generate annual savings of Rs 82.71 crore for women passengers, translating to about Rs 1,050 per month per beneficiary. Buses covered under the scheme will have markings in the front, and special yellow-coloured seats will be reserved for women. The event was attended by Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, MLC Balli Kalyan Chakravarthi, TUDA Chairman C Divakar Reddy, Deputy Mayor RC Muni Krishna, Yadava Corporation Chairman G Narasimha Yadav, Public Transport Department District Manager Jagadeesh and others.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
I-Day celebrated with pomp and gaiety in pilgrim city
Tirupati: Corporation Mayor Dr R Sirisha and Commissioner N Mourya called on the people to work with renewed vigour for development with the inspiration of sacrifices of our national leaders. Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the corporation office on Friday, the Mayor said only hard work and dedication helps to achieve progress, while the Commissioner said all should work together to achieve the goal of poverty-free society as envisioned by the government. Marking the occasion, appreciation letters were presented to employees, who were selected for meritorious service. In TUDA office, Chairman Dollar Divakar Reddy and Vice- Chairman Subham Bansal hoisted the national flag and recalled the sacrifices of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and others for achieving independence. He said TUDA launched a massive tree plantation programme under which 10 lakh saplings were distributed to improve greenery in a big way for a clean environment. SPDCL CMD Santhosa Rao said priority will be given to promote roof top solar power which helps the consumers reduce power bill and increase green energy. He hoisted national flag at SPDCL corporate office and said that payment of bills was simplified with QR code and Grievance Redressal was also improved. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati celebrated Independence Day with immense patriotic fervour with its Director Prof Santhanu Bhattacharya hoisting national flag. At IIT Tirupati, Director Prof K N Satyanarayana hoisted national flag and stressed the importance of freedom, the nation's progress, and encouraged everyone to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society.
New Indian Express
27-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Swachh honour for Tirupati's women workforce
TIRUPATI: he temple city of Tirupati has once again proven its excellence in public sanitation, clinching the Presidential Award in the Swachh Survekshan Super League 2024-25 under the 3 to 5 lakh population category. The credit for this remarkable achievement goes not just to high-level planning but to the relentless efforts of more than 400 women sanitary workers, whose hard work and dedication kept the city clean, day in and day out. From Tirupati Municipal Corporation (MCT) Commissioner N Mourya to grassroots workers like P Subbamma, an illiterate yet committed sanitary worker, the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience has propelled Tirupati to the top spot in the country's most prestigious cleanliness competition for the third consecutive year. These women begin their work before sunrise, typically starting at 5.00 am and stretching until 5.30 pm, with a short lunch break. Armed with brooms, carts, and an unwavering spirit, they sweep streets, clear debris, and manage waste across the city's 31.5 km radius. With a population of 5.5 lakh, Tirupati generates around 252 tonnes of waste daily - a mammoth task by any standard. The civic chief acknowledged the pivotal role played by women workers, saying, 'More than 60% of our sanitation workforce comprises women. Their unwavering commitment and consistent presence on the roads have been key to securing this prestigious award. Except for driving sanitary vehicles, they now handle nearly all aspects of sanitation work with growing confidence, while also managing their family responsibilities.' She added that during the Swachh Survekshan drive, she visited the wards from 5.30 to 8.00 am daily to guide the workers, listen to their concerns, and keep morale high. 'This hands-on approach helped sharpen focus and unity among the teams. This year, we also ensured 100% door-to-door garbage collection, a crucial factor in our top-ranking success.'
Hans India
06-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Efforts on to make Tirupati beggar-free city
Tirupati: The Municipal Corporation is working with renewed vigour to make the pilgrim city beggar-free. Municipal Commissioner N Mourya on Saturday inspected the rehabilitation centre for beggars set up by the corporation in M R Palli locality in the city with an aim to transform the beggars into contributing members of society. This centre provides various services including food, skill training and assistance in finding employment. The commissioner said the rehabilitation centre set up under SMILE (Support for Marginalised individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) aims to provide beggars timely and opportunities for education and economic rehabilitation. The Commissioner interacted with the inmates on the facilities being provided by the centre including food and skill development. She said the aim of the project was to make the beggars stand on their own legs to reduce their dependence on begging for living. She urged the homeless poor beggars to make use of the centre to become useful contributors in society.
