Latest news with #RobinZaccheus
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Wanted: A permanent fix to waterlogging in parts of city
Hyderabad: The water logging due to recent rains in several areas, especially in the central and Northern parts of the city, has underscored the need for integrated sewage system and storm water drainage. Scattered rains recently has effected several areas especially low-lying areas with water logging at localities including Neredmet, RK Puram, Malkajgiri, Devi Nagar, Red Hills, Asif Nagar and Tolichowki. In these areas, the sewage pipelines are over a decade old, mostly consisting of outdated eight-inch to one-foot underground lines. These pipelines were laid many years ago and are now inadequate to handle the current sewage outflows, as the population and number of households have increased significantly over the years. Some locals highlighted the urgent need for the construction of storm water drains, noting that although a few were sanctioned in certain areas, they remain only on paper and were never implemented on the ground. 'Over the past several years, we have been facing water logging issues, even with just a little down pour, our complete lane gets stagnated because our pipelines are decade old. Many times, we have been urging the Hyderabad Water Board to lay new pipelines, but all fell on deaf ears,' said Umesh, a resident of Devi Nagar. 'Due to lack of Strategic Nala Development programme in Malkajgiri limits, every rains, we are facing sewage overflow issue and whenever we log a complaint, they only come and provide a temporary solution, no permanent solution is been provided and now this is high time , Hyderabad Water Board should immediately lay new pipeline, so that this upcoming monsoon, we will not face any similar situation like last monsoon,' said Robin Zaccheus, resident of Neredmet. 'The sewage overflow issues have become a never-ending issue after every rain. Citizens are suffering, roads are becoming unsafe, and basic mobility is disrupted. It will be better if concerned officials prioritise the long-term flood-resilient infrastructure and engage with local communities and experts,' said Mohammed Abid Ali, a resident of Nampally.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Wildlife deaths in Telangana highlight data gaps, enforcement challenges
Hyderabad: An RTI application filed by activist Robin Zaccheus has revealed that Telangana recorded 135 wildlife crime cases between 2014 and 2024, a small fraction of the 6,877 cases reported nationwide during the same period. Uttar Pradesh topped the national chart with 817 cases, followed by West Bengal (785), Tamil Nadu, and decade-long data, provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), highlights a troubling trend in Telangana. In 2023 alone, the state recorded 52 wildlife deaths—the highest in the past ten years. The number dropped to 23 in 2024, while poaching cases stood at four in 2023 and one in wildlife deaths in Telangana also included train collisions, with three reported in 2023 and one so far in 2024. Over the decade, 12 wildlife deaths due to other types of accidents were documented in the state, contributing to the nationwide total of 485. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of such of transparency Reacting to the data, Zaccheus expressed concern over the WCCB's limited disclosures and lack of concrete action. He criticised the agency for repeatedly dismissing queries related to electrocution, habitat loss, and whistleblower complaints, either claiming the issues were 'not pertaining to WCCB' or rejecting the requests under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI alarming trends, including 461 elephant electrocutions nationwide between 2009 and 2017, and 49 elephants killed in train accidents between 2016 and 2018—activists say there has been no major policy shift or investment in preventive infrastructure. Zaccheus also raised concern over the persistently low conviction rate, reportedly hovering around 2% between 2012 and 2018 for wildlife for urgent intervention, he demanded the creation of a public database of all wildlife deaths, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and increased accountability in infrastructure development that affects wildlife habitats and respondTelangana chief wildlife warden Elusin Meru acknowledged the challenges, especially in Kagaznagar, a key tiger corridor where multiple species cross railway lines."There are currently two railway lines, and a third one is under construction. Earlier, there were no proper underpasses. Now, we are insisting on building underpasses to ensure safe passage for animals. The third broad gauge line is under assessment, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority along with the Wildlife Institute of India is expected to visit and evaluate the situation," he the issue of poaching, Meru added: "We are strengthening intelligence and surveillance systems. Camera traps are being used to monitor movement related to poaching. While the anti-poaching squad is based in Hyderabad, we also have operational squads in Nirmal and Amrabad, along with flying squad teams to respond to emerging threats."
