Latest news with #TirupatiMunicipalCorporation
Hans India
2 days 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
3 days 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.
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
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Tarakarama Stadium to host IYD celebrations on June 21
Srikalahasti: Sri Venkateswara University's Tarakarama Stadium is set to host the International Yoga Day (IYD) celebrations on June 21 on a grand scale, with around 10,000 participants expected to attend the event. In preparation for the programme, District Collector Dr S Venkateswar conducted a high-level review meeting on Wednesday, joined by SP V Harshavardhan Raju and Joint Collector Shubham Bansal. The review saw the participation of key officials including Tirupati Municipal Corporation Commissioner N Mourya, District Revenue Officer Narasimhulu, Tirupati RDO Rammohan, Vice-Chancellors from various universities, and others who attended virtually. During the meeting, the Collector instructed officials from various departments to make foolproof arrangements for the large-scale event. The Municipal Corporation was directed to ensure sanitation and drinking water facilities, while the Medical and Health Department was tasked with setting up health camps. The Police Department was asked to manage traffic efficiently and maintain law and order, ensuring no untoward incidents occur during the programme. He also instructed university Vice-Chancellors to ensure the participation of students and staff from their respective institutions. He urged the Education Department to facilitate the attendance of school and college students. He emphasised that all participants should be present at the venue by 6 AM on the day of the event. Ahead of the main programme, a mass yoga demonstration was organised at the iconic Gali Gopuram of the Srikalahasti temple on Wednesday, aimed at raising awareness about yoga among pilgrims and locals. Speaking on the occasion, Collector Venkateswar highlighted the importance of yoga, stating that it not only benefits the body but also enhances concentration and relieves mental stress. Srikalahasti MLA B Sudhir Reddy also spoke about the significance of yoga, noting that in the present stressful lifestyle, yoga has become essential for physical and mental wellbeing. 'To live a joyful and peaceful life, everyone should dedicate at least half an hour a day for themselves. It brings peace to the mind and soul,' he said. The awareness event at Srikalahasti saw active participation from Joint Collector Shubham Bansal, BJP State Secretary Kola Anand, Regional Director of Tourism R Ramana Prasad, Devasthanam EO T Bapi Reddy, District Tourism Officer Janardhan Reddy, various department officials, mandal-level officers, women, and students.
Hans India
18-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Plantation drive taken up during ‘Beat the heat' prog
Tirupati: Tirupati Municipal Corporation has conducted a series of programmes on the theme 'Beat the heat' in Tirupati on Saturday as part of Swarnandhra – Swachh Andhra programme. On this occasion, plantation, distribution of ORS packets, water kisoks and arrangements to provide water to birds and animals were taken up in several localities in the city. Speaking on the occasion, Corporation Commissioner Narapureddy Mourya said following government's directions, the municipal corporation conducted various programmes on the theme of 'Beat the heat', keeping in view the summer season and create awareness among people on the precautions to be taken to get relief from the severe heat conditions. She said the corporation also took steps to create awareness to promote roof top gardens and plantation of trees in a big way for environmental protection and also to minimise heat during summer. She said people's participation is a must to make Swarnandhra – Swachh Andhra a success, which is observed on third Saturday of every month. She also wanted general public and employees not to neglect precautionary measures to be followed in summer season to avoid sunstroke. AP Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Director Vooka Vijay Kumar, corporators Anna Anitha, Revathi, SVU Registrar Bhupati Naidu, Additional Commissioner Charan Tej Reddy, Deputy Commissioner Amaraiah, Health Officer Dr Yuva Anvesh Reddy, ME Thulasi Kumar and others were participated. Meanwhile, various government organisations also observed the programme. Police personnel placed water filled mud pots and food to birds and animals at police station in Tirupati and also across the district. At SPDCL office, as part of Swarnandhra – Swachh Andhra programme, officials took up cleanliness drive, and cleared unwanted plants and disposed waste.
