Latest news with #Veeresh
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
Monsoon Is Here: Bengaluru Civic Body Allocates Rs 65 Lakh For Flood Relief Equipment
Last Updated: While the BBMP will continue to collaborate with other departments, officials believe the new equipment will prove valuable during emergencies. As the rainy season approaches, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has initiated last-minute preparations for heavy rainfall, acknowledging the limitations of its infrastructure in managing such events. The civic body plans to procure flood-relief equipment, including inflatable boats, life jackets, centrifugal pumps, and other emergency gear, anticipating potential flooding. This follows severe flooding in areas such as Sai Layout, ST Bed, and HBR Layout, and indicates the BBMP's recognition that this year's monsoon could pose similar, if not greater, challenges. The BBMP has allocated approximately Rs 65 lakh from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund to acquire nine types of flood-response equipment. This includes four inflatable boats equipped with outboard motors (each with a capacity of 12 passengers), 48 life jackets, 16 centrifugal pumps for draining stagnant water, chainsaws for clearing fallen trees, bolt cutters, ropes, and handheld torches. For the first time, the BBMP is independently procuring flood-management equipment, marking a departure from its previous reliance on State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF/NDRF) and Fire Department personnel for rescue and relief operations during floods. While the BBMP will continue to collaborate with other departments, officials believe the new equipment will prove valuable during emergencies. A senior BBMP official explained that previously, they had to improvise, using earthmovers to deliver food and tractors to evacuate residents in areas like Sai Layout. However, this move has attracted criticism, with some describing it as a reactive measure that fails to address the underlying causes of flooding. RTI activist BH Veeresh criticised the BBMP, stating that the civic body had ample opportunity to address fundamental issues such as desilting stormwater drains, removing encroachments, and promoting rainwater harvesting, rather than simply preparing for the consequences. 'Instead of tackling these fundamental problems, the BBMP is preparing only for damage control," he said. Veeresh also highlighted alleged irregularities in the Storm Water Drain (SWD) division, which he claims remain uninvestigated. First Published: May 30, 2025, 14:50 IST
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Blood donation camp for children with thalassemia
Devanakonda(Kurnool district): A mega blood donation camp was organized in Devanakonda on Friday under the aegis of ARD a social welfare organization, with the aim of extending support to children suffering from Thalassemia. The event took place at the local Gram Panchayat office and saw overwhelming participation, with over 161 individuals stepping forward to donate blood on Friday. According to the organizers — Veeresh, Jagadeesh, Chidambaran Goud, and Sai, the camp was conducted to address the critical and ongoing need for blood among Thalassemia patients, especially children who require transfusions every 21 days to survive. They said the collected blood would be channeled to medical facilities treating such patients. Medical professionals who participated in the event, including Dr. Sreekanth Reddy, Ram Babu, Suresh, and Pratap, spoke on the urgent need to create awareness about Thalassemia and the lifesaving impact of regular blood donations. 'Every drop of blood donated helps extend the life of a Thalassemia child. This is not just a donation — it's a gift of life,' said Dr. Reddy. The doctors and volunteers urged citizens to make blood donation a regular practice and contribute to the well-being of those battling chronic illnesses. They emphasized that blood donation is safe, simple, and has the potential to save multiple lives. The camp witnessed enthusiastic support from the local community, reflecting a growing sense of social responsibility and compassion. Organizers praised the donors and volunteers for their dedication and expressed hope that such events would inspire many more to join the cause. ARD officials noted that the organization will continue to hold similar blood donation drives across the region to ensure that Thalassemia patients never face a shortage of blood. They also encouraged people to learn more about Thalassemia and support affected families in any way possible. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in addressing critical healthcare challenges and improving lives through collective action.
