Monthly Archives: October 2014

GOI nod for ORR around VGT agglomeration

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Business & Economy
Draft map of proposed Vijayawada Outer Ring Road . Photo: By Arrangement.
Draft map of proposed Vijayawada Outer Ring Road . Photo: By Arrangement.

The Government of India has in principle agreed to include the proposed Outer Ring Road (ORR) covering Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali Agglomeration under the National Highway Development Project Phase VII.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways however said the inclusion of the 180-km ORR project is subject to condition that the Andhra Pradesh Government “agrees to provide land (Right of Way) free of encumbrances for the construction of the ORR” on the lines of the one at Hyderabad.

In an office memorandum, the Chief Engineer S.S. Nahar recalled the representation made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu seeking sanction of Rs.19,700 crore required for the project.

The Chief Engineer in the office memo to the Prime Minister’s office referring to the request for “external connectivity infrastructure around the newly proposed capital city of Vijayawada” said that the eight-lane ORR with two-lane service roads round the VGT Agglomeration could be “considered” under NHDP Phase – VII.

A copy of the office memo was sent with a draft map to A.P.Government secretary for Transport and R&B Sam Bob.

The ORR in the draft map passes close to Guntur, Gudivada, Hanuman Junction, Mylavaram, Kanchikacherala and Tenali.

Infobox

ORR fundas

A.P. Government has to provide land for the construction

Naidu seeks sanction of Rs.19,700 crore required for the project.

ORR passes close to Guntur, Gudivada, Hanuman Junction, Mylavaram, Kanchikacherala and Tenali.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. Venkataramana Rao / Vijayawada, October 27th, 2014

US Consul General promises all help in development of A.P

Business & Economy, World Opinion
School of Planning and Architecture Director N. Sridharan (left) welcoming US Consul General Michael Mullins to an interactive session on the school premises in Vijayawada. Photo: By Arrangement
School of Planning and Architecture Director N. Sridharan (left) welcoming US Consul General Michael Mullins to an interactive session on the school premises in Vijayawada. Photo: By Arrangement

US Consul General Michael Mullins visited the School of Planning and Architecture (SPAV) here and had a discussion on its activities with Director N. Sridharan and his team. He was briefed about the study that SPAV students were doing on construction of capital of Andhra Pradesh and related issues.

On the occasion, Mr. Mullins wished the State all success in its endeavours and promised to extend whatever help the Consulate could for development of the State.

Mr. Sridharan said the institute was contributing to evolve futuristic initiatives in the State, studying coastal areas, doing micro-planning and helping in drawing plans for transportation and logistics, spatial governance, technology, environment, urban and landscape designing, building services, etc. Besides, focus was laid on encouraging local and regional artworks and activities such as Kalamkari and Kondapalli toy making.

SPAV faculty member Aparna Soni that the potential of the region was assessed with the help of a Composite Development Index and key indicators like land requirement, social development and environment and institutions.

R. Kalaiselvi of Department of Architecture presented a broad overview of establishment of a Centre of Excellence that would lend its expertise in sustainable building technologies, spatial governance, designing etc. which were relevant for development of the State.

Another faculty member Raktim Ray discussed the unique features of the region and possibilities for vertical development due to land acquisition related issues.

SPAV Registrar Krishna Mohan, Chief of Political Economic Affairs, Consulate General of the USA Peter McSharry, Political and Economic Associate John A. Mataya and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – October 25th, 2014

City remembers archer Lenin

Sports
Archers paying tribute to international archer and coach Ch. Lenin on his fourth death anniversary in Vijayawada on Friday. / Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar
Archers paying tribute to international archer and coach Ch. Lenin on his fourth death anniversary in Vijayawada on Friday. / Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar

The fourth death anniversary of international coach and archer Cherukuri Lenin was observed in a sombre manner amidst emotional speeches and memorable reminiscences at VMC-Volga Archery Field in Gunadala here on Friday.

Cutting across party lines, politicians and sports lovers paid homage to Lenin, who made the city proud by winning several medals and honours, both at the national and international competitions.

Four years ago, the 24-year-old Lenin died in a road mishap near Ibrahimpatnam while returning from Hyderabad after attending the felicitation arranged to honour 2010 CWG medallists by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan.

“It was unfortunate that Lenin died in a mishap when the world was at his feet. He was blossoming as a successful Indian coach after the silver medal effort in the men’s compound event at CWG. His father Satyanarayana, with grit is taking the dream of his son forward by turning Vijayawada into a hub for archery,” said MLA Gadde Rammohan.

City Central MLA Bonda Uma Maheswara Rao said Mr. Satyanarayana showed exemplary courage by taking the twin shocks — death of son Lenin and daughter Volga — into his stride by moving forward confidently helping city archers win a medal at the Incheon Asian Games last month.

City Mayor Koneru Sridhar said the corporation will offer all necessary help for the effective functioning of the academy at Gunadala.

Asian Games bronze medallist Purvasha Sudhir Shinde’s parents’ donated Rs. One Lakh to the CM relief fund but later as per the advice of the legislators they donated the sum to the academy.

District Sports Development officer P. Ramakrishna, Krishna District Olympic Association secretary K.P. Rao, Congress leaders Devineni Avinesh, corporators Chennupati Gandhi, Devineni Aparna, D. Malleswari, Krishna District Archery Association chairman Parthasarathy, CPI city secretary Donepudi Sankar, CPI women’s wing leader Vanaja and others took part.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – October 25th, 2014

Protect Telugu cultural heritage: Bharani

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion
Writer and actor Tanikella Bharani releasing a book 'Chevilo Poolu' written by Viswanadha Pavani Sastry, in Vijayawada on Tuesday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar
Writer and actor Tanikella Bharani releasing a book ‘Chevilo Poolu’ written by Viswanadha Pavani Sastry, in Vijayawada on Tuesday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Noted writer-cum-actor Tanikella Bharani expressed anguish over the Telugus’ “lack of interest in protecting their own cultural heritage”. Releasing a book written by writer and Viswanadha Satyanarayana’s son, Pavana Sastry, here on Tuesday, Mr Bharani pointed to the way the British converted the birth place of famous English playwright Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon into a heritage museum. The birthplace of great music composer Ludwig Van Beethoven in Bonn was also made into a museum.

The Telugus abroad are also working to protect their native heritage. The tomb of C.P. Brown who compiled a Telugu and English dictionary located in London was being maintained by members of the Telugu Association of London (TAL).

But the same could not be said about Telugu writers and artistes in the State, Mr Bharani said. The need to convert the house of great Telugu writer Viswanadha Satyanarayana into a heritage museum was being stressed since 1999, but no one had taken any initiative for the last 15 years.

Mr Bharani recalled how the paintings of Damerala Rama Rao at the gallery in Rajahmundry were all shifted to a corner by the watchman so that he could use the hall to perform obsequies to his father on one rainy day. The watchman was performing obsequies not only to his own father but to the heritage of the Telugus also, he quipped.

The heritage museums created in the memory of Kandukuri Veeresalingam and Gurajjada Appa Rao were only marginally good when compared to such places abroad. He said, Viswanadha Satyanarayana was a great doyen of Telugu literature and all in the country should be proud to be born in the same nation as him. He recalled how the descendants of another great Harikatha artiste were using the house that was called a museum for selling coffee powder.

The writer’s grandsons Satyanarayana and Manohar said that they would use the house to promote Telugu literature. A photo exhibition and other articles that belonged to the writers would also be put on display at the house, they said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – October 22nd, 2014

Andhra Pradesh: Application watch on bin clearance

Science & Technology
This is aimed at quick clearance of the bins and also to ensure that the sanitation situation improves in the corporations and municipalities in all 13 districts. (Photo: DC/File)
This is aimed at quick clearance of the bins and also to ensure that the sanitation situation improves in the corporations and municipalities in all 13 districts. (Photo: DC/File)

Hyderabad:

 AP municipal department has begun a real-time bin monitoring system with an Android application. All sanitary supervisors of 111 urban local bodies have to download this government app on their mobile phones and regularly update the  bin-clearance status by uploading pictures.

This is aimed at quick clearance of the bins and also to ensure that the sanitation situation improves in the corporations and municipalities in all 13 districts. The department has issued guidelines to implement dustbin or dumper bin monitoring system online by using Off-site Real Time Monitoring System (OSRT) application in ULBs.

“Initially, an SMS with a website link will be sent to the mobile number of the   reporting person. By clicking on the link, OSRT mobile application can be downloaded on to the mobile phone. After installing the application, the OSRT icon will be visible on the mobile phone. Clicking on it will open the application.The reporting person can log on to the mobile application by selecting his/her name (first time) and a  given password. After logging into the mobile application, a list of locations, allotted to the reporting person, will be displayed,” said an official of the department.
The reporting persons, usually sanitary supervisors, have to select the bin/garbage transit point for one-time registration. They have to select each location to register the GPS.
The application will record the number of bins, lifting time, shift (morning, afternoon and night) along with the images of the bins.
Clicking on the ‘submit’ button, the user will be able to upload all details  on the server.  Officials said that the photo upload of bin status should be done ideally within 30 minutes of bin cleaning.
Meanwhile, the Citizen Grievance Monitoring System of the AP municipal department, that included redressal of garbage cleaning, drainage overflow, water leakage and road repair by uploading pictures online, is now lying dysfunctional.
AP government had begun the initiative in September for all urban local bodies, including corporations and municipalities, wherein it claimed that it would redress all the problems reported within 24 hours to 48 hours. Officials had said that public may upload pictures at http://125.16.11.82:8080/OSMS/
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / October 23rd, 2014

CM to attend police commemoration parade

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All
Additional Director-General of Police Gowtam Sawang reviewing the arrangements for the police commemoration parade at IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada on Sunday. - PHOTO: V. RAJU / The Hindu
Additional Director-General of Police Gowtam Sawang reviewing the arrangements for the police commemoration parade at IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada on Sunday. – PHOTO: V. RAJU / The Hindu

Additional Director-General of Police Gowtam Sawang, along with senior police and revenue officials, on Sunday reviewed the arrangements for the commemoration parade to be held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium on Tuesday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the commemoration parade and pay tributes to police martyrs.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Nimmakayala Chinna Rajappa, Members of Parliament, MLAs and MLCs will attend the programme.

The Chief Minister will open a police control room and launch ‘Dial 100 and FIR at your door step’ scheme on the occasion. Later, he will inaugurate the Farmers Empowerment Corporation at NTR Veterinary College at Gannavaram.

Director-General of Police J.V. Ramudu, Additional DGs and other senior police officers will also pay homage to police martyrs.

Police will impose traffic restrictions on Bandar Road in view of the Police Martyrs Commemoration Day on Tuesday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – October 20th, 2014

Ivaturi passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Violin maestro Ivaturi Vijayeswara Rao. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam
Violin maestro Ivaturi Vijayeswara Rao. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Violin maestro Ivaturi Vijayeswara Rao passed away at his residence here on Saturday morning. He was 76 and is survived by his wife. Vijayeswara Rao was an eminent artiste, performed various techniques and revived the traditional concept of Shatkalam singing. While qualities like this explained his mastery the maestro had the credit of training disciples like vocalists Manda Sudha Rani, Pantula Rama, Bhallmudi Sarda, Jayanthi Rama and Kalaimamani A. Kanyakumari of Chennai who all became noted musicians, when the city was not having much of music culture.

Son of Akkiraju, Vijayeswara Rao took up the family responsibilities when he was 17 due to his father’s premature death. His guru was the famous Dwaram Narasinga Rao Naidu and Vijayeswara Rao would always recall the help his guru had given him. In spite of being visually handicapped he would give tuitions at the disciples’ houses. He joined the AIR and worked as staff artiste at Calicut and Visakhapatnam radio stations.

He took voluntary retirement in 1992 and was training youngsters and giving performances. He had the reputation of being a well honoured solo artist.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – October 19th, 2014

Cyclone memorial cries for attention

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Structure built to remember 30,000 who died in cyclone

A view of cylcone victims memorial constructed during British rule at Gilakaladindi near Machilipatnam in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
A view of cylcone victims memorial constructed during British rule at Gilakaladindi near Machilipatnam in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

People tend to recollect harrowing times of Diviseema uppena, a cyclone that devastated Machilipatnam, whenever a cyclone hits the State. But, here is a cyclone memorial which has faded in the memories of times gone by.

Great tragedy

Close to 30,000 people were swept away by the giant ocean wave over Machilipatnam town on the night of the cyclone of November 1, 1864. Following the great tragedy, Manuel Fruvall had constructed the memorial in the memory of his brother’s family and 30,000 people of this tiny town who died in the cyclone, at Bandarkota village near here.

A plaque put up outside the this monument says that the memorial was constructed in remembrance of Anthony and Maria Fruvall, their sons Peter Manuel and Daniel and their daughter Honey and her children Joseph and Georgiana and 30,000 people who were swept into the eternity by the ocean.

In 1860s, the total population of the town was around 60,000. In remembrance of then Machilipatnam Chief Magistrate G. Thornhill, who strove to control post-cyclone deaths due to spread of several diseases, Mr. Fravell also dedicated the memorial to him, says amateur Historian Md. Silar.

Many people of the town do not even know where the monument is located there. But, fishermen community in the vicinity recollected that thousands were killed in 1864 cyclone.

Many demanded that the government come up with a plan to restore and preserve the memorial.

Mr. Silar says that the monument commemorates the fate of thousands of people.

The memorial withstood vagaries of nature. But, now stands testimony to negligence by government machinery.

Dilapidated monument

The dilapidated monument is surrounded by the bushes and trees. “Our repeated appeals to the District Collector and authorities concerned to protect the heritage fell on deaf ears,” he adds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. V. R. Subba Rao / Machilipatnam – October 16th, 2014

City gearing up to stage athletic event

Sports
The IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada will be venue for Junior Athletics. Photo. Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
The IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada will be venue for Junior Athletics. Photo. Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

The 30th edition of the junior nationals of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI), the biggest athletic event in the country, will be held for the third time at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium from November 25 to 30. More than 2,500 athletes will take part in the event. Earlier, the city hosted the event in 2004 and 2007.

For AP, the event will be challenging, as it is the first major sporting extravaganza in the State post-bifurcation. “We do not have any equipment and infrastructure, but we are confident of conducting the event successfully,” said AP Athletic Association secretary V. Raghavendra.

The athletic fraternity is looking forward to the event, as the future faces of Indian athletics will be identified in the meet. “Stars like Tinku Luka, Mrudhula and Sowjanya were spotted in the earlier junior nationals. It is a platform for youngsters to draw the attention of senior coaches and administrators,” said Sports Authority of India senior coach Vinayak Prasad.

He added that athletes for junior Asia, youth world and youth Commonwealth meets would be selected during the event. “As many as 108 events, both track and field segments, will be staged in four age groups – under-14, 16 ,18 and 20,” he said.

Mr. Raghavendra added that efforts were on to lay a synthetic track (400m) at the IGMC Stadium. He said bifurcation had hit athletics hard, as along with the Gachibowli stadium, even international standard equipment remained in Telangana. “We do not have even a hurdle,” Mr. Raghavendra added.

Mr. Vinayak Prasad, who has trained several national athletes, is happy with the performance of AP athletes in the recently-concluded South Zone edition in Hyderabad. “We won four gold, four silver and nine bronze even without proper facilities,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by J.R. Sridharan / Vijayawada – October 18th, 2014

Sachin Tendulkar to adopt Nellore village

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Sports

Nellore :

Legendary cricketer and Rajya Sabha member Sachin Tendulkar is reportedly planning to adopt a village in Nellore district under ‘Sansad Gram Yojana’ programme.

Sanchin Tendulkar met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday and expressed his desire to join his ‘Clean India’ programme. Later, Sachin reportedly promised to adopt a village for providing all-round development under Sansad Gram Yojana.

Official sources said Tendulkar will visit Nellore district next month to finalise the agreement. Sources said Nellore district collector N Srikanth had sent a proposal for development of Puttamraju Kandrika village of Gudur rural mandal to a close aide of Sachin Tendular last week. Sources said the district collector proposed various works including underground drainage, sewage treatment plant, community hall, individual toilets in all houses in the village and drinking water supply connections.

The project will cost about Rs 4 crore.

Sources said Sachin’s close aide and former cricket administrator V Chamundeswarinath has suggested that Sachin adopt a village in Nellore district. Incidentally, Nellore is the home district of Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / October 18th, 2014