Monthly Archives: February 2019

This crude oil cavern is an engineering marvel

February 16, 2019Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

A file photo of the crude cavern at Lova Gardens in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: arranged

The 1.33 million tonne facility in Vizag is the first in the country to receive consignment

India’s first underground rock cavern to store crude oil in the city, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Guntur on Sunday almost three-and-a- half years after it launched its operations, is considered a man-made engineering marvel.

After lot of difficulties in digging the cavern at Lova Gardens near the Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it was made suitable for storage of crude oil. At present, India has three caverns — in Mangalore, Padur and Visakhapatnam — with a total storage capacity of 5.03 million tonne. The total cost of the three projects was over ₹4,000 crore.

Long overdue

Though the cavern in Visakhapatnam was slated to be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister in 2015 itself, it could not take off due to his preoccupation.

The first consignment of crude was received in July 2015 by Very Large Crude Carrier Pioneer at the HPCL’s Single Point Mooring, heralding a new chapter for the oil industry as India joined the elite club of a few countries that had such rock caverns.

The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), a special purpose vehicle wholly owned by the Oil Industry Development Board, was set up by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with the mandate to create caverns to store crude so as to use it as a cushion in the event of disruption in supply from the Middle East.

The Engineers India Ltd was the project management consultant for the cavern project.

The Government of India also has plans to construct two more caverns with a capacity of 6.5 million tonne each in Karnataka and Odisha.

The idea of the cavern project was conceived after severe shortage of petroleum products experienced due to dislocation in supplies following the Gulf War in 1990s. “My association with the building of caverns was a challenging task as well as a thrilling experience,” Rajan Pillai, former Chairman and Managing Director of ISPRL, during whose tenure the first cavern became operational, told The Hindu on Sunday.

The crude oil cavern in the city has a capacity of 1.33 million tonne in which HPCL has a separate compartment with a storage capacity of 0.3 million tonne.

LPG cavern

Visakhapatnam also can boast of having South and South East Asia’s first- of-its-kind LPG cavern with a capacity of 60,000-tonne in the close vicinity of the crude oil cavern.

The LPG cavern is run by South Asia LPG Company Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture of the HPCL and Total Gas and Power India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TOTAL of France.

The bottommost point is 196 metres below mean sea level and considered one of the deepest caverns in the world.

source: http://www.thehindu.com/ The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Santosh Patnaik / Visakhapatnam – February 11th, 2019

Proud moment for ‘village singer’

February 12, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Singer Baby being felicitated by members of Vizag Film Society and Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G. Nageswara Rao in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Internet sensation Baby narrates her journey to fame

Pasala Baby, who took the internet by storm with her song ‘O Cheliya Naa Priya Sakhiya’ last year, is the latest singing sensation.

From an ordinary housewife at Vadisaleru village near Rajahmahendravaram to being a special guest to the house of actor Chiranjeevi, the journey of the 40-year-old unread woman is full of miracles.

“A month after the video was uploaded to the Internet by my relative, I was sitting in hospital where my daughter was admitted for delivery. A number of media channels had surrounded the hospital requesting for an interview,” said the singer explaining how she came to know about the video going viral. She was speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by Vizag Film Society at Andhra University here on Sunday.

A mother of two, Baby said she just used to sing lullabies for her brother during her childhood. Sometimes, she used to sing while working in agricultural fields, but she had no music knowledge. “It was music director Raghu Kunche, who, for the first time, gave me an opportunity to sing a song ‘Matti Manishinamma Nenu’. However, it is music director Koti who encourages and helps me make strides in the field,” said Ms. Baby.

Known as ‘village singer’, Baby said: “I am a big fan of singers S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Janaki.”

“I never visited a city till two months ago. Now, I have been to Hyderabad, Dubai and Muscat. With my first remuneration, I bought sarees for my daughters. Watching me on TV, they are proud and overjoyed. I never imagined that my life takes this colourful turn,” said the singer. Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G. Nageswara Rao, VFS secretary Narava Prakasa Rao and a few others felicitated Baby.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Harish Gilai / Visakhapatnam – February 11th, 2019

Cage culture of Tilapia on pilot basis

February 11, 2019Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Natureadmin

Vijayawada :

With an objective to boost the cage culture of Tilapia farming in the State, the Water Resources department has agreed in-principle to accord permission to take up the project in the reservoirs in AP. The officials from the fisheries department said the project will initially be rolled out on a pilot basis at Madduvalasa Reservoir in Srikakulam district and later would be scaled up to other areas.

The project was undertaken as part of a MoU signed with the USA-based Fishin’ Company, which had entered into a pact with the State government in September last year to produce the targeted 1.7 metric tonnes of Tilapia annually, the officials added.

Tilapia, also known as Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), is a fast-growing, high-yielding and value buy variety of fish across the globe. “We received an in-principle approval from the Water Resources department to take up the project in Madduvalasa Reservoir,” an official said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Vijayawada / by Express News Service / February 09th, 2019

Timeless Tupolev: Soviet-era naval aircraft

February 10, 2019Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

The Soviet-era naval aircraft is not just a museum piece, but remains a stellar example of a sturdy flying machine

The TU 142 Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam narrates a tale of resilience, keeping the accolades earned by the Soviet-era flying machine fresh in memory. The long-range maritime patrol aircraft served the Navy for 29 years with a rare feat of 30,000 hours of accident-free flying at a time when the MiG-21s were earning the dubious distinction of flying coffins. Once the world’s heaviest and fastest flying turboprop aircraft, the Tupolev was part of major naval exercises and operations since its induction into the force in 1988.

President Ram Nath Kovind opened the walk-through museum opposite the Kursura Submarine Museum — the irony that TU 142 once specialised in helping detect and destroy submarines is not lost on the naval personnel — on Beach Road in the city on December 7, 2017. It was thrown open to the public on December 28 that year.

Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 16/09/2017: The Indian Navy's long range maritime patrol aircraft TU 142M getting finishing touches opposite to the Kursura Submarine museum on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on September 16, 2017. The anti-submarine warfare plane is being converted into a museum at a cost of Rs 10 crore and will be thrown open to the public on World Tourism Day on September 27. Photo: K.R. Deepak — Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 16/09/2017: The Indian Navy’s long range maritime patrol aircraft TU 142M getting finishing touches opposite to the Kursura Submarine museum on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on September 16, 2017. The anti-submarine warfare plane is being converted into a museum at a cost of Rs 10 crore and will be thrown open to the public on World Tourism Day on September 27. Photo: K.R. Deepak

The making of the museum was a year-long process. The decommissioned aircraft was flown in from INS Rajali, the naval air station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. After landing at the INS Dega airport, the aircraft was dismantled and its parts were transported by road on trailers and reassembled. A fibreglass wall was installed on the beach side to withstand windspeeds of up to 250 km. An audiovisual experience through an L-shaped tunnel takes the visitors to the aerobridge leading to the walk-through museum.

The museum has been drawing a sea of tourists. Curator Dileep Kumar says the highest number of visitors on a single day was 5,500 on January 15 this year. Over 6.81 lakh people visited it in 2018. Last December, there were 83,722 visitors.

(Text and Images by K.R. Deepak)

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / February 10th, 2019

Gunadala Mary Matha festival begins

February 10, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Priests at the holy mass marking the beginning of the Mary Matha festival at Gunadala in Vijayawada on Satuday. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

Thousands participate in inaugural holy mass

The annual three-day Gunadala Mary Matha festival began on a grand note with thousands thronging the premises of the Bishop Grassi High School to take part in the inaugural holy mass offered by the priests on Saturday morning.

Priests Fr. Chacko Thotakara, Fr. Sebastian Kotturu, Fr. Antony Kumar and Fr. Rajappa, along with Vijayawada Catholic Diocese bishop T. Joseph Raja Rao and other priests from across the State offered the holy mass amid a large gathering of devotees, nuns, brothers and others.

Meanwhile, devotees from various places visited the shrine at the foot of the Gunadala hill and also ascended the hill to seek blessings and to worship the statue of Mother Mary called as ‘Statue of Our Lady’ installed in a grotto in 1925. Some of the devotees also trekked to the top of the hill and offered prayers at the huge cross of Jesus Christ.

Arrangements made

Municipal authorities and police in collaboration with the Gunadala shrine management made necessary arrangements for the devotees, particularly those coming from far off places.

Several devotees with families stay at the shrine overnight as part of a ritual.

A bigger turnout is expected on the second day, as it is a Sunday. The festival will conclude on Monday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – February 10th, 2019

Cars turn canvas at Cartist Yatra

February 10, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Sports, World Opinionadmin

Youngsters taking pictures with a vintage car at the second edition of the Cartist Yatra-2019 at Rajiv Smruti Bhavan in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

Vintage cars, some dating back to 1929, are on show at the exhibition

Art and automobile come together to create stunning masterpieces at the Cartist Yatra-2019, where cars, some as old as 1929, serve as a canvas for masterful artwork.

The second edition of the Cartist Yatra is under way in the city, and is based on the theme of ‘Automobile History of India’. Exhibits include an array of locally built cars such as the earliest models of the Maruti 800, the much-loved Fiat 1100D (popularly known as the Premier Padmini), Hindustan Ambassador, and the showpiece of them all – a 1929 Chevrolet convertible.

All the 10 cars are parked near the Rajiv Smruti Bhavan and will be there till Sunday.

Long journey

“In its second year, Cartist Yatra is traveling to 21 cities, 12 States and 2 union territories with pit stops at 10 prime locations, covering a distance of 8,100 km in a span of 80 days to unite over a thousand artists from different cultures and backgrounds,” said Himanshu Jangid of Cartist Yatra.

“The journey began on January 9 in Jaipur, and so far the yatra has covered Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka. Our next stop will be in Bhubaneswar,” Mr. Jangid said.

“Normally, we see artists depicting their work on canvas or other mediums. At Cartist Yatra, a car or an automobile is the medium. Showcase your creativity on an automobile and it can be a scooter, bike or auto-rickshaw, said Mr. Jangid.

“Cartist Yatra is an art event aimed at unifying people belonging to the art fraternity, as well as bridging the gap between society and artists,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – February 09th, 2019

Action plan to bring back lost glory of Rajamahendravaram

February 7, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Rajamahendravaram known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its old traditions, culture and practices.

Rajamahendravaram :

Rajamahendravaram known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its old traditions, culture and practices. The Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) is taking steps to restore the past glory of the city and develop it as a tourist destination.

The civic body has prepared a plan with an estimated amount of `40 crore to protect Rajamahendravarm’s cultural heritage. of the historical town, named after Raja Raja Narendra around 1,000 years ago. They planned to develop the old municipal corporation building as a monument and museum. This building was constructed during the British period. In this process, Kambala cheruvu and Dr AB Nageswara Rao parks have been developed by providing infrastructure facilities like walking track, play area for children and gymnasium among others.

As per the information provided by municipal authorities, Kotipalli area, visited by Mahatma Gandhi on April 6 in 1921, and Devi Chowk which was called as Lantern street. People used lanterns to decorate the street to welcome Vizianagara Kings and hence the name for the area.

Havelock Bridge

The construction of this bridge started on November 11, 1897 and opened for traffic on August 30 in 1900. The bridge was named after Sir AE Havelock, the then Governor of Madras. As it passed more than 100 years, this bridge named was decommissioned in 1997. This bridge was being converted as a walking track across Godavari river

Town Hall

This is a cultural centre of yesteryears built by great social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam in 1891. He fought for widow remarriage and education for women. He was considered as the father of renaissance in Andhra. The Town Hall is now in bad condition and the District Collector has sanctioned `65 lakh for renovation so that it can be used to hold cultural events. These apart, there are many places worth a visit, including Kotilingala Ghat, ISKCON temple, Damerla Rama Rao Art Gallery, Rallabandi Subbarao Museum, Pushkar Ghat and the like.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / February 06th, 2019

Honour for NCC contingent

February 6, 2019Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Air Commodore NN Reddy presenting an award to a cadet at a function in the city on Tuesday.

The contingent of 116 cadets from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana NCC Directorate bagged the fifth position amongst the 17 directorates that participated in the Republic Day camp at New Delhi from January 1-30.

The contingent also got the following medals and trophies: All India best cadet senior division (Navy) 2nd position to Cadet B Shanmugam; All India best cadet junior division (Navy) 1st position to Cadet Shaun Jimmy and All India best girl cadet trophy in horse riding to Cadet PT Sri Rakshitha. Cadet Harshita Jain was adjudged the ‘Best NCC Cadet’ for 2018 and was presented the Col. Choudhary medal.

The contingent also bagged the runner up trophy in national integration awareness programme and Directorate General Horse Riding trophy. Air Commodore NN Reddy, deputy director general of NCC Directorate AP & TS, presented medals and trophies to the cadets on Tuesday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – February 06th, 2019

Kondaveedu Heritage and Cultural festival from February 9

February 5, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

The Kondaveedu Heritage and Cultural festival would be held in a traditional manner at Kondaveedu Fort on February 9 and 10.

Guntur :

The Kondaveedu Heritage and Cultural festival would be held in a traditional manner at Kondaveedu Fort on February 9 and 10. Construction of the ghat road to Kondaveedu Fort was recently completed to help people visit the fort. Modernisation and repair works will be carried out in the fort soon. Helicopter ride, paragliding, hot air balloons, trekking and food courts will be on offer to visitors during the two-day festival. Dance and music shows reflecting the rich heritage of Kondaveedu dynasty would be showcased in the fort.

Kondaveedu Fort Development Committee convener K Siva Reddy said the State government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore to conduct the festival at Kondaveedu Fort and Rs 4 crore for lighting on the hilltop. He said the 5.1-km-long ghat road (with 17 ‘U’ turns) has been completed.

Reddy said the fort would be renovated with Rs 12 crore and a road would be laid to reach entrance of the fort at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore. The ancient damaged Swamy Lakshminarayana Temple would be renovated at an estimated Rs 75 lakh, while Rs 2 crore has been allocated for construction of a children’s park and for developing the small ponds on the hilltop, he added.

Forest Minister Sidda Raghava Rao and Civil Supplies Minister P Pulla Rao said, “The government was developing the Kondaveedu Fort at an estimated cost of Rs 87 crore; we are making efforts to complete it (the task) before deadline as per Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s directions.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / February 05th, 2019

Journey of a lifetime for tribal youth

February 4, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sportsadmin

CRPF’s 198 Battalion Commandant K.S. Deswal and officer Kanchan Yadav learning the dhimsa dance form, from the youth team, in Visakhapatnam on Friday.

30-member team ventures out of the hills for the first time as part of Youth Exchange Programme

Eighteen-year-old Manga, hailing from a nondescript village in Pedabayalu mandal, had never set foot beyond the verdant hills of the Visakha Agency.

As part of a 30-member 11th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, Manga ventured out of the cool confines of her village for the first time to experience the world beyond her hills, and was floored by the hospitality that she received in the northern town of Panchkula in Haryana.

‘All excited’

Like Manga, it was an experience of a lifetime for the rest of the group, as it was for the first time that they travelled by train or rode in a cab.

Jagapathi Naidu, from an interior village in G. Madugula, even picked up a few words in Hindi, that too in the Haryanvi accent, and a few lines from popular songs of Haryana’s singing sensation Sapna Choudhary.

Interacting with The Hindu here on Friday at the 198 CRPF Battalion campus, the tribal youth enthusiastically narrated their experiences. Bhavitha Kumari from Munchingput, who is also training in general nursing, sang the patriotic song ‘Hind Desh ke Niwasi’. She stood second in the singing competition at the exchange programme.

“Though we had problems with the food, we quickly adjusted and made a lot of friends. The weather at Panchkula was also chilly, but we are used to similar weather back home during this part of the year,” Bhavitha said. The programme was organised by CRPF and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan — Visakhapatnam.

New culture

According G. Chandana of NYKS, about 30 tribal youth including 15 girls were selected to undergo the programme.

“Five 30-member teams from Visakhapatnam in AP, Khammam in Telangana and teams from Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Bihar, were part of the programme,” she said.

Commandant of 198 Battalion K. S. Deswal said the youth were selected based on their interest in being part of a cultural exchange programme.

“Most of them were picked up from interior villages in AOB region, where there is considerable Maoist influence. The idea is to give the youths an exposure to a different world,” said Mr. Deswal. The team visited Panchkula from January 23 to 29 and apart from sightseeing, were exposed to classroom sessions where they were briefed about various welfare schemes and scholarships offered by the Central Government. All the teams were selected from LWE-affected districts.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Sumit Bhattarcharjee / Visakhapatnam – February 02nd, 2019

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