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FORUM

FOR A BETTER

HYDERABAD

Seventeen Years of Activism & Service

Annual Number

2016-2017

Edited and Publishedby

FORUM FOR A BETTER HYDERABAD“CHANDRAM” 490, St.No.12, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad-500029

Mobile: 9030626288, Fax: 0091-40-27635644,E-mail: betterhyd@yahoo.co.in Website: www.hyderabadgreens.org

Cover Photo : TTTTT. S. S. S. S. Swamywamywamywamywamy, , , , , Layout Design : Charita ICharita ICharita ICharita ICharita Imprmprmprmprmpressionsessionsessionsessionsessions

Printed at: DDDDDeccan Peccan Peccan Peccan Peccan Prrrrress, Aess, Aess, Aess, Aess, Azamabad, Hzamabad, Hzamabad, Hzamabad, Hzamabad, Hyyyyyderabad. Pderabad. Pderabad. Pderabad. Pderabad. Ph: 040-27678411h: 040-27678411h: 040-27678411h: 040-27678411h: 040-27678411

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The Theme of World Environment Day

2017 (5th June) is:

“Connecting People to Nature”

The FORThe FORThe FORThe FORThe FORUM’UM’UM’UM’UM’s Os Os Os Os Objectivbjectivbjectivbjectivbjectives ares ares ares ares are:e:e:e:e:

To be proactive and constructive.

To mobilize public opinion.

To stand up and make it heard on major issues exposing lack of concern or neglect ofenvironmental consideration.

To involve in decision-making on such issues.

The FORUM is focused on issues pertaining to Sustainable Development by highlighting theecological and environmental problems caused by uncaring and unthinking developmental activitiesdisregarding required prior assessment.

The FORUM is functioning through various committees, and is networking with NGOs,bringing to light issues pertaining to Urban Planning, Urban Development & Management, HeritageConservation, Lakes & Water Bodies, Parks - Forests & open space, Traffic & Transportation, Water& Air Pollution, Solid & Industrial Waste Management, Rock Formations, Right to Information.Relevant issues are brought to the notice of the Authorities (and if required pressurizing them totake action) offering positive suggestions and optimum solutions. The FORUM also files PublicInterest Litigations whenever called for.

FORFORFORFORFORUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETTER HYDERABADTER HYDERABADTER HYDERABADTER HYDERABADTER HYDERABADAAAAAdvisorsdvisorsdvisorsdvisorsdvisors

SSSSSri.B.Pri.B.Pri.B.Pri.B.Pri.B.P.R.V.R.V.R.V.R.V.R.Vitthal, IAS., (itthal, IAS., (itthal, IAS., (itthal, IAS., (itthal, IAS., (retd.,) Former Chief Secretary, Govt.of Andhra PradeshSSSSSri.J.M.Lri.J.M.Lri.J.M.Lri.J.M.Lri.J.M.Lyngdoh, IAS., (yngdoh, IAS., (yngdoh, IAS., (yngdoh, IAS., (yngdoh, IAS., (retd.,) Former Chief Election Commissioner of India

EEEEExxxxxecutivecutivecutivecutivecutive Committeee Committeee Committeee Committeee CommitteeSSSSSri. M. ri. M. ri. M. ri. M. ri. M. VVVVVedakumaredakumaredakumaredakumaredakumar PresidentSSSSSri. M.H. Raori. M.H. Raori. M.H. Raori. M.H. Raori. M.H. Rao Vice-PresidentDDDDDrrrrr. . . . . VVVVV. B. J. Rao Chelikani. B. J. Rao Chelikani. B. J. Rao Chelikani. B. J. Rao Chelikani. B. J. Rao Chelikani TreasurerSSSSSmt. Smt. Smt. Smt. Smt. Sanghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Malikalikalikalikalik Joint SecretaryEEEEErrrrr. M. P. M. P. M. P. M. P. M. Prabhakar Raorabhakar Raorabhakar Raorabhakar Raorabhakar Rao E.C. MemberSSSSSmt. Smt. Smt. Smt. Smt. Shobha Shobha Shobha Shobha Shobha Singhinghinghinghingh E.C. MemberSSSSSri. Ari. Ari. Ari. Ari. Adarsh Sdarsh Sdarsh Sdarsh Sdarsh Srivrivrivrivrivastavastavastavastavastavaaaaa E.C. MemberMrs. FMrs. FMrs. FMrs. FMrs. Frauke Qrauke Qrauke Qrauke Qrauke Quaderuaderuaderuaderuader E.C. MemberDDDDDrrrrr. C. K. C. K. C. K. C. K. C. Kulsum Rulsum Rulsum Rulsum Rulsum Reddyeddyeddyeddyeddy E.C. Member

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Capt. J.Rama Rao, (I.N., Retd., ) V.S.M,Mr. Naram Krishan Rao, Former Chief Engineer, P.H.Mr. M.Vedakumar, Engineer, Urban & Regional PlannerMr. M.H.Rao, EnvironmentalistMr. Omim Maneckshaw Debara, IIPE, COPESM. Mandal, Managing Trustee,

Hum Sab Hindustani TrustDr. V.B.J.Chelikani Rao, President, U-FERWASDr. C.Kulsum Reddy, Concerned CitizensMs. Sanghamitra Malik, Apna WatanMs. Frauke Quader, Society to Save RocksMrs. Shobha Singh, EducationistDr. Jasveen Jairath, Convenor, Concerned CitizensMr. R. K.Sinha, Retired Principal,

State Bank Inst. Of Rural Dev.Ms. Farida Tampal, State Director, WWFMr. Mazher Hussain, Director, COVAMr. K.S.Murthy, AdvocateLn. S. DhanunjayaMr. C.Ramachandraiah, CESSCapt. Manohar Sharma. President,

Uma Nagar Residents’ Welfare associationMr. S.Jeevan Kumar, President, Human Rights ForumSr. S.Selvin MeryMr. R.Ravi, SamataMr. Ali Asghar, Director, EED, Roshan VikasMr. M.Kamal Naidu, IFS(R), W.W.F.-APMr. T. RajenderMr. E.R.M. Prabhakar Rao, Civil & Structural Engineer, EnvironmentMr. B.Ramakrishnam Raju, Convenor, NAPM, APMr. Afzal, (PUCAAR)Mr. T.Dharma Rao, Chief Engineer (R)Mr. Mohammed Turab, Executive Secretary, COVA.Mr. Syed SabirMr. Umesh Varma, Co-ordinator, Joint Action for WaterMr. K.Vijayaraghavan, MMTS Travellers GroupMr. K.Umapathy, IAS(R)Md. AshfaqMr. Asheesh Pitti, Birdwatchers Society of A.P.,Mr. Anil C. DayakarMr. Narendra Luther, IAS (R), Society to Save RocksMr. Dipankar Dutta,Mr. RajkumarMr. Belal, Social ActivistMr. Venkateshwarlu, CHATRIMr.BaswarajMr. Chandra Prakash, Kalakar

Mr. D. Ashok KumarMr. M.Gopal Krishna, IAS, Retd.,Mr. Sagar Dhara, Director, Ceram FoundationProf. K.Purshotham Reddy, Osmania UniversityMr. A.H.Moosvi, IFS(R), Former PCCF, APMrs.R.IndiraDr. K.Babu Rao, Scientist, CCMBDr. K.L.Vyas, Osmania University.Mr. K.Prabhakar, Children’s Educational AcademyDr. Satyalakshmi Rao, Red Cross Institute of YogaMr. Saugath GanguliMs. Sheela Prasad, University of HyderabadMs. Arshea Sultana, Urban PlannerMs. Kanthi Kannan, The Right to Walk FoundationDr. Yerram Raju, Regional Director, PRMIAMr. Subhash ReddyMr. Sajjad Shahid, Co-convenor, INTACH Hyd.ChapterDr. Chenna Basavaiah, Convenor, MADAMr. G.K.B.Chowdary, JETLMs. Maya AnavarthamDr. K. Mutyam Reddy, Former Registrar,

Mahatma Gandhi UniversityMr. T.Vijayendra, EnvironmentalistMs. G.Moti Kumari, AP.U.N.A.Ms. Asha Dua, Social ActivistDr. Arun K.Patnaik, CESSMr. Bada Binjafar, Social Welfare SocietyMr. Ch. Devi Prasad RaoMs. Nandita Sen, Society to Save RocksMr. V.Nagulu, Osmania UniversityMr. T. SwamyDr. D.Narasimha Reddy, President, Chetana SocietyMr. P.Narayan Rao, EnvironmentalistMr. Aslam KhanMr. K.V.Narayana, CESSMr. Rashid AhmedMr. K.Narasimha Reddy, Ex-MLA (Bhuvanagiri)Mr. Praveen, SPEQLMr. Beig AhmedMr. Sattar Mujahed

Mr. N.Rajeshwar Rao, LawyerMr. R.K.Rao, IFS (R) Former PCCF, A.P.Mr. G.B.Reddy, EnvironmentalistMr. K. Laxmi NarayanaMr. Balraj GoudMs. Saraswati Rao, M.S.D.Dr. Bina Sengar

FORFORFORFORFORUM MEMBERS, ASSOCIAUM MEMBERS, ASSOCIAUM MEMBERS, ASSOCIAUM MEMBERS, ASSOCIAUM MEMBERS, ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUTED INDIVIDUTED INDIVIDUTED INDIVIDUTED INDIVIDUALS & ORALS & ORALS & ORALS & ORALS & ORGANISAGANISAGANISAGANISAGANISATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS

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Mr. A.SrinivasMr. Narasimham, ArchitectMr. Soloman Raju, GAMANAMr. H.D.SrinivasMr. P.Janardhan ReddyMs. S.KalyaniMr. T.ChakradharMs. Champak RaoCol. N.A.KumarMr. S.R.VijayakarMs. Devi RaoMr. S.Srinivasa Reddy, Project Director, APSAMr. Adarsh SrivastavaMr. Mahesh, Musi lifeMrs. SuhasiniMr. S. Sudershan ReddyMr. Vishnu Kumar, SPA, JNTUMr. Raavi VenugopalMr. S.Q.MasoodMrs. Vajra KumariMohd. Kaleem AhmedMr. M.A.ThariqMr. Vipin BenjaminMr. L. ShatrugnaMr. Abhishek RichariaMr. Syed Khaled Shah ChistyMr. Murali SagarMr. C.S.ReddyMr. Balakrishna MehtaMr. Naemi FuhramannMr A. Raja SharmaMr. N.V.WonkarMr. Mohd. HabibMr. P.C.Menon

Mr. Bhadri NarayanaMr. Abbas MoosviMr. Rajender ReddyMr. Mortuza MoosviMr. P.S.N. PrasadMs. Latha RaoMrs. A.V.AmbikaDr. Sarosh BastawalaMr. B. Shiva SrinivasMr. V. Yella ReddyMr. Majid-ur-RahamanMr. S. Rahul RaoDr. Shyam Sunder PrasadMr. Omer KhanMr. KamalakarMs. AshwiniMr. G. Nagamohan, ArtistMs. Padma BalachandranMr. Iliyas Ahmed KhanMr. V.Dakshina MurthyMr. Mirza Zubin BaigMr. Devender PochampallyMr. Navin ShahDr. Shivaji VadrevuMrs. Meera DeshpandeMrs. A.Sita DeviMr. Wajid AhmedMr. Hari BabuMr. Siddharth GoelMr. RohanMr. MatinMr. Praveen IndooriMr. T.BalaswamyMr. Gaffar Saheb

NNNNNetworetworetworetworetworked:ked:ked:ked:ked:

* APNAWATAN * COVA * CHATRI * APSA * CONCERNED CITIZENS * CHETANA SOCIETY * CITIZENS’ FOR BETTER PUBLICTRANSPORT * CHILDREN’S EDUCATION ACADEMY (CEA) * CHELIMI FOUNDATION * CMS VATAVARAN * DECCANDEVELOPMENT SOCIETY * DECCAN ACADEMY * DELOITTE * IAAB, Hyd * THE RIGHT TO WALK FOUNDATION * GAMANA* HYDERABAD ACTION GROUP * HELP * INTACH, HYDERABAD CHAPTER * HUMAN WELFARE FOUNDATION * INSTITUTEOF ENGINEERS, A.P. * DECCAN ACADEMY * JANA VIGNANA VEDIKA * MOVEMENT AGAINST URANIUM PROJECT (MAUP)* MMTS TRAVELLERS GROUP * FORUM FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT * PLANETARY SOCIETY OF INDIA * SAVEROCKS SOCIETY * TARNAKA RESIDENTIAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION * TURAGA FOUNDATION * UMANAGAR RESIDENT’SWELFARE ASSOCIATION * UNITED FORUM FOR RTI CAMPAIGN * DECCAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE * FORUM FOR ABETTER VISHAKA * M.V.FOUNDATION * MSI * METRO RAIL COMMUTORS ASSOCIATION * NAPM * UNITED FEDERATIONOF RESIDENTIAL WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (U-FERWAS) * BIRD WATCHERS’ SOCIETY * SOUL (Save Our Urban Lakes) * SAVELAKES SOCIETY, Hyd * ITMC (Its Time to Make a Change) * APEC GROUP * HERITAGE WATCH * V.K.DHAGE NAGAR WELFARESOCIETY, Hyd * SPEQL * SAAKSHI (NGO)

Mr. MohanlalMr. Ch. RavinderMr. P.Srinivas RaoMr. JayaveerMr. D.KrishnaMr. S. Sudhakar RaoMr. Anwar KhanMr. V. BhagavanMr. RaghunandhanMr. S.Gopal RaoEr. P. Ramgopal RaoMr.Kakarla Venkata Ratnam, CPREEC, HydMrs.A.Shiva Rani, APSAMohd. RaheemuddinMr.M.Padmanabha Reddy, Social ActivistMr.Pittala Srisailam, Social Activist,

Co-convenor, TelanganaJournalist’s ForumMr.Ilyas Ur Rehaman, Social ActivistMr.D.Venkatesh, Social ActivistMr.Sudhakar Goud, Former Head, BritishCouncilMr.Koppula Narsanna, Social ActivistMs. Shailaja, TeacherMr. MadhuranathMr. Raghuram ChandraMr. Sai KrishnaMr. Bakka Babu RaoMrs. Satya PrasannaMr. Rahul ThakurMr. R. Subash BabuMr. Prakash RaoMr. J. Vidyadhar

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CONTENTCONTENTCONTENTCONTENTCONTENTSSSSS

FOREFOREFOREFOREFOREWWWWWORDORDORDORDORDBy Mr. M.Vedakumar 7

ENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRONMENT AND DEONMENT AND DEONMENT AND DEONMENT AND DEONMENT AND DEVELVELVELVELVELOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTEnvironment and We, The People ...... by R.K.Sinha 9We and Our Nature...... by Rao V.B.J.Chelikani 12Environmental Impact Assessment: Need of Hour ...... by Dr.Narayan Sangam 18

WWWWWAAAAATER BODIES AND LTER BODIES AND LTER BODIES AND LTER BODIES AND LTER BODIES AND LAKESAKESAKESAKESAKESRevive all Lakes in Hyderabad City .... by Sanghamitra Malik 19Conservation of Lakes of Hyderabad - A People’s Movement .... by Dr. K.L. Vyas 20Vermiculture Bio-Technology .... by Dr. K.L. Vyas 22Save Lakes - Trees .... by Dr. K.L. Vyas 25

URBAN PLURBAN PLURBAN PLURBAN PLURBAN PLANNING AND GOANNING AND GOANNING AND GOANNING AND GOANNING AND GOVERNANCEVERNANCEVERNANCEVERNANCEVERNANCEWhen Development came calling stealthily .... by Sanghamitra Malik 26Remembering the Hyderabad I knew ...... by Sanghamitra Malik 27Hyderabad, My Favourite City ..... Sanghamitra Malik 29Lovable City Cum Smart City But Also Be A Livable City ..... Subhas Reddy 30The Poor In Urban India ..... S. Jeevan Kumar 33

HERITHERITHERITHERITHERITAAAAAGE / GE / GE / GE / GE / TTTTTOURISMOURISMOURISMOURISMOURISMLet’s protect the great heritage of Telangana ...... by M.Vedakumar 36Down Memory Lane: A Road trip to the South ..... by M.H.Rao 42Pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar ..... by M.H.Rao 44

REPORREPORREPORREPORREPORT ON FORT ON FORT ON FORT ON FORT ON FORUM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16ththththth ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRATIONS on 05-06-2016TIONS on 05-06-2016TIONS on 05-06-2016TIONS on 05-06-2016TIONS on 05-06-2016 5151515151GLIMPSES FRGLIMPSES FRGLIMPSES FRGLIMPSES FRGLIMPSES FROM FOROM FOROM FOROM FOROM FORUM’S PUM’S PUM’S PUM’S PUM’S PAST ANNIVERSARAST ANNIVERSARAST ANNIVERSARAST ANNIVERSARAST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS 5252525252

AAAAACTIVITIES ORCTIVITIES ORCTIVITIES ORCTIVITIES ORCTIVITIES ORGANISED BY FORGANISED BY FORGANISED BY FORGANISED BY FORGANISED BY FORUM:UM:UM:UM:UM:· Talks 55· Brought a Pamphlet on CLAY & ECO FRIENDLY GANESH AWARENESS 62· Associated with CMS VATAVARAN and 63

CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIETY, TELANGANA jointly in organizingMusi River International Film Festival, 2017 a 7 Day Festival at Hyderabad

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Hathiyo ka Jhad Tamarind Tree

Durgam Cheruvu Hussainsasgar

High Court Iron Bunglow in Public Garden

St.Georges Church at Abids, Hyderbad Malwala Palce

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FFFFForororororeeeeeworworworworworddddd

MrMrMrMrMr. M. . M. . M. . M. . M. VVVVVedakumaredakumaredakumaredakumaredakumar,,,,,Civil Engineer, Urban & Regional Planner

President, Forum For A Better Hyderabad

Forum For A Better Hyderabad has witnessed yet another year of its service towards burning social issueslike Urban Development and Management, Heritage Conservation, Lakes and Water Bodies, Forest & OpenSpaces, Traffic & Transportation, Water, Soil, Pollution, Solid & Industrial Management, Rock Formations,Right to Information and so on..Every year, Forum for a Better Hyderabad has been advocating against many ofthe above mentioned areas of concern. Heritage Conservation had always been a major concern for the Forumand it could successfully protect many historical buildings and monuments from getting demolished.

The Forum is in continuous persuasion with past and new governments for ultimate solutions for manymajor issues of the city. Planning is the process of systematic study, analysis, classification, assessment andproper utilization of available resources for optimum and sustained benefits.

Lakes are our Eco-Heritage they are nature’s Laboratories and store-houses of bio-diversity. Lakes are notmerely the pools of standing waters, but they ensure houses of life forms and biological activities. Dr.K.L.Vyas,environmentalist worried about the vanishing urban lakes in and around the city, which are systematicallydestroyed and converted them into residential colonies and suffer constant degradation and extinction due topollution and occupation. He expressed the need of the day is to orient overall conservation of water bodies. Hefelt that Lakes play a vital role in maintaining the subtle delicate and intricate FLORA-FAUNA inter-relationshipof the area. Lakes continuously re-charge and supplement the fast-depleting under-ground water. He expressesthe need for a system Research - Law - Action - Implementation and Execution, which should go hand in handfor the conservation of lakes.

Smt.Sanghamitra Malik also expresses her concern over the encroachments and destruction in the waterbodies by way of filling with mud, silt and debris for the construction of Colonies, Residential and Commercialareas and High-Rises on the Lakes of Hyderabad City and pollution due to Industrial effluents and domesticsewage into water bodies. She urges the people to mend their ways to revive all lakes, repair the roads for thewellbeing. She also worried about the felling of trees, construction of multiplexes and Malls on the lake beds inthe name of development. She recollects her memories of the past in the city of Hyderabad and expressedthrough her poems.

As India’s urban population has grown rapidly, but the urban areas have failed to meet the demands of thisincreasing population pressure resulting in large gaps in provisioning of basic amenities of housing, drinkingwater, sewerage, transportation etc. Deprivation of such services has resulted in rapid growth of slums withconditions unfit for human habitation. Sri.S. Jeevan Kumar,Human Rights Activist showed concern for thepoor in this country and expects that the government would take into account the limitations of earlierinterventions for urban poor and address these challenges in a comprehensive manner to make urban spacesmore equitable and inclusive.

Sri.Subhash Reddy mentioned our city as a global city which is ranked the fifth most dynamic city in theworld and praised the efforts of Telangana Government in getting the investments from leading Software,Pharma companies etc from all over the world. He has mentioned the need to provide quality water, power,housing / accommodation etc to be rated as one of the best cities in world, as many people from other parts ofIndia apart from locals finding huge employment in Hyderabad. He urged the concerned Departments to takethe opinion / experience of people who want to make our Hyderabad most Lovable and Livable city in theworld.

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The conceptualization of man-nature relationships, which are evolving, Sri.Rao V.B.J. Chelikani highlightedthat the pace of human evolution and human aspirations are growing much faster than the usual. Not only theplanet but also the nature, as well as the whole universe are in constant transformation and redefining therelations between ‘man and his Nature.’ After passing through an anthropogenic period when the impact ofman on the geology and on the ecosystems has been catastrophic, anthropogenic man, now, is announcing ananthropogenic era, where he is assuming full responsibility for the future of the nature to make it harmoniouswith human development. He expressed the need to have a pragmatic shift and knowledge-based approach,which has to constantly re-establish new equilibrium between our needs and our resources.

Sri.R.K.Sinha mentioned how the people are connected to environment and nature. In this connection,he explained that to create worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment and toadvocate environmental causes, World Environment Day, Earth Day, World Soil Day, World Water Day, WorldAir Day, World Biodiversity Day in different days are being celebrated.

Considering the faster rate of degradation of our environment due to various illegal human activitiesincluding certain ongoing as well as the proposed developmental projects in near future, Dr. Narayan Sangamurged the need for Environmental Impact Assessment, which is very essential today. He expressed that theGovernment, while sanctioning the developmental projects should examine and consider thoroughly the minutedetails of their negative impacts on the surrounding environment and human health. He said a scientific exercisehas to be carried out before the start of any major or minor developmental project to ensure that it will not inany way have an adverse effect on the environment, its components and Human Health on a short term or longterm basis.

From ancient days to the formation as 29th state of India, Telangana is known for its legacy and heritage.The precious heritage had been neglected under the rule of yesteryear rulers. Sri.M.Vedakumar welcomed thehistoric decision of Telangana Government to conserve the heritage monuments by introducing a new HeritageComprehensive Regulation Act to protect the great heritage of Telangana. He hopes that the ComprehensiveAct would protect monuments of the entire state, along with those present in Hyderabad. There should be aprovision to include various trustee buildings, courts, gadis, and the palaces existing in various districts andmandals and must be included in the heritage Act. He also mentioned that such Act will also help residentsin terms of tourism, provide employment opportunities and economic progress. He expressed that peopleshould be made partners at various levels in heritage conservation and the significant role of Volunteers, whoplays in the management of heritage monuments.

Sri.M.H.Rao recollected his memories of a ten day road trip to the South, which is a mixture of heritage,cultural, spiritual and environment impact. Mentioning about Nilagiri hill area, which is a plastic free Zoneand the strict implementation of usage of biodegradable paper bags or cloth bags, he also wishes our Governmentsin Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to emulate the Nilagirs and make our Nallamalai range and Tirumala hillsplastic free zones. He urges for a strict enforcement of the rule, which is essential to preserve the ecology as wellas save the wild animals, especially the monkeys which throng the road side.

Ecological imbalance is another concern over which Forum frequently debates on. TALKS, Environmentalawareness programmes are being organised under the flagship of Forum.The Forum for a Better Hyderabadmentioned about its activities by arranging Talks by concerned Government departments officials on variousissues to discuss and to guide to create awareness and consciousness about the problems which Hyderabad isfacing and derive solutions for A Better Hyderabad, it’s association with CMS Vatavaran in conducting MusiRiver International Film Festival with a Theme of “Water for Life” to create awareness on conservation of waterbodies in the city and bringing out a Pamphlet to create awareness on Eco-friendly Ganesha.

FBH welcomes the intellectuals and enthusiastic crusaders for their voluntary participation and urges fortheir association and support to deal with the various issues of the city’s concern in future.

F

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9

WWWWWorld Eorld Eorld Eorld Eorld Envirnvirnvirnvirnvironment Donment Donment Donment Donment DayayayayayWED,WED,WED,WED,WED, which recurs on 5 June every year, is

the United Nations principal vehicle forencouraging, worldwide awareness and action forthe protection of our environment. (Also called:ECO Day, Environment Day). First held in 1974,it has been a flagship campaign for raising awarenesson emerging environmental issues from marinepollution and global warming, to sustainableconsumption and wildlife crime. WED has becomea global platform for public outreach, withparticipation from over 143 countries annually. Eachyear WED has a new theme that major corporations,NGOs, communities, Governments and Celebritiesworldwide adopt to advocate environmental causes.

WED was designated by the UN GeneralAssembly in 1972 on the first day of United NationsConference on the Human Environment. Two yearslater, in 1974 the first WED was held with the theme“Only One Earth” . In 1987 the idea for rotatingthe centre of these activities through selectingdifferent host countries began. The theme for 2017is “Connecting People to Nature in the city and onthe land, from the poles to the equator”. The hostcountry is Canada.

Theme for 2016 was to prohibit illegal trade ofthe threatened. Angola was the host country. Themefor 2015 was “Seven Billions Dreams, One Planet,Consume with Care.” The host country was Italy.

In 2011, WED was held in New Delhi. From1977 to 1984, WED was held in Sylhet /Dhaka /Rajsahi in Bangladesh.

Physically disabled world famous scientist,Stephen Hawking posed an open question on theinternet in 2006. “In a world that is in chaospolitically, socially, environmentally, how can the

EEEEEnvirnvirnvirnvirnvironment and onment and onment and onment and onment and WWWWWe, e, e, e, e, The PThe PThe PThe PThe Peopleeopleeopleeopleeople

R.K.SR.K.SR.K.SR.K.SR.K.Sinhainhainhainhainha

human race sustain for another 100 years? Hawkinghas expressed concern that life on Earth is at riskfrom a sudden nuclear war, a genetically engineeredvirus, global warming, or other dangers we have notyet thought of. However, such a planet-wise disasterneed not result in human extinction if the humanif the humanif the humanif the humanif the humanrace wrace wrace wrace wrace wererererere able to colonize able to colonize able to colonize able to colonize able to colonize additional planetse additional planetse additional planetse additional planetse additional planetsbeforbeforbeforbeforbefore the disastere the disastere the disastere the disastere the disaster. . . . . {SOURCE: Internet - Wikipedia}

EarEarEarEarEarthday Nthday Nthday Nthday Nthday NetworetworetworetworetworkkkkkEarEarEarEarEarth Dth Dth Dth Dth Dayayayayay is an annual event celebrated on

April 22. Worldwide, various events are held todemonstrate support for Environmental Protection.First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in morethan 193 countries are now co-ordinated globallyby the Earth Day Network. Numerous communitiescelebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activitiesfocused on the Environmental issues that the worldfaces. The Earth Day 2017’s campaign isEnvironmental & Climate Literacy. There is needto build a global citizenry fluent in the concepts ofclimate change and unprecedented threat to ourplanet.

Earth Anthem: UNESCO has termed IndianPoet-diplomat Abhay Kumar’s idea of an officialEarth Anthem as a creative and inspiring thoughtthat would contribute to bringing the worldtogether. Kumar’s “Earth Anthem” has beentranslated into eight languages including officiallanguages of the United Nations.

{SOURCE: Internet - Wikipedia}

WWWWWorld Sorld Sorld Sorld Sorld Soil Doil Doil Doil Doil DayayayayayWorld Soil Day is celebrated every December

5, starting from Dec 5, 2012. Soil, in which all ourfood grows, is a living resource that takes years toform. Yet it can vanish in minutes, says Ronald Vegans

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of the United Nation FAO. Each year 75 million tonsof fertile soil are lost to erosion. That’s alarming- andnot just for food producers. Soil can trap hugequantities of carbon dioxide in the form of organiccarbon and prevent it from escaping into theatmosphere. “If we protect and sustainably managesoils”, says Vargas, “we can combat climate change.”

A Dwindling Resource: Poor landmanagement, urbanization and climate change aremaking soil more prone to erosion. Populationgrowth increases pressure on farmlands. 95% of theworld’s food grows in soil. Average soil composition:45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air, 5% organicmatter. Soil is now eroding upto 20 times faster thanit’s being developed. Since 1960 one-third of theworld’s arable land has been lost to erosion.

(SOURCE: National Geographic Magazine, December,2015)

WWWWWorld orld orld orld orld WWWWWater Dater Dater Dater Dater DayayayayayWorld Water Day is an annual event celebrated

on 22nd March. The day focuses attention on theimportance of universal access to clean water,sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities indeveloping countries. The day also focuses onadvocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. In 1993, the first World Water Daywas designated by the UN General Assembly. UN-Water selects a theme for each year. Previous themesincluded:-

“Why Waste Water?” in 2017; “Better Water,Better Jobs” in 2016; “Water and SustainableDevelopment” in 2015; “”Water and Energy” in2014. The first International World Water Daydesignated by the United Nations wascommemorated in 1993.

{SOURCE: Internet - Wikipedia}

WWWWWorld Air Dorld Air Dorld Air Dorld Air Dorld Air DayayayayayClean Air for Everyone. 9 out of 10 people in

the world breathe polluted air. Yet, few people knowthat air pollution is ranked as the single biggest threatto human health according to WHO. The US-basedHealth Effect Institute’s report published in Feb

2017 claims that in 2015, half of the air-pollutionrelated deaths in the world occurred in India andChina. UK is organizing National Clean Air Dayon 15th June.

(SOURCE: Internet-Bueair.com)

WWWWWorld Borld Borld Borld Borld Biodiviodiviodiviodiviodiversity Dersity Dersity Dersity Dersity DayayayayayThe International Day for Biological

Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is a UnitedNations–sanctioned international day for thepromotion of biodiversity issues. It is currently heldon May 22.

The Day falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda’s SustainableDevelopment Goals. In this larger initiative ofinternational cooperation, the topic of biodiversityconcerns stakeholders in sustainable agriculture;desertification, land degradation anddrought; water and sanitation; healthand sustainable development; energy; science,technology and innovation, knowledge-sharing andcapacity-building; urban resilience and adaptation;sustainable transport; climate change and disasterrisk reduction; oceans and seas; forests; vulnerablegroups including indigenous peoples; and foodsecurity. The cruciall role of biodiversity insustainable development was recognized ina Rio+20 outcome document, “The World WeWant: A Future for All”.

From its creation by the Second Committeeof the UN General Assembly in 1993 until 2000,it was held on December 29 to celebrate the daythe Convention on Biological Diversity went into

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effect. On December 20, 2000, the date was shiftedto commemorate the adoption of the Conventionon May 22, 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, andpartly to avoid the many other holidays that occurin late December.

The Theme in 2016 was “MainstreamingBiodiversity; Sustaining People and theirLivelihoods: in 2017, it is “Biodiversity andSustainable Tourism”. The decade 2011-2020 is theUnited Nations Decade on Biodiversity.

(Source: Internet-Wikipedia)

SSSSSalt of the Earalt of the Earalt of the Earalt of the Earalt of the Earth:th:th:th:th:Each day about 5,000 acres of farmland

worldwide become too salty to sustain cropsprofitably. Total land is naturally vulnerable to eithersodium or sodium chloride. Poor drainage can makeit linger. When salt builds up around roots, plantswork harder to grow.

Farmers won’t be the ones to fix the problemthough. Governments need to mandate fielddrainage on a large scale. A more immediate solutionmay come from plants themselves. Researchindicates that food crops such as wheat and ricewould be genetically engineered to resemble plantslike seaweed, which evolved salt tolerance long ago.

(Source: National Geographic Magazine, May 2015)

Why the climate gets top billing:Why the climate gets top billing:Why the climate gets top billing:Why the climate gets top billing:Why the climate gets top billing:The Oscar Winning film actor, Leonardo

DiCaprio, , , , , now a UN messenger of peace, shot afilm “Before the Flood” travelling all over the world.This film is meant to educate everyone, from globalleaders to everyday citizens, on the threat of climatechange. There are practical steps we all must take-

today-to hasten the adoption of renewable and cleanenergy technologies across the planet.

There is no issue this important-because thefuture of the planet is at stake. We have no planetB. The energy we focus on solving climate changeand the pressure we place on global leaders to leadon the question will help create sustainable andlivable environment for the long term. We need tovote for leaders who understand the serious issuesimpacting our climate-and for leaders who believein the undeniable truth of science. No nation orsociety is immune from the symptoms of climatechange, like: droughts in California, rising seas inMiami, more extreme storms in the Gulf of Mexico.

(Source: National Geographic Magazine, November, 2016)

FFFFFixing the Climate is like fixing theixing the Climate is like fixing theixing the Climate is like fixing theixing the Climate is like fixing theixing the Climate is like fixing theEEEEEconomy:conomy:conomy:conomy:conomy:

Excesses of debt created the financial crisis;excess of CO

2 created the climate crisis. These are

coupled with flawed Government policies andincentives and pervasive, outside risk taking.

If we don’t act, the risks will compound, andwe will lose the opportunity to avoid the worstoutcomes. When climate related disasters strike, weall pay. We urgently need policies such as carbonpricing to incentivize behavior change and promoteclean technologies.

According to Mr. Henry M. Paulson,, Jr., aformer US Treasury Secretary, US and China-theWorld’s largest economies, energy users and carbon-emitters must work together to deploy cost effectivenew technologies in the developing world.

(Source: National Geographic Magazine, July, 2015)

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1. 1. 1. 1. 1. WWWWWe e e e e TTTTTogetherogetherogetherogetherogetherWe can, broadly, make three observations

regarding the Nature. Nature is not our creation andwe grew out of it. The nature of our nature is tochange. Not only the planet but also the nature, aswell as the whole universe are in constanttransformation, most probably in an expansionarymode. Since, we understand the evolutionary processreasonably well we have, now, the responsibility toguide it so as to make it harmonious with humandevelopment.

There were several phases in its evolution. Theplanet, in the past, was burning like a furnace; oncethe whole surface, its lands, mountains and seas weredrowned in the floods and ice had covered the wholesurface with all the species under it. The earth hadknown several mass extinctions over the course ofits history of millions of years. The bio-diversity inthe planet too, has been constantly evolving.According to its changing topography, some speciesdisappeared; new ones came into existence andothers have evolved. And the human beings had notbeen a one-time creation; they too are subjected tothe same logic of evolution. Probably, some specieswith a better potential than the human species mighthave been lost due to hazards. In the very distantpast, the nature had been very traumatising for thehuman being who lived with mixed feelings of fear,helplessness, dependence, admiration, adoration andexploitation, if possible. Some of its violent changeshave been causing, even now, much humansuffering. No saviour had ever exempted the humanbeing from these transformations. So far, none couldconvincingly prove that these patterns of evolutionof nature have been pre-determined towards a fixed

WWWWWe and Oe and Oe and Oe and Oe and Our Nur Nur Nur Nur Naturaturaturaturatureeeee

Rao Rao Rao Rao Rao VVVVV.B.J. Chelikani.B.J. Chelikani.B.J. Chelikani.B.J. Chelikani.B.J. ChelikaniEmail: raovbj@yahoo.com

goal. Further, there had never been a perfect stateof equilibrium, symbiosis and harmony in nature.There is, hence, no justification, at all, to entertainany romantic nostalgia. Nature had never been aparadise lost. It has been untiringly balancing itself,till the human being has grown strong enough totilt the balance in his favour. Similarly, there is noneed for any guilty feeling for violating anythingsacred or for any catastrophism about its futuresurvival or about our own survival, for that matter.

2. D2. D2. D2. D2. Differifferifferifferifferent Conceptionsent Conceptionsent Conceptionsent Conceptionsent Conceptionsi). The conceptualisation of man-nature

relationships has also been evolving. Initially,there was fear and veneration leading topolytheism. Both Greek and Aryan gods weredescribed as the personification of many naturalphenomena like thunder, rains, air, fire, etc.All Indian gods have an animal or a bird as avehicle and a flower as a decoration. Further,they present an artistic faculty of dancingpostures or carrying musical instruments. Sincethe Vedic period itself, the gods became somesort of super-human beings. In the Judeo-Christian tradition as well as in some Indianmythologies, nature is god’s creation; tinkeringwith it would be a sacrilege. It was a romanticidea that nature is perfect and that it should beleft to itself. But, the European Enlightenmentera had distanced itself from the Biblic sanctityof nature and saw nature as something outsideof man. In Indian and in fact, in Asian values,harmony or some symbiosis with nature hasalways been cultivated as the way of life. Allliving organisms and non-living phenomenaand objects have the same divinity or sacredness

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or preciousness about them.

ii). After the Industrial revolution, the nature has,gradually, become a theatre for human exploitsand a source of resources to satisfy humanaspirations for higher standard of living. In thepast also, every single human settlementextended itself by burning or clearing theforests. Cultures and civilisations grewdifferently, according to their capacity to mouldthe rivers, valleys, plains and climate anddepending upon their capacity to create aneconomic value out of them. We shouldencourage, even now, various tribes to comeout of the forests, as our ancestors have beendoing it since several thousands of years ago,with no regrets. In this material development,the Occidental civilisation, including the NorthAmerican states has become a model in the

consumption of natural resources. In theSixties, much before the developing countriescould adopt the Western model ofdevelopment, the Club of Rome, anindependent think-tank had raised an alarmabout the risk of exhausting the stock of naturalresources. Though the Day of Doom did notarrive, still the nature is sufficiently damageddue to excessive use of the same kind ofresources. Consequently, the developmentstrategies have become very costly for the restof the countries in all the continents.

iii). However, over a short span of the last fifteenthousand years, the human intelligence hasprogressed in an extra-ordinary manner. Manhas begun to understand the process ofevolution and to try to interact, instead ofhelplessly submitting himself to it. Chains and

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cycles of causality whose ends we cannot seeare set in motion in the course of evolution ofnature and we can qualify them as dialecticalevolutionary process. Our scientificunderstanding and interactions with the naturehave been very intensive and challenging withthe utilisation of increasingly sophisticatedtechnologies. We have been individually andcollectively, striving to liberate ourselves fromthe conditioning by and constraints of thenature, very successfully. This is a history ofongoing human progress. Some might see thisas a competitive and perpetually conflictingrelationship between man and nature, in whichman is gradually gaining ground over all thespheres of the earth and its environment, byconstant adjustments, reconciliation andharmonisation. While for thousands of years,we remained in a relationship of ‘men in nature’in a ‘state of nature’, now and for hereafter, wehave been redefining the relations between‘man and his Nature.’ After passing throughan anthropogenic period when the impact ofman on the geology and on the ecosystems hasbeen catastrophic due to his commissions andomissions, man, now, is announcing ananthropocenic era, where man is assuming fullresponsibility for the future of the nature.

3. 3. 3. 3. 3. The PThe PThe PThe PThe Prrrrroblemoblemoblemoblemoblemi). We observe that the pace of human evolution

and human aspirations are growing much fasterthan the usual, natural evolution of the nature.Now, we have reached a state of crisis in ourrelations with the environment on two fronts.Firstly, we are, now, capable of envisaging thepossibilities of cosmic incidences and effectson the planet. The earth and its environmentcan be affected by the passage of any asteroidor meteorite closely. There can be globalcalamities due to unusual behaviour of theelements like water, wind, ice, fire, etc. Man,today, is better placed to predict such

possibilities and prevent or reduce their impactupon the planet. For example, he can changethe direction of the asteroids before they rufflethe planet. This is the best homage that mancan render to the nature out of which he came.Secondly, there might be man-made events orcauses that could to be fatal to the entiremankind. There is an impending risk ofvoluntary or accidental nuclear explosions andconsequent thermo-nuclear radiation, withdevastating consequences. With no general andcomprehensive disarmament agreement insight, we are living under the MAD (Mutualand Assured Destruction) strategies of the bigpowers. Further, the Occidental civilisationcovering Europe, North American andAustralian continents have been extensivelyutilising the natural resources for their modeof development. The consequentenvironmental damages are global. It is clearthat further and higher development cannotbe based on the same model or requirementsfrom the nature. Conscious of this degradation,the Western nations are exploring alternativeswith science and technology and they arewilling to change their life styles. However, theunder-developed countries are in a differentand difficult situation. First of all, they areattempting development in an already damagedenvironment. With poor scientific knowledgeand outdated technologies, they are furtherpolluting the environment. Way out of this isa long and costly process and they want thecooperation of the developed countries.Countries like China and India which are halfway in their development do not want to paythe price for the past and want to pursuedevelopment under best possible conditions.Now, under the UN Framework ofInternational Convention for Climate Change,all the countries with different degrees ofresponsibility for the damage have been,together, exploring solutions and

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commitments. It is here that both China andIndia should collaborate in scientific researchand invent appropriate new technologies,instead of borrowing the existing technologiesfrom the advanced countries.

ii). The real challenge for tomorrow is how todemocratise the distribution and access of theplanet’s resources for the benefit of all. Manynatural resources are locked up within thenational frontiers. Ever since the Suez crisis andpetrol crisis, there was an attempt to establisha new international economic order (NIEO)but it was vitiated by the Cold War atmospherethat prevailed at that epoch.

II. II. II. II. II. The SThe SThe SThe SThe Strategies of Atrategies of Atrategies of Atrategies of Atrategies of ActionctionctionctionctionWe, at this juncture, have to have a pragmatic

shift and knowledge-based approach with which wehave to constantly re-establish fresh equilibriumbetween our needs and our resources. What isimportant is the process of harmonisation ratherthan harmony itself. Scientific knowledge,technology and skills are increasingly coming in asinputs to reduce various kinds of pollutions that weare causing, individually and collectively. It isimperative to further expand the studies and R &D in ecological and social engineering to help thehuman being to face the new challenges. However,the objective of the human intervention is not tore-install the nature in its status-quo ante, as it wasbefore.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The RThe RThe RThe RThe ResouresouresouresouresourcescescescescesHaving been late entrants into the development

process, India cannot repeat the same model ofutilisation of the traditional resources from thenature. Without blaming others, we have to havealternative strategies, such as, depending more onhuman resources and on new resources, whethersynthetic or natural. We have to re-think about ourcrude methods of utilising our natural resources. Inour daily life, we are making excessive usage and

unpardonable wastage of our resources. However,in nature we have infinite sources to identify whatwe want to convert into our resources. We have torealise that proper utilisation of our natural resourceswould largely depend upon the quality of our humanresources. Many concerned researchers and policy-makers have been trying to change the range ofresources that we are procuring from the nature byappropriate technologies. In the realm of humanpsychology, our way of life should be cherished soas to remain close to the seasonal changes in thenature and to the bio-diversity around. Thisapproach would still be a traditional approach.

i). Consumers: Consumers: Consumers: Consumers: Consumers: There is always something moreto discover about the nature. It is the source ofmany resources that are to be discovered andto be identified as such by the human being.What is a resource and what is not is only amatter of human perception and application.We have only to re-cycle and vary theirjudicious utilisation both at macro and micro-levels. At the micro-level, the urban residentsin their micro-communities can play a greatrole in making discerning consumer choices.A model charter adopted by their residentwelfare associations invites them to be the keytransforming agents with “An Agenda to Livea Life of Harmony with Nature”. Constantupgrading of consumer knowledge andmultiplying consumer choices is veryimportant to avoid any crisis in supply anddemand. The sophisticated techniques ofmarketing and advertisements should,constantly, promote consumer education, soas to prevent any excessive use of any oneparticular resource.

ii). P P P P Pollutions: ollutions: ollutions: ollutions: ollutions: Traditional resources should bereplaced by renewable ones for which scienceand technology should be developed with highinvestments. By promoting knowledge-based,responsible and rational behaviour among thecitizens, we can make them ready to live

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without creating pollutions and also to convertevery natural calamity into an opportunity tore-design our food habits, our housing, ourdressing and our working methods. Withminiaturisation, we are transiting fromquantitative to a qualitative world.

iii) EEEEEnergy: nergy: nergy: nergy: nergy: It is quite possible that within a coupleof decades, we may totally stop generatingenergy from the traditional resources. Manynon-conventional sources are almost ready toreplace the old ones. Solar, tidal and windenergies are in-exhaustible. Our scientificresearch in the field of physics tends to indicatethat each substance has its own embeddedenergy, which is only to be ignited. Humanbody itself produces energy. Further there arechances that such source can be miniaturisedto the extent of making it invisible.

iv). Col laborat ivCol laborat ivCol laborat ivCol laborat ivCol laborat ive Ee Ee Ee Ee Explorat ion:xplorat ion:xplorat ion:xplorat ion:xplorat ion: Immensequantities of human and natural resources arebeing wasted by the military build up of thecountries. With more efforts for building goodneighbourly relations at regional andinternational level among the people, with thehelp of the United Nations Organisation, wecan reduce and eliminate the race inconventional arms build up. We have to have aglobal agenda in order to securitise or sanitisethe nuclear reactors. Nuclear and chemicaldisarmament and international inspection andeven control of installations that endanger thenations in proximity should be a part of ourforeign policy, so that we can channel ourresources towards faster and betterdevelopment. Major projects like sourcingmaterials from under the belly of the earth, thesea-beds and from other planets need multi-national investments and cooperation.

2. O2. O2. O2. O2. Our Bur Bur Bur Bur Bio-Dio-Dio-Dio-Dio-Diviviviviversityersityersityersityersity

i). GGGGGrrrrreenereenereenereenereenery:y:y:y:y:It is to be promoted for threepurposes in the urban areas. One is to absorbmaximum amount of carbon dioxide and to

emit maximum amount of oxygen. Second isto retain the clouds and to facilitateprecipitation so that rains would fall. Third isto maintain bio-diversity and compensatorymeasures for re-harmonisation of nature. Itmeans we have to plant right plant or right treeat right place and in right time so as tocontribute for better environment. We are nottree-worshippers; removing trees, wherenecessary should not be considered as asacrilege. We have to keep on re-designingnature as it suits us. Urban areas should prefera multiplicity of decorative plants as well asthose yielding fruit and flowers keeping inmind their carbon compensation yield. Weshould identify or breed new plants that aremore efficient and aesthetic as well as lessvoluminous. Japan can be an inspiration and amodel for beautification of the surroundings,since they tamper nature with scruples andcultivate it with reverence. The forests cannotbe left in splendid isolation; they needgardening about which the Scandinaviancountries can teach us a lot. In France,alternative re-forestation was carried out at thetime of the Napoleonic wars to the extent oftheir emptying forests for wood for shipbuilding. The valleys, plains, rocks, hills andmountains and even deserts have to be madegreener than in the past, as our natural heritage.It is astonishing that we view vast and baremountains with admiration without makingefforts to give them a green cover. In rural areas,we should raise more big trees, commercialcrops and gardens of fruits and flowers.

ii). We have to take care of domestic birds andanimals for their soothing effect on the busyurban psyche. Listening to the sounds ofnature, the chirping of the birds, the gentleburbling of a brook and the gushing of the windin trees would have such an effect on the mindand on the body that it would reduce anxiety,post-traumatic stress disorders and depression.

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Thus, we need both pets and undomesticatedanimals and birds for obtaining psychologicaland sensorial satisfactions. Further, they havetheir own right to live without being ill-treatedby the human beings and fulfil their ownecological functions. Not only zoos, even ourparks also can provide shelter for them.

3. 3. 3. 3. 3. WWWWWaterateraterateraterWater scarcity is a fine example of human

mismanagement. We fear that tomorrow’s warsmight be fought not for gods, not for gold, not forborders, but for water. Water is another closelyrelated element in nature with which life issymbiotically and inextricably linked. There is plentyof water around us to be re-cycled and it does notrequire much scientific brilliance to do it. Inter-linking of rivers should help us retain water fromfalling into the seas and let the deserts bloom,defying gravitation. Regretting and trying to restoreall disappeared tanks, lakes, rivers and forests andthereby re-making history is not a wise solution.New arrangements are to be made for new situations.Israel has proved that man can build a better habitatfor himself. Rivers, seas and polar regions have tobe declared as the common natural heritage ofmankind and shall be shared and utilised by allequitably.

4. Agricultur4. Agricultur4. Agricultur4. Agricultur4. AgricultureeeeeAgriculture, by traditional definition is

cultivation of land to cater to our food needs.Unfortunately, it turned out to be a way of life for amajority of mankind without enough earnings,unlike in other vocations. The traditional land-rain-Sun relationship in our agriculture that we have beenmaintaining so far, has to be broken. In the modern

world, we cannot afford to devote so many humanand natural resources at such a cost only to fill ourbelly with mere rice and wheat. Further, it avers tobe an activity that is causing enormous pollutionsand continues to be a big drain on the nationaleconomies. In early Sixties, Ford Foundation andRockefeller Foundation had promoted GreenRevolution in India by supporting Norman Borlaugand M.S. Swaminathan. But, our green revolutionand our white revolution are no match to face ournew challenges. Now, we need a revolution in ourfood habits. In our consumption habits, we findthat it is not advisable to rely too much on rice andwheat as staple food. Instead of acting more uponthe nature, let us act upon the human being so as toimprove and vary his food habits. By bringing urbanamenities to the rural areas and by strengtheningrural-urban links, we can achieve these changes.

After much debate and discussion at the timeof the Rio Declaration on Environment andDevelopment, decades ago, we found that the issueis not whether environment or development, butthe issue is, rather, how to mould the environmentfor human development. Man should be the centreof all development. Surrounded by so manychallenges, we should proceed much faster in humanempowerment in terms of scientific knowledgeabout the nature and of technological techniquesin our relations with it. The underlying philosophyis not to try to restore nature as it was, but to sustainnature in constant balancing between our demandsupon it and its supplies to us. We cannot have asour immediate mission any parity between theevolution of man and the evolution of nature. Sincewe do not yet know much about the finality of ourown evolution, how can we guide the evolution ofnature, even if such a thing exists?

No Pollution Is The Clear Solution

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Considering the faster rate of degradation ofour environment due to various illegal humanactivities including certain ongoing developmentalprojects as well as the proposed developmentalprojects in near future without any seriousconsideration of the existing status as well as thefuture status of our environment, the scientificprocess of Environmental Impact Assessment hasbecome very essential the present day.

EEEEEnvirnvirnvirnvirnvironmental Ionmental Ionmental Ionmental Ionmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mpact Assessment (EIA) mpact Assessment (EIA) mpact Assessment (EIA) mpact Assessment (EIA) isa scientific exercise which has to be carried out beforethe start of any major or minor developmentalproject to ensure that it will not in any way have anadverse effect on the environment, its componentsand Human Health on a short term or long termbasis.

The EIA procedure helps in identifying andpredicting the higher levels of possible negativeimpacts on the surrounding environment resultingfrom a proposed project.

EIA EIA EIA EIA EIA is not negatively oriented towards thedevelopmental projects since the development ofnation for economic benefit is desirable but isnecessary for protecting or conserving ourenvironment.

Baseline data acquisition is very much essentialto conduct an EIA study for any developmentalproject, plan and legislative action. It involves

EEEEEnvirnvirnvirnvirnvironmental Ionmental Ionmental Ionmental Ionmental Impact Assessment: Nmpact Assessment: Nmpact Assessment: Nmpact Assessment: Nmpact Assessment: Need of Heed of Heed of Heed of Heed of Hourourourourour

DDDDDrrrrr. N. N. N. N. Narayan Sarayan Sarayan Sarayan Sarayan SangamangamangamangamangamAssociate Professor of Civil Engineering

Vignan Institute of Technology and Science: Deshmukhi (v), Nalgonda (Dist)

acquiring the baseline data of the project area of 10Km radial buffer with project site as its centre.

A complete description of the environment asit exists in an area where a particular proposed actionhas to be considered. Environmental Inventoryincludes major areas such as Soils, Geology,Topography, Surface and Ground water quality, Airquality, Land quality and Land use, Vegetation,Forests, Fisheries, Aesthetics, Population trends andPopulation distributions, Water supply and SolidWaste management.

The acquisition of baseline data is mainlyessential to assess the present status of environmentalcomponents. (Air, Water, Noise, Ecology, Land, Soiletc) It is also useful to identify and quantifysignificant impacts of processing operations. It isalso useful in the preparation of an EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP) with pollution controltechnologies to be adopted for mitigation of adverseimpacts and site specific remedial measures. Baseline data acquisition is also necessary to delineatefuture environmental quality monitoring programs.

Environmental Impact Assesment has becomevery essential the present day since most of thedevelopmental projects are being approved by thegovernment without going into the minute detailsof their negative impacts on the surroundingenvironment and human health.

Air – It Is A Matter of Life And DeathCare for Air, Polluting It Is Not Fair

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I was a lake in Hyderabad city,I was a mighty lake,I was a water source,An important landmark,Now my life is at stake.

I was a reservoirProviding drinking water,I was also a picnic spot.Migratory birds oftenVisited me here,There were so many water sports.

When Hyderabad cityGrew in leaps and bounds,I was happy to see it grow.But it resultedIn destruction of lakes,The humans had become our foes.

RRRRRevivevivevivevivevive All Lakes Ie All Lakes Ie All Lakes Ie All Lakes Ie All Lakes In Hn Hn Hn Hn Hyyyyyderabad Cityderabad Cityderabad Cityderabad Cityderabad City....................

SSSSSanghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Malikalikalikalikalik

Myself and many otherLakes have shrunk in size,With encroachment by human beings,Industrial effluentsAnd domestic sewageAre destroying our well being.

They have destroyed me,They have polluted me,They know they need water to live.They are filling me up,They are building on me,Floods are all that I can give.

There is still hope for Hyderabad cityIf people mend their ways.Revive all lakes,Repair the roads,Make sure that’s how they stay!!!

Gandipet Durgam Cheruvu

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The Long drawn public movement launchedat Hyderabad to protect lakes around the mega cityon 19th September, 1993 by PRAKRITI group ofEnvironmentalists, is unique and historical in wholeof India for its sustained struggle and positiveachievements. The success of the movementdepended on our three pronged group consisting of :

1. Fisherman community and local residents atthe grass-root level.

2. Scientists - Limonoligists, biologists etc.,

3. Environment Activists - consisting of Teachers,citizens, students, women folk, NGO’s etc.

We undertook the following activities tohighlight the problems :-

1. Rallies & Shramdans to clean lake area.

2. Lectures, demonstrations, distribution ofpamphlets.

3. Mass contact and approaching concernedofficials and public persons.

4. Effective use of media both print and visual.

5. Involving interest groups.

6. Creating environmental awareness.Hyderabad has been a city of Lakes and

Gardens. There were about 532 Lakes, Tanks andKuntas around the city in a radius of 35 kms. TheQutub Shahi and Asafzahi rulers built many smallerand bigger lakes in and around the city to ensuresufficient water supply for various activities. Theundulating rocky terrain of Telangana - region hasmade it easy to construct check dams against small‘Vagu’ or a ‘rivulet’ or a ‘stream’ to collect the rainwater. Hence the art and science harvesting rain-water by way of constructing water bodies is very

ConserConserConserConserConservvvvvation of Lakes of Hation of Lakes of Hation of Lakes of Hation of Lakes of Hation of Lakes of Hyyyyyderabad - A Pderabad - A Pderabad - A Pderabad - A Pderabad - A Peopleeopleeopleeopleeople’’’’’s Ms Ms Ms Ms Mooooovvvvvementementementementement

DDDDDrrrrr. K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. VVVVVyasyasyasyasyasConvenor : Save Lakes of Hyderabad

ancient in this area. The Tanks of Warangal (pakal)etc. are as old as one thousand years or even more.The ancient Rural water bodies, were destroyed dueto neglect, shift of agricultural practices and so on,whereas urban lakes, which played a very importantrole of underground water recharging and regulationof micro-climate around, apart from being a majorEcological activity centres, were systematicallydestroyed due to rapid urbanisation, populationexplosion and influx, industrialisation etc. leadingto gradual ecological degradation and deteriorationof quality of life.

These facts indicate that the urban lakes aresystematically destroyed, converting them intoresidential colonies with the consent of the Govt.officials. No amount of intellectual persuit tohighlight the Ecological and Environmentalimplications of conservation of lakes by scientistscould generate any interest or initiative from amongthe rulers.

RRRRRole of Oole of Oole of Oole of Oole of OfficialsfficialsfficialsfficialsfficialsThis indicates ignorance and apathy of our IAS

officials towards environmental issues. There is anurgent need to reorient their attitude towards theseissues of futuristic importance, through training andfixing strict accountability on them. Often theseofficials resort to illegal actions, earn their fat share,and either get transferred or retired, skipping out ofthe clutches of the law. They should be summonedand should be penalised for the irreperable andirreversible damage they have caused to the Eco-heritage.

The nexus of the Govt. officials, land-grabbers,criminals and politicians is so powerful, that water

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bodies and green-patches in urban areas vanishsystematically. It is very difficult to break this nexus- unless a powerful public opinion is created andthe court of law intervenes.

FFFFFailurailurailurailurailure of Ie of Ie of Ie of Ie of Intellectual Pntellectual Pntellectual Pntellectual Pntellectual Persuits :ersuits :ersuits :ersuits :ersuits :There were about two dozen thesis produced

on various aspects of lakes from different institutionsand number of seminars were held. There was lot ofintellectual discussions on this topic of conservationof Lakes. But no positive results were obtained, tillit was taken up by a batch of committed people as apeoples movement. Number of studies wereconduted on various aspects of the mega city lakes.But unfortunately all these intellectual persuit couldnot create an iota of interest in the attitude of thepolicy makers and administrators.

VVVVVanished Lakes :anished Lakes :anished Lakes :anished Lakes :anished Lakes :A slum sprang up at Meer Jumla Tank,

destroying it totally. A posh colony came up in theLake bed of Maa-Saab Cheruvu.

Yousufguda Lake and Batakamma Kuntabecame the garbage dumping ground formunicipalities of Hyderabad filling the lake beds.

Sahebnagar Cheruvu in Hayathnagar Mandalwas totally occupied by very influencial politicians,and approval of layouts for housing colony was givenby HUDA the premier planning body of the city.

Gopi Cheruvu at Gacchi Bowli near Bombayroad is converted into a township by Dyon andCompany.

Kanchanbag Cheruvu is filled and a hospital isbuilt in half of the lake bed. Also some lakes likePathancheruvu also got filled.

Jeedimetla Cheruvu near T.S. Agricultural

College (Katedan) etc., have been highly polluteddue to industrial pollution.

Thus lakes suffer constant degradation andextinction due to pollution and occupation.

MMMMModus Oodus Oodus Oodus Oodus Operperperperperend :end :end :end :end :The modus operandi towards destruction of

an urban water body is very systematic:-

1. The municipality starts dumping garbage intothe lake.

2. The domestic and industrial drains are let in.

3. Grass, weed, water Hyacinth etc. is neverremoved.Scientific pursuit, expensive research and

findings often go waste as there are No Takers, norimplimentors.

Till the ideas are translated into action andaction plan and executed with strong will, wholeexercise goes futile. This should also have legalsanction. It is therefore, need of the day to orientwhole conservation of water bodies into :

1. Study, research and collection of information- Physical, biological etc.

2. A public - awareness and participationpromotion programme to be launched.

3. Pressure be exerted on the planning officialstowards implementation of Time - boundaction.

4. Legal sanction may be obtained to counterpowerful selfish groups.

5. Economic aesthetic - environment interest ofthe water body be developed as direct benefits.

Research - Law - Action - Implimentation &Execution should go hand in hand.

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AAAAAbout Earbout Earbout Earbout Earbout Earth th th th th WWWWWormsormsormsormsorms“It may be doubted whether there are many

other animals which have played so important a partin the history of the world, as have these lowlyorganised creatures (worms)”

- Charles Darwin (1881)

DDDDDiscoiscoiscoiscoiscovvvvver for yer for yer for yer for yer for yourself hoourself hoourself hoourself hoourself how Earw Earw Earw Earw Earthwormsthwormsthwormsthwormsthwormsworworworworwork for yk for yk for yk for yk for your benefit :our benefit :our benefit :our benefit :our benefit :1. Earthworms live below the soil and work day

and night without rest or wages.

2. No strike and no trade union hassles.

3. They are biological factories converting bio-degradable garbage into useful organicvermicompost, consuming ten kgs to produce1 Kg.

4. Earthworms increase the microbial biomass ofsoil and improve its fertility by adding micro-nutrients and thus contribute to soil health.They are thus soil conditioners.

5. Earthworms conserves and save moisture in thesoil preventing run offs and reduce soilderosion. They help soild aeration and waterretention and drainage.

6. Earthworms weed out residues of dangerouschemicals which pollute ground water anddebilitate the strength of the soil year after year.

7. Earthworms increase crop yield, quality andimprove the vigour and freshness of theproduce.

8. Unlike fertilisers, Vermicompost is free of toxicmatters, and are far cheaper. Being organic, itprovides renewable energy unlike chemicalfertilisers which consume high non-renewableenergy.

VVVVVermiculturermiculturermiculturermiculturermiculture Be Be Be Be Bio-Tio-Tio-Tio-Tio-Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

DDDDDrrrrr. K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. VVVVVyasyasyasyasyasConvenor : Save Lakes of Hyderabad

9. vermicompost is an eco-friendly product unlikechemical fertilisers which are artificiallymanufactured in factories.

10. By their burrowing action, the earthworms helpin recharging under-ground water and assist inthe retention of moisture.

11. Earthworms help in removing the foul smellingdecaying garbage by feeding on vegetablematter ceaselessly and accelerate the process ofdecomposition by nibling the mulch.

12. Thus, earthworms can do all that a tractor cando to the soil, though in a small way.

13. Earthworms help obtain rich humus in a shorttime.

14. Earthworms are the friends of the farmers andnatural tillers of the soil.

“Vermicomposting is the technique of usingearthworms systematically to turn farm andhousehold bio-degradable waste into valuablebio-fertiliser and is simple, inexpensive and arewarding avocation” - Dr. Ismail of Madras.

EarEarEarEarEarthworms - Nthworms - Nthworms - Nthworms - Nthworms - Naturaturaturaturatureeeee’’’’’s Gs Gs Gs Gs Gift to Mift to Mift to Mift to Mift to Mankindankindankindankindankind

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“Wormcasting mean the faecal excretions ofEarthorms, and Wormicopost means a mixtureof worm-castings, organic material, humus,living earthworms and other organisms. Allthese help improve soil pH and make it loamy”.

The lowly earthworm is an agriculturalscientist, a chemical engineer, a farmer and a micro-biologist - all rolled into one.

SSSSStep btep btep btep btep by Sy Sy Sy Sy Step method of household vtep method of household vtep method of household vtep method of household vtep method of household vermi-ermi-ermi-ermi-ermi-composting prcomposting prcomposting prcomposting prcomposting processocessocessocessocess1. Make a surface bed of paddy straw of a

convenient size, say 6 ft. by 4ft, and about 6inches thick. No digging is nevessary, but makesure that it is on a level ground. Water it well(See Figure 1).

2. On this bed of paddy straw place about 4” ofold but not very lumpy cowdung. Water itlightly.

3. Now place about 500 earthworms evenly onthis bed. You can put any amount ofearthworms on a bed of this size but werecommend 500 to keep the cost down. Theearthworms immediately burrow down into thecowdung.

4. Cover the earthworms with about 4” to 6” ofvegetable waste matter e.g. kitchen cuttings,

straw, hay, garden trimmings, fruit peels, leftover food etc., Avoid red chillies, tamrind, salt,and citrus fruits such as lemon and orange peels.

Non-biodegradable matters such as rubber,plastic, glass and metal should be segregatedfrom household waste before being added tothe compost pile. Non-vegetarian waste maybe thrown in but it tends to attract dogs. Lightlywater the pile every day (See Figure 2).

5. You have two options in this matter, namely.

a. Throw in the wastes every day on the pile,or.

b. Dig a pit in a convenient place --- thegarden & throw the waste into this for usein the Vermicutlre pile as and whenrequired.

c. Prefer the second alternative as it gives onechance to load the Vermiculture bed asrequired. Also the pit becomes like a pre-digestion area for waste matter. This cutsdown the time the earthworms take toconsume the mattes, and convert it intoVermicompost.

6. Old gunny bags, or jute sacking should be usedto cover the Vermicompost pile. It helps keepthe moisture in and the sunlight out, conditionsin which the earthworms thrive. Whenwatering the pile you need not remove thesacking.

7. In wet whether you should protect theVermiculture pile from excess rain. Thesimplest and most inexpensive method is toerect a skeleton frame using split bambooaround the Vermiculture --- and covering itwith a plastic sheet. Adequate gaps should beleft to allow gases to escape.

8. 5 Kgs. of cowdung mixed in water be sprinkledon surface of the filled up compost pile.Cowdung should be mixed with wastes oncein 10 days or so. It mixes up with the pitcontents and gets down to the Vermiculturebed in small doses.

SKETSKETSKETSKETSKETCH OF CH OF CH OF CH OF CH OF WWWWWORMISHED ANDORMISHED ANDORMISHED ANDORMISHED ANDORMISHED ANDSPRINKLER SYSTEMSPRINKLER SYSTEMSPRINKLER SYSTEMSPRINKLER SYSTEMSPRINKLER SYSTEM

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HHHHHooooow to Hw to Hw to Hw to Hw to Harararararvvvvvest est est est est VVVVVermicompostermicompostermicompostermicompostermicompost9. In about a few months the Vermiculture pile

will be about 2 feet high and the layers willhave turned black and granular. This isvermicompost. If you take a handful of thecompost you will notice that it has a crumblytexture and emits a nice earthy smell. You cannow start preparing to harvest it.

10. Stop watering the Vermicompost pile and stoploading it with fresh garden and householdwastes. As the top layers dry out the earthwormsstart going down to the lower layers which arestill moist. To hasten the process, we can collectthe Vermicompost into conical heaps. Dryingout it necessary to prevent the earthworms from

being taken out along with the compost.Harvest only the top 15 inches of compost, sothat the earthworms are not harmed.

11. This compost is rich in Nitrogen, Phsophorus,and Potash, as well as in all the Micro-nutrientsthat are required by the plants. The compostcan be directly applied to potted plants, shrubs,bushes and to fruit trees or it can be baggedand stored for use later.

12. At this stage you will have an earthwormpopulation of anywhere between 10,000 to50,000. You can now start another bed or two.Because of the increase in earthwormpopulation the time taken to convert the wastesinto compost will be 10 to 12 weeks only.

“Save Lakes”

Lakes cool down the area,

maintains aquatic eco system,

enhances the natural beauty:

So don’t forget that Lake is avaluable asset for all of us;

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Lakes are our Eco-Heritage. They are nature’sLaboratories and store-houses of bio-diversity. Lakesare not merely the pools of standing waters, but theyensure houses of life forms and biological activities.

Our ancestors were wise enough to devisedifferent water harvesting techniques, dependingupon the region, area, soil structure, climate andrequirement.

Hyderabad has been a city of Lakes andgardens. There were about 532 Lakes and 200gardens in and around this capital city beforeindependence. Due to rapid urbanization, only 170lakes, and about 20 gardens remain. These too arevanishing fastly.

Every year monsoon rains are diminishing,giving way to severe draught conditions. The wholecountry is reeling under acute shortage of water. Toface such natural calamities in future, we have touse water judiciously and protect, preserve andconserve all water bodies - including kuntas, lakes,rivers, wells, bawdies etc.

Lakes are ecological, environmental, economicand cultural centers. Lakes play a very vital role inmaintaining the subtle delicate and intricateFLORA-FAUNA inter-relationship of the area.Lakes continuously re-charge and supplement thefast-depleting under-ground water.

In earstwhile Hyderabad state, the two rulingdynasties the Qutub Shahis (1564-1724 A.D) andthe Asaf Jahi rulers (1724 A.D. to 1948 A.D.) werewise enough to build number of lakes in and aroundthe capital city and in the villages as well. The

SSSSSavavavavave Lakes - e Lakes - e Lakes - e Lakes - e Lakes - TTTTTrrrrreeseeseeseesees

DDDDDrrrrr. K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. . K.L. VVVVVyasyasyasyasyasConvenor : Save Lakes of Hyderabad

Hussain Sagar Lake, the Saroornagar Lake, the MeerAlam Tank, the Osman Sagar Lake, the HimayatSagar Lake etc., are the important Lakes ofHyderabad.

1. They supply water for irrigation, domestic andindustrial needs.

2. They regulate the Eco-Systain environmentalcycle.

3. They help recharging the underground watertable.

4. They help in reducing atmospherictemperature and regulate surrounding climate.

5. They help in maintaining Flora-Fauna Inter-relationship and Preserve bio-diversity. Theyalso host many birds-both native and migratory.

6. They increase moisture in the soil therebypromoting biological activity like decomposingorganic matter and formation of organic-manure.

7. They increase capillary and colloidal waterbetween soil particles, thereby the growth oftrees.

8. They can become good recreational centers.

9. They increase the aesthetics of the area.

10. They help to promote economic activities likefisheries, etc.,We struggled for last 12 years to protect 170

lakes of Hyderabd.Please join this movement, Protect Trees &

Water Bodies around you. Send information, if youhave any about lakes, bowdies etc.

Bother To Save Our Mother (Nature)!

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Water, water, just no where,Such few drops to drink,In the blazing hot summer months,Hyderabad is on the brink.

It happened around 25 years back,That DEVELOPMENT entered our lives.It’s eyes were focussed on the big green trees,We kept losing them in fours and fives.

Development looked around for lakes,It seemed to like them all.It began to devour them one by one,On lake beds came up multiplexes and Malls.

When DWhen DWhen DWhen DWhen Devevevevevelopment Came Calling Selopment Came Calling Selopment Came Calling Selopment Came Calling Selopment Came Calling Stealthilytealthilytealthilytealthilytealthily..............................

SSSSSanghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Malikalikalikalikalik

Tall big trees that we all had seenOver the years, got felled and chopped,The roads grew wider and flyovers were built,Vehicles increased on roads, black topped.

Every other lake that one could name,Got filled up with mud, silt and debris,In no time, on them came up colonies,Residential and commercial areas and high-rises.

Should development take away the oxygen webreatheAnd encroach the water bodies we need?Should development leave us gasping for breathAnd encourage constructions to fulfill a few people’sgreed?

Durgam-Cheruvu

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1. Way back in the sixties, when I first came to Hyderabad,

It was just another city, we went every two years or the third.

The famous Golconda fort was just so close to where we stayed,

The Qutab Shahi Tombs in the vicinity were where the royal family was buried.

2. The long narrow road leading to the Osman Sagar was a comfortable drive,

With the Himayat Sagar besides it, for water we never did strive.

All round the city was the majestic rocky terrain,

With rocks of every size and shape that you could ever imagine.

3. Never had I seen such strangely shaped rocks in my life,

A big one balanced on a small one or in layers of five.

The Banjara and Jubilee Hills were hilly areas of this city,

It was a comfortable drive in those days but now, no more, what a pity.

4. The Hussain Sagar was such a massive stretch of water then,

We often went just to see the mighty man-made lake, in sun or in rain.

Bade Miyan’s kebab rolls were a big attraction on Tank Bund road,

A few bites of those tasty kebabs would lift our sagging moods.

5. Traffic jams were unheard of, there were only a few cars on the roads,

Two wheelers were very few on the roads, but buses were with overload.

The cycle rickshaws were quite popular and seen all over the city,

But they were so uncomfortable yet used by all Hyderabadis.

6. Going to the Charminar area was really an outing of sorts,

One could purchase just about everything, from pearls and clothes to ittar and items for sports.

The Biryani served in Madina Hotel was a great attraction for all,

A visit to the Salar Jung museum in the Divan Deodi was everybody’s call.

RRRRRemembering emembering emembering emembering emembering The HThe HThe HThe HThe Hyyyyyderabad I Knederabad I Knederabad I Knederabad I Knederabad I Knewwwww..............................

SSSSSanghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Malikalikalikalikalik

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7. An occasional visit was paid to the Plaza or Tivoli theatre, at times,

Roads though narrow were well laid out, with no potholes and less grime.

The breeze that blew on to our faces as we drove in our non-AC cars

Was clean and unpolluted and no place ever felt was very far.

8. Over the years this city of Hyderabad, quietly grew on me,

No matter where all I travelled to, Hyderabad was the best city.

Sadly the authorities decided to develop the city and bring about a change,

In the process, they went in for so many alterations that now Hyderabad looks strange!

9. One good thing about Hyderabad & Secunderabad are the people of this place,

They welcome each one from India or abroad with open arms and grace.

A fair knowledge of Dakhni with a smattering of English is all you need,

It is quite a comfortable and enjoyable life that all of us can lead.

BHABHABHABHABHAGABAD GITGABAD GITGABAD GITGABAD GITGABAD GITA IN ARABICA IN ARABICA IN ARABICA IN ARABICA IN ARABICThe World's first Arabic translation of the Gita and its publication was done in 1918 by

Dairatul Ma'arifil Osmania (Centre for Research and Editing of Manuscripts in OsmaniaUniversity). The Daira had taken up the gigantic task of translating the Holy Gita on therequest of a businessman from Calcutta. The Daira has now published a reprint of the Arabictranslation, known as Al-Kita (-there is no 'G' sound in Arabic, and hence 'G' is written as'K'.) (Source: The Times of India, March 25, 2017)

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Let’s travel to Hyderabad to see the city well,Let’s enjoy every sight and take in every smell.A mix of old and new cultures you get to see,It’s a four hundred and twenty five year old city.

Golconda fort and QutabShahi Tombs are to be seen,TaramatiBaradari is so clean and green.A visit to Osman and HimayatSagar is a must,People pray at the Chilkur Temple with faith and with trust.

The Charminar, a global icon of Hyderabad, is a must see,Chowmohalla Palace, the official residence of the AsafJahi dynasty.Must see the Mecca Masjid and the Purani Haveli not too far,Along with the iconic Falaknuma Palace, the super duper Star!

The rich experience of visiting Salar Jung Museum is a must,Thousands of art objects in several galleries robust.The aroma of Hyderabadi Biryani spreading all over,The famous Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits are a walkover.

A visit to the HussainSagarlake uplifts one’s spirit,The tall Buddha statue spreads peace every minute.The sparkling white Birla Temple perched up on the hill,Made with white Rajasthani marble, shines as a marvel.

With the Genome Valley and Financial District, Hyderabad is a tech-savvy city,In this city you’ll find people of every religion and community.The Dakhni language is a bit queer but the people here are gems,Music, poetry, geet, gazals, films, make up their entire system!

HHHHHyyyyyderabad, Mderabad, Mderabad, Mderabad, Mderabad, My Fy Fy Fy Fy Favavavavavourite Cityourite Cityourite Cityourite Cityourite City

SSSSSanghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Manghamitra Malikalikalikalikalik

Don’t Let Our Future Go Up In Smoke

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Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana is a globalcity. It has been ranked the fifth most dynamic cityin the world, from among 134 cities assessed byglobal financial services firm JLL for its CityMomentum Index (CMI) and is ranked the topIndian city in the quality of living ranking for thesecond consecutive year, as per Mercer’s Quality ofLiving Report 2016. In the year 2015 aninternational travel publication rated Hyderabad asthe second best place in the world that one shouldsee.

While we, Hyderabadi’s should be proud at theabove survey reports from International andNational reputed agencies at the same time let usrecollect a few memories from late 1990 and theearly 2000. During this period we could find manylarge or small open spaces among us in city ownedby private or government organizations having trees,boulders etc which were not exactly parks but was arecreation place for all age groups. There are manycolonies with independent houses surrounding withsufficient open space like CZECH colony atSanathnagar, Shanthinagar near Vijaynagar colony,West Marredpally, Sindhi colony near Secunderabadetc. Today all these colonies & many other suchcolonies have fallen prey to apartment culture. Wecan see the same happening on the city outskirts,where there were only open fields once upon a time.Now these locations are competing or beaten theconstruction pace of our city centers.

Several International agencies like UnitedNations etc says the Urban population all over theworld is going to increase from 33% at present to70% by 2050. Population growth and rapidurbanization are combining to create huge

LoLoLoLoLovvvvvable City Cable City Cable City Cable City Cable City Cum Sum Sum Sum Sum Smarmarmarmarmart City Bt City Bt City Bt City Bt City But Also But Also But Also But Also But Also Be A Live A Live A Live A Live A Livable Cityable Cityable Cityable Cityable City(F(F(F(F(Flood Risk City Olood Risk City Olood Risk City Olood Risk City Olood Risk City Or Gr Gr Gr Gr Grrrrround ound ound ound ound WWWWWater Dater Dater Dater Dater Depleted City)epleted City)epleted City)epleted City)epleted City)

SSSSSubhas Rubhas Rubhas Rubhas Rubhas ReddyeddyeddyeddyeddyDirector, SMARAN

challenges for Indian cities. According to McKinsey,the country’s cities are expected to grow from 340million people in 2008 to a whopping 590 millionin 2030. Meeting demand for urban services in thesecities will require US$ 1.1 trillion in capitalinvestment over the next 20 years. Without rightplanning, design, this massive urban growth couldexacerbate existing problems of water scarcity, wastewater treatment, congestion, pollution, and trafficsafety.

It is a matter of grave concern for Cities as thereis already pressure / lack of natural resources likewater scarcity, Lung space issues, traffic congestion,Noise and Air pollution, depleting Ground watertable due to over extraction and increase in pavedsurfaces, decrease in Tree coverage, road wideningreaching to maximum limits, storm and sewer drainsnearing their peak sizes and overflows at many placesregularly, Pedestrian issues at many places, Parkingspace for vehicles is challenging, inspite of effortsby Departments so far Public Toilets are insufficientfor the visitors / commuters, domestic Garbage /debris piling up at many places before being properlydisposed.

The construction activity both by the private& government organizations are at its peak in thecity & its outskirts. These activities are utilizing theavailable ground water at site through bore wellsdrilled between 1000 to 2000 feet. In case of nonavailability of ground water, these activities arecarried out by purchasing water through tankers ofsizes varying from 14000 to 25000 liters. Thesetankers are visible crisscrossing our daily existingtraffic. Many water tankers are supporting thesevertical communities having water shortages apart

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from supply from municipal & water worksdepartment and their own existing bore wells. Thechallenge lies in / assurance how to support the newand upcoming infrastructures like individual houses,gated communities, corporate institutions,Industries etc to sustain their water needs either fromthe local department supply sources or from theirown ground water sources. In 1980’s ground waterused to be available in abundance through bore wellsat 60 to 100 feet irrespective of City, Suburban orRural area. As per reports in our city & itssurroundings 300 bore wells are dug everyday apartfrom twenty four lakh bore wells dug so far.

The decreasing available open spaces andvegetation are resulting in generation of more stormwater that flow onto the roads with about 4 inchesto four feet of water pool in just a few minutes for a2 to 3 cms rain at various places of city. Last yearSeptember the city and its surroundings witnessedrains of magnitude 7 to 9 cms mostly during nighttimes. Had this rains fallen during the day time orevening we would have witnessed a traffic chaos ofunimaginable magnitude putting a challenge tohuman life and infrastructure of our city. Some areas,at the same time like Qutbullapur mandal received16 cm and Armur village in Nizambad districtreceived 36 cm rains. Rainfall of such a magnitudein our city will bring alive the horrors witnessed byChennai in the recent past. Road levels in most partsof our city at present are higher than abutting houses/ commercial complexes resulting in floods even for2 to 3cm rains. In such a situation, apartments arethe main sufferers as their basements house theincoming power electrical panel boards, Generators,vehicle parking and pump sets to pump out thestorm water entering from the roads. In lastSeptember rains, Nizampet area in our city witnessedstorm water stagnating from 6 to 10 feet for morethan a week resulting in sale of lots of cars at throwaway prices apart from families shifting of residencesto safer places. One of the reason was the layouts ofthose residential colonies were Gram Panchayaths

having roads of less than 15 to 20 feet and openspaces for sufficient parks were not available.Learning from this the newly formed NagaraPanchayaths / Municipalities should involve duringthe layout formation itself.

There are many lapses in the planning anddesign of our city building infrastructures, roads,storm water drain capacities etc. At many placessingle drain carries sewage & storm water. Eventoday for just 2 to 3 cm rainfall our GHMC needsto keep open manholes to allow the precious rainwater to escape out of our city, which is supposedto quench the thirst of our ground soil while theground water at one side depletes like never before.NDRF team, Army also called several times apartfrom local Police, GHMC & HMWSSB staff tosave our people’s lives /property for the kind ofdesign, mismanagement or loopholes in ourplanning the present, growing and for futureSMART city.

The count of huge apartment towers / gatedcommunity culture is ever growing in City outskirts.We can find more than 500 to 2000 families areliving in an area ranging around 5 to 100 acres.Majority of the communities having 50 or more flatsor Villas are not equipped with sewage treatmentplants (STP), while those communities having STPs,have them more for the statutory requirement. Thechallenge of running these under rated, undercapacity STP’s lies with the residential welfareassociations who are forced to take over themaintenance of water management, STPs, securitymaintenance etc from the Builders. A few committeemembers have to dedicate their time towardsknowhow of STPs if they do not work. Nonperforming STPs gives all the residents sleeplessnights as the foul smell emanates from STPs apartfrom the maintenance cost, sound, AMC issues etc.Finally it is decided / forced to let out the raw sewageinto the Municipal drains or nearby WATERBODIES rather than treat the sewage & reuse it fornon-human contact applications like toilet flush,

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further irrigate available Landscape, plants etc whichwould lower the demand of community on waterresources whether ground water or supplies fromthe corporation sources.

Rain water harvesting pits word is popular since2002 and even now but now this method needsmore efficiency / fulfillment as now less open spaceavailable and more rooftop area adding which wasreverse earlier. The rain water in RWH pits at manysites in our city not able to percolate fully due tomany reasons like hard or black soil, sheetrock,boulders etc and our successfully implementedcombination method of feasible Bore well with pitshowed more than 90% of rain water into deepaquifers with less space required. Many abandoned/ defunct bore wells were replenished and as we areaware there are lakhs of abandoned bore holes incity which are worth several crore rupees can be

turned into potential RWH structures. With abovemeasures we can save our city from manmadeflooding ie by wise planning of present city whilereplenishing the ground water table which stillsustains our city for daily needs by more than 30%.

Our city has best climate compared to othercities in India and our Telangana Governmentmaking all efforts in getting the investments fromleading Software, Pharma companies etc from allover the world. Many people from other parts ofIndia apart from locals finding huge employmentin Hyderabad which we need to provide qualitywater, power, housing / accommodation etc to berated as one of the best cities in world. Hopeconcerned Departments takes the opinion /experience of people who want to make ourHyderabad most Lovable and Livable city in theworld.

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India’s urban population has grown rapidly overthe last century from 25 million in 1901 to 377million in 2011 which constitute 31.2 percent ofthe total population in the country. But the urbanareas have failed to meet the demands of thisincreasing population pressure resulting in large gapsin provisioning of basic amenities of housing,drinking water, sewerage, transportation etc.Deprivation of such services has resulted in rapidgrowth of slums with conditions unfit for humanhabitation. Crisis in agriculture sector in rural Indiaand the uncertain monsoon scenario acceleratedhuge in flux to urban centres. Most of the urbanpoor are involved in informal sector activities wherethere is a constant threat of eviction, removal,confiscation of goods and almost non-existent socialsecurity cover.

According to 2011 Census, 17.7 percent ofurban population, comprising 65 million people,lives in slums in the cities of our country. The paceof urbanisation is likely to accelerate over time andit is estimated that by 2030, another 250 millionpeople would be added to the Indian cities. If thegovernments in power fail to visualise this magnitudethis will give rise to creation of more slums and risein urban poor. The report of the ‘Expert Group toreview the methodology for measurement ofPoverty’ headed by C. Rangarajan has put thenumber of urban poor at 102.5 million in 2011-12, surviving on daily consumption expenditure ofRs.47 or less. Some social thinkers are of the opinionthat instead of measuring urban poverty just in termsof consumption expenditure, it needs to be definedin terms of access/non-access to basic amenities.

Issues of urban poverty: the poverty alleviation

programmes of the government were completelyrural centric earlier. It was only after the SeventhFive Year Plan that urban poverty was considered asa separate issue by the policy makers, this shift inunderstanding that urban poverty is not a mere spillover of rural poverty and hence needs to be dealtwith separately was a positive step forward. Further,the rate of decline in urban poverty is slower andalso uneven compared to rural poverty. Around 40percent of the urban poor are concentrated in theStates of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan,and Uttar Pradesh. Average urban consumption hasbeen rising much faster than rural consumption. Infact, the gap between the two has widenedconsiderably over the last decade and has beenaccompanied by increasing inequality betweendifferent sections of urban society. According toNational Sample Survey, 68th report, the richest 10percent of the population in urban areas have anaverage Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE)about 11 times more than that of the bottom 10percent whereas the same figure is 7 times for therural areas. Government interventions for urbanpoor, the Ministry of Housing and Urban PovertyAlleviation (MoHUPA) are the nodal agencies atthe level of Union government responsible fordevelopment of urban poor. Urban poverty beingmulti-dimensional, various vulnerabilities are facedby the poor in cities and towns. The governmentpolicy therefore needs to address the occupational,residential and social needs simultaneously in acomprehensive and integrated manner with atargeted focus on the vulnerable groups so that adefinitive impact can be made on the ground. Asignificant policy intervention in urban

The PThe PThe PThe PThe Poor Ioor Ioor Ioor Ioor In Un Un Un Un Urban Irban Irban Irban Irban Indiandiandiandiandia

S. JS. JS. JS. JS. Jeeveeveeveeveevan Kan Kan Kan Kan KumarumarumarumarumarHuman Rights Activist

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development during UPA rule is the emphasis onurban renewal through the Jawaharlal NehruNational Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) inthe 10th Five Year Plan (FYP). There were also otherschemes which attempted to address variousvulnerabilities of the urban poor. OccupationalVulnerability: Besides providing shelter, a majorfocus of MoHUPA was on improving livelihoodsources for the urban poor. To this end, SwarnaJayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) was launchedin 1997, restructured as National Urban LivelihoodMission (NULM) in 2013. The mission aimed tocover 786 cities in its first phase under the 12thplan enabling urban poor to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment. Themission also addressed livelihood concerns of theurban street vendors by facilitating access to suitablespaces, institutional credit and social security.However, studies have shown that wage employmentcomponent of SJSRY has generally been used forcasual municipal works, and thus has created noadditional employment.

In case of self-employment, high cost ofprocessing and monitoring small loan agreementsdeters the banks from extending credit, and thereforethe overall coverage of the scheme is rather limited.

In order to address the residential vulnerabilityof urban poor, two sub- missions, Basic Services forUrban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing andSlum Development Programme (IHSDP) werelaunched under JNNURM. The major objective ofthese sub-missions was to construct dwelling unitsfor the poor and also provide basic services likedrinking water, sanitation, sewerage etc. At thebeginning of 12th Five Year Plan, the technical groupconstituted by MoHUPA, on urban housingshortage, estimated a need of 18.78 million dwellingunits for urban India. However, out of 1.6 millionhouses sanctioned, 50 percent of the dwelling unitshave been completed and 36 percent of them havebeen occupied by the beneficiaries (EconomicSurvey 2013-14). Problems in acquisition of land,

lack of state capacity to develop plans, inability ofstate governments to raise matching funds and tomeet reform conditionalities are some of the reasonsfor slow progress in JNNURM. In 2012-13, BSUP,IHSDP and RAY together constituted only 36percent of the total JNNURM expenditure. Thisshows greater emphasis on city development andneglect of urban poor. Since the funding inJNNURM is divided between GoI, States andUrban Local Bodies (ULBs) based on the populationof the city, there is an inbuilt bias in favour of biggercities and States with higher share of urbanpopulation in the country.

Social security to urban poor is providedthrough Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)which aims at strengthening the pension and healthinsurance safety nets for all kinds of labourers.National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)which focus on social assistance for aged, widowsand disabled, is another intervention to addresssocial vulnerability of the poor. While RSBY andNSAP cover urban areas, these programmes arelargely rural centric and hence their impact or urbanpoor is only marginal. A separate social securityprogramme is required to address the socialvulnerability of the urban poor in a more effectivemanner. While a lot of thought has been put in termsof planning and designing the schemes for urbanpoor, low budgetary provisions and further loweractual expenditures are a cause of concern. Thenew100 smart cities project was announced by thenew government recently. Broadly a ‘Smart City’could be one with technology based governance thatenables efficient public services and has 24 hourwater and power supply, 100% sewerage, drainageand solid waste management facilities besides topclass infrastructure. We have to find out where isthe place for the poor in a smart city. Reforms madein the name of India’s smart cities agenda havefacilitated a private takeover of public space. Whilesmall and medium-sized towns are undergoingexponential growth, there has also been a large-scale

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manipulation of territory along their edges. Landacquisition and pooling along economic andindustrial corridors, where these smart cities arestrategically located, is prompting the constructionof further satellite cities. Government headed byNarendra Modi came out with many schemes almostby changing the nomenclature of the schemes ofthe earlier Government. These new developmentsare largely privately owned, and sometimes evenprivately managed and governed. They run the riskof becoming enclaves of privilege, with private sectorrepresentatives already advocating the exclusion ofthe poor and marginalised through high prices andpolicing.

The smart city vision has been criticised for itsfocus on the control and surveillance of ordinarycitizens. While connected homes and public wifimight be a seductive promise for India’s middleclasses, the services and products offered by Cisco,Siemens and others address only the symptoms andnot the causes of poverty and underdevelopment.Digital India is a campaign launched bythe Government of India to ensure that

Government services are made available to citizenselectronically by improved online infrastructure andby increasing Internet connectivity or by makingthe country digitally empowered in the field oftechnology.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin(PMAY-G) has been launched by the Prime MinisterShri Narendra Modi in Agra on 20th November2016. Under the PM Awas Yojana Graminaffordable housing scheme, central government aimsto develop 3 Crore homes by the year 2022 in ruralareas for poor families including BPL.

One wonders whether the present Governmenttook into notice the lapses experiences and loopholesin the earlier policies executed by theirpredecessors.As persons with concerns for the poorin this country, we expect that the governmentwould take into account the limitations of earlierinterventions for urban poor and address thesechallenges in a comprehensive manner to makeurban spaces more equitable and inclusive.

(Source: Expert Committee Report)

“Water and air, the two essential fluidson which all life depends, have become

global garbage cans.”

- Jacques-Yves Cousteau

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TTTTTelangana!elangana!elangana!elangana!elangana!From ancient days to the formation as 29th state

of India, Telangana is known for its legacy andheritage. The credit goes to all the tangible andintangible things, which we achieved through ourheritage. However, the precious heritage had beenneglected under the rule of yesteryear rulers.

In the context of preserving our heritage,theWorld Heritage Monument Day was observedon April 18. Fortuitously, just two days before thecelebration, Telangana Government took a historicdecision to conserve the heritage monuments.And,in support of resolution of our Chief Minister,K Chandra Sekhar Rao, the assembly has expressedits consent for the bill in favour of ComprehensiveAct.

The Heritage Comprehensive Regulation Actwill help us protect every monument existing inHyderabad and other historical places in the state.Fortunately, the credit for bringing this significantregulation act to protect the monuments goes toTelangana state. This historic initiative by the staregovernment, received great accolades from acrossvarious states. If state government succeeds in theimplementation of this Act, the regulation maybecome ideal for many states.

SSSSSearearearearearching our rching our rching our rching our rching our roots!oots!oots!oots!oots!The heritage monuments are replicas of our

ancient roots. These monuments depict out culture,history, art, science, architecture, education and themoral values. These values are deep rooted in thesemonuments. Such invaluable monuments cannotbe brought back, if we fail to preserve them. Theseare our inherent properties and are priceless.

LetLetLetLetLet’’’’’s s s s s PPPPPrrrrrotect the otect the otect the otect the otect the GGGGGrrrrreat eat eat eat eat HHHHHeritage of eritage of eritage of eritage of eritage of TTTTTelanganaelanganaelanganaelanganaelangana

M. M. M. M. M. VVVVVedakumaredakumaredakumaredakumaredakumar,,,,,Civil Engineer, Urban & Regional Planner

President, Forum For A Better Hyderabad

UUUUUncountable Mncountable Mncountable Mncountable Mncountable MonumentsonumentsonumentsonumentsonumentsThere are uncountable monuments not only

in Hyderabad, but also existing across the Telanganaregion. Some of the monuments like royal buildings,masjids, gadis, temples, churches, buildings ofNawabs are considered under Heritage monuments.In these, many of the buildings are not notified.We must put our effort to get these buildings listedunder the regulation Act.

For 60 years, the past governments took onlyname sake resolutions. We are privileged that ourcurrent government took this great initiative. Thus,the Act may help to protect many monuments,existing in other states.

AAAAAt Nt Nt Nt Nt National Levational Levational Levational Levational LevelelelelelAt national level, we have National Monument

Act in practice to protect these monuments. Underthis Act, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)has been formed. This Act comes under culturaldepartment. Under ASI, many nationally recognisedmonuments have been conserved and managed.

DDDDDiscriminationiscriminationiscriminationiscriminationiscriminationOut of 138 monuments under the

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), only 7 belongto Telangana. Rest of 131 are existing in presentstate of Andhra Pradesh. These monuments werelisted during the early days of Independence andfor decades, during the rule of yester governments,many other monuments in Telangana region wereneglected. There are more than 100 to 300monuments, which are eligible for being heritageconstructions. Now that the present Telanganagovernment has taken this great initiative, we can

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expect that these monuments will be notified.Interestingly, some of these monuments can

be considered as national properties too. By listingthese monuments under the Central Department,the state government can benefit from the reductionin expenses incurred against maintenance andprotection of these monuments.

However, this can be realized only when non-governmental organizations extend their support tothe government initiative. Organizations like Forumfor Better Hyderabad have been working towardsaccomplishing this goal.

NNNNNational Levational Levational Levational Levational Level Rel Rel Rel Rel RecognitionecognitionecognitionecognitionecognitionAkin to Archaeological Survey of India, many

states in India have been maintaining exclusivedepartments to protect heritage monuments. Here,ASI is helping many monuments get back their pastglory.

There are many monuments belonging toyester dynasties, Sultans, Nizam Kings in Deccan,where most of them belong to Telangana region.Also, the monuments, which come under semigovernment, private owners, trustee buildingsshould be considered for the heritage list. Along withstate government, the effort should be visible atdistrict and mandal level too.

PPPPPrrrrrotect our protect our protect our protect our protect our presenceesenceesenceesenceesenceWe have many landmarks, which we have

inherited from the great Shatavahanas. These artisticand historical monuments reflect our culture andare our ancient landmarks. We will lose our presenceif we neglect them. It is our responsibility to forwardtheir legacy to the future generations.

PPPPPeople who woreople who woreople who woreople who woreople who worked toked toked toked toked towarwarwarwarwards this missionds this missionds this missionds this missionds this missionPrior to these institutions, people like Asaf

Jahis, followed by 6 & 7 Nizams had shownsignificant effort in protecting many monuments.We cannot forget the work of Yajnani. Along with

Ajantha and Yellora, these people have encouragedto continue the research and conservation ofmonuments, existing in Telangana region.

After the MAfter the MAfter the MAfter the MAfter the MergerergerergerergerergerAfter the merger of Hyderabad state with India,

some measures were taken towards the conservationof the monuments. However, these efforts were noteffective. The archives, handwritten documents, theartworks under archaeological department, and thehistorical documents should be sought, classified andconserved.

The repository center in our assembly has manysuch artworks. These artworks should be digitizedand published in public interest. If we successfullyachieve this, we will be known for being the firststate to reach this milestone.

UNESCOUNESCOUNESCOUNESCOUNESCOUNESCO has recognized some cities as world

heritage cities and cited a few monuments as heritagesites. We should work towards achieving the statusof world heritage cities and sites to our Hyderabadand Warangal cities and to our monuments. Thiseffort will give a privileged status to our greatmonuments.

Our monuments will be recognized worldwide,and can attract tourists, intellectuals, writers, artists,and historians from across the world. This, in turn,will improve the economic conditions of thoseregions. Telangana will remain in the history, andwe should use this opportunity to achieve theglorious status.

IIIIIn Hn Hn Hn Hn HyyyyyderabadderabadderabadderabadderabadIn India, many states have been establishing

Urban Acts in their major cities, and introducedHeritage Regulations Acts. Fortunately, we do havesuch type of Acts. However, only 138 monumentshave been notified, and after 10 years we could addonly eight and 14 monuments.

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HHHHHeritage in multiple formseritage in multiple formseritage in multiple formseritage in multiple formseritage in multiple formsThe credit of Hyderabad being a tourist spot

goes to presence of historical monuments. City isbenefiting monetarily due to tourism. Apart fromthese monuments, we have lakes, rocks, reservoirsand trees, in heritage. There is an urgency to protectthese inherent properties.

ComprComprComprComprComprehensivehensivehensivehensivehensive Ae Ae Ae Ae ActctctctctHeritage activists of the state are hoping that

the Comprehensive Act would protect monumentsof the entire state, along with those present inHyderabad. There should be a provision to includevarious trustee buildings, courts, gadis, and thepalaces existing in various districts and mandals.There are many offices and bungalows, which helpedin state administration like Tahasil offices, courts,hospitals, jails, inspection and collector bungalows.Even they must be part of the heritage Act.

These monuments have been serving oursociety in every way and should be reutilized,without disturbing their architecture. They can beconverted into education institutions, tourist places,hospitals and even can be used for commercialpurpose. We can take Chaumahalla and FalaknumaPalaces as examples.

RRRRRestorationestorationestorationestorationestorationRestoration of these monuments is as

important as conserving them. The developmentsare in progress for restoration and manyorganisations are working in this regard. The recentrestorations at the former Vice Roy Residency(Women’s College, Koti), Bagayam of PublicGardens and Kutubshahi Tombs (by Agakhanfoundation) are some of the examples of theprogressive developments.

ConserConserConserConserConservvvvvation of monumentsation of monumentsation of monumentsation of monumentsation of monumentsWe could avoid demolition of the historical

Moulali Kaman, and these types of efforts shouldbe made to conserve other monuments too.

EEEEEfforfforfforfforfforts of organisationsts of organisationsts of organisationsts of organisationsts of organisationsApart from the state government, many non-

governmental and foundations have been workingtowards protecting our heritage. While INTACHis working at national level, Hyderabad-focusedForum for Better Hyderabad has been debating,discussing and fighting, for 20 years, forconservation of various monuments.

EEEEEncouraging studiesncouraging studiesncouraging studiesncouraging studiesncouraging studiesThere is a need of establishing non-

governmental organizations, under guidance ofintellectuals, atleast at the district levels. Theseorganizations should conduct studies onmonuments and other historical places presentwithin their regions. This practice is being followedin many foreign countries.

Similarly, our government should encouragefor these types of studies across the state. And, shouldrelease funds. Every village and city must have bothhandwritten and digitalized records. These recordsshould be made available for public.

MMMMMultiple Bultiple Bultiple Bultiple Bultiple BenefitsenefitsenefitsenefitsenefitsHeritage monument conservation will help

residents in terms of tourism and economic progress.

Boosting for tourismBoosting for tourismBoosting for tourismBoosting for tourismBoosting for tourismHeritage conservation will boost tourism and

this development will encourage trading. Cities likeJaipur, Udaypur, and Jodhpur in Rajasthan areexamples for such type of development. Tourismhas helped the residents in terms of income, andeconomic system. This also helped in improvingemployment rate. This can be achieved withoutdisturbing the originality of the monuments andthe region.

What to do?What to do?What to do?What to do?What to do?RRRRRules & Pules & Pules & Pules & Pules & Prrrrrocedurocedurocedurocedurocedureseseseses

To implement the newly formedComprehensive RegulationAct for heritage

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conservation, there should be a planned design forrules and procedures. The words should be chosenvery diligently. Lest, there may be a room forcontroversies. Additionally, there should not be anychance for dilemmas in identification ofmonuments, management, repairs, and restoration.

PPPPPlans in favlans in favlans in favlans in favlans in favour of Hour of Hour of Hour of Hour of HeritageeritageeritageeritageeritageUrban development plans should focus on

heritage issues. These issues had taken back seatunder the rule of previous governments. Now, atleast, after the formation of separate state, theyshould be given prominence in urban plans.

The skyscrapers are menacingly rising everywhere. Commercial hoardings and bill boards arediminishing the beauty of the city. Theadministration buildings of the government needproper management. The reason could be dearth offunds.

Also, there is a need of incentives for privateownership to conserve various monuments. A pleafor including incentives has already been submittedto the government. The government should considerit.

FFFFFormation of Uormation of Uormation of Uormation of Uormation of Urban Arrban Arrban Arrban Arrban Art Commissiont Commissiont Commissiont Commissiont CommissionFor smoother execution of conservation of

heritage monuments, there is a need of re-establishment of Urban Art Commission.

The Commission was formed in 1976 inHyderabad. However, after the retirement of firstbatch members, the commission had to close as therewere no successors.

In 1995 December 5th, under MS number 542,Heritage Conservation Committee has beenestablished for HUDA (now HMDA).Unfortunately, this prestigious committee was usedonly for personal benefits, to pass Suomotos, andwas confined to express its consent to HMDA. Thereare cases, where in the government had used thecommittee for vested interests. Thus, there is needof re-establishment of Urban Art Commission.

Though it has rights to take Suomoto cases, ithas been inspecting only the cases, referred by HCC.It is not involved in urban planning, developed byHMDA and GHMC. But UAC has higherinvolvement in the urban development. Originally,it is Art and Environmental Commission. It cansuggest the government in the areas of Urban Designand Restoration. It can also suggest for futuredevelopments in Urban Design Planning,Development, and Environment. Urbanenvironment gives prominence to Urban Design.

Here, there is a need to consider one more issue.UAC can suggest the government in the areas ofArchaeology, restoration of historical places,conservation issues, and in high scenic beauty. Whenit comes to High Scenic Beauty, HCC is notinvolved.

UAC can ask for fund support for conservation.Whereas, HCC cannot. The role of HCC is limitedto HMDC, whereas UAC can go up to the statelevel. There are monuments present even outsideHMDC. However, both HCC and UAC can onlysuggest the government.

HHHHHeritage Aeritage Aeritage Aeritage Aeritage AuditudituditudituditThe heritage monuments must go through

heritage audits. A committee with experts acrossvarious domains, should submit these reports. Anydeviations in the conservation must be brought tothe notice of the government. The governmentshould act on these deviations and, if required,should punish the culprits.

HHHHHeritage Eeritage Eeritage Eeritage Eeritage EducationducationducationducationducationThe government must introduce a subject on

heritage monument still graduation. Additionally,specialized courses, after the graduation, should beprovided. These courses should help in getting jobopportunities in the heritage field. If necessary, thesecourses should be included in distant education.

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EEEEEmplomplomplomplomployment in Hyment in Hyment in Hyment in Hyment in HeritageeritageeritageeritageeritageAn Article should be passed stating, people who

complete courses focussing recognition of heritagemonuments, repairs, restoration and usage must bedeclared as partners. The Article will do justice toheritage monuments and can provide employmentopportunities to people who were behind.

HHHHHeritage eritage eritage eritage eritage TTTTTourismourismourismourismourismThere is a continuing relationship between

heritage monuments and tourism. Apart from manyforeign countries, many cities in India are recognizedby their heritage monuments.

HHHHHeritage in goeritage in goeritage in goeritage in goeritage in govvvvvernment deparernment deparernment deparernment deparernment departmentstmentstmentstmentstmentsToday, most of the government departments

are using heritage monuments for theiradministrative activities. Respective departmentsmust work towards conservation of thesemonuments and should establish a heritage wing toexecute necessary changes for the conservation.

PPPPPublic Aublic Aublic Aublic Aublic AwarwarwarwarwarenessenessenessenessenessBefore implementing any Act, it is the duty of

the government to bring awareness about the issueamong the public. Apart from channelizingpromotion activities, people should be madepartners at various levels in heritage conservation.Ahmedabad corporation initiated this change.

IIIIIncentivncentivncentivncentivncentives and Ses and Ses and Ses and Ses and SubsidiesubsidiesubsidiesubsidiesubsidiesThe government should provide incentives and

subsidies to heritage monument owners,managements, and people. They should not beburdened for conserving these monuments. Thegovernment should not see these monuments forthe benefit of gaining taxes. The property taxes onthese monuments should be removed. Major citieslike Kolkata are considering this issue.

If not possible, it should be reduced by 50%.This type of change has been implemented inAhmedabad. Though the amount paid to

government has reduced to some extent, there wasa big relief to monument owners. This type ofinitiative will encourage the owners to conserve themonuments. The relaxation in property tax can becombined to the expenses incurred against themanagement of the monuments.

The expenses for heritage monumentmanagement will be huge, and government mustthink about allocating some funds. In fact, the fundfrom tax relaxation can be diverted to these funds.Kerala is planning to allocate such type of fund.Additionally, monetary incentives can be providedtaking some reviews into consideration.

The government must release some funds toconserve and restore the monuments. It can monitorwhile giving such incentives. Here, conservationarchitects play a significant role. Also, there shouldbe a task force to monitor restoration and repairs.

Subsidized loans should be provided forconservation and restoration. In Ahmedabad, suchtype of subsidized funds has been given by Francegovernment through HADCO with interest rate of5% per year. While HADCO is charging 9.5%interest, France government is bearing 5% subsidy.

Owners of heritage monuments like museumsand hotels, will be benefited if the governmentallows for change of use. These monuments shouldbe removed from Tenancy Act.

If the monument is given for rent, there shouldbe relaxation in Stamp Duty for Lease RentDeed.Also, if a heritage building is sold, there shouldbe exceptions in the registration fees. There shouldbe a provision to deduct expenses incurred againstthe management of monuments from the propertytax amount.

When a monument is given for lease, thereceiver should be provided with Transfer ofDevelopment Rights. These types of provisions willmotivate the purchasing and selling market ofheritage monuments. Also, they will motivate theowners to continue their ownership.

Additionally, the incentives will encourage the

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owners of other monuments, which are not notifiedunder the archaeological department, to comeforward to register their monuments.

These incentives can be allowed to pay throughJNNURM, which may help to ease the burden onthe state government and local organizations.

AAAAAwarwarwarwarwardsdsdsdsdsAn annual award function should be organized

to felicitate and award for heritage conservation andmaintenance. This will be an encouragement to allthe organizations and the people who manage them.

FFFFFestivestivestivestivestival Mal Mal Mal Mal ManagementanagementanagementanagementanagementEvery monument should have a committee,

which should conduct a week-long celebration atmandal, district, state and national level based onits prominence and awareness. The event can bepopularized by conducting cultural activities andcompetitions.

PPPPPararararartnership to privtnership to privtnership to privtnership to privtnership to private organizationsate organizationsate organizationsate organizationsate organizationsThe heritage monuments should be allowed

to be managed under private organizations. Theyshould be allowed to be either adopted by privateorganizations or can be used for CSR activities,where private organizations can pay some amount.

IIIIIdentification as Identification as Identification as Identification as Identification as IndustrndustrndustrndustrndustryyyyyToday, heritage monument management has

turned into an industry. The activities likemonument conservation, restoration, repair, andusage have become more specialized areas. Moderntechnologies are emerging everyday. Product serviceshave become more prominent and these productservices can be provided through an industry.Thus,the government should encourage it toprogress to the level of an industry.

SSSSSignificant rignificant rignificant rignificant rignificant role of vole of vole of vole of vole of volunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersVolunteers can play a significant role in the

management of heritage monuments. Apart fromattracting students from various colleges, we caninvite people from all walks of life for the noblecause. If necessary, incentives can be provided tovolunteers too.

In the wake of centenary celebrations ofOsmania University, the world Heritage Day is alsoobserved. On this occasion, let’s hope that theuniversity will have more jewels in her crown. Also,hope that many monuments under OsmaniaUniversity may get the honour of being heritagemonuments.

It is not the honor that you take with you,but the heritage you leave behind.

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I am a senior citizen of 78 years and am luckyto have family members who also love travelling. Ithas been our practice to go on tour every year alongwith all family members. Now that my grandchildrenhave started going to school, we could plan ourholiday trips only during their summer holidays. Twoyears back we embarked on a long tour of South Indiavisiting famous temple towns, hill stations and placesof tourist/heritage interest.

Starting from Hyderabad early in the morningmyself and my son sharing the driving of our MaruthiSwift D’ zire Car, we reached Chennai by eveningwhere we stayed with my sister (mother of Film andTV actor Ajay Rathnam) for the night. Next day, wewent to Puduchery erstwhile French Colony ofPondicherrry. After visiting Aurobindo ashram(Auroville), we went to the beach in the evening. Mygrandchildren were disappointed to see that there wasno sandy beach to play in. Next day we went fromPondy to Chidambaram. The huge temple of LordNataraja (Siva in a cosmic dancing pose) was awesomeand we were surprised to learn that his consortParvathi Devi is not enshrined in the same premises.After darshan and puja we took the coastal road togo to Rameswaram. We touched Karaikal anotherformer French enclave. We passed through Nagore aplace revered by Muslims for the famous Dargah. Wealso touched Velankanni, which is visited by everyChristian in the South. People of other religions alsothrong to the church of our Lady believing in itscurative powers and blessings to solve their problems.

The long bridge over the Bay of Bengal to reachthe Island of Rameswaram is a modern architecturalmarvel. The children were fascinated to see the oldrail bridge which raises the drawbridges to allow shipsto pass through. The Temple of Ramlingeswara isawe inspiring and the long colonnade inside the

DDDDDooooown Mwn Mwn Mwn Mwn Memoremoremoremoremory Lane: A Ry Lane: A Ry Lane: A Ry Lane: A Ry Lane: A Road oad oad oad oad TTTTTrip rip rip rip rip TTTTTo o o o o The SThe SThe SThe SThe Southouthouthouthouth

temple is a testimony to the dedication and skill ofthe sculptors of this ancient temple. Anotherinteresting features of the temple is the existence ofthirty odd gundas (Wells) within the temple premiseswith perennial supply of water and most pilgrimsyoung and old, men and women make it a point topour water over their heads from all these wellsbelieving it to be a holy ritual absolving them of allthe sins they may have committed.

Next day we continued on our journey alongthe coastal road. We stopped at Tiruchendur wherethe temple of Lord Subramanya was located adjacentto the sea. Here the children were able to enjoyfrolicking in the sea waves under the watchful eye oftheir mother who also could not resist and joined inthe fun. The thegalu, the root of the palm saplingbeing sold at the beach was the best I ever had and Igorged on them. After a night’s rest at Rameswaram,we left for Kanyakumari, the southern tip of ourIndian peninsula which is located at the confluenceof three seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea andthe Indian Ocean.

As is customary, we got up early to see the sunriseand in the evening to see the sunset on the samehorizon. A visit to the Vivekananda Rock is a mustbut waiting in long queues for the launches was verytedious. We took the opportunity to visit the templeof Kanyakumari or Vasaavi the presiding deity of thetown and the icon of the Vysya Community.

From Kanyakumari we went to Suchindramwhere a sixteen feet high idol of Lord Hanuman isinstalled. We were disappointed to miss the Darshanas the temple was closed for lunch time and expectedto reopen only at 4.00 p.m. This made us realize thatwe should enquire the timings of all temples and planaccordingly. Since we could not wait till 4.00 p.m.,we continued our journey and reached Madurai by

M.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.Rao

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evening. The four Gopurams of the temple aremagnificent for their size and sculptures. The tankinside the temple was very clean and the water wascrystal clear. We had a friend in the local PoliceDepartment who arranged a special Darshan for usthus saving lot of time avoiding standing in queues.Devi Meenakshi is one of the eighteen Shakthi Peethasin the country and being a Devi Upasaka, I feltspiritually uplifted by her Darshan.

Next day, we left for Coimbatore. En route westopped at Palani to have darshan of LordSubramanya in the temple on the hilltop. Instead ofclimbing up the stairs, we made the mistake of buyingtickets to go by the cable rail car to the hilltop.Though the Darshan was over in five minutes, waitingfor the cable car to go up and down the hillside tooknearby three hours due to the long queues and totallyupset our travel timings. Because of this delay, wecould reach Coimbatore late in the night and weresorry to keep my cousin’s family anxiously waitingfor us.

Next day, we visited the Perur temple, with itsmagnificently caved pillars and sculpted ceilings. Aftertaking rest for a day, we left for Udaga mandalam(OOTY) the queen of hill stations in the South. Thedrive on the Ghat Road in the Nilgiris after leavingMettupalayam in the salubrious climate and scenicbeauty was enjoyable.

However, one should not miss the train journeywith a number of tunnels, high bridges through thickforest in the heritage train with a geared third rail tohelp the engine to push uphill and control the speeddownhill. Coonoor is located 20 kms. before Ootyand the botanical gardens there are less crowded andone can spend restful time there. The botanicalgardens in Ooty is very large with beautiful lawnsand colourful flowers tier after tier. However we werenot happy that the children were not permitted toroll or slide down on the grassy slopes. We climbedupto the top of the garden to visit the Toda villagewhere the traditional tribal community with theirunique dress, culture and temple reside. They werevery hospitable and allowed us to enter their templethrough their low 2 feet high door. We spent some

time in Ooty shopping for spices and homemadechocolates. What struck me most was the absence ofany plastic litter on the streets or plastics bags in shopsin Ooty or Coonoor. The entire Nilagiri hill area is aplastic free zone. In fact as we enter the Ghat road,we are stopped by the forest check post and asked todeposit or leave the plastic bags if we are carryingany. All shops use biodegradable paper bags or clothbags. I wish that our Governments in Telangana andAndhra Pradesh emulate the Nilagirs and make ourNallamalai range and Tirumala hills plastic free zonesand ensure their implementation. We see boards onthe Srisailam road asking people not to discard plasticbags or bottles in the forest area but still many of theopen areas in the forest are littered with leftover plasticbags and bottles. A strict enforcement of the rule isessential to preserve the ecology as well as save thewild animals, especially the monkeys which throngthe road side.

As Ooty was overcrowded, we decided to go toanother hill station – Yercaud. We reached Yercaudvia Coimbatore and Erode. We stayed in a HolidayHome resort which was two Kms. away from thetown located in the middle of a wooded area. Thoughit was a bit lonely it was very restful. We enjoyed theboat rides on the Yercaud lake and long walks on thelake sides. After spending two days in the salubriousclimate, we decided to leave for Hyderabad.

While driving on the national Highway, we sawa sign board showing Hosur at a distance of 40 kms.My youngest brother stays in the Titan Township nearHosur and would have been very unhappy if we hadpassed by. So we changed our plan and headed forHosur. Hosur is a big industrial town with manymajor industries like TVS Group, Titan Group etc.,There is a Shiva Temple on the top of a hill and wewere surprised to note that many of the locals werespeaking Telugu.

Skirting the out skirts of Bengaluru, we startedfor Hyderabad. On the way we stopped to see thefamous Lepakshi Temple and the Legendary HugeNandi statue. We reached Hyderabad after a ten dayroad trip covering almost 4000 kms. and enjoyedevery moment as the roads were in good condition.

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PPPPPilgrimage to Kailash Milgrimage to Kailash Milgrimage to Kailash Milgrimage to Kailash Milgrimage to Kailash Mansaransaransaransaransarooooovvvvvararararar

M.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.RaoM.H.Rao

The very names of Kailash and Mansarovarevoke in every pious Hindu’s heart a sense of aweand magnetic attraction as the abode of Lord Shivaand the dwelling place of the celestial swansimmortalized in the Kumarasambhava andMeghasandesa of the great poet Kalidasa. But somepeople maynot know that they are located in Tibetnow occupied by China. Even the Tibetans considerKailash as a holy mountain and have not permittedanybody to climb its peak. From ancient times oursaints and pilgrims have been visiting Manasarovarand Kailash believing that our rishis still meditateon its banks in their astral form and have undertakenthis journey as the utmost and final achievement oftheir lives. However, when Dalai Lama left Tibetafter the Chinese occupation and escaped to Indiain 1959, the Chinese Government closed all routesfrom India to Tibet and have not allowed any Indianto visit Mansarovar and Kailash. It was only in 1983,the Chinese Government relented and agreed topermit about 200 pilgrims per year between Julyand September in batches of 20 to 25 in each groupevery 15 days. However in spite of the hardshipsinvolved, visit to Mansarovar and Kailash hasbecome the most sought after yatra and is consideredthe ultimate and once-in-a-life-time experience notonly for religious Hindu but also for nature loversfor its pristine and unpolluted beauty.

The Ministry of External Affairs of theGovernment of India have been sponsoring thesepilgrimage expeditions to Manaarovar and MountKailash through advertisements in TV, Radio andPress inviting applications from Indians, who areinterested to undertake this hazardous journey. TheMinistry generally receives more than 5000

applications out of which they select about 250persons strictly by lottery. These persons are calledfor a very rigid medical examination in view of thefact that the expedition involves rigorous climbingup steep hills, trekking upto heights of over 19000feet, sometimes camping in sub zero temperaturesand involving a treck of 300 kms. The MedicalBoard checks every pilgrim for heart, blood pressure,breathing problem etc., and any person failing inany of these tests is disqualified and will not bepermitted to undertake the journey.

During the year 1984 the Governmentfinalized a list of 22 members for the final batchstarting on 1st September. This group was trulyrepresentative of India consisting of members fromTamilnadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra,Rajasthan, Delhi, Karnataka and A.P. I was the firstand only one from Andhra Pradesh. I was pleasantlysurprised when the Ministry selected me to lead theexpedition and officially in writing appointed meas the Liaison Officer (L.O) to deal with the Chineseauthorities in Tibet. I was also entrusted with theonerous responsibility to take care of the safety ofall the members of the group. The Governmentprovided four armed soldiers to accompany the teamas escorts. Two wireless operators also joined theteam to enable the L.O to contact the nearest Armyauthorities and ask for helicopters for rescue in anyemergency. The L.O is expected to keep informedthe District, State and Central Government officialsby wireless about the welfare of all members of thegroup on a daily basis. The Government alsoarranged a Doctor for regular check up of thepilgrims. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigamprovided a guide and also arranged advanced teams

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to the various halting campsites with cooks andprovisions to take care of the food needs of thepilgrims. Before starting, all the members were givena briefing about the dos and don’ts during thejourney, by officers of the Indo-Tibetan BorderPolice. The Government also arranged the Visasfrom the Chinese Embassy for entering Tibet as wellas the required foreign exchange in US Dollars forpaying to the Chinese to cover our travel and stayin Tibet.

Our team of 22 members which included threeladies started the journey on the early morning of1st September, 1984. We faced tremendous obstaclesright from the very first day almost as a test of ourdetermination and desire to undertake thishazardous expedition. On the morning of 1st

September, 1984 there was a heavy down pour inDelhi and all the roads were flooded with knee-deepwater and the pilgrims staying in various parts ofthe city could not reach the starting point in timeas taxies or autos could not ply in the flooded streets.We could only start at 8.30 a.m. instead of thescheduled time of 6 a.m.

All the members accompanied by a guide fromthe Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam left Delhi in aspecially arranged bus amidst the chanting of “OMNASIVAYA”. One of our members from U.P hailedfrom the town Rampur through which we had topass through. He requested for permission to stopfor five minutes to take leave of his family and whenwe reached Rampur, we were surprised to see a largegathering of people waiting to receive the Yatriks.All the members were garlanded and taken to aspecially erected pandal where they were fed withsweets and tea. After this pleasant interlude, the teamleft Rampur and reached Rudrapur for lunch. Lunchwas taken at a wayside petrol pump which had agood restaurant. Rudrapur is the junction fromwhere one proceeds to Nainital. We leave the mainhighway here and go towards Champavat which isthe first night halt which is at a distance of 475 kmfrom Delhi. This is the same “Champavat which is

celebrated in the various novels on wild life writtenby the famous Jim Corbett.

In view of the delay in starting from Delhi andthe un-expected halt at Rampur, it became dark evenwhen we were still far away from Champavat.However, the expert driving of the Kumaon VikasMandal Nigam driver speeding round the windingghat-roads was a memorable experience. When wewere just 20 km from Champavat, we found theghat road blocked by a landslide which had justoccurred five minutes before our arrival and stillrocks and debris were rolling down from the hilltop. The landslide occurred right over a small bridgeand had totally blocked the road. The driver andthe guide who inspected the landslide along withthe other stranded vehicles came to the conclusionthat this landslide cannot be removed during thenight and would take hours on the next day andadvised that we go back to Delhi.We decided thatwe will not go back and that we shall wait for thenext day. We therefore decided to go back 6 kmfrom the landslide spot to a very tiny village knownas Amori. We reached Amori and were surprised tofind that there was no place where we could stay.However, we managed to get one abandoned shedopened and half the members were accommodatedthere while the others took rest in the bus itself. Wecould also manage to persuade the teastall keeper toprepare some roti and dal as dinner for the team.

The next morning we left early to reach thelandslide spot and were surprised to note that morethan 100 vehicles were parked on both sides of thelandslide awaiting for its clearance. Our Memberswho have been seeing T.V., about the “KarsevakSikhs in the Golden Temple decided to take a handin clearing the landslide and when myselfaccompanied by a few members including a ladystarted clearing the road by removing the stones, alarge number of others who were simply sitting inthe buses or lorries also joined us and started clearingthe landslide.

By that time, members of the Border Roads

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organization arrived and started dynamiting thelarge size boulders which had blocked the road.When they were half-way through, theirdepartment’s bulldozer came to the site and startedclearing the landslide. Unfortunately, one of thegirders of the bridge gave way under the weight ofthe bulldozer and it was announced by the BorderRoad Department that the road is closed as it wouldtake about a week to repair the bridge. This was atremendous disappointment to all. The bus driverand the guide advised that there is no otheralternative but to go back to Delhi. Once again, Iwas called upto to take the decision and afterconsulting some of the other members we decidedto proceed by whatever means available to the nexthalt instead of going back to Delhi.

We therefore unloaded our luggages from thebus and started crossing the landslide, one by oneto the other side of the bridge. While one of thelady members of our team was crossing the landslide,there was a sudden discharge of debris and rockwhich started rolling down from the hill top. Thelady was paralysed with fear and stood on the top ofthe landslide in the path of the rolling stones. Allthe spectators were bewildered with fear and staringin consternation at the oncoming tragedy, since thedrop on the edge of the landslide was more than1,000 ft. deep. The lady suddenly came to life andran down to the other side of the landslide barelyescaping the pelting rocks.

This providential escape of one of our membersput heart into all of us and we persuaded one of thebuses that were stranded on the other side to takeus to Champavat which was just 20 km away. Onreaching Champavat we were received by the OfficerI/c of the Guest House of M/s Kumaon VikasMandal Nigam where we were provided with foodand rest. However, it was decided that instead ofhalting at Champavat we should proceed to theDistrict Headquarters of Pithoragarh so that wecould make up some of the lost time. As we expectedto leave Champavat by evening 4 ‘o’ clock, no dinner

was arranged and Pithoragarh was advised to keepfood ready for us where we expected to reach byaround 8 P.M. Since the specially arranged bus hadto be abandoned on the other side of the landslidewe had no alternate mode of transport. We contactedthe District Authorities who came to our rescue andarranged a route bus to take us from Champavat toPithoragarh. However, by the time the bus couldleave Champavat it was 7 in the evening. We werethen informed that we will soon be entering theborder area where even Indians can enter only withspecial permits issued by the District Authorities.We therefore, proceeded to the hill town Lohaghatwhere the Tahaildar is the only person authorizedto give the entry permits. The guide and I met theTahsildar at his house at 9 P.M. and obtained thepermits in the name of each member after showingthe passports.

We left Lohaghat and reached Pithograph atnight 2 A.M., where we had our dinner and somesleep in the rest house maintained by the U.P.Tourism Department.

Swamy Pranavananda who had spent more thatfifteen years in Tibet on the banks Mansarovar andwho had written a book about the famousmonasteries around Mansarovar and Mount Kailashwith beautiful photographs of the images and iconsin the temples was staying in Pithoragarh. Wehowever could not meet him as it was very late inthe night. We were later surprised to learn thatSwamy Pranavananda is a Telugu man and that hehailed from Rajahmundry.

The next morning we left Pithoragarh byanother route-bus arranged by the local authoritiesto reach Tawaghat which is the last road-head fromwhere one had to start trekking. The bus woundround the ghat road and reached the town Darchulawhich is on the border of Nepal. A stream knownas Kali runs between Nepal and India and the twocountries are linked by a rope bridge where onlypedestrians can cross. At the Darchula guest house,we were met by the Customs Authorities and the

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Intelligence Department of the Government tocheck all our passports. We were also introduced tothe ITBP soldier escorts and the wireless operatorswho were to accompany the team from Darchulaupto the Chinese border. We were also met by ateam of Doctors who checked every member of thegroup once again to decide whether all the memberswere in a fit condition to undertake the journey orwhether some members will have to go back. Twoof the members had a very anxious time as theirblood-pressure was found to be high and the doctorswere seriously considering to disqualify them toproceed further. We could somehow persuade theDoctors to allow them to proceed with the Yatra.After all these formalities were completed we hadto take a decision whether to proceed immediatelyand go on to Pangu which is the scheduled nighthalt. However, I took the decision that in view ofour having spent two sleepless nights with no properfood, it would be too much to ask the members tostart trekking on the same day and that it would bebetter if everybody took rest at Darchula and startafresh to go to Tawaghat from where we starttrekking. It was also decided that on the next daywe will march on to Sirkha and thus complete twodays marching in one day to make up for the lostday to maintain the original fixed schedule. Duringthe evening all the members visited the Nepalesetown across the river and made purchase ofumbrellas and flasks which would be useful on theonward journey.

The next morning, the team now consistingof the original 22 members and the guide along withthe Doctor and his compounder, two wirelessoperators and the four armed police left Darchulaby another route – bus and proceeded towardsTawaghat which is the last road-head. When we werejust 2 km from Tawaghat, the bus came to a haltbefore an abyss and a river of water was flowingthrough instead of a road. There was a very heavydown-pour in the night which resulted in thelandslide which completely washed away the road

for about 50 ft., and rushing streams of water waspouring down the hill slope. It became obvious thatit would take atleast a week to get this road repairedand no bus can proceed further. While we were alldeliberating as to what to do, one of the youngestmembers of our team, Miss. Swatantra from Delhistarted getting down from the road to the river bedat a depth of 40 ft., by clinging to the rocks andshrubs and managed to cross the river and startedclimbing to the other side of the road. This decidedwhat we had to do and encouraged every memberto unload the luggage from the bus and start crossingthe non-existent road via the river bed through knee-deep water. After crossing the breach, all themembers started walking towards Tawaghat whichwas 2 km away and were surprised to note two morelandslides which had blocked the road. All themembers reached Tawaghat by around 11 a.m. Sincewe had to make up two days marching in one day,we decided to leave immediately for Pangu whichinvolved a very steep climbing upto 3,000 ft. Thusended our journey by road full of obstacles andchallenges which tested our determination and will-power, before we could start on the real trekkingjourney to the top of the Himalayas.

The team left immediately for Pangu whichinvolved a very steep climb of 3000 ft in 9 km.Added to this we had to continue further to reachthe next halting place of Sirkha on the same night,with a view to makeup for the lost day as alreadymentioned. We were put to great strain and ourendurance was tested to the maximum as we couldreach Sirkha only by night 10.00 ‘O’ clock inpouring rain totally drenched and shivering at aheight of 8000 ft.

However, the magnetic attraction of Kailashand Mansarovar prevailed over the physicaldiscomforts and on the next morning every pilgrimwas again on the move to tackle another major ordealof climbing to the Roughling Top which is at aheight of 9840 ft. The party managed to reach thenext halting place at Jipti which is at a distance of

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16 km from Sirkha at a height of 8000 ft. Fromhere on, the team was able to maintain the scheduleand reached the various night halts. From Jitpti wewent to Malpa on one of the most precarioussections of the entire route. The mule track betweenMalpa and Jipti was so risky that everyone waswarned to be extra careful. The track was just 3 feetwide with a precipice of more than 1,000 ft on oneside and perpendicular wall of hill on the other side.After crossing this most difficult section, we reachedMalpa which was at a lower level of 6,500 ft. Thenext day we once again climbed up to Budhi whichis at a height of 9,1000 ft. Next day, we proceededto the next halt of Gungi which is at a height of10,5000 ft. via the village of Garbyang which isgradually sinking for the last few years due togeological reasons. From Gungi the team climbedup again upto Kalapani which is at a height of11,800 ft. where a camp of Indo-Tibetan borderpolice was located.

From Sirkha to Kalapani the path is on thebanks of river Kali which is the boundary betweenNepal and India. On the other-side of the river arethe lofty mountains of Nepal with a similar trackrunning parallel to the Indian side. From Kalapani,the team proceeded to Navidang which is at a heightof 13,400 feet where a most wonderful sight awaitedus. While sitting at the camp site, we could see onthe opposite mountain snow and ice in the shape of

(om).

The sight of “ ” elevated everyone’s spiritsand was considered a wonderful miracle and awelcome sign to the land of Kailash.

The next day we reached Lipu Lekh Pass whichis at a height of 16,700 ft and which is the boundarybetween Tibet and India. Here we had to wait forthe arrival of the Chinese representative. The timeschedule is so fixed and so strict that if this teamwas not able to make the pass on the 11th ofSeptember as scheduled, the Chinese team wouldhave gone back from Lipulekh and we would have

had to come back to India disappointed after goingthrough the vigorous obstacles upto a height of17,000 ft. In view of our force-marching of two daysin one day, we were able to keep up our scheduleand crossed over to Tibet on the 11th of September’84.

From Lipulekh Pass, the Chinese party tookus to Taklakot by horses. In fact, once we climbeddown from Lipulekh Pass we travelled for 24 kmon a fairly level plateau and reached Taklakot whichis the only town in this part of Tibet. This townhad a Chinese garrison and is a big woollen marketfor trading mostly between local Tibetans andNepalese.

Taklakot had a well provided guest house forthe pilgrims with good rooms and warm beds tokeep them comfortable. The food was not badthough not to our taste. We persuaded them topermit us to make some of our own food by usingready-to-make packets of “Sambar”, “Rasam” etc.After the usual customs formalities, we were allowedto go round Taklakot along with the Chineseinterpreters who can speak English fairly well.

At Taklakot, the party of 22 was divided intotwo groups, one group going to Kailash and theother to Manasarovar, as the facilities available atthe campsites of the Parikramas were not sufficientto cater to more than 10 to 12 persons at a time.The Chinese took all of us in a truck upto to thebase camp of Tsedi on the banks of Manasarovar todrop the Manasarovar batch there and took theKailash batch to the basecamp of Darahain at thefoot of Mount Kailash. On the first day the Kailashbatch trekked upto the campsite known asDerapuck. Some of us who could not do thetrekking opted to ride yaks. During this trip, wewere faced with ice and rain and snow and by thetime we reached the campsite we were exhaustedand frozen with cold. Our plight became worse asthe Tibeten tent provided for us had an opening onthe top to let out smoke but which also let in rainand snow. During the cold shivering night with snow

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and ice falling all round the tent, we prayed for abright day since the second day of the Parikramawas the most difficult part involving the climb toDolmapass at a height of 19,500 ft. As an answer toour prayers, the next morning dawned bright andsunny. With a rejoicing and thanks – giving heart,we climbed upto Dolmapass in high spirits. Thepersons walking felt the difficulty in view of lack ofoxygen at 19,000 feet and above but managed toreach the top and do prayer at the temple of Taradeviat Dolma Pass. Which was nothing but a rock outcrop plastered within coins and prayer flags. FromDolma Pass we came down to Gowrikund which isthe highest lake in the world at a height of 18,500feet above sea level. After taking samples of semifrozen Gowrikund water we reached the next haltfor the day Zutulpuck. This place is an old monestrywhich had been demolished during the RedguardRevolution. The old lama who had tried to rebuildthe place managed to provide for himself a threeroom mud-hut wherein we were alsoaccommodated. The lama was very helpful andlooked after our comforts by giving us hot waterand helping us to prepare some hot food. From thismonastery we trekked back to Darchen on the nextday. From Darchen one gets a most wonderful viewof Mount Kailash with the image of Lord Shivavisible on the face of the mountain. The rockstructure of the Kailash on this side of the faceresembled a human face and we could easily imaginetwo eyes, nose and mouth of the Lord which evokeda sense of reverence in everyone who looked at it.In fact, some of the pilgrims were so emotionallycharged that they broke down and started cryingwhile others danced uninhibitedly.

From this place the team was once againcollected by the Chinese in a truck and taken to aplace known as Hore on the banks of Manasarovar.From Hore our team started the Parikrama ofManasarovar and made the first half nearGosulgumpha another demolished monastery. Thetotal distance around Manasarovar is 92 km out of

which we could complete Parikrama of 52 km byfoot in two days, while for the balance 40 kms, wewere taken by a truck. At Tsedi, all the pilgrims hadbath in the ice cold waters of Mansarovar and offeredprayers to the Lord.

The most unexpected feature of the Parikramaaround Mansarovar was the total absence of any ofthe famous monasteries or temples which were saidto have been located on the banks of the Mansarovar.All we could see were ruins of the monasteries withhugh blocks of carved stones with inscriptions lyingscattered all over the place. After completing theParikramas of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar all ofus reassembled at Taklakot and the next day visitedthe only surviving Buddhist temple at Kojarnath.Even here the original idols were smashed and onlyone single replica was available for darshan.

After taking rest for one day and doingshopping at the government controlled shops, aswell as in the free market of Nepal traders, we leftTarklakot at night 2 A.M. on 23rd September. Thejourney on horse-back in subzero temperature for24 km in the dark night was miserable but the joyof having completed the pilgrimage put heart intoeverybody and we reached the bottom of LipulekhPress by the morning of 24th. However, we weresurprised to see the entire Lipulekh area was undersnow. To reach the top of the Pass to enter the Indianborder, we had to wade through knee deep snow.This was a most unexpected and most rigorous partof the journey, during which many of the pilgrimsfell down from the horses but luckily escaped withminor injuries. Fnally, everyone abandoned thehorses and had to crawl upto the top of the Passthrough deep snow but were happy to be warmlyreceived by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Officerswho were awaiting for our arrival. We wereimmediately rushed from the cold beasts of Lipulekhto Kalapani. We were informed by the Officers thatthey were extremely worried about our safety as snowwas falling till early hours of 24th morning and theydid not expect that we would be able to cross over

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the pass on 24th. Once again God was kind to ourteam to enable us to reach India safely.

The team started their return journey toTavaghat on the same difficult route but with a muchlighter heart and with a sense of accomplishment.On the way we took the opportunity to visitNarayana Ashram, which is near Sirkha in mostbeautiful surroundings with apple trees and lovelyflower gardens.

The team reached Delhi on the night of 2nd

October as per schedule and thus completed a mostmemorable and once-in-a-lifetime adventurous-cum-religious pilgrimage.

The Govt. has now opened a much shorter newroute through Nathu La Pass. However thecommercial travel agents are now taking the yatriksby plane to Kathmandu and by vehicle fromKathmandu to Mansarovar, thus eliminating thehardships but missing the joy of achievement oftrekking for about 300 kms in the beautifulHimalayas.

FFFFFactfileactfileactfileactfileactfileMansarovar shines like a blue emerald. Located

on the Tibetan plateau at a height of 15,000 fts,With a circumference of about 92 kms and depthof about 300 feet covering an area of 320 sq. kms.

The peak of mount Kailash rises to a height of22,028 feet and the Parikrama or circumambulationof Kailash is about 52 kms – and overlooksManasarovar and Rakshastal.

WWWWWonderonderonderonderonderful sightsful sightsful sightsful sightsful sights (miracles?) (miracles?) (miracles?) (miracles?) (miracles?)Pilgrims have had various experiences:

1. One batch claims to have seen Lord Hanumanin a cave on Mount Kailash – perhaps a veryold Lama deep in meditation.

2. A senior IAS officer who visited Mansarovarrecently said that though he took a photographof Mansarovar with nobody, the developed filmshowed a person with a Veena (Narada).

3. Other pilgrims claim to have seen bright lights(meteorites?) dropping into the lake atmidnight believing them to be celestial beingstaking their regular dip in Mansarovar.

4. One can see the face of Shiva on Mount Kailashfrom a particular angle – see photo.

5. A small rivulet cascades down Kailash andbreaks into the shape of an inverted Trishul-see photo.

6. All have seen flashes of golden fire on the peakof Mount Kailash at sunrise as the sun’s rayshit the peak first which the rest of the area isdark before dawn.

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ENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRONMENT DAONMENT DAONMENT DAONMENT DAONMENT DAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRAY CELEBRATIONTIONTIONTIONTION&&&&&

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16UM’S 16ththththth ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSAR ANNIVERSARYYYYY

A better HA better HA better HA better HA better Hyyyyyderabad bderabad bderabad bderabad bderabad by Ay Ay Ay Ay Awarwarwarwarwareness in yeness in yeness in yeness in yeness in youthouthouthouthouthForum for a better Hyderabad (FBH) has

celebrated its Sixteenth Anniversary coinciding withWorld Environment Day on 5.6.16 atAdministrative Staff College of India, Somajiguda,wherein eminent speakers expressed that for a betterHyderabad it is necessary to create awarenessamongst the youth. Padmasri Awardee, EminentArtist Sri.K.Laxma Goud was the Chief Guest andreleased the Annual Number of FBH. CCMBDirector Dr.Rakesh K Misra, ASCI Centre forEnergy, Environment, Urban Governance andInfrastructure Development Director, Prof. V.Srinivasa Chary were the Guests of Honor. Theprogram was presided over by Sri. M.VedaKumar,President, FBH. Annual Report was presented bySri O.M Debara, Gen. Secretary, FBH. The programwas compered by Smt. Sanghamitra Malik, JointSecretary, FBH.

Speaking on this occasion Sri. K. Laxma Goudexpressed that we have lost the historical Hyderabadlong time ago. Without esthetic sense and apathyof common man, it is just impossible to developour city. There is no need of losing our heritagebuildings for the sake of sky scrapers like Singaporeand China. In fact, it is important to understandour problems and to find suitable solutions to suitto our requirement.

Prof. V. Srinivasa Chary mentioned that theneed of the hour is that awareness has to be createdin future generation about the problems being facedby the City and their solutions. Approximately 55percentage of water leakage is the prime course forthe scarcity of water. By containing it the problemcan be resolved. Rain water is not being harvestedproperly. By adopting sophisticated technology and

by involving the people the existing sewerageproblem in city can be solved. Collective efforts andthe support of youth and with the help of researchand educational institutions is sufficient forcleansing of Musi River which can be attainedwithout foreign technology.

Dr. Rakesh K Misra asserted that the sensitivelink between the people and the Government iswidening though there are problems in urbandevelopment but can be sorted out. Organizationslike FBH have to take initiative in this regard. Hequoted an example of people having stakehold inpolicy decisions in Switzerland.

Sri. M. Vedakumar said that since two centuriesthe environment is being destroyed in the name ofdevelopment, there should be a frolicsomeatmosphere with environment. The festivals likeBathukamma depict the relationship with the nature.By virtue of the inspiration of it water bodies and thenature can be protected. The technology and socialinstitutions should move hand in glove. The concernshown by Qutubshahis and AsafJahis towards city’sdevelopment is appreciated by him. Small cities willenable good governance. Counter magnets shouldbe developed around the big cities. Forum has beenplaying a key role to find solutions of issues relatedto environment by discussions and consultations withthe officials, depending on the response FBHapproaching the judiciary.

FBH Vice President Sri. M.H Rao, TreasurerSri. Rao Chelikani Rao, E.C.Member Smt.FraukeQadar, Sri.K.S Murthy, Sri.Deepankar Datta,Sri.S.Jeevan Kumar, Sri.S.P. Shorey, Sri.VishnuKanth Bide, Sri.Qamar Mohd Khan,Sri.Nagavendar Rao, Sri.Mehtha, Sri. J.Devi Prasadetc., participated.

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Padmasri Awardee, Eminent Artist Sri.K.Laxma GoudChief Guest is speaking at the programme

Dr.Rakesh K Misra,Director, CCMB speaking at the function

Sri.K.S.Murthy, Advocate, FBH handing over curry leaf plant to the Guest Audience at FBH 16th Anniversary

GGGGGlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses from Fom Fom Fom Fom Forororororumumumumum’’’’’s 16th Annivs 16th Annivs 16th Annivs 16th Annivs 16th Anniversarersarersarersarersary (5.6.2016)y (5.6.2016)y (5.6.2016)y (5.6.2016)y (5.6.2016)

Release of Sourvenir

Prof. V. Srinivasa Chary, Director,Centre for Energy, Environment, UrbanGovernance and Infrastructure Development,ASCI speaking at the function

Sri.M.Vedakumar, President, FBH is speaking on the occasion

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GGGGGlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses from Fom Fom Fom Fom Forororororumumumumum’’’’’s 15th Annivs 15th Annivs 15th Annivs 15th Annivs 15th Anniversarersarersarersarersary (5.6.2015)y (5.6.2015)y (5.6.2015)y (5.6.2015)y (5.6.2015)

T. Vivek speaking on the occasion K.purushotham reddy speaking

Distribution Of Curry Leaf Plant audience at FBH 15th Anniversary

dr.k.babu rao speaking on the occasion Dr.Ch.Mohan Rao speaking on the occasion

Release of Sourvenir Sri.M.Vedakumar speaking on the occasion ofForum's 15th Anniversary

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Sri. M. Vedakumar, President, Forum For a Better Hyderabadspeaking on the occasion

Smt. R. Bharati Surya Devi, Heritage Activist, INTACH HyderabadChapter, speaking on the occasion

Mr. M.H. Rao, Vice President, FBH handing over curry leaf plant to guests Audience at the function

GGGGGlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses frlimpses from Fom Fom Fom Fom Forororororumumumumum’’’’’s 14th Annivs 14th Annivs 14th Annivs 14th Annivs 14th Anniversarersarersarersarersary (5.6.2014)y (5.6.2014)y (5.6.2014)y (5.6.2014)y (5.6.2014)

Release of Annual Number

Maj Gen R.C. Padhi, Additional Surveyor General, Survey of India,Indian Institute of Surveying & Mapping, speaking on the occassion

Sri. A.V.Bhide, Senior Urban Planning Consultant, HyderabadMetropolitan Development Authority addressing the gathering

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A A A A A TTTTTalk on “alk on “alk on “alk on “alk on “TTTTTelangana Felangana Felangana Felangana Felangana Flora and Flora and Flora and Flora and Flora and Faunaaunaaunaaunaauna””””” bySri.Qamar Mohammad Khan, Editor, Vanapremiwas organized by Forum For A Better Hyderabadon 10.8.16 at Deccan Academy, Himayatnagar,which gave an insight as how trees are helpful tomankind. The programme was presided over bySri.M.Vedakumar, President, FBH. The Forummembers and students of Oxford Grammar Schoolalso took part in the programme.

Sri.Qamar Mohammad Khan explained theimportance of forests, its benefits for mankind.Forests help in purifying the environment by takingin CO2 and giving out Oxygen. It also controls soilerosion during rainy season, when the top layers arewashed away, but forests control and help the H2Oto percolate into the soil thereby increasing theground H2O level. Dams and reservoirs will havewater otherwise they are left dry with sand.

The area of forests in Telangana region is only25%. It would have been really beneficial if it wasabout 33%. The initiative of “Haritha Haram” takenby the Government of Telangana in planting moresaplings would enrich the total area with greenery.

FBH FBH FBH FBH FBH TTTTTALK-1ALK-1ALK-1ALK-1ALK-1

A talk on A talk on A talk on A talk on A talk on TTTTTelangana Felangana Felangana Felangana Felangana Flora and Flora and Flora and Flora and Flora and Faunaaunaaunaaunaaunabbbbby Sy Sy Sy Sy Sri.Ori.Ori.Ori.Ori.Oamar Mamar Mamar Mamar Mamar Mohammad Khanohammad Khanohammad Khanohammad Khanohammad Khan

“S“S“S“S“Saving Faving Faving Faving Faving Forororororests Sests Sests Sests Sests Saving Maving Maving Maving Maving Mankindankindankindankindankind”””””

He said that the Government should encourageAgro forestry by the farmers by asking them to plantteak trees along the boundaries of their fields.

Sri.M.Vedakumar speaking on the occasionquoted that the trees are being cut down for Rs.10,000 or for Rs.20,000, if we see the actual valueof the trees, which give Oxygen it is more than 35lakhs., according to scientists. The reason behindwild animals venturing into the villages is that forestbeen cut down which is the natural home foranimals. A true development is the one withoutdisturbing the nature’s ecological balance. The forestsare the natural homes for many tribal. Tribal shouldget employment through protecting the forests.Forests ae the main source for decreasing pollution,he said. On this occasion, he explained the aimsand objectives of FBH, which strives forenvironmental protection, heritage protection,urban planning, solid waste management etc., Hesaid it works with other NGOs when any issue arisesand approaches the court for the above causes.

Sri.R.K.Sinha, Prof.Anwar Khan, Sri.AjayVadiyar, Smt.Indira, Mohammad Turab etc.,participated in the programme.

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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A A A A A TTTTTalk on “Salk on “Salk on “Salk on “Salk on “Strategies to mitigate Utrategies to mitigate Utrategies to mitigate Utrategies to mitigate Utrategies to mitigate UrbanrbanrbanrbanrbanFFFFFlooding-Ilooding-Ilooding-Ilooding-Ilooding-Imprmprmprmprmprooooovvvvvements to Hements to Hements to Hements to Hements to Hyyyyyderabad Dderabad Dderabad Dderabad Dderabad DrainagerainagerainagerainagerainageSSSSSystemystemystemystemystem””””” was organized by Forum For A BetterHyderabad on 20.8.16 at Deccan Academy,Himayatnagar. The Chief Speaker Dr.B.V.SubbaRao, Director, Centre for Resource Education(CRE). discussed on the topic, to create awarenessand consciousness about the problem whichHyderabad is faced with and derive solutions for ABetter Hyderabad. The programme was presidedover by Sri.M.Vedakumar, President, FBH. TheForum members and other civil society organisationsalso took part in the programme.

Dr.B.V.Subba Rao expressed his deep concerntowards the growing calamities in Hyderabadspecially the floods. He said we often find the twincities are flooding in several areas. In spite of havingso many research centres, their contribution todevelop Hyderabad is negligible. The village rankedas “C” Grade is slowly developing into B Grade townand B Grade town is merging widely into Citywithout attending to the issues. The developmentof a city cannot take place when the problems remainunattended. In 1950 itself, with a lot offoresightedness people were warned not migrateinternally. So many songs, plays and ballads wereorganized keeping in view the problems the city isfacing. Right from independence, the Governmentfocused only on the development of villages, smallscale and cottage industries, small and marginalfarmers. But it is the time to review theircontribution towards Gross Domestic Product(GDP)/Economical Development of the country.

Affordable travel by Air and construction ofInternational Airport helped in further development

FBH FBH FBH FBH FBH TTTTTALK-2ALK-2ALK-2ALK-2ALK-2

A A A A A TTTTTalk Oalk Oalk Oalk Oalk On “Sn “Sn “Sn “Sn “Strategies trategies trategies trategies trategies TTTTTo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mitigate Uitigate Uitigate Uitigate Uitigate Urban Frban Frban Frban Frban Flooding –looding –looding –looding –looding –IIIIImprmprmprmprmprooooovvvvvements ements ements ements ements TTTTTo Ho Ho Ho Ho Hyyyyyderabadad Dderabadad Dderabadad Dderabadad Dderabadad Drainage Srainage Srainage Srainage Srainage Systemystemystemystemystem”””””

of the city . Though business has widely expanded,development steps taken by the Government aremeagre. The Central Government has to look intoboth drainage and development plan together. Theycannot be looked at separately. The holistic approachis the only way to combat water lagging and floodingin Hyderabad.

In this context, he praised the efforts of Forumfor a Better Hyderabad which brought to the noticeof the Government several times about the issuesrelated to Urban Master Plan time to time.

The Central Government has so many plansand programmes to develop cities. Often they talkabout Smart Cities, how many people have fallenprey into opened manhole and lost their preciouslives. Is it what is expected from a Smart City?

Since 1970, the problems in Hyderabad aremultiplied. The problems are growing at rapid stride,right from 1990; whom to blame? HMDA, anorganization founded for Metro UrbanDevelopment should have an acceptable design. Toour surprise, it has no Research Wing for thispurpose.

Growing population alone cannot be viewedas sole reason for all the problems. The main reasonfor this is lack of awareness on Urban SocialDynamic. We are totally ignoring the formation,development and growth of the cities. Before thedevelopment of IT Hub a detailed analysis aboutthe generation of employment opportunities andpossibilities of upcoming problems should have beendone. Without a Master Plan to develop theinfrastructure and civic amenities, Governmentshould not plan for Smart Cities. Almost everymetro city in India is facing a similar problem.

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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Hyderabad is no exception. Drainage in the High-tech City is not given due attention. ThoughIndustrial Estates are declared in 1970s itself, so farno special arrangements were made for the properlet outs to drain out industrial waste. Today theMunicipal sewage and industrial effluents pollutedHussainsagar lake beyond repair.

Hyderabad, which was spread over 54 sq.kilometers, slowly expanded to 174 sq.kilo meters andtoday it is spread to 600 sq.kilo meters. No Damsare built; no canals are constructed to save rain water.In spite of repeated warning about lack of water inHigh-tech city to Kukatpally, HMDA approvedHousing plans to whoever applied. Today theyturned out to be the most densely populated areasof Hyderabad. What might be the reason for thedevelopment of the areas, in spite of having acuteshortage of water, the answer is affordability of thepeople to buy water.

There is a need to understand, analyze andrectify the mistakes, which need to take place duringthe process of development of the city, whenbringing out a comprehensive Master Plan. Thedevelopment should proceed in the direction ofhealthy and better livable Hyderabad, whichimprovises the living standards of public ofHyderabad.

It is high time to address the inter related issueslike vehicle pollution, traffic congestion etc.,Drawing floods drainage, storm water drains playan integral part of Urban Development. Keepingin view the geological and climatic conditions in

consideration, city was planned earlier. But, todayin the name of urbanization, industrialization andbeautification, all the lakes and rivers are encroached.Today it the Mercury is touching 45C0 inHyderabad, it is only because of ecologicalimbalance.

No programme can be successful by theGovernment alone. Effective public participationin conservation of lakes and rivers is needed. Thethreat of floods increases 2.5 times due toencroachments of water bodies by concreteconstructions. Planning should be designedaccordingly by the Government. The system oflinking water bodies and improving the drainagesystem should be the need of the hour, whiledesigning the projects.

In this context, Sri.M.Vedakumar suggested fora Single Comprehensive Master Plan. He is worriedthat in the name of expanding the city, the maininfrastructure facilities are ignored. He said FBH isstriving for implementing a single and effectiveMaster Plan. It is suggesting its views to theGovernment time to time while designing theMaster Plan. He opined that a Smart City shouldbe a “Clean, Green and Livable City”.

Sri.M.H.Rao, Vice President, FBH,Sri.V.B.J.Chelikani Rao, Treasurer, FBH also spokeon the occasion on the betterment of drainagesystem. Sri.Prakash, Sri.Narahari, Syed Sabir,Sri.Ramgopal, Sri.Sheshagiri, Sri.Satyamurthy,Sri.Ranapratap, smt.Indira etc., participated in theTalk.

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A A A A A TTTTTalk on “Halk on “Halk on “Halk on “Halk on “Hyyyyyderabad Sderabad Sderabad Sderabad Sderabad Sol id o l id o l id o l id o l id WWWWWasteas teas teas teas teMMMMManagement-Ianagement-Ianagement-Ianagement-Ianagement-Initiativnitiativnitiativnitiativnitiative taken up be taken up be taken up be taken up be taken up by GHMC andy GHMC andy GHMC andy GHMC andy GHMC andRRRRRole of Civil Sole of Civil Sole of Civil Sole of Civil Sole of Civil Societyocietyocietyocietyociety””””” was organized by Forum ForA Better Hyderabad on 27.8.16 at Deccan Academy,Himayatnagar. The Chief Speaker Sri.D.SUDHAKAR, Executive Engineer, SWM

(Solid Waste Management), GHMC discussedon the topic, to create awareness and consciousnessabout the garbage problem which Hyderabad is facingand derive solutions for A Better Hyderabad. Theprogramme was presided over by Sri.M.Vedakumar,President, FBH. The Forum members and other civilsociety organisations also took part in the programme.

Sri.B.Sudhakar in this context informed thatGHMC collects 4500 tonnes of litter per day andspends 260 crores for its disposal. He hoped if thejunk is reduced, the amount which needs to be spentwill be reduced to the maximum extent.

Collection of garbage, disposal and wastemanagement is not the sole responsibility of GHMC.People need to introspect themselves about theircontribution towards society. Every citizen has tounderstand the fact that rights and duties arecomplementary to each other. The people who browseinternet for various reasons do need to look at thevarious apps which GHMC has introduced in therecent days.

Every resident of Hyderabad on an average cause½ kg domestic waste every day. B.Sudhakar, E.E.,

FBH FBH FBH FBH FBH TTTTTALK-3ALK-3ALK-3ALK-3ALK-3

A A A A A TTTTTalk onalk onalk onalk onalk on“H“H“H“H“Hyyyyyderabad Sderabad Sderabad Sderabad Sderabad Solid olid olid olid olid WWWWWaste Maste Maste Maste Maste Management-anagement-anagement-anagement-anagement-

IIIIInitiativnitiativnitiativnitiativnitiative taken Ue taken Ue taken Ue taken Ue taken Up Bp Bp Bp Bp By y y y y GHMCGHMCGHMCGHMCGHMC & R & R & R & R & Role Oole Oole Oole Oole Of Civil Sf Civil Sf Civil Sf Civil Sf Civil Societyocietyocietyocietyociety”””””GHMC felt, it would be more fitting if this ismitigated to the maximum extent. He suggested thepeople to watch and benefit from the programme“Parichayam”. The names of the sanitary workers andsanitary officers along with their personal phonenumbers are inscribed on the wall. Around 18000sanitary workers are outsourced and 1800 workers areworking on regular basis, he added. He made amention of the felicitation of Mr.Venkataiah, a sanitaryworker for his committed work. He urged the need toidentify the efficient and dedicated workers and toreward them right from the grass root level.

Speaking on this platform Sri.M.Vedakumar,who presided over the programme, rightly called thesanitary workers the “Beauticians of the city”. Due topollution and other reasons the life expectancy isreducing and the people are prone to various healthhazards. He wished the people to lead a qualitativelife. To address all these growing grievances, GHMCdo not have substantial number of workers, he added.Sri.Rao VBJ Chelikani, Treasurer, FBH and the NatureClub students of Oxford Grammar School alsoexpressed their views on these issues.

Mohd.Afzul, Sri.Narahari, Syed Sabir,Sri.Ramgopal, Sri.Nandagopal, Sri.Balraju,Sri.K.Prabhakar, Sri.Baswaraj, Sri.Ashok,Mohd.Turab, Smt.Meena Agarwal, Smt.Dhanalaxmi,Smt.Indira, Ms.N.S.Latha, etc., participated in theTalk.

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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A A A A A TTTTTalk on “Palk on “Palk on “Palk on “Palk on “Prrrrroposed Ioposed Ioposed Ioposed Ioposed IntegratedntegratedntegratedntegratedntegratedMMMMMetretretretretropolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Devevevevevelopment Pelopment Pelopment Pelopment Pelopment Plan (MDP) of 2031lan (MDP) of 2031lan (MDP) of 2031lan (MDP) of 2031lan (MDP) of 2031of HMDA”of HMDA”of HMDA”of HMDA”of HMDA” was organized by Forum For A BetterHyderabad on 10.9.16 at Deccan Academy,Himayatnagar. Planning Officer from HMDA Sri.R.Nageshwar Rao discussed on the topic. Theprogramme was presided over by Sri.V.B.J.ChelikaniRao, Treasurer, FBH. The Forum members andother civil society organisations also took part inthe programme.

Sri Nageshwar Rao stated the Government ofTelangana is striving hard to transform Hyderabadinto a global city. He also added that by integratingold HUDA Plan, Cyber Plan, HMDA Master Planand Core Area Plan, the Government of Telanganais trying to evolve a new Master Plan keeping in

FBH FBH FBH FBH FBH TTTTTALK-4ALK-4ALK-4ALK-4ALK-4

A A A A A TTTTTalk on Palk on Palk on Palk on Palk on Prrrrresentation ofesentation ofesentation ofesentation ofesentation of“P“P“P“P“Prrrrroposed Ioposed Ioposed Ioposed Ioposed Integrated Mntegrated Mntegrated Mntegrated Mntegrated Metretretretretropolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Dopolitan Devevevevevelopment Pelopment Pelopment Pelopment Pelopment Plan (lan (lan (lan (lan (MDPMDPMDPMDPMDP)))))

of 2031 of of 2031 of of 2031 of of 2031 of of 2031 of HMDAHMDAHMDAHMDAHMDA”””””

view the geological area of 7750 sq.kilometers andthe needs of 2 crore population.

Sri.V.B.J.Chelikani Rao said that they arestriving in the direction of creating awareness in thecommon public and civil society organizations onthe proposed Integrated MDP of 2031 of HMDA.

Speaking in the discussion Mr.M.Vedakumarsaid the Government of past always took supportand took suggestions from them in preparing MasterPlan for Urban Development of Hyderabad.Sri.R.Nageshwar Rao the official from HMDAappealed to the citizens and NGOs to extend theneeded support through suggestions.

Sri.K.Prabhakar, Co-ordinator, FBHSmt.Shobha Singh, EC Member, FBH, Smt.Indiraetc., participated in the Talk.

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

Using Plastic Is Going To Be Drastic

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A A A A A TTTTTalk on “Palk on “Palk on “Palk on “Palk on “Prrrrroposed Moposed Moposed Moposed Moposed Musi Rivus i Rivus i Rivus i Rivus i Rive re re re re rConserConserConserConserConservvvvvation Pation Pation Pation Pation Plan “lan “lan “lan “lan “ was organized by Forum ForA Better Hyderabad on 8.10.16 at Deccan Academy,Himayatnagar. Sri.Jeevan Kumar, President, HumanRights Foundation, Brother Varghese, Social Activistand Sri.Narahari, Social Activist were the prominentspeakers. The programme was presided over bySri.M.Vedakumar, President, FBH. The Forummembers and other civil society organisations alsotook part in the programme. A detailed discussionwas held on the origin and river system of river Musi.River Musi is not the river that flows only for 7kms. in Hyderabad but it has it’s birth in Anantagirihills and merges into River Krishna at Vadapally afterflowing a long distance.

Sri.M.Vedakumar, opined that the drainagebasin of the river plays a key role in town planning.With reference to Hyderabad, Musi too plays apivotal role in the urban development of Hyderabad.But unfortunately, the Master Plans, which areprepared so far are futile. It is the high time toconserve the river Musi and the lakes, which aresignificant part of Deccan plateau.

He also added that in the past there was a verygood drainage system in the old city of Hyderabad.After the formation of City Improvement Board in1914 the late Mokshagundam Visweswarayya andLate Nawab Ali Jung made immense contributionto provide civic amenities viz., safe drinking waterand drainage facility for the people. The amenitiesprovided by the Nizam were ignored by theGovernments of past.

Sri.M.Vedakumar grieved that the river whichquenched the thirst of the people became a river ofpollution today. The growing urbanization and

FBH FBH FBH FBH FBH TTTTTALK-5ALK-5ALK-5ALK-5ALK-5

A A A A A TTTTTalk on Palk on Palk on Palk on Palk on Prrrrroposedoposedoposedoposedoposed“M“M“M“M“Musi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi River Conserer Conserer Conserer Conserer Conservvvvvation Pation Pation Pation Pation Planlanlanlanlan”””””

illegal encroachments of River Musi and the lakesnearby further worsened the problems. He furtherwondered how Madhapur city was developedwithout an organized drainage system. He furtheradded that Durgam Cheruvu, “the pride ofHyderabad” is completely polluted today. Even thewater of Hussain Sagar, only ¾ of Hussainsagar wateronly can be purified. He urge the Government ofTelangana to have a holistic approach forconservation of River Musi and the lakes in andaround Hyderabad.

The City shares a close association with MusiRiver is in many ways., viz., historical, heritage,political, cultural, economical. The issues on theabove subjects are interlinked with problemsassociated with Musi river and its surroundings. Theconservation and protection of Musi River byintegrated approach, proper planning and properimplementation, finds solution for many of theabove problems. FBH is continuously putting itsmaximum efforts and bringing to notice of theGovernments for the conservation andbeautification of Musi River.

One of the important speakers BrotherVarghese condemned holding only the habitationof poor as responsible for pollution of river Musi.He said most of the pollution is caused by peoplebelonging to middle and upper strata. Whiledeveloping the city it is important to keep in themind that Musi is still existing and still flowing andneed to be conserved. He opined that the proposalof using Musi for commercial purposes is notappropriate. For similar reason the beautificationof Musi, the project “NANDANAVANAM” isopposed by the social activists and organizations.

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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Sri.Jeevan Kumar expressed that The water ofMusi flows into 48 lakes. He explained that peopleare cultivating their lands by constructing MusiWater Storage Tanks under KATHWA SYSTEM.He made an appeal to the Telangana Government,that the opinion of public and social organizationsshould be considered ,while taking up new projectsfor the development of the city. The Musi River

should be purified at least for the purpose ofcultivation.

Sri.V.B.J.Chelikani Rao, Treasurer, FBH alsospoke on the occasion.

Smt.Shobha Singh, E.C.Member,FBH,Sri.Narahari, Syed Sabir, Sri.Adarsh Srivastav,Smt.Indira etc., participated in the Talk.

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LET US CELEBRATE GANESH CHATURTHI IN ANECOFRIENDLY MANNER

LET US NOT DENIGRATE HIS CREATION~Let us protect Lakes and the environment~

Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles would be pleased if heis painted with natural dyes, which a person can carry with loveand devotion for the immersion ceremony. Let us also try to reducethe size of the idols to a more reasonable height.

AP High Court Order-2001The Hon’ble AP High Court in its order dated 15-6-2001 in W.P.no. 21495 of 1998 and others have made the followingobservations:

The State and other Statutory Authorities have not actedupon the report of the one man Commission headed byHon’ble Sri Justice M.Krishna Rao, constituted in 1985-namely “hence a notification should be issued by theGovernment that no idol should be prepared, which ismore than 3 feet in height.”

It is unfortunate that the state has failed to act even interms of the various committees set up.

The lakes in and around the twin cities and Hussain sagarin particular are being polluted. The duty of the Statewould be to see that the immersion of Ganesh Idolsinstalled at several localities in the twin cities mightconveniently be immersed in other lakes”.

Referring to the guidelines given by the West BengalPollution Control Board, with regard to maintenance andcleanliness of the water in the River Ganga, directed thatthe Respondents, must follow the said guidelines and /or other stricter measures having regard to the fact thatin twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, idols areimmersed in lakes and not rivers like the Ganga.

G.O. Rt. No. 233 of 27-7-2001 of E.F.S.& T.Considering various aspects and based on the recommendationsof the Cabinet Sub-Committee, constituted to resolve the issuesrelating to the decentralization of immersion of Ganesh idols inthe tanks other than Hussain Sagar, the above G.O. was issued byerstwhile Goverrnment, the salient features of which are givenbelow:

Only vegetable-based natural colours must be used onGanesh Idols, instead of metallic colours to preventpollution.

All Ganesh idols shall preferably be made of clay.Reduce the size of the idols.

Shall persuade the local associations and Samithis to immerse theidols in local lakes other than Hussain Sagar.

Slow action by authorities even after Fifteen yearsAlthough it is heartening to know that the Collector of Hyderabad,the Pollution Control Board, Forum For A Better Hyderabad andthe Ganesh Utsav Committee have been successful to some extentin persuading the idol makers to use eco-friendly vegetable dyesfor painting their idols, much more needs to be done.

The authorities need to take drastic steps to reduce the noisepollution caused by the playing of music in high volume, causinginconvenience especially to the old, the sick and the infants. Strictinstructions should be given to maintain low volumes. Under theNoise (Pollution & Control) Rules, 2000, a person may complainto the relevant authority, if the noise level exceeds more than 10dB than the permissible ambient limits (Permissible Ambient AirQuality standards prescribes a daytime 55 dB and night time 45dBsound levels in residential areas). The relevant authorities shouldtake appropriate action.

The water bodies in and around Hyderabad, including HussainSagar and also Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar are beingencroached and contaminated having serious adverse ecologicalimpacts, in violation of provisions of erstwhile Government’s Water& Environment (Protection) Acts, & directives of AP High Courtin matters of public indifference and insensitivity. Under the APWater Land And Tree Act (WALTA), 2002, Chapter 4 point 23 pt4 “no undesirable wastes including liquid wastes shall be allowedto be dumped in the water bodies by any person or organization”

Instead of protecting the lakes and removing the encroachments,amendments to GO111 are being brought about which willdangerously damage the valuable sources of drinking water.

Let us act now and persuade the reduction in number andin the size of the Idols.Let us promote the use of eco-friendly natural colours.Let us promote the immersion of Idols in local lakes insteadof immersion of such a large number in Hussain Sagar andcompletely stop immersion in Osman Sagar and HimayatSagar, and protest against any amendments to GO111.

Let us wake up. More than one and half decade passedwithout much action !!!

Contact: Shobha Singh, Convenor, Ganesh Immersion Sub Committee, Mobile: 9030626288

FORUM FOR A BETTER HYDERABAD,“CHANDRAM” DECCAN ACADEMY, St.No.12, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad-500029

E-mail: betterhyd@yahoo.co.in Website: www.hyderabadgreens.org

BBBBBrrrrrought a Pought a Pought a Pought a Pought a Pamphlet on CLamphlet on CLamphlet on CLamphlet on CLamphlet on CLAAAAAY & ECO FRIENDLY & ECO FRIENDLY & ECO FRIENDLY & ECO FRIENDLY & ECO FRIENDLY GANESH AY GANESH AY GANESH AY GANESH AY GANESH AWWWWWARENESSARENESSARENESSARENESSARENESSFORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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in association withFORFORFORFORFORUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETUM FOR A BETTERHYDERABADTERHYDERABADTERHYDERABADTERHYDERABADTERHYDERABAD

& CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIET& CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIET& CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIET& CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIET& CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIETYYYYY, , , , , TELTELTELTELTELANGANAANGANAANGANAANGANAANGANA

OrganisedMUSI RIVER INTERNAMUSI RIVER INTERNAMUSI RIVER INTERNAMUSI RIVER INTERNAMUSI RIVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVTIONAL FILM FESTIVTIONAL FILM FESTIVTIONAL FILM FESTIVTIONAL FILM FESTIVAL-2017, HYDERABADAL-2017, HYDERABADAL-2017, HYDERABADAL-2017, HYDERABADAL-2017, HYDERABAD

FFFFFrrrrrom om om om om WWWWWednesdayednesdayednesdayednesdayednesday, 18 J, 18 J, 18 J, 18 J, 18 Januaranuaranuaranuaranuaryyyyy, 2017 - 25th J, 2017 - 25th J, 2017 - 25th J, 2017 - 25th J, 2017 - 25th Jan, 2017an, 2017an, 2017an, 2017an, 2017

FFFFForororororum Fum Fum Fum Fum For A Bor A Bor A Bor A Bor A Better Hetter Hetter Hetter Hetter Hyyyyyderabad associatedderabad associatedderabad associatedderabad associatedderabad associatedwith CMS with CMS with CMS with CMS with CMS VVVVVAAAAATTTTTAAAAAVVVVVARAN and CHILDREN’SARAN and CHILDREN’SARAN and CHILDREN’SARAN and CHILDREN’SARAN and CHILDREN’SFILM SOCIETFILM SOCIETFILM SOCIETFILM SOCIETFILM SOCIETYYYYY, , , , , TELTELTELTELTELANGANA in organisingANGANA in organisingANGANA in organisingANGANA in organisingANGANA in organisingMMMMMusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi River Ier Ier Ier Ier International Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Film Film Film Film Film Festivestivestivestivestival, 2017 a 7al, 2017 a 7al, 2017 a 7al, 2017 a 7al, 2017 a 7DDDDDay Fay Fay Fay Fay Festivestivestivestivestival at Hal at Hal at Hal at Hal at Hyyyyyderabad frderabad frderabad frderabad frderabad from 18th - 25thom 18th - 25thom 18th - 25thom 18th - 25thom 18th - 25thJJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuaryyyyy, 2017 in association with D, 2017 in association with D, 2017 in association with D, 2017 in association with D, 2017 in association with Depareparepareparepartmenttmenttmenttmenttmentof Language and Cof Language and Cof Language and Cof Language and Cof Language and Culturulturulturulturulture, Ge, Ge, Ge, Ge, Gooooovvvvvernment ofernment ofernment ofernment ofernment ofTTTTTelangana, Delangana, Delangana, Delangana, Delangana, Depareparepareparepartment of Etment of Etment of Etment of Etment of Envirnvirnvirnvirnvironment &onment &onment &onment &onment &FFFFForororororest, Gest, Gest, Gest, Gest, Gooooovvvvvernment of ernment of ernment of ernment of ernment of TTTTTelangana, elangana, elangana, elangana, elangana, TTTTTSPCB andSPCB andSPCB andSPCB andSPCB andJNTU.JNTU.JNTU.JNTU.JNTU. This is the seventh edition of the travellingCMS VATAVARAN- Environment and WildlifeInternational Film Festival. The theme of the filmThe theme of the filmThe theme of the filmThe theme of the filmThe theme of the filmfestivfestivfestivfestivfestival and foral and foral and foral and foral and forum is ‘um is ‘um is ‘um is ‘um is ‘WWWWWater for Lifeater for Lifeater for Lifeater for Lifeater for Life’ and is’ and is’ and is’ and is’ and isdedicated to Rivdedicated to Rivdedicated to Rivdedicated to Rivdedicated to Rivers.ers.ers.ers.ers.

During the 7 days of the festival, filmscreenings, Musi River Front Walk, Cultural andLiterary Meet and discussions were held at manyvenues, including at Ravindra Bharathi, TelanganaState Pollution Control Board and at PrivateSchools.

ScrScrScrScrScreening of Ieening of Ieening of Ieening of Ieening of Indian and Indian and Indian and Indian and Indian and InternationalnternationalnternationalnternationalnternationalFFFFFilmsilmsilmsilmsilms

A total of 28 award winning and nominatedfilms were screened across many prominent venuesduring the festival -Telangana State PollutionControl Board, Jawaharlal Nehru TechnologicalUniversity and Ravindra Bharathi. These screeningwere open to public, school children and colleges.

MMMMMusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi River Fer Fer Fer Fer Frrrrront ont ont ont ont WWWWWalkalkalkalkalk was conducted on20th January, 2017 in the morning, starting at theCity College, Next to State High Court and endingat the Salarjung Museum (8:00 AM -11:00 AM).

CCCCCultural and Literarultural and Literarultural and Literarultural and Literarultural and Literary My My My My Meet at the eet at the eet at the eet at the eet at the TTTTTamarindamarindamarindamarindamarindTTTTTrrrrreeeeeeeeee – “SHAAM E MUSI”“SHAAM E MUSI”“SHAAM E MUSI”“SHAAM E MUSI”“SHAAM E MUSI” was organised on 21January, 2017 in the evening under the historicTamarind Tree at the north bund of the Musi Riverand on the Premises of Osmania Hospital, AfzalGunj from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM. The evening wasfilled with Lavani Dance, Poetry recitals and Ghazalsabout the Music River and Hyderabad culture. ChiefGuest was Sri B. V. Papa Rao garu, IAS, Advisor tothe Government (Policy & InstitutionalDevelopment).

FORFORFORFORFORUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S AUM’S ACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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IIIIInauguration of Scrnauguration of Scrnauguration of Scrnauguration of Scrnauguration of Screening of Ieening of Ieening of Ieening of Ieening of Indian andndian andndian andndian andndian andIIIIInternational Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Filmsilmsilmsilmsilms

Inauguration of Film Screenings as part of MusiRiver International Film Festival, 2017 wasconducted at Ravindra Bharathi, on 19.1.17 at 11a.m. by Sri.Mamidi Hari Krishna, Director,Department of Language and Culture, Governmentof Telangana. Sri.M.Vedakumar, President, ForumFor a Better Hyderabad and Ms.Anita Medasani,Regional Manager, CMS Hyderabad briefed about

the Musi River International Film Festival,2017 tothe participants. Sri.M.Vedakumar explained aboutthe historical importance of the Musi River. Eminentpersons, like minded people and students of differentschools have attended and watched the filmsscreenings. They appreciated the organisers forproviding such opportunity to see National andInternational Film based on the theme of “Waterfor Life”

“Concord History is not a thing of thepast but a promise for the future”

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A MA MA MA MA Musi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi River Fer Fer Fer Fer Frrrrront ont ont ont ont WWWWWalkalkalkalkalk was conducted aspart of Musi River International Film Festival, 2017on the 20th January, 2017 in the morning, startingat the City College, Next to State High Court andending at the Salarjung Museum (8:00 AM -11:00AM). Eminent persons, historians, Civil Societygroups and NGOS along with school children andorganisers of the Festival took part in the walk.

During the walk discussions and question hour werealso conducted. The participants were explained andguided by Sri.M.Vedakumar, President, Forum Fora Better Hyderabad about the historic significanceof Musi River and the need for the protection,conservation and beautification of the River duringthe walk.

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A CA CA CA CA Cultural & Literarultural & Literarultural & Literarultural & Literarultural & Literary meet “SHAAM-e-y meet “SHAAM-e-y meet “SHAAM-e-y meet “SHAAM-e-y meet “SHAAM-e-MUSI”MUSI”MUSI”MUSI”MUSI” was organised bwas organised bwas organised bwas organised bwas organised by CMS y CMS y CMS y CMS y CMS VVVVVatavatavatavatavatavaran inaran inaran inaran inaran inassociation with Fassociation with Fassociation with Fassociation with Fassociation with Forororororum Fum Fum Fum Fum For a Bor a Bor a Bor a Bor a Better Hetter Hetter Hetter Hetter Hyyyyyderabad,derabad,derabad,derabad,derabad,DECCAN ACADEMY and Children’s Film Society,Telangana on 21st Jan, 2017 (Saturday) at 6 p.m. atTamarind Tree in the premises of Osmania Hospital,Afzal GunjiIn connection with Musi RiverInternational Film Festival, 2017, Hyderabad. TheChief Guest was Sri.B.V.Papa Rao, IAS., Advisor tothe Government of Telangana. The otherparticipants were Sri.M.Vedakumar, President,Forum For A Better Hyderabad Sri.Srinivasa Reddy,Zonal Commissioner (South Zone), GHMC,Sri.N.Bhaskar Rao, Chairman, CMS Vatavaran,Sri.Sajjad Shahid, Secretary, Centre for DeccanStudies Sri.S.Anand Raj Varma, Historian, Ms.AnitaMedasani, Regional Manager, CMS Hyderabad.Speaking on the occasion Sri.B.V.Papa Rao said“The historic saviour tree will be given most

importance and the entire surrounding area of thetree will be protected and conserved. Further, arequest will be made to the Commissioner,GHMC”. He further said that the there is specialagenda in Telangana Government for the protectionand conservation of surroundings of Musi River.Sri.M.Vedakumar in his speech said that in futurealso similar type of programmes based on heritageand culture will be conducted in and around MusiRiver on behalf of Deccan Academy and Forum ForA Better Hyderabad to create awareness amongHyderabadies on the historic importance ofHyderabad and its culture. On this occasion, Laavnion Musi Floods, Phaag, Poems on the Musi River,Songs on Hyderabad and Gazals were sung bySri.Narender Rai, Sri.Suresh Babu and KishoreKumar group and short films based on environment,nature, rivers were screened at the venue. Participantswere guided and explained about the historical

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importance of city of Hyderabad and the history of1908 Musi Floods, and how the Tamarind Tree hadsaved the lives of 100 people. The programme came

an end with a vote of thanks by Smt.Shobha Singh,General Secretary, CFS, Telangana.

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MMMMMusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi Rivusi River Ier Ier Ier Ier International Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Fnternational Film Film Film Film Film Festivestivestivestivestival,al,al,al,al,2017, H2017, H2017, H2017, H2017, Hyyyyyderabad was concluded derabad was concluded derabad was concluded derabad was concluded derabad was concluded at TSPCBAuditorium on 25.1.17 at 2 p.m. by Sri.P.Satyanarayana Reddy, IAS., Member Secretary,TSPCB.

On this occasion, a Citation was presented toSri.Subhash Reddy, as a Green Ambassador, who is

committed towards the cause of water resourceconservation by Sri.M.Vedakumar, Chairman,Children’s Film Society and Ms.Anita Medasani,Regional Manager, CMS Vatavaran - A Talk on RiverMusi- Issues & Challenges for Environment was alsoconducted during the film screening on the ClosingCeremony Day.

1. Installation of Continuous Monitoringsystems by the Industries:

Telangana State Pollution Control Board(TSPCB) has issued directions to variousindustries for installation of OnlineContinuous stack and ambient air qualitymonitoring equipments by 17 category ofpolluting industries such as Power plants,Cement plants, Sugar and distilleries,etc., and IP cameras by pharma industrieshaving ZLD facilities or members ofcommon ETP. Accordingly, so far 90 unitshave installed online continuous stackemission and effluent monitoring systemand they have been connected to“Envirocare centre” of TSPCB so that totrack pollution levels.

In addition to the above, the TSPCB alsohas also installed Continuous Ambient AirQuality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) atSanathnagar, Punjagutta, HyderabadCentral Laboratory, Zoo Park andPashamylaram.

TSPCB has procured two Realtime WaterQuality Monitoring Station and installedat Budha Purnima Project, Hussainsagarand at Fathenagar to assess the waterquality continuously. The instrumentsfacilitate to monitor the water qualitycontinuously and also to check anydischarges like sewage and industrialeffluents into the lake

2. Redressal of Public Grievances throughToll free Number and Night patrolling teams:

The Board has recently introduced tollfree telephone number 10741 to receivethe complaints from the public and toaddress their grievances. The publicresponse to the toll free number has beengood and it has helped the Board ineffectively handling the pollution issues.

Apart from the above the Night patrollingteams of Board officials attend publiccomplaints during night time and also toverify violations by the industries.

3. Rolling Task Force:

The Board constituted Rolling Task Forceteams with technical and scientific staffto monitor the polluted areas in acomprehensive way and to identify thepollution sources and to take remedialmeasures through the external expertsadvisory committee.

4. Vehicle Tracking system for surveillance

on effluent tankers movement:

The Board has developed GPS basedautomatic effluent tanker tracking andreporting system for TSPCB authorisedvehicles (95 nos.) and Bio-Medical Wastecarrying vehicles (38 nos.) through Centrefor Good Governance, Hyderabad. Thiswill help to have surveillance on effluenttankers movement in and aroundHyderabad and transporting effluents toCommon Effluent Treatment Plant(CETP). It helps in controlling illegaldischarge of effluents by tankers.

5. Constitution of External AdvisoryCommittees:

The Board has constituted ExternalAdvisory Committees for issue of CFE,CFO and review of industries. The CFE& CFO Committees help in speedy andtransparent processing of theapplications.

6. Speedy Disposal of Consent forEstablishment & Consent for Operationapplications:

The applications received from theindustries for establishment / expansionand operation through the nodal agency(Industries Department) are beingprocessed on priority within the stipulatedtime limits. The Board is disposing all TS-iPASS applications within the time limits.

7. Computerized Inspection Allocation:

The Board has designed a softwarebased tool ‘Computerized InspectionAllocation’ for compliance inspections andmandates online submission of inspectionreports within 48 hours of inspections, tothe Department.

8. Auto renewal of consents and HazardousWaste Authorisation

The Board introduced auto renewal ofConsent for Operation (CFO) andHazardous Waste Authorisation (HWA) toall categories (Red, Orange & Green) ofindustries based on self certification bythe industry. The auto renewal for a periodof 5 years is applicable to the industries /organizations applying for the renewal ofConsent for Operation at least 30 daysbefore the expiry of consent validity periodand meeting the criteria for auto renewal.

9. Online Consent Management andMonitoring System (OCMMS):

The NIC, New Delhi developed “Online

Consent Management and MonitoringSystem” (OCMMS) for the Board foronline processing of applications forConsent for Establishment (CFE) andConsent for Operation (CFO) andapplications for Hazardous WasteAuthorization (HWA) .The OCMMSsystem allows application through online,payment of consent fee, tracking andmonitoring and allows the users todownload the final signed approvalcertificate from the online portal.

10. Promotion of Clean Energy Concept:

The Board has installed 100 kwp Roof TopSolar Power System through TelanganaNew & Renewable Energy DevelopmentCorporation Ltd., to cater about 50% ofpower requirements of Head Office,Sanathnagar and also installed 25 kwpand 15 kwp Roof Top Solar PowerSystems for Begumpet and Warangaloffice buildings respectively.

11. Plantation programme:

The Board has been stipulating conditionsin CFEs & CFOs for development ofgreenbelt and 799 acres of green belt wasdeveloped by the industries.

12. Environmental awareness programmes:

Conducted awareness programmeon using eco-friendly Ganesh in alldistricts of Telangana region anddistributed approx one lakh clayGanesh idols on subsidiary rates.

Conducted awareness programmesduring Krishna Pushkaralu

Short films on vehicular pollution,plastic waste management, industrialpollution were made and distributedto all the district collectors fordissemination.

Awareness campaign andprogrammes were conducted duringDiwali festival for reduction of noisepollution and promoting use of lightswith innovative sky ballons, banners,posters, etc.

The Board conducted awarenessprogramme on Environment andprevention of pollution to children atRaj Bhavan on Childrens Day i.e.,14.11.2016.

Sd/-

MEMBER SECRETARY

IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF

TELANGANA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD