Latest news with #Hudhud
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Urban expansion alters Vizag's natural landscape
Visakhapatnam: The erstwhile combined Visakhapatnam district has undergone a dramatic transformation in its land use and land cover (LULC) over the past two decades, with rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion reshaping its landscape between 2000 and 2023. A recent analysis by researchers from Vignan's Institute of Information Technology, Visakhapatnam, using supervised classification through ArcGIS, reveals significant shifts in key land categories. In 2000, Visakhapatnam exhibited a relatively balanced LULC distribution. Agricultural land dominated, covering 37.42% of the area, followed closely by forest vegetation at 35.10%. Barren lands occupied 16.5%, while built-up areas stood at 7.98%. Water bodies and industrial areas made up smaller proportions at 1.68% and 1.29% respectively. By 2023, the urban fabric had visibly intensified. The built-up area surged to 18.7%, marking an 11.92% increase tied directly to population growth and the expanding demand for housing, commercial zones, and transport infrastructure. This rise was fuelled by new residential and commercial developments across the district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like איפה הכי כדאי להשקיע כסף? כלכלה מעשית מידע נוסף Undo Industrial areas also grew substantially, climbing from 1.29% in 2000 to 10.3% in 2023 — a change associated with new pharmaceutical ventures and overall industrialisation in the wake of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation. This growth corresponds to a 7.54% expansion per lakh population, according to the study's estimates. At the same time, natural and agricultural areas saw notable reductions. Agricultural land dropped from 37.42% to 26.3%, reflecting steady encroachment driven by urban and industrial expansion. Forest vegetation, despite a brief resurgence in 2020 due to post-cyclone restoration, decreased overall from 35.10% to 26.7%, with Cyclone Hudhud in 2015 contributing significantly to this decline. Water bodies, essential for ecological balance, declined marginally from 1.68% to 1.4%. This reduction is linked to industrial growth, land reclamation, and runoff-related degradation. Meanwhile, barren lands showed minimal change, inching up from 16.5% to 16.6%. The study projects that population growth will continue to shape land dynamics through 2030, stressing the importance of geospatial monitoring tools like ArcGIS and methods like supervised classification to guide sustainable development. Visakhapatnam's trajectory mirrors broader patterns in coastal urbanisation across India, where infrastructure progress often intersects with challenges in conserving vital ecosystems. The study was conducted by Brahmaiah Borigarla, Rajesh Adigarla, and Jyotheesh Alla from the Department of Civil Engineering at Vignan's Institute of Information Technology. The research report is titled "Land Use Land Cover Change Detection of Urban Area Using RS and GIS – A Case Study of Visakhapatnam District", published as Chapter 13 in the Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Materials and Sustainable Societal Development.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Underground power cables likely to rid Vizag core area of electric poles by December 2026
A large part of power network in the core city area of Visakhapatnam will soon be free of electric poles, if the underground cable laying gets completed as per schedule by December 2026. After witnessing the success of phase I of the underground power cabling, which was undertaken after Cyclone Hudhud laid poles to waste in October 2014, A.P. Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) is currently taking the project forward by laying underground base for a distance of 876 km under phase II at an investment of ₹973 crore as part of the Centre's Renovated Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The RDSS is aimed to improve the performance and efficiency of power sector in the country. The objectives include reducing AT&C (Integrated Technical and Commercial) losses, improving the quality and reliability of power supply and making the power distribution sector financially sustainable. Phase II was sanctioned last year, but work only began this financial year. Unlike the phase I, which provided underground network for 33kV, 11kV and LT lines, the phase II will cover only 33kV and 11kV lines up to the end of distribution transformers. The total project cost has been divided into ₹340 crore for the 33kV line and ₹633 crore for the 11kV line. The works, began in the summer of 2025, progressed well with no rain hampering it. During this southwest monsoon, progress could be slowed or the work interrupted. However, the authorities plan to expedite the work after the onset of winter, completing the project by December 2026. Speaking to The Hindu, APEPDCL superintending engineer for Visakhapatnanm district G. Shyambabu said only 33kV and 11kV lines will be covered in phase II. 'We will not take up LT lines (i.e. supply to domestic consumers) as was done in phase I. The underground cables were laid on every street and corner in phase I. However, proposals have been sent to the higher-ups to include the LT lines as well.'
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EPDCL aims to complete underground cabling project by August 2026
Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL) is rapidly progressing with its ambitious underground cabling project, aiming to complete the initiative within the next 15 months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project involves laying underground cables for high-tension (HT) lines, including 33 kV and 11 kV lines, across the entire city. Despite facing delays in the past due to permission issues and government transitions, the second phase of the project is now underway, with work currently ongoing on the outskirts of the city. EPDCL has already completed around 140 km of the 876 km line within three months, demonstrating significant progress. Once the project is completed, residents in apartments will receive direct power supply through underground cables, eliminating the need for transformers at individual apartments. Public transformers on streets will, however, continue to be used. The importance of underground cabling became evident after the devastating super cyclone Hudhud, which prompted the govt to undertake this initiative with the help of World Bank aid. The first phase of the project, which involved laying around 260 km of underground cables on the beach road area, was successfully completed. The second phase, estimated to cost ₹973.44 crore, will cover the entire city and is expected to minimize damage to power infrastructure during cyclones and natural calamities. EPDCL CMD Immadi Prudhvi Teja stated that the target is to complete the second phase by March 2026, but the presence of bitumen (BT) roads and cement roads in the city might pose challenges. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He added that wherever kaccha roads are present, the work will be completed quickly, but digging BT and cement roads will require permissions from concerned authorities, making the process more complex. By August 2026, the city will receive power supply through underground cabling. The CMD emphasized that the project's primary goal is to achieve disaster resilience, and with the second phase, EPDCL is confident of realizing this objective. The underground cabling of power lines will not only reduce damage during natural calamities but also provide a more reliable power supply to the city's over 18 lakh consumers.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt writes to secretaries for devpt of Berhampur, Chhatrapur & Gopalpur towns
Berhampur: The state govt recently wrote to different department secretaries for comprehensive development of Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur towns in the Ganjam district. The additional secretary of planning and convergence department, Y. Vijay, wrote to the secretaries in response to Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy's suggestions which he gave to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Vijay asked for appropriate action on the proposals for the comprehensive development of these urban areas in the district. The proposals include the integration of peripheral panchayats into Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC), climate-resilient infrastructure and water resource management, underground cabling and the development of modern transport systems. They also cover the development of a city centre and regional trading hub, sustainable tourism and cultural preservation, smart city technology, disaster mitigation and preparedness, development of urban forests, revitalisation of water bodies and development of tourism sites. Panigrahy wrote to the CM on April 25, requesting comprehensive development work for Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur urban local bodies for the socio-economic development of the residents and their comprehensive infrastructure development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Arceto: L'ultima soluzione acustica svizzera: ingegnosa e quasi invisibile Migliora Udito Undo "Berhampur is the biggest trading centre in southern Odisha, while Gopalpur, a sea-shore town in the district, is one of the major tourist destinations. Chhatrapur, an NAC town, is the district headquarters of Ganjam district. Hundreds of people from far-off places visit these urban areas every day for business purposes in Berhampur, while visitors from across the country and abroad visit Gopalpur to enjoy its pleasant climate," Panigrahy said. "Underground cabling and climate-resilient infrastructure in these urban areas are needed as these towns are considered cyclone-prone areas. In the past, these areas faced several devastating cyclones like Phailin, Hudhud and Titli. The areas remained in darkness for several days when the power infrastructures were damaged in the calamities," he added. "The development of infrastructure facilities in these urban areas is urgently needed to attract more visitors and provide hassle-free services to them," Panigrahy said. He thanked the CM for directing the secretaries to his proposals. "I hope different departments will take prompt action for the implementation of his proposals," he added.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
In the wake of Operation Sindoor
Rajeev Kumar Jha is a development professional with over 18 years of extensive experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) across the South Asia region. He currently serves as the Director of DRR and CCA at the esteemed Humanitarian Aid International (HAI). As the Director, Rajeev is entrusted with the important responsibility of overseeing a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing climate change adaptation capacities. He plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative projects that integrate risk-informed approaches into development planning and humanitarian action, thereby contributing significantly to the betterment of society. Over the years he majorly invested in Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, and Humanitarian Response work. Mr Jha's latest work includes working with UNDP India as a DRR consultant and as national lead for Practical Action on its DRR and Flood Resilience work supported by the ZURICH Foundation. His contribution after the Nepal Earthquake for Islamic Relief Worldwide as Senior Programme Manager cum Country Representative was noteworthy when he worked for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected communities. He works as a consultant for the World Bank India team in its Disaster Management program. He played an active role in shaping plans and policies during natural disasters such as cyclone Hudhud and the Jammu-Kashmir flood in India. He is also skilled in dealing with issues related to Urban and Rural Affairs, Civil Society partnerships, DRR and Climate Change issues, mainstreaming in development planning and policy, training and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and program management at the national and international level. LESS ... MORE On the 22nd day of April 2025, in the quiet valley of Pahalgam, where streams murmur and meadows bloom, terror once again intruded upon the sanctity of peace. In a moment heavy with cruelty, 26 souls were lost—among them a newlywed couple, torn from joy into the grip of horror, conscripted by fate to bear a chilling message to the Prime Minister of this great Republic. What words suffice for such sorrow? What balm for a nation wounded again? The perpetrators—The Resistance Front (TRF), a name shadowed by the spectre of Lashkar-e-Taiba—did not delay in boasting of their cruelty. And as the blood of innocents still cried from the earth, a voice from across the border sought not solidarity, but proof. Proof, in the face of agony; proof, in defiance of truth laid bare. But we have seen this play before. The theatre of denial, the pantomime of diplomacy, the habitual shrug in the face of pain not theirs. Let our grief not be idle. The pyres now burn, the nation bows not in defeat, but rises in remembrance. For every child orphaned, for every life cut short, for every silence where once there was laughter—India remembers. And India will answer. In response, the Prime Minister addresses a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, on 24th April 2025, with a powerful message: 'We will seek justice.' On May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the ongoing challenge of terrorism, a situation that affects us all deeply. The ensuing four days of intense fighting revealed the toll of conflict, showcasing a level of fighting that many hoped would never be witnessed again. The conflict has also seen the advanced use of drones, air defence systems, and precision strikes on the enemy territory by the Indian Air Force, It became evident that we cannot let fear dictate our actions. After extensive diplomatic discussions, both countries announced a ceasefire, which we hope brings some relief. However, the Indian government has reiterated that this is just a temporary pause; we remain vigilant in the face of potential threats across the border. This situation is a reminder of the strength we find in our unity, crossing political divides to stand together for peace and security. One important question that arises is how a country with a population of 1.4 billion people, which has historically advocated for peace and nonviolence, has shifted its stance and is now prepared to retaliate against its enemies, demanding retribution without seeking assistance from the UN or other international agencies. Notably, India has requested the UN Security Council to mediate the issue of Kashmir (Security Council passed Resolution 39 on January 20, 1948, which established the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to mediate the dispute. The reasons are many: Repeated incidents This is not the first time that terrorists from across the border have ruthlessly taken the lives of innocent Indians. Tragic incidents are etched in our collective memory, from the fierce battles of Kargil to the chilling assault on the Parliament (13th Dec 2001), and the horrifying events of November 26, 2008, in Mumbai. On that fateful day, 166 lives were brutally snuffed out by the gunfire of Pakistani terrorists, leaving behind a wave of grief and devastation that still echoes in the hearts of many. Remember when Bill Clinton, former US president of US visited India in 2000 AD. 35 people in Anantnag district were killed by gunshot, a similar story when Vice President JD Evans visited in 2025. So, what changes then and now? One of the plausible reasons is that personality factors in Indian politics have shaped the major strategic decisions in India. To some extent, this is true, but even at this level, decisions are based on the socioeconomic and cultural inputs and the ability to deliver the message. Another reason could be the role of the middle class, as in the growing India voice of the middle class matters more than before, and governments may not ignore them now. Change in the country's strategic posture from defence to 'offensive defence' could be another one since 2014. There is also a clear political mandate since 2014 to respond decisively to aggression. But the real reason can be attributed to the economic growth of the country since 2000, as well as its ability to reform and modernise its systems and processes, making it more resilient. It is widely understood that effectively attacking an enemy depends on a society's ability to first withstand the shock, neutralise the threat, and then retaliate. In my opinion, a resilient economy plays a crucial role in the decision to strike back, as it provides better choices that simplify the strategic decision-making process. Now let's examine the economic growth of both countries, since 2000 AD, which may tell the real story of growing confidence of the Indian system to strike, and strike hard. According to the World Bank, India's average annual GDP growth rate from 2000 to 2023-24 is approximately 6.2%. This average reflects periods of significant expansion, such as the mid-2000s, as well as downturns, including the contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During the same period, the central government's revenue has increased dramatically from Rs 2.23 lakh crore (26 billion USD@83) to Rs 24.56 lakh crore (294 billion USD@83). This impressive revenue collection enables the government to allocate resources to various sectors, including defence. Let's also take a closer look at India's defence expenditure over recent years. India's defence spending has increased dramatically, rising from Rs 58,587 crore in 2000 AD (13 billion@45) to Rs 593,538 crore (71 billion@83), which amounts to about 2% of its GDP. Within this budget, capital expenditure typically constitutes around 28% to 32% of the total defence budget. While these figures may seem significant in absolute terms, the overall defence budget continues to hover around 2% of GDP. Given the fragile security situation, there is a growing call for India to increase its defence budget from 2% to 4% of GDP. At the same time, since 2000, Pakistan's average growth rate has been approximately 4.1%, starting from 1.9% of GDP growth in 2000, peaking at 7.5% in 2003-04, and then averaging around 4%. Notably, Pakistan experienced a contraction of up to 0.9% during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP, Pakistan allocates over 3%, which exceeds India's allocation of 2%. However, in absolute terms, and when factoring in the depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee against the Dollar, Pakistan's actual purchasing power is significantly lower. It can be concluded that despite Pakistan's defence spending, India's overall defence-related expenditure is considerably higher. This provides India with substantial capacity, knowledge, and skill to effectively respond to any incursions into its territory. What is evident is- a thriving economy, effective tax collection, and resource redistribution can be transformative forces that strengthen our ability to respond, enhance resilience against shocks, and accelerate India's thriving economy, which now exceeds USD 3.7 trillion, providing a solid foundation for national security. This economic scale allows for substantial and sustained investment in defence capabilities, including indigenous manufacturing (such as Tejas, BrahMos, and INS Vikrant) and the modernisation of the armed forces. Additionally, a vibrant economy enables India to maintain strong foreign exchange reserves (over USD 620 billion) and to fund strategic reserves and emergency responses. This context is further illustrated in the table provided below. IND & PAK defence budget and GDP growth comparison (2000–2024) Data Source-Several -SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, Ministry of Finance – Budget in Brief & Economic Survey – Historical defence budget allocations. However, just because the country is witnessing better economic growth doesn't mean that problems are resolved. One should combine all his social, economic, and cultural power in one direction to achieve its goal that s powerful, peaceful, and prosperous India. A few of the suggestions are- Promote economic asymmetry- It is crucial to achieve a consistent annual growth rate of 6-7 percent in comparison to your neighbouring economies. This strategic focus on sustained growth can transform the economic landscape. Such significant prosperity not only enhances competitive edge but also empowers to address pressing challenges with greater resilience. Correct the political narrative that fosters an unnecessary anti-minority atmosphere- The security situation in our country remains challenging, especially given our proximity to two large neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh who has Islam is the state religion, Secular and modern India should avoid falling into the trap of responding based on dominant religious ideologies. We must reset our domestic political culture to improve our image by fostering an environment of maximum participation and minimal interference. Deradicalise the society- There should be an honest attempt at deradicalisation that aligns with our civilisational ethos of inclusivity and tolerance, while propelling the nation forward in modernity and development. India must invest in inclusive education, equitable development, and civic engagement rooted in constitutional values and ancient civilisation. Rise quietly – Our rise need not be loud or declarative; instead, it must be defined by quiet confidence. We must choose a different path — one of focused reform, institutional capacity building, and inclusive growth. Rather than seeking validation through headline diplomacy or reactive posturing, the emphasis should be on economic resilience, technological innovation, human capital, and social harmony. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
