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Hans India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Residents in several areas root for fixation of inundation woes
Hyderabad: Each monsoon season brings immense hardship to Hyderabad residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, as heavy downpours consistently lead to widespread inundation. Following recent flood-like situations, exasperated locals are once again demanding a permanent solution to the perennial flooding issue. During the latest heavy rains, numerous localities experienced flooded roads and stranded vehicles. Affected areas included Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Yousufguda, colonies in Nagole, Uppal, Begumpet, and even affluent areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. Parts of the Old City, such as Bahadurpura, Chandrayangutta, Malakpet, Nawab Sahab Kunta, Talabkatta, and Yakutpura, were also severely hit. Residents expressed profound disappointment, noting that their areas were still inundated despite crores of Rs having been spent on various civic projects. 'Though the GHMC took various civic works by spending crores of rupees, the rain has flooded the various colonies in Tolichowki. The GHMC is facing criticism for their failure,' stated Asif Hussain Sohail, a resident of Surya Nagar Colony in Tolichowki. Residents and activists allege that monsoon preparedness works are still ongoing, even after the arrival of the monsoon season. They claim this year's disruptions are a direct consequence of these pending projects. Following the recent rains, videos circulated widely on social media platforms, showing high-speed water flows and even bikes being washed away in several Old City and other areas. Mohammed Ahmed, vice-president of the TDP Minority Cell, highlighted, 'Over 70 per cent of the monsoon works are incomplete and are still going on in ongoing incessant rains in various areas in the southern part of the city.' The heavy rains have caused significant personal loss for some. Talha Bin Amoodi, a physically challenged resident of Jahanuma, lost household items due to water inundation. 'When I approached the area representative regarding the water inundation, he asked me to vacate the house, as this decades-old issue will not be solved,' Amoodi recounted. Similarly, S Ganesh, a resident of Moosarambagh, observed, 'Though the works in various colonies were completed, still the residents are witnessing water inundation. In half an hour of rain, the colony was inundated, and we residents are in fear of rains and inundation during the monsoon season.' Activists further allege that civic authorities are failing to act despite multiple complaints, attributing the problem to faulty engineering works undertaken by the civic department. 'The engineering wing of GHMC has failed to rectify the problem even after several crores of works were done to prevent flooding. The government must take serious action against the officials and hold an enquiry by the vigilance department,' Ahmed urged.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
4 held for faking govt 2BHK house allotment letters in Hyderabad, duped 30 people of Rs 42L using RDO's forged signature; fake seals, cash recovered
Hyderabad task force apprehended four individuals for allegedly defrauding approximately 30 people of ₹42 lakh over two years by forging government-sponsored 2BHK house allotment letters. HYDERABAD: Task force sleuths on Wednesday arrested four individuals for duping people by creating fake allotment letters of govt-sponsored 2BHK houses by impersonating the signature of Revenue Divisional Officer. The arrested accused were Mohammed Ahmed, Mohammed Amjad alias Munavar, Kothakota Raj Kumar Reddy alias Raju, and Mir Kousar Ali alias Siraj. The police said the accused had defrauded around 30 people of Rs 42 lakh over two years. The accused procured money ranging from 50,000 to 2.2 lakh from victims for a house in Bandlaguda. "Ahmed used to work as a labourer on a two-bedroom construction site in Bandlaguda. During this time, he hatched a plan to make money by making false promises to help people get a house allotment," said deputy commissioner of police (Task Force) YVS Sudheendra, adding that Ahmed then roped in other accused. The accused obtained one genuine allotment letter with RDO's signature and used an app to generate fake ones. Cops recovered ₹5.5 lakh from them.
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First Post
04-06-2025
- Health
- First Post
How Gaza's food relief centres have turned into death traps
A US- and Israel-backed aid system in Gaza, meant to ease starvation, has become a new source of horror. At least 80 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured near aid hubs, with witnesses blaming Israeli gunfire read more Recent aid distribution operations in southern Gaza have been marred by near-daily shootings that have claimed the lives of at least 80 Palestinians and left hundreds injured, according to officials at multiple hospitals in the enclave. The violence is unfolding around new humanitarian aid centres established by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the United States and Israel and made up largely of American contractors. Eyewitnesses say that in multiple incidents, crowds walking toward the aid centres were met with gunfire from nearby Israeli troops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These shootings have occurred as large groups of Palestinians, facing dire food shortages and near-famine conditions, travel on foot in the predawn hours to access food distributions. GHF began operating on May 26, after a nearly three-month Israeli blockade had brought aid delivery to a near halt. With traditional humanitarian corridors shut down or restricted, the population of over two million has increasingly been forced into high-risk zones to obtain basic food supplies. Hospital sources, including those at the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah and the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, confirm that the overwhelming majority of injuries are from gunshot wounds. Many victims have been children and women, and hospital staff report overflowing morgues and patients filling not only every bed, but also the floors. In one facility, an aid worker described numerous patients with wounds to their legs and buttocks, noting that the scale of the carnage has pushed the hospital beyond capacity, reported AP. The most lethal incidents have been concentrated around a traffic circle known as the Flag Roundabout in Rafah, roughly one kilometre northwest of GHF's Tel al-Sultan aid hub. The distribution centre is located within proximity of an Israeli military base. Witnesses recount that on Sunday and again on Tuesday of the same week, Israeli troops began shooting into the crowd around 3 to 4 am. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thousands had gathered in the darkness to secure food when, according to three individuals present, gunfire erupted from tanks, drones and ground forces. Mohammed Ahmed, a Palestinian who had arrived early in the hope of collecting aid, told AP, 'They may have opened fire because they felt threatened by the thousands of people in the area.' He and other witnesses noted that there were no visible provocations or attacks from the crowd before the Israeli forces fired. How Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid model works The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was launched as an alternative to the United Nations-led system that had previously handled aid distribution in Gaza. According to the Israeli government, the change was needed due to alleged diversions of supplies by Hamas. However, international aid organisations and the UN itself have firmly denied significant interference by Hamas, arguing that the prior system functioned with far greater efficiency and neutrality. GHF's approach centralises aid into fixed distribution sites, each located within military zones and secured by armed contractors. At present, three such hubs are operational: one in central Gaza and two near the deserted outskirts of Rafah in the far south. Not all hubs operate daily, and access routes to them are tightly controlled. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Palestinians seeking food must walk several kilometers to reach these sites, using a single designated road patrolled by Israeli forces. GHF has publicly warned civilians to remain on this route, cautioning that straying from it 'represents a great danger.' Food boxes are typically distributed starting at 5 am, but many Palestinians set out hours earlier to avoid being turned away empty-handed. This results in thousands of people converging in darkness, passing through military checkpoints and near troop encampments. When aid sites open, food parcels are left on pallets within fenced-off enclosures. A video shared by GHF shows a frenzied rush, with crowds sprinting toward the supplies. Witnesses say that individuals often take multiple boxes, leading to shortages and chaos, with many people leaving empty-handed. Tess Ingram of UNICEF remarked that 'our team on the ground reports these boxes are woefully insufficient for ensuring children's well-being,' adding that the scale of aid does not meet the growing needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The contents of each parcel — usually flour, sugar, canned tuna, cooking oil, and pasta — are meant to last a family of five for three to four days. On Wednesday, following the spike in violence and criticism from aid agencies, GHF paused its food distribution efforts. The group confirmed it was in discussions with the Israeli military regarding ways to improve civilian safety. In particular, GHF requested the development of more precise guidance for foot traffic, enhanced training for Israeli troops, and revisions to military protocols in order to minimise the risk of escalation near aid routes. A spokesperson for the organisation stated that GHF was 'saddened to learn that a number of civilians were injured and killed after moving beyond the designated safe corridor,' referring to areas that extend beyond the controlled aid zones and into declared military regions. What the Israeli military has said The Israeli military has responded by saying that its troops only fired warning shots in several cases, and in others, targeted what it described as 'suspects' who approached military positions despite repeated alerts. On Tuesday, a spokesperson said Israeli forces 'fired to drive away suspects,' while pointing out that the full details are under review. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Army spokesman Effie Defrin said, 'The numbers of casualties published by Hamas were exaggerated,' though the military acknowledged that it was investigating the matter. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of attempting to interfere with aid delivery efforts. As part of that narrative, the Israeli military released drone footage claiming to show armed individuals firing at civilians attempting to collect aid in Khan Younis — an area without a GHF distribution centre. However, this footage has not been independently verified by journalists, and its context remains unclear. Notably, in its descriptions of the incidents near the GHF hubs, the Israeli military has not confirmed the presence of armed Hamas members. Meanwhile, GHF has maintained that no violence has taken place within its secured aid sites and that its staff have not been involved in any use of force. This week's incidents are not without precedent. In February 2024, more than 100 Palestinians were killed in a separate episode in which Israeli forces fired on civilians surrounding an aid convoy in northern Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At that time, Israel said its troops had responded to a group of individuals who ignored warning shots and charged at their position. International officials, including those from the UN and the European Union, asserted that most of the deaths in that episode were caused by direct Israeli gunfire. What the UN has said The growing death toll from these aid-related shootings has sparked renewed international outrage. The United Nations has reiterated its longstanding concerns about the new distribution system, calling it dangerous and counterproductive. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, 'It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food.' He criticised the current system, supported by Israel and the US, as 'a recipe for disaster,' warning that it is failing to provide safe, effective humanitarian relief. The United Nations Security Council is now preparing to vote on a draft resolution that demands an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal also calls for the lifting of all restrictions on aid entry and its unrestricted distribution, including through UN agencies. Additionally, the draft includes a demand for the release of all hostages still held by Hamas or other groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ten of the fifteen Council members have brought forward the motion, with Slovenia's Ambassador to the UN, Samuel Zbogar, stating, 'It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.' Whether the resolution will pass remains uncertain, particularly as the United States has often vetoed motions perceived as unfavourable to Israel. The conflict which began after the October 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took approximately 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities in Gaza. These figures include civilians and combatants alike, with thousands more believed to be buried under collapsed buildings. GHF reports that it has distributed over seven million meals since its launch. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Hans India
Illegal LPG cylinder refilling still rampant as govt turns a blind eye
Hyderabad: Despite many accidents, some of which have been fatal, the illegal practice of refilling small cylinders from larger LPG cylinders continues unabated in the city. This illegal activity continues to thrive without any action taken by the authorities. The illegal trade of cooking gas thefts by the illegal refilling of the cylinders is mushrooming across the city, especially in Old City areas. These cylinders are used by small hotels, jewellery stores among others. In areas like Falaknuma, Chandrayangutta, Bandlaguda, Vattepally, Yakutpura, Bahadurpura, Mallepally, Nampally and the localities in slums, the owners of several shops that repair gas stoves are busy doing a dangerous activity that can cause a calamity in the area. Shockingly, these stores are located in most of the densely populated residential and commercial areas. They transfer LPG from regular sized cylinders supplied to homes to small ones of 2-5 kg size. According to law, illegal gas refilling is a crime. These shops are usually cluttered with spares of gas stoves and empty cylinders. The refilling is done using a regular sized cylinder to a smaller one using a poor-quality connector. The entire filling and refilling are done so haphazardly that it is a disaster waiting to happen – not just a gas leak but also the likelihood of cylinder or gas explosion. Mohammed Ahmed, an activist, said, 'These small cylinders are especially used by the Sunars, goldsmiths or gold and silver traders. The entire Gulzar Houz area uses the gas and illegally refills the cylinders. However, several incidents have occurred in the past but still no action has been taken to stop the illegal trade of refilling cylinders.' It has been noted that the large cylinders for the job are bought by the refilling shops from gas agencies, which are paid a handsome commission for it. The small cylinder of five kg is refilled for between Rs 400 and Rs 500, while the normal cylinder in black market costs Rs 1,200. Last month, a 35-year-old man was severely injured when a blast took place when he was illegally refilling LPG cylinders in a store in Kukatpally. He was illegally refilling gas into small cylinders at an electrical and gas services shop. Despite several such incidents, no strict action is being taken by civil supplies and police to curb this menace that is widespread in the city. Citizens alleged that police have failed to control this illegal activity despite many complaints. 'The civil supplies officials should constantly monitor such illegal activities and take necessary action. At the field level, the police should be active enough to identify the illegal activity,' said K Venkatesh, a resident of Lal Darwaza. Besides, most hotels and restaurants use domestic cylinders for commercial purposes, causing a financial loss to the government.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Pre-monsoon works face hiccups as water logging grips parts of city
Hyderabad: With the onset of monsoon, the city is witnessing heavy water logging, thanks to the incomplete pre-monsoon preparations. The residents alleged that officials had ignored the seriousness of water logging and had taken no step to prevent the water inundation in localities. Despite repeated warnings and past experiences of flooding of various areas across the city, the monsoon related work appears to be moving at a slow pace. There was no proper desilting of manholes, storm water drains, and nalas which can prevent water logging. In several areas, there was no desilting and if completed following the heavy rains, heaps of desilted mud remained uncleared from the roads. Though the civic body has taken measures to ensure that no rainwater to be inundated, it has been observed that the roads were blocked due to water logging. According to activists, the status of monsoon-related works including desilting and works under the Telangana government's Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP) in GHMC limits is still underway and nowhere near completion, despite passing the deadline. 'A brief 15-minute downpour is leaving parts of main roads in knee-deep water, which exposed the unpreparedness for the monsoon season,' said Mohammed Ahmed, an activist. Activists said that construction activities must cease during the season. However, the works are continuing in different parts of the city, posing risks to drivers during heavy rainfall, as the entire stretch where the works are going on are dug up, and filled with potholes. Venkat Rao a resident of Surya Nagar colony in Shaikpet said, 'During heavy rainfall, numerous internal roads within our locality see severe water logging, with water levels rising up to the knees. It is a challenge for us in accessing the main road. In these flooded streets, we found ourselves stranded in the middle of a submerged road, unable to proceed further in our vehicles.' During rains, various areas in the city are witnessing water logging including the worst affected colonies in Tolichowki, Attapur, LB Nagar, Uppal, Begumpet, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Vanasthalipuram, Hayath Nagar, Somajiguda, Ameerpet, Nampally, among others. These areas have been witnessing massive flooding during rains. Also, several localities in the Old City like Talabkatta, Tadbun, Yakutpura, Dabeerpura, Darulshifa, Bahadurpura and Old Malakpet. Moreover, the GHMC identified over 141 locations that are affected by water logging and measures were taken to address the issue permanently.
