The Centre has approved around Rs 90 crore for development of two mega tourism circuits in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
While Rs 43.87 crore was sanctioned by the tourism ministry for the development of Solapur mega circuit in Maharashtra, Rs 45.88 crore has been approved for construction of Vishakapatnam-Bheemunipatnam beach corridor mega circuit in Andhra Pradesh, officials said.
The Maharashtra project involved development of tourism facilities at Pandharpur, Akkalkot, Solapur and Tuljapur.
The Maharashtra government will set up a monitoring committee headed by Principal Secretary (state tourism) to monitor the project and submit the report to Tourism Ministry on regular basis.
The Solapur project is expected to be commissioned within 36 months.
The Andhra project involves development of tourism facilities at Bheemunipatnam, Erramattidibbalu, Kailashgiri, Mangamaripeta Beach, R K Beach, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Rushikonda, Bhavikonda and beautification of beach corridor circuit.
The project to be executed by the state tourism corporation is expected to be commissioned within 18 months.
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / New Delhi, April 02nd, 2013
The Visakhapatnam-Bheemili beach road winding its way along foothills, close to coast | CH Kodandaramaiah
Come May 2015, tourists at Visakhapatnam can sunbathe on the decks at Rushikonda or Bheemili beach. They can also go yachting, play beach volleyball on the sands or just go on a nice long ride on the 30 km stretch of the beach road between RK beach and Bheemili, if the plans of the tourism department are anything to go by.
With the Central government releasing the first instalment of Rs 3.2 crore for the Visakhapatnam-Bheemili Beach Corridor Circuit (VBBCC) project, several tourism spots along the beach road are all set to get a major facelift. The Rs 45.88 crore project is also set to give a major boost to tourism in the City of Destiny. Union minister of state for tourism K Chiranjeevi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the project shortly.
With Central assistance, the government will develop RK Beach, Kailasagiri, Rushikonda beach, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Erramatti Dibbalu, Mangamaripeta, Bheemili village and other important spots along the coast.
The proposed project is aimed at developing the beach road at specific nodes and encourage tourism-related activities that help in future development of the beach road.
Over 50 percent of these funds (Rs 24 crore) will be used for the beautification of the beach corridor with softscapes, a new landscaping scheme, to ensure more consistent streetscape image, with a mix of indigenous and exotic trees of coastal character, apart from signages, parking lots, approach roads and other amenities. Pedestrian sidewalks and beach sidewalks are also part of the project.
Further, the tourism authorities are planning to create a signature image for the RK beach, which will define the beach promenade with the incorporation of viewing decks, picnic areas, landscaping, special lighting and water features, besides linking the existing and new recreational public gathering spaces served by adjacent public parking.
Meditation decks, jogging tracks and pathways, plazas, sculpture court and other facilities will be developed along the RK beach with about Rs 7.9 crore to attract tourists.
At Rushikonda, sunbathing decks, Beach-side Bazaar with local fishermen art and crafts, and a plaza, will be the notable developments to come up, while water sports such as yachting, boat rides, kayaking, beach volleyball, surfing, windsurfing and para-sailing activities will be developed at Rushikonda.
At Bheemili, the existing dockyard is proposed to be redeveloped and enhanced aesthetically to attract tourists. The dock area will be paved with eco-friendly materials, with landscaping, lighting and illumination.
Indira Gandhi Zoo Park also will get softscaping for an area of 20,000 sq m, apart from the much-awaited battery-operated cars/eco-friendly modes of transport for visitors within the zoo. Places like Erramatti Dibbalu will have more approach roads with seating areas, footpaths and also watchtowers. Tourists can also enjoy a view of the city and the sea from watch towers atop Kailasagiri, Thotlakonda and other hills.
Speaking to Express, tourism information officer SD Anitha said the project work will commence soon after laying of the foundation stone.
“Both the Union minister for tourism and state tourism minister are keen on the development of the Beach Corridor. Hence, we expect no further delays. The government will provide land free of cost and no private land will be acquired for the project, she said
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by PS Dileep & S Bachan jeet Singh – Hyderabad/Visakhapatnam / April 03rd, 2013
TriCore Solutions, a Norwell-based company that provides a suite of scalable and reliable managed application, cloud, infrastructure hosting and consulting services to enterprise organizations, said today it has opened a new office in Hyderabad, India.
The additional office is designed to expand the company’s service delivery capabilities to its existing customers, officials said.
“The opening of our new office in India and entry into South India reinforces our commitment to the market — to better serve our customers and engage new business,” said TriCore’s CEO Robert Forman in a statement. “We chose Hyderabad, a global center for IT, for its highly skilled resources, developed infrastructure and global connectivity. As a technology services leader, we see great opportunity to grow our staff and expand both the breadth and depth of services we provide to new and existing customers.”
Kusum Varanasi will manage the office, officials said.
source: http://www.bostonherald.com / Home> Business> Business & Markets / by Ira Kantor / Tuesday, April 02nd, 2013
Gerdau, a leading producer of special steel in the Americas, today announced majority ownership of its first plant in Asia at Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh.
The company also changed the name of its domestic operations from Kalyani Gerdau to Gerdau.
In 2007, Gerdau had entered into a joint venture with Kalyani group company — Kalyani Steels Ltd to acquire SJK Steel Plant Ltd with an equal partnership of 45 per cent each. Post acquisition of Kalyani’s shares, the operation is now majority owned by Gerdau.
Recently, the plant has started operations of its blast furnace, melt shop, sinter plant, power plant and rolling mill. It has an installed capacity of 3,00,000 tonnes of special steels, mainly focused on the automotive market.
“As we begin our 112th year of business, the start of production of special steel in India represents our expansion to an important country,’’ said André B. Gerdau Johannpeter, Gerdau’s CEO.
“This move paves the way for Gerdau to come to India and cater to the domestic market,’’ said Arvind Mathur, Executive Director-India for Gerdau.
source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home / by M. Somasekhar somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in / Hyderabad, March 18th, 2013
Around 60% parents of autistic children are seeking professional help much after the disability sets in. And this trend is being noticed at a time when the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has reached epidemic proportions. As per latest data from the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children worldwide suffer from autism as against its estimates of 1 in 150 children about a decade ago.
Experts say that early intervention is the key to the success of the treatment and reducing the symptoms of autism. But in reality, by the time most children with this mysterious neuro developmental disorder are being taken to the right doctor, it is getting too late.
Characterised by impaired social interactions and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior, autism is a development disability that remains for the entire life and affects the brain’s functions. It appears in the first three years of birth. There are milder and severe variations of ASD.
Dr Anand Prasad, consultant paediatric neurologist, says that majority of the parents report the disability late. “If there is delayed speech, parents normally compare their child with other children in the family or friends circle. By chance if the child is taken to a doctor, most of them who are unfamiliar with diagnosing autism dismiss the concerns of the parents. As a result, the diagnosis and the opportunity for early intervention therapies, gets delayed,” the doctor said.
Even if the disability is diagnosed early, in most cases, the child is confronted with parental non-acceptance. The problem, experts said, is that with these children, it is difficult to figure out the problem at birth as it takes 1-2 years for symptoms of ASD to manifest. “Parents have the tendency to adopt a wait and watch policy and when they come to know that their child is autistic, they go into a state of shock and then denial mode sets in. By the time they accept and consult a specialist, there is crucial delay,” says Dr Om Sai Ramesh who works with National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped.
According to Dr Ramesh, when a child turns two-years-old, there is 75 % brain development and by the age of 5 years, 90% of the brain is developed. “This is the critical period of life and should not be missed,” he added. Therefore, early intervention is a must in order to detect any deviance and treat the child.
Experts suggest that as the parent of a child with autism or related developmental delays, the best thing to do is to start treatment right away and seek help as soon as there is any suspicion. “Don’t wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child’s development and reduce the symptoms of autism,” said E V V Rajasekhar, who runs Development Centre for Children with Autism.
As part of World Autism Day on Tuesday, “Aarambh Association for Autism,” an organization that runs a special school and therapy centre for autistic children, is lighting up the Buddha statue at Tank Bund in blue.
Typical symptoms of autism
Difficulty in expressing needs or wants verbally or non-verbally
Repeating words or phrases rather than responding to questions
Making repeated movements such as rocking or hand flapping
Displaying a strong preference to routine, disliking any change in a daily routine
Displaying emotions, pleasure or distress, for no apparent reason
Not responding to questions by appearing not to hear
Displaying no interest in playing with children of the same age.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Bushra Baseerat, TNN / April 02nd, 2013
Family members of those injured in the recent twin blasts at Dilsukhnagar participating in a felicitation programme organised by COVA in Hyderabad on Sunday. – Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
Meet felicitates those who helped save the lives of the many injured during the February 21 Dilsukhnagar blast
More than a month after their world turned topsy-turvy, they are yet to pick the threads of lives. Some with fractured hands, some with a bandaged eye and many with bruised souls poured out their ordeal of the February 21 bomb blast at a programme here on Sunday.
Though their physical wounds are healing, their mental scars appeared to be still raw. Those present on the occasion could sense the human tragedy behind such attacks.
The programme was organised by Confederation of Voluntary Associations (Cova) in association with Roda Mistry College of Social Work to felicitate the doctors and paramedical team of Osmania General Hospital, Yashoda, Omni and Care hospitals for doing their best to save the victims.
Maruthi, Nitesh Agarwal, M.A. Samad and Gopal Reddy recalled the tragic events when they were caught in the bomb blast while Jani Pasha, RTC driver, explained how he managed to shift nearly 60 victims in three buses to the Osmania General Hospital.
The doctors and the paramedical staff were presented ‘Saviour of Hyderabad’ certificates. R. Jaya Lakshmi, DCP, East Zone, sought people’s cooperation in cracking the case.
Hyderabad was a happening city with lot of floating population and keeping everyone under surveillance was practically impossible. She asked people to be vigilant and keep an eye on what was going on in their surroundings.
Dilsukhnagar had a number of educational institutes, but the managements did not bother to enquire about students taking admissions.
Saviours number but a few
Ms. Jaya Lakshmi also deplored the post-blast attitude of the people. Except for persons like Jani Pasha, many remained mere onlookers and did not lend a helping hand. She also faulted the media for crowding the blast site making it difficult for investigating agencies.
Karnail Singh Jawandha, general manager, SBH south zone, promised to extend educational loans and other bank loans to the victims and their family members. Cova executive director, Mazhar Hussain, said scars of tragedies like the bomb blast lingered for years. But the victims should not lose heart as society was with them.
He recalled how Cova in association with GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation and Lateefia Arabic College had organised vocational training for the victims and their relatives after the bomb blasts in Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat.
source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / March 31st, 2013
Thakur Bhavani Singh at work at the Secunderabad Cantonment Board office. – Photo: S. Sandeep Kumar / The Hindu
The 86-year-old ex-Army hawaldar is an athlete par excellence who has bagged over 60 medals and as many certificates in many national and state-level meets
His white beard, wrinkled-face and worn-out safari suit betray the bundle of energy that he is. As you enter the Secunderabad Cantonment Board office, Thakur Bhavani Singh greets you with a shrill whistle before guiding you to your parking slot.
He’s not an SCB employee; in fact, he never was. The 86-year-old ex-Army hawaldar is an athlete par excellence who has bagged over 60 medals and as many certificates in many national and state-level meets.
Last year, Mr. Singh won the first prize in javelin throw in the 80-plus years category at the 33 National Masters Athletic Championships held in Bangalore.
His throw measured 14.11 metres. In the previous edition of the event at Guntur, he won the 5-km walk in his category.
Abiding passion
Ever since he joined the AOC Centre, Trimulgherry in 1960, Mr. Singh developed a liking for sports, particularly boxing.
“It was my officer Major K.K. Naidu, who noticed my talent and made me participate in different events, including the 1965 Army Sports Championship in Pakistan where I won a gold medal. There was no looking back after that,” says Mr. Singh.
He had even received a cash award of Rs.500 from then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, apart from an appreciation letter. For years, and defying age, he has been participating in different veteran championships across the country and winning medals in shot put, javelin throw, discuss throw or marathon race.
Difficult times
However, with a monthly pension of Rs.3,500, he finds it difficult to make both ends meet. After retirement in 1975, he has been manning the parking lot at the SCB office, earning whatever little he can.
“I accept whatever the visitors give, earning about Rs.100 a day. I have to take care of my wife too, a retired employee of the Military Hospital, Trimulgherry,” he sighs.
Yet, none of these can deter him from competing in sports meets. He is already gearing up to participate in the next National Athletic Championships.
source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad /by S. Sandeep Kumar / April 06th, 2013
A section of the Unani Hospital that underwent renovation work using traditional building materials. – Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
A Grade II heritage structure, the Government Nizamia Tibbi College and Hospital near the Charminar is getting a much-needed facelift after years of neglect and damage
Finally it is getting the much needed facelift.
Situated bang opposite the historic Charminar, the condition of the Government Nizamia Tibbi College and Hospital is not much different. But now this Grade II heritage structure is getting the attention it deserves. A team of skilled labours are busy trying to undo years of neglect and damage.
Renovation work in progress on the Unani Hospital in Old City. – Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
The A.P. Health, Medical Housing and Health Infrastructure Development Corporation has stepped in to restore the pristine glory of this stately structure built in 1938 by the seventh Nizam. Right now, exterior of the building where plaster has peeled off at several places with vegetal growth sprouting all over is being attended to. Repair of the dome, scrubbing and scrapping of the top surface and re-plastering with ‘shivara’ rendering is proposed.
Before undertaking the work, photographic, architectural and material documentation of the Unani hospital was done. The material documentation was intended to find out the original and traditional material used in construction of the building.
A chemical test carried out showed lime mortar as the basic material used in construction of the edifice, according to Suryanarayana Murthy, heritage architecture. The same material is now being used in right proportion along with jaggery liquid, gallnut, egg white and aloe vera gum. The workers have been trained in preparation of the construction material, he said.
Originally, renovation of the Unani hospital building was linked with the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project but later the Department of Heath has taken over the works. The conservation plan has been approved by the Heritage Conservation Committee and the works are expected to be completed by December end.
The other day Majlis floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi visited the Unani Hospital and reviewed the progress of the work.
He favoured adoption of a comprehensive approach for conservation of the Unani hospital building in its totality. If necessary, funds from other departments should be tapped to improve the surroundings around the hospital. He suggested laying of pathways within and outside the hospital, remodelling of drainage line, horticulture and lighting work to be taken up.
The GHMC has a budget of Rs. 5 crore for heritage buildings and this could be tapped for the Unani hospital restoration, Mayor Majid Hussain said.
source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / April 02nd, 2013
The Mons Raymond’s obelisk tomb near Malakpet. — Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
Rubble and high growth of weeds and bushes indicate lack of maintenance for Monsieur Raymond’s tomb
The towering obelisk on the Asmangadh hill has been an epitome of communal harmony in a very unique way. Even after 200-odd years of its construction, local Muslims remember to pay homage at the tombstone every Id-ul-Fitr. Hindus do it seven days after the festival by lighting camphor and offering flowers. Irony is that the tomb holds the remains of a person who belonged to neither of the two religions!
Monsieur Raymond, referred to fondly as Moosa Ram by Hindus and Moosa Rahim by Muslims, was in fact a Christian, and a French general in Nizam’s military. He was the person behind the setting up of Gunfoundry, the factory where cannon balls were produced during Nizam’s time. Needless to say, the area Moosarambagh derived its name from the general’s popularity among the local people.
No signboards
However, all that remained the glory of the bygone era, and his tomb, a site of archaeological significance, lies in utter neglect now. Visitors face difficulty in even locating the seven-acre tomb complex, as no signboard can be found on the Moosarambagh main road, to direct the tourists. The only signpost, scraped and fading, could be found at the start of the lane which ends at the rusted iron gate leading into the complex.
“There were two signboards earlier, one of them on the main road. But GHMC removed both during its road widening drive, and they have not been reinstalled,” says S. Narender, the security guard.
Once inside the complex, visitors would be greeted to rubble, and high growth of weeds and bushes, indicating lack of maintenance. Narender goes inside a small room, probably meant to be information counter, and carries out a sheet-metal plaque, where the story of Monsieur Raymond is inscribed. That is the mode adapted by the Archaeology Department for dissemination of tourist information!
The pavilion where devotees offer their homage was reconstructed ten years ago, after a portion collapsed due to heavy rain in 2001. Since its restoration, the pavilion has not been repainted even once. Plants bordering the complex have dried up, and dry leaves lay scattered everywhere around.
While the general’s pet dog and horse were buried in the same place, and mentioned in the literature about the location, the dog’s grave lies hidden behind undergrowth. Security is lax, as the solar fencing erected over the compound wall remains dysfunctional, and needs repairs.
“Every night, drunkards and anti-social elements climb over the walls from the other side, and create a ruckus in the tomb complex. Our sleep gets disturbed due to this,” a resident of the area informed.
source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi V. /April 01st, 2013
The 125-foot tall Buddha statue getting ready at Amaravathi in Guntur | Ch Narayana Rao / The New Indian Express
The tourism authorities have taken all the necessary steps to complete the much-delayed Dhyana Buddha project and unveil the 125-foot tall Buddha statute during the three-day Buddha Jayanthi celebrations to be held from May 14 at Amaravathi in Guntur district.
Of the Rs 40 lakh sanctioned by the department in this connection, Rs 10 lakh has been released recently and the works are going on at a brisk pace, said AP Tourism divisional manager (Vijayawada) Juvvadi Raghupati Rao.
The Dhyana Buddha project was conceived and executed by Social Welfare joint director Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao in 2004 with the funding of Guntur district collector. But, the tourism department took it over in 2007. More than Rs 3 crore has already been spent on the project, say sources.
Meanwhile, the Buddha statue has been designed by incorporating features from all the 50 types of Buddhist sculptures seen at 145 major heritage sites across India. The essence of the Buddhist teachings found in 24 chapters and 424 stanzas have also been carved on 200 panels in the main hall of the Dhyana Mandiram. The Dalai Lama, who visited the place during Kalachakra in 2006, donated `30 lakh and promised to provide 300 volumes of Buddhist literature to develop the place as an international Buddhist study centre. He is likely to attend the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations at Amaravathi in May for the second time. Meanwhile, the tourism officials are also taking measures for completing the roof-level restaurant, Raghupathi Rao said.
The AP Tourism is also developing other tourist and pilgrim centres including Kondaveedu Fort (at a cost of `85 lakh), Vundavally Caves, Uuppaldu Bird Sanctuary (`15 lakh each) and Karampudi Veerla Gudi (the temple of warriors at `60 lakh), he added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> State> Andhra Pradesh / by P Laxma Reddy / ENS – Vijayawada / April 01st, 2013
