Vizag's abnormal warm winter
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 28, 2011: It’s already end of November and feels like winter is yet to set in here in Vizag. Vizagites who enjoyed pleasant winters at this point of time earlier are now facing the worst ever humid and hot conditions this season.
Locals are experiencing some abnormal winter conditions this season. “Mornings during November were always so cold and refreshing. But that’s all past. Since two years we have been experiencing some worst conditions during winter season. I don’t know why it is happening like this. Bu it’s not good,” recollected Radha Krishna, a 50 year old entrepreneur of MVP Colony.
Instead of feeling chilly, public is suffering with suffocation and sultry feeling. Statistics at the weather office also suggests there is an increase in the temperature levels this year when compared to last year exactly during these days. Minimum temperatures last year during Nov 25, 26, 27, 28 were 22.5C, 21.8, 21.6 and 21.9 respectively.
Whereas this year minimum temperatures since four days were recorded as 24.4, 24.8, 24.6 and 23.9 Celsius on Monday. Statistics clearly shows that minimum temperature levels this year have increased at least by 3 Celsius due to which public is feeling the heat. “We have predicted a relatively warm winter this year due to various reasons,” said Prof OSRU Bhanu Kumar of Andhra University’s department of meteorology and oceanography.
He said that the present humid and hot conditions can be attributed to the global warming and climate change scenarios. Though these reasons are a global phenomenon the professor also said that some local factors would also add to the situation. He pointed out that the pollution levels are also a cause of concern and would definitely have a negative impact on the weather.
Prof Bhanu Kumar further added that the pollution caused by the industries can be seen as a thick layer in the mornings in the form of fog. He observed that though there is a fog kind of situation the weather remains warm and at sometimes hot. “There is rampant industrialization happening around the city making city a blast furnace. We are worried if situation is like this now what will be the future,” pointed noted environmentalist SB Rao. The professor also said that as the anti cyclonic storm is weak in northwest India winter reduces in our region.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
“Positive” couple leads happy life with baby
“Positive” couple leads happy life with baby
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 27, 2011: Rejecting the idea of living a limited life and conventional wisdom of not to have babies two HIV infected patients in the city got married, had a healthy non HIV baby and living life happily showing a ‘positive’ path to other patients. Pradeep, 28 (Name changed), a supervisor in a small firm, was infected with HIV after he married a relative in 2007.
After realizing his condition he immediately divorced his wife. Life was like a hell for him after that. He could not face his family, friends and society. And he wanted to slowly die. It was in 2008 that he came in contact with Sunanda, 24 (name changed), another HIV infected patient through ‘Society for Visakha Network of Positive People living with HIV’.
They both struck a chord immediately seeing each other and decided to get married. Now they both are happily married ‘positive’ couple and proud parents of a 2 year old baby girl. “I thought it’s the end of my life. I wanted to end my life before the virus killed me. Then I came in contact with this woman who later became part of my life. Now we have one more addition to our family, my cute baby,” Pradeep told this correspondent.
Now the baby is everything to the couple. “It was like we found life in the form of our baby. Yes, we know that we can’t live long like you people. But will be very happy until we take the last breath. We also have future plans for our daughter. We will get her admitted in a good school and give her the best possible education. And after us we planned finances such a way that she need not look for anything except for her parents,” said Sunanda with moist eyes.
Sunanda is also working hard along with her husband to save money for the baby’s future. The Society’s president, Lakshmi talking to this correspondent says that it was through regular counseling as part Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPCT) programme that both the HIV patients could think about having a baby. Fortunately with constant counseling and enough measures baby delivered didn’t have HIV.
“There is this stigma still in the society towards HIV patients. They think its end of their life after infected with killer virus. But this couple proved the other way round,” says Lakhshmi, who is also an HIV infected patient since 8 years.
She added that tired of fighting stigma from the society, HIV affected persons in the three districts of north Andhra –Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam decided that they would take care of themselves, by becoming a family. The HIV patients have formed a network among them and involving each other in their lives, be it to attend a celebration or to help one of them in need.
The patients even help each other in their last rituals. The society which was started in 2005 with just 200 members now has members more than 5,000. There are also some marriages happen among themselves. “It’s an inspiring success story of a network. HIV patients should not suffer indoors. They should come out and lead happy life,” says district Aids Control Society project manager Sailaja.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 27, 2011: Rejecting the idea of living a limited life and conventional wisdom of not to have babies two HIV infected patients in the city got married, had a healthy non HIV baby and living life happily showing a ‘positive’ path to other patients. Pradeep, 28 (Name changed), a supervisor in a small firm, was infected with HIV after he married a relative in 2007.
After realizing his condition he immediately divorced his wife. Life was like a hell for him after that. He could not face his family, friends and society. And he wanted to slowly die. It was in 2008 that he came in contact with Sunanda, 24 (name changed), another HIV infected patient through ‘Society for Visakha Network of Positive People living with HIV’.
They both struck a chord immediately seeing each other and decided to get married. Now they both are happily married ‘positive’ couple and proud parents of a 2 year old baby girl. “I thought it’s the end of my life. I wanted to end my life before the virus killed me. Then I came in contact with this woman who later became part of my life. Now we have one more addition to our family, my cute baby,” Pradeep told this correspondent.
Now the baby is everything to the couple. “It was like we found life in the form of our baby. Yes, we know that we can’t live long like you people. But will be very happy until we take the last breath. We also have future plans for our daughter. We will get her admitted in a good school and give her the best possible education. And after us we planned finances such a way that she need not look for anything except for her parents,” said Sunanda with moist eyes.
Sunanda is also working hard along with her husband to save money for the baby’s future. The Society’s president, Lakshmi talking to this correspondent says that it was through regular counseling as part Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPCT) programme that both the HIV patients could think about having a baby. Fortunately with constant counseling and enough measures baby delivered didn’t have HIV.
“There is this stigma still in the society towards HIV patients. They think its end of their life after infected with killer virus. But this couple proved the other way round,” says Lakhshmi, who is also an HIV infected patient since 8 years.
She added that tired of fighting stigma from the society, HIV affected persons in the three districts of north Andhra –Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam decided that they would take care of themselves, by becoming a family. The HIV patients have formed a network among them and involving each other in their lives, be it to attend a celebration or to help one of them in need.
The patients even help each other in their last rituals. The society which was started in 2005 with just 200 members now has members more than 5,000. There are also some marriages happen among themselves. “It’s an inspiring success story of a network. HIV patients should not suffer indoors. They should come out and lead happy life,” says district Aids Control Society project manager Sailaja.
Vizag fishing harbour open for miscreants
Vizag fishing harbour open for miscreants
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 25: Authorities seems to have not learnt lessons from the past. At the time when the country is going to observe third anniversary of Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attack, DC’s status check at Vizag’s fishing harbour reveals that it’s not so difficult for a miscreant to enter city through the harbour from the sea. Remember terrorists who unleashed havoc in Mumbai on 26/11 three years ago allegedly gained entry into Indian territory from sea posing as fishermen. Though off late there are no terror activities reported here, Vizag has been always under terror radar due to presence of Eastern Naval Command head quarters and other strategic security establishments along with numerous industries, SEZs.
There is hectic activity in the fishing harbour with fishermen, women seen busy in their regular chores but hardly any security personnel is seen around. There are no metal detectors installed at either of the entry or exit points to intercept any suspicious persons or objects. And not even CCTV cameras seen installed to regularly monitor the movement of persons, vehicles. Adding to the woes AP tourism is also conducting boat ride into the sea from the same premises. “Posing as a tourist it’s very easy for any foreign national to conduct a recce on how to enter the harbour from the sea and then get into city. As a tourist he or she can even take photographs and video of the entire harbour. And we have brought this issue into the notice of authorities several times to beef up the security here and also to shift the tourism activities from here,” AP mechanised fishing boats operators association, president Appa Rao, told this correspondent.
Sources have said the Ministry of Home Affairs is keen in shifting the harbour from the vicinity of the Visakhapatnam port to Bheemli on security grounds. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Mumbai, the ministry has taken the view that fishing harbours should be located at a distance from the major ports and therefore the Vizag fishing harbour should be relocated at Bheemli. The present harbour, was constructed in 1976 on 24 hectares of land belonging to Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT)
When asked about the security arrangements at the fishing harbour a top security official of VPT under conditions anonymity said “Though the land belongs to Visakhapatnam Port Trust since there is hectic movement of general public in fishing harbour it is the responsibility of local police to take care of security arrangements”. But, city police commissioner Purnachandra Rao said that providing security to the fishing harbour is not their duty and local police would definitely interfere if any crime happens on harbour premises.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 25: Authorities seems to have not learnt lessons from the past. At the time when the country is going to observe third anniversary of Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attack, DC’s status check at Vizag’s fishing harbour reveals that it’s not so difficult for a miscreant to enter city through the harbour from the sea. Remember terrorists who unleashed havoc in Mumbai on 26/11 three years ago allegedly gained entry into Indian territory from sea posing as fishermen. Though off late there are no terror activities reported here, Vizag has been always under terror radar due to presence of Eastern Naval Command head quarters and other strategic security establishments along with numerous industries, SEZs.
There is hectic activity in the fishing harbour with fishermen, women seen busy in their regular chores but hardly any security personnel is seen around. There are no metal detectors installed at either of the entry or exit points to intercept any suspicious persons or objects. And not even CCTV cameras seen installed to regularly monitor the movement of persons, vehicles. Adding to the woes AP tourism is also conducting boat ride into the sea from the same premises. “Posing as a tourist it’s very easy for any foreign national to conduct a recce on how to enter the harbour from the sea and then get into city. As a tourist he or she can even take photographs and video of the entire harbour. And we have brought this issue into the notice of authorities several times to beef up the security here and also to shift the tourism activities from here,” AP mechanised fishing boats operators association, president Appa Rao, told this correspondent.
Sources have said the Ministry of Home Affairs is keen in shifting the harbour from the vicinity of the Visakhapatnam port to Bheemli on security grounds. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Mumbai, the ministry has taken the view that fishing harbours should be located at a distance from the major ports and therefore the Vizag fishing harbour should be relocated at Bheemli. The present harbour, was constructed in 1976 on 24 hectares of land belonging to Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT)
When asked about the security arrangements at the fishing harbour a top security official of VPT under conditions anonymity said “Though the land belongs to Visakhapatnam Port Trust since there is hectic movement of general public in fishing harbour it is the responsibility of local police to take care of security arrangements”. But, city police commissioner Purnachandra Rao said that providing security to the fishing harbour is not their duty and local police would definitely interfere if any crime happens on harbour premises.
AU researchers find molecular compound that kills HIV
AU researchers find molecular compound that kills HIV
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 24: Researchers at Andhra University’s college of pharmaceutical sciences identified a medicinal plant which has a molecular compound that can kill the dreaded HIV.
Invitro studies conducted on a blood sample of a HIV infected patient with the molecular compound of Tephrosia pulcherimma, a medicinal plant, which is called “Adavi Vempali” locally and available in the forests near Vizianagaram and Talakona gave positive results.
Normally any medicine is made from a molecular compound which has the characteristic of curing a disease. Some molecular compounds can be extracted from medicinal plants which are later used to make medicines by pharma industries.
Though the research and tests are at a preliminary stage further in depth study into the molecular compound might result in finding medicine to cure HIV/AIDS.
AU College of pharmaceutical sciences Principal and chief researcher of the project, Prof S Ganapthy told this correspondent that as part of blind screening they wanted to test whether Tephrosia pulcherimma’s molecular compound can kill HIV. “The molecular compound pulcherimin extracted from Tephrosia pulcherimma has anti bacterial and anti fungal characteristic. As part of blind screening we wanted to test the compound on HIV,” said Prof Ganapathi who has been researching on phyto medicine since more than 30 years.
The molecular compound pulicherimin was then sent to the micro biology and immunology lab at Maratha Mandal dental science research centre, Belgaum in Karnataka. At Belgaum lab invitro study was conducted on a drop of HIV infected blood sample. The blood sample that had 2.8 lakh copies of HIV virus before dropped to 1,000 in number after a 50 micro gram of pulicherimin molecular compound was added. “We were surprised with the drop in the virus count,” said Ganapathy.
He immediately sent the same molecular compound to Tropical Research Institute in Switzerland and an in-depth study on the subject is underway. Researchers here are eagerly waiting for the result to come out. “Research is still at a very preliminary stage. There should be clinical trials to test side affects etc”, added Ganpathy, who has a masters degree in Pharmacology from University in Strathclyde in UK.
Ganapthy was very quick to act and applied for a patent on the medicinal plant Tephrosia pulcherimma and got registered at Indian Patent Office at Chennai. “Screening test on the HIV infected blood sample by the molecular compound sent by Andhra University pharma college researchers gave a positive result and quite encouraging. But it’s at a very initial stage. Further in depth study should be done,” head of the department of molecular biology and immunology at Maratha Mandal research centre, Dr Kishore Bhat told this correspondent confirming the tests.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 24: Researchers at Andhra University’s college of pharmaceutical sciences identified a medicinal plant which has a molecular compound that can kill the dreaded HIV.
Invitro studies conducted on a blood sample of a HIV infected patient with the molecular compound of Tephrosia pulcherimma, a medicinal plant, which is called “Adavi Vempali” locally and available in the forests near Vizianagaram and Talakona gave positive results.
Normally any medicine is made from a molecular compound which has the characteristic of curing a disease. Some molecular compounds can be extracted from medicinal plants which are later used to make medicines by pharma industries.
Though the research and tests are at a preliminary stage further in depth study into the molecular compound might result in finding medicine to cure HIV/AIDS.
AU College of pharmaceutical sciences Principal and chief researcher of the project, Prof S Ganapthy told this correspondent that as part of blind screening they wanted to test whether Tephrosia pulcherimma’s molecular compound can kill HIV. “The molecular compound pulcherimin extracted from Tephrosia pulcherimma has anti bacterial and anti fungal characteristic. As part of blind screening we wanted to test the compound on HIV,” said Prof Ganapathi who has been researching on phyto medicine since more than 30 years.
The molecular compound pulicherimin was then sent to the micro biology and immunology lab at Maratha Mandal dental science research centre, Belgaum in Karnataka. At Belgaum lab invitro study was conducted on a drop of HIV infected blood sample. The blood sample that had 2.8 lakh copies of HIV virus before dropped to 1,000 in number after a 50 micro gram of pulicherimin molecular compound was added. “We were surprised with the drop in the virus count,” said Ganapathy.
He immediately sent the same molecular compound to Tropical Research Institute in Switzerland and an in-depth study on the subject is underway. Researchers here are eagerly waiting for the result to come out. “Research is still at a very preliminary stage. There should be clinical trials to test side affects etc”, added Ganpathy, who has a masters degree in Pharmacology from University in Strathclyde in UK.
Ganapthy was very quick to act and applied for a patent on the medicinal plant Tephrosia pulcherimma and got registered at Indian Patent Office at Chennai. “Screening test on the HIV infected blood sample by the molecular compound sent by Andhra University pharma college researchers gave a positive result and quite encouraging. But it’s at a very initial stage. Further in depth study should be done,” head of the department of molecular biology and immunology at Maratha Mandal research centre, Dr Kishore Bhat told this correspondent confirming the tests.
Vegetable production takes a beating due to real estate boom
Vegetable production takes a beating due to real estate boom
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 23: The real estate boom in and around Vizag has taken a toll on vegetable production resulting in spiraling prices, burdening general public. In the last ten years, it is learnt that the city has lost more than 20,000 acres of farm lands to real estate. A majority of these lands were converted into housing plots or apartments. Thanks to Telangana movement, real estate firms that have mushroomed in the city have purchased thousands of cultivable lands and converted them into housing plots. Lack of remunerative prices and also labour shortage is said to be the reasons behind farmers selling their lands to real estate agents. “I get petty amounts by cultivating vegetables. Now I sold my land an acre for Rs 20 lakhs and invested half of the amount in a business. Remaining amount I lent it to one of my colleagues and I survive on the interest and profits made on the business,” said Komarayya, of Parawada.
According to the data available at district marketing department the 21 lakh city’s population is said to be consuming more than 15,000 quintals of vegetables and more than 4,000 quintals are sold at 12 raitu bazaars spread in various parts. With the drop in farm land, some of the vegetables are brought form other districts to meet the needs of city. “These days kilo tomatoes are being sold at Rs 30. I used to buy them at Rs 10 just a year ago. Now things have changed,” said a homemaker residing in Ramakrishna Nagar, Rohini.
Vizag generally gets this amount of vegetables from eight mandals on the outskirts, which have an extent of nearly 4,500 hectares during Khariff, said horticulture department, assistant director, S Ram Mohan.
It is learnt that that nearly 1500 hectares of vegetables farming land was converted into lay outs in these mandals. The remaining extent of the land belongs to other crops. In the rabi season, the cultivable land of vegetables would increase double as the farmers grow vegetables as a mixed crop, he said. “Though the vegetable cultivation in sub urban areas came down in recent years it is being compensated by cultivation in Agency areas to certain extent. We are also encouraging Hybrid vegetable cultivation for more production in less farm land,” Ram Mohan told this correspondent.
More than 85 percent of the farm lands at Chinamushidivada, Chimalapalli, Purushottamapuram, Sabbavaram, Vepagunta, and Parawada in Pendurthy assembly constituency were converted into layouts in the last four years. Layouts were also seen in the areas like and Kommadi, Anandapuram Madhurawada, Tagarapuvalasa and Paradesipalem. Many new colonies have come up in those lands. For instance realtors focused on Sabbavaram following the government decision to set up Maritime University and other projects there. Sabbavaram which is known for vegetables farming alone has lost about 15,000 acres in this form. Farmers grow vegetables in large quantities because the area is very close to city.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 23: The real estate boom in and around Vizag has taken a toll on vegetable production resulting in spiraling prices, burdening general public. In the last ten years, it is learnt that the city has lost more than 20,000 acres of farm lands to real estate. A majority of these lands were converted into housing plots or apartments. Thanks to Telangana movement, real estate firms that have mushroomed in the city have purchased thousands of cultivable lands and converted them into housing plots. Lack of remunerative prices and also labour shortage is said to be the reasons behind farmers selling their lands to real estate agents. “I get petty amounts by cultivating vegetables. Now I sold my land an acre for Rs 20 lakhs and invested half of the amount in a business. Remaining amount I lent it to one of my colleagues and I survive on the interest and profits made on the business,” said Komarayya, of Parawada.
According to the data available at district marketing department the 21 lakh city’s population is said to be consuming more than 15,000 quintals of vegetables and more than 4,000 quintals are sold at 12 raitu bazaars spread in various parts. With the drop in farm land, some of the vegetables are brought form other districts to meet the needs of city. “These days kilo tomatoes are being sold at Rs 30. I used to buy them at Rs 10 just a year ago. Now things have changed,” said a homemaker residing in Ramakrishna Nagar, Rohini.
Vizag generally gets this amount of vegetables from eight mandals on the outskirts, which have an extent of nearly 4,500 hectares during Khariff, said horticulture department, assistant director, S Ram Mohan.
It is learnt that that nearly 1500 hectares of vegetables farming land was converted into lay outs in these mandals. The remaining extent of the land belongs to other crops. In the rabi season, the cultivable land of vegetables would increase double as the farmers grow vegetables as a mixed crop, he said. “Though the vegetable cultivation in sub urban areas came down in recent years it is being compensated by cultivation in Agency areas to certain extent. We are also encouraging Hybrid vegetable cultivation for more production in less farm land,” Ram Mohan told this correspondent.
More than 85 percent of the farm lands at Chinamushidivada, Chimalapalli, Purushottamapuram, Sabbavaram, Vepagunta, and Parawada in Pendurthy assembly constituency were converted into layouts in the last four years. Layouts were also seen in the areas like and Kommadi, Anandapuram Madhurawada, Tagarapuvalasa and Paradesipalem. Many new colonies have come up in those lands. For instance realtors focused on Sabbavaram following the government decision to set up Maritime University and other projects there. Sabbavaram which is known for vegetables farming alone has lost about 15,000 acres in this form. Farmers grow vegetables in large quantities because the area is very close to city.
Apprehensions over relocation of US refinery
Apprehensions over relocation of US refinery
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 22, 2011: Apprehensions and objections are being raised over the proposed relocation of an oil refinery from US to Vizag. . The state government has signed a MoU with a private company, Amerind Petroleum Corporation, promoted by a Hyderabad-based industrialist to dismantle a running oil refinery near New York in the US and relocate it near Vizag at a cost of Rs. 11,136-crore. “There are around 11 refineries which are left idle there in US due to lack of demand for gasoline. I think this is one of them. There are also some refineries in US which were fined very heavily for emissions more than the stipulated standards. I fear this refinery is one among them,” said Movement for People Centric Development, convenor Prof K Babu Rao.
The work of shifting and relocating will be handled by American Industrial Corporation (AIC) which is a member of a 14-company US consortium. Once the approvals are issued, the refinery will be set up and operated within 36 months. Talking to this correspondent, Prof Rao said that AIC was not having any experience in oil refinery business and it mainly deals with old plants in a way it does ‘scarp’ business. He also raised apprehension over EPTRI preparing Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report. According to Prof Rao EPTRI is not a competent authority to prepare EIA reports for such big companies. “EPTRI doesn’t have experts on its board. They hire people. It is neither competent nor capable of preparing EIA reports,” said Prof Rao.
Refinery by Amerind Petroleum Corporation would be the first venture being launched in Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro-chemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). PCPIR is being developed over 6,000 sq km area along the coast between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports. In phase I refinery would produce 1.5 lakh barrels of products like petrol, high speed diesel, and aviation fuel, LPG meeting Euro IV standards and set up its own 3,500 retail outlets. Former Energy secretary EAS Sarma observed that Vizag industrial cluster has been identified by Central Pollution Control Board as one among the few highly polluted industrial clusters in the country. “MOEF has placed an embargo on addition of new industries in this area. The region cannot bear any pollution load from PCPIR,” added Sarma. Under phase II refinery would be expanded to a capacity of15 million tonnes at a cost of Rs. 8611 crore.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 22, 2011: Apprehensions and objections are being raised over the proposed relocation of an oil refinery from US to Vizag. . The state government has signed a MoU with a private company, Amerind Petroleum Corporation, promoted by a Hyderabad-based industrialist to dismantle a running oil refinery near New York in the US and relocate it near Vizag at a cost of Rs. 11,136-crore. “There are around 11 refineries which are left idle there in US due to lack of demand for gasoline. I think this is one of them. There are also some refineries in US which were fined very heavily for emissions more than the stipulated standards. I fear this refinery is one among them,” said Movement for People Centric Development, convenor Prof K Babu Rao.
The work of shifting and relocating will be handled by American Industrial Corporation (AIC) which is a member of a 14-company US consortium. Once the approvals are issued, the refinery will be set up and operated within 36 months. Talking to this correspondent, Prof Rao said that AIC was not having any experience in oil refinery business and it mainly deals with old plants in a way it does ‘scarp’ business. He also raised apprehension over EPTRI preparing Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report. According to Prof Rao EPTRI is not a competent authority to prepare EIA reports for such big companies. “EPTRI doesn’t have experts on its board. They hire people. It is neither competent nor capable of preparing EIA reports,” said Prof Rao.
Refinery by Amerind Petroleum Corporation would be the first venture being launched in Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro-chemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). PCPIR is being developed over 6,000 sq km area along the coast between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports. In phase I refinery would produce 1.5 lakh barrels of products like petrol, high speed diesel, and aviation fuel, LPG meeting Euro IV standards and set up its own 3,500 retail outlets. Former Energy secretary EAS Sarma observed that Vizag industrial cluster has been identified by Central Pollution Control Board as one among the few highly polluted industrial clusters in the country. “MOEF has placed an embargo on addition of new industries in this area. The region cannot bear any pollution load from PCPIR,” added Sarma. Under phase II refinery would be expanded to a capacity of15 million tonnes at a cost of Rs. 8611 crore.
3 fire stations for 21 lakh population
3 fire stations for 21 lakh population
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 18, 2011: With the port city having strategic security establishments, many industries and SEZs and lot of activity its denizens are literally sitting on a blast furnace. But there’s no guarantee that a fire tender reaches a fire accident spot on time. The fire department is not fully equipped to deal with any eventuality. Its staff strength and fire stations are much below the norms specified by National Standing Fire Advisory Committee (NSFAC).
Against the norm of one fire station for a population of 50,000, for a city of 21 lakh population, it has only three fire stations. And at these stations department have only three fire tenders. Fortunately though there were no major fire mishaps in the city in recent times killing people there is every possibility of losing precious lives if any major eventuality happens.
The fire department is still running the establishment set up by British Queen Victoria in 1942. As per the NSFAC city should have at least 41 fire stations but has only three at Police barracks, Pedagantyada and Marriplaem. The total manpower is 60 per cent less than the required as there has been no recruitment for long. There should be 16 fire personnel per station but has only 8 in all the three stations.
Out of the 5 Assistant District Fire Officers (ADFO) there’s none due to no recruitment by the government since many years. The lone ADFO retired very recently. “It’s an unfortunate situation. Thank god that there’s no major fire mishap in recent times. What if some major accident happens? It’s a total official apathy. Government should seriously think about how to plug the gaps. Government should also spend money on setting up fire stations and fire tenders,” observed SB Rao of Forum for Better Visakha.
Due to lack of required staff fire department is lending services of police home guards. At times department also takes the help of defence establishments and major industries, which has fire tenders. Per year fire department receives at least 600 to 700 fire calls. According to sources for every six months local fire office has been sending proposals to the government seeking setting up of new fire stations and to increase staff. All the proposals are lying idle on the tables of the higher officials in Hyderabad.
“I agree there is severe shortage of staff. Fire stations are also not there as per the standard norms. Around 40 persons who were newly recruited are undergoing training they will be joining duties very soon. Total overhaul of the department need to be done,” District Fire Officer SV Narasimham told this correspondent.
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 18, 2011: With the port city having strategic security establishments, many industries and SEZs and lot of activity its denizens are literally sitting on a blast furnace. But there’s no guarantee that a fire tender reaches a fire accident spot on time. The fire department is not fully equipped to deal with any eventuality. Its staff strength and fire stations are much below the norms specified by National Standing Fire Advisory Committee (NSFAC).
Against the norm of one fire station for a population of 50,000, for a city of 21 lakh population, it has only three fire stations. And at these stations department have only three fire tenders. Fortunately though there were no major fire mishaps in the city in recent times killing people there is every possibility of losing precious lives if any major eventuality happens.
The fire department is still running the establishment set up by British Queen Victoria in 1942. As per the NSFAC city should have at least 41 fire stations but has only three at Police barracks, Pedagantyada and Marriplaem. The total manpower is 60 per cent less than the required as there has been no recruitment for long. There should be 16 fire personnel per station but has only 8 in all the three stations.
Out of the 5 Assistant District Fire Officers (ADFO) there’s none due to no recruitment by the government since many years. The lone ADFO retired very recently. “It’s an unfortunate situation. Thank god that there’s no major fire mishap in recent times. What if some major accident happens? It’s a total official apathy. Government should seriously think about how to plug the gaps. Government should also spend money on setting up fire stations and fire tenders,” observed SB Rao of Forum for Better Visakha.
Due to lack of required staff fire department is lending services of police home guards. At times department also takes the help of defence establishments and major industries, which has fire tenders. Per year fire department receives at least 600 to 700 fire calls. According to sources for every six months local fire office has been sending proposals to the government seeking setting up of new fire stations and to increase staff. All the proposals are lying idle on the tables of the higher officials in Hyderabad.
“I agree there is severe shortage of staff. Fire stations are also not there as per the standard norms. Around 40 persons who were newly recruited are undergoing training they will be joining duties very soon. Total overhaul of the department need to be done,” District Fire Officer SV Narasimham told this correspondent.
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