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HMDA moots environment science museum

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The Hindu 20.03.2010

HMDA moots environment science museum

 

T. Lalith Singh

The project is likely to cost Rs. 2.80 crore; Ahmedabad-based CED submits proposal

— File Photo

Place to be: A view of Hussainsagar with the Buddha statue in the background.

HYDERABAD: One of the several projects that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) looks forward to initiate in coming days happens to be a science museum offering awareness and education in environment with special attention on the Hussainsagar lake.

To be located on the lake shores and at popular Lumbini Park, the Environmental Science Museum is proposed to be developed on international standards and drawing inspiration from the much acclaimed Lake Biwa Museum of Central Japan. For the project, around 1,200 sq. metre space have been identified in the park premises with an idea of having a three floored complex spreading over 14,000 sft and incorporating various provisions.

Focussing on water bodies and the historic Hussainsagar lake in particular, the museum when ready aims to be able to provide understanding on the need to conserve water bodies with the aid of photo-text panels, dioramas, working models, 3-dimensional models, interactive maps, signage apart from telescopes and touch screens.

For the project estimated to cost around Rs.2.80 crore, the Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environment Education (CED), a national institution affiliated to the Nehru Foundation for Development and supported by the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has already submitted a proposal.

The CEE which aims at creating environmental awareness among children, youth, decision makers and the general community has been behind installation of interpretative programmes in country's premier sanctuaries and national parks. The HMDA has approved the proposal for execution, which involves planning and designing, fabricating and installing exhibits in the building and on the sites provided for the purpose.

Forraising the required funds for the museum, the HMDA has plans to seek the help of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is already extending assistance for the Hussainsagar and Catchment Area Improvement Project.

Last Updated on Saturday, 20 March 2010 02:27
 

Ex-secy heads heritage panel

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The New Indian Express 19.03.2010

Ex-secy heads heritage panel


HYDERABAD: After dilly-dallying for about a year, the State Government has finally reconstituted the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) on Wednesday with former secretary R Rajamani as chairman.

The other members of the committee are: Ramesh Kamajosila (engineer), Anwar Aziz (architect), Sanjay Torvi, (architect), Director of Archeology and Museums (Ex-Officio member), M Viswanathan, professor, Environmental Science, JNTU, Sajjad Shahid and Frauke Quader. Urban Planner, HMDA is the Member Secretary.

The committee will have a three-year tenure. On completion of the three-year term of HCC in April last year, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Commissioner has written a letter to the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) on April 27, 2009 followed by a reminder on February 15 requesting the State Government to reconstitute the committee for protection of historical buildings, areas and rock formations in the city. The earlier committee was constituted on April 3, 2006.

Last Updated on Friday, 19 March 2010 11:41
 

Marching orders again for HMDA!

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The New Indian Express 19.03.2010

Marching orders again for HMDA!


HYDERABAD: Accommodation problem has cropped up once again for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) after it has been served with a notice to vacate the Greenlands Guest House recently.

This is the second instance when the HMDA was asked to vacate its premises. Earlier, it was forced out of the sprawling Paigah Palace, Begumpet to make way for the Consulate General of the United States. This time, the HMDA has decided to shift to its own premises at Tarnaka.

A few weeks ago, the Department of Protocol, General Administration Department (GAD) has written a letter to the HMDA asking them to shift to another place as the allotted period had expired and extending the stay further was not possible.

Already, HMDA Metropolitan Commissioner BP Acharya has moved his office to Tarnaka. The other wings of the HMDA too will follow suit in another few days.

Protocol Department officials told Expresso that the period for which the HMDA was provided temporary accommodation in the Greenlands Guest house was over. No more extension would be given as the department was facing difficulty in accommodating important personalities visiting the city.

The Protocol Department is reportedly unhappy with the HMDA occupying most of the guest house space by shifting its various wings here leaving little room for the department to function or accommodate the VIPs coming to city on important works.

Recently, the Establishment and Estate wing of the HMDA too shifted to the Guest House adding to the concerns of the authorities of the Protocol department.

Meanwhile, the HMDA officials said, “If the Protocol Department wants us to vacate the premises, the HMDA has no other option but to move out.” HMDA has several own buildings like the Maitrivanam and Maitrivihar. The State Government has asked the HMDA to shift temporarily to the Greenlands Guest House after it vacated the sprawling Paigah Palace.

The HMDA officials now want to shift to their sprawling office located at Tarnaka that also houses the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (Outer Ring Road) office and the HMDA Urban Forestry wing.

Last Updated on Friday, 19 March 2010 11:37
 


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