The Hindu       19.09.2014  

City to have extensive surveillance network

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in association with the city police announced their firm resolve to go ahead with installation of CCTV surveillance cameras extensively in phases at a total cost of Rs. 450 crore under the ‘Smart City Project’.

At a press conference here on Thursday, GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar, flanked by Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain and Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy, estimated that at least 50,000 high-definition cameras as enunciated in the Public Safety Act have to be installed. Tendering process for the same will start soon. He expects the local business persons to chip in as they too will benefit from the heightened security facility. Police stations have been made the access points and cameras will be equipped to monitor and record happenings on roads. While the municipal corporation can check the condition of roads, traffic density and garbage disposal, other government departments can make use of the facility. The Mayor said that cameras will be installed first in ‘sensitive areas’ in each of the five municipal zones to control criminal activities. He claimed the project can also generate revenue by “charging” for the footage, though the prime objective is to control crime and make the city safe. A committee of senior officials, including the Hyderabad Collector, Mr. Somesh Kumar and Mr. Mahender Reddy, will decide the modalities of the project.

Mr. Reddy pointed out that Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes.

Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes

– Mahender Reddy

Police Commissioner

The Hindu       19.09.2014  

Semi-urban towns poised for industrialisation

With the rising aspirations of local people, the semi-urban towns are looking for avenues for increased development in terms of businesses and industries for creating more job opportunities for the educated youth and coming generations.

Kavali is one such town in Nellore district where a variety of resources are identified for development of small and medium industries.

During the recent visit of APIIC chairman P. Krishnaiah, leaders of Kavali, including Capital Committee member B. Mastan Rao made representations to him seeking creation of necessary infrastructural facilities for boosting industrial growth. They referred to the Maddurupadu industrial hub as a clear example of how the small and medium industries are not able to promise higher growth potential due to lack of proper facilities.

Over 25 industries are located in this industrial hub and they have immense potential if there is 24X7 power supply besides other infrastructural facilities. The APIIC chairman promised to look into their plea by arranging for an electric sub station there soon.

Industrialists in Kavali said it was a matter of comfort for them considering the promise of many projects such as the Dagadarthi airport and the Ramayapatnam port in their town’s vicinity. The local education youth would benefit enormously by these projects and the only thing was that they need to be trained.

The government is stated to have come out with the State Skill Development Centre, which will reach out to the youth in rural and semi-urban towns in due course of time. People in towns like Kavali are expected to derive maximum benefit out of these initiatives.

(Reporting by

G. Ravikiran)