The minutes of the 12th meeting were approved.

Dr. V. K. Bawa, Convener Urban Development --- suggested that in future minutes could be presented under individual groups with the coordinators initiating the discussion. This was agreed, as this procedure was followed in the past too.

A casual reply was received from VC/HUDA in response to a letter addressed by M.H.Rao, Convener Musi on Musi under RTI Act. Sri. M. Veda Kumar, President & Dr. M. Mandal have written several letters on tree cutting and other aspects to Commissioner/MCH and additional commissioner/Appellate authority but there was no response from either of them so far.

Members enquired what happened with reference to the item “Members were briefed on the PCB’s action initiative on Rock Garden and Food Courts around Hussain Sagar with reference to consent order violations. PCB has given one-month time to clear all the violations”. Dr. S. J. Reddy informed the members that it would be known at the next legal hearing.

With reference to building norms violations on 10 buildings, Sri. O. M. Debra sent several letters for information under RTI Act but so far there was no response from MCH.

Dr. S. J. Reddy convener Urban Transportation & Traffic --briefed the members on the comments sent by him to Chief Secretary with copies to Commissioner/MCH & VC/HUDA on “Action Plan for Traffic & Transportation Management in Hyderabad Metropolitan Area prepared by the committee headed by Sri. A. Raghotham Rao, Special Chief Secretary, and the same were submitted to the Hon’ble High Court”.

Dr. S. J. Reddy, General Secretary, brought to the notice of members on the news report [17.1.2006] of State Government’s proposal of “Hyderabad Metro Development Authority”. Members expressed the need to have such an authority but expressed that this needs to be discussed in detail at a separate meeting. Also, members expressed to invite some technical people for this special meeting [date and venue – SAMATA or M. H. Rao’s office-- for this meeting will be communicated later] and in this connection members are asked to send names of such people to Sri. M. Veda Kumar, President.

Dr. S. J. Reddy, Convener Urban Lakes & Water Bodies brought to the notice of members on the filling the Hussain Sagar Lake with filth as reported in the Eenadu (17 Jan. 2006). He also brought to the notice of a report appeared in Vaartha (17.1.2006) on Noormahammed Kunta, in which it was presented that some are bringing pressure to fill the kunta to retain the industries in this area

With reference to Yahoogroup on TRI monitoring proposed by Chilekani Rao mail addressed to Dr. M. Mandal, Convener RTI, the members agreed that Dr. M. Mandal could participate in this group.

Members were briefed on the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee/Local Area Environment Committee initiative on Environmental Auditing at few selected industries in 5 regions around Hyderabad.

The next meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 11th February 2006 at 4.30 pm at SAMATA Office

The minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 9th. September 2006 were read out and follow-up action was discussed and approved with some modification.

Dr.M.Mandal introduced Mr. R. K. Sinha to those present and requested that he be made a member of the Forum. It was accepted.

Right to Information Act:
Dr.M.Mandal, Convener, Right to Information Act informed the members that he was unhappy with the reply received from the Divisional Forest Officer stating that no approval was sought from his department under the Tree Act before cutting the trees on Begumpet Road near the Hyderabad Public School. The members requested Mr. M. H. Rao to speak to Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao the convener of Parks and Open Space, to take up further correspondence and necessary action with concerned officers in the above matter.
Dr.M.Mandal, also informed that he had received a reply under RTI Act informing that the MCH has initiated action of providing Street lights on the road outside HPS, Begumpet.
It was pointed out that in the name of urban development, land was being sold off. The Sub- Committee on Urban Development had sent letters to the concerned authorities under the Right to Information Act. As no reply was received letters were sent to the Appellate Authorities. Except the MCH all other departments have now given the information asked for from them. This information has been forwarded to the Forum’s lawyer Mr. Mohan Rao.
Dr.M.Mandal asked the committees to send letters under RTI Act marking a copy to him for follow up.

Heritage, Culture etc. Dr. V.K.Bawa informed the gathering that there is a need to identify all the Heritage buildings on a map and monitor condition on a regular basis. He also suggested that St. Luke’s Church should be included as a Heritage building.

Ganesh Immersion: A letter was received from a person stating that “Ganesh Immersion” is a one day affair in a year and the Forum need not waste their time on it, instead it should concentrate on ways and means of reducing Pollution from Sewerage. Mr. M,H.Rao informed the gathering that the letter was replied to.

The members decided that the Forum along with like minded NGO’s ( CHATRI; COVA; GAMANA), MCH and PCB will take up the matter regards to size, use of colour, use of material and de-centralized immersion with Idol manufacturers, Pandal Organizers, Ganesh Utsav Committee in the first week of November 2007. It was suggested that M/s. C. Kulsum Reddy be requested to head this project.

MUSI PILOT PROJECT: Mr.Vedakumar, who is co-coordinating Musi Pilot Project, explained that the Sub-Committee met number of times to discuss time to time to review the progress and to take further decisions. He said that as decided earlier NGO’s like CHATRI and GAMANA are associated and COVA organization expressed their inability to participate. As decided earlier M.Vedakumar assigned the work to few Bachelor Planners and Master Planners on behalf of Forum. Minutes of the Sub-Committee of 14th September, 2006 is communicated to the Sub-Committee members, Chairman and Secretary.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: Ms.Sangamitra Malik, Convener, Solid Waste Management, informed the gathering that M/s. Ajanta Perera who is advisor to the government of Sri Lanka on Solid Waste Management was in Hyderabad on Sunday 10th. September 2006 to study Solid waste management. As put forward by Mr.M.Vedakumar in the last meeting, she and Forum members Mrs.Sangamitra Malik, Mr.M.Vedakumar and Sukiki representatives Mr.Suresh Kumar and Vijaya Chandra visited Makta transfer station, Jawahar nagar Municipal Waste Dumping Yard, Sukiki’s “O” waste management town BHEL Ramachandrapuram. Then as per the schedule they met at “Samata” where Quader, Former Commissioner of Suryapet gave a Power Point Presentation (PPT) on Solid Waste Management (SWM) initiatives under taken by him. Mr. Suresh gave PPT on SUKIKI SWM projects undertaking. Mr.Vedakumar presented PPT on SWM on Tirupati town as an eco-city project. Mr.Ajantha Perara gave a talk at the end of the get together.

Mr. M.H.Rao informed that in spite of spending huge amounts on save Tiger projects, the population of tigers have reduced to one third of what it was a decade ago. It was felt that this subject must be looked into. It was suggested that Mr. O. M. Debara request M/s. Farida Tampal, director of WWF to join the Forum.

The next Meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 11th November, 2006 at 4.30 p.m. at Samatha Office.

The minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 12th. August 2006 were read out and follow-up action was discussed and approved with some modification.

Right to Information Act:
Dr.M.Mandal, Convener, Right to Information Act briefed the members that the Divisional Forest Officer, Hyderabad has replied to the Forum’s letter regarding tree cutting at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet Road stating that no approval was sought from his department under the Tree Act.
The members requested Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao the convener of Parks and Open Space, to take up further correspondence and necessary initiation with concerned officers in the above matter.

Mr.M.Vedakumar, Coordinator Musi River Pilot Project, informed that data is sought under Right to Information Act regarding the revised plan of Musi River project and the plan to build housing for slum dwellers who will be evicted from the Musi bed.

It was pointed out that in the name of urban development, land was being sold off. The Sub- Committee on Urban Development has sent letters to the concerned departments asking for data under Right to information act. As no reply has been received so far letters to Appellate Authorities would be sent.

Dr.Mandal informed out that he had written a letter to The MCH Commissioner regarding road widening activities in various parts of the twin cities. No proper Electrical Lighting has been provided. Footpaths for the pedestrian / Cyclists movement and Zebra Crossings have not been provided for the convenience of citizens. It was also suggested that a letter be sent to the Chief Secretary asking for a committee to be set up to coordinate the activities of all the Government bodies involved in this project.
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Ganesh Immersion: In response to the the Hand Bills printed by Forum in English and Telugu on “Ganesh Immersion”, a letter was received from a person stating that “Ganesh Immersion” is a one day affair in a year and the Forum need not waste their time on it, instead it should concentrate on ways and means of reducing Pollution from Sewerage.
The members requested Mr. M. H. Rao to reply to this letter.

Members felt that, even after several years of efforts there is no considerable change as regards to size, use of colour, use of material and de-centralized immersion.
The members decided that the Forum along with like minded NGO ( CHATRI; COVA; GAMANA), MCH and PCB to take up the matter with Idol manufacturers, Pandal Organizers, Ganesh Utsav Committee at least nine months before the next Vinayaka Chathurthi in 2007.

Mega City Pilot Project (MCPP) Capt. Rama Rao briefed the members of the Musi River Pilot Project.
Mr.M.Vedakumar, who is co-coordinating “Musi River Pilot Project.”, informed the members about the progress of work so far and the understanding reached with the Humboldt University, German on the Project.
He informed the members that CHATRI and GAMANA are already progressing with the work. Whereas COVA will be starting the work on the project next week. The sub-committee will meet and review the progress next week.

Mr. Chelikani Rao briefed about the Tarnaka Resident’s Welfare association. They are helping stake holders to express their grievance, discuss it and solve the problem. Members felt that this association was doing a good job and others should follow their example.

Mr. Chelikani Rao expressed his willingness to help set up Resident’s Welfare association in other areas.

Mr. Umesh of Gamana informed the gathering that a 7 Star Hotel was being constructed at Jubilee Hills. No Environment impact assessment has been done and PCB Chairman was unaware of it. Capt. Rama Rao named many more units that were coming up for which Environment impact assessment has not been done.
It was suggested the matter be taken up with the concerned authorities at the earliest.

Mr. Ved Kumar informed the gathering that a Mrs. Ajanta Perera who is advisor to the government of Sri Lanka on Solid Waste Management will be in Hyderabad on Sunday 10th. September 2006 to study Solid waste management. It was suggested that apart from a visit to BHEL & Makta the delegate should be taken to Jawaharnagar MCH dumping site. M/s.Sangamitra Malik and Mr. P Umesh and other forum members would go along with Mr. Ved Kumar. Later at 16.00 hrs they would meet at Samata office for an interactive meeting.

Capt. Rama Rao suggested that the Solid Waste Management sub-committee involve Mr. Chelikani Rao in their activity. The members felt that the Solid Waste Management sub-committee would not be able to achieve its objectives unless Government bodies like MCH, PCB etc are contacted and their plans are also taken into consideration.

As regards to the tenure of representative of Forum in CFC of Pollution Control Board it was felt that two years tenure was very less. The minimum period should be for three years. . However the current representative will continue until a new member is nominated.

It was felt that additional members may be co-opted into Urban development Committee as there is a lot of follow up action to be taken.

Capt. J.Rama Rao suggested that in order to set an example to others the Forum member will not use plastic bags in future.

The next Meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 14th October, 2006 at 4.30 p.m. at Samatha Office.

Right to Information Act: Dr.M.Mandal, Convenor, Right to Information Act briefed the members that the Divisional Forest Officer, Hyderabad has furnished the information on tree cutting at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet Road by sending a letter to the Forum. This was in response to the earlier letter submitted to Commissioner, MCH, Hyderabad Dist., Collector and to the Divisional Forest officer, Hyderabad to furnish the information as to under which department has carried out cutting of trees and how many trees were cut.

Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao being a convenor of Parks and Open Space, the members requested him to take up further correspondence and necessary initiation with concerned officers in the above matter.

It was also decided that a group of members of Forum For a Better Hyderabad to visit Commissioner, MCH in the above matter.

A Protest has been sent to the President and Prime Minister on Right to Information Act as various Government departments are not providing the relevant information in response to our requisitions.

A letter was received from the MCH in response to one query under the Right to Information Act, giving a list of important Government Buildings which have been constructed without the approval of the MCH.

Parks: Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao, Convenor, Urban Parks, Forests, Birds & Wildlife has briefed the members that about 2 lakh seed lings have been planted by the Government, out of which some spices are not acceptable.

The photographs were appeared in a News paper about “Saving a Tree “by Rajasthan, it should be brought to the notice of Chief Secretary, he said.

Heritage : Mr.M.Vedakumar, Convenor, Heritage Cell has briefed about Moula-Ali-Kaman and about Charminar to Falaknuma Road widening Project programme. He said that Heritage Cell is planning to represent to the Chairman, Heritage Conservation Committee and Vice Chairman, HUDA, Commissioner, MCH regarding pending issues of Heritage.

2:General:

A) Mrs.Kulsum Reddy raised the issue of the regularization of unauthorized lands by the Government. Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao explained about ULC procedures and Sarfakhas lands in Banjara Hills. Members felt that some more information may be ascertained in this regard and the Sub-Committee of Urban Development to look into the matter.

B) A discussion has come up regarding the representative of Forum in CFC of PCB. The members felt that the term of the Representative should not be more than 2 years and a suitable person should be nominated prior to the expiry of the above term. However the current representative will continue until a new member is nominated.

C) Dr.Mandal pointed out that while road widening is taking place in various parts of the twin cities, the proper electrical lighting, proper footpaths for the pedestrian movement and Zebra Crossings have not been provided for the convenience of citizens. The citizens lives are at stake. A representation with these problems has to be submitted to the Commissioner, MCH, Dr.Mandal said.

D) During the discussions, some members wanted to know whether the Forum is registered for which Mr.M.H.Rao confirmed that Forum has been registered in the Sub Registrar’s Office and also obtained 80G exemption under the Income Tax Act.

E) As a news item appeared regarding the Metropolitan Development Authority, Mr.M.Vedakumar suggested that a letter to be sent to the Chief Minister by the Chairman, Capt.J.Rama Rao mentioning Forum’s views on it.

Ganesh Immersion: The members discussed about the ongoing things about “Ganesh Immersion”, some members have already collected the Hand Bills printed by Forum in English and Telugu from Samatha office. The president requested the remaining members to collect them and make arrangements for effective distribution and also he said that Children’s Educational Academy is going to organize a Workshop on “MAKING OF CLAY GANESHA” by involving about 500 school children for 3 days i.e., from 22nd to 24th August, 2006.

Members felt that, even after several years of efforts there is no considerable change in regards to size, use of colour, use of material and central immersion.. The members decided to take up the matter well in advance, at least six months before the next Vinayaka Chathurthi in 2007.

Mega City Pilot Project (MCPP): Mr.M.Vedakumar, who is co-ordinating “MUSI PILOT PROJECT”, has informed the members about the progress of work and understanding with the Humboldt University German Project. He said that, the Sub-Committee consists of Mr.M.H.Rao, Mr.M.Vedakumar, Mr.C.Sarvotham Rao and Dr.S.Jeevananda Reddy will meet and discuss to proceed further for which Mr.M.H.Rao suggested the date for meeting as 18th August, 2006 at 11 a.m. at his office. The sub-committee is taking advice from Chairman, Capt.J.Rama Rao time to time who is also member of Mega City Project Steering Committee.
The next Meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 9th September, 2006 at 4.30 p.m. at Samatha Office

Urban parks, Forests, Birds & Wildlife: The convenor, Shri. C. Sarvotham Rao agreed to write a letter to Chief Secretary on tree planting in the coming rainy season under urban forestry. On tree cutting it was proposed a group to meet MCH Commissioner. Shri. Sarvotham Rao will inform the group the date and time.

Musi River: The convenor Shri. M. H. Rao will convene a meeting on Musi River and proposed a group to visit Musi zone.

Other issues: Discussed the issues of Himayatsagar & Osmansagar Catchment area with reference to EPTRI report and RTI; Uranium case, ORR issues.

The next meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 8th July 2006 at 4.30 pm at SAMATA Office

General: (i) Dr. S. J. Reddy, General Secretary briefed the members on the proposal to organize World Earth Day 2006 on 22nd April at 4.30 pm at Institute of Engineers (India), Khairatabad jointly with IEI and IICT. The committee agreed on this and proposed Dr. Reddy to be the Moderator of the programme; (ii) Dr. Reddy also briefed the members on the proposed Forum Annual Day 2005-2006 celebration along with World Environment Day on June 5, 2006. The members agreed to give the responsibility to Shri. M. H. Rao. Shri M. Veda Kumar suggested including 5 members to assist Shri. M. H. Rao; (iii) to express solidarity to fasting Medha Patkar, a proposal was put forth by Shri. R. Ravi and members agreed on this and Ms. K. Satya Laxmi informed the members that she would communicate the date & time, venue for this purpose; (iv) Capt. J. Rama Rao briefed the members on the meeting with Resident Editor, The Time of India along with Dr. Reddy & Dr. V. K. Bawa.

Right To Information: (i) Dr. M. Mandal, Convener of the sub-committee briefed the members that there is not much progress in this area with MCH. Members suggested to have a meeting with Chief Information officer of the State Mr. Akra to bring to his notice the lacunae in the RTI in the state with different departments.

Urban Development: (i) Dr. V. K. Bawa, Convener of the sub-committee asked the members to present their view points on urban Development (ii) Dr. S. J. Reddy, General Secretary informed the members that he has written a letter to Chief Minister with copies to Prl. Secy/MAUD, Prl. Secy E. F. S. & T, Commissioner/MCH, VC/HUDA, MS/APPCB – prepared draft was circulated for comments to members -- on the “Hyderabad Revised Building Rules, 2006”; (iii) In this connection Capt. J. Rama Rao suggested that Forum should file a PIL on the Master plan/zonal regulations/building rules with reference to 74th Amendment of the Constitution.

Urban Lakes, Water Bodies: (i) Dr. S. J. Reddy, Convener of the sub-committee briefed the members on the latest situation with reference to Hussain Sager, Himayat Sagar & Osman Sagar, Musi River. (ii)He informed the members that he has written a letter to VC/HUDA on the proposal to construct multilevel car parking complex for which VC/HUDA responded and in return another letter was written [all the three letters are available on website: hyderabadgreens.org – now HUDA submitted Caveat Petition; (iii) With reference to a comment by Chairman/HUDA [Eenadu, 7-4-2006] during his visit to Jalavihar with reference to Eenadu report of 6-4-2006, and wrote a letter to VC/HUDA with a copy to Chairman/HUDA and MS/APPCB – he stated that Jalavihar management is filling the lake with soil but they are doing according to law and he further stated that they have not demarcated FTL so far; (iv) In the case of Himayat Sagar & Osman Sagar, He briefed the members on the construction of Resorts in the Gandipet bund, which is nothing but a Hotel that is prohibited as per GO 111 – in this connection Dr. Reddy’s article was published in Editorial page of Vaartha dt. 8.4.2006.

Urban Traffic & Transportation: As there was no time, this item was not discussed.

Pollution: As there was no time, this item was not discussed.

Rock Formations & Ecology: --

Heritage and Culture: (i) Sri. M. Veda Kumar, Convener of the sub-group informed that Urban Renewal Mission has two components.
The next meeting of the Forum will be held on 2nd Saturday the 13th May 2006 at 4.30 pm at SAMATA Office.

Mrs. Indira Lingam

Ms. Frauke Quader

Sri. R. Rajamani

Sri. M. Veda Kumar

Sri. A. Srinivas

Dr. M. Mandal

Dr. V. K. Bawa

Sri. Ali Asghar

Sri. N. Rajeswara Rao

Sri C. Sarvotham Rao

Dr. S. Jeevananda Reddy