Latest news with #SampathKumar
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Protest Turns Violent: Protesters torch ethanol factory's vehicles
Jogulamba Gadwal (Mahabubnagar): A large-scale protest by villagers against the construction of an ethanol factory at Pedda Dhanwada in Rajoli mandal of Jogulamba Gadwal district turned violent on Wednesday. The factory, being set up by Gayatri Renewable Fuels Private Limited with an investment of Rs 190 crore on 30 acres near the banks of the Tungabhadra river, has drawn sharp opposition from residents of 12 surrounding villages who fear it will destroy their agricultural lands and pollute the environment. Tensions flared after police placed several farmers under house arrest the night before and deployed heavy security near the construction site. This was seen as an attempt to suppress the protest, leading to widespread public anger. Early in the morning, hundreds of villagers, including women and elderly, stormed the site upon noticing renewed construction activities. They were enraged to see JCBs operating, tents erected, and a large container installed on the site. In the chaos that followed, the protesters set fire to a container, overturned vehicles, smashed windows of earthmovers, and dismantled temporary structures. The police, caught off guard, struggled to contain the crowd. Meanwhile, Gadwal DSP Mogulayya visited the site and appealed for calm, stating that no one should take the law into their hands and that legal action would be taken if any violations were found. Villagers, however, remain determined to continue their agitation, declaring that they will not allow any polluting industry to destroy their livelihoods. For the past two years, locals have been raising objections through peaceful protests and appeals to the authorities, demanding that the project be halted due to environmental concerns. However, they allege that neither public hearings nor proper consultations were held before granting permission for the factory. Farmers said they were inspired to act after learning about pollution and health hazards caused by similar ethanol factories in Chittalur of Narayanpet district and Parlapalli in Karimnagar. They believe their fertile fields, which produce green crops, will be turned barren if the factory is allowed. Several leaders, including Congress's Sampath Kumar, MLC Challa Venkata Ram Reddy, and local MLA Vijayudu, had earlier extended support to the protest. Officials had suspended the work and promised that construction would not resume without public consent, but recent developments showed otherwise.
Hans India
04-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
A Ray of Hope: Hearing-Impaired Boy Receives Rs 8 Lakh Aid Through Compassionate Efforts of Dr. Sampath Kumar and ENT Specialist Dr. Pranaya Deepika
Gadwal: In a touching instance of humanity and compassion, a young boy suffering from congenital hearing loss has received a lifeline thanks to the combined efforts of former MLA and AICC Secretary Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar and his daughter, ENT specialist Dr. Pranaya Deepika. The Case That Touched Hearts Badrinath, the son of potter Kummari Ramudu from Dharmavaram village, Erravalli Mandal, Alampur constituency, was born with a severe hearing impairment. As a result, he has been unable to develop speech, making day-to-day communication a challenge for the young boy and his family. When Badrinath's condition was brought to the attention of Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar, former Alampur MLA and AICC Secretary, he responded promptly and empathetically. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Sampath Kumar consulted his daughter, Dr. Pranaya Deepika, a qualified ENT specialist. A Doctor's Compassion and a Father's Support Deeply moved by the child's condition, Dr. Pranaya Deepika recommended advanced medical treatment, including the installation of hearing aids, at the renowned ENT Hospital in Koti, Hyderabad. Understanding the financial burden such treatment could impose on the impoverished family, Dr. Sampath Kumar took proactive steps to ensure the child received timely assistance. Using his influence and commitment to public welfare, he worked with government authorities to sanction a Letter of Credit (LOC) worth ₹8,00,000 to cover the medical expenses, particularly for the installation of specialized hearing devices. Presentation of the Sanction Letter In a small but meaningful event, the official LOC copy was formally handed over to Badrinath's family. The presentation was made by Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar, Dr. Pranaya Deepika, Youth Congress State Vice-President Deepak Prajna (Dr. Sampath Kumar's grandson), and senior Congress leader Madhu Naidu. This gesture not only brought hope to Badrinath and his family but also stood as a testament to the enduring values of empathy and social responsibility. Public Reaction Locals and social activists have widely appreciated this humanitarian effort, lauding Dr. Pranaya Deepika for her medical initiative and Dr. Sampath Kumar for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of underprivileged communities. This heartening episode reaffirms the positive impact that compassionate leadership and timely medical intervention can bring to those in need—offering not just treatment, but a chance at a better life.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Meghalaya event endorses living root bridges for Unesco world heritage tag
Shillong: The department of arts and culture, Govt of Meghalaya, alongside Unesco, INTACH, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), conducted a workshop on the Living Root Bridges Cultural Landscape at the Heritage Club, Tripura Castle here on Tuesday. This event marked progress towards preserving and potentially nominating Meghalaya's living root bridges for Unesco world heritage status. The initiative, as highlighted by principal secretary of forest & environment dept, Sampath Kumar, was conceptualised by CM Conrad Sangma, who pledged dedicated funding and showed keen interest in drawing Unesco's attention to these unique structures. Kumar mentioned ongoing research activities examining the bridges, with governmental bodies actively collaborating with local communities to advance the initiative. Junhi Han, chief of the culture unit at Unesco South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, expressed appreciation to the Meghalaya govt for enabling the study of these bioengineered structures. She characterised the living root bridges as "extraordinary examples of harmony between nature and humanity" and praised the state's efforts in promoting these natural formations, "which are not products of industrial machinery but the result of indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [부산 한정] 빠진 치아 1개도 10개도 개당 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요! 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo She emphasised the necessity of heritage preservation and youth education. Padma Shri recipient and former UPSC chairman David R Syiemlieh participated in the discussion 'Guiding the Preparation of World Heritage Nomination Dossier for Living Root Bridges' and shared his insights. The academic highlighted these bridges' crucial function for local inhabitants, particularly for crossing rivers.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Meghalaya govt pushes for UNESCO focus on living root bridges
Shillong: The Meghalaya government has taken ambitious initiatives to bring UNESCO's focus to the iconic natural living root bridges of the mountainous northeastern state, an official said on Tuesday. A workshop on the 'Living Root Bridges Cultural Landscape' was held on Tuesday at the Heritage Club in Shillong. Addressing the workshop, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Sampath Kumar, highlighted that the initiative was originally envisioned by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who expressed a strong commitment to bring UNESCO's focus to the unique living root bridges and assured dedicated funding for the project. Kumar noted that several research efforts are already underway to study the bridges in depth, with the government working closely with local communities to further the initiative. Representing UNESCO, Junhi Han, Chief of the Culture Unit at the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government for facilitating the study of these bioengineered structures. She described the living root bridges as extraordinary examples of harmony between nature and humanity. Han commended the state for promoting these naturally formed structures, which are not products of industrial machinery but the result of indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations. She stressed the importance of conserving this heritage and educating the youth on its significance. Padma Shri awardee and former UPSC Chairman David R. Syiemlieh shared his appreciation for being part of the discussion titled 'Guiding the Preparation of World Heritage Nomination Dossier for Living Root Bridges'. Syiemlieh emphasised the vital role the bridges play for local communities, especially in enabling river crossings. He explained that locals use bamboo and betel nut trunks to direct the roots across streams until they grow into functional footbridges. Syiemlieh further stated that while some root bridges have been lost over time, many still stand today, some even over a century old. He underscored their cultural and ecological significance and noted their wide presence across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The workshop marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to preserve and potentially nominate the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. The root bridges of Meghalaya are an enigma, an integral part of the old Khasi lifestyle that dates back to the times when trekking through thick forests and negotiating fast-flowing rivers was a part of the routine. The workshop was organised by the Meghalaya government's Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with UNESCO, INTACH, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Meghalaya govt pushes for UNESCO focus on living root bridges
The Meghalaya government has taken initiatives to bring UNESCO's focus to the iconic natural living root bridges of the mountainous northeastern state. A workshop on the 'Living Root Bridges Cultural Landscape' was held on Tuesday at the Heritage Club in Shillong. Addressing the workshop, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Sampath Kumar, highlighted that the initiative was originally envisioned by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who expressed a strong commitment to bring UNESCO's focus to the unique living root bridges and assured dedicated funding for the project. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gain expertise in Deep Learning & NLP with AI & ML BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Kumar noted that several research efforts are already underway to study the bridges in depth, with the government working closely with local communities to further the initiative. Representing UNESCO, Junhi Han, Chief of the Culture Unit at the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government for facilitating the study of these bioengineered structures. Live Events She described the living root bridges as extraordinary examples of harmony between nature and humanity. Han commended the state for promoting these naturally formed structures, which are not products of industrial machinery but the result of indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations. She stressed the importance of conserving this heritage and educating the youth on its significance. The root bridges of Meghalaya are an enigma, an integral part of the old Khasi lifestyle that dates back to the times when trekking through thick forests and negotiating fast-flowing rivers was a part of the routine. The workshop was organised by the Meghalaya government's Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with UNESCO, INTACH, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
