How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Option On Ecommerce Lead To Rise In Consumer Debts?

Consumer credit is rising. Given the enormous liquidity being pumped into the system, consumer credit and debt is headed for disaster.

But it should be highlighted that economic euphoria may be taking over the market right now, driving up demand. However, given the public’s crippled financial capacity owing to pandemic-related health costs or rising crude or gasoline prices, it is reasonable to expect debts to continue to climb indefinitely.

In light of easy credit, the “Buy now, pay later” concept has swept the credit business. While it is undeniable that such choices are rising in favour, several analysts have warned of increased default risks in the future. This is owing to the lack of credit checks and the “opaque” debt reporting mechanism currently being used.

The BNPL system does not scrutinise consumer credit histories. This mechanism can cause lenders to undervalue borrowers’ debt levels when evaluating fresh loan applications. This implies that the system is based on a frail monitoring mechanism that might cause a massive credit bubble. Consumers are also at risk of accruing greater credit card debt. In order to pay off past “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) obligations, a consumer may overspend, resulting in new credit card debt.

The BNPL system is strongly integrated into the economy as BNPL service providers frequently partner with retailers, both online and offline. This allows users to pay in future instalments.

This payment option is gaining appeal among younger investors due to the economy’s flexible lending policy. In response to the growing demand for BNPL services, more businesses have begun offering them.

That digital payment companies like Square are buying Australia’s “buy now pay later” supplier Afterpay for $29 billion shows how popular BNPL services are becoming.

But what will cause future increases in consumer debt? As a first point, the sector’s debt performance reporting is “obscure” and the debt monitoring mechanism is non-existent due to the absence of background credit checks Worse, many of these service providers do not report usage to credit bureaus, thus complicating the matter. Notably, BNPL debt is rarely visible on borrowers’ credit files. Growth in consumer debt can cause havoc on the economy as a result of this.

Desperate to avoid bankruptcy, these organisations providing BNPL services do not evaluate users’ creditworthiness or financial standing.

For big-ticket items like electronics, furniture and appliances, instalment plans or classic “BNPL” services were previously employed just for big-ticket items. This is because the latest “buy now, pay later” programme is aimed at younger, tech-savvy consumers.

More loathsome and uneventful sweets than credit cards and ordinary instalment loans make the whole plan even more nefarious and unpleasant. It has low or no interest rate, no late fee, and huge loan limitations that these technological apps offer as sweeteners. It also doesn’t require any credit checks. Deduced from the foregoing, this is clearly a formula for economic doom.

Also, organisations that provide such services do not have to bear the weight of the consequences. Consumers who don’t read the terms of borrowing could be negatively affected by this plan.

Rescheduling payments or being charged more owing to inadequate information are examples of potential costs. However, such borrowing might lead to an endless debt cycle. Without timely payment, Bnpl users may find themselves in danger. With credit cards and other strange methods of debt financing, many BNPL customers will be forced into a vicious cycle of debt.

Because of the pandemic, online purchasing has increased dramatically, leading to an increase in non-performing loans. Analysts warn that the rise in such services is related to the convenience of application and low cost of borrowing, in addition to lenient credit policies.

Because the system relies on a fragile monitoring mechanism, its failure might imply economic disaster. An economic bubble is becoming more likely as new platforms like Phonepay enter the market. As a result, authorities must take control of the situation. #livehyd #LiveHyd

‍‍‍‍‍Are Telugu States Usher 'Privileges To Brahmins' Under 'Upper Caste Politics' Influence?

The Telugu States (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_states) govts know that while Brahmins (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin#:~:text=Brahmin%20(%2F%CB%88br%C9%91%CB%90,of%20sacred%20learning%20across%20generations) are electorally insignificant, they can influence others.

Telugu state governments in south India, representing both sides of the Hindutva divide, have strengthened their outreach programmes for Brahmins, in order to remain politically relevant among the community and counter opposition parties’ attempts to woo them.

In the Telugu-speaking non-BJP-ruled states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Brahmin population is negligible and their mandate politically insignificant. But none of these states’ governments have taken their eyes off this influential community, frequently unveiling schemes to incentivise education and employment, or to perpetuate ‘their’ Vedic culture.

Of course, the benefactors of these initiatives must show proof of caste — that they are Brahmins by birth — as most of them are from the economically weaker sections.

In Andhra, the Brahmins have always thrown in their lot with the Reddy community since a fight with the erstwhile Chandrababu Naidu government. But are they happy with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, particularly when the opposition BJP tomtoms itself to be the “protector of Hindu dharma?”

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao publicly lives the life of a ‘devout Hindu’. And while there’s hardly any representation of Brahmins in his government, he continues to put them on a pedestal — now and then, he gets vocal in his demand for a Bharat Ratna for former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, who hailed from the community.

Intellectuals, however, point out it is farcical to base policy outreach on the feudal concept that Brahmins are powerful.

The Andhra government’s Vedic education scheme for Brahmins has come in for particular criticism. Political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta wrote (https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/brahmin-welfare-schemes-social-justice-7495186/) that the state cannot provide support to a profession whose eligibility is determined by birth. If Vedic studies are good for Brahmins, they should be good for all, he argued.

Both the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments have designated Brahmin welfare departments — set up in 2014 and 2017 respectively — and portals, which describe the community as ‘brilliant’ and ‘big’ thinkers.

The Telangana Brahmin Samkshema Parishad — the government body working for the upliftment of the community — says on its website (https://brahminparishad.telangana.gov.in/FirstPage.do) that BRAHMIN stands for “Broad and Brilliant in Thinking; Righteous and Religious in Livelihood, Adroit and Adventurous in Personality, Honesty and Humanity in Quality, Modesty and Morality in Character, Innovation and Industry in Performance and Nobility and Novelty in approach”.

Andhra Pradesh’s site (http://www.andhrabrahmin.ap.gov.in/bwc/aboutus.aspx) defines the community as “Big Thinking, Resource Leveraging, Attitude (positive), Hard Work, Modesty, Integrity and Neo Thinking”.

Both state governments offer financial assistance for higher education, entrepreneurship, skill development, coaching for competitive exams — primarily for the economically weaker groups within the community.

Such schemes, however, are not exclusive to the Brahmin community in the states. There are designated departments working for backward communities, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, offering almost similar financial assistance to promote empowerment.

There is not a single Brahmin minister in KCR’s cabinet, nor in Jagan’s, except Deputy Speaker Kona Raghupathi. There are only a handful of Brahmin legislators in both states, which reflects the fact that Telangana has less than 3 per cent Brahmin voters while Andhra has 5 per cent. But Brahmins are important to both the CMs, say analysts.

There are also financial assistance schemes to promote ‘Vedic culture’ and ‘Vedic education’ in the community. The Telangana Brahmin Parishad offers a scheme named ‘Vedahitha — Vedic Students’, which pays each Brahmin student a sustenance grant of Rs 3 lakh after the successful competition of ‘Smarta’ studies and Rs 5 lakh after finishing ‘Agama, Kramantha and Ganantha’ studies.

A similar scheme in Andhra pays as high as Rs 36,000 annually for a period of six years.

In Telangana, the government bears 75 per cent cost of construction of ‘Brahmin Sadans’ at district and mandal levels under its ‘Brahmin Sadan Scheme’.

Andhra’s ‘Vasishta Scheme’ provides coaching for competitive exams such as the civil services, paying candidates’ boarding and lodging charges.

One of the eligibility criteria for all these schemes is that the beneficiary and the parents should be Brahmins.

From 2015 to 2019, mostly under Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra spent Rs 216 crore on welfare schemes for the community.

The Andhra government also offers financial assistance for funeral expenses of a deceased from a Brahmin family, if the family cannot afford it.

Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi told #KhabarLive, “Considering our society, Brahmins still play a major role in public opinion. They hold influential positions. Though their economic and political power may not be much, several government advisers belong to the community, and there are bureaucrats in top positions.”

Ravi added that chief priest of the famous Tirumala Temple, A.V. Ramana Deekshitulu, had a certain amount of influence in former CM Chandrababu Naidu’s government.

But that does not mean there are no poor Brahmins, he pointed out.

In Telangana, KCR’s most recent sop to Brahmins was the year-long Narasimha Rao birth centenary celebrations he announced in 2020. A statue of the former PM was erected in Hyderabad in June, which the CM himself inaugurated. The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi, in the graduates MLC polls, named his granddaughter a candidate, and she ended up winning.

“KCR does not give the community much power but keeps them on a pedestal, conveys that he is respecting them,” Ravi said.

Prof. Kodandaram Reddy, founder of political party Telangana Jana Samithi, said the community is present mostly in urban pockets.

Brahmin voters dominates 12 urban assembly constituencies in the state out of the total 119, according to Telangana BJP leader Ramchander Rao.

Compared to Andhra Pradesh, the Brahmin community in Telangana was not initially influential due to the zamindar (landlord) culture and the Nizam rule. But things changed and certain sub-castes from the Brahmin community such as ‘Karnam’ took over maintaining village records and looked after revenue, Kodandaram Reddy said.

Meanwhile, political analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta said that secularism and social justice have become “farcical ideas” in these states. He opined that politics and public policy were being reduced to “jati-based” mobilisation in the most absurd way.

“Can you think of anything more grotesque than the idea that in the 21st century the state provides support to a profession whose eligibility is determined by birth? If Vedic education is unalloyed good, why should it not be open to all, subject to conduct rules? How can the state discriminate and confine it to Brahmins identified by birth? This cannot pass any constitutional smell test,” he wrote.

“…this is exactly the perversion of social justice discourse that was set in motion post-Mandal where the question of deeply entrenched historical discrimination was confused with backwardness and poverty in general,” Mehta added.

Other analysts say the state governments continue to keep Brahmins in good humour because of their ‘reverential position’ in society, despite the negligible vote bank.

Independent activist Sky Baba said: “Decades-old feudal systems believed if Brahmins were in an authoritative position, everything would automatically be in place. These governments are still following that sentiment.”

But think of the regression this represents in politics. Recognising caste to overcome discrimination was one thing. But entrenching it as a compulsory identity, certified by the state, and reproducing birth-based entitlements are a perversion of social justice.

Politics and public policy is being reduced to jati-based mobilisation in the most absurd way. Dalits were poor on account of their caste, which is why caste was recognised.

Now the state wants to ensure that all who are poor are permanently stamped with their caste by an official seal. The free for all that is ensuing for reconfiguring caste-based benefits, the demands of local domicile reservation, are signs of pessimism about the economy.

Much heat will be generated about how to distribute the current and shrinking pie of jobs and resources along jati lines. But no one is getting seriously upset about the fact that the pie is not growing as fast as we need it to.

The benefits for Brahmins may seem like a reductio ad absurdum of our politics, a little farce. But behind it is a great tragedy, of a nation with diminishing prospects for everyone, encouraging them to reach into the narrowest-minded conceptions of identity and calling it social justice. #KhabarLive #hydnews

‍‍Telecom Department flags unauthorized sale of Mobile Signal Boosters in India by e-commerce firms, writes to Customs Department

Considering unauthorized mobile signal repeaters & walkie-talkies as a security threat, DoT asks Customs dept to sought strict implementation of import rule and DoT flags unauthorized sale of Mobile Signal Booster by e-commerce firms.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) wrote to the Customs department flagging unauthorized sales of Mobile Signal Boosters by e-commerce firms and sought strict implementation of import rules to curb such practices.

Mobile Signal Boosters are considered the major reason for call drops and India had already banned them. But through e-Commerce, many types of Mobile Signal Boosters, specially imported from China, have found their way into India, for the past so many years.

The telecom department in a letter to the Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) chairman said that it has come to its notice and has also been reported by the Intelligence Bureau about certain models of walkie-talkie sets available for sale on some e-commerce platforms without any compliance to the regulatory requirement of the department. The mobile signal booster and walkie-talkie sets fall under the category of transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus which are not permitted to be imported without a license.

The wireless technology monitoring group of the DoT brought down 140 illegal mobile signal boosters during a week-long raid in the state capital.

“While the department is continuing to take appropriate action in this regard in cases of violation, but to restrict the inflow of such unauthorized wireless equipment including mobile signal booster/ repeater in the country, it is requested to strictly enforce the provisions enshrined in the import policy of DGFT in this regard,” the letter said.

Recently, the wireless technology monitoring group of the DoT brought down 140 illegal mobile signal boosters during a week-long raid in the state capital. The raids were conducted in several parts of Hyderabad, including Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Banjara Hills, Khairatabad, Rajendernagar, Kukatpally, Begumpet and Basheerbagh areas. Last year, DoT officials seized and removed around 400 illegal mobile signal boosters, resulting in call drops.

The unauthorized mobile signal repeaters and walkie-talkies can help anti-social elements set up illegal communication infrastructure. Most people also use this equipment to boost mobile signals in their premises which adversely impacts telecom networks in surrounding areas resulting in call drops, poor call quality, etc. Most of this equipment are illegally imported from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

“Further, notice has also been served to various e-commerce platforms to refrain themselves from selling/ facilitating the selling of unauthorized wireless equipment including signal repeaters/ boosters. Few of such e-commerce platforms have complied with the instructions.

However, such unauthorized wireless equipment including mobile signal repeaters/ boosters are still available for sale on some of the e-commerce platforms and in the grey market,” the letter said. #KhabarLive #hydnews 

‍'Yeh Dosti Hun Nahi Chodenge....' - Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri And India-England Test Series

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri might have more answering to do now that the fifth Test of India’s tour of England has been rendered redundant, and the IPL’s early participation may have been compromised.

After Covid Gaffe on the event of The coach’s book launch, the Team India is drawing comparisons with the Australians from two years ago, when they partied on the England pitch after getting ahead in the Ashes only to have to settle for a humbling draw in the end. After all it is hard to imagine any international sports team with a tour in the balance whose coach decides to launch his book overseas.

Three Tests down after that fateful misadventure at the World Test Championship final, Kohli and his team were yet to establish themselves convincingly as “the team to beat” as the Indian captain declared at Shastri’s book launch.

The eventual result in favour of the visitors on the final day of the fourth Test only reaffirmed that fact, as India had to dig themselves out of a hole and not without substantial help from the wobbly hosts. Few teams could have got a reprieve, let alone a jail-free card, after being twice bowled out for less than 100, had they been playing against a stronger, more consistent team than England.

It is something of a feat that India under Kohli have pulled off what the team under Kapil Dev did, winning two Tests in a series in England. Overall India were favourites but not outright winners, which says something given how low England have been on the Test charts.

The fact remains that the trophy cupboard has been empty since 2013 despite the familiar and repetitive backslapping between coach and captain. No amount of touting wins by the coach (which seems his most effusive role to date) is going to change that. Not unless India have a trump up their sleeve for the Twenty20 World Cup which is expected to be Team Shastri’s last hurrah.

For now all the bluster has led to massive embarrassment and worse, a potential series hanging in the balance, as Shastri and the rest of the support staff remain quarantined because of a positive Covid test which has overshadowed the fourth Test and cast a huge cloud of doubt over the possibility of the fifth.

There have been a fluster of discussions between the ECB and BCCI over the awkward timing of the fifth Test, which now threatens to compromise the IPL interests of the latter, and over the impossibility of moving the IPL back so close to the T20 World Cup.

It was the ECB who came out with the statement first, which might lead to some clarification and correction from the BCCI, who have been opposed to the ECB’s demand that India forfeit the match:

“Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford will be cancelled. Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.”

Reportedly the ECB changed the wording of this statement, adding the word “regrettably”. The mean of forfeiture also disappeared in a matter of minutes from the public eye, suggesting that backdoor negotiations were still happening at the late hour - with India unwilling to cede their advantage and England wanting to hold India accountable.

Rajiv Shukla was first to speak on behalf of the BCCI, to suggest that despite the ECB claiming to release the statement after discussion with the BCCI, “the match was only called off. The match was not forfeited.” That still seems like a bone of contention, with the ECB not alluding to the result since taking the forfeit statement off the table.

It only highlights how the situation has quickly spiralled from a coach’s breach to several considerations about the match to now boards playing tug of war at the negotiating table, undoubtedly with some give and take before deciding what the final result of the series will be.

Once again it will be a game decided by the boards and not by the play on the field, in what should have been a straightforward decision with pre-laid contingencies.

If this was not a bad enough reflection, intentions on all sides were plainly evident as the ECB wanted India to forfeit the match if any of the players tested positive ahead of the Test, while India felt they would rather call off the match (without forfeiture) for fear that positive results here would impact foreign participation and timely preparation for the imminent second leg of the IPL.

It is not an everyday occurrence that on the eve of an important Test match that could possibly decide the series result, that the head coach of the visiting team decides to launch his book.

Ravi Shastri should thank his stars that it was a relatively modest affair. India’s position in the fourth Test looked like it would force Kohli to eat humble pie, before another horrendous England collapse on the final day made India’s win easier.

Flabbergasted was not the word as a muted launch was planned for Ravi Shastri’s book on the eve of the Oval Test, particularly since India had been blowing hot and cold through the first three Tests, coming into the contest with an emphatic win at Lord’s but succumbing to the understaffed hosts almost immediately to even the scales.

One does not have to leaf back very far into history to see that the Indian captain is standing on fragile ground. While his captaincy future might not be in immediate doubt, his words at the end of the World Test Championship have the potential to come back to haunt him.

Having lost rather poorly in the end to a determined New Zealand team in Southampton, Kohli was visibly miffed. In a familiar sermon of heads will roll, he seemed to suggest that there were too many tourists on the trip, and players who lacked intent and had it made it to the team despite his own exhortations for accountability.

It would have been a scathing but true indictment if the captain had been at the helm of more than one shoddy performance without a team of his choice at his disposal.

A disgruntled, not to mention embarrassed Kohli, could not quite mirror the reactions of Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, in defeat. Instead of taking responsibility he virtually threw the team under the bus.

His statements in the immediate aftermath, which included the words, “Bring in the right people who have right mindset to perform,” must now make him look sheepish because by his own batting assessment on the England tour, he cannot be asking much of his team when as captain he has been quite unable to counter England’s charges with the ball.

Meanwhile his counterpart, England captain Joe Root, has been in impeccable form in both victory and defeat.

Contrary to Sourav Ganguly’s recent assertions that India are the better team by a mile, Virat Kohli’s team haven’t shown quite the impetus that should have put them in the driver’s seat much sooner.

Given that their last Test appearance was down under when Ajinkya Rahane led the team in the three remaining Tests to a phenomenal series victory after Kohli’s departure after the first Test in Adelaide (which incidentally India lost) the disgruntlement of a grumpy captain unwilling to accept defeat gracefully became all too apparent.

After all, Kohli and Shastri have had more than just a few run-ins when the Indian selectors were left red-faced, having picked squads for tours while coach and captain made their own calls, sometimes in obvious contradiction of the selectors’ assessment.

To somehow suggest that the team was thrown into disarray after his absence for a few easy riders, when the results were emphatic Down Under is something that will unfortunately go down in the tour diary.

It is true that Shastri took over as head coach at a turbulent time, when he was director of cricket and Duncan Fletcher was not having a good time as India coach.

But the shenanigans that followed in the falling out between Kohli and the subsequent coach he did not want, Anil Kumble, in an unfair one-year tenure for the leg spinner before Shastri’s surprisingly smooth reappointment by the Kapil Dev led Cricket Advisory Committee in 2019, showed that Shastri and Kohli had developed an all too comfortable relationship of bonhomie, allowing one to take a comfortable backseat while the other had unfettered reign, on and off the field.

Accountability too must then come from the top down.

Cricket fans were not willing to look past the obvious. In one of the more prominent instances, cricket aficionados were agreed that Shastri, as coach, should have had a more mentoring hand in how he handled Rishabh Pant.

Pant to his credit bounced back from being initially overlooked for the World Cup, then being asked to unfairly fill big boots in the semifinal. And did so again after being targeted by the coach when the going got tough for India Men, to transform himself into one of the chief architects of India’s success in Australia under Rahane - all under the tender age of 21.

For those who chose to paint lightly India’s victory down under, it could be argued that the challenge for Kohli has been fairly similar to that for Rahane. Although it is hard to fault Kohli who has been a prolific run getter in Test cricket, not to mention a champion for the five day format, his bat has been conspicuously silent when it came to the big hundreds. If intent and performance hold measure, Jimmy Anderson has painted the Indian captain in such humiliating light that it is hard to see how Kohli can lift his own profile without a captain’s knock to his name.

It bears repeating that England’s team is a visibly compromised one. Although they have creditably taken the challenge to their superior visitors, frankly speaking the situation has not changed much before or during the series, where the burden of run-getting remains with their captain, Joe Root, and of the bowling strike on James Anderson.

While others have played support to spoil India’s facile part, India will look back on this series, irrespective of the result of the fifth Test, and wonder why they were so inconsistent for a team that should have had a tighter leash on the game, given the strength in their batting and the genuine talent in their seam bowling, which has also come to their rescue with the bat on more than one occasion in the past year.

Excuses are often made in hindsight. India, who have more recently adopted the policy of next to no tour matches before Test series - call it the bane of the Indian Premier League era, pandemic notwithstanding - are often seen being bloated with praise by the likes of Ravi Shastri when the wins come, or being scathingly cut down by the likes of the coach, who targets one or two players - not unlike his stint in the commentary box where he is likely to return.

Given the imperative for India to re-establish their authority over the game, particularly after the humiliating climbdown from Lord’s and with results swinging wildly through the course of the series, the opportunistic manner of the coach’s book launch unfortunately only shows that Ravi Shastri timed this one wrong, and not for the first time in this rather cosy coach and captain relationship.

Winning for Virat Kohli has become more than a matter of prestige and pride. It is important for the outgoing coach to finish this relationship on a high to secure the captain’s consent in the choice of the next coach. After that acrimonious falling out with Kumble, Kohli too will be under scrutiny.

Shastri’s exit might make life easier for many. After all, it was Shastri who took to social media to lament before the series how Bharat Arun, the bowling coach, had to serve isolation time as per UK health protocols after coming into contact with throwdown specialist-cum-masseur, Dayanand Garani:

“My right hand back in the house. Looking fitter and stronger after being in isolation for 10 days even though testing negative all the way. Bloody frustrating these isolation rules. 2 jabs of the vaccine has to be trusted.”

With a blasé, ignorant attitude like that, coming as it does from the head coach whose vaccination certainly didn’t spare him the embarrassment of covid at an inconvenient juncture putting the team and the series in peril, is it surprising that India find themselves in this late and rather needless off-field turmoil?

Fortunately, the second leg of the truncated Indian Premier League is not too far off, and even with the possibility of prolonged player quarantine as a result of this mishap, all shall soon be a thing of the past. #KhabarLive #hydnews

‍Where Is The 'Water Treatment Plant' At Twin Reservoirs For Hyderabad?

The long-awaited water treatment plant to Hyderabad city is still on papers after 10-years. The government apathy towards implementation is very poor. Though the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) designed the project, it is yet to see the light of the day.

Callousness of civic authorities is not only causing huge losses to the exchequer, but also is depriving its denizens of their rightful amount of drinking water for long. Construction of a 90-million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment plant (WTP) at Osmansagar and Himayatsagar lakes proposed 10 years ago is still lying on paper, as authorities seem to be insensitive to the basic needs of people.  

If the water treatment plant had been constructed, it would have catered to the drinking water needs of 10 lakh people and avoided inundation at low-lying areas along the Musi during October last year and for the last three months this year. Though the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) designed the project, it is yet to see the light of the day.

According to highly placed sources, after the 1908 flash floods caused massive losses of lives and properties, the civic authorities were forced to initiate flood control measures. Renowned civil engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya suggested constructions of two storage reservoirs on Musi named as Osmansagar and on Esi, its tributary, as Himayatsagar.

As the population of the then Hyderabad started increasing, the said flood control storage reservoirs were converted as drinking water supply sources and supply began from Osmansagar in 1920 (construction began in 1912 and completed in 1920) and from Himayatsagar in 1927 by gravity. The water treatment plants constructed at Asifnagar and Mir Alam till date have been treating 40 MGD water which are being supplied in the city.  

A decade ago, the twin reservoirs reached their dead storage levels and the water board officials, in order maintain the full tank levels, proposed to construct a 90 MGD water treatment plant linking Osmansagar and Himayatsagar and draw water through gravity from KP Laxmidevipally reservoir as a part of Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project.  If the project was executed, it would have treated water and supplied to about 10 lakh consumers at Rs. 10 per kilolitre since it could have avoided the electricity and other charges unlike drawing water from hundreds of kilometres from the Krishna and the Godavari river basins apart from avoiding flash floods.

A senior HMWSSB official said the city could have avoided not only flash floods along Musi but also would have catered to the drinking water needs of 10 lakh families at a very cheaper price if the 90 MGD water treatment plant was constructed. He said currently the water treatment plants at Asifnagar and Mir Alam could not treat beyond 20 MGD as they were constructed during early 1900's and the excess floodwater from the upstream areas were left into the Musi by lifting the gates of twin reservoirs which has been inundating hundreds of colonies in the downstream damaging properties and claiming lives. "City has to live with the flash floods in the coming years and construction of a 90 MGD water treatment plant would be a great help as it could save the city from submergence and cater to its drinking water needs,” the official added.

Apart from the twin reservoirs, Manjira Phase I and II, Singur (Manjira phase-III and IV), Krishna Phase-I, II, III and Godavari Phase-I have been serving the drinking water needs of the city.  As of now, the total installed capacity for Hyderabad drinking water supply is 602 MGD.

At present, a total of 430 MGD is being supplied in the service area of HMWS&SB which is extended beyond the GHMC limits up to the outer ring road (ORR). #KhabarLive #hydnews

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#Sponsored: ‍‍The 'Unexplored' Coastal Experiences In Saudi Arabia

The Red Sea Project aims to transform the country’s coastline into a luxury resort destination, from restaurant hopping in KAEC to snorkelling at Umluj and diving in Jeddah, here are the best off‐beat coastal experiences you can have in Saudi Arabia.

When one thinks of Saudi, images of vast deserts and grand mosques get formed in the head, but not many are still aware of the fact that the country is blessed with its share of tranquil beaches, which promise to offer an unparalleled and blissful experience. The kingdom’s ambitious Red Sea Project is aimed at transforming the country’s coastline into a luxury resort destination. The magnificent azure blue waters and the peaceful environs of these beaches will instil a sense of calm in you as you discover a world away from the dunes.

And there’s so much more that you could do when exploring these fantastic beaches. We’ve curated a list of the best coastal experiences in Saudi. Read on.

Being Romantic at Half Moon Bay Beach

As its name suggests, the beach is shaped like a half moon and continues to remain one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi. Known for its clear blue waters and white sandy stretch, the beach is located in Al Khobar and offers a myriad of activities for visitors. Apart from enjoying a relaxing swim, you and your partner can also get down to some fun and learn how to scuba dive or go for a romantic horse ride. The beach resorts here are simply marvellous and luxuriating in their plush and serene environs is an absolutely divine experience, to say the least.

Exploring Untouched Marine Life at Farasan Island

Famous for their rich underwater life and subtropical shores, the beaches of the Farasan Island are surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests and fossils. When here, you must not miss a chance to go deep sea diving as this is one of the best diving spots in Saudi. Often referred to as one of the most offbeat beach destinations in the world, Farasan Island is also known for its marine sanctuary. Home to as many as 231 species of aquatic creatures like fishes, turtles, dolphins and lobsters, the sanctuary was developed with an aim to preserve the abundant wealth of the incredible sea life that Farasan is blessed with. If you are fortunate enough, you may even chance upon the critically endangered green and hawksbill turtles.

Snorkelling at Umluj Beach

Also known as the Maldives of Saudi, Umluj Beach is a great option for those who are looking for a lesser crowded beach. Home to some amazing natural springs, the beach is a sheer delight for every nature lover, thanks to its rich marine biodiversity. The beach is untrammelled by tourists and the kingdom has also put a ban on the entry of ships and ferries here. Any visit to Umluj beach would be incomplete without experiencing the adventure that is coral reef snorkelling. One of the most unexplored snorkelling destinations in the world, Umluj promises to be an extraordinary experience with its incredible sea life and excellent weather throughout the year.

Restaurant Hopping at KAEC

Located on the coast of the Red Sea, King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi is nothing less than a paradise for those looking for brilliant gastronomical experiences. Dotted with upscale restaurants and chic cafes, KAEC is surrounded by tranquil sandy beaches. One of these beaches is Yam beach, which makes for a perfect destination to enjoy a fun-filled family vacation. No matter what type of dining experience you and your loved ones are looking for, King Abdullah Economic City offers myriad options to please every palate. From fine dining to quick eats, be prepared to eat your heart out. From Italian and Mexican to Mediterranean, you will get everything here.

Reef Diving off Jeddah

Saudi's Red Sea coast offers perfect conditions for year-round diving, with the major diving sites being around Jeddah. Blessed with an incredible aquatic life and numerous wrecks and reefs, Jeddah’s diving sites offer great opportunities to witness underwater life at its majestic best featuring large sea fans, coral bushes, grass beds, colourful soft corals and endless outcropping.
Some of the commonly witnessed aquatic species include eels, rays, lionfish, clownfish, octopus, turtles, lobsters and starfishes. The best diving sites in Jeddah include Miss Marie Wreck, Boiler Wreck, The Farasan Banks, Cable Wreck and Jabal Al Lith. The most challenging of all diving sites in Jeddah is the Ann Ann Wreck, which continues to draw divers from all corners of the world.

(Book your Saudi Arabia holiday with Travel Tours. Call 1800-572-1977 or send us an email at holidays@traveltours.in)

‍Historic ‍'Mir Alam Sabzi Mandi' Structures In Dilapidated And Neglected Goes Hitech Soon In Hyderabad

The historic sabzi Mandi named as Mir Alam Mandi in Nizam's era which structures are in sheer neglected will be restored soon. This is a long-pending development  listed in several political manifestos and ruling party agenda too.

The kaman (arch) of the Mir Alam Mandi in a dilapidated condition. Special secretary (Urban Development) Arvind Kumar announced that the 200-year-old Mir Alam Mandi will be restored by the state government. He was speaking after visiting the mandi, which has 43 wholesale shops and about 300 vendors spread over five acres.

The kaman (arch) of the market is in a dilapidated condition. There have been constant complaints of the arch chipping off and it requires urgent restoration. One of the pillars is also in very bad condition. Social and heritage activists have been raising the issue of the kaman being in a dilapidated state from time to time.

Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, who was also present during Arvind Kumar’s visit, had earlier raised the issue of restoring Mir Alam Mandi during a review meeting municipal administration minister K.T. Rama Rao.

The government also proposes to restore the Nampally Sarai near the Hyderabad Railway Station.

Moazzam Jahi Market, which has been restored, has become a model for the government to take up renovation of other markets and historical places in the city. #KhabarLive #hydnews