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Major gas leak at LG polymers leaves 11 dead 20 critical, 360 hospitalised in port city President of @rashtrapatibhvn The 11 victims Spoke to officials of MHA and A Chandramouli (19) NDMA regarding the situation in Kundana Sreya (6) , which is being N Greeshma (9) monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being Appala Narasamma (45) Children who fell victim to the gas leak are shifted to hospital in an ambulance in Vizag city on Thursday. in Visakhapatnam. Ch Ganga Raju (48) B Narayanamma (35) No permission given Krishna Murthy (72) P Varalakshmi (38) to LG Polymers: DIC N Nani (40) P Sankara Rao (40) PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Narendra Modi V Nookaraju (50) The general manager of District @narendramodi Industries Centre on Thursday Spoke to officials of MHA and WHAT IS ? stated that no permission was HOW POISONOUS IS IT accorded to LG Polymers to NDMA regarding the situation in Styrene is primarily a Depends on the exposure time. Acute resume production, which was Visakhapatnam, which is being synthetic chemical. It is also exposure to styrene in humans results stopped with the commence- monitored closely. I pray for known as vinylbenzene, in respiratory effects, such as mucous ment of lockdown. ethenylbenzene, cinnamene, membrane irritation, eye irritation, and It may be noted here that the everyone’s safety and well-being or phenylethylene. It's a gastrointestinal effects. Tests show in Visakhapatnam. styrene to have low to moderate industries must take permis- colorless liquid that sion from the Andhra evaporates easily and has a toxicity by inhalation and oral sweet smell. exposure. Industries department to reopen the plants after the Toxic styrene gas leaks from the LG Polymers located in RR Venkatapuram village, in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. lockdown was eased keeping in view the collapsing economy. SUMIT ONKA At least 11 people died view of the pandemic was The plant officials, however, n VISAKHAPATNAM and 318 of those affected relaxed partially to restart claimed that the preparation to are undergoing treatment at the economy, preparation to reopen was underway and not Gas leak victims fall down on a Horrors of the Bhopal gas various hospitals till the last reopen the plant was under- manufacturing. footpath as passersby attempt to help Amit Shah tragedy returned on official report came in. The way after 40 days of closure. General manager, M them in Vizag on Thursday. @AmitShah Thursday with death taking actual number of those The city woke up to see Ramalinga Reddy told media people in their sleep and affected is yet to be ascer- hundreds of residents faint- on Thursday soon after the products and they were still The incident in Vizag is some fainting due to leakage tained. LG Polymer manu- ing at random within a incident that the management valid. disturbing.Have spoken to the of toxic gas styrene from factures . AP radius of 5 km from the had applied for permission for However, Visakhapatnam South Korean giant, LG Pollution Control Board plant.As the gas spread, resuming the operation but it West TDP MLA PVGR Naidu, NDMA officials and concerned Polymers India Private officials confirmed that the those residents who could was turned down. under whose constituency the authorities. We are continuously Limited’s plant at RR gas leaked was Styrene. In make sense of the goings- The DIC allowed a bare factory runs, told this corre- and closely monitoring the Venkatapuram in Bhopal tragedy, the leaked on ran out of their homes minimum of staff for mainte- spondent that the manage- situation.I pray for the well- Gopalpatnam, just 8-km gas was methyl isocyanate in panic. Distressing images nance work. The management ment submitted a letter to the being of the people of from Vizag airport. (MIC) while it is of people fainting and drop- again made a second attempt district collector intimating Recounting the horror, the Ethenylbenzene (C8H8) in ping unconscious on the after lockdown was eased after him that the company was Visakhapatnam. victims say the incident Vizag which comes under streets started being shared May 4 but not granted. starting its production. occurred around 2.30 am when category 4 given the risk. on social media. The AP Pollution Control “It was only intimation and they were in deep slumber. After the lockdown in 3 Board official said they gave not permission to start the fac- NOC in 2017 and 2019 for two tory,’’ the MLA pointed out. Police book case Why did alarms not Vizag gas tragedy PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Rahul Gandhi a wake-up call @RahulGandhi police on Thursday booked cases under ring, wonders Jagan n Aren't there 'ticking bombs' I’m shocked to hear about the relevant Sections of the IPC in TS too? n #VizagGasLeak . I urge our against LG Polymers for leak- PNS VISAKHAPATNAM CM told the LG Polymers Congress workers & leaders in age of Styrene gas that result- officials that the state n Hundreds of polymer units, ed in death of 10 persons and Officials of LG Polymers met especially in MSME sector, the area to provide all necessary left hundreds of people ill. Chief Minister YS government has ordered a areoperating in GHMC limits support & assistance to those Based on the complaint Jaganmohan Reddy on probe and that string-ent affected. My condolences to the filed by MV Subba Rao, the Thursday at the Visakhapa- action would be initiated n Many of them are located in families of those who have Village Revenue Officer of tnam airport lounge and densely populated areas Venkatapuram, Gopalapat- appraised him of the factors for failure or lapses in perished. I pray that those nam police registered a case that led to the gas leak at the taking safety measures. n The need of the hour is hospitalised make a speedy against LG Polymers. factory in RR Venkatapuram assessment of the condition of recovery. The police said cases have in Vizag. machinery and safety measures been registered under Sections While stating that the inci- He also informed the com- 278, 284, 285 of IPC (deals dent was most unfortunate, pany officials that a high- in place in all such units to avert with the negligent act of the Chief Minister told the LG level committee was constitut- Vizag-type tragedies in TS release gas obnoxious to air) Polymers officials that the ed to investigate the factors Section 337 and 338 of IPC state government has ordered that led to the gas leak. The PNS n HYDERABAD (rash and negligent act lead- a probe and that stringent future course of action will ing to injuries) and Section action would be initiated for depend on the outcome of the Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy consoles an elderly man undergoing treatment at the KGH in Vizag on Thursday. The Telangana government 304(2) culpable homicide not failure or lapses in taking report, CM told the company’s should allow industrial units K Chandrasekhar Rao amounting to murder. safety measures. officials. 3 that use toxic gases for their @TelanganaCMO operations to reopen in the state CM announces Rs 1 cr ex gratia post lockdown only after thor- CM Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao has ough inspection by the author- 56 fresh cases, PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Chief Minister said all those who undergoing treatment ities and certification by thede- expressed deep shock over partment of factories that the the Visakhapatnam gas leakage 2 deaths in AP Chief Minister Y S with the help of ventilators will be given Rs 10 lakh conditions relating to the fac- incident. Terming it as Jaganmohan Reddy on compensation, for those who are hospitalised an amount of tories, machinery andsafety unfortunate, Hon'ble CM offered n PNS VIJAYAWADA Thursday announced an ex- measures are satisfactory. condolences to the gratia payment of Rs 1 crore Rs 1 lakh would be given and for those who are given primary The gas leak in LG's plant Covid-19 finally reached each to the kin of those killed treatment will get compensation of Rs 25,000. on Thursday in Vizag took bereaved families. CM wished for , the only dis- in the styrene gas leak incident place reportedly when the the speedy recovery of trict in AP that had so far at LG Polymers Limited near factory was being restarted those fell sick due to the gas leak. remained out of bounds for here. bell did not go off when the tion, for those who are hospi- following relaxation of lock- the extremely contagious The NDRF had put the gas leaked from the tank at the talised an amount of Rs 1 lakh down. This fact comes as a virus. Among the 56 new death toll from the leak at 11. company, which is an MNC would be given and for those wake-up call for TS, consid- TODAY Citizens carry gas leak victims on their shoulders in an attempt to reach a positive cases reported in He later told the media that from , the Chief who are given primary treat- ering that hundreds of such hospital instead of waiting for ambulance in Vizag on Thursday. the last 24 hours, three were compensation of Rs 1 crore Minister said all those who ment will get compensation of units are functioning across ALMANAC reported from Vizianagaram would be given to the kin of undergoing treatment with Rs 25,000. the state almost under similar Month & Paksham: district. the deceased. the help of ventilators will be conditions. Paush & Shukla Paksha Gas leak victims recall Reoprt in Page 2 Wondering why the alarm given Rs 10 lakh compensa- 3 3 Panchangam Tithi : Purnima: 04:14 pm Nakshatram: Swati: 11:07 am harrowing experience Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start Tragedy in red zone area leaves doctors worried any important work) PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM ers still dropped unconscious Rahukalam: 01:48 pm – 03:23 pm on the streets. PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM However, what worries doctors treating the victims Yamagandam: 05:50 am – 07:26 am The survivors of LG Polymers The officials rushed all the Varjyam: 04:08 pm – 05:34 pm Chemical unit gas leak indisposed due to inhaling the As if the Coronavirus pan- is the area where the incident was most intense — Gulika: 09:01 am - 10:37 am recalled their harrowing expe- gas from the unit to KGH. demic was not enough, the Gopalpatnam — which is a containment zone as it Good Time: (to start any important work) rience on the events that A woman who is recovering toxic gas that leaked from the Amritakalam: 12:44 am – 02:10 am unfolded during the wee in the KGH said, “I thought I LG Polymer plant in Vizag, the has been affected by Covid-19 positive cases. Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:47 am - 12:38 pm hours of Thursday. was going to die. I do not industrial and financial hub of The poisonous gas leaked understand how I survived the , has created VIJAYAWADA from the chemical unit and leak. In fact, nobody is able to even more troubles for a peo- “We don’t know if any of the to put on protective gear. We do WEATHER enveloped the people in deep comprehend what is going ple that has been struggling to victims here is infected. This not have PPEs available here Forecast: Mostly sunny slumber. Inhaling the toxic on around them. Everyone cope with the lockdown over morning, like an avalanche, because we don’t treat Covid-19 Temp: 41/28 gas, many became indisposed ran onto roads to save their the last 43 days. victims were being rushed to patients here. We simply had to Humidity: 48% while others, who were in a skin. Many of them have been However, what worries doc- various wards here in ambu- jump in to save the victims,” said Sunrise: 05:46 am Sunset: 06:38 pm state of utter confusion, came admitted to KG Hospital.” tors treating the victims is the most intense — Gopalpatnam as it has been affected by Covid- lances, cars and even on two- Dr Adarsh at KGH’s Rajendra Current Weather Conditions running onto roads while oth- 3 area where the incident was — which is a containment zone 19 positive cases. wheelers. We did not have time Prasad Ward. 3 Updated May 7, 2020 5:00 PM VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 vijayawada 02

ou may be surprised to know, but there is a Ystriking parallel between the tapas of Vishwamitra being spoiled by Menaka and the When public intoxication spoiled Modi’s tapas mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to battle have jobs and do not have welcome to US President places, nearly 60-70 migrants promote soft drinks that are Covid-19 being spoiled by the money to purchase food; Today Kerala state alone accounts for half the Donald Trump. He was also have lost their lives. Migrant spoiling blood of younger easing of liquor sales! hence, they are starving. Many busy in making attempts to workers walked 400-500 km, generation and again ask peo- The great Rishi Vishwamitra are living on footpaths. The shelter homes arranged across the nation. It destabilise the Congress gov- along with their kith and kin. ple to donate blood. Within had resorted to prolonged position of tribals is even more has allotted Rs 20 lakh-crore for food and ernment in Madhya Pradesh Only after migrant workers six months, Chiranjeevi with- yogic tapas in order to achieve miserable. shelter as well as for controlling the spread of till 21st February. Hence, he revolted in Surat, Mumbai and drew from ads related to soft his goals. But his mission got Some 100-150 migrant declared lockdown only after Hyderabad, the government drinks. disrupted by the advent of workers are pushed into shel- the disease. The Kerala government, led by completion of his mission. moved to think about them. After Modi allowed opening Menaka, a court dancer enter- ters that have a single hall with Communists, has sent 19 varieties of essential In Kerala, right in January CPI leader K Ramakrishna of liquor shops, immediately taining Gods. one bath and one lavatory. The commodities and Rs 5,000/- to each family. passengers at airports were knocked on the doors of the Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh India is a country with 135 Central and State governments screened and the infected pas- judiciary, making Central and and Telangana governments crore population, where people have promised to provide cash sengers quarantined. The State governments respondents issued orders to open liquor belonging to many religions, and 20 kg of grain to each fam- burden on the national exche- the nation five times, but never Central government did not in his plea to make transport shops. That is, the Centre is cultures and political parties ily. There are bumper stocks of quer will not be more than Rs spelt out any economic pack- take any preventive steps. arrangements for migrant now asking liquor barons to are unitedly fighting against the grains in our godowns, even 7 lakh crore. age, except for the Rs 1,75,000 Knowingly permission was workers. The Court has given sell alcoholic drinks for people Covid-19 pandemic. according to Modi. Today Kerala state alone crore packages, including those granted in March to Markaz verdict in favour of migrant to enjoy. It is like tigers pounc- However, India is not like Right now, 5.5 lakh tonnes accounts for half the shelter announced prior to the out- DR K NARAYANA congregation. Subsequently, workers. ing on domestic cows. most of the industrially devel- of grains are lying in godowns homes arranged across the break of Covid-19. the saffron squad targeted one Once I questioned Telugu If this continues, it will be oped western countries. Some and two more tonnes of grains nation. It has allotted Rs 20 Modi, in his addresses to the theertha (sacred water). religion. film megastar Chiranjeevi as to similar to Vishwamitra- 90 per cent of the wealth in are expected in the Rabi sea- lakh-crore for food and shelter nation, has suggested (1) to do The virus came to light in Modi is not eligible for why he is appearing in ads ask- Menaka episode. Governments India is concentrated in the son. If 20 kg grains are distrib- as well as for controlling the “Yoga”, (2) clap (3) switch off China in December and sur- Prime Ministership. ing people to drink Coca Cola have to think twice before hands of just one percent of its uted to each family for three spread of the disease. The the lights and light the can- faced in other places in January. Sorry to say this. For, though and Thums up etc. Next day asking people to maintain people. About 40-crore strong months in all states and union Kerala government, led by dles(4) conduct navagraha Even WHO warned about the several suggestions were made Allu Aravind replied to me, physical distance while keeping working force is either migrant territories, three-fourths of the Communists, has sent 19 vari- pooja (worshipping nine plan- danger of the virus in January with regard to migrant work- stating that the amount com- liquor shops open. or engaged in the unorganised grains will still remain in eties of essential commodities ets) at nine minutes past 9 pm itself. ers, he turned deaf ears. Due ing through advertisements is sector. godowns. If financial aid is also and Rs 5,000/- to each family. (5) by opening liquor shops But Modi was busy making to starvation and trudging being invested in blood bank. (The author is National Migrant workers do not given to each family, the total In contrast, Modi has addressed and asking people to receive arrangements for tremendous long distances to their native I then asked, why he should Secretary of CPI) Volunteers step up to lend helping hand PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM

Thousands of residents from PEOPLE FACE DUAL RISKS FROM STYRENE GAS AND COVID-19 Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam have been evacuated following the gas Medical aid should be leak and several of them are being sheltered in the nearby villages in temples, local gov- ernment schools and commu- two-pronged, says Naidu nity halls. n While 10 people were con- PNS VIJAYAWADA l firmed dead at the time of fil- TDP Chief said that ing this report due to styrene Opposition leader N subsequent to enquiry, leaking from the factory, Chandrababu Naidu wrote a it is necessary to shift around 350 others are in hos- letter to Piyush Goyal, the entire unit to SEZ pitals across the city. Minister of Commerce and For all the others stranded Industry, to support and that has no population and without an option to go assist the State government living in the vicinity. It home for the 10-12 hours, vol- and also extend immediate is important to focus unteers are helping them with medical aid to the sick. He the basic necessities such as demanded a thorough on mitigating further food, shelter and water. Some inquiry into the leakage and loss of lives and in the individuals are also offering shifting of the plant to SEZ long run to minimise their help through social media for the safety of people. the adverse health platforms. In this backdrop, Naidu estimated affected radius may One such person, Srinivas urged the Centre to send be evacuated at once and pro- effects on the people Raju, vice president of medical experts to treat the vide them with necessary of Visakhapatnam Gajuwaka drivers association victims. He pointed out that medical aid. “In this crucial said that around 500 people Covid-19 infects the lungs time, it is also vital for us to who have come from the and reduces the immunity of recognise the importance of in the vicinity. It is important Gopalapatnam to their village the affected. Hence, it is animals in general and to focus on mitigating fur- Sathivanipalem which is six km LG Chem essential that medical aid domestic animals in particu- ther loss of lives and in the away from the hotspot. LG Polymers negligence led should be two-pronged, lar. Veterinary experts may be long run to minimise the “We first gave them water promises all keeping in mind the dual deployed to treat the animals. adverse health effects on the and buttermilk. Along with the risks from Styrene gas and It is also essential to imme- people of Visakhapatnam. help of other union members help to victims, Covid-19. Necessary equip- diately close the LG Polymers He sought the BJP govern- we are cooking food and also to gas leak: Industry Minister ment to analyse and estimate unit and initiate a probe into ment to provide expertise coordinating with other organ- to probe leak the radius affected by Styrene the gas leakage”, he informed. and guidance to the Andhra PNS n VIJAYAWADA isations that are donating food," l The minister said their l A help desk was set up in gas may be immediately pro- He said that subsequent to Pradesh government until PNS n SEOUL he said. focus was now on providing the office of the general vided, he said. enquiry, it is necessary to the issue of gas leakage The people who panicked as Minister for Industry Mekapati relief to the affected. "We will manager of the department of Naidu said that all the shift the entire unit to SEZ is brought to its logical con- the gas pervaded into their Goutham Reddy on Thursday study long-term effects of this industries in Visakhapatnam. The gas leak at the people and animals in the that has no population living clusion. homes ran for kilometres, to said the negligence by LG on the surrounding villages The contact numbers are Visakhapatnam polymers plant Srinivas Raju's village and most Polymers led to gas leak from and announce relief measures 7997952301, 8919239341 and has been brought under control, were accommodated in a its plant in Visakhapatnam, for the affected," he said 9701197069 the LG Polymer unit’s South school and temple there. resulting in the death of eight Korean parent Governor There are also other group people and affecting many oth- firm, LG Chem of volunteers, who have been ers. sures for the affected," he said. ed team will provide all the said in a state- expresses dismay receiving requests from people The minister said the com- The minister earlier tweeted required assistance. A team ment on for food. And after verifica- pany management would have that the ministry was in touch from the industries depart- Thursday. over gas leakage tion, food is being supplied to own the responsibility for the with the Collectorate in Vizag ment was on site, manning res- The firm said PNS n VIJAYAWADA with the help of their volun- tragedy, which affected people and management of LG poly- cue operations. that it would also teers spread across the in surrounding villages. mers. He said the situation was The minister announced look into what Governor Biswa Bushan Visakhapatnam city. "A responsible company like being brought under control. that a help desk was set up in caused the gas leak and conduct Harichandan "We formed our voluntary LG should have taken extra "We have instructed author- the office of the general man- an enquiry into the matter. expressed his food service during the time of precautions," the minister said. ities concerned to take required ager of the department of A representative of the South shock and Covid-19 for poor people. Now He said the volume of the gas measures on a war footing. industries in Visakhapatnam. Korean firm said that a night dismay over we have extended the same to leaked was not much, hence, Villagers’ evacuation is The contact numbers are shift worker had noticed gas gas leakage. gas leak victims as well. And as there will be no further underway. Request citi- 7997952301, 8919239341 and leaking from the tank at a time He soon as we receive request, our harm to human lives. zens not to panic and 9701197069. Director General when the production activity at enquired volunteers at the ground would The minister said their cooperate with of Police Gautam Sawang said the plant was being restarted with Chief make sure that they are gas leak focus was now on provid- authorities," he police received the informa- after the lockdown relaxations. Minister YS victims and they are supplying ing relief to the said. tion about the gas leak through “We are assessing the damage Jaganmohan Reddy over tele- food," said Swarun, one of the affected. "We will The minister dial 100 in the early hours of done to the villagers. We are Chaotic scenes phone about the incident and the volunteers from 'Vizag volun- study long- said a dedicat- Thursday. also taking necessary steps to relief and rehabilitation mea- teers Covid-19' group. term effects of protect the locals and our sures and deploying of NDRF He said that they have been this on the A responsible company like LG employees with the help of teams to expedite the rescue receiving requests for individ- surrounding should have taken extra precautions state officials concerned,'' it at KG Hospital operations. In turn, the Chief ual families and groups from villages and — said in a statement. Minister informed the Governor many areas such as Mudsarlova announce PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Families separated from each that the rescue and relief opera- and Chinnamusalivada. relief mea- The Minister for Industry other in the utter confusion that tions are taken up on a war-foot- Police rubbishes Utter chaos prevailed at the prevailed after the gas leakage ing. government-run King George have frantically searching for rumours on Hospital (KGH) where about their loved ones. People ran Govt declares 56 fresh cases, 2 deaths in AP 160 people affected by the gas helter skelter after the leakage Guv greets Red second leak leakage from a chemical plant of Styrene from LG Polymers B Tech fee PNS n VIJAYAWADA has 316 with were brought in early on India plant in RR 182 active cases, PNS n VIJAYAWADA Thursday. Venkatapuram near Cross members PNS n VIJAYAWADA Covid-19 finally reached SPS Nellore 96 (34 active Already under stress due to Gopalpatnam. PNS n VIJAYAWADA Vizianagaram, the only dis- cases) YSR Kadapa with 96 Police rubbished the rumours Covid-19 situation, the doctors Municipal Commissioner The government has trict in AP that had so far cases (56 active), Anantapur over second leak at the LG and other medical staff at the Srijana Gummalla said the gas Governor and President of announced the fee structure for remained out of bounds for 83 (40 active), Chittoor 82 (14 Polymers and termed them as hospital have been making leaked from the plant around Andhra Pradesh unit of Indian B Tech courses in the private the extremely contagious active), Prakasam 61 (nine ‘false’ and categorically denied frantic efforts to provide med- 2.30 a.m. Hundreds of people Red Cross Society Biswa Bushan unaided professional institutes virus. active) West Godavari 59 (26 saying that ‘there is no second ical aid to the gas leak victims. who inhaled the gas either fell Harichandan greeted the Red in the State following the rec- Among the 56 new positive active), East Godavari 46 (20 leak’. Director-General of Police Three of the 160 succumbed unconscious or felt breathing Cross members, volunteers and ommendations by the AP cases reported in the last 24 active) while Visakhapatnam Gautam D Sawang on Thursday while undergoing treatment. problems, she said. fraternity on the eve of World Red Higher Education Regulatory hours, three were reported cases, Krishna district report- 46 (24 active), Srikakulam said that 11 people have died in KGH officials said they were Shocking scenes were wit- Cross Day on May 8. The World and Monitoring Panel, Satish from . ed the highest number of five active cases. the gas leak. mobilising all the human nessed with people including Red Cross and Red Crescent Day Chandra, Special Chief Meanwhile, 51 patients made cases with 16. Guntur report- In the last 24 hours, 21 The leak was contained and the resources and equipment to women and children lying is celebrated across the world Secretary to Higher Education a complete recovery and were ed 10 cases, Visakhapatnam patients were discharged from situation was brought under con- deal with the situation. They unconscious on the roads. commemorating the birth department, issued the GOMS discharged while the state and Kurnool districts seven Guntur, 15 from Kurnool, six trol by 5.30 am infusing neutralis- claimed that they have suffi- People were seen rushing the anniversary of Jean Henry No 15, which fixed the fee reported two deaths during each, Kadapa six, Nellore four from Krishna, five from ers in and around the plant, he cient number of ventilators to victims to ambulances and pri- Dunant, founder of the structure in the engineering the last 24 hours. and Anantapur and Anantapur, thre from SPS said. Speaking to the media here tackle the emergency. vate vehicles. International Committee of Red colleges. The government has As many as 8,087 samples Vizianagaram three each. Nellore and one from on Thursday, the DGP said that At least 10 persons were put Greater Visakhapatnam Cross (ICRC). The World Red fixed the admission fee of Rs were tested out of which 56 Kurnool district also has Visakhapatnam. the leak took place around 3.30 on ventilators while some oth- Municipal Corporation Cross Day is an annual celebra- 2,000 to be collected from the were positive for the deadly the highest number of cases Two deaths were reported am. At least 300 people are ers were being supported with (GVMC) officials threw water tion of principles of the students out of which Rs 500 Covid-19 virus in the past 24 with 540, of which 360 are in the state one each from undergoing treatment, while the oxygen. About 70 people were through mist blowers to sub- International Red Cross move- would be remitted to the uni- hours with 1,015 active cases. active cases. Guntur reported Krishna and Kurnool taking rest were discharged and 20 oth- shifted to various private hos- side the effect of the gas leak at ment, which is the largest human- versity concerned. Of the 56 newly reported 373 cases, 215 of them active. the toll to 38. ers were kept on ventilators due pitals in the city. Gopalapatnam area. itarian organisation in the world.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 vijayawada 03 Leak occurred while restarting NDRF teams come to rescue of at least 500 operations, says NDRF chief PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM The gas leak incident in n PNS VISAKHAPATNAM n Visakhapatnam district Joint n The styrene vapour Visakhapatnam took place as a plastic factory, that was The gas leak incident in Collector Venugopal Reddy spread to nearby closed during lockdown, was Visakhapatnam took place as a said people from R R villages and left the being prepared for resumption plastic factory that was closed Venkatapuram village have unsuspecting people of operations, National during lockdown was being been fully evacuated and suffering while fast Disaster Response Force prepared for resumption of shifted to other places. The asleep. Teams of NDRF Director-General SN Pradhan operations, NDRF Director 20-odd workers in the plant rushed to the spot and said on Thursday. General S N Pradhan said on were well-versed with safety reports said the source Pradhan has said that the Thursday. protocol and took appro- of the gas leak was NDRF has saved the lives of at A major leak from a polymer priate steps and therefore did contained in the least 250 families on learning plant near Visakhapatnam not suffer, sources said morning about styrene gas leak from LG impacted villages in a five-km Polymers located in RR radius, leaving six people dead Venkatapuram village. and scores of citizens suffering their affected village and their priate steps and therefore did not In a joint statement from the A major leak from a polymer plant from breathlessness and other bodies were found later in the suffer, sources said. NDRF and National Disaster problems in an early morning skin, eyes and some other at R R Venkatapuram village day. State Industries Minister The styrene vapour spread to Management Authority here near Visakhapatnam impacted villages mishap that raised fears of a parts of the body, he said. under Gopalapatnam limits. Mekapati Goutham Reddy said nearby villages and left the on Thursday, he said that the in a five-km radius, leaving many dead serious industrial disaster. "I think what we under- Daybreak saw some grim the LG Polymers unit was sup- unsuspecting people suffering NDRF teams went door-to- and scores of citizens suffering from About 80-100 people have stand is that this plastic facto- scenes as visibly suffering posed to reopen post-lock- while fast asleep. Teams of door and shifted people to breathlessness and other problems in been hospitalised after a gas, ry was being re-started for people were being rushed for down on Thursday. NDRF rushed to the spot and safer places. Styrene, leaked in the area at operations and the gas leaked medical assistance in autos Visakhapatnam district Joint reports said the source of the Many people were in a state an early morning mishap that raised about 2:30 am, the NDRF chief after an accident occurred," and two-wheelers while gov- Collector Venugopal Reddy said gas leak was contained in the of unconsciousness when the fears of a serious industrial disaster said. He said a special gas leak- Pradhan said. ernment workers tried to people from R R Venkatapuram morning. NDRF personnel reached age team of the force is on the Scores of policemen who assist them with whatever village have been fully evacuat- Prime Minister Narendra them,” Pradhan said, adding spot and checking on people rushed to evacuate affected first aid possible. ed and shifted to other places. Modi, who took stock of the that the rescue workers saved and checking on people who its. Daybreak saw some grim who are feeling uneasy. This is persons also were impacted by Tragically, two of the victims The 20-odd workers in the situation, and Home Minister children, women and the are feeling uneasy. This is scenes as visibly suffering peo- Styrene gas that affects the cen- the leak of styrene vapour from met with their end after falling plant were well-versed with Amit Shah expressed concern elderly. Styrene gas that affects the cen- ple were being rushed for tral nervous system, throat, the LG Polymers Limited plant into a borewell while fleeing safety protocol and took appro- over the incident. A major leak from a poly- tral nervous system, throat, medical assistance in autos mer plant near Visakhapatnam skin, eyes and some other and two-wheelers while gov- impacted villages in a five-km parts of the body, he said. ernment workers tried to assist radius, leaving many dead and "I think what we understand them with whatever first aid scores of citizens suffering is that this plastic factory was possible. Naidu seeks permission to President, Vice-President, from breathlessness and other being Tragically, two of the victims problems in an early morning re-started for operations and met with their end after falling mishap that raised fears of a the gas leaked after an accident into a borewell while fleeing travel from Hyd to Vizag KCR condole gas leak deaths serious industrial disaster. occurred," he said. their affected village and their About 80-100 people have Scores of policemen who bodies were found later in the PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n VIJAYAWADA been hospitalised after a gas, rushed to evacuate affected day. Styrene, leaked in the area at persons also were impacted by State Industries Minister TDP chief N Chandrababu President Ram Nath Kovind, about 2:30 am, the NDRF the leak of styrene vapour Mekapati Goutham Reddy said Naidu on Thursday requested Vice-President M Venkaiah chief said. from the LG Polymers Limited the LG Polymers unit was the Prime Minister’s Office Naidu, Governor Biswa He said a special gas leakage plant at R R Venkatapuram vil- supposed to reopen post-lock- (PMO) to allow him to travel by Bushan Harichandan and team of the force is on the spot lage under Gopalapatnam lim- down on Thursday. flight from Hyderabad to Union Minister of State for Visakhapatnam to help people Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy affected due to the gas leak from condoled the deaths of Vizag a chemical plant. gas leak and wished speedy Tragedy in red The request comes at a time recovery of those who are Vizag gas tragedy when all domestic and interna- undergoing treatment in hos- zone area tional flights, except cargo and permission for air travel from pitals. those engaged in essential and Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam to The President on a social leaves doctors emergency services, are sus- Hyderabad by flight no VT- media platform said, a wake-up call pended due to the COVID-19- VKR,” Naidu said in a letter to "Saddened by the news of a gas induced lockdown. the Principal Secretary to the leak in a plant near Continued from Page 1 worried The former Andhra Pradesh Prime Minister, P K Mishra. Visakhapatnam, which has Visakhapatnam gas leak inci- government. Reacting to the Continued from Page 1 chief minister said a “great mis- The Telugu Desam Party claimed several lives. My con- dent. “Deeply distressed by the incident, he said necessary The Covid-19-induced fortune” has befallen the people (TDP) chief said the plane is cur- dolences to the bereaved fam- loss of lives due to gas leak. My help will be provided for those nationwide lockdown was “The situation unfolding of Visakhapatnam due to styrene rently in Mumbai and sought ilies and I pray for the recov- condolences to the bereaved affected. He expressed his imposed on March 22 and can’t be described. Our biggest gas leakage from LG Polymers. permission to allow it to fly from ery of the sick and the safety of families and wishes for a heart-felt condolences to the since then the government has fear is if any of the victims has Naidu said he is obliged to Mumbai to Hyderabad and all. I am confident that the speedy recovery of those taken bereaved families and those been extending it without givin- Coronavirus,” he said. visit the district as a former chief then to Visakhapatnam, and administration is doing every- ill,” he said in a tweet. who have been hospitalised. gany scope for managements of Another doctor, Divya, said minister and as the leader of the back to Hyderabad and thing possible to bring the sit- Union Minister of State for Telangana Chief Minister factories to take adequate safe- there was no time to follow the opposition in the state assembly. Mumbai. uation under control at the ear- Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy K Chandrashekar Rao guardsby taking up overhauling, There are several industrial guidelines issued to treat patient The gas leak has left at least “I am obliged to visit liest," stated that the Union govern- expressed shock and grief over maintenance of machinery. areas in GHMC limits. Though during pandemic. 11 people dead and scores of Visakhapatnam in order to Vice-President M Venkaiah ment has taken an active role the incident. Terming the Now, such factoriespose the industrialareas were set up “One after another, there was people are hospitalised. Rescue monitor the post-disaster activ- Naidu expressed shock over in rescue operations and has tragedy as unfortunate, KCR danger of malfunctioning and decades ago on the outskirts of a flood of victims. Some were operations are underway. ities and console the affected the incident and condoled the been closely monitoring the wished speedy recovery of the leakage of gases if they opened Hyderabad city, the rapidexpan- brought unconscious and some “I request you to grant me people,” Naidu said. death of people in the situation, along with the State affected. in haste without following sion of the city over the years of them were even vomiting SOPs. has made them part of residen- blood. You can only imagine In March this year, the tialzones as several colonies the chaos. A good number of Telangana High Court ordered have come up around these them are felling better now,” she the state government to shut areas. said hoping for the best. Govt has powers to amend Why alarms not down 200 polluting plastic units According to the Centre for It was not only due to toxic in Hyderabad's Kattedan indus- Science and Environment gas, but head injuries following trial area alone, as they were set (CSE), "This (gas leakincident) sudden collapse had also taken ring Jagan wonders up in violation ofthe rules. shows us that there are ticking some of the lives and other crit- SEC service rules, HC told However, the state government bombs out there as thelock- ical, said the doctors. Continued from Page 1 the company failed. is yet to act.The court said that down ends and industries start The COVID-19 contain- PNS n VIJAYAWADA “The gas and flame detec- officials of the Greater resuming activities. Therefore, ment zones in Visakhapatnam Stating that the government tors installed in the company Hyderabad Municipal animmediate directive must go district are Gopalpatnam where The Andhra Pradesh govern- will thoroughly investigate the should have raised an alarm Corporation (GHMC) and to all units to ensure safety the incident occurred and ment on Thursday claimed factors that led to the gas leak when the gas was leaking. I Pollution Control Board (PCB) whileresuming operations -- Allipuram, Revidi (Padmana that it has all the powers to in LG Polymers, Jagan won- wonder why the alarm did not remained 'mutespectators' as in case the lockdown continues, bham), ITI Junction, Muslim amend the service rules of dered why or how the gas and ring,” he told the company’s illegal plastic units mush- these safetyprecautions must Thatichela Palem, Santi Nagar State Election Commissioner flame detectors installed inside officials. roomed in the area. not be negated," (NAD), Railway New Colony, and former SEC Nimmagadda Dandu Bazaar, Maharanipeta, Ramesh Kumar’s term and Rangireejuveedhi (Poorna was curtailed only in accor- Market), Kunchamamba dance with these powers. Colony (Gajuwaka), Chengal This was asserted by state Jagan announces Rs 1crore ex-gratia Rao Peta, Madhavadhara, advocate-general in the AP Chintalapalem (Kasimkota), High Court, which was hear- Continued from Page 1 ing treatment in various hospi- Komativeedhi (Narsipatnam), ing a petition challenging the tals would be paid Rs 1 lakh each. Marripalem. removal of Nimmagadda from was brought in as a vindictive too, the High Court expressed Livestock will also be compen- The 15,000-odd population in the SEC post through an ordi- measure to target doubts over the functioning of sated and for those living in the the five villages that were affect- nance. The A-G said the state Nimmagadda. The ordinance the election commission during most affected areas Rs 20,000 ed by the gas leak would be paid had every power to control the was promulgated only as part hearings on various election would be given for each person, Rs 10,000 each, the Chief 32 Kenyan service rules of the SEC. of electoral reforms and hold- petitions,” the A-G said. The the Chief Minister said. Minister added. “It has powers to make laws ing elections impartially. High Court asked the A-G to A committee comprising Accompanied by his Deputy citizens airlifted and its decision cannot be The advocate-general point- submit any instances in the past Special Chief Secretary of holding the health portfolio A K described as illegal and uncon- ed out that there were criticisms wherein the term of office of Environment and Forests, K Srinivas and Chief Secretary from Hyderabad stitutional,” he said. The A-G in the past on the appointment people in constitutional posi- Industries Secretary, Pollution Nilam Sawhney, Jagan flew down PNS n HYDERABAD said there was no truth in the of principal secretary level offi- tion was reduced through ordi- Control Board Secretary, District to the port city and went straight allegations that the ordinance cials as the SECs. “In the past, nance. Collect, City Commissioner of to the KGH. Thirty-two citizens of Kenya Police as members will conduct He met the gas leak victims stranded in Hyderabad due to an intensive study and submit its undergoing treatment and the lockdown were airlifted on report suggesting precaution- affected families in the LG Jagan also announced Rs 10 enquired about their well-being. Thursday, officials said. A spe- Tragedy at Vizag ary measures as well. Polymers company, the Chief lakh each to those undergoing At the review meeting, the cial passenger relief flight of Cops, courageous youth Chief Secretary Nilam Minister said. treatment on ventilator support Collector informed the Chief Indigo Airlines evacuated the Continued from Page 1 Sawhney would stay put for two He complimented the higher and Rs 25,000 to those who took Minister that the gas spread Kenyan citizens to Mumbai, days along with ministers officials for taking immediate treatment as out-patients after was limited to a 1.5 to 2 km from where they will leave for Two men were found save hundreds of lives Kannababu, Avanti Srinivas, action and evacuating over 300 developing health complications area from the epicentre of the their destination by a flight of dead in a drain, apparently PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Zahid Khan, who closely mon- Krishna Das, Alla Kalikrishna people from the place of the acci- due to inhalation of the styrene leak and that the locals were Kenyan Airways. The IndiGo falling down while trying to itored the rescue operations in Nani and Botsa Satyanarayana to dent. He expressed condolences vapour. Earlier, he held a review evacuated to safety. Of the flight arrived here from Chennai escape the toxic gas. Hundreds of people would the gas leak incident, said the monitor the situation. to the families of the victims who meeting at the Andhra Medical two styrene tanks in the plant, via Bengaluru. It landed at Eyewitnesses say after have died had the cops braving trained chemical, biological, Depending on the inquiry lost their life in the tragedy. College with District Collector the leak occurred from one RGIA 9.20 a.m. and departed vomiting continuously and the toxicity of the gas and radiological and nuclear report, efforts would be made to Speaking to reporters after Vinay Chand and others. that was holding about 1,800 for Mumbai at 11.02 a.m. with complaining of breathless- NDRF personnel not taken up (CBRN) defence team of NDRF provide employment to the conducting a review meeting, The gas leak victims undergo- kilo litres of the chemical. 83 Kenyan nationals. ness and burning sensation the rescue operation saving the rushed to the spot and evacuat- in eye and nose, some peo- golden time of the affected per- ed 1,200 families to safe loca- ple died. Most of the vic- sons. As the victims first called tions, and about 400 people were tims said that they are com- to the local police station, the admitted to hospitals. The team pletely clueless what hap- cops first reached the spot and also sealed the leak, or else the Inter paper evaluation starts from May 11 pened after they fainted. pressed alarm for help. They also tragedy would have claimed “I don’t know how I rushed people in their vehicles thousands of lives. PNS n VIJAYAWADA ed a video conference with offi- that two to three buildings required in Green and reached here. I smelt some- and arranged ambulances Despite contamination and cials of 13 districts on will be identified in every dis- Orange Zones and rest in Red thing pungent and fainted immediately. Having a regional loosing breath and eye burns, The spot evaluation of Thursday. trict where food and accom- Zones. after feeling uneasy,” recalls base of National Disaster cops evacuated many infected Intermediate exam papers will The minister said that as modation will be provided to Intermediate College Lakshmi, undergoing treat- Response Force (NDRF) in people. Most the cops in rescue start on May 11 in Green and many as 10,64,442 students evaluators till completion of Principals Association presi- ment at the Rajendra Prasad Vizag with expertise to deal with operation also fainted inside Orange Zone districts, said appeared for Inter exams in evaluation. He said that wear- dent Rajaram and Government Ward of the King George chemical mishaps helped a lot to jeeps while giving announce- Minister for Education which 5,46,162 pupils attend- ing masks, using sanitisers Junior Lecturers Association Hospital. After regaining rescue hundreds of people sav- ment and siren. Not to forget, . He said ed for Intermediate first year and following social distanc- secretary V Ravi sought an her senses, she sobbed ing the golden time. The Force the unsung heroes are the local that spot evaluation will be exams and 5,18,280 students ing is a must during in the exemption to the staff of 55 uncontrollably when her visited over 1,000 houses to see youth who did not even know conducted in two shifts follow- attended for second-year evaluation centres. He said years and above age from eval- relatives broke the news if anyone was trapped inside what was happening around but ing the Corona protocol. He exams. He said that nearly 60 that a total of 25,000 staff was uation. The minister has that her mother has passed after falling unconscious. they jumped in to help the said that 15,000 will participate lakh exam papers have to be tion will start evaluation cen- required for the evaluation of assured about giving exemp- away. 10th Battalion Commandant police. in the evaluation. He conduct- evaluated, hence, administra- tres in 13 districts. He said exam papers in which 15,000 tion following the norms. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 vijayawada 04

Centre forms ‘Hazardous plants should Special Probe Panel

be away from habitations’ NEW DELHI: The Central Government has constituted a PNS n NEW DELHI Nivit Kumar Yadav, senior pro- According to the Manufacture, special committee gramme manager in the industrial Storage and Import of Hazardous to probe into the gas leak The leak of styrene gas at a polymer pollution unit at Centre for Science Chemical Rules, 1989, styrene is clas- Did prolonged tragedy, which happened at plant in Visakhapatnam killed 11 peo- and Environment (CSE), said "There sified as a hazardous and toxic Visakhapatnam in Andhra ple and led to evacuation of thousands was a temporary partial shutdown of chemical.He added that the con- Pradesh on Thursday of people in a 3-kilometre radius. the plant owing to the COVID pan- tainer which stored styrene gas was storage of styrene morning.The committee Experts reckon gas leaks usually demic, excluding maintenance activ- old and not properly maintained. was formed with the occur due to poor maintenance, ities in the plant, which were being "However, what seems to be the during lockdown Cabinet Secretary, and human habitation in the carried out as per a pre-deter- case is that the plant manage- Home Secretary close vicinity of industries mined schedule. The problem ment, in its haste to restart the and the Secretary handling hazardous chem- began as a result of styrene gas plant, ignored the protocol of led to leakage? of the from the icals doubles the adverse not being stored at the appro- doing maintenance of the Chemicals and impact. priate temperature. This plant before resuming oper- PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Eleven people were killed as a Fertilizers The leakage of caused pressure to build ations. This combined with result of the leakage which happened department as styrene gas, which up in the storage chamber the lack of proper storage of The gas leakage that occurred early around 3.45 a.m. Officials said 340 members. causes nausea and and led the valve to break, the gas - not maintained at Thursday at LG Polymers plant here people had to be admitted to hospi- dizziness, occurred resulting in the gas leak- the temperature required leading to death of 11 people may tals. The condition of 15 of them is from LG Polymers age." - and faulty fixtures have been caused by initiation of critical. According to Visakhapatnam India Pvt Ltd when After the , could have polymerisation of styrene in liquid District Collector V. Vinay Chand, the plant was prepar- much legislation was enact- resulted in the form due to prolonged storage dur- the company had stored styrene in ing to resume production after eas- ed beginning with the Environment accident", ing the lockdown period, officials liquid form in two tanks of 2,500 kl ing of COVID-19 lockdown restric- (Protection) Act, 1986 to the Public said said. and 3,500 kl capacity. The leakage tions. Liability Insurance Act, 1991. Yadav. While a final report is awaited on happened from a 2,500 kl tank, what actually caused the disaster, the which had 1,800 kl styrene in liquid preliminary investigations indicate form. that polymerisation was initiated in "Styrene in liquid form is safe 9 Shramik PK Mishra holds one of the two tanks due to pro- when stored at below 20 degrees but longed storage. due some technical problem, the The disaster happened as the refrigeration was not effective lead- trains affected high-level meeting plant was re-starting its operations ing to rise of temperature and Styrene PNS n NEW DELHI after more than 40 days due to the started gasifying and the leakage hap- PNS n NEW DELHI Management Authority lockdown. pened," he said The gas leak incident in Andhra Pradesh's (NDMA), National Disaster Officials also believe that the safe- The Collector explained what Visakhapatnam on Thursday has affected Principal Secretary to Prime Relief Force (NDRF), Director ty system failed to prevent gasifica- could have caused the leakage to movement of trains from the Simhachalam Minister Narendra Modi, P.K. All India Institute of Medical tion of styrene, resulting in its leak- Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan North railway station, including at least nine Mishra on Thursday held a meet- Science (AIIMS), and medical age and spread of the gas to the sur- Reddy, who air-dashed to the city to Shramik Special Trains ferrying stranded ing with Cabinet Secretary, Home experts on Vishakhapatnam gas rounding villages on the outskirts of call on the affected people at King migrant workers to their home states, the Secretary, NDRF, NDMA, leak situation. The official said that Visakhapatnam. George Hospital. railways said. Eleven people have died and Director AIIMS and medical Mishra directed sending of team 1,000 others exposed to styrene vapour that experts on the incident of gas leak of experts to Visakha-ptanam leaked from a chemical plant in in Andhra Pradesh's and also short term as Vishakhapatnam in the early hours of Visakhapatnam in also long term Thursday and quickly spread to villages in a which 11 people lost medical impact. NHRC issues notices five-kilometre radius. Staff at the their lives and also The high-level Simhachalam north railway station, which is directed to send a meeting by near the chemical plant LG Polymers started team of experts and Mishra came to Centre, AP govt over feeling suffocated and burning sensation in measures for relief shortly after Prime the eyes soon after the leak. and rescue work. Minister Narendra Modi deaths due to gas leak Trains crossing the railway station stopped According to the called a meeting with the from 8:35 am to 12 noon. This affected Ministry of Home Affairs NDMA officials in the wake of movement of a number of trains, including VISAKHAPATNAM The National Human Rights officials, Mishra held a high level the gas leak incident in Styrene in liquid form is Commission on Thursday issued notices to the 24 goods trains in 'Up' direction and 12 meeting with Cabinet Secretary, Visakhapatnam on Thursday safe when stored at trains in the 'Down' direction. Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government over Home Secretary, National Disaster morning. below 20 degrees but due some deaths and suffering of people due to gas leakage technical problem, the from a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam district, officials said. refrigeration was not effective Right to life of the victims has been leading to rise of temperature grossly violated.At a time when human Gas leak accidents that made headline and Styrene started gasifying lives across the country are at stake due to spread of COVID-19 virus and n and the leakage happened PNS NEW DELHI condensate/water. This corroded everyone is forced to stay indoor, the — V. VINAY CHAND the pipe and led to a gas leak. An gruesome tragedy has come as a bolt The gas leak from a chemical plant ignition triggered the explosion and District Collector, from the blue for the people, the right Vijsakhapatnam in Visakhapatnam in which at the subsequent fire. Mangaluru, panel said in a statement. least 11 people were killed and Karnataka: On November 17, 2016, The NHRC said it has taken suo motu 1,000 affected on Thursday is one a gas leak in an HPCL running cognizance of media reports about the in a long list of industrial accidents between Mangaluru-Hassan-Mysuru death of eight persons and over five resulting from poisonous gases and Solur created panic in villages in thousand others falling sick due to leakage seeping into the air. the area. Several people were report- of styrene gas in the district early morning. The December 1984 Bhopal edly hospitalised after they inhaled The leakage of the gas has reportedly tragedy in which more than than the gas. The leak was spotted early on affected people within a radius of about 3 3,000 people were killed when and was contained before much kilometers. Many people could be seen methyl isocyanate leaked out is the damage. lying on roads while some complained world's worst industrial disaster. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: At least of difficulty in breathing and rashes on Here are other gas leaks that made five people were killed and sever- their bodies, it said. headlines in the last few years: ing two deputy general managers Authority of India Limited's plant, al injured in an explosion caused Bhilai, Chhattisgarh: On June of the company, were killed and killing 29 people and injuring 10. by an ammonia gas leak in the 12, 2014, there was a leak in a over 50 injured. The 18-inch underground pipeline, Katiyar cold storage in Kanpur on methane gas pipeline at the Bhilai Nagaram, Andhra Pradesh: On designed to supply gas to the Lanco March 15, 2017. The explosion plant of Steel Authority Of India June 27, 2014, a massive fire broke power plant, was used for transport- caused the roof of the building to Limited (SAIL). Six people, includ- out following a blast in Gas ing wet gas having collapse, trapping several people.

Guj govt sends PTBC Chilling scenes bring back chemical to neutraliser styrene gas memories of Bhopal gas tragedy AHMEDABAD: A specialised chemical called PTBC, made only in Vapi town of Gujarat, will be sent to PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM received. Visakhapatnam on an urgent basis Exposure to styrene, also to help in neutralising the effects Unconscious children being known as ethenylbenzene, of gas leak at a polymer plant carried by parents in their vinylbenzene can affect the there, a Gujarat government arms, people laying on roads, central nervous system (CNS), official said on Thursday. A health workers scrambling to causing headache, fatigue, major leak from a chemical attend to those affected by the weakness, and depression. plant of LG Polymers near styrene vapour leak and resi- It is primarily used in the Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh in the wee dents fleeing were some of the production of polystyrene plas- hours of Thursday impacted villages within a five- scenes that played out near tics and resins. The gas leak km radius, leaving eight people dead and scores here on Thursday, bringing took place at LG Polymers of citizens complaining of breathlessness, nausea back grim memories of the chemical plant. and other problems. Para-tertiary butyl catechol 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. LG Polymers was estab- or PTBC is currently being used in Visakhapatnam The leak of styrene, a chem- lished in 1961 as "Hindustan to neutralise the effect of the gas leak, said ical used to make synthetic Polymers" for manufacturing Ashwani Kumar, secretary in the Gujarat chief rubber and resins, among oth- Polystyrene and its co- minister's office. "This chemical, used for ers, occurred in the wee hours polymers at reducing the effects of gas in the air after a leak, of Thursday while people were Visakhapatnam. It is manufactured only in Vapi. The Andhra still fast asleep. merged with McDowell Pradesh government requested Gujarat Chief Women and children were & Co. Ltd of UB Group Minister Vijay Rupani to facilitate airlifting of seen lying on roads struggling in 1978, according to the chemical from Vapi to be sent there as to breath, reminiscent of the the company's web- soon as possible," Kumar said. As infamous Bhopal gas tragedy site. Taken over by instructed by Rupani, senior officials when a leak from the Union LG Chem (South have asked Valsad district collector to Carbide plant left around 3,500 Many people fell uncon- shaws and on two wheelers. Korea), Hindustan make necessary arrangements to dead and many maimed. scious during their sleep, a vil- Visakhapatnam Collector Polymers was procure 500 kg of the chemical. The The worst-hit lager said. Vinay Chand said 20 ambu- renamed LG stock will soon be airlifted from Daman Gopalapatnam village rever- Affected people, suffering lances were pressed into ser- Polymers India where it will be taken by road from Vapi, berated with cries of people for writ large on their faces, were vice as soon information Private Limited he said. help. rushed to hospitals in autorick- about the gas leak was (LGPI) in July, 1997. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS First two flights take off from Kerala to repatriate stranded Indians in UAE n PNS KOCHI/KOZHIKODE The flight to Kochi Liquor not a vaccine Two Air India Express flights left will take off from for COVID-19: Sena Kerala for the United Arab Abu Dhabi at 4.15 Emirates on Thursday as India ICMR to undertake MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena on set in motion the exercise to evac- pm and reachthe Thursday took a dim view of uate its citizens stranded in the destination at 9.40 large crowds outside liquor Gulf region due to the COVID- pm, while the other study of Ganga water shops in Mumbai earlier this 19 lockdown. week, and said people should At least 340 passengers, most- to Kozhikode is understand that liquor is "not a ly Keralites, including pregnant scheduled for de- for treating COVID-19 vaccine" for COVID-19. It is "not women, infants and those with worth buying 65,000 COVID-19 parture from Dubai medical emergencies, willbe at5 pm and arrive PNS n NEW DELHI The National Mission for infection cases" for earning a among those to be brought back Clean Ganga (NMCG), an revenue of Rs 65 crore through from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on at 10.40 pm, offi- The Indian Council for arm of the Jal Shakti Ministry liquor sale, a editorial in Shiv board the two flights, expected to cial sources said Medical Research (ICMR) has that deal with the rejuvenation Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' return to Kochi and Kozhikode decided not to go ahead with programme for the river, had said, noting that people defied airports in the state late Thursday Jal Shakti Ministry's proposal received a number of propos- physical distancing norms while night. Twelve airline staff, including to undertake clinical studies als, including from people gathering at wine shops. After The flight to Kochi will take off four pilots, have been given train- for treatment of COVID-19 and NGOs working on Ganga, the Maharashtra government on from Abu Dhabi at 4.15 pm and ing by doctors and nurseson the patients with Ganga water, to undertake clinical studies Sunday announced to open reachthe destination at 9.40 pm, the flights and still the returnees, Thiruvananthapuram. arrive at the four internationalair- steps to be taken while donning saying it needs more scientif- for treatment of coronavirus standalone shops, including of while the other to Kozhikode is barring pregnant women and "We have clarified everything ports at Kannur, Kozhikode, and doffing personal protective ic data. patients with the water, offi- liquor, in COVID-19 non- scheduled for departure from children and elders, will be under with the Ministry of Home Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram equipment (PPE) suits, infection Dr Y K Gupta, who is chair- cials said. The proposals were containment zones, long queues Affairs. The MHA asked for 14 on board 13 flights. control practices to be followed were seen outside shops on Dubai at5 pm and arrive at 10.40 institutional quarantine for seven ing the committee for accordingly sent to the ICMR. Monday and Tuesday. Mumbai pm, official sources said. days. days quarantine.Only those who All arrangements, including in-flight and also the manage- Evaluation of Research Gupta, who is also a former civic commissioner issued an In addition to the air evacua- Those under quarantine have tested negative for COVID- accommodation for quarantine ment of anticipated health emer- Proposals at ICMR, said the dean of the AIIMS, said, "At order on Tuesday night directing tion, three naval ships, left for arranged by the government at 19 will be allowed to boardthe and thermal screening at airports, gencies during the journey. evidence and data available at present the proposals needs closure of all non-essential Maldives and UAE on Tuesday various places, including hotels, flight and reach the state," he said. have been made. Arrangements have been made the moment is not strong much scientific data, proof of services, including liquor shops, to bring back Indian citizens. would be screened after seven In the first five days, at least Eight aircraft, 60 pilots and 120 with the central warehousing cor- enough to start the clinical concept and a strong back- in the city. State Chief Secretary Tom days and will be allowed to go for 2,000 odd people from various cabin crew would be utilised for poration for disinfecting the air- studies by different ground hypothesis. This has Jose said only COVID-19 nega- home quarantine if they did not Gulf nations, home to lakhs of the first phase of the evacuation, craft and its employees given spe- routes/forms of Ganga water been conveyed to them tive patients will be boarding test positive, he told reporters in expatriates from Kerala, will official sources said. cial pass for access to the airports. for treatment of coronavirus. (NMCG)." Lockdown: Mumbai police's 'safety tunes' Gas leak incident Three killed, 24 top Twitter charts Maha CM discusses Parl officials to explore if committee MUMBAI: After heart-warming BJP chief Nadda injured in truck videos and messages, the Mumbai police on Thursday pandemic situation with expresses pain meetings can be held via video con collision posted memes of popular rock PNS n SAGAR (MP) bands, termed as 'safety tunes', n NEW DELHI urging citizens to stay indoors PNS opposition leaders Three persons were killed during the COVID-19 lockdown. n The city police, in the past, have PNS MUMBAI PWP's Jayant Patil, RSP's Rajya Sabha Chairman M and 24 injured, when a truck adopted unique ways to appeal Mahadeo Jankar, AIMIM leader Venkaiah Naidu and Lok transporting migrant to citizens to follow the lock- Maharashtra Chief Minister Imtiaz Jaleel, Kapil Patil, Ashok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on labourers suffered a head-on down, which has been in place Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday Dhavle and Rajendra Gawai Thursday asked secretary gen- collision with a goods vehi- since March. "Stay indoors, for met opposition leaders through participated, among others. erals of both Houses to explore cle on Sagar- Chhatarpur n we are on the streets, playing video conference to discuss the Raj Thackeray told reporters PNS NEW DELHI if parliamentary committee Road in Madhya Pradesh on your favourite safety tunes with coronavirus situation in the afterwards that he suggested meetings can be held through Thursday, police said. our Band-o-bast," the tweet state. deployment of the State Reserve BJP president J P Nadda on video conference. A pickup truck heading posted on @MumbaiPolice While some of the leaders Police Force to assist the police Thursday expressed deep pain This comes in view of towards Uttar Pradesh with reads, with memes of popular gathered at Mantralaya (state in the enforcement of lock- over the gas leak tragedy in demands from various mem- migrant workers from rock bands such as U2, secretariat) here, others, includ- down. Visakhapatnam and asked party bers of Parliament (MP) for Bhiwandi in Mumbai col- Backstreet Boys, Oasis and ing Uddhav Thackeray himself, "More force is needed where workers to provide all possible holding such meetings through uation and in the context of considerations the present lided with a goods truck Linkin Park. Using names of took part in the meeting through people are taking the adminis- help to victims. "Deeply pained video conference amid the restrictions on travel across the Rules of Business of both the travelling from Uttar these bands cleverly, the police video conference, an official in tration for granted. In contain- to hear about the tragic gas leak COVID-19-induced lock- country, the two felt that if the Houses of Parliament, the Pradesh, Banda police sta- advised citizens to "U2" stay the Chief Minister's Office said. ment zones, police force should in Visakhapatnam. My deepest down. The secretary generals situation does not allow regu- practices and experiences of tion in- charge Kamal Singh home, not loiter in "backstreet Deputy Chief Minister Ajit beincreased. Muslims should condolences to the families of have been asked by Naidu and lar conventional meetings of various countries in respect of said. boys", home is an "oasis" and Pawar, Revenue Minister be asked to celebrate Ramzan the deceased, I pray for the well- Birla to submit a report on the the committees in the near such virtual meetings and the At least three persons died don't visit "Linkin park". Balasaheb Thorat and PWD indoors," he said. being of all. I urge party work- matter soon. future, alternative means of time required to enable secure on the spot and 24 were ain- Minister Ashok chavan were "E-learning is not always pos- ers to provide all possible relief The Rajya Sabha chairman enabling such meetings can be technology platforms required jured in the accident that present at the meeting from the sible, not just in rural areas but in coordination with the and the speaker met at the explored. for such mode of meetings," a took place near Chhapri vil- UP govt lifts ban on government's side. also in cities. The government administration, following all Uparashtrapati Niwas on "They have directed the sec- statement from the chairman's lage on Sagar-Chhatarpur sale of 'paan masala' From the opposition's side, needs to tell people how it will health protocols," he tweeted. Thursday and discussed the retary generals of both the office said. Road, he said. BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and ensure that academic year is At least six people have died and role being played by MPs dur- Houses to examine in detail The report of the two top The migrants travelling in LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Pravin Darekar,MNS chief Raj completed," he said. nearly 100 hospitalised after a ing the COVID-19 pandemic the pros and cons of officials of Parliament will the pickup truck belong to government has lifted its ban Thackeray, VBA leader Prakash He also demanded that the gas leak at a chemical plant in and the feasibility of holding Parliamentary Committees form the basis for a considered Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar on 'paan masala' which does Ambedkar, PRP leader Jogendra government explain its lock- AP Visakhapatnam in the early committee meetings. holding meetings by video decision by both the presiding and adjoining areas in Uttar not contain nicotine and Kawade, JSS leader Vinay Kore, down exit plan well in advance. hours of Thursday. In view of the prevailing sit- conferencing by taking into officers in the matter, it said. Pradesh, he added. tobacco, according to an official order issued here. "The ban on manufacturing and sale of 'paan masala' imposed on 21 people from March 25 has been lifted," Dalai Lama calls for coordinated, global effort Nearly 3 lakh people Commissioner Food Security PNS n DHARAMSHALA (HP) Surat test positive and Drug administration Anita and happiness depend on many Singh said in the order issued other people”. “Today, the chal- In a reference to the coronavirus lenges we face require us to for COVID-19 registered to return to J’khand on Wednesday. The order, crises in his Buddha Purnima accept the oneness of humanity. PNS n BHUBANESWAR however, clarified that the ban n on manufacture, storage and message, the Dalai Lama Despite superficial differences PNS NEW DELHI sale of 'gutka/paan masala' with Thursday said the world must between us, people are equal in Odisha on Thursday report- nicotine and tobacco will focus on what unites it as “one their basic wish for peace and ed the highest number of Nearly three lakh people from continue. The sale of these human family” and meet chal- happiness,” he said. COVID-19 cases in a day as Jharkhand, mostly labourers, products will be in accordance lenges through a global, coordi- He said Buddha's teachings 21 people, who recently stranded in various states due with the guidelines of the Home nated effort. remain relevant even today, returned from Surat, tested to the lockdown have regis- Department. The Yogi The Tibetan spiritual urged 2,600 years after his time. positive for coronavirus, an tered to return home, Chief Adityanath government had promoting inter-religious under- The Dalai Lama said he con- official said. With these new Minister Hemant Soren said banned manufacture and sale standing, underlining that all reli- sidered himself an heir to the cases, the total number of on Thursday, and asserted that of 'paan masala', saying the gions promote happiness of all “Nalanda tradition”. people afflicted with the they will be brought back move would help stop the people. “Accordingly, we need to reach “The way Buddhism was disease has climbed to 206, without any "ifs and buts". spread of coronavirus in the “Also, in this time of serious out to each other with compas- taught and studied at Nalanda he said. Jharkhand is the only state state. "Manufacturing, sale and crisis confronting the world, sion, for it is only by coming University, rooted in reason and Of the 21 new patients, 17 which has made advance pay- state, saying no relief was given induced lockdown have storage of 'paan masala' is when we face threats to our together in a coordinated, glob- logic, represents the zenith of its are from Ganjam district ments for receiving its people to Jharkhand despite it being already returned to the state being banned in the state till health and we feel saddened for al effort that we will meet the development in India.” and four from Mayurbhanj, coming from other states a source of high revenue for since the Centre allowed the further orders," Food Security the family and friends we have unprecedented challenges we “If we are to be 21st century a new one in the list of dis- through 'Shramik Special' the railways. movement. Commissioner Ministhy S had lost, we must focus on what face,” he said. Buddhists, it is important that we tricts where coronavirus trains, according to railway In an interview to PTI, the An online registration said in an order issued on unites us as members of one In the message released from engage in the study and analy- cases have been reported, an sources. chief minister said about process has also been started March 25. "Spitting 'paan human family,” he said, in an his home here, the Dalai Lama sis of Buddha's teachings, as so official from the Soren also slammed the 20,000 migrant labourers and by the Jharkhand government masala' can help in spreading apparent reference to the pan- said in an increasingly interde- many did there, instead of sim- Information and Public Centre for charging 15 percent students stranded in other for stranded migrants wanting COVID-19," the order had said. demic. pendent world, “our own welfare ply relying on faith,” he said. Relations department said. of the rail travel cost from the states due to the coronavirus- to return home. NGT grants more time to committee 163 Shramik 4 COVID patients ‘recover' Special Trains to submit report on Yamuna ferried 1.60 after plasma therapy in Indore PNS n NEW DELHI lakh migrants PNS n INDORE The National Green Tribunal PNS n NEW DELHI Indore district's has granted more time to Amid the ongoing debate in the Chief Medical and Yamuna Monitoring The Indian Railways on medical fraternity about the effi- Health Officer, Committee (YMC) for submit- Thursday said it has operated cacy of the plasma therapy on Praveen Jadia, said, ting its report on cleaning of 163 Shramik Special trains COVID-19 patients, a private the river as the stakeholders since May 1 and ferried home hospital in Indore has claimed "At SAIMS, the use were unable to submit their over 1.60 lakh migrants strand- that four such persons recovered of plasma therapy response due to corona virus ed in various parts of the coun- from the infection after under- was done on some lockdown. try due to the coronavirus- going this therapy. COVID-19 patients A bench headed by NGT induced lockdown. Railways A district health official con- Chairperson Justice A K Goel said it ran 56 Shramik special firmed that plasma therapy was and according to noted that in view of lock- trains on Wednesday and 14 so used on some coronavirus pos- the doctors there, it down due to Covid-19, the far on Thursday, taking the total itive persons at the privately-run helped them in the parties including the Delhi "We are of the opinion that issues which still remain pend- tally to 163. Till May 7, 50 trains Sri Aurobindo Institute of recovery" Development Authority and time needs to be extended. The ing and the roadmap for fur- were still on their journeys Medical Sciences (SAIMS), and the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, concerned parties may now ther course of action with while 113 have reached their said that as per the doctors at that therapy, we had started clinical Praveen Jadia, said, "At SAIMS, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh furnish their response to the timelines," the bench said. destinations. "We are planning hospital it helped these patients trial on the woman and three the use of plasma therapy was their recovery," Jadia added. have not been able to give their YMC expeditiously but posi- The water quality in the to run some more trains by the in their recovery. male patients aged 23, 40 and 55 done on some COVID-19 Convalescent plasma therapy respective response to the tively on or before May 31, Yamuna here has "improved end of the day," a railway spo- Talking to PTI on Thursday, years from April 26. Now all four patients and according to the doc- involves injecting patients with committee. 2020. The Committee may significantly" during the lock- kesperson said. Every special head of the Chest Disease patients are free of COVID-19 tors there, it helped them in the plasma from people who have The Yamuna monitoring give its report thereafter at the down due to an increase in train has 24 coaches, each with Department at SAIMS, Dr Ravi infection," he said. recovery." He said that plasma recovered from COVID-19 committee, which comprises earliest and but latest by June fresh water availability and a capacity of 72 seats. But the Dosi, said that one of these four Consent was obtained from all therapy would also be used on infection. The theory is that the retired NGT expert member B 30, 2020 by e-mail even if absence of industrial effluent, national transporter is allowing patients is a 26-year-old woman. four patients prior to the clinical some coronavirus positive plasma will have the antibodies S Sajwan and former Delhi response of concerned parties the Central Pollution Control only 54 people in a coach to "According to the protocol set trial of plasma therapy, he added. patients at a government-run required to boost a sick person's chief secretary Shailaja is not received as expected. The Board (CPCB) and the Delhi maintain social distancing by the Indian Council of Medical Indore district's Chief Medical hospital in Indore soon. "We hope immunity response to the coro- Chandra, sought more time to report may indicate in tabular Pollution Control Committee norms by not allotting the Research (ICMR) for the plasma and Health Officer (CMHO), that it would help the patients in navirus. submit report. form the progress achieved, the (DPCC) had earlier said. middle berth to any passenger. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Memories of Bhopal The gas leak at a chemical unit in Visakhapatnam shows why we never learn lessons and our laws mean nothing Does anyone care? ust when the nation is struggling to breathe as COVID-19 tightens its grip, the preven- The BJP will do well to remember ISRO’s journey, which started from launching a satellite on a Jtive lockdown because of it extracted a heavy price as gas leaked out of a shut chem- ical plant in Visakhapatnam and choked peo- bullock cart. Instead of being focussed on image management, it must solve people’s problems ple in their homes. It seemed the ghosts of the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 revisited us as the leak affected over 5,000 people while they lay asleep in the wee hours at Gopalapatnam village. At last count, 11 had died but thousands are gasping for survival in hospitals. Toxic styrene escaped from an LG Polymers facility when its owners tried restarting the plant at midnight fol- lowing the easing of lockdown restrictions for business and an alarm malfunc- AJOY KUMAR tioned. Clearly no safety protocol or a cautionary approach was followed in the riane Passenger Payload rush for reopening the unit. The gas came from two 5,000-tonne tanks that had Experiment (APPLE), a product been lying unattended and unmonitored during the 40-day lockdown. In such of India’s first geostationary an uncalibrated scenario, gases do not remain inert, they react, cause a chem- experimental communication Satellite Project during 1977-83, ical reaction and generate heat that might have triggered the leak. An official from Awas successfully launched by Ariane-1, the owner firm himself accepted that there were 1,800 tonnes of styrene in the from Kourou, French Guyana, on June 19, storage tank and that stagnation and changes in temperature might have result- 1981. The journey to its successful launch was tricky though. In 1981, the Indian Space ed in auto polymerisation, which could have caused the sudden vapourisation Research Organisation (ISRO) did not have of the gas. So negligence certainly cannot be ruled out. The Manufacture, Storage mainframe computers and the satellite’s and Import of Hazardous Chemical (Amendment) Rules, 2000, list a number antenna needed to be tested as problems were detected in certain links, specifically of chemicals that call for safe handling, including styrene. Even mild exposure the telemetry, tracking and control links that to it results in irritation of mucous membrane and eyes and affects the gastroin- were crucial to ensure regular communica- testinal system. Long-term exposure impacts the central nervous system and tion with the satellite in space. It was, there- leads to headache, fatigue and weakness. Therefore, a safety audit ought to have fore, crucial to ensure that these links were functional before the launch. been conducted before resuming operations, considering that the plant was old But it could only have been done in a and had considerable wear and tear. In fact, a no-objection certificate from the proper antenna range, with the satellite struc- pollution control board should have been made mandatory before even attempt- ture placed under a thermal blanket and the ISRO did not possess such infrastructure at ing a re-opening. Though the scale of the leak was lesser than that of Bhopal, that time. The satellite needed a non- this was no less a serious industrial tragedy. It also showed that we still have metallic structure where it could be placed not learnt lessons from our past. Although the industrial unit was located in the and where testing could be carried out. Since time was of the essence, such a structure outskirts of the city, 20 villages thrived in a radius of five kilometres. It is too late could not be developed. So, there came an to ask questions about why zoning separation wasn’t done all these years. At ingenious idea of placing the satellite on a had to suffer that indignity. for the tickets of the migrants. ty to a rather straight forward least, given the risks opening an unmaintained facility entailed, authorities ought bullock cart so that the test could be car- Then the Centre asked the This generated negative public- question? ried out. The bullock cart, which was hired States to look after the migrant ity for the BJP and, therefore, the In fact, in Karnataka, the to have warned or evacuated residents. As a result of this negligence, we wit- at a nominal cost `150, provided a non-mag- labourers even as no provisions Government cleared that the BJP went one step further and nessed apocalyptic scenes of villagers rushing out of their homes as they were netic environment and enabled ISRO to were made for their travel and railways would pay 85 per cent cancelled all the trains for being asphyxiated and literally falling unconscious on the roads. Some were trapped carry out the antenna test in an open field. return. This was further exacer- of the ticket prices with the migrants to relegate them to The great thing about this story is that bated by the fact that States such WHY DOES IT States footing the remaining 15 bonded labourers. BJP MP in their houses, some tried jumping into the well and out of their balconies. it underlines Indian ingenuity and ambition as Delhi did not receive any ALWAYS TAKE BAD per cent. Tejasvi Surya even went on to This too, like Bhopal, will remain in the news for a while and then be quick- at its finest. The ancillary benefit, of course, fund from the Centre to aid However, this face-saving tweet that such a move will help ly forgotten. For the corporate owners and multinational giants, despite protract- is that it provides a lovely story behind an their fight against Corona. In the PRESS FOR THIS move by the BJP did not come the migrants “restart their incredible Indian organisation and provides end, they were largely left on GOVERNMENT TO with any intention to help the dreams.” The moral flexibility ed legal battles, always manage to wriggle out of reparations or culpability, usu- colour to the country’s impressive space their own to ensure that the migrants but to score political on the show is almost admirable. ally using their proximity to Governments of the day or negotiating new invest- adventure. However, this is just an ancillary migrants are not adversely BE FORCED points or to rather prevent los- However, after all the uproar ment prospects. And chemical unit accidents keep happening with astonishing benefit. ISRO did not set out with putting affected, even though the prima- INTO GOOD ing more political points. How and noise, the Karnataka BJP a satellite on a bullock cart and then hap- ry plea of the labourers has con- do we know this? Well for has apparently now reversed its regularity. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), pened to successfully ensure proper testing sistently been to return to their GOVERNANCE? IT’S starters, the Centre is not pay- decision, much like how it came 130 chemical accidents had been reported around the country in the last decade of the satellite. The publicity that this story respective homes. Since inter- BECAUSE A LARGE ing 85 per cent of the fare out and said that it would “bear” alone, causing 259 deaths and 563 serious injuries. The GAIL pipeline blast of generated was a byproduct of what ISRO State transport falls under the being charged to the migrants. 85 per cent of the ticket fare for 2014 claimed 15 lives while injuring over 40 others. The same year, at Bhilai wanted to achieve, not a motivator. Union list, the expectation was PART OF Moreover, there is no order migrants after it was pushed to Political parties today, especially the BJP that the BJP Government at the to that effect anywhere as on the a corner. steel plant, a gas leak killed six people and injured over 40. And in 2017, more Government at the Centre, would do well Centre would take care of this WHAT IT DOES date of writing this article. The question is: Why does than 470 school children were hospitalised in Delhi’s Tughlaqabad area after they to remember this story. The clearest exam- concern. IS IMAGE Instead, what the BJP is doing it always take bad Press for this inhaled toxic fumes emanating from a factory nearby. It is because the law never ple of how “publicity” and “politics” is the However, in reality, what is media manoeuvring. The Government to be forced into primary motivation and the end result for happened was that though cer- MANAGEMENT. Indian Railways has always sub- good governance? It’s because a takes its course that industrial safety standards in the country keep getting short- this Government is that of the recent tain special trains were made QUESTIONS (WHEN sidised in general to keep the large part of what it does is changed or flouted. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) came up in 1986 in migrant crisis. As everyone is aware, millions operational, the migrants were TAKEN) ARE ticket prices low. The BJP wants image management. Questions the aftermath of Bhopal. The following year, soon after the oleum gas leak in of labourers from States across the country charged thousands of rupees. If us to believe that this sub- (when taken) are either refused were suddenly left stranded after the nation- any worker had that kind of EITHER sidised fare amounts to cover- on technicalities or obfuscated New Delhi, a new chapter was added to the Factories Act, 1948, widening the wide lockdown came into force. Without money, would he/she be hiding ing 85 per cent of the cost and as in the present case of the scope of what constitutes risk. Further, the Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), pay, they were barred from returning to the in cement mixers or even REFUSED ON in asking the States to bear the migrant trains. The need of the too, came into effect to provide interim compensation to the victims in the event comfort of their homes. Their families, too, attempt to walk home? It was TECHNICALITIES remaining 15 per cent of the cost hour instead is to focus on had to face this emergency. This forced the this action that prompted is actually asking them to pay problem-solving by including of an industrial disaster. Forty years on, pertinent questions arise today: Are these migrant workers to walk thousands of Subramaniam Swamy, a BJP OR OBFUSCATED the entire cost of the ticket. the States and Opposition par- laws still relevant? Have they been used appropriately? Is there any need for kilometres under the sweltering summer leader, to call the Government’s AS IN THE Even in the Supreme Court, ties and being honest with the more stringent laws? In the absence of an active regulatory regime, all the laws sun. Some even hid inside cement mixers idea to charge poor migrants for where the question cropped up citizens. In doing so, the BJP to try and reach their homes. However, our their journey home as “moron- PRESENT CASE OF before the Solicitor-General if would finally put the “bull” to tackle chemical disasters will mean nothing. international evacuees did not have to ic.” I hardly ever find myself in THE MIGRANT the Centre was actually bearing before the cart. It can learn a endure such indignity when the lockdown agreement with Swamy but 85 per cent of the fare, he said thing or two about it from started. these are strange times. TRAINS that he had “no instructions” to ISRO. There have been no stories of individ- Thereafter, a political rival reveal what proportion would (The writer is a former IPS No enclosed spaces uals swimming across the English Channel of the BJP said that the State be shared by the Railways and officer, a former MP and current- Confined and conditioned environment of public offices and to the shores of India but our migrants have units of the Congress would pay the States. Why this uncertain- ly a member of the AAP) facilities can become the biggest super-spreaders of the virus S O U N D BITE he uncertain nature of the Coronavirus I have been warning the We didn’t realise that ‘Stay We went through the worst In India, I feel there is still a pandemic has flummoxed governments world about India’s home, stay safe’ would be a attack we have ever in big issue of accepting that Tacross the world as they are faced with continuing efforts to find luxury. But the irony of it our country. This is worse there is some weakness the unenviable task of opening up their gasp- a pretext for a false flag should not be lost on us as than Pearl Harbour. This when it comes to the men- operation targetting many women battle the situ- is worse than the World tal aspects, but we generally ing economies and keeping infections and Pakistan. ation in their homes. Trade Center. term it as mental illness. deaths under check at the same time. Just how unpredictable this maverick virus is can be Pakistan Prime Minister Actor US President Indian cricketer —Imran Khan —Nandita Das —Donald Trump —MS Dhoni gauged from the fact that a study of cases in Taiwan, published in The Journal of American Medical Association, found household trans- mission to be the main source of infection, L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR while The Lancet study of the US found that Rahul takes the lead have to either stay shut for a healthcare transmission was more than household transmission. So where does Armed forces must stick to ethics longer time or may have to oper- this leave us where our lockdown strategy is concerned? Well, if findings of 14 ate on very low capacity. In both Sir — Last week, Congress leader his refers to the article, “Maintain the fine line” by scenarios, demand would be low, studies on the virus’ transmission patterns across China, Iran, South Korea, Rahul Gandhi discussed the Bhopinder Singh (May 4). In a rare show, the Army, which may worsen the job crisis Singapore, Iceland, France, Taiwan, Japan and the US are anything to go by, pub- Coronavirus pandemic and its Tthe Navy and the Air Force in consort saluted the scenario. The economy cannot lic enclosed spaces, too, can become a super-spreading environment. While some economic implications with for- Corona warriors by showering petals from the skies and any longer stay without big bang studies found that household contacts account for 10-20 per cent of the trans- mer Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sounding bugles from the seas. Undisputably true, the reforms. The Government needs Governor Raghuram Rajan. Now, medical fraternity deserved unqualified appreciation and to reopen more of such industri- mission, five to 10 per cent were traced to transportation, dining and entertain- Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee support because their unflagging pursuit is unparalleled al units although with strict safe- ment. At the same time, the studies found that schools are not prominent trans- has spoken to the Congress scion in history. However, this flower and bugle show of the ty protocols. mission centres and children are unlikely to be the source of any household infec- as part of a series of video conver- armed forces seemed to be a modified version of the Manisha sations with experts on economy clanging of plates and lighting of lamps, a continuum. Via email tion, unlike the bird flu where 54 per cent of transmission clusters identified kids and health. Indeed, when life is Steven Wilkinson, in his book, Army and Nation: as the source of infection. In the end, it all boils down to the fact that the Coronavirus becoming monotonous, Gandhi The Military and Indian Democracy since Liquor conundrum is largely transmitted by close contact in densely populated spaces over a pro- has brought some fresh air and Independence, had remarked that India had inherited constructive ideas. While Rajan a conservative Army, dominated by officers and troops, Indian Muslims, has created ripples. If made to please longed period. This basically means that enclosed public and mass living spaces said that `65,000 crore should be drawn disproportionately from a few “martial” groups. the political masters or to exhibit the prowess of the mil- Sir — It’s intriguing that despite make for a high-risk environment. This more than ever highlights the importance spent to support the poor hit hard In his view, the structure of the Army, with castes and itary, these unsolicited rants breached a carefully culti- the Delhi Government levying a of social distancing and operating in ventilated open spaces. by the crisis, Banerjee was of the religions holding sway, was incompatible with the hopes vated tradition. Interpretations of the words uttered and 70 per cent tax on the sale of alco- So, maybe as we go ahead and start living our lives again along with the opinion that India should take a for a new secular nation. This posed a threat to democ- comments thereupon, even extreme, are unavoidable. hol, serpentine queues were seen cue from the US and pump more racy as well. India averted this danger in the decades The “fine” dividing “line” gets blurred when the ruling outside liquor shops. In Mumbai, ever-present threat of the COVID-19, these two factors will be the guiding prin- money into the hands of people to after independence. However, recent statements by the dispensation keeps enlisting the military for political the Brihanmumbai Municipal ciples of our strategies and future architecture. They will forever change the way revive demand. He stressed on the men in fatigues, such as “Indian Army is fully ready for mileage and/or the generals dare to exceed the brief, con- Corporation (BMC) closed liquor we watch movies, dine out, travel, shop, socialise, work in our offices and fac- need for a bigger stimulus. a two-and-a-half front war” to intimidate China and the stantly. shops after people failed to main- Comparing India, which is suggestion of shipping off Kashmiris to “deradicalisa- Haridasan Rajan tain social distancing norms. It tories and so on. Some sectors like entertainment and dining out will suffer, trav- the fifth largest economy in the tion camps,” which was seen as an open threat to the Kozhikode will be worth watching if Delhi, el will, too, as fewer seats on airplanes and trains will make the costs of tickets world with a GDP of $2.94 tril- too, would emulate the BMC. prohibitive. Maybe we will have to rethink our public transport-related strategies. lion, with the world’s richest nomic revolution in the country Out of service cent for the month of April, the Sure liquor brings revenue but country is not justified. After in 1991, and former deputy chair- unemployment rate is four times online deliveries should be The automobile sector will boom as will e-commerce, real estate might suffer holding discussions with two man of the planning commission higher than that of the US. Given encouraged now. as more firms encourage the work from home model while services will become great economists Rajan and Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Both Sir — This refers to the editori- the current situation with Corona Sunita more expensive. One thing is for sure, we can’t hunker down forever as the tiny Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi must have practical understanding of al, “Creation to preservation” cases crossing the 50,000 mark, Via email virus destroys economies, jobs and lives across the world. We just have to cope hold discussions with former the Indian economy. (May 7). It is shocking that with there may be more pain in store. Prime Minister Manmohan Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee India’s unemployment rate stand- Just in case the lockdown is Send your feedback to: with preventive and adaptive strategies. Singh, who brought about an eco- Faridabad ing at a record high of 27.1 per extended further, businesses will [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Some reasons POINTCOUNTERPOINT 11 OF THE 15 SLOTS IN THE MORTUARY ARE FULL. PUBLIC HOSPITAL STAFF ARE DOING THEIR BEST to hope RELATIVES OF THOSE WHO DIED OF COVID-19 WERE WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AT HAND. MUMBAI'S RELUCTANT TO TAKE THEIR BODIES. ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO STEP UP NOW. There are many clever people working on all the —SION HOSPITAL DEAN —CONGRESS LEADER problems that threaten our future and for some of them at least, solutions will arrive in time PRAMOD INGALE MILIND DEORA What of right to health? GWYNNE DYER The danger to prisoners’ health was recognised by the Supreme Court when it issued directions ou don’t feel like reading about the pandemic today? Good. I don’t feel like writing about it again either. So here are some addressing the problem of overcrowding in prisons, particularly during the Corona contagion Yreasons to hope, none of which are even remotely related to the Coronavirus. First, they have found not one but three new ways to combat malaria, just as the problem of growing resistance to existing drugs and insecticides was getting out of hand. In Burkina Faso, a collaboration last year between the local Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé and the University of Maryland showed the effectiveness of modifying a fungus that normally infests mos- quitoes. The fungus was genetically engineered to produce lethal spider and 99 per cent of the mosquito population in the trial area died within 45 days. Scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute have found that an existing drug, Ivermectin, which is used against parasitical GS MONAL diseases like river blindness and elephantiasis, is also effective against BAJPAI GERA malaria. It kills both the plasmodium falciparum parasite in the blood and the mosquito whose bite put it there. (But you’ll still get bitten he COVID-19 pandemic is one of the first). biggest challenges India has faced in recent times and is, in fact, a test of the And best of all, a cure that doesn’t kill the mosquitoes, who T resilience of our democracy. There is a collective are an important source of food for many bird species. The realisation in Indian society that the world we International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi has live in has changed forever. This shift is not lim- discovered that around five per cent of the mosquito population on ited to social interactions or healthcare infrastruc- the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya carries a microbe called ture but permeates all aspects of our socio-polit- Microsporidia MB that completely blocks the plasmodium parasite. ical lives, including the criminal justice system. The microbe lives in the mosquitoes’ gut and genitals without doing In several countries, police powers have been them any harm and mothers pass it on to most of their offspring. expanded and are being used in a repressive and So if you could spread that microbe to the rest of the mosquito even brutal manner in what has been referred to population.... Microsporidia form spores that could be released en as a “toxic lockdown culture” by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle IT IS NECESSARY masse to infect mosquitoes, or male mosquitoes could be infect- Bachelet. TO ENSURE ed in the lab and released into the wild to infect the females when While we have fortunately not faced such a THAT POLICE they mate. It’s early days but this could actually solve the malaria broad misuse of emergency powers in India, con- POWERS problem for good. cerns have nonetheless been raised about the con- ARE NOT Now, the second piece of happy news: Researchers at the duct of the police and the operation of the jus- ABUSED, University of Groningen in the Netherlands are having some suc- tice system as a whole. The judiciary’s deference ESPECIALLY cess in blocking the growth of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. to the executive, the abuse of power by police offi- WHEN THEY This is the most urgent medical issue of our time because if the cers in dealing with ostensible lockdown viola- tions and prison overcrowding are just some of JEOPARDISE A antibiotics don’t work, then the old infections that they have long RIGHT AS suppressed will come back and make even the simplest operation the issues that have come to light. A particularly complex issue is the contin- CRUCIAL AS THE when she was arrested in relation to the that the period of investigation in his Government has said that these arrests life-threatening. Bacteria share and spread their resistance by swap- ued arrests of individuals in connection with the RIGHT TO LIFE AS February riots and has allegedly been case had been extended. This extension, are necessary in light of the seriousness ping genes and to do that they secrete a protein called CSP. The February riots in North-East Delhi. The man- WELL AS PUBLIC facing difficulties with medical care in turn, had been requested by the of the offences, it has failed to justify Groningen team worked through more than 1,300 existing drugs, ner in which these arrests have been made by the SAFETY. IT HAS while in custody. Zargar is just one of police on the ground that the probe had why arrests in the cases of particular and found 46 candidates that disrupt the ability of the bacteria to police has been the centre of much controversy. LONG BEEN the cases that provoked the recent state- been slowed down by the ongoing lock- people are unavoidable. It has not produce CSP. It’s a first step but a very promising one. Numerous instances have been reported of UNDERSTOOD ment of protest by feminist activists and down. If, for a moment, we set aside the provided any evidence that these indi- And now, for something completely different. Environmentalists individuals allegedly being arrested without any THAT THE scholars and brings to light the way in question of bail in sedition cases, it can- viduals may flee, tamper with evidence hate plastics because half of the megatons produced each year end clear information regarding the charges against STATE IS which factors such as gender further not be denied that the threat to Imam’s or engage in further offences. In up in landfills or the oceans. However, plastic is a strong, lightweight them. The prohibition on visits to jails means that complicate the impact of such arrests health caused by the COVID-19 pan- essence, the Government fails to pro- family members are unable to ascertain the well- EXPECTED TO on arrestees’ right to health. demic is being further exacerbated by vide an explanation strong enough to material that is very useful in many different roles. The trick is to EXERCISE ITS recycle it all properly, so it doesn’t end up damaging the environ- being and sometimes even the location of the This danger to prisoners’ health was the pressures put on the police infra- justify endangering the right to life of arrestees. In some cases, it is even unclear POWER IN A recognised by the Supreme Court structure. these individuals as well as the threat ment. Enter a French start-up company called Carbios, which began whether the individual in question has been RESPONSIBLE when it issued directions addressing the Nevertheless, the High Court’s posed to public health. Ironically, while by screening 1,00,000 micro-organisms for promising candidates detained for questioning or has, in fact, been for- AND ETHICAL problem of overcrowding in prisons. A engagement with this issue reflects the discussions of arrest powers have usu- that could decompose plastics quickly and cheaply into chemical mally arrested. MANNER. close reading of the apex court’s order Supreme Court’s concern with prison ally focussed on balancing the rights of building blocks that can be recycled into new plastics. They found There have allegedly also been instances IT IS NECESSARY shows that the court addresses the overcrowding and the resultant health the individual with the safety of the what they were seeking in a leaf compost heap: A bacteria that pro- where family members have been detained by the THAT WE COVID-19 pandemic both as a public hazards for arrestees and prisoners. community, in this case the rights of the duces an enzyme that will do that job. police when the intended arrestee could not be MAKE A health issue as well as a serious threat Several other High Courts, most individual coincide with the safety of It took a little work to mutate the enzyme so that it enthusias- immediately located. Advocates representing sus- RENEWED to the health of prisoners. notably the Kerala High Court, have the community. Arbitrary and unnec- tically consumes the PET plastic from which plastic bottles are made. pects or individuals charged in connection with The Supreme Court clearly recog- also attempted to limit arrests to cases essary arrests, thus, damage both. the riots have also expressed their frustration at COMMITMENT nises that prisoners are particularly sus- where they are absolutely unavoidable. Globally, where individual coun- Carbios predicts that it will be operating at an industrial scale by TO THIS 2024 — and in March, German researchers found a different bac- not being able to meet their clients to ensure that ceptible to infections due to their close Thus, the continued arrests of tries have responded to the COVID-19 there is no violation of their constitutional rights. PRINCIPLE IN living quarters and emphasises the need individuals in the North-East Delhi epidemic with forceful and repressive teria that will eat up polyurethane. In many cases, lawyers have alleged that they were PRESENT to ensure that they, as well as prison riots cases fly in the face of the judicia- measures, international bodies have Now for the big one. There is a company called Solar Foods, unaware that their clients had been arrested or TIMES staff and anyone else who may come in ry’s concern with protecting arrestees’ called for a renewed respect for human in Helsinki, which is growing bacteria (just add hydrogen) to make of the precise charges against them. contact with them, are protected from and prisoners’ Article 21 rights. This is rights. As Indian society adapts to the an organic soup from which you can make flour. Tweak the bac- The issue of arrests in the unrest, thus, sits this pandemic. particularly egregious in light of the changes brought by this crisis we, too, terial formula a bit and you can create the right proteins and fats at the crossroads of many different concerns — The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind relied on large number of arrests in this case, are faced with choices about the func- for lab-grown meat, fish, milk and eggs. There are many other com- whether legal representation should be consid- these directions in its petition before the which progressively compounds the tioning of our legal and political insti- panies just a bit behind Solar Foods (which will open its first com- ered as an essential service, possible political Delhi High Court against the arrest of risk to the health of both individuals tutions, including the police. As the UN mercial factory next year). The prospect glimmering on the hori- motivations behind the arrests, how pursuing jus- individuals in connection with the and the public. Even prior to this case, Secretary General has said, “Human zon is that we might be able to feed the world from a relatively small tice in a particular case should be balanced North-East Delhi riots. In response to the susceptibility of the police to rights cannot be an afterthought.” It is amount of land and give the rest back to nature. against broader public concerns and how police this petition, the Delhi High Court, in arrests, abuse and arbitrariness has long necessary to ensure that police powers powers should be exercised in emergency situ- its order issued on April 28, directed been recognised in Indian and interna- are not abused, especially when they We would then have to figure out what to do with the half of ations. that all arrests in connection with this tional legal discourse. jeopardise a right as crucial as the right mankind that currently makes its living from farming but we can However, a particularly important concern case have to be made in accordance The Supreme Court, too, in land- to life as well as public safety. It has long assume that this would be a change that takes decades to work is safeguarding the arrestees’ right to health, with the Supreme Court’s directions. It mark cases such as DK Basu vs. State been understood that the State is its way through the very large and extremely complex global soci- which is guaranteed under the broader right to further stated that all such arrested indi- of West Bengal, has recognised the need expected to exercise its power in a ety we live in today. life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India viduals are free to individually apply for to regulate the arrest powers of the responsible and ethical manner. It is What all this tells us is that there are many clever people work- and determining the extent to which this right bail. The High Court’s order is problem- police in order to prevent their rampant necessary that we make a renewed com- ing on all the problems that threaten our future and that for some should be protected against the police’s power to atic in that it gives primacy to bail as a abuse. In a time of public crisis such as mitment to this principle in present of them at least, solutions will arrive in time. It is still heroically opti- arrest. remedy without recognising the diffi- the present pandemic, it is particular- times. mistic to believe that all of them will, or even enough of them will In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, arrest- culty that arrestees may face in avail- ly important for agents of the State, such (Bajpai is Professor and arrive in time. There is hope but there is also great danger. ing and placing individuals in jails can serious- ing it without adequate legal assistance. as the police, to exercise their power in Chairperson, Centre for Criminology ly jeopardise their health. One especially poignant In fact, the lockdown itself can be a rational and ethical manner that both and Victimology at National Law (Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing Pains: The Future of example is that of Safoora Zargar, a Jamia Milia used as a reason to deny bail. Sharjeel protects the rights of the individual and University, Delhi and Gera is a Research Democracy and Work’) Islamia scholar, who was 14-weeks pregnant Imam’s bail was denied on the ground the safety of the public. While the Associate.) SMEs must enhance resource efficiency, profitability Effective pandemic control followed by a suitable policy drive would be needed to provide enabling conditions for the economy to revive after the nationwide lockdown is lifted

try, textile and steel manufacturing to India, suitable virtual meeting plat- by providing separate bins for differ- Electricity savings can be realised belt tension and ensuring leakage-free reject for floor cleaning, washing and name a few. SMEs are usually hard- forms and the wide range of materi- ent categories of wastes, designating through lighting optimisation by air distribution network in the ducts); other applications should be encour- pressed to meet production and deliv- als available online can be used to train locations for storage of raw materials, cleaning fixtures and windows, by pro- cooling tower optimisation (by routine aged. Developing energy and water ery deadlines. Operational inefficien- managers and supervisors in energy semi-finished and finished goods as viding lighting at the point of use, cleaning of motors, blades and water, conservation strategies with periodic cies are thus overlooked most of the management, water management and well as tools and inventories. avoiding lighting at ceiling height replacing metallic fan blades with light- reduction targets will further boost time, leading to high consumption of good housekeeping practices. Additionally, inspection of various and switching off unnecessary lights weight fibre-reinforced plastic blades, resource saving initiatives. resources like energy, raw materials, These learnings can be utilised machines for oiling, dusting, eliminat- during lunch and tea breaks. controlling fan speed as per weather Effective pandemic control fol- water and so on. This results in a high subsequently to make workers aware ing any external objects and for secur- Savings can also be accrued by fix- conditions and reducing the algae lowed by a suitable policy drive would cost of production, thereby squeezing down the chain to enhance their ing wiring connections should be ing leaks in compressed air systems, depositions); compressor optimisation be needed to provide enabling condi- PRAHLAD NILAY profit margins. knowledge and skills. Keeping in performed to reduce unexpected water and steam pipelines. For (by providing clean and cool surround- tions for the economy to rebound. TEWARI SRIVASTAVA However, adoption of Resource- touch with the workforce during this breakdowns. instance, one bar reduction in deliv- ings, reducing the distance between SMEs must position themselves for Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) challenging time would also help Worker safety can be addressed by ery air will result in six to ten per cent compressor and point of use, installing starting sustainable production prac- he Indian economy was already strategies that optimise use of resources reduce their anxieties. Further, during non-contact thermal screening using reduction in power consumption in a closed-loop, low-friction and mini- tices after the lockdown. To deal with struggling before the pandem- can help SMEs cut production costs this period, suitable norms could be infrared thermometer on a daily basis, the compressor. Additional opportu- mum bending pipeline, conducting the economic slowdown caused by the Tic struck the world. Now, India’s while reducing the environmental developed for proper sanitation of the access to alcohol-based hand sanitis- nities for energy savings include power free air and leakage test, pandemic and to be on track to fiscal woes have been further exacer- footprint through lesser waste gener- premises and for practising social dis- ers and sanitation tunnel combined factor improvement (by capacitor installing air guns and using com- achieve the Nationally Determined bate by the Corona-enforced shut- ation for the same product output. The tancing once the lockdown is lifted. with an updated Aarogya Setu app on optimisation for reduced penalty in pressed air only for high pressure Contributions to meet Sustainable downs that began on March 25 and current situation could thus be an Once enterprises are allowed to mobile phones for checking the electricity bills); motor optimisation requirements) and heat loss optimisa- Development Goals 2030, SMEs need were subsequently extended till May opportunity to move towards more commence operations, the focus would Corona status of the persons entering (by providing well-ventilated, dust-free tion in boilers and furnaces (by pro- to remain competitive in a sustainable 17. The 53-day-long work disruption efficient operations and enhance over- be on productivity while taking care the factory premises. It is equally essen- surroundings with proper belt tension viding adequate insulation, tight door manner. Adoption of RECP strategies has seriously impacted small and all productivity and profitability in of workers’ safety. To maintain social tial to acquire and allocate the required and replacement of flat belts with closing and adjusting air to fuel ratio). would help enterprises reduce costs medium enterprises (SMEs) that cover SMEs around the nation. distancing, enterprises may need to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cogged belts and checking electrical Water savings, including reducing and enhance their profitability while a wide range of sectors and provide During the shutdown period, operate in smaller and multiple shifts. ensure workers wear them and provide connections to avoid heating of termi- wastewater generation, can be achieved contributing to economic growth in an employment to 120 million people. enterprises can focus on capacity- It is important to stress the need for clean changing and washroom facili- nals); fan and blower optimisation (by by installation of aerators and sensors environmentally-sustainable manner. The pandemic has hit most of the building of human capital and plan- good housekeeping measures such as ties to the staff. While improving ensuring clean and unrestricted inlet for flow reduction, placing water-filled (Tewari is Fellow and Srivastava is labour-intensive industries, includ- ning for operations post the lockdown. marking man-machine pathways, housekeeping, low cost or no-cost air, checking for unwanted noise and bottles in high-volume toilet tanks to Research Associate, TERI. Inputs from ing the automobile sector, smart Given the widespread access to smart implementing international best prac- RECP measures can be implemented vibrations, cleaning filters and fan reduce amount of water per flush, recy- Malini Balakrishnan and Vidya Batra, phone manufacturers, the solar indus- phones and internet penetration in tices for sorting and setting-in-order to achieve resource savings. blades of motors, ensuring adequate cling and reusing of reverse osmosis Senior Fellows, TERI) VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 money 08 CAPSULE ‘Exodus of migrant workers to Bank of England: UK economy to shrink by most since 1706 impact industry, farm sectors' PNS n LONDON The Bank of England warned PNS n LUDHIANA Thursday that the British econ- It is inexplicable omy could suffer its deepest The exodus of migrant labour- that the govern- annual contraction in more BMW resumes ers from Punjab to their native ments did not than three centuries as a result operations at states will adversely impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the state's industrial and farm foresee the before bouncing back next year. Chennai plant sectors, fear industry represen- current exodus, In what it describes as a NEW DELHI: German luxury tatives and farmers. triggered by the “plausible” scenario, the bank carmaker BMW on Thursday Their apprehensions desperation of the said the British economy will said it has resumed operations emerged after more than 8 lakh be 30 per cent smaller at the on a single shift basis at its migrant workers got them- workforce, which end of the first half of the year manufacturing plant in selves registered for going back is not stranded, than it was at the start of it, with Chennai. BMW Group India to their home states. Pahwa said the second quarter seeing a 25 albeit at very low levels, after if the pandemic comes under started operations at its The Centre is running per cent slump alone following unprecedented falls during late control globally. Chennai plant on May 7 in 'Shramik' trains to ferry a 3 per cent decline in the first. March and early April. It thinks that the economy accordance with guidelines migrants to their respective because of the availability of a death knell for industrial tion, Chamber of Industrial & Unemployment is projected As a result, it anticipates that could pick up by 15 per cent next issued by local authorities, the home states as they were free rail travel, he further said. activities in the state. Commercial Undertakings, to more than double to around the economy will end up 2020 year, which would be the biggest company said in a statement. stranded in other states It is inexplicable that the "There was not even a single Confederation of Indian 9 per cent, but that figure does with a 14per cent contraction. annual increase since 1704. Local production at the plant because of the lockdown. governments did not foresee death in the state due to Industry (CII) and FICO on not include the 6 million work- According to bank statistics, In fact, the bank expects the will be started with less than Onkar Singh Pahwa, the the current exodus, triggered hunger. Thus, the propaganda Thursday appealed to the Centre ers who have been retained by that would be the biggest economy to be more or less 50 per cent of the regular president of All India Cycle by the desperation of the work- of non-supply of the ration is and state governments to stop firms as part of a scheme that annual rate of decline since back to where it was before the workforce, it added. All other Manufacturers Association on force, which is not stranded, false and motivated," he said on the exodus of workers. sees the government pay up to 1706, and markedly more than outbreak within three years, employees will continue to Thursday said the availability Pahwa said. Thursday. They also said the state gov- 80 per cent of salaries. anything seen in the aftermath with the financial sector help- work from home, the of minimum workforce is a "If bulk migration of workers D S Chawla, the President of ernment should reach out to The central bank said the of World War I when the ing the corporate sector get automaker said. The prerequisite for the purpose of is not stopped then Punjab will the United Cycle and Parts migrant workers to provide economy should start to recov- economy was also laid low by through the strain. manufacturing plant has resumption of industry. be ruined economically," said Manufacturers Association, whatever assistance they er during the second half of the the Spanish flu pandemic. “We expect the recovery of resumed operations in single He said the Centre has Rahul Ahuja, the chairman of the said the bulk migration of require. Majority of migrant year as the lockdown restric- The projected fall is also the economy to happen over shift and depending on the allowed only stranded Punjab unit of industry body CII. workers will turn out to be labourers who work in Punjab tions start to be lifted and three times more than the time, although much more pandemic situation and migrants to be sent back home. Gurmeet Singh Kular, the counterproductive for the are from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh “materially so” in the latter part recession of 2008-9 during the rapidly than the pull-back from government advisories, But now even those labourers president of Federation of industry as it will not allow and Jharkhand.Meanwhile, of the period. global financial crisis. the global financial crisis," said deployment of staff will be who are not stranded are get- Industrial and Commercial industrial activities to restart. farmers are equally worried It noted that the timeliest Over the longer term, the Andrew Bailey, the bank's new adjusted steadily, it added. ting tempted for registration to Organisations, said the migra- Representatives of All India over the fate of paddy sowing indicators of UK demand have bank thinks that the British governor, who has only been at Several precautionary return to their home states tion of workers will prove to be Cycle Manufacturers Associa- which will start next month. stabilised in recent weeks, economy could revive quickly the helm since March. measures have been implemented to ensure safe working environment at the facility, BMW said. Sensex drops 242 pts; Staff in customer care should opt Swaraj Engines, Goetze Govt working on Nifty gives up 9,200-mark India resume operations financial package for ‘contactless' experience: Airtel PNS n MUMBAI PNS n NEW DELHI says official at Punjab plants NEW DELHI: The government Equity benchmark Sensex fell Airtel on Thursday sought to is working on a comprehensive over 242 points on Thursday, assure subscribers that any PNS n NEW DELHI financial package not only for dragged by losses in index- employee visiting customers to MSMEs but for all sectors of heavyweights HDFC twins solve issues with existing con- Engine and auto parts makers the economy, a top official said and Kotak Bank amid rising nections or for a new installa- Swaraj Engines and Federal- on Thursday. "Government of coronavirus cases in the coun- tion will maintain "highest Mogul Goetze India on India, Prime Minister's Office try. level of hygiene", and that its Thursday said they have and the Department of After touching a low of entire staff has been trained to resumed operations at their Economic Affairs are already 31,362.87, the 30-share index ensure a "contactless" experi- respective plants in Punjab fol- working on a package, which settled 242.37 points or 0.76 ence. lowing relaxation in lockdown includes not only the MSME per cent lower at 31,443.38. Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal, in by the Centre. but also the entire industry. All Similarly, the broader NSE Market tried to cut losses in a note to customers, said that weeks, the company has deliv- capacities at our call centers, In a regulatory filing, Swaraj sectors of the economy being Nifty slipped 71.85 points, or the morning session but failed the next phase of the journey ered several initiatives to some of you may have faced Engines said it has received added. taken care of by a comprehen- 0.78 per cent, to end at as selling resumed in con- has begun as the world slow- address user queries or con- challenges. So, if there is any- permission from authorities to Similarly, Federal-Mogul sive package, being worked 9,199.05. sumer durables and banking ly starts to open up. cerns. thing else that we can help you resume operations at its plant Goetze India has partially out in the government," said ONGC was the top loser in sectors, keeping benchmarks "We have now been in lock- This includes new capabili- with, please do let us know. located at SAS Nagar (Mohali), resumed its operations at its Giridhar Aramane, Secretary in the Sensex pack, slumping below Wednesday's levels, said down for over 40 days and ties of SIM delivery to homes, "We have enabled several Punjab. plant situated at Patiala the Ministry of Road Transport over 4 per cent, followed by Narendra Solanki, Head- have entered a new normal. doorstep KYC (Know Your channels for you to reach us. "Accordingly, the company (Punjab) by adhering to direc- and Highways. He was speak- NTPC, Kotak Bank, Titan, Equity Research Our 45,000 strong workforce Customer), work from home Digitally, you can raise your is starting its operations grad- tions, guidelines and permis- ing during an interaction with Bharti Airtel and PowerGrid. (Fundamental), Anand Rathi. continues to be on the field to solutions, conferencing and queries/complaints through ually and all activities would sions issued by authorities members of SIAM (Society of On the other hand, In the afternoon session, serve you and we are grateful security services, he said, the Airtel website or the be carried out in accordance with respect to COVID-19. Indian Automobile Manufac- IndusInd Bank rallied over 6 volatility intensified amid fears that all of them are safe. We are adding that the company had Airtel Thanks App. You can with the government regula- "The financial impact is not turers) Institute via video per cent. M&M, Reliance that the peak of fresh COVID- now in the next phase of this received support from cus- also drop in a request on our tions and guidelines in this ascertainable at this stage. The conferencing. Participating in Industries, Axis Bank and 19 cases was nowhere near journey as the world slowly tomers on these initiatives. IVR by calling 121 from respect and by maintaining company is closely monitoring the same meeting, Union Tech Mahindra were the other after the case count surged starts to open up," Vittal said. "Yet, we know we are not your registered mobile num- social distancing, sanitation the situation and will take nec- Minister for MSME and Road gainers. past 50,000, he added. He said that over the last few perfect and given reduced ber," Vittal said. and hygiene standards," it essary steps," it said. Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also said "a package is going to be declared". ArcelorMittal reports USD 1.1 bn Huawei Launches New 5G-Powered net loss in Jan-Mar quarter Wi-Fi 6 Products in Asia Pacific

PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n BANGKOK Swiggy co-founder Luxembourg-based Huawei launched ten all-new ITC Hotels launches ArcelorMittal on Thursday Rahul Jaimini quits, AirEngine Wi-Fi 6 series mod- reported a net loss of USD 1.1 to join Pesto Tech els for the Asia Pacific region, ‘WeAssure' billion for the first quarter which will provide better services NEW DELHI: Hospitality major ended March 31, 2020 amid NEW DELHI: Food ordering and for enterprises and are ideal for ITC Hotels on Thursday said it coronavirus pandemic. delivery platform Swiggy on laying a high-quality fully-wire- has launched an initiative to The world's largest steel- Thursday said its co-founder and less campus as the new corner- assure guests of stringent maker had posted a net CTO Rahul Jaimini will move stone for enterprises' digital cleanliness and disinfection income of USD 0.4 billion in away from active role in the transformation. process across all its hotels, the year-ago quarter, the com- company during the month to Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 6 amid the coronavirus pany said in a statement. pursue another entrepreneurial series products stand out with by 90 percent of enterprises by these new services." pandemic. Under the initiative "ArcelorMittal recorded a venture. Jaimini will be joining technological innovations such 2023, making Wi-Fi the under- He continued: "For example, ‘WeAssure', ITC guests will be net loss for quarter 1, 2020 of Pesto Tech, a career accelerator as industry-unique dual-band lying network technology in fully-wireless office campus- reassured of visibly stringent USD 1.1 billion... as compared ter has been considerably over- CEO Lakshmi N Mittal said. start-up, as their co-founder, Smart Antennas, lossless roam- required for efficient enterprise es, new applications represented cleanliness and disinfection to a net loss for quarter 4, 2019 shadowed by the COVID-19 Mittal further said: "We Swiggy said in a statement. He ing, and Dynamic Turbo (an production and service digital- by AR, VR, and 4K are straining processes which benchmark of USD 1.9 billion and a net crisis. Faced with a significant have also moved decisively to will continue to be a shareholder intelligent application accelera- ization. the capacity and speeds of exist- clinically hygienic standards, income for quarter 1, 2019 of humanitarian challenge, the protect the business in the face and board member of Swiggy, it tion technology). Among the Li Xing, President of the ing networks. Fully-wireless pub- the company said in a USD 0.4 billion," the compa- company's first priority has of completely unprecedented added. Functions currently led new models, the flagship Campus Network Domain, lic campuses, in contrast, tend to statement. The reassurance ny said. been to take all the necessary scenario we are facing where by Rahul, including platform AirEngine Wi-Fi 6 8760 series Huawei's Data Communication have large open spaces and will be given by sanitation, The world's leading integrat- actions to safeguard the well- social and economic lock- engineering, analytics, IT and boasts 16 spatial streams -- the Product Line, said: "As new highly mobile users, but existing hygiene, safety and infection ed steel and mining company being of our people and to pro- down has contributed to a labs, will be realigned to Dale most in the industry -- deliver- digital services are constantly wireless networks cannot deliv- control practice organisation follows January-December fis- vide support to the extent significant decline in demand." Vaz, Head of Engineering and ing 10 Gbps wireless throughput emerging in enterprises, existing er continuous signal coverage National Accreditation Board cal year. required in the communities in The company also had to Data Science, who has been with and beyond. Wi-Fi 5 networks have already and bandwidth stability needed for Hospitals & Healthcare "The improved operating which we operate," reduce production due to the company for close to 2 According to Huawei's fore- encountered bottlenecks that for continuously optimal user Providers (NABH), it said. performance in the first quar- ArcelorMittal Chairman and reduced demand, he said. years, the statement said. casts, Wi-Fi 6 will be deployed prevent them from meeting experience." InterContinental Hotels Micro enterprises best placed to help economy sees sales collapse come out of COVID-19 crisis: Report PNS n LONDON ities including accommodation to PNS n MUMBAI frontline workers, military per- The economy has been severely InterContinental Hotels Group sonnel and vulnerable members Micro enterprises, with borrow- impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic expects sales to have plunged by of society." The group franchis- ings of less than Rs 1 crore, are but the government and policymakers a record 80 per cent in April as es, leases, manages or owns about best placed to help the economy the coronavirus outbreak shuts 5,900 hotels, which together com- come out of the COVID-19 cri- are looking for segments that are in the its chains, including Crowne prise almost 882,000 rooms in sis, Small Industries best position to help revive the Plaza and Holiday Inn. more than 100 countries. Development Bank of India ( economic activity the quickest IHG, the world's largest hotel But owing to the pandemic, SIDBI) and Trans Union CIBIL operator by number of rooms, around 1,000 hotels or 15 percent said on Thursday. added that global revenue per With around 15 percent of its of its estate, were shut at the end In a joint report, the two enti- (under Rs 10 lakh exposure) seg- lowing the IL&FS crisis to show available room — a key indus- hotels currently shut, including of April. The least affected area ties said leverage ratios and non- ment stood at 11.3 per cent as of that the NPA accretion by micro try measure — tanked 55 per- InterContinental sites, London- was China, where only ten hotels performing assets (NPAs) of December 2019, as compared to enterprises was low. cent in March, when the world listed IHG has offered facilities remained closed, as the country micro enterprises are the lowest stress of 17.3 per cent in the over- In January 2020, 63 per cent implemented mass lockdowns to to frontline health workers and gets back to work after being the in the commercial segment. They Rs 1 crore. The economy has been must capitalise on this opportu- all commercial lending segment, of the active MSMEs (micro, contain the deadly COVID-19 the homeless. "I would like to sin- first country into lockdown. also did an impact analysis on the severely impacted due to the nity by identifying the micro seg- 18.7 per cent for the medium cor- small and medium enterprises) outbreak. RevPAR slumped 25 cerely thank everyone at IHG... "Following a solid perfor- sector's response to two of the COVID-19 pandemic but the ment entities that have stood porate segment and 19.1 per cent were in the structurally strong percent over the first quarter for the way they have respond- mance in the first two months of biggest business shocks in recent government and policymakers are strong through the past disrup- for the large corporate segment. risk segment having a CIBIL from a year earlier, it added in a ed to this challenge," Barr added 2020, occupancy levels dropped times — drying up of NBFC looking for segments that are in tions and fund them during In the report, both the entities MSME Rank (CMR) between 1 results statement. "COVID-19 in Thursday's release. to historic lows in March and credit following the IL&FS crisis, the best position to help revive the these times," SIDBI Chairman analysed the response from a and 5, while 37 per cent MSMEs represents the most significant "This includes protecting the April, as social distancing mea- and GST implementation. economic activity the quickest. and Managing Director loan delinquency perspective are in CMR 6 to 10, the report challenge both IHG and our health and safety of guests and sures and travel restrictions As per the report, micro enter- "The micro segment can be Mohammad Mustafa said. after both the GST implementa- said, speaking of the current liq- industry have ever faced," said colleagues... and repurposing came into effect around the prises have been classified as the next growth driver for the From the NPA perspective, tion and the drying up of financ- uidity and leverage positions of chief executive Keith Barr. hotels to provide essential activ- world," Barr said Thursday. those with borrowings of less than economy and credit institutions bad loans in the very small ing by the non-bank lenders fol- the small businesses. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Friday May 8, 2020

rained in Kathak, positive role model to many in Eshan Hilal has the country. Eshan continues been a part of top to conduct workshops all over T 10 modelling icons the country, gives TED talks to of India by India motivate youngsters, performs ‘To be a Today and won at corporate events and walks international laurels in belly the ramps as a gender fluid belly dancer dancing while performing in model, inspiring a huge China. Besides that, he had crowds at diverse events. you don’t also featured in Indian reality He is making sure belly shows such as Dance+, High dancing is breaking gender require Fever, etc., along with gaining boundaries. Eshan says that spotlight from BBC in a docu- though India, earlier, was a mentary and being felicitated nation where many didn’t pos- femininity, by Member of Parliament sess basic human rights and Shashi Tharoor. belonged to a patriarchal soci- all you need KALA He delivered his first ever ety, things have changed and TEDx talk in BITS Pilani, the craft of belly dancing has is self Hyderabad recently. He has evolved for the better today. also been a part of Big “Previously, belly dancing was acceptance,’ HAS NO GENDER! Celebrity Challenge hosted by considered vulgar, but many Zee Telugu and conducted a Indians are ignorant of the fact says Eshan workshop at Madhapur, trig- that this dance form originated gering a passion for belly in Rajasthan. The scene is get- Hilal, dance amongst the youth of ting better now. Recently, I Hyderabad. performed in Bengaluru for a India’s first A fashion designer by pro- show called Gender Bender fession, Eshan belongs to a and received overwhelming male belly conservative Muslim family, response from elderly who which is unhappy about the were taken aback by my tech- dancer and a fact that he chose the exotic niques to yesteryear’s songs. career of belly dancing. They just couldn’t believe their “Despite having enormous eyes,” he shares. gender fluid recognition all over the coun- Belly dancing is his oxygen, try for my pious work, they the blood to his veins and model, in an don’t care. They are strong meditation to his soul, he says. believers of our religious He considers this art form to exclusive norms and believe that I will be very elegant and never ultimately be answerable to the shyed away from wearing fem- chat with Almighty for the deeds I am inine costumes without com- doing. I am not hurting any- ing across as a cross-dresser. The one, I’m only pursuing my He loves the sexuality he bears dream with utmost dignity,” he and strives to be an outstand- Pioneer's tells us. ing performer of the craft. Considering belly dance his When he dances, everyone SHIKHA escapism, this fashion commu- makes a loud cheer. He advises nication graduate has also suf- the budding dancers to not be DUGGAL fered experiences of stereotyp- a replica of him and have and ing, name-calling, mockery for develop a unique sense of participating in a feminine art, style. Acquiring his confidence called up for hook-ups, forced over the years through societal to perform on item numbers, pressure and orthodox family, etc. Despite all of this, he hasn’t he finds that's nothing is capa- left his fight towards being a ble of shaking it now.

Covid -19 heroes How social media fuelled charity work A city-based IT professional, founder of ‘Feed the Hunger’ and her team are defying all odds to help the destitute in the city with able donations, reports RACHEL DAMMALA ho knew that an bread, water packets, biscuits, account on the Helo lemon rice, etc. to people that are app, a regional social left to die on the roads. W media platform in Sometimes, they even pick up India, could help boost newspapers for these people. “The charity today? police know us, and have helped us Kavya Sree, an IT-professional, too,” says Kavya Sree. goes live every day on the app to Feed The Hunger spends over connect with her followers, but Rs 6,000-7,000 per day to distrib- more importantly to inspire them ute food. Asked how they manage to come forward and help the poor funds, Kavya replies, “Over 85% of and needy. Founder of ‘Feed the the money is from our own pock- Hunger’, Kavya, and two of her ets, the remaining 15% are funds friends, Krishna and Srikanth, that are received by donors. We have been traveling to remotest recently had one of my followers parts of Hyderabad, amid the lock- from Tirupati send in Rs 10,000 down, to ensure that those on the after he saw our work.” Kavya has roads don’t go hungry. over 1,680 followers on her Helo “I started charity work five years app, who include people of all sec- ago when I saw the sick and the tions of the society like doctors, desolate losing lives as they could- engineers, lawyers, social workers, n’t feed themselves atleast one teachers, teenagers, IT profession- meal per day. I decided to help the als, and even leaders. needy with food, once a week since At a time when we hear sadden- then. Two of my colleagues, when ing stories by people on the inter- they learned of this initiative, net, Kavya and her team are an wanted to join the cause. Although example of how social media can we no longer work for the same be used the right way to help those company, we’re still going strong as in need. a team,” informs Kavya Sree. The three members of Feed The Hunger didn’t initially think of carrying out their weekly plan of distributing food during the lock- down. Kavya says, “During the first three days of the lockdown, I was bombarded with scary infor- mation everywhere. I didn’t want During the first three days of to pose a risk to anybody due to a the lockdown, I was lack of awareness. It was only when a follower of mine on my bombarded with scary Helo account sent me a video of information everywhere. I people going hungry at Gandhi Hospital that I decided to continue didn’t want to pose a risk to distributing food during the lock- anybody due to a lack of down.” But this time, Kavya decid- ed upon distributing food not once awareness. It was only when a week, but every day. a follower of mine on my “I did not want to risk the lives Helo account sent me a video of my friends Krishna and Srikanth. I will be answerable to of people going hungry at their families if anything goes Gandhi Hospital that I wrong. Hence I went and served food all by myself. It was days later decided to continue that they told me, ‘How can you distributing food during the think of doing it without us? We are with you, we’re a team. We’re in lockdown this together.’ There was no stop- ping us since then,” she adds. The team distributes various — Kavya Sree kinds of food including buns, 10

Vijayawada Friday May 8 2020 what’s brewing? Disney, Marvel movies not to resume shooting anytime soon

roduction of many projects resuming production. terms of how we put both our Scott’s The Last Duel, The Little highly anticipated According to reports, own employees and other film- Mermaid, Nightmare Alley, Disney as well as Chapek said that they would makers that are partners with Shrunk and Peter Pan & P Marvel movies was “be very responsible in terms us as they do these produc- Wendy. The studio also pushed suspended due to of masks when we proceed” on tions,” said Chapek, stressing its theatrical release to new the COVID-19 pan- the productions. that they won’t reopen until dates, and put Artemis Fowl for demic, and the studio has “In terms of large-scale pro- they get a green signal from release on its streaming service revealed that one cant expect duction, we’re going to go “public health officials and Disney+ later this month. the movies to get back on track through the same process with strict safety procedures are in “We very much believe in the near future. our productions as we do our place”. in the value of the theatrical “No projections,” said theme parks in terms of Due to the pandemic, experience overall to launch Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek, absolutely guaranteeing that Disney hit pause on produc- blockbuster movies,” Chapek when asked about tentpoles we’re going to be responsible in tions like Shang-Chi, Ridley said. Cara Delevingne, Dia Mirza's tenure as UN Ashley Benson part ways enviroment emissary extended ctress-producer Dia “I am grateful for the oppor- Representative for Asia and the Kaia Gerber, while self-quar- Mirza’s term as United tunity to continue to serve as Pacific, UNEP, said, “Your sup- odel Cara antining. Nations Environment UNEP ambassador. My associ- port to UNEP as our Goodwill Delevingne and “Cara and Ashley always A Program (UNEP) ation with the United Nations Ambassador since 2017 has actress Ashley had their ups and down Goodwill Ambassador Environment Programme has been greatly valued. Your con- Benson have split before but it’s over now,” the has been extended. She been an extraordinary learning tributions to World M after dating for source said. will now be serving curve,” she said, adding, “It has Environment Day, Beat Plastic almost two years. “Their relationship just till the end of 2022. defined my purpose and I hope Pollution, Circular Fashion and The two broke up in early ran its course.” Delevingne Dia, who is also to continue to learn and make a other UNEP campaigns and April, sources told. and Benson were first spot- a United Nations difference towards improving initiatives have helped broaden One source said that ted together when they were Sustainability environmental consciousness. the scope and impact of our Delevingne and Benson photographed kissing at Development Now more than ever before we outreach. We look to you to ended their relationship in London’s Heathrow Airport Goals Advocate, need to make every effort pos- continue to assist us in our April, and that Delevingne in August 2018. feels the exten- sible to act on climate, protect advocacy efforts and communi- has been spending time with Delevingne confirmed sion is another wildlife, biodiversity, and cate to the public the vision friends including Margaret their relationship in June opportunity to secure our natural resources.” and values that guide our Qualley and her sister 2019. work towards Underlining the role Dia has work.” Rainey Qualley, as well as changing things for played, Dechen Tsering, nature. Regional Director and Lockdown may force top actors to take pay cuts he coronavirus operate at capacity, with social but also on its stars’ global form a huge component of the Irrfan lockdown will like- distancing norms in place. appeal. Some of the top actors total revenue.” Khan’s ly result in a $330 Citing the example of Chinese in the industry, such as Shah According to the trade ana- final T million (Rs 2,500 theatres, he said, “If you’re Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar lyst, top names — both in film, crore) loss for the selling tickets based on social and Deepika Padukone, ‘help front of and behind the cam- Angrezi Indian film indus- distancing, you’re reducing the industry rake in revenue era — will have to take pay- Medium, try, and force top actors to your capacity because for from audiences around the cuts. He noted that in India, was hurt take pay-cuts once operations every seat you sell, you keep world’, the report said. “With the majority of movie budgets at the box resume. one vacant. If your capacity is India, the problems are mani- are allocated to the stars. office, A CNN report quotes trade 50 per cent, it will not support fold because all the cinemas The coronavirus lockdown where its analyst Komal Nahta as saying the huge film budgets.” across the world will have to has forced major films such as run was cut that even if theatres were to The Indian film industry open,” Nahta said. “Overseas Sooryavanshi and ’83 to be short by the open back up, they won’t relies on domestic box office, revenues for big Hindi films indefinitely delayed. Actor lockdown order.

FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU

Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2020 sport 11

to secure around 300 million euros ($325 mil- lion) in television money. SINGLES FRENCH OPEN TICKET BUYERS TO GET REFUNDS ‘STARTING FROM ZERO’ Paris: The French Tennis Federation says it will refund However, it is a step into the tickets purchased for the French Open because of Football’s unknown. uncertainty related to the coronavirus pandemic. The “One must not forget, we are now clay-court tournament at Roland Garros was initially in a situation that we do not know,” admit- slated to be held May 24-June 7 but has been ted Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz rescheduled for Sept 20-Oct 4. The FFT says it “has coming back Rummenigge. taken the decision to cancel and refund all tickets “We’re all starting a bit from zero. One purchased for the original dates of Roland Garros.” The cannot rule out that there are one or two sur- FFT is also working closely with French authorities “to prises.” establish the necessary measures which will ensure the DFL confirm May The worry is that an outbreak of the coro- health and security of all guests attending the navirus in the league could again halt the tournament.” resumed season, this time for good. 16 as return date There were 10 positive cases from 1,724 RICHARDSON UNDERGOES SHOULDER SURGERY tests of players and staff at the top 36 clubs in Dybala gets Sydney: Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson has undergone for Bundesliga the first wave of testing. another surgery to stabilise the shoulder he dislocated The onus is firmly on the players to fol- corona all-clear last year and doctors are hopeful that with no AFP n BERLIN low the hygiene guidelines, including avoid- around at this time of the year due to the Covid-19 ing contact at all times. TURIN: Juventus star Paulo Dybala pandemic, it would help him in the recovery. Richardson undesliga clubs were racing on Hertha Berlin striker Salomon Kalou, 34, revealed on Wednesday that he had an operation on his right shoulder late last month, Thursday to get ready for the was suspended earlier this week by his club has been given the all-clear six the same shoulder he dislocated during a match against Brestart of the season in nine days’ for posting a video on social media where he weeks after contracting coron- Pakistan more than a year ago that sidelined him for six time, amid concerns about whether shook hands with team-mates. avirus, but Serie A rivals Torino months. The 23-year old already missed the World Cup the players will stick to the strict Kalou issued an apology, but politicians confirmed that one of their play- and Ashes tour due to his dislocated shoulder. hygiene guidelines implemented to pointed to the Ivory Coast forward as an ers had tested positive. ensure the campaign is completed. example of how not to behave during a pan- “Many people talked in the MAHARAJ WANTS TO PROTEAS Twenty-four hours after demic which has so far claimed over 7,000 lives past weeks ... but I can finally Joburg: Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj admitted that Chancellor Angela Merkel’s in Germany. confirm that I am healed. Thank he is interested in captaining South Africa in all formats Government gave the German Germany captain Manuel Neuer has said you once again for your support one day. Maharaj has not been among the frontrunners Football League the green light to Bundesliga footballers have a “enormous and my thoughts on all who are for the position but he led the Dolphins to the domestic return, the league said it will resume responsibility” to be role models. still suffering from it. Take care,” One Day title. “I really want to captain the Proteas. It's the season on Saturday, May 16. To drum home the point, German daily tweeted the 26-year-old been my dream. Maharaj even said that he would like The Bundesliga will be the first Bild translated “Follow The Rules!” into 28 lan- Argentina forward. to captain South Africa in all formats and lift trophies top European football league to restart guages for the 278 foreign players in the league. Dybala was diagnosed on with the team. “I'd like to captain the South African team matches since the outbreak of the March 22, along with his girl- across all three formats and I want to raise a World Cup coronavirus forced lockdown mea- ‘WARNING’ friend Oriana, who recovered trophy with my own hands, as the leader of the side,” he sures to be imposed across the conti- “I was horrified,” Dortmund CEO Hans- sooner from the disease. said. “I didn't merely want to play for the Proteas. Lifting nent. Joachim Watzke told Bild when asked about Dybala on Wednesday also that silverware has always been my childhood dream.” All games will be played without the Kalou video. posted a picture of himself on spectators. “I will tell our players again that we have Instagram with his arms out- ‘MBAPPE WILL FIT IN VERY WELL AT REAL’ The opening day’s key game is a big responsibility. stretched looking at the sky: “My Monaco: Despite having close links with Barcelona, between second-placed Borussia “Hertha did the right thing. Such individ- face says it all, I’m finally cured Spanish footballer Cesc Fabregas believes French Dortmund and arch-rivals Schalke in Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski trains during team’s training session FC Bayern/Twitter ual cases have to be sanctioned harshly.” from Covid-19.” superstar Kylian Mbappe will fit in very well at Real the Ruhr derby at Dortmund’s Signal A similar message will be the mantra at But city rivals Torino Madrid because of his playing style. Mbappe, who Iduna Park — but instead of being Until Merkel gave the go-ahead, clubs resumed team training, despite announcing Bayern. revealed that an unnamed play- currently plies his trade at Paris Saint-Germain, has roared on by an 81,000 crowd, the had still been training in small groups. on Thursday that one of their backroom staff “I hope that the Kalou video remains an er had been diagnosed with been linked with a move away from Parc des Princes in teams will play in an empty stadium. On Thursday, Dortmund, who were four had “a very weak” positive test of the coro- isolated case and we have received a bit of Covid-19 during testing of play- recent times and Fabregas believes he could end up France has already ended the points behind leaders Bayern Munich when navirus and had been quarantined. warning with it,” added Rummenigge. ers and staff as Serie A teams joining compatriot Zinedine Zidane at Santiago Ligue 1 season, with football in the league was halted in mid-March, held full “The coaches and the team have worked Bayern will also have a tough fixture as return to individual training this Bernabeu. “He is a very hungry boy who wants to be the England, Spain and Italy still suspend- team training for the first time in seven under unusual conditions over the past few they resume their search for an eighth con- week. best,” Fabregas told the Estudio Estadio programme as ed. weeks. weeks. Everyone is happy team training is secutive title. “During the first medical per Daily Mail. “Because of his style of play, he would The situation gives “German foot- “We have had very constructive talks permitted again,” said Borussia’s sporting Bayern travel to Berlin on Sunday, May tests carried out on the Torino FC fit in very well at a team like Real Madrid.” ball a huge head start”, according to with the local health authority about it,” a director Max Eberl. 17, where Union will not be able to rely on players, a positivity to Covid-19 Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director club spokesman said. The Bundesliga wants to complete the the usual cauldron-like atmosphere of their emerged,” the northern club said TKR RETAIN 8 WINDIES PLAYERS FOR CPL 2020 Fredi Bobic. Borussia Moenchengladbach also last nine rounds of matches before June 30 home ground. in a statement. AFP Barbados: Caribbean Premier League side have retained eight of their West Indian players from the last year's squad, including skipper for the upcoming season. Apart from Pollard, the Riders have retained Dawyne Bravo, Darren I also feel pressure like everyone else: Dhoni Football set to allow five substitutions Bravo, , , Khary Pierre, Tion PTI n CHENNAI AFP n LAUSANNE porary dispensation of Law 3 (The stitution in extra time. Webster and Akeal Hossain. They have also signed I wasn’t unlucky, Dhoni made it count: Players) allowing competitions to Leagues will not be obliged to Jayden Seales and Tion Webster ahead of the CPL 2020 is ice cool demeanour is the ootball’s lawmakers this week are give teams the option to use a max- implement the change, a source draft. Meanwhile, Riders let go of their regular Hstuff of legends but former Parthiv on playing in MSD era Fset to announce a “temporary” imum of five substitutes on up to said, but they will be free to do so wicketkeeper, , who was transferred to India skipper Mahendra Singh change to the laws of the sport three occasions during the match, as soon as they restart. the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Dhoni has no qualms conced- NEW DELHI: Out-of-favour opportunity to perform before allowing teams to make up to five plus at half-time.” The IFAB’s objective is to “pro- MATCH-FFIXING MAFIA LINKED TO INDIA: JAVED ing that he is not immune to wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv him,” the 35-year-old Patel substitutions in games when the Limiting the number of occa- tect players’ health” when matches pressure and fear. Patel does not consider himself said during an interaction with sport resumes after the coron- sions on which teams can make do resume, with a fixture schedule Lahore: Former Pakistan fast-bowler Aaqib Javed has Dhoni, lending support to unlucky to have played in the Fever Network’s 100 hours 100 avirus-induced suspension. changes would remove the incen- that could be even more packed alleged that the match-fixing mafia is linked to India. In MFORE — an initiative offering same era as Mahendra Singh stars. The proposal to help teams tive to do so purely for time-wast- than usual potentially leading to an an interview to a Pakistan-based news channel, Javed mind conditioning programs to Dhoni as he knows that the for- “Dhoni came in to the cope with likely fixture congestion ing purposes. “increased risk of injuries”. also claimed that fixing questions have been raised over achieve peak performance in mer captain grabbed his oppor- team because I did not have a in a packed calendar was made by A sixth change may also be per- While the measure is intended the IPL in the past but no one has the courage to do sports — offered his perspective tunities way better than him. couple of good series and I was world governing body FIFA and is mitted in matches that go to extra to be temporary, it could be main- anything against the mafia, who runs the business while on the issue of mental health. Patel led Gujarat to the dropped. I know people can say expected to be validated by the time. tained for the whole of the 2020-21 remaining in the background. “Questions have been “In India, I feel there is still 2016 Ranji Trophy title. His last it just to gain sympathies that International Football Association Currently teams can make three season and right through to the raised over IPL in the past. Match-fixing mafia is linked Geo News a big issue of accepting that Test appearance for India was I was born in the wrong era. Board (IFAB) this Friday. substitutions during games, next European Championship, to India,” Javed told . “There is no way out there is some weak- in 2018, while the last time he But I don’t believe that,” he The IFAB said last week that it although since 2018 teams have which was postponed by a year once you decide to get yourself into it (fixing). Nobody ness when it comes to played an ODI for the country added. was working with FIFA on a “tem- been allowed to make a fourth sub- until June and July 2021. has the courage to take any sort of action against the the mental aspects, but was way back in 2012. “Whatever Dhoni has mafia yet” he added. AGENCIES we generally term it as “I don’t see myself as achieved was something very, mental illness,” unlucky to be playing in the very special and he achieved Dhoni was quot- Dhoni era. I started my because he made sure of the Battle b/w two strong attacks: Burns on Ind-Oz Test series ed saying in a career before opportunities he received. I press release. him, and I don’t feel unlucky at all,” Patel MELBOURNE: Australian opener the return of Steve Smith and said his role will be to negate the “Nobody had the asserted. PTI Joe Burns on Thursday said that David Warner. new ball Indian bowlers early in really says his team’s much-awaited home “I think both teams are the Test. that, when I hesitate Highlighting the impor- Test series against India later this going to have a lot to play for “I guess as an opening bat- go to bat, the to say it tance of a mental conditioning year is primarily set to be a bat- with the number one ranking ter, that’s why its so exciting for first 5 to 10 to a coach, Dhoni said: “Mental tle between “two incredibly and their positions in the world myself. There’s going to be a deliveries coach conditioning coach should not strong bowling attacks”. Test championships,” he said. huge challenge this summer my heart and be the one who comes for 15 Virat Kohli and Co Are In the latest ICC Test rank- and a big role to play in nullify- rate is elevat- that’s days, because when you come scheduled to play four Tests in ings, Australia regained the ing the Indian bowlers, especial- ed, I feel the why the for 15 days you are only shar- Australia in December-January. world’s No1 status after overtak- ly early in a Test match, the pressure, I feel relationship between ing the experience. “I look at Australia and ing India. However, they are morning of day one with the a bit scared a player and coach is “If the mental conditioning India as having two incredibly placed second in the ICC World new ball.” because that’s very important be it coach is constantly with the strong bowling attacks and that’s Test Championships points “They are obviously world how everybody any sport,” said player, he can understand what what’s going to be so exciting table, behind leaders India. class team. You look at the feels — how to cope Dhoni, who hasn’t are the areas which are affect- watching the two teams go at it,” “That’s what’s motivating world ranking, they were num- with that?” the played any interna- ing his sport,” Dhoni, who led Burns told reporters in a video us at the moment in terms of all ber one and now we have got to World Cup-winning tional cricket since Chennai Super Kings captain to conference on Thursday. the training we’re doing with an number one, so I know that icon asked. India’s World three IPL titles, said. India’s attack would be led by world No1 Pat Cummins. two sides. India boast of the eye looking forward to a huge series will be anticipated by “This is a Cup semifinal MFORE has been founded spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah Burns view is in sharp con- peerless Virat Kohli and a summer against the Indian everyone and as a player this is small problem but exit last July. by former Indian batsman S and Mohammed Shami, while trast to the focus of the overall marauding Rohit Sharma, while cricket team,” he explained. a sort of series you want to play a lot of times we Badrinath and Saravana Kumar. Australia’s pace attack would be hype, which is the batting of the Australia have been bolstered by As a specialist opener, Burns in and do well in.” PTI MS was always open to Current WI team better than 2016 WT20 winners: Bravo Aus Open admits chat with players: Nehra PTI n NEW DELHI Holder wants to contribute in all formats cancellation possible IANS n NEW DELHI ll-rounder is in awe of Athe current West Indies T20 team’s bat- PTI n KINGSTON segregate myself and ber of years, I think my sole SYDNEY: Tennis Australia conceded on ormer India pacer Ashish Nehra has ting depth, saying it is better than the 2016 pigeon-hole myself to one focus has been on West Thursday that January’s Australian Open Fsaid that MS Dhoni was always open World Cup-winning side and can intimi- tar West Indies all- particular format,” Holder, Indies cricket, ideally in all faces cancellation under a worst-case scenario, to a chat with his players after a match date any opposition. Srounder who has been the captain of three formats not only in but said it was looking at a range of options and his hotel room would always be “In the last series in Sri Lanka, we had says he might be leading the the Test side for the last five Test cricket. in hope the Covid-19 crisis eases. open for them after the games. a team meeting, and coach Phil (Simmons) Test side but doesn’t want to years besides leading the “I think West Indies The season-opening Grand Slam is sched- “People think that Dhoni doesn’t put the team down, the list, and he put it be “pigeonholed” in just side in 86 ODIs, was quot- cricket is so diverse in many uled to take place in Melbourne from January talk much. That is not the case. His down in batting order, and he had my name one format and is deter- ed as saying by windi- different ways and for us as 18-31, more than eight months away, and room would remain open in the night down at No 9,” Bravo told ESPNcricinfo. mined to make a name for escricket.com. players, we've got to under- Tennis Australia said it would abide by what- after matches. Anyone could walk in, “And I said to the guys, I said listen, I himself in all the three “Yes I’m the captain for stand each and everyone of ever restrictions were in place at that time. order food and discuss cricket,” Nehra don’t think I was ever involved in a T20 forms. the Test team but as I’ve us has a part to play in this “We’ve certainly made no secret about the said while speaking to former India team when I am down to bat at No 9. “I don’t want to just crossed formats for a num- whole puzzle,” he added. number of scenarios that we’re looking at,” a opener Aakash Chopra on his show “I’m just in awe of our batting line-up, spokeswoman said. Aakash Vani. and I said to the guys, I said listen, I think do anything to win, in the right way and head” and someone who commands respect “We’re hoping for the best but planning for “Be it in CSK or in the Indian team, this team is actually better than our World- the right spirit, and he’s very determined across the globe for his achievements. everything.” Dhoni would pass on the message on Cup-winning team, and that is no joke, to win, to make a difference,” he said. “I think what Pollard has is his hon- Possibilities range from what he thinks a player needs to do dur- because at the end of the day, you have bat- “I remember when they approached esty, which is the most important thing. cancellation to imposing quar- ing a conversation and that would be ting all the way down to No 10.” him to take over, I said to him, it’s going to You have leaders in the past sometimes that antine on overseas players enough for the players to get the drift,” Bravo, who returned from internation- be a good challenge, a big one, a tough one, said, okay, well, I don’t get involved in selec- and allowing only Australian added Nehra who played a lot of crick- al T20 retirement in December last year to but now is the best time. You get both teams tion, I had no say, you know, they give all fans into the event. et under Dhoni’s captaincy both for strengthen West Indies’ title defence, said at the bottom of the table. There’s only one types of excuses and stuff, and the system “We have to look India and at Chennai Super Kings in the the batting resources of this “intimidating” Windies T20 skipper Kieron Pollard at nets WI/Twitter way you can go, which is up, right? will be able to manoeuvre them and con- at all the angles Indian Premier League (IPL). team has reduced his role to a specialist “You saw how did “I said now is the right time, you build trol them, but Pollard, you can’t control because a lot of the Nehra also spoke on Sourav bowler. with his pace in Sri Lanka. Then you have a team and you create a dressing-room envi- him,” Bravo said. decisions will be Ganguly, saying he was a leader who “It’s an intimidating team, it’s a team to , now a leader of the attack, ronment where everyone is on the same “... The players also respect him, beyond our control used to back his players to the hilt. intimidate the opposition, and that excites Kesrick Williams on the bench, so things page.” because of whatever he has done and and related to “Dhoni had senior players around me. So I will just do my part as a bowler, starting to look bright again, things start- Pollard has represented West Indies in achieved in the white-ball format, especial- Government guide- him when he took over and the chal- try to control the back end of the innings, ing to look good again.” 113 ODIs and 73 T20Is, scoring 3619 runs ly in T20 cricket. So if someone like Pollard lines and restrictions,” lenge was how to manage them. Dada especially closing off the innings with death Bravo also was effusive in his praise for and taken 88 . The 32-year-old all- is speaking in the dressing room about T20 she said. had a team of juniors and he backed bowling, which has been, in the past, a bit skipper Kieron Pollard, who had taken over rounder remains a huge figure in limited cricket, we all have to listen, because he’s “We do need to have them to the hilt. He would go all out to of a concern for us,” said Bravo, who made the reins of limited over teams last year. over cricket, having played in several played the most games, he’s had success, all the protocols in place back his players,” said the former left- his international comeback in January “He loves to win (Pollard). That’s the leagues across the globe, including the IPL. and he’s highly respected around the to ensure everyone’s safe- arm pacer. against Ireland. most important thing, and as a captain, he’ll Bravo described Pollard as a “figure- world.” ty.” AFP 12

Vijayawada Friday May 8 2020 tollywood

Stating that the incident deeply Venkatesh posted, “I am moved him, megastar deeply saddened by the Chiranjeevi offered his news about Vizag Gas Leak, condolences to the families of especially during a time of dead, while praying for the the ongoing crisis. My recovery of the hospitalized at condolences to those the earliest. “Request all families who have lost lives concerned authorities to take and my sincere prayers for utmost care while opening the speedy recovery of Industries post lockdown,” he those affected. posted on Twitter. #StaySafeVizag (sic).” T’WOOD ASKS

Ravi Teja posted, “Deeply disturbed Mahesh Babu wrote: “Heartwrenching Allu Arjun tweeted: “It’s really heart TO Extending his sympathies to the by the #VizagGasLeak news. The to hear the news of #VizagGasLeak, breaking to see Vizag which one of VIZAG families who have lost their loved year is worsening by the day. My more so during these challenging the most special places in my life in ones, Pawan Kalyan appealed to deepest condolences to the family times... Heartfelt condolences and such a state. I am deeply saddened the government to offer necessary and loved ones of the deceased.. strength to the bereaved families in by this horrific accident. medical facilities and extend and wishing a speedy recovery to this hour of need. Wishing a speedy Condolences to families who have stay safe and strong financial assistance to the families those injured. I hope that you all recovery to those affected. My lost their lives and hoping for a of the bereaved. remain safe (sic).” prayers for you... (sic).” speedy recovery for the rest (sic)”. oted personalities reported, while nearly 300 before spreading into the from the industry got admitted in various hos- neighbouring areas, for up took to Twitter to pitals of the city with health to 4 kms from the plant, N express shock and problems that surfaced due police said. Telugu film fra- deep anguish over to the incident. ternity offered their condo- the gas leak The gas leak at the LG lences to the bereaved fami- tragedy in Visakhapatnam Polymers chemical plant in lies and is praying for the on Thursday. RR Venkatapuram started in speedy recovery of those Multiple deaths were the wee hours of Thursday admitted in the hospitals. SUNDEEP AND Filmmaker SS Rajamouli wrote: Tamannaah Bhatia wrote: “Woke up Rakul Preet Singh posted, “So sad to “Deeply disturbed by the visuals from to the horrific news of the about the #VizagGasLeak ! My heart Jr NTR said the news disturbed the #VizagGasLeak. Praying for the #VizagGasLeak. My condolences to goes to all the people affected by GEMINI KIRAN him deeply and offered his recovery of those admitted to the everyone who lost their families this. I hope measures are taken really condolences to bereaved families. hospital. Heartfelt condolences to those and wishing a speedy recovery to soon to get things under control. TEAM-UP AGAIN He appealed Vizag to stay strong. who lost their near and dear ones.” those hospitalized (sic).” Stay safe my vizag people (sic).” undeep Kishan, who turned 33 on Thursday, will be collaborating with Gemini Kiran of Anandhi Arts for a ‘I’m not on Twitter S new feature. This would be the actor’s third collaboration with the producer Sam takes acting lessons after the successful Venkatadri Express and the average flick Beeruva in the past. The unti- and never will be’ tled film, a romantic-family entertainer, will be a from HELEN MIRREN directorial effort of Ram Abbaraju, who debuted elebrities have often self completely online (sic).” with Rahul Ravindran-starrer thriller Drishti last hey say the biggest room in Instagram along with a shot of The faced the trouble of Swathi added that she wants year. Bhanu Bhogavarapu has penned the film’s the world is the room for Queen actress Mirren giving the imposters on social to travel back to the ’90s where story. improvement. And class online. media and Swathi she had candid conversation Meanwhile, Sundeep’s next release would be A1 T Samantha Akkineni seems On the work front, Sam, last seen C seems to have finally with a landline phone. “Take Express. Having gone to floors last November, the to truly believe in the wise in Jaanu, is said to have signed had enough of a me back to the 90s where a film’s shooting is over except for a two-week saying. One of the best Game Over director Ashwin Twitter account landline ensured more quality schedule in Yanam and Hyderabad. A new-age female actors of the current genera- Saravanan’s Telugu-Tamil bilingual @SwathiReddyOffl, which conversations, power cuts sports entertainer, the film tells the story of an tion, the actor, with free time by as her next but there is no official many believed is her own because of a drizzle and not a international hockey player (Sundeep her side due to lockdown, is taking word yet on the project. She is also account. Clarifying that she quarantine meant bonding, Kishan) who has chosen to leave acting lessons online in a bid to rumoured to be in doesn’t possess a Twitter softy ice cream and egg puffs the sport, staging a comeback perk up her skills further. And talks with account at all, she asserted that was standard socialising to save the ground of a guess who her teacher is? It is none Sony she never will have one in the and Doordarshan was local team. Short film- other than the celebrated Helen Pictures future as well. Taking to her enough stimulation maker Dennis Jeevan Mirren, who is one of the few per- for a new popular Instagram page, she (sic),” she Kanukolanu is making formers who have achieved the film, noted that she quit Facebook posted. his debut as a feature Triple Crown of Acting in the US. which way back in 2011 and her film director with the “When you literally had one will be page is dormant as well. film, which sees productive hour in a 1000 helmed Slamming the imposter Lavanya Tripathi along- and must show it by a on Twitter, she wrote, side Sundeep. off .. (I am a debu- “This account keeps Sundeep will begin going to be a tant. It returning and coming shooting for Abbaraju’s much bet- will to my notice. ( who are film after he wraps up A ter actor you boss? #Darr) If Express. now just you have Twitter and you wait the energy, then please and see ... flag it, I have not had if not be much power over what’s ...... I another written and said about me will just Telugu- in the past. I know this Teja to start off with Gopi be delet- Tamil bilin- shouldn’t matter, it’s not a ing this gual, according big deal, am not so arlier this spearheading Rakshasa post),” to the buzz. Her relevant also February, direc- Raju Ravanasurudu, while Sam next release, how- currently blah tor Teja’s new set Gopichand will star in jokingly ever, will be The blah but E of projects — Alimelu Manga Venkata wrote Family Man 2, which home girl is Rakshasa Raju Ramana. Which one of the on marks her Hindi just tired of Ravanasurudu two will take precedence and digital fake. I and Alimelu Manga was shrouded in debut. don’t Venkata Ramana mystery but now under- — were we’ve learnt that stand the announced Teja will be patience without much starting Gopi’s to be a trumpet blast. film first. The fake me While there lanky hasn’t when was no name committed to the real attached to any other direc- me is feature in both tor after not the projects, Seetimaar, so it able we’ve informed made Teja’s to be you that Rana job her- will be

easier. We’ve also been told that TG Vishwa Prasad will be producing the film, a family drama, under his People Media Factory. Teja has previously directed Gopichand in Jayam and Nijam and in many ways was instrumental in giv- ing the actor’s career a proper direction, before he success- fully branched out to a leading man from playing sup- porting roles.