Karishma Asoodani and Pranati Goturi of St. Joseph’s Public School, Hyderabad, were the winners of the panel discussion on Hyderabad Metro Rail project and its impact on the city. The event was organised by Johnson Grammar School, Inter-national Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Habsiguda, on Saturday.
Arjun Balasubramanyam from FIIITJEE Junior School was awarded the ‘best speaker’ prize for sharing how different aspects of the Metro project influenced the city’s growth and for explaining the entire project in detail. The competition, which was open to students from Classes IX to XII, saw nearly 10 teams from various city-based schools participating. Ms Gita Iyengar, principal of Johnson Grammar School, IBDP, said, “The panel discussion will increase awareness about the project among students. The purpose was for the students to study and formulate opinions and arguments about the Metro Rail, which will have a great impact on the residents of our city.”
Road widening works to hit 196 properties
As many as 196 properties will be affected due to widening of road between the Hotel Marriott junction and Musheerabad crossroads from its present 40-foot width to 100 feet. Of the total 196 properties, owners of 20 properties will be losing their entire building space and site. For such “totally affected” parties, the GHMC has proposed to allot houses being built with JNNURM funds.
An awareness meeting organised on Saturday saw property owners demanding reduction of width of the road to 80 feet. However, Chief city planner G. Raghu said it’s imp-ortant to widen this road as it connects the Metro Rail corridor. He also explained the compensation packages for structure and land, and the provision for relaxation of building rules for those who surrender land free of cost. As many as 15 building owners have submitted their consent letters to the officials in the meeting. The widening work will be taken up soon after issuing structural compensation along with compensation for land or TDR certificate at the earliest.