Arrangements at brisk pace for fish medicine

Nampally: Telangana Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav reviewed the arrangements at Exhibition Grounds being made for the distribution of fish medicine by Bathina brothers to be held on June 8 and 9 on the occasion of Mrigashira Karte on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that a large number of people from various states come to Hyderabad to take the fish medicine every year and urged the officials to make necessary arrangements for the people.

He said that it is the matter of pride that Bathina family has been providing the medicine freely for Asthama patients since 173 years. The distribution of the medicine will start from 6.00 pm on June 8, he said. The minister said that five-rupee meal would also be provided for the people coming from various states. He urged the officials to keep in mind the past experiences and ensure that the event is held peacefully.

City Mayor Bonthu Rammohan Rao instructed the officials of the fire department to be alert during the program and make necessary safety arrangements. He ordered the officials to provide wheelchairs to help the old and disabled people coming to the program.

GHMC Commissioner Dana Kishore said the fish medicine program has been one of those programs that brought fame to the city. He urged the officials to make necessary arrangements and to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience.

Additional commissioner of police DS Chauhan said that police have been deployed for the maintenance of law and order, traffic and security. 'May I Help You' booths have also been established to help the people attending the program.

Hyderabad District Joint Collector Ravi said that a team was formed with 14 tahsildars, along with a special deputy collector, to monitor the program. GHMC Zonal Commissioner Musharaf Ali said elaborate sanitation arrangements were made by the GHMC.

Apart from establishing 100 mobile toilets at the grounds, 100 sanitation staff was also made available for three shifts. Toilets would be cleaned once every hour and additional waste bins are placed in the ground. About 3.5 lakh water packets were kept ready for the distribution.

Fisheries Department Commissioner Suvarna said that about 1.6 lakh fishlings were kept ready for the program. Fishlings were gathered from 32 districts and stored at Rajendranagar nursery.

As many as 340 staff members were specially appointed for fish distribution, she said. To prevent any fire accidents, three fire engines will be kept ready, along with trained staff, she added. Bathina Harinath Goud, along with the officials of fisheries, police, R&B, healthcare, dairy, fire, revenue and other departments, attended the meeting.