Ongole Waste Segregation Drive Enters World Book of Records

Ongole’s mega waste segregation drive entered the World Book of Records on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the city’s civic body.

Municipal commissioner Venkata Krishnaiah received the certificate from Dr Ullaji Eliazar, Joint Secretary (South Region), India, World Book of Records, at a programme at NTR Kala Kshetram.

The drive, organised under the theme “Ongole – Mana Gauravam” (Ongole – Our Pride), saw residents participate in large numbers. The district administration said segregation bags for wet and dry waste had been distributed to around 81,000 households to promote scientific waste management.

Prakasam district collector P. Raja Babu said a series of programmes had been organised over the past three months to mark the milestone, showcase Ongole’s civic journey and promote cleanliness and civic responsibility.

MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy said the 150th anniversary was being celebrated like a festival and appealed to people to participate in programmes scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30. He appreciated the segregation initiative and said efforts were also being made to generate electricity from waste.

MLA Damacharla Janardhana Rao said around 150 free medical camps had been conducted as part of the celebrations. A rally involving nearly 3,000 people would be held on September 27, followed by a cattle display on September 30, he said.

The segregation campaign was also taken up at Ganugapalem, Andhra Kesari Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Kotha Mamidipalem dumping yard.

Officials and public representatives, including Santhanuthalapadu MLA B.N. Vijay Kumar, Library Chairman Muppavarapu Sucharita, OUDA Chairman Shaik Riaz and PDCC Bank Chairman Sitaramaiah, participated.

Legal awareness vital to justice for vulnerable sections: Judges

NELLORE: Legal Services Authorities play a key role in ensuring that no person is denied justice for want of money, while legal awareness is particularly important among inmates, tribal communities and other vulnerable sections, judges said on Saturday.

Nellore District Principal Judge and DLSA Chairman A. Narasimha Murthy, speaking at a legal awareness programme at the Central Jail in Kakutur, assured inmates without legal representation that the DLSA would arrange free lawyers for them. He enquired about their welfare, food, medical facilities and the status of their cases.

Justice Narasimha Murthy advised inmates not to repeat their mistakes and to lead responsible lives after release. He asked them to approach legal services authorities or the para-legal volunteer at the jail for assistance. He also inspected medical facilities, jail registers and the grievance box and interacted with women inmates.

At a NALSA New Module Legal Awareness and Free Legal Services Camp at Dornala, Ongole Principal District Judge and DLSA Chairman A. Satyanand said free legal advice and legal representation were available through the Legal Services Authorities. He urged people to use Lok Adalats and mediation to settle disputes without prolonged litigation.

Justice Satyanand also urged parents not to allow children below 18 to drive and stressed the need for valid driving licences and insurance.

Markapuram district collector M. Vijaya Sunitha said legal literacy was particularly important for tribal communities in remote areas and urged them to understand their constitutional and legal rights.

Markapuram VI Additional District and Sessions Judge V. Bhavani said ignorance of law could not be cited as an excuse for violations and stressed the need to take legal awareness programmes to remote tribal areas.

The Dornala programme also covered NALSA schemes relating to tribal rights and senior citizens. Officials from various departments, judges, tribal representatives, students and members of the public attended.

Ongole Principal District Judge and DLSA Chairman A. Satyanand, Markapuram VI Additional District and Sessions Judge V. Bhavani and Markapuram District Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha seen before attending NALSA New Module Legal Awareness and Free Legal Services Camp at Dornala on Saturday.