The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) feels that accidents on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) could be averted if those driving along followed stipulated safe driving practices.
The eight-lane expressway designed for high speed but presently having low traffic volume has been witnessing frequent accidents with most of them turning out to be fatal. “There is a need to create awareness among drivers on safe driving aspects on the ORR and among other initiatives, we have decided to come up with short films and documentaries to drive home the message,” an official said.
Proposed for a 30 second, one and two minute durations in High Definition (HD) format, these films will highlight the importance of safe driving and safety aspects on the ORR and also the need to protect Hussainsagar Lake plus the ongoing cleaning work in the middle of city, from pollution.
The 159-km-long ORR circling the city beyond the suburbs has been taken up by HMDA as a major infrastructure facility in the city connecting Patancheru-Shamshabad-Hayathanagar-Medchal.
The first three phases have already been completed and brought into use while the last phase between Shamirpet and Pedda Amberpet is expected to be ready by the year-end.
HMDA’s other ambitious project happens to be Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement (HCIP) taken up with funds to the tune of Rs.370 crore from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The water body constructed in the year 1562 was used as an irrigation and drinking water source but the water quality took a beating from rapid urbanisation and industrial effluents and sewage being let into it.
Through HCIP, the urban planning body looks to get the lake cleansed of pollution and improve water quality for which various works such as setting up of Interception & Diversion (I&D) structures, sewage treatment plants and dredging of sediment have been taken up.
To be produced in Hindi, Telugu and English, the proposed short film and documentaries will showcase the various initiatives on the lake cleaning and at the time highlight the need to protect and preserve the water body, the official added.
