SCB mulls revision of water charges

Board to hold meeting soon; if members approve, the new rates will come into effect from March

Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) will be conducting a special meeting shortly to discuss revision of water charges and if the board members approve revision of water charges, the new rates will be implemented from March.

All issues pertaining to irregular water supply in some areas, pending dues to be paid to Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and measures to meet the demand for water in summer would be discussed during the meeting. This was decided at the board meeting held here on Wednesday.

Dog menace

Among other issues, members and board president Sunil S. Bodhe complained of increasing dog menace in the cantonment limits. He informed the members that recently five new recruits in the defence services sustained injuries after stray dogs attacked them.

The SCB authorities have decided to seek the assistance of defence veterinary department to curb the menace. Since SCB lacks a dog catching unit or a veterinary department, every year it requests the GHMC veterinary authorities to deploy dog catching units and sterilise the dogs.

Cantonment Mela

The board authorities have also decided to conduct a special ‘Cantonment Mela’ shortly at Trimulghery to create awareness among residents about rules and regulations, service taxes, specially property taxes, health and sanitation etc.

Of late, many unauthorised structures were coming up in the cantonment and there was a need to create awareness among residents and builders about the rules. This apart, GHMC, HMWSSB and APTRANSCO stalls would also be set up for the convenience of residents, said SCB Chief Executive Officer S. Balakrishna.

Community halls

Board members approved the proposal to construct community halls on 40 per cent open areas of sanctioned layouts of cooperative societies and welfare associations for recreational activities.

These halls would not be used for any commercial activities, religious purposes, political meetings or other meetings. After construction, the halls would belong to the SCB. In case of any dispute between the cooperative society or welfare association and SCB, the decision of board president would be final, said Mr. Balakrishna.