Hyderabad: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched several civic and welfare initiatives under the Chacha Nehru Park development programme at Masab Tank in Hyderabad.
The initiatives formed part of the state government’s 99-day development programme across Telangana.
During the event, the minister inaugurated an e-waste collection centre run by women self-help groups. He also opened Hyderabad’s first mirror library and an Indira Mahila Shakti canteen inside the park.
Prabhakar handed over a cheque for ₹35 crore in zero-interest loans to women self-help groups.
Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, MLC Balamuri Venkat, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan and Hyderabad District Collector Dasari Harichandana attended the programme along with other officials.
Chacha Nehru Park development adds civic facilities
Addressing self-help group members, Prabhakar said the government launched development programmes across Telangana for 99 days under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
He said the Chacha Nehru Park development works began following directions from the Chief Minister.
The minister said the programme would extend to 12,000 villages, wards and municipalities across the state.
He added that the new e-waste collection centre would encourage safe recycling of electronic waste.
Residents can bring damaged televisions, refrigerators, computers and laptops to the centre instead of storing them at home.
Prabhakar also inaugurated a library built on 1,500 square yards of land inside the park.
He said the facility would serve residents and promote reading habits. The library also includes a centre where citizens can donate books.
As part of the Chacha Nehru Park development programme, the minister opened the Indira Mahila Shakti canteen.
He said the government was encouraging women to join self-help groups to strengthen economic opportunities.
Prabhakar noted that several welfare schemes had been introduced for women. These include free bus travel, 200 units of free electricity and supply of fine rice through the public distribution system.
Ration cards were also being issued in women’s names.
The minister urged women to make use of zero-interest loans provided to self-help groups.
He also said special programmes were being implemented through SETWIN to support self-employment.
Under these efforts, sewing machines were being distributed to beneficiaries.
Prabhakar asked women to become financially independent and actively participate in the government’s 99-day development programme.
He said women should engage in initiatives related to education, healthcare, environment and public safety.
