Hyderabad: The Telangana government has extended financial assistance and housing support to Shiva, popularly known as “Tank Bund Shiva”, who has been involved in rescue efforts at Hussain Sagar for over two decades.
Officials said Shiva received financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was informed about his financial condition. Authorities were also directed to allot a double-bedroom house to his family.
As part of the support measures, Shiva’s son Venumadhav has also been provided employment as a Home Guard.
Shiva, who has been associated with rescue work near Tank Bund for nearly 25 years, is known locally for helping save people who accidentally fell into Hussain Sagar and for assisting police during recovery operations.
During his interaction with the Chief Minister, Shiva reportedly suggested setting up a swimming training facility near Tank Bund so that more youth could learn lifesaving skills and also find employment opportunities. Officials said the suggestion has been taken note of.
People familiar with his work said Shiva learnt swimming after a personal tragedy in his early years and gradually became involved in rescue efforts. Over the years, he has assisted in saving many lives and supported emergency response teams whenever required.
Officials said the government’s support was meant to recognise such community service contributions.
