Hyderabad: Transport and Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday reviewed monsoon readiness at a Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) coordination meeting, urging departments to anticipate risks and avoid disruption as the city enters the rainy season.
Speaking to media after the review, Prabhakar noted that just as steps had been taken to ensure uninterrupted drinking water during the summer, similar preventive measures must be in place for the monsoon. The meeting addressed overflow risks during rainfall, emergency response during high-risk situations, and the planning of plantation drives.
Preparations for upcoming festivals Bakrid, Moharram, and Bonalu were also discussed.
With Hyderabad’s growing population leading to traffic congestion, the Minister said pending works on flyovers and underpasses launched under the previous government would be completed. Engineering, sanitation, silt removal and street lighting were also part of the review.
He emphasised that the Chief Minister had directed these reviews, noting that nearly 30% of Telangana’s population lives within the GHMC limits.
On welfare, he cited ongoing schemes including subsidised rice, 200 units of free electricity, the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam programme for youth, and the issuance and updating of ration cards.
The state is also pressing the Centre for dedicated development schemes for Hyderabad. Prabhakar said the government would improve administrative efficiency to ensure better outcomes in future.
Officials were told to maintain the city’s environment and image as a role model through efforts like beautifying junctions, flyover painting, slum improvements, and public safety.
He encouraged residents to report issues via the GHMC app, though he acknowledged that strict enforcement sometimes faced legal obstacles. He said certain decisions would require coordination with revenue and city police to minimise public inconvenience.
Prabhakar concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects.