Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner A.V. Ranganath reviewed monsoon preparedness measures and said timely preventive action can significantly reduce rainy-season problems and help authorities manage flood risks effectively.
He said smooth flow of stormwater can prevent traffic disruptions and reduce inconvenience to commuters during heavy rains. The review meeting brought together officials from the Traffic Police, GHMC, Irrigation Department, IMD, TGDPS, UBD, Water Board and other agencies.
Ranganath stressed the need to complete critical works before the onset of the rainy season. He also reviewed the steps being taken by various departments to prevent flooding and waterlogging across the city.
Monsoon preparedness focuses on flood mitigation
The Commissioner asked departments to speed up desilting works in stormwater drains. He also assured full support from HYDRAA for the exercise.
He noted that GHMC has identified 523 waterlogging points across the city. These include 105 major, 157 medium and 261 minor locations.
Ranganath directed officials to take preventive measures at all vulnerable locations. According to him, waterlogging on roads often causes severe traffic congestion and prolonged inconvenience to the public.
Additionally, he stressed the need for close coordination among all departments. He asked officials to immediately bring any operational challenges to HYDRAA’s notice.
The Commissioner directed GHMC’s Urban Biodiversity wing to identify weak trees in advance. This would help prevent disruptions caused by fallen branches during storms.
He also asked the Irrigation Department to maintain lower water levels in reservoirs. As a result, floodwaters can flow smoothly into lakes during periods of heavy rainfall.
Officials extensively discussed flood mitigation measures and emergency response systems during the meeting.
Khairatabad Zonal Commissioner Santosh said GHMC would address issues highlighted by different departments. Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis, along with traffic DCPs and ACPs, explained measures to tackle monsoon-related traffic challenges.
Police officials proposed Monsoon Emergency Teams linked to every police station. These teams would ensure faster response during emergencies.
Earlier, HYDRAA Additional Director Varla Papaiah delivered a presentation on issues reported during last year’s monsoon. He also reviewed stormwater drain expansion and desilting works carried out across the city.
HYDRAA Additional Commissioner R. Sudarshan, RFO Jayaprakash, DFPOs Gautham and Sridhar, along with other officials, attended the meeting and discussed challenges likely to arise during the rainy season.