Hyderabad: Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy directed officials to prioritise public safety during the rainy season and implement the monsoon SOP across Telangana.
The minister said the Roads and Buildings Department has issued a special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to minimise flood-related damage and ensure uninterrupted road connectivity.
He said the department prepared the guidelines following a review and in accordance with instructions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy asked all R&B officials to remain on high alert from June to October.
He directed officers from the Superintending Engineer level to Assistant Engineers to remain available in the field throughout the monsoon season.
Meanwhile, the minister instructed officials to keep JCBs, excavators, tippers, de-watering pumps and other essential equipment ready for emergencies.
He also directed them to identify flood-prone roads, bridges, culverts and vulnerable locations in advance.
Further, officials must prepare alternative routes to prevent inconvenience to the public.
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy asked officers to continuously monitor weather alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department and state disaster management agencies.
He also directed them to coordinate with police, revenue, irrigation and power departments.
Monsoon SOP mandates rapid response during floods
Additionally, the minister instructed officials to install warning boards immediately when floods damage roads.
They must also start temporary restoration works as soon as floodwaters recede.
Officials have to submit damage assessment reports with photographs and GPS details within 24 hours of any incident.
The minister said engineers should take immediate decisions in emergencies without delay.
He added that authorities must utilise SDRF, NDRF and SDMF funds according to prescribed norms.
Meanwhile, the department will implement a colour-coded warning system based on rainfall intensity.
Areas receiving less than 64.5 mm rainfall in 24 hours will remain under Green Alert.
Rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115 mm will trigger a Yellow Alert.
An Orange Alert will apply when rainfall ranges from 115 mm to 204 mm.
The department will issue a Red Alert when rainfall exceeds 204 mm in 24 hours.
Under Red Alert conditions, AEs, AEEs and EEs must remain available in the field round the clock.
They must immediately report developments to higher authorities.
The minister also directed officials to submit daily reports to the control room at the R&B headquarters in Hyderabad.
He instructed them to submit nil reports even when no damage occurs.
Further, he told senior officers not to grant leave to field staff without special permission during the monsoon season.
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said the monsoon SOP aims to ensure uninterrupted transport services, reduce flood damage and enable rapid emergency response.