Ponnam Prabhakar inspects flood-hit Musi zones, directs strict safety measures

Hyderabad: Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday inspected flood-affected areas along the Musi river in Hyderabad following intense rainfall and water release from twin reservoirs. The Minister, along with Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, and Hyderabad Collector Dasari Harichandan, visited key points including Chaderghat Bridge, MGBS bus station, and multiple rehabilitation camps in Malakpet.

The Chaderghat bridge was submerged due to heavy floodwater released from Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. The Minister directed police to restrict public access and warned against using the bridge until engineers assess its structural safety.

Ponnam Prabhakar Musi flood inspection highlights submerged zones, rescue ops

With homes in low-lying Musi regions submerged, authorities shifted residents to relief camps. Prabhakar reviewed midnight rescue operations at MGBS, where a sudden surge of floodwater had trapped passengers. Rescue teams safely evacuated all individuals, and RTC buses were rerouted to avoid further disruption.

The Minister instructed TSRTC to inform passengers clearly about bus diversions. Buses to districts are now operating from alternative terminals: JBS for northern Telangana, Uppal for Warangal, Hayathnagar for Nalgonda, and Aramghar for Mahbubnagar-bound services.

He urged commuters to use local buses to reach the new terminals.

Government fully mobilised for safety and rehabilitation, says Ponnam

Prabhakar stated that as per CM Revanth Reddy’s directives, all departments GHMC, Hyderabad Collectorate, HYDRAA, and Police are working in coordination. Relief camps are stocked with essentials like drinking water, food, and milk for children. He appealed to the public not to venture out unless necessary and to avoid flood-prone bridges and roads.

“The Chaderghat bridge side walls have eroded. It will only reopen after engineering clearance,” he said. “We’ve taken all precautions to prevent loss of life, including emergency rescue and full relief arrangements in flood shelters.”

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, the Minister said, “This is not the time for politics. No one can fight nature. Let us act responsibly and prioritize public safety.”