Hyderabad: Amid the ongoing heavy rains, the Municipal Administration and Urban Development department has taken strict steps to prevent any loss of life or property. On Sunday, Principal Secretary M Dana Kishore ordered the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas and those living near old, unsafe buildings to safer places. The municipal authorities were also told to use loudspeakers to warn people about potential dangers, especially in areas with open drains and canals.
Dana Kishore held a teleconference with officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and other related agencies. During the meeting, he reviewed the current situation and gave necessary instructions on precautions that need to be taken.
He emphasized the importance of monitoring water bodies like Himayat Sagar, Osman Sagar, and Hussain Sagar. Officials were told to keep a close watch on water levels around the clock and to alert people living in low-lying areas if needed.
The Principal Secretary also instructed senior officials, deputy commissioners, and municipal staff to be on the ground to quickly address public complaints and resolve any issues immediately. In areas near the Musi River, authorities were directed to raise awareness among residents and take steps to prevent accidents. This includes closely monitoring the situation and installing warning signs at dangerous spots.
To prevent the contamination of drinking water, Dana Kishore ordered super chlorination where necessary. He also asked for rigorous testing of the water quality supplied across the city and the distribution of chlorine tablets to all municipal bodies within the Greater Hyderabad limits. He mentioned that over 610 teams from the GHMC, HYDRA, HMDA, and Water Board are currently working on the ground. For construction sites, particularly those managed by CREDAI and NAREDCO, Dana Kishore stressed the need for worker safety. He urged the associations to relocate workers to safer places if needed and to seek the help of GHMC and zonal commissioners.
Meanwhile, Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi instructed officials to stay on high alert and take all necessary actions to prevent any inconvenience to the public. She advised moving affected residents to rehabilitation centers to ensure their safety.
The Mayor also stressed the need to monitor the flow of water in stormwater drains and open canals closely. She urged officials to warn nearby residents and take preventive actions as required. She requested citizens to report any emergencies to the GHMC control room at 040-21111111, the My GHMC app, or the DRF (Hyderabad) helpline at 9000113667.
Additionally, the Mayor instructed town planning officials to be vigilant and take appropriate action to prevent any accidents near old buildings, compound walls, and ongoing construction sites.
Deputy Mayor Srilatha Shoban Reddy, along with senior officials, inspected the Hussain Sagar gates on Sunday. She emphasized the importance of staying alert, especially for residents in low-lying areas and near open drains, as more heavy rain is expected in the coming days. She advised citizens to remain cautious and take necessary steps to avoid any accidents. The inspection was part of the city’s efforts to monitor critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of its residents during the monsoon season.
