Commissioners direct GHMC, HYDRAA staff to stay on ground during Hyderabad rains

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have highlighted the need for close coordination to address issues arising during the monsoon season. In a meeting held at the GHMC office on Thursday, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath and GHMC Commissioner Karnan directed officials to be present on the ground and respond swiftly to any problems, particularly those related to waterlogging and drainage.

Officials from both departments participated in the review meeting, where the commissioners urged GHMC Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Deputy Engineers (DEs) to actively cooperate with HYDRAA’s Monsoon Emergency Teams (METs) and Disaster Response Force (DRF) personnel. The commissioners stressed that HYDRAA and GHMC are not separate entities, but two arms working toward the same goal: minimizing inconvenience to the public and ensuring effective service delivery.

They discussed the importance of maintaining de-watering pumps near railway underbridges (RUBs), cleaning catchpits, removing silt from connecting pipelines, and ensuring proper desilting during the monsoon. They also highlighted the need to transport and dispose of removed silt properly, along with clearing garbage carried by rainwater. Ensuring the presence of METs at ward offices was also prioritized.

Officials were instructed to remain alert at all 141 identified water-logging points within GHMC limits and ensure that water does not stagnate near underpasses and RUBs. Support from the Water Board was also deemed essential for these efforts.

Referring to recent water stagnation at the Kothapet overbridge and underpass, Commissioner Ranganath pointed out the negative impact such incidents have on the city's image, particularly as Hyderabad continues to grow as an IT hub. He said effective coordination between departments is key to preventing such issues in the future.

The commissioners concluded that regular coordination meetings would help streamline efforts and improve urban service delivery during the rainy season.