Hyderabad lashed by heavy rains: HYDRAA Commissioner calls for constant vigilance
Hyderabad: Heavy rains continue to batter Hyderabad, prompting the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to step up emergency preparedness. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has directed the Disaster Response Force (DRF) and Monsoon Emergency Teams (MET) to remain on high alert.
Highlighting the importance of preparedness, Ranganath instructed teams to stay informed about flood-prone areas and ensure that any garbage blocking drains is removed immediately. He also ordered that all catch pits be cleaned regularly to prevent water stagnation.
Field Inspections and Interaction with Officials
On Wednesday, Commissioner Ranganath conducted field inspections at various waterlogged and low-lying areas. He visited stretches prone to water stagnation and oversaw silt removal in city canals. He interacted with traffic police, GHMC officials, and residents to assess local challenges and seek immediate solutions.
The inspection covered areas including Miyapur, Kondapur, Gachibowli, Aramghar Junction, and Katedan, as well as Railway Under Bridges (RUBs), which are vulnerable to flooding.
At Kothaguda Junction RUB, where water had accumulated last Saturday due to faulty automatic dewatering pumps, the Commissioner reviewed corrective measures. He directed that HYDRAA pumps be kept on standby as a backup and warned against negligence.
Focus on Gachibowli and Canal Encroachments
In Indira Colony near Gaman Hospital, a known low-lying area in Gachibowli, Ranganath examined the cause of waist-deep flooding. HYDRAA personnel deployed engines to pump out the water. The flooding was traced to encroachments on a nearby canal. The Commissioner ordered immediate expansion of the canal to prevent future blockages.
At Aramghar Junction, which saw severe waterlogging earlier in the week, Ranganath noted that the existing flood canal was inadequate. He called for regular pumping arrangements to manage excess water.
In Katedan, under the bridge leading to Zoo Park, floodwater overflowed due to the absence of a proper canal. The Commissioner instructed officials to extend the canal up to the nearby Oora Cheruvu lake to improve drainage.
At Biodiversity Junction, another flood-prone area, Ranganath inspected rainwater outlets on bridges along with GHMC Commissioner Karnan and Cyberabad Traffic Joint CP Gajarao Bhupal. He stressed the need to keep these outlets free from silt and debris to allow proper water flow.
Coordination with Traffic Police
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of coordination between static emergency teams and traffic police at flood-prone points. He said these teams, comprising HYDRAA DRF and MET personnel, should support traffic management efforts and help prevent water accumulation that leads to congestion. HYDRAA officers Papayya, Ashok, Srikanth, and others were present during the inspections.