KTR calls for stepped-up monsoon preparedness by GHMC to preempt human loss

HYDERABAD: Telangana Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Tuesday instructed officials concerned to enhance the measures needed to tackle the situations that arise during monsoons in municipalities across the State.

While reviewing the preparedness of disaster relief measures to be taken during the monsoon season with officials from various wings of the Municipal department here, KTR stressed the need to prevent loss of human lives and directed officials to be ready for any potential situations that may arise during the season. The preparedness for potential floods and heavy rains in Hyderabad was particularly focused during the meeting.

On the occasion, the officials apprised the Minister of the ongoing preparations for the rainy season, which had been in progress for some time. They highlighted that safety audits of canals in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other municipalities across the State were successfully completed. In return, KTR sought the status of the Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP) taken up by GHMC.

Officials handling the SNDP project said that the majority of the work undertaken was completed. Compared to the previous year, several colonies would not witness threats from floods. The minister asked officials to identify low lying areas to make necessary arrangements such as deploying dewatering pumps and other resources. Also, he asked them to constantly monitor water storage levels in ponds and lakes across the city to prevent overflow.

Besides monsoon preparedness, KTR also reviewed the Ward Office system which has recently been inaugurated in GHMC. He said that the system could face teething problems as it is in the inception stage and to resolve the issues. KTR exhorted zonal commissioners and deputy commissioners to take proactive measures towards this end. He stressed the importance of daily visits to the ward offices to closely monitor the system’s performance and ensure that it is utilized by people.

KTR issued directions to establish an information technology team and to harness technology to enhance the efficiency of the system. Further, he suggested that all of the departments involved in the system conduct internal review meetings. During the meeting, the municipal minister personally interacted with a few citizens of Hyderabad over the phone. He spoke to the people who lodged complaints with GHMC about the process of issue redressal, experience of interacting with the municipal corporation.

One of the citizens, Ram from GajulaRamaram, said that his feedback was sought after addressing his complaint regarding street lights. He expressed his satisfaction with the prompt resolution of a reported issue regarding street lights. KTR thanked him for sharing his feedback, highlighting the importance of citizen engagement and responsiveness.

Additionally, KTR reviewed key projects undertaken by GHMC and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), including initiatives such as free water supply and a grievance redressal system.

MA&UD Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, GHMC commissioner DS Lokesh Kumar, HMWSSB managing director M Dana Kishore and other officials were also present.