Strict precautions ordered to prevent losses amidst heavy rains in Greater Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Amidst continuous heavy rains in Greater Hyderabad, the state's Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department has issued strict directives to prevent loss of life or property.

Principal Secretary M. Dana Kishore held a teleconference on Sunday with officials from GHMC, HMDA, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), and other municipal authorities to review the situation and instruct necessary precautions.

During the meeting, Dana Kishore ordered evacuating residents from low-lying areas and those living near old, dilapidated buildings to safer locations. The municipal authorities were advised to use loudspeakers to inform and warn people about potential dangers in areas with open drains and approach canals.

He also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of water bodies such as Himayat Sagar, Osman Sagar, and Hussain Sagar, urging officials to keep a close watch on water levels and alert the public in low-lying areas accordingly. Senior officials, deputy commissioners, and other municipal staff were instructed to be on the ground, promptly addressing public complaints and ensuring immediate resolution of issues. In areas near the River Musi, authorities were directed to raise awareness among residents and take measures to prevent accidents by monitoring the situation closely and installing warning signs at hazardous spots.

In light of the ongoing rains, the Hyderabad Water Board's Managing Director and the Public Health Engineering Department's ENC were directed to undertake super chlorination where necessary to prevent contamination of drinking water. Water quality supplied across the city should be rigorously tested, and sufficient chlorine tablets should be distributed to all municipal bodies in the Greater Hyderabad area.

Regarding construction sites, particularly those managed by CREDAI and NAREDCO, Dana Kishore stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all construction workers. He urged these associations to issue orders to their members to relocate workers to safe locations if needed and seek the assistance of GHMC and zonal commissioners if necessary.

GHMC Commissioner K.T. Amrapali, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad, HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy, and several other departmental municipal officials attended the teleconference.