Hyderabad rains: HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed inspects ORR; puts men, machinery on alert

Hyderabad: After the weatherman forecast heavy rains in Hyderabad, HMDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed inspected vulnerable locations along the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Weatherman has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy rains across Hyderabad.

Accompanied by HGCL CGM Ravindra, IRB Engineers, and other officials, Commissioner Ahmed inspected key areas including Kollur Junction, Mallampet, and Shamirpet. All these areas were in the news for waterlogging last year.

Review of Desilting Work

During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the condition of the drains and observed that the desilting work had been completed effectively. Notably, despite the heavy rainfall, there was no waterlogging reported in these areas, which had been problematic in the previous year.

Commissioner Ahmed expressed his appreciation for the timely and efficient completion of the desilting works, stating, "The efforts have significantly improved water drainage and have prevented traffic disruptions."

Precautionary Measures Emphasized

Commissioner Ahmed provided several key instructions to the maintenance agency, M/s IRB, and other officials to ensure that the situation remains under control during the ongoing heavy rainfall.

He emphasized the importance of proactive maintenance, urging the teams to stay vigilant. "All necessary precautions, including the deployment of dewatering pumps, excavators, and other machinery, should be kept ready to address any emergent situations," he instructed.

Additionally, he stressed the need for increased patrolling along the ORR to assist vehicles in need and recommended that rain alert messages be displayed on Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards to warn road users.

Worst-Hit Areas in Hyderabad

Despite the positive developments along the ORR, several low-lying areas within the city continue to face waterlogging issues.

Localities such as Hayathnagar, Uppal, Quthbullapur, Musheerabad, Moosapet, Begumpet, and Gachibowli have been among the worst affected. In these areas, water accumulated quickly, leading to knee-deep flooding in certain neighborhoods.

The highest cumulative rainfall in the city was recorded at Hayathnagar with 18.5 mm, followed by Saroornagar with 17 mm, Secunderabad with 15.6 mm, Falaknuma with 15.3 mm, and Uppal with 15.1 mm.

Further, Rains Expected

Weather expert T Balaji has warned of further heavy rains in the coming days, stating, "Multiple storms are moving in from Sangareddy, Medak, and Kamareddy, and the situation may worsen if the rains continue at this intensity."

Given the forecast, the Commissioner reiterated the importance of staying prepared and maintaining vigilance.