Hyderabad rains: HYDRAA chief Ranganath puts DRF, METs on alert; calls for removing encroachments

Hyderabad: Amid heavy rains in Hyderabad, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has directed the Disaster Response Force (DRF) and Monsoon Emergency Teams (METs) to remain vigilant round-the-clock.

He stressed the need for a thorough understanding of flood-prone areas to ensure immediate action during heavy downpours.

Inspections across flood-prone zones

On Wednesday, Commissioner Ranganath visited several flood-affected and waterlogging areas in the city to review silt removal works in major drains and catch pits.

Accompanied by traffic police and GHMC officials, he interacted with residents and discussed necessary flood prevention measures. He inspected waterlogged roads in Miyapur, Kondapur, Gachibowli, Aramghar crossroads, Katedan, and Raj Bhavan routes.

At the Kothaguda junction RUB, where water stagnation was reported last week due to non-functional automatic dewatering pumps, he ensured the issue had been resolved but advised keeping the HYDRAA pumps ready as a precaution.

Immediate action to remove encroachments

During his visit to Indra Colony near Gachibowli, where waist-deep water blocked access to Gaman Hospital, he identified the encroachment of drains as a major cause for flooding and ordered immediate widening works to restore natural flow.

Similarly, at the Aramghar junction, heavy rain caused severe waterlogging at the RUB due to inadequate stormwater drain capacity. He instructed officials to install motors for immediate dewatering and ordered expansion of the drain up to Oora Cheruvu to prevent future inundation.

Joint review with GHMC and Traffic Police

At the Biodiversity junction, he was accompanied by GHMC Commissioner Karman and Cyberabad Traffic Joint CP Gajarao Bhupal to inspect overflowing drains. He directed officials to ensure that bridge weep holes remain unclogged for smooth water discharge.

Static teams to coordinate with Traffic Police

The Commissioner emphasized that static teams stationed near major flood-prone roads should work in close coordination with traffic police to mitigate waterlogging and traffic congestion. He reiterated that the DRF and MET teams must remain alert to guide and support static teams during emergencies.