HYDRAA, GHMC identify areas prone to fire and floods, form committees for prevention efforts

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have joined hands to resolve monsoon-related issues. They also discussed measures to reduce fire accidents rampant in the twin cities.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and GHMC Commissioner K Illambarithi chaired a coordination meeting with officials at the GHMC office here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the duo decided to form two committees with the involvement of the Fire Department, HYDRAA and the GHMC to work on stopping fire accidents.

Localities to get surprise checks on fire safety

The commissioners said that the two committees should meet regularly and coordinate to ensure that problems do not arise.

“We not only need to know where fire accidents occur most and why they occur but also work on creating awareness among the public at those places. Surprise checks should be done in the localities where most fire accidents were reported and sensitise the public accordingly,” the officials said.

The officials also reminded residents and owners of commercial complexes to conduct frequent checks to ensure they are complying with the regulations.

141 flood-prone areas identified

During the meeting, the duo reviewed the situation in 141 flood-prone areas and the steps taken to prevent floods. They discussed ways to ensure the smooth flow of flood water in culverts, drains and catchment areas, including removing garbage accumulated in drains using modern technology.

The HYDRAA and GHMC commissioners also felt that catchment areas should be identified and flood water should be directed to nearby lakes. Apart from that, zonal level committees should be formed to address the problem there.