HYDRAA, GHMC inspect Lakdikapul after rains; assess water stagnation, drainage and desilting works

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, accompanied by GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, on Wednesday, conducted a joint inspection of Lakdikapul and adjoining localities.

They assessed ground conditions and reviewed the ongoing civic works, following the incessant rains lashing the city due to severe Cyclone Montha.

Focus on drainage bottlenecks

The commissioners, who travelled from Masab Tank towards Lakdikapul, stopped near Mehdi Function Hall, where heavy rainwater stagnation was disrupting traffic.

The duo sought details from field engineers about the causes of the blockage and instructed them to take immediate measures to drain out the water.

They emphasised that ensuring the free flow of rainwater on city roads was crucial to prevent traffic congestion and civic inconvenience.

Pipeline connectivity to be completed soon

Officials explained that pipelines with a width of two feet had already been laid on both sides of the road. However, these need to be linked with the main stormwater channels that carry runoff from the Mahaveer Hospital and Chintal Basti areas.

The commissioners directed the engineering teams to complete these pipeline connectivity works on a war footing, ensuring that the new network integrates smoothly with existing drains.

Desilting to ease flooding points

Observing silt accumulation in roadside pipelines from Mahaveer Hospital to Mehdi Function Hall, the commissioners instructed GHMC staff to take up desilting operations immediately.

They said clearing the silt deposits would significantly ease the outflow of water and prevent further waterlogging during continuing rains. The works should be completed within the next two days, they added.

Inter-departmental coordination stressed

Both commissioners urged the traffic police to work in tandem with GHMC and HMWSSB teams to facilitate the repair and drainage works without causing traffic bottlenecks.

HMWSSB on high alert as heavy rains lash city

With the city reeling under continuous heavy rains, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has gone on high alert to prevent inconvenience to citizens.

Managing Director Ashok Reddy held an emergency teleconference with officials on Wednesday morning, directing them to implement preventive measures and maintain 24x7 field vigilance.

MD holds Teleconference with officials

During the meeting, the MD emphasized the need for prompt field response and coordination among all wings of the department.

He instructed the Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) and SPT vehicle units to stay alert and monitor vulnerable locations round-the-clock.

Officials were told to identify manholes that frequently overflow and take immediate desilting and preventive steps. Reddy also urged close monitoring of low-lying and waterlogging-prone areas to avoid stagnation and health hazards.

Safe and Clean water supply priority

Ashok Reddy cautioned officials to ensure that drinking water remains free from contamination despite the heavy rains. He instructed that adequate chlorination be maintained across all water supply zones and that special attention be given to flood-affected localities.

He further asked officers to maintain continuous coordination with GHMC, HYDRAA, and Police Department officials to handle emergency situations effectively.

The MD appealed to residents not to open manhole covers under any circumstances and to report any water supply or drainage issues to the Water Board helpline (155313).

ED conducts field inspection

Meanwhile, HMWSSB Executive Director Mayank Mittal conducted a field inspection in the O&M Division–6 limits, covering SR Nagar, Venkata Giri, and Yousufguda areas. He was accompanied by Chief General Managers and General Managers.

During the visit, Mittal reviewed low-pressure complaints and directed officials to resolve them swiftly. He also inspected the functioning of Air-Tech machines being used for manhole desilting and examined the ongoing AMS (Asset Management System) works.

Focus on complaint resolution

The Executive Director assessed the progress of pending MCC complaints related to sewage overflows and contaminated water. He instructed officials to expedite corrective measures and ensure no inconvenience to the public amid the ongoing rains.