HYDRAA maps flood-prone areas, to deploy 150 Monsoon Emergency Teams

Hyderabad: In a significant pre-monsoon move, the HYDRAA will deploy 150 Monsoon Emergency Teams across the city within the next three days, in addition to the 51 Disaster Response Units already operational.

Monsoon teams to include multi-department personnel

The upcoming 150 emergency teams will include staff from the water board, traffic, irrigation, electricity departments and the GHMC. This integrated approach, officials believe, will allow a quicker response to complaints and reduce the flood impact drastically.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, who chaired a coordination meeting with senior traffic police officials on Tuesday, stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to safeguard the city from seasonal floods.

349 flood-prone zones mapped

Officials have identified 349 flood-risk zones across the jurisdictions of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates. These locations, often affected during even moderate rainfall, are now under continuous surveillance.

Ranganath directed departments to stay alert, especially in areas adjacent to lakes and nalas and assess whether these water bodies are capable of handling excess runoff without spilling into residential or commercial zones.

Overflowing lakes, sluggish drains raise alarm

Highlighting key concerns, officials noted that just two hours of rainfall can lead to a rise of nearly one meter in lake levels. Once filled, these water bodies take nearly a week to drain, unless supported by efficient outflow systems.

The HYDRAA chief suggested conducting a detailed study of lake water-holding capacities and drainage pathways to prevent bottlenecks and overflow situations.

Drain widening projects are in progress

HYDRAA has already begun widening and clearing key stormwater drains in areas like Patny, Chikoti Gardens and Chintal Basti, where recurring waterlogging was reported last monsoon.

Encroachments and silted stretches are being removed and the commissioner emphasised that court orders allow immediate removal of unauthorised constructions on lakes and drainage channels.

Additionally, WhatsApp groups are being created across zones to improve real-time information sharing and coordination. Traffic officials also suggested positioning breakdown recovery vehicles at vulnerable points to swiftly remove stalled vehicles during heavy downpours.

50 critical areas prioritised

To address recurrent flooding, HYDRAA has prioritised 50 high-risk areas for long-term structural solutions. The action plan includes permanent drainage upgrades, channel decongestion and capacity enhancements to be implemented in phases.

Ranganath concluded that, with timely coordination and readiness, Hyderabad can significantly reduce monsoon disruptions and safeguard both infrastructure and citizens.