Emergency Measures Undertaken by Telangana Government in Response to Heavy Rains**
Hyderabad, July20, 2023
In response to the incessant heavy rains lashing the state of Telangana, an emergency meeting was convened today at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, as per the instructions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari presided over the meeting, which aimed to discuss and implement urgent measures to tackle the ongoing rain-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Special Chief Secretaries Adhar Sinha, Rajat Kumar, Sunil Sharma, Revenue Principal Secretary Naveen Mittal, Singareni CMD Sridhar, Disaster Management Secretary Rahul Bojja, Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao, Fire and Disaster Management DG Nagireddy, GAD Secretary Seshadri, GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose, Information Department Special Commissioner Ashok Reddy, and representatives from various other departments such as E.N.C. Ganapathi Reddy, Transco, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj, and Roads and Buildings Departments.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari emphasized that the Meteorological Department had issued warnings of heavy rains mainly in North Telangana districts for the next 48 hours. In response, she directed all department heads and district Collectors to remain on high alert.
It was noted that the combined districts of Medak, Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Karimnagar were expected to experience heavy rain, while the southern Telangana districts were predicted to receive moderate rainfall.
To deal with any potential emergencies, NDRF teams were deployed in Warangal, Mulugu, and Kothagudem, while a 40-member team was on standby in Hyderabad. The Chief Secretary assured that, so far, no major damages had been reported in the state, with ponds, lakes, and rural roads remaining intact. She also mentioned that the water reserves in all the state projects were at 50 percent capacity, mitigating the risk of heavy flooding.
Despite the favorable conditions for agriculture, the Chief Secretary urged all concerned departments to take adequate precautions at reservoirs and ponds. She further highlighted that there had been no outbreak of diarrheal or other waterborne diseases in the state over the past four years. Nonetheless, as a proactive measure, large-scale chlorination had been carried out in the fresh water tanks of every village panchayat and municipality.
To ensure effective coordination and prevent any untoward incidents, the Revenue, Police, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj, Electricity, and Roads & Buildings departments were instructed to work together. Special attention was given to the flood situation of the Kaleswaram project, and the concerned Chief Engineer provided a review during the meeting.
In Greater Hyderabad, the GHMC Commissioner, Ronald Rose, reported the establishment of 426 Monsoon Emergency Teams and 157 Static Teams. Additionally, special personnel were assigned to 339 water logging points in the city, and regular reviews were conducted to monitor the water reserves in 185 ponds and lakes.
The Telangana government remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens during this challenging weather situation. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take prompt actions as needed to address any adverse impacts caused by the heavy rains.
