The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) held a high-level meeting on Tuesday. The main focus was preparing for the monsoon season and preventing fire accidents. Officials discussed ways to improve coordination between departments to ensure public safety.
HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath and GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarathi reviewed the risks of urban flooding and fire incidents. They suggested forming joint committees with members from HYDRA, GHMC, and the Fire Department. These committees will work together to handle emergencies more effectively.
To reduce urban flooding, officials recommended setting up area-wise teams. These teams will include personnel from the traffic department, GHMC, and HYDRA. Their job will be to respond quickly to heavy rainfall, prevent traffic congestion, and manage waterlogging in flood-prone areas.
Authorities have already identified 141 flood-prone zones in Hyderabad. During the meeting, officials reviewed the current status of these areas and discussed ongoing preventive measures. They also stressed the importance of using advanced technologies to clean drainage systems and ensure the smooth flow of rainwater through culverts and nalas.
Fire accidents were another major concern in the meeting. The Commissioners talked about the need to investigate the reasons behind frequent fire incidents and raise public awareness. They suggested starting inspections in high-risk areas to ensure that residents and businesses follow fire safety regulations.
Regular fire safety inspections were emphasized, with a focus on holding violators accountable. Officials also discussed identifying key water catchment areas and ensuring that rainwater is properly diverted to nearby lakes. Zonal-level committees will be set up to monitor and address local issues.
The meeting concluded with officials stressing the need for better awareness and accountability at all levels. They believe that proper planning and strict monitoring will help reduce both flood risks and fire hazards in Hyderabad.
