Heavy Rain effect: Drainage slab washes off in Hyderbad’s Banjara Hills
BanjaraHills: The heavy rains in Hyderabad have left an entire slab of a Hyderabad drain to wash off on Thursday. The incident occured in Uday Nagar Colony in Banjara Hills division.
In the videos that are circulating on social media, one can see a large portion of a drainage without cover and a heavy flow of drainage water below. The road which is usually used by the residents for the passage is also got disturbed. The incident has left the residents nearby in shock. It is estimated that at least a 100 meters of drainage slab has been washed off in the rain.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) mayor, Gadwal Vijayalakshmi visited and inspected Udaynagar, where the incident took place. Mayor further ordered the officials to make necessary alternatives to the public as soon as possible. While rain seems to be the main cause for the wash off, the officials are yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.
According to the official information provided by the GHMC, several two wheelers were also washed off in Uday Nagar.
Heavy rain hits Hyderabad
The city of Hyderabad is reeling under heavy unseasonal rains accompanied with heavy winds and thunderstorms. As of 4pm on Thursday, the city has received over 50mm of rainfall, as per the Telangana State Planning Development Society (TSPDS).
Several parts of the city including, Khairatabad, Qutubullapur, Balanagar, Shaikpet, Serilingampally, Malkajgiri, Alwal, Secunderabad and others have received more than 30mm of rain fall in each area, as per the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS).
The rains have also left several low lying areas inundated with rain water. Meanwhile, the GHMC officials have swung into action and started clearing the water. Traffic jams are also created in the rain. Residents are also advised not to come out of their homes, until necessary. Meanwhile GHMC has also asked the office goers to leave their offices late, so that traffic could be cleared by then.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
