Pragati Nagar residents demand action on open sewer crisis
Hyderabad: Residents of Pragati Nagar, located on the route towards Sai Nagar and under the jurisdiction of the Nizampet Municipal Corporation, are expressing significant concern over an open drainage canal overflowing with plastic waste. The exposed canal, filled with a large amount of plastic and other debris, has become a breeding ground for stagnant water, raising fears of a water-borne disease outbreak during the rainy season. Residents are urging authorities to take immediate action to address the situation before it escalates into a public health crisis and potentially leads to fatal accidents.
Speaking to Hyderabad Mail, Sai Teja, a resident and social activist, highlighted the potential health risks posed by the open canal. “The stagnant water and accumulated plastic waste create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, which can transmit diseases like dengue and malaria,” he said.
Sai Teja further elaborated that the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department Principal Secretary, M. Dana Kishore, had previously issued instructions to officials for the closure of these canal gaps and complete coverage of all drains in the area before the monsoon arrives. However, despite these directives, the drainage canal remains uncovered, posing a safety hazard. Sai Teja also recounted a tragic incident from last year where a child in Nizampet lost his life after falling into an open drain.
This is the condition of the Slit in the Nala located in Pragati Nagar on the way to Sai Nagar#Nizampet @TelanganaCMO @revanth_anumula @TGMAUDOnline No Cover also not safe in the Rainy Season. Not sure what is the delay in rectification of this pic.twitter.com/n0VcYgvhbU
— SAI TEJA (@ActivistTeja) June 25, 2024
Residents are particularly worried about the possibility of overflows during heavy rainfall. If the drainage water mixes with rainwater, it could cause flooding in the surrounding areas. They have urged the Nizampet Municipal Corporation to address this issue promptly.
Taking to ‘X’ or Twitter, Sai Teja further amplified resident concerns by posting, “This is the condition of the open drain located in Pragati Nagar on the way to Sai Nagar. #Nizampet @TelanganaCMO @revanth_anumula @TGMAUDOnline. No cover, posing a safety hazard in the rainy season. Not sure what the delay is in rectifying this?”
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.
