Criminal case for opening manholes in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Water board officials have warned that strict action will be taken if manholes in the city’s roads and other areas are opened. The instructions are given in view of the rainy season and to avoid untowards incidents.With the onset of the rainy season, the water board is gearing up with precautionary measures.
It is pertinent to note that it is an offense under HMWSSB ACT – 1989, Section 74, for any citizen or unauthorized person to open or remove the lid of manholes without the permission of the authorities. “Strict action will be taken if you violate this and commit such acts. A criminal case will be registered against such people. In addition to fines, the accused may also be jailed in some cases,” said the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
If any manhole cover is damaged or found to be open or any other problems or complaints should be reported by calling Water Board’s Complaint number 155313.
Special efforts to remove water logging
In connection with the safety measures, the Water Board in a statement said that “Safety grills have already been fixed on more than 25 thousand manholes along with deep manholes. Those on the main roads were sealed with covers and painted red. Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Safety Protocol Team (SPT) vehicles were deployed. Protective equipment is provided to the personnel working at field level. The vehicles assigned to these teams have a dewatering motor with a generator. With its help, rain water would be removed. All of them would work vigilantly in their respective areas. These teams mainly focus on water-logged areas. Along with these, Air Tech Missions are also available. The waste (silt) taken from the manholes is removed from time to time.”
The officials further informed that a sewerage team headed by a sewer inspector from each section has been formed to monitor the manholes from time to time. They go to the areas under their jurisdiction at field level early in the morning and monitor the situation. Choking and water logging points are cleared from time to time in coordination with GHMC officials.
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.
