GVMC On High Alert

During a teleconference with senior officials, zonal commissioners and departmental heads on Tuesday, commissioner Ketan Garg directed officials to proactively monitor vulnerable areas, particularly low-lying localities, hilly slopes and flood-prone zones, rather than waiting for complaints, where inundation and landslides are likely during the cyclone's impact.

Residents must be alerted in advance and relocated when necessary. The civic body has readied 56 rehabilitation centres with drinking water, sanitation, food and basic amenities. Additional commissioner PM Satyaveni has deployed staff to oversee these facilities. In the north zone, the authorities have shifted 25 families to Athithi Kalyana Mandapam, where food and accommodation have been arranged.

Town Planning officials, he said, must identify dilapidated buildings and relocate occupants. Officials must remove dangerous hoardings and other unstable structures that could pose risks during strong winds and heavy rain. Officials are inspecting construction sites with deep excavations to prevent damage to neighbouring buildings.

All zones must keep JCBs, poclains, tippers, cranes, water pumps and generators on standby, with adequate fuel stocks. The horticulture department will remain on round-the-clock alert to clear fallen trees and branches that obstruct roads or disrupt traffic.

To maintain uninterrupted drinking water supplies, officials were asked to maximise reservoir storage, chlorinate water and stock treatment materials. Drain desilting and cleaning have been intensified to prevent waterlogging.

Public health and engineering departments would jointly monitor drainage, prevent sewage overflows and keep pumps ready at vulnerable locations.

Ketan Garg called for maintenance of three-shift duty rosters until the cyclone threat subsided. Special response teams have been formed in each zone, with sanitation workers and engineering staff directed to remain available for immediate deployment.