Manholes, water safety, and low-lying areas under strict watch amid heavy rain
Hyderabad: With rain intensifying, the HMWS&SB has deployed emergency response teams (ERTs) and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in low-lying and flood-prone areas such as Saroornagar, Malkajgiri, Malakpet, and Hafeezpet.
One of the main areas of focus is identifying manholes that overflow during heavy rain, posing a threat to pedestrians and vehicles. Officials have been directed to identify such locations and take necessary preventive action.
Officials have already marked problematic spots in areas such as Red Hills and Sanathnagar. These include Lakdikapul main junction, Darussalam opposite Hafeez Hotel, near Haj House opposite Red Rose Hotel, and Bharath Tiffin Centre opposite the Indian Oil petrol pump in Goshamahal.
The board noted that these areas are being closely monitored, and emergency teams have been asked to remain on standby for immediate intervention whenever required.
Citizens were encouraged to report any water supply or sewerage issues immediately by calling the HMWSSB helpline at 155313.
To prevent accidents in inundated areas, warning signboards will be installed near open or overflowing manholes. Field-level staff have been instructed to remain on duty 24/7, especially during and after rainfall, while supervisors oversee ground operations and conduct on-the-spot inspections.
Another major concern during the rainy season is drinking water contamination. To address this, the board has issued strict instructions to maintain adequate chlorine levels in the water supply. Officials have also been directed to monitor water quality regularly.
Ashok Reddy, managing director of HMWSSB, has urged citizens not to open manhole covers under any circumstances. “Opening manholes is extremely dangerous and can endanger not only the person opening it but others as well,” he said. He assured the public that all efforts are being made to avoid inconvenience during this monsoon season.
