The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which played a key role during the recent heavy rains in late July, has intensified its operations.
Hyderabad: With the monsoon expected to return to Telangana from August 4, civic bodies in Hyderabad are stepping up efforts to prevent waterlogging, traffic snarls and other rain-related emergencies.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which played a key role during the recent heavy rains in late July, has intensified its operations. Despite the efforts of Monsoon Emergency Teams (METs), thousands of commuters and residents were hit by traffic gridlocks, inundated roads and flooded homes.
Areas such as Kondapur, Kothaguda, Vanasthalipuram, Chaderghat, Begumpet, Kukatpally, LB Nagar and Uppal witnessed severe flooding after the downpour. Floodwaters accumulated in colonies, on roads and even on flyovers, prompting emergency water-pumping operations by civic staff.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, HYDRAA officials said they were actively working to mitigate the situation. “Our DRF staff and METs are clearing stormwater and sewer lines in several areas so that rainwater flows into lakes and does not stagnate,” an official said.
“Commissioner A. V. Ranganath had directed the teams to work round the clock. Plastic, thermocol and silt are choking drains. Once blocked, the water overflows and floods nearby areas. Clearing the drains is our top priority,” he explained.
Apart from flooding, traffic congestion remains a serious challenge. HYDRAA’s DRF personnel are working alongside traffic police to manage the flow of vehicles at key junctions such as Raidurg, Secunderabad, Dilsukhnagar and Kothaguda.
