51 DRF Teams, 300 MRTs Ready For Rains
Addressing a meeting organised by Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency at Jalavihar on Saturday, Ponnam said that changing weather patterns have made rainfall more intense and unpredictable. (Image By Arrangement)
Hyderabad: City Incharge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar directed HYDRAA’s Disaster Response Force (DRF) and Monsoon Response Teams (MRT) teams to remain on constant alert during the monsoon season and ensure that citizens do not face difficulties due to heavy rains and flooding. He said that authorities must remain vigilant every minute to prevent flood-related problems.
Addressing a meeting organised by Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency at Jalavihar on Saturday, the minister said that changing weather patterns have made rainfall more intense and unpredictable. He stated that the amount of rain usually expected over a month was now sometimes falling in a single day, while a day's rainfall could occur within an hour.
HYDRAA commissioner A. V. Ranganath said extensive arrangements have been made to tackle emergencies during the monsoon. They said that 51 DRF teams, 300 MRTs and 889 static teams have been deployed across the city. The MRT was earlier known as the Monsoon Emergency Team and was renamed on the suggestion of the minister.
Commissioner Ranganath said that 20 bike-based quick response units have been introduced to ensure quick action during emergencies for fallen trees and waterlogging. Officials said that 371 de-watering pumps have been positioned in flood-prone areas, while continuous monitoring is being carried out at 60 flyovers, 38 underpasses and 705 lakes.
Ranganath also participated in a round-table conference organised by Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal party and said that HYDRAA is protecting government lands and lake assets, and said that the Agency is working to protect government assets.
“We fought for an exploitation-free Telangana, yet hundreds of acres of government land are being encroached. They are occupying lakes, storm-water drains, government lands and even parklands. These encroachers are causing floods in the city. It is against such people that HYDRAA is taking strict action, and those very same people are spreading misinformation and trying to tarnish HYDRAA's image”, Ranganath said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
