Heavy Rains: Telangana Machinery On High Alert

Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy yesterday directed all district administrations to remain on high alert following the IMD's warning of heavy to very heavy rains across Telangana in the next 24 hours.

Acting on instructions from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the minister held a teleconference with district Collectors, SPs, GHMC officials, HYDRAA officials, and irrigation, transport and electricity department officials, along with Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Dr Jitender.

The minister spoke about the preventive measures to be taken in Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Sangareddy and Hyderabad, which had already been heavily affected by rains. He instructed officials to ensure coordination across departments, safeguard lives, and minimise disruption.

The minister also instructed vigilance around full reservoirs and ponds, deployment of police at causeways, prevention of unsafe selfies near water bodies, and readiness of NDRF/STRF rescue teams.

As the Dussehra festival travel was underway, he called for enhanced traffic regulation and steps to ensure the safe movement of people.

In a related development, in Vikarabad, where the Musi river is in spate, the residents of low-lying areas are being relocated. So far, 55 people near the Bhulakshmi temple under the Shivaji Bridge have been evacuated.

Considering heavy inflows into Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, authorities were advised to release water cautiously and relocate downstream residents if necessary. Shelter homes are being kept ready.