GHMC on high alert as city braces for three days of heavy rain

With a heavy rainfall warning in place for the next three days, Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation R.V. Karnan has directed civic staff of both the GHMC and Water Board as well as residents to strictly avoid opening manholes under any circumstances.

He urged people to remain indoors unless in an emergency, to prevent traffic congestion, and report rain-related issues to the GHMC control room (040-21111111).

The entire GHMC machinery is on high alert in view of the rain alert issued by the India Meteorological Department. Leave of all staff has been cancelled, a statement from the corporation said. Waterlogging points are being cleared, stormwater drains managed, damaged roads restored and advisories issued to steer clear of flood-prone areas.

Mr. Karnan inspected the control room, and reviewed its functioning. He enquired about the pending complaints and directed the staff to remain vigilant round the clock.

Zonal and deputy commissioners are conducting field inspections to monitor the situation, and shifting residents from low lying areas to safer locations and relief centres. Town planning officials are evacuating occupants from dilapidated buildings, the statement said.

Relief measures are being coordinated at the field level by the Deputy Commissioners and local Tahsildars. To ensure an effective response to public grievances and emergencies, the GHMC is working in close coordination with the Police, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), Hyderabad Traffic Police, Metro Rail authorities, Irrigation Department and Revenue officials. Measures have been taken at nala points to prevent flooding, and the public has been advised to avoid entering low-lying areas, it said..

Special attention is being given to traffic choke points, with underground sumps at key locations already easing waterlogging and reducing jams. The GHMC plans to build more such sumps in the coming days.

Mr. Karnan inspected water levels in the Musi river and reviewed precautionary measures for potential floods, as well as progress on the under-construction Moosarambagh bridge.

Residents along the Musi have been advised to follow official updates closely and avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rain.