HYDRAA Fully Prepared for Monsoon Emergencies, Says Minister Ponnam Prabhakar

Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday said that HYDRAA has completed extensive preparations to tackle any emergencies arising during the upcoming monsoon season and ensure the safety of citizens and their property.

Speaking at a meeting of HYDRAA’s monsoon response teams held at Jal Vihar, the minister said specialised training had been imparted to personnel to strengthen disaster response capabilities. He noted that the agency was equipped with modern machinery, high-capacity dewatering pumps and emergency response vehicles to address rain-related incidents swiftly and effectively.

Prabhakar said HYDRAA had identified 913 waterlogging-prone locations across the city and put in place a dedicated monitoring mechanism to track and respond to potential risks. He added that multiple response teams had been mobilised to remain on standby throughout the monsoon season.

According to the minister, the disaster management framework includes 51 Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams , 300 Monsoon Response Teams , and 889 static teams deployed at strategic locations. To ensure rapid intervention during incidents such as fallen trees and road blockages, 20 bike-based quick response units have also been pressed into service.

He further stated that 371 dewatering pumps have been positioned across vulnerable areas to facilitate the speedy removal of floodwater. Continuous surveillance is being maintained over 60 flyovers, 38 underpasses and 705 lakes and water bodies to minimise risks and prevent disruptions.

Highlighting recent infrastructure measures, Prabhakar said desilting operations, encroachment removal and drainage restoration works carried out along key nala stretches in Ameerpet, Maitrivanam, Madhura Nagar and the Paradise–Patny–Rasoolpura corridor had significantly reduced the threat of urban flooding in those areas.

The minister emphasised that all government departments were working in close coordination and maintaining round-the-clock vigilance during the monsoon period. He urged residents not to panic and assured them that emergency response systems were fully operational and ready to handle any situation arising from heavy rainfall.

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath , Additional Director Papaiah , and other senior officials attended the meeting.