Hyderabad, Sep 1 (UNI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has issued an alert to senior ministers and officials in response to the heavy rains that have been lashing the state since Saturday.
The Chief Minister, who reviewed the situation over the phone with senior ministers Bhatti Vikramarka, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Damodara Raja Narasimha, Jupalli Krishna Rao, and others on Sunday, instructed them to remain vigilant, an official statement said.
The Chief Secretary (CS), Director General of Police (DGP), and officials from the Municipal, Energy, Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, and Hyderabad administration departments have been directed to stay on high alert 24/7 through a teleconference.
CM Reddy has ordered District Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and officials from Revenue, Irrigation, and Municipal departments to be present in the field round the clock.
The Chief Minister emphasised that no officials should take leave, and those who are on leave must return to duty immediately. Emergency department officials have been instructed to send regular updates from the field to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
In addition to these measures, the CM called for immediate relief efforts in flood-affected areas and urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. He also advised residents in rural areas to stay vigilant and report any emergencies to the authorities.
The CM ordered ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs to remain in their constituencies and actively participate in relief activities. Congress workers have also been asked to stay alert and assist in relief efforts.
In light of the heavy rains, a special control room has been set up in the state secretariat under the Disaster Management Department.
Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari, in a teleconference with District Collectors, announced the establishment of this control room to monitor the situation. The control room, located in Ground Floor Room No. 34 of the Secretariat, can be reached at 040-2345 4088. This control room will maintain regular communication with District Collectors, providing necessary assistance and issuing appropriate instructions.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has also instructed district authorities to remain alert in response to the red alert issued by the Meteorological Department for 11 districts, including Nalgonda, Khammam, Karimnagar, Warangal, Janagama, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Suryapet, Jayashankar Bhupalapalli, Peddapalli, and Mahabubabad.
The Minister, who has been in continuous contact with collectors and field-level officials from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department since 4 AM today, emphasized the need for preparedness to prevent loss of life and property.
Minister Komatireddy also urged the residents of Nalgonda district, which has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past 24 hours, to stay cautious. He has been regularly updating the District Collector about the latest weather conditions and issuing instructions to ensure that all officials remain vigilant.
District Collector Narayana Reddy has directed the district SP to ensure that all officials are on duty and no one is absent during this critical time. Special attention is being given to areas where water may enter homes, and the Electricity Department has been instructed to take protective measures, including disconnecting power supplies to prevent accidents. Municipal staff have been asked to clear manholes and ensure proper drainage of rainwater. The Minister has also ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from houses at risk of collapse.
Additionally, measures are being taken to prevent contamination of water tanks in villages and towns, with instructions to use bleaching powder and chlorination to curb the spread of infectious diseases. Medical teams have been put on alert, and appropriate medicines are being stocked at all primary health centres. Residents have been advised to remain indoors unless necessary, and in case of emergencies, they can contact the government control room.
To provide immediate assistance, officials from Transco, R&B, Panchayat Raj, Irrigation, Municipal, Police, and Agriculture departments, along with the District Collector’s office, have been advised to be available and ready to respond to any situation. The control room will operate 24/7 with staff working in three shifts.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has urged the people of Nalgonda to call the toll-free number 1800 4251 442 for any immediate assistance. He reassured the public that the government machinery was on high alert, and there is no need for concern.