51 DRF Teams, 300 MRTs Ready For Rains

Hyderabad: Urban In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has instructed HYDRAA’s Disaster Response Force (DRF) and Monsoon Response Teams (MRT) teams to remain constantly alert during the monsoon season and ensure that citizens do not face hardships due to heavy rains and floods. He said that authorities should be alert at all times to avoid problems caused by floods.

Addressing a meeting organized by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency in Jalavihar on Saturday, the minister said changing weather conditions have made rainfall more intense and unpredictable. He stated that the amount of rainfall usually expected for a month now sometimes falls in a single day, and a day’s rainfall can occur within an hour.

HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said extensive arrangements have been made to deal with emergencies during monsoon. It was stated that 51 DRF teams, 300 MRT and 889 static teams were assigned throughout the city. MRT was earlier known as Monsoon Emergency Team and was renamed on the minister’s suggestion.

Commissioner Ranganath said 20 bicycle-based rapid response units have been deployed to provide quick response in emergencies due to falling trees and waterlogging. Authorities said that 371 dewatering pumps were placed in flood-prone areas, and continuous monitoring was carried out in 60 overpasses, 38 underpasses and 705 lakes.

Ranganath also attended the round table conference organized by Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal party and said that HYDRAA protects government lands and lake assets, the Agency is working to protect government assets.

“We fought for a exploitation-free Telangana, but hundreds of acres of government land are being encroached on. They are encroaching on lakes, storm water drains, government lands and even park lands. These invaders are causing floods in the city. HYDRAA is taking strict action against such people and the same people are spreading misinformation and trying to tarnish the image of HYDRAA,” Ranganath said.