Municipal Administration & Urban Development Minister K. Tarakarama Rao on Friday claimed that there has been respite from heavy rains and the situation was completely under control in Hyderabad and other areas.
However, the minister said in view of forecast of heavy rains for the next two days, entire administration and people need to be on alert. He appealed to the people not to believe rumours. He said that the State Government was fully geared up to meet any eventuality. He said Army and Helicopters would be pressed into service if required under emergency situations.
The minister, along with other ministers from city and senior officials of various departments, held a review meeting at the Command Control Room at GHMC Headquarters on Friday. Ministers K. Lakshma Reddy and Talasani Srinivas Yadav were also present in the meeting.
Addressing the review meeting, KTR said all ministers have been visiting the affected areas to supervise relief measures. He said all departments have been kept on alert. He said many people, including film personalities, have come forward to help the government in carrying out relief operations in affected areas. He said food packets were being distributed in many areas and so far, nearly 10,000 food packets were distributed in coordination with Hare Krishna Mission.
KTR blamed illegal constructions and encroachments for water stagnation and inundation of several areas. He said steps would be taken to remove such encroachments.
The minister said people living in downstream areas of Hussainsagar have been put on alert. Similarly, people living in Bhandari layout and other areas have been shifted to safer places. He said that people could contact on number “100” or 040-21111111 in case of emergencies. He said steps were also being taken to prevent spread of epidemics.
KTR said 95% of Hyderabad would remain safe even if it rains very heavily. He said potential damage to the city in case of continuance heavy rains in the next two days has been assessed. He said that the officials have been asked to carry out repairs of damaged road and fill potholes. (INN)0