KTR reviews flood situation, orders steps

MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday held a teleconference with department officials and additional collectors across the state over the rain situation, examined the floodwater level of Hussainsagar and appealed to Opposition parties to come together and help the public, instead of politicising the issue and demoralising government employees.

The minister also said that the leaves of the MA&UD employees remain cancelled till the situation normalises.

Sources said that during his visit to the Hussainsagar, he directed officials to "take utmost care of low-lying areas", while in the teleconference, he reportedly directed officials to "give utmost importance to the prevention of loss of life."

The minister also directed officials to evacuate people living in



dilapidated buildings.

Addressing media persons on the day, Rama Rao said, "The heavy rains caused inconvenience to people, but there was no loss of life till now. Prevention of any loss of life is the primary agenda. As a red alert was issued for Hyderabad, the state government left no stone unturned in terms of precautions."

He said, "Desilting work in Hyderabad was already completed and strengthening of ponds was also taken up. Gates were fixed to 135 ponds. In contrast to the flooding in previous years, the impact of heavy rains is less this time because of the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP). The state government and its machinery are working round-the-clock to face situations that arise during the heavy rains."