Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar on Monday directed officials to take preventive measures to check the flooding in Greater Warangal during the current monsoon season.

At a review meeting held at the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) headquarters with Warangal and Hanamkonda District Collectors Satya Sharada and Sneha Shabarish, and GWMC Commissioner Chahat Bajpai, he emphasised the need for coordinated action to protect lives and property. He instructed the authorities to identify flood-prone areas, prepare for evacuation and relief plans, and ensure the main nalas were desilted to prevent water stagnation. He also said that floodwaters entering the city should be diverted, Disaster Response Force (DRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and District Fire Services teams should be kept ready, while six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are available at the State level for any emergency. Mr. Kumar also stressed the need to utilise the services of ‘Apada Mitra volunteers’ services.

“Rehabilitation centres must be kept ready, and a WhatsApp group formed with corporators and municipal officials of all 66 GWMC divisions for round-the-clock coordination,” he said, stressing safe drinking water supply to prevent seasonal diseases.

NDRF Deputy Commandant Damodar Singh pointed out that advance planning could significantly reduce flood damage by enabling timely evacuation. The District Collectors and GWMC Commissioner briefed Arvind Kumar on precautionary measures underway. Later, the officials inspected key flood-prone localities where Mr. Kumar made several suggestions for strengthening flood prevention infrastructure.