Hans News Service Hyderabad

Inview of heavy rains lashing Telangana, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju has directed District Collectors to take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent any loss of life or property. The Chief Secretary ordered that tourists should be prevented from visiting waterfalls, picnic spots, and other hazardous tourist destinations during the period of heavy rains. Collectors in Godavari river basin districts were asked to closely monitor river conditions and alert residents living in low-lying areas. The Chief Secretary held a video conference on Thursday with District Collectors, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police to review overall preparedness, as the India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall for another two days.

He stated that since heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Thursday night in several districts, coordinated action must be taken by all departments, particularly police and district administration.

He instructed Collectors to establish control rooms in every district headquarters and continuously monitor the evolving situation. He informed that National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams have already been deployed, assuring that any additional assistance required would be provided immediately.

Referring to the anticipated impact of El Nino, the Chief Secretary noted that rainfall is expected to remain below normal even in September. He instructed District Collectors to create awareness among farmers about shifting from paddy to alternative crops. He said vegetable cultivation would not only fetch better market prices but that produce would also be procured through the Hare Krishna Foundation, providing farmers with assured market support.

He directed Collectors to remain on high alert over the next two days, particularly in districts likely to receive very heavy rainfall, and ensure preventive measures are taken well in advance so that the public does not face any inconvenience. During the meeting, DGP CV Anand informed that the Police Department has identified 249 high-risk picnic spots near water bodies and an additional 167 tourist locations across the state, with appropriate restrictions being enforced to prevent public access. He added that 12 SDRF companies are currently on standby for emergency response operations.