In view of the Indian Meteorological Department’s prediction of above-normal rainfall this year, Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has instructed officials to remain vigilant, particularly in the Godavari and Krishna river basins.

Chairing a review meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday with District Collectors from vulnerable regions, the Minister emphasised the need for proactive disaster management strategies to minimise casualties and losses. He announced the formation of a high-level committee—comprising officials from the Fire Services, Disaster Management, HYDRA, Irrigation, R&B, and Health departments—to assess state-level actions in flood-prone areas. The committee will submit its report within a week.

Citing an early arrival of the rainy season by 15 days, Ponguleti urged coordinated efforts across departments, stressing the importance of using modern technology over conventional response methods. He directed Collectors to ensure inter-departmental collaboration and develop flood action plans based on district-specific vulnerabilities and past experiences. These plans are to be submitted by June 30.

The Minister further asked Collectors to provide necessary user IDs for early warning and disaster management systems to the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Center in Hyderabad.

Among those present were Principal Secretary Naveen Mittal, Disaster Management Commissioner Harish, Fire DG Nagi Reddy, HYDRA Commissioner Ranganath, and officials from Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, and the IMD, along with Collectors from Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jogulamba Gadwal, Mulugu, Nirmal, and Wanaparthy. The focus remains on preemptive action rather than reactive relief.