Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation Minister Capt N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has ordered all irrigation officers to maintain 24×7 vigil at dams, reservoirs, canals, and tanks as the state braces for several days of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
He issued the emergency instructions on Wednesday, telling engineers to bypass red tape and use funds instantly for flood protection. He directed senior officers to stay at their assigned projects for the next 72 hours.
Uttam Kumar Reddy orders 24×7 vigil at irrigation projects as heavy rain threatens Telangana
The orders came during a high-level video conference with Engineers-in-Chief, Chief Engineers, and other senior officials. Principal Secretary (Irrigation) Rahul Bojja and Special Secretary Prashanth Patil also attended. The meeting followed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s rainfall review with district collectors on Tuesday.
Citing the IMD forecast, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Khammam, Medak, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mulugu, Sangareddy, Suryapet, Vikarabad, and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri could see very heavy rain in 24 hours. Many other districts may face heavy rainfall over the next three days.
“No officer is to leave station during this critical period,” he said. “From village tanks to the largest dams, every site must be watched closely. Report danger signs immediately to your district collector, Chief Engineer, and the Irrigation Secretary.”
The minister told officers to monitor full reservoirs without interruption and act at once if breaches occur. He asked them to coordinate with Revenue and Police departments to patrol dam sites and flood-prone areas. Special checks must be made for overflow, seepage, or structural stress.
To avoid delays, Uttam Kumar Reddy authorised the use of available funds under GO 45 for flood works. “This is not the time for paperwork delays. Act fast, act decisively,” he said.
He reviewed all major reservoirs, including Nagarjuna Sagar, Jurala, and Kadam, seeking updates on water levels, inflows, and floodgate readiness. While officials said the situation was under control, they agreed to intensify field monitoring.
The minister said he would remain on standby for urgent calls. “Every minute counts when handling heavy inflows and potential breaches,” he warned.
