18 teams on standby to tackle waterlogging and crisis situations in low-lying areas

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have set up 18 emergency response teams (ERTs) to tackle waterlogging and crisis situations in low-lying areas across the city during monsoon.
Apart from waterlogging, these teams will handle complaints of missing manhole covers and safety grills, overflowing manholes and take care of desilting sewer lines.
Water Board and GHMC have also appointed 42 nodal officers. These teams have been provided with vehicles, gas masks, oxygen cylinders and rope ladders. The vehicle will be used to transport safety equipment and manpower to the complaint spot,” said a senior HMWS&SB official.
These ERTs will be available round-the-clock till September. “Water board has sanctioned Rs 60 lakh to buy equipment for the ERTs,” added the official.
“ERTs have to respond promptly during emergency situations and ensure that the no inconvenience is caused to residents in waterlogged areas. It is mandatory for them to take digital photographs that has data and mentions about the location while attending to emergency works. People can register their complaints either with HMWS&SB’s metro customer care or GHMC call centre,” said the official.