Hyderabad, May 18 (IANS) Telangana is developing a more efficient disaster management system by studying rescue measures undertaken globally during disasters, said state Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.

He emphasised that rapid response, coordination among departments, and advance preparedness are extremely crucial in emergency situations such as floods, fire accidents, and industrial mishaps.

As part of the statewide disaster management mock exercises conducted on Monday, the minister, along with senior officials, inspected a massive flood mock drill held at the HMDA grounds on Necklace Road in Hyderabad.

Stating that protecting the lives and property of the people is the government’s primary responsibility, he underlined the need for trained teams with the latest technology and modern equipment to be ready to undertake rescue operations.

Expressing anguish over forest fires destroying greenery, the minister also pointed out that the increasing fire accidents in urban areas are causing serious concern.

Srinivas Reddy stated that the first hour after a disaster strikes is extremely critical, and the actions taken during that “Golden Hour” are what can save lives. He noted that such mock drills are highly beneficial for evacuating people to safe areas, swiftly initiating relief measures, and coordinating emergency services during fire accidents, floods, and sudden mishaps.

Citing the 1908 Hyderabad Great Flood and the recent Godavari-Krishna floods, the minister remarked that history shows the extent of damage that occurred without vigilance in disaster management.

As part of the mock drill, special teams demonstrated inflatable lifeboats, technical methods to rescue those trapped in water, emergency evacuation procedures, and coordinated rescue operations in real-time.

The minister later visited the Necklace Road Boating Club and inspected the rescue activities. Commending the conduct of such extensive mock exercises in Telangana state, the minister congratulated the NDRF, SDRF, Disaster Management Department, and district officials.

He clarified that there is no need for the public to worry, as these are fully part of advance preparedness mock drills. He urged that only responsible information should reach the people through the media and social media platforms.

Participants in this programme included Disaster Management Department Secretary Dasari Harichandan, Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services DG Vikram Singh Mann, HYDRA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and NDMA Lead Consultant Major General (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl.

Officials and staff from Police, Fire, NDRF, SDRF, Revenue, Medical & Health, GHMC, HYDRA, Industries, Transport, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, and other departments participated in this mock drill.

–IANS

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