Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Blasts Officials, Demands Swift Action on Rain-Damaged Infrastructure

In a powerful display of no-nonsense leadership, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has unequivocally slammed state officials for their sluggish and uninspired response to the extensive damage inflicted by last year's heavy rains. During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister made it clear that bureaucratic delays and a lack of foresight will no longer be tolerated, demanding immediate and permanent solutions to recurring infrastructure woes.

Addressing top officials from various departments including Roads and Buildings, Panchayat Raj, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and Water Resources, CM Reddy expressed profound disappointment over the slow pace of restoration work.

He highlighted the persistent urban flooding in Hyderabad, along with the severely impacted roads, irrigation tanks, and electricity lines across the state, questioning why, despite available funds, concrete and lasting measures haven't been implemented.

“It's not enough to react after the damage is done; we need to be proactive,” the Chief Minister reportedly stated, emphasizing the critical need for robust preparation ahead of the imminent monsoon season in June 2024.

He lambasted officials for failing to anticipate and mitigate the consequences of heavy rainfall, pointing out that many issues, like Hyderabad's perennial waterlogging, are long-standing problems that demand innovative and permanent fixes, not just temporary patches.

Key directives issued during the meeting included: an immediate acceleration of repair and restoration work for all infrastructure damaged in 2023; the development of comprehensive, futuristic stormwater drainage systems for Hyderabad using cutting-edge technology; and the adoption of modern, durable road construction techniques to withstand adverse weather conditions.

The CM stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, urging officials to work seamlessly together rather than in silos.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Reddy underscored the principle of accountability, warning that engineers and officials found responsible for delays, substandard work, or negligence would face strict action.

He mandated that detailed action plans, complete with specific timelines and budgetary requirements for both immediate repairs and long-term preventative measures, be submitted promptly. Special emphasis was placed on the restoration of irrigation tanks, with a firm 15-day deadline set for reports on damaged tanks.

This stern rebuke signals a new era of governance in Telangana, where efficiency, foresight, and public welfare take precedence.

The Chief Minister's strong message aims to instill a sense of urgency and responsibility among the bureaucracy, ensuring that the state's infrastructure is not only restored but fortified against future environmental challenges, safeguarding the well-being and livelihoods of its citizens.