Ponguleti Launches Mega Disaster Management Mock Drill in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, May 18 (TNT) : State Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Monday said the Telangana Government is trengthening the state’s disaster response system with world-class technology under the guidance of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, with the primary objective of protecting human lives and minimising property damage during natural disasters.
The Minister inaugurated a large-scale disaster management mock drill at the HMDA Grounds near Necklace Road in Hyderabad as part of state-wide disaster preparedness exercises.
He later chaired a review meeting with senior officials at the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
Addressing officials, Ponguleti said Telangana would further strengthen its disaster management systems by adopting best practices implemented across the country and globally.
He directed officials to study advanced disaster response technologies and modern rescue equipment available worldwide and submit comprehensive proposals for implementation.
He said the mock drills being conducted with the support of the National Disaster Management Authority would help officials improve preparedness, coordination and emergency response efficiency during disasters such as floods, fire accidents and industrial incidents.
The Minister stressed that the first hour after a disaster is extremely crucial and should be treated as the “Golden Hour”.
He said all departments must function in complete coordination during emergencies and utilise advanced rescue equipment effectively to provide immediate assistance to affected people.
He instructed officials to ensure rapid response to distress calls and timely rescue and medical services during emergencies.
Referring to historical disasters, the Minister recalled the 1908 Hyderabad floods and recent flooding in the Godavari and Krishna rivers, saying the incidents highlighted the importance of preparedness and coordinated response systems.
He also expressed concern over increasing urban fire accidents and forest fires, stating that Telangana is working towards developing one of the country’s best disaster management systems by studying international rescue practices.
As part of the mock drill, specialised rescue teams demonstrated emergency response operations using inflatable life boats, advanced water rescue techniques, evacuation procedures and coordinated disaster response measures. The Minister later inspected rescue demonstrations at the Necklace Road Boating Club and appreciated the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Disaster Management Department and district officials.
Clarifying that the exercises were only mock drills conducted for preparedness purposes, the Minister appealed to the public not to panic or believe rumours and urged media and social media users to share only verified information.
Among those present were Disaster Management Department Secretary Dasari Harichandana, Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services DG Vikram Singh Mann, HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath and NDMA Lead Consultant Sudhir Bell, along with officials from multiple departments including Police, Fire Services, Revenue, Health and GHMC.
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