Minister Narayana instructs officials to address urban flooding amid heavy rains across Andhra Pradesh

P. Narayana. File | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

In the wake of heavy rains lashing several parts of Andhra Pradesh, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana held a teleconference on Saturday (May 31, 2025) with senior officials to assess the situation in municipalities and ensure immediate mitigation measures are in place.

During the review, Minister Narayana directed officials to take all necessary steps to prevent public inconvenience and safeguard residents in low-lying urban areas. He stressed on the importance of swift action to avoid water stagnation on roads and instructed the municipal staff to remain on high alert.

Officials brought to the Minister’s notice that in certain municipalities, desilting of stormwater drains remains incomplete owing to pending municipal council resolutions. Responding to this, the Minister instructed Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar to issue emergency Directives to municipal commissioners to proceed with desilting works immediately, regardless of council approvals, in the interest of public safety.

He also emphasised that precautionary measures should be taken near open drains to avoid accidents and asked authorities to alert residents accordingly.

Earlier, on Friday (May 30, 2025), the Minister personally spoke to commissioners of Vijayawada, Guntur, and Mangalagiri-Tadepalli municipal corporations, advising them to ensure that water does not accumulate in vulnerable areas and to act swiftly to prevent any disruption to public life.

Minister Narayana also instructed officials across other municipalities in the State to remain vigilant and implement proactive measures to address any rain-related issues that may arise.

Published - May 31, 2025 03:48 pm IST