HCSTSI urges immediate monsoon preparedness to prevent urban flooding

HYDERABAD, Jul 02 (APP): Acting president, Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Ahmed Idrees Chohan on Thursday said that in view of the announcement issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding the onset of monsoon rains, immediate, comprehensive and coordinated safety measures were the need of the hour.

Chohan said that Hyderabad has been facing severe problems during monsoon rains for the past several years due to lack of timely drainage of rainwater. He added that water remained stagnant in industrial areas, commercial centers and residential areas which create problems for business activities, industrial production and disrupt the supply chains causing huge losses, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Ahmed Idrees in view of these concerns, the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry has sent a detailed letter to the Chief Secretary Sindh, requesting him to issue immediate instructions to the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation and other relevant institutions so that all pumping stations, pumping machinery, generators, electrical systems and other emergency equipment were made fully functional.

Similarly, the cleaning and desilting of storm drains, sewer lines, large drains, drainage wells, collection wells and other related structures should be completed on an emergency basis to be restored to the original capacity and rainwater drainage could be utilized effectively.

The Acting President HCSTSI appealed to the Chief Secretary Sindh to prioritize this matter on an emergency basis, monitor the performance of the relevant departments and issue orders to all institutions for timely, effective and actionable measures. He assured that the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry would continue to fully cooperate with the government and relevant institutions in every positive step for the public interest, industry, trade and civil security.