HYDERABAD, July 29: In view of forecast for heavy rains, the district government has declared an emergency in the Hyderabad district, cancelling leave of employees of the departments concerned.

This decision was taken at a meeting at the Zila Nazim’s secretariat here late on Thursday night. Hyderabad DCO Mr Mohammad Hussain Syed, who presided over the meeting, said the district government had drawn a comprehensive contingency plan for the monsoon season.

Referring to the digging on many roads for laying sewerage lines in the three talukas of the city which were a threat to the people during rains, he directed the EDO of works and services to fill the ditches on the roads and put up warning signs.

The DCO also directed the officials that all manholes should be properly covered. He said that if an accident occurred, the municipal officer concerned would be held responsible.

He asked the EDO of education to keep designated school buildings ready for setting up relief camps. He entrusted the EDO of CDD with the task of arranging food for displaced persons.

He asked Hesco administration to ensure all electric connections were repaired and pumping stations were supplied uninterrupted electricity to drain out rainwater.

The DCO urged the irrigation department to reduce water level in Pinyari canal.

He asked the managing director of Wasa to ensure that pumping motors and pumping stations worked properly. The HDA was asked to intimate the people of Pakka Qilla to vacate their houses in an emergency.