Hyderabad, Aug. 13 -- With heavy rains expected in some of Telangana's districts in the next 24 hours, irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday, August 13, authorised department engineers to bypass red tape and use funds instantly for flood-related works. He also instructed top officials to remain physically present at their assigned project sites for the next 72 hours in anticipation of any situation that could arise due to rains.

At a high-level meeting with officials, the Telangana irrigation minister also asked all department officers in Telangana to stay at their stations, maintain round-the-clock vigil at dams, reservoirs, canals, and tanks, and act immediately to prevent breaches as the state braces for days of heavy t...