The Malkajgiri traffic police on Tuesday conducted monsoon awareness and mock drills at key waterlogging points to test inter-departmental coordination and improve response mechanisms in the eventuality of heavy rainfall.

Officials said the mock drills were conducted at identified major and minor waterlogging points across all 11 traffic police station limits. Each station carried out three drills within its jurisdiction to assess preparedness and streamline coordinated response during monsoon-related disruptions.

The exercise saw the participation of multiple departments, including traffic and law and order police, GHMC, HYDRAA, DRF, electricity and sewerage authorities, all working in coordination to simulate real-time flood response scenarios.

During the drills, teams implemented traffic diversion plans, placed barricades and warning signages, regulated vehicular movement in inundated stretches, and coordinated emergency response measures for stranded commuters and vehicles. Control rooms and command centres monitored the operations and guided field units throughout the exercise.

Officials said the drills were aimed at assessing response time, improving resource mobilisation and strengthening communication between departments during extreme weather events. Standard operating procedures were also reiterated to personnel to ensure uniform response during emergencies.

Police said the exercise demonstrated the preparedness of all agencies involved in managing monsoon-related disruptions and highlighted the importance of coordinated action to ensure commuter safety and minimise traffic congestion.

The police urged citizens to cooperate with traffic personnel during heavy rains and follow official advisories issued from time to time.

Malkajgiri Traffic Police booked 516 cases and imposed fines totalling ₹74,900 during a special enforcement drive against footpath encroachments and carriageway obstructions on Wednesday.

The drive was carried out across Trimulgherry and Malkajgiri divisions in coordination with civic authorities.

Officials said the exercise targeted unauthorised occupation of footpaths by vendors, illegal parking, and other obstructions on the carriageway that disrupt pedestrian movement and traffic flow. During the drive, encroachments were cleared to restore access for pedestrians and ease congestion on busy stretches.

Police noted that such obstructions often force pedestrians onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly during peak hours. Strict action was taken against violators in accordance with the law.

Authorities have warned vendors, shopkeepers and the public against encroaching on footpaths or obstructing roads, stating that violations will invite stringent penalties, including removal of encroachments.

Similar drives will continue to be conducted regularly as part of efforts to improve pedestrian safety and ensure smoother traffic movement.