The Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has achieved remarkable progress in its mission to protect the city’s natural resources and oversee urban development. Commissioner AV Ranganath, in the agency’s annual report, revealed that HYDRAA successfully addressed over 5,800 public complaints this year. Most of these complaints were related to illegal structures and encroachments in municipal areas. Additionally, the agency restored 12 lakes and reclaimed 200 acres of land as part of its conservation efforts.
Protecting Parks, Lakes, and Public Lands
HYDRAA, established in July 2024, has been instrumental in safeguarding critical urban spaces. It has protected eight lakes, 12 parks, and four government-owned lands from encroachment. The agency uses advanced technology, such as satellite imagery, drones, and CCTV surveillance, to monitor these areas. This tech-driven approach has allowed HYDRAA to identify and track illegal activities, including unauthorized construction and landfilling, with exceptional accuracy.
Public Engagement and Technology
The agency has been actively addressing public concerns, particularly those involving changes to lakes and the disappearance of water bodies. Using tools like cadastral maps, toposheets, and high-resolution satellite imagery, HYDRAA has resolved numerous complaints. Further, Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been empowered to report illegal constructions in their neighborhoods, especially around Full Tank Level (FTL) areas. Unauthorized structures in these zones risk demolition under HYDRAA’s strict measures.
Future Goals and Expansion
Currently, HYDRAA’s jurisdiction spans 2,000 square kilometers, covering 35% of Telangana’s population. With urbanization on the rise, the agency plans to expand its reach to 50% of the state by 2050. To strengthen its operations, HYDRAA is setting up a new police station and increasing the number of its Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams from 30 to 72 by early 2025.
Lake Rejuvenation and Land Reclamation
As part of its environmental efforts, HYDRAA has rejuvenated 12 lakes, including Sunnam Cheruvu, Errakunta, and Thammidikunta. These projects have helped improve groundwater levels in Hyderabad. The agency has also reclaimed 200 acres of land, raising public awareness about illegal constructions in buffer zones and FTL areas. To further its mission, HYDRAA is working to establish clear FTL boundaries for lakes and mark nala (drain) boundaries using detailed satellite images, some dating back to 2000.
Disaster Response and Weather Monitoring
HYDRAA’s Disaster Response Force has been crucial in managing emergencies such as tree falls, water stagnation, fire incidents, and rescue operations. In 2024 alone, DRF teams resolved 4,684 complaints, including 3,428 incidents of tree falls and 199 rescue calls. To improve weather forecasting, HYDRAA has requested a second Doppler Weather Radar for Hyderabad from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The agency is also planning to launch an FM channel to provide real-time weather updates to the public.
Public Awareness and Sustainable Growth
This year, HYDRAA stepped up efforts to educate the public about encroachments, the importance of protecting water bodies, and adherence to FTL boundaries. By integrating environmental considerations into urban planning, the agency is redefining real estate development in Hyderabad. With support from stakeholders like revenue and survey departments, as well as advancements in technology, HYDRAA aims to ensure sustainable development while protecting the city’s natural resources for future generations.
