In a significant move to protect Telangana’s natural resources and curb illegal activities, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has initiated an expansion plan for the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority (HYDRAA). Originally designed to operate within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, HYDRAA’s jurisdiction is now set to extend beyond Hyderabad, reaching district levels across the state. This expansion aims to combat land grabbing and restore water bodies to their full tank levels (FTL), ensuring sustainable urban development.
HYDRAA’s Origin and Initial Mandate
HYDRAA was established to address the rampant encroachment of water bodies and illegal land occupation within Hyderabad. The authority’s initial jurisdiction spanned 2,000 square kilometers, covering areas up to the Outer Ring Road. The primary goal was to reclaim encroached lands and restore water bodies, which are vital for maintaining the ecological balance and preventing urban flooding.
The Need for Expansion: Extending HYDRAA’s Reach
The state government’s decision to extend HYDRAA’s jurisdiction to the district level comes in response to increasing reports of encroachments beyond Hyderabad. The encroachment of lakes and other water bodies in districts poses a significant threat to the environment and local communities. The government recognizes the need for a broader scope of action to tackle these issues effectively.
| ADILABAD Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| BHADRADRI KOTHAGUDEM Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| HYDERABAD Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| JAGTIAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| JANGAON Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| JAYASHANKAR BHUPALPALLY Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| JOGULAMBA GADWAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| KAMAREDDY Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| KARIMNAGAR Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| KHAMMAM Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| KUMURAM BHEEM Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MAHABUBABAD Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MAHABUBNAGAR Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MANCHERIAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MEDAK Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MEDCHAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| MULUGU Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| NAGARKURNOOL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| NALGONDA Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| NARAYANPET Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| NIRMAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| NIZAMABAD Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| PEDDAPALLI Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| RAJANNA SIRCILLA Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| RANGAREDDY Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| SANGAREDDY Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| SIDDIPET Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| SURYAPET Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| VIKARABAD Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| WANAPARTHY Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| WARANGAL RURAL Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| WARANGAL URBAN Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
| YADADRI BHUVANAGIRI Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority |
CM Revanth Reddy’s Visit to Flood-Affected Khammam
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited Khammam, one of the districts severely impacted by recent heavy rains and flooding. During his visit, he addressed the media, highlighting the consequences of unchecked development and illegal constructions. Reddy pointed out that the flooding situation in Khammam could have been mitigated if preventive measures had been implemented earlier, particularly concerning illegal encroachments.
Targeting Illegal Structures and Land Grabbers
In his address, CM Revanth Reddy criticized the previous administration for allowing illegal structures to proliferate, particularly those built by former minister Puvvada in Khammam. He questioned whether senior BRS leader T Harish Rao would support the demolition of these encroachments to protect the city’s lakes. Reddy emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for such illegal activities, regardless of their political affiliations.
Expanding HYDRAA’s Mandate: A Statewide Solution
The state government is now considering extending HYDRAA’s authority across Telangana. This expansion would empower the government to address encroachments in districts beyond Hyderabad, focusing on the removal of illegal constructions around lakes and other water bodies. The move is part of a broader strategy to preserve Telangana’s natural resources and prevent future environmental disasters.
The Importance of Protecting Water Bodies
Water bodies are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and providing water resources for communities. The encroachment of these areas not only disrupts local ecosystems but also exacerbates flooding and other environmental issues. By expanding HYDRAA’s jurisdiction, the government aims to restore these vital resources, ensuring their protection for future generations.
Public Support and Political Will
The success of HYDRAA’s expansion depends on both public support and strong political will. CM Revanth Reddy’s initiative has garnered attention for its bold approach to tackling encroachments. However, its effectiveness will rely on the cooperation of local authorities and communities, as well as the political resolve to confront powerful interests involved in land grabbing.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability in Telangana
CM Revanth Reddy’s decision to expand HYDRAA marks a significant step towards greater accountability and environmental protection in Telangana. By extending the authority’s reach to the district level, the government is sending a clear message that illegal encroachments will not be tolerated. This initiative not only aims to protect the state’s water bodies but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and equitable approach to urban development across Telangana. As the state government moves forward with this plan, the people of Telangana can hope for a future where natural resources are preserved, and the law is upheld against those who seek to exploit them.
