HYDRAA Emerges as Global Urban Resilience Model, Wins Praise at BRICS Summit
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has protected 2,182 acres of public land worth over ₹80,000 crore. It has also restored key lakes and drainage channels to reduce urban flooding. These efforts drew praise from delegates at the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Summit in Puri, Odisha.
Speaking at the summit, organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath outlined Telangana’s urban disaster-management efforts. He said the agency focuses on preventing disasters rather than responding after they happen.
“Today’s preparedness is tomorrow’s safety,” Ranganath said. He noted that restoring lakes and natural drainage systems is central to HYDRAA’s flood-prevention strategy.
Lake restoration drives flood prevention
Ranganath said HYDRAA is restoring lakes and feeder channels on a large scale. The goal is to ensure rainwater flows naturally into water bodies instead of flooding residential areas.
So far, six lakes have been restored. Work is underway on 18 more. The agency is also reviving drainage channels that carry floodwater into lakes. These steps help reduce flood risks during heavy rains.
Encroachment removal protects public assets
Removing encroachments is another key focus area. HYDRAA has cleared illegal occupations from lakes, nalas, parks, public utility lands and government properties.
Since its formation nearly two years ago, the agency has safeguarded 2,182 acres of public land. The recovered land is valued at about $9.48 billion, or more than ₹80,000 crore.
Ranganath said protecting public land helps preserve drainage networks and critical infrastructure.
Hyderabad model gains global attention
Delegates from several countries and Indian states showed interest in HYDRAA’s work. Through videos and presentations, Ranganath highlighted improvements in flood-prone areas such as Patny, Ameerpet and Sriram Nagar.
The presentation also showcased the restoration of Bathukamma Kunta and Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake. It demonstrated how scientific restoration and encroachment removal can improve urban resilience.
Several delegates said HYDRAA’s approach could serve as a model for other cities facing climate and urbanisation challenges.
‘Every city needs a HYDRAA’
Representatives from South Africa, Indonesia and other regions praised Telangana’s approach to disaster-risk reduction and environmental protection.
They noted that many cities continue to lose lakes and water bodies to encroachments, making them more vulnerable to floods. They said restoring such water bodies after decades of neglect is difficult, making Hyderabad’s achievements noteworthy.
Many delegates also praised the Telangana government for creating HYDRAA as a dedicated agency for urban resilience and environmental conservation.
Prevention before response
Ranganath stressed that cities should identify flood-prone roads and neighbourhoods before the monsoon. He said corrective measures must be taken in advance.
HYDRAA uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and field surveys to map vulnerable areas. The agency also clears blocked drains, restores lake storage capacity and prevents fresh encroachments.
He highlighted the need for coordination among municipal authorities, traffic police, irrigation officials and electricity departments. Such cooperation helps ensure a quick response during extreme weather events.
Ranganath said HYDRAA has completed monsoon preparedness reviews and set up emergency response systems. Current measures include desilting drains, inspecting lake inlets and outlets, and strengthening flood-response teams.
With climate change and rapid urbanisation increasing flood risks, Ranganath said Hyderabad’s experience shows the value of proactive planning. Environmental restoration and strong institutional coordination can help cities become more resilient.
