HYDRAA report: Resolved 5,800 encroachment complaints, protected 12 lakes in 2024
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Management Authority (HYDRAA) has made significant progress in 2024, addressing over 5,800 complaints related to the encroachment and disappearance of lakes. These complaints highlight the growing concerns about urbanization and environmental management within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region (HMR).
According to HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, the authority is not only addressing these complaints but has also identified and is actively working to protect 1,025 water bodies in the city. HYDRAA is focused on marking the Full Tank Level (FTL) boundaries for lakes and mapping the boundaries of nalas. To accomplish this, the authority is using advanced technology, including satellite imagery, drones, and aerial surveys.
HYDRAA has also made strides in protecting public assets, successfully acting on encroachments in 8 parks, 12 lakes, and four government lands. As a result, about 200 acres of land have been reclaimed.
The authorities are focusing on rejuvenating 12 lakes that have been subjected to demolitions in order to remove encroachments. These lakes, which include Sunnam Cheruvu in Guttalabegumpet, Errakunta in Bachupally, and Thammidikunta in Madhapur, are scheduled to be restored as part of an initiative aimed at improving groundwater levels and enhancing ecological balance. The governmentβs approval for the rejuvenation proposals is currently pending.
On the disaster response front, HYDRAA currently operates 30 Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams, which have responded to more than 4,684 emergency calls this year. These include 3,428 tree falls, 912 water stagnation, 199 rescue calls, and 133 fire incidents. HYDRAA plans to expand its DRF teams to 72 by January 2025 to cover the entire ORR region.
Additionally, HYDRAA is working to ensure that further encroachments are prevented, aiming to redefine and reorient real estate growth in the city in a sustainable manner.
As part of its disaster management efforts, HYDRAA trained and deployed around 100 DRF personnel for traffic duties in the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Commissionerates, highlighting its role in broader public safety initiatives.
HYDRAA has announced its roadmap for 2025, which includes plans to expand the network of Automatic Weather Stations to improve the accuracy of weather predictions. The authority will also set up a technical division focused on monitoring weather conditions and issuing alerts. In addition, there are discussions underway to launch an FM radio channel that will provide real-time weather updates and emergency alerts to the public.
In 2025, public awareness will be a key focus for HYDRAA. The authority plans to launch campaigns to educate residents on how to protect water bodies and prevent encroachments. Additionally, Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) can represent local communities in addressing illegal occupations of parks and other public spaces.
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Hyderabad: βNo prior notices will be issued, nor is it required for illegal constructions within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits,β said Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agencyβ¦ pic.twitter.com/Kmrdw8NLFM
β Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) December 28, 2024
