HYDRA in Telangana: Revolutionizing Disaster Management and Asset Protection

Introduction:

HYDRA IN TELANGANA stands for Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency. This government body in Hyderabad was established to address multiple critical urban challenges, including the protection of government lands from illegal occupation, safeguarding the city’s ponds, and managing human and urban disasters.

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HYDRA is composed of three main wings:

Asset Protection Wing:

Focuses on protecting government and public assets such as parks, lakes, roads, and public spaces from encroachments.

Disaster Management Wing:

Handles disaster response and relief operations, coordinating with state and national agencies for effective disaster management.

Logistics Support Wing:

Provides logistical support, including managing disaster response information systems across the Telangana core urban region.

HYDRA was conceptualized and implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to enhance the city’s infrastructure and urban management, particularly in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and surrounding areas up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

HYDRA Team:

The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) will be led by a DIG-rank officer, with SP-rank officials serving as additional directors. These leaders will be supported by specialized teams from the GHMC, HMDA, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), city traffic police, and other pertinent departments. HYDRA’s responsibilities extend beyond disaster response; the agency will play a vital role in safeguarding lakes, ponds, water bodies, and government lands. Additionally, HYDRA will address emergencies related to drinking water pipelines, drainage systems, power distribution lines, and traffic management, ensuring comprehensive urban oversight.

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Who Leads the HYDRA?

The Commissioner of HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency) is A.V. Ranganath. He is a senior IPS officer who leads the agency and oversees its operations, including the reclamation of illegally occupied government lands and the protection of the city’s ponds. Ranganath plays a key role in ensuring that HYDRA’s mission is effectively carried out, often working in coordination with various state and national agencies to address urban challenges in Hyderabad.

HYDRA Responsibilities:

The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) has several key responsibilities aimed at safeguarding the city and its resources. These include:

1. Reclaiming Illegally Occupied Government Lands

• HYDRA is tasked with identifying and reclaiming government lands that have been illegally encroached upon. This includes clearing unauthorized structures and taking legal action against the encroachers.

2. Protecting City Ponds and Water Bodies

• The agency works to protect and restore Hyderabad’s ponds, lakes, and other water bodies by removing encroachments and preventing illegal constructions that could harm these natural resources.

3. Disaster Management and Response

• HYDRA is responsible for preparing for and responding to urban disasters, including natural calamities and man-made incidents. This involves coordination with state and national disaster management agencies and technical organizations like the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA).

4. Asset Protection

• The agency ensures the protection of assets belonging to local bodies and the government, such as parks, open spaces, playgrounds, lakes, roads, and footpaths. HYDRA also inspects private premises to enforce building and town planning regulations.

5. Enforcement Against Illegal Activities

• HYDRA IN TELANGANA takes penal action against violations related to illegal constructions, advertisements, and encroachments. This includes removing unauthorized hoardings and flexes within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.

6. Urban Planning and Coordination

• The agency plays a role in urban planning by working with various government departments, including the GHMC, Water Board, Traffic Police, and others, to ensure that urban development is sustainable and legally compliant.

7. Logistical Support

• HYDRA provides logistical support for disaster management operations and coordinates the Disaster Response Information System for the Telangana core urban region.

8. Restoration of Historical Buildings

• The agency is also involved in the restoration and preservation of historical buildings and structures within the city, ensuring that these sites are maintained and protected from damage or encroachment.

HYDRA Success in Land Reclamation and Pond Clearance:

HYDRA IN TELANGANA, the Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency has reclaimed more than 100 acres of government land that had been illegally occupied. The agency has also cleared illegal structures from around 20 city ponds since its formation. The exact amount of remaining illegally occupied land is not specified, but HYDRA continues to identify and reclaim such lands across Hyderabad.

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Finalizing HYDRA:

Chief Minister Sri A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to finalize the operational details for the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) before the upcoming Assembly session. Established under the National Disaster Management Act, HYDRA is tasked with enhancing the protection of government lands, ponds, and nalas within GHMC limits.

To ensure effective execution, the CM has recommended establishing a coordination mechanism that includes the GHMC, Water Board, Vigilance, Traffic, Energy, and Police departments. The existing Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management Department will be reorganized to align with HYDRA’s objectives.

Additionally, CM Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to prepare comprehensive proposals for staffing and integration of personnel from various departments into HYDRA. Special funds will be allocated to support these initiatives. The CM has also proposed that HYDRA manage an area extending up to 2,000 square km, including the Outer Ring Road (ORR), and finalize its geographical boundaries based on existing city zones. The draft proposal for HYDRA should be completed before the Assembly session, with consideration for special funding as needed.

Conclusion:

HYDRA IN TELANGANA the Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency, represents a significant advancement in urban management and disaster response for the city of Hyderabad. With its comprehensive structure and dedicated wings, HYDRA is poised to address critical issues such as illegal land encroachments, protection of water bodies, and effective disaster management. Under the leadership of A.V. Ranganath and with the backing of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, HYDRA is set to enhance urban safety and infrastructure. The agency’s efforts in reclaiming land and clearing ponds reflect its commitment to safeguarding public assets and improving urban resilience. As HYDRA finalizes its operational modalities and expands its coordination with various departments, it will play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure and well-managed Hyderabad.

Source: Images used in this content were sourced from

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