HYDRAA: Achievements in 2024 and Roadmap for 2025

365Telugu.com online news, December 28th, 2024: HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Authority) has been making significant strides in disaster management, urbanization efforts, and the protection of community assets across the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region.

In 2024, HYDRAA has been actively working to address various urban challenges, including the safeguarding of parks, lakes, government lands, and roads, particularly in areas up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). With a clear roadmap for 2025, the authority is poised to expand its scope of operations, enhance its disaster response capabilities, and continue its efforts in asset protection, lake rejuvenation, and environmental sustainability.

Urbanization along ORR:

• The Hyderabad Metropolitan Region (up to the Outer Ring Road or ORR) currently accounts for around 35% of the state’s population, occupying less than 2% of the state’s geographical area.
• This proportion is projected to increase to 50% by 2050.

About HYDRAA:

HYDRAA was established to address disaster management and protect community assets, including water bodies, government lands, parks, open spaces, roads, and other resources within the ORR area, covering Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy, and Sangareddy districts.

• The HYDRAA Governing Body is headed by the Chief Minister, with key members including various ministers and the mayor.
• The Commissioner of HYDRAA also serves as the head of the Lakes Protection Committee.
• HYDRAA has a dedicated budget and staff allocated for its operations.

Delegation of Powers to HYDRAA:

Several powers have been delegated to HYDRAA under various acts, including:

1. GHMC Act – GOMS 191 (Dt: 16.10.2024) / Ordinance No. 04 (Dt: 03.10.2024) – Under Section 374 B
2. Municipalities Act 2019 – GOMS No. 130 (Dt: 19.09.2024) / Gazette Notification 273-A (Dt: 19.09.2024) – Sections 178(2), 181(1), 186(1) & (2), 263
3. HMDA Act 2008 – GOMS No. 131 (Dt: 19.09.2024) / Gazette Notification 273-A (Dt: 19.09.2024) – HYDRAA Commissioner nominated as Executive Committee member of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority and Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority.
4. WALTA Act 2002 – GOMS No. 63 (Dt: 25.09.2024) – Sections 23(1) & (2)
5. HMWS&SB Act – Memo No. 10982/GHMC.I/2024 (Dt: 19.09.2024) – Section 81
6. Telangana Irrigation Act 1357F – Proposal submitted through Memo No. 7169/WRG-GRC/A2/2024 (Dt: 05.09.2024) – Sections 37, 49, 50, 51 & 52

HYDRAA Achievements:

• Creation of a New Police Station: A new HYDRAA police station is under consideration, expected to be established in the coming month.
• Asset Protection and Encroachment Removal: HYDRAA has taken action on 8 parks, 12 lakes, and 4 government lands, reclaiming approximately 200 acres of land.
• FTL Demarcation and Nala Boundaries: Work is underway to fix Full Tank Levels (FTL) for lakes and demarcate the boundaries of Nalas (3rd and 4th order).
• Survey of Water Bodies: 1,025 water bodies have been identified through various surveys, including Survey of India Toposheets, cadastral maps, satellite images, and aerial imagery.
• Complaints Resolution: HYDRAA has resolved over 5,800 complaints from the public regarding lake areas, encroachments, and the disappearance of lakes using technology such as satellite and drone images.
• Identification of Encroachments: The identification of illegal structures, dumping, and landfilling is being carried out using satellite and drone technologies.

Lake Rejuvenation Efforts:

• HYDRAA is working on the rejuvenation of 12 lakes, following demolitions and other interventions. A proposal for the rejuvenation has been submitted for government approval.
• Lakes Being Rejuvenated:
  1. Sunnam Cheruvu (Guttalabegumpet)
  2. Errakunta (Bachupally)
  3. Thammidikunta (Madhapur)
  4. Erla Cheruvu (Chandanagar)
  5. Nala Cheyvu (Kukatpally)
  6. Nalla Cheruvu (Uppal)
  7. Bathukammakunta (Amberpet)
  8. Thoutanikunta (Khajaguda)
  9. Bumrakh Dowla Lake (Rajendranagar)
  10. Appa Cheruvu (Gaganpahad)
  11. Errakunta (Tarnaka)
  12. Katwa Cheruvu (Dundigal)

Disaster Response:

• HYDRAA currently operates with 30 Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams, which will increase to 72 teams by January 2025, extending operations to the ORR.
• In response to 4,684 complaints, including 3,428 tree falls, 912 water stagnations, 199 rescue calls, and 133 fire accidents, HYDRAA has been instrumental in disaster management.
• HYDRAA has requested the Director General of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to establish an additional Doppler Weather Radar to ensure accurate weather forecasts.

HYDRAA Roadmap for 2025:

• Weather Stations Expansion: A proposal to increase the number of Automatic Weather Stations will be taken to the government to enhance weather prediction accuracy.
• Technical Wing and Alerts: HYDRAA plans to create a technical wing comprising scientists to evaluate weather data and issue public alerts.
• HYDRAA FM Channel: Exploring the creation of an FM channel dedicated to weather forecasts and alerts.
• Public Awareness: Efforts will focus on raising awareness about FTL/Buffer zones, illegal encroachments, and due diligence in property purchases.
• Reorientation of Real Estate Growth: Plans include redefining real estate growth strategies in Hyderabad while addressing encroachments and illegal constructions.
• Training DRF Personnel: Over 100 DRF personnel have been trained and deployed for traffic duties in the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Commissionerates.

Public Information on Property Purchases:

• Due Diligence Guidelines:
  • Ensure properties are properly notarized and registered.
  • Avoid unauthorized constructions or properties without proper documentation.
• Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs): RWAs are encouraged to represent illegal occupation of parks, roads, open spaces, and unauthorized constructions in their areas.
• Demolition of Unauthorized Structures: Sheds and other structures built within FTL areas are unauthorized and will be demolished as part of HYDRAA’s efforts to protect community assets.

For more details, HYDRAA urges citizens to stay informed and participate in safeguarding the environment and community resources in Hyderabad.