From Criticism to Praise: Hydraa Achieves Major Success in Hyderabad
Once the subject of severe criticism and allegations, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (Hydraa) is now receiving widespread appreciation from the public. Within just 14 months, the agency reclaimed approximately 923 acres of government land valued at around ₹50,000 crore from illegal encroachers, demonstrating its effectiveness. Those who initially opposed Hydraa are now applauding its performance.
After the Congress government came to power, Hydraa was established with the objective of protecting government lands, lakes, and drainage channels in Hyderabad. IPS officer Ranganath was appointed as its Commissioner, and the agency began taking strict action against encroachments. Although Hydraa initially faced strong resistance, with critics alleging that it was demolishing houses of the poor, it continued its work undeterred. The removal of illegal structures on lakes, parks, and drainage channels has started yielding visible results.
One notable example of Hydraa’s success is the restoration of Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet. Once completely lost to encroachments, the lake was revived by Hydraa. With an investment of over ₹7 crore, the restoration was completed in just five months, transforming the area into a scenic waterbody. Today, the lake brims with water and provides joy to local residents.
In the past, even minor rainfall would submerge Hyderabad’s low-lying areas. However, after Hydraa cleared encroachments on drainage channels and desilted them, the city witnessed a significant reduction in flooding this year despite heavy rains. Traffic disruptions have also come under better control. Witnessing these changes firsthand, city residents are expressing heartfelt appreciation for Hydraa’s services.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy described Hydraa as a system that functions beyond politics. He emphasized that it was established with the aim of providing a clean and sustainable Hyderabad for future generations. At present, not only the residents of Hyderabad but also people from other districts of the state are demanding the creation of similar agencies in their regions to safeguard lakes and government lands.
After the Congress government came to power, Hydraa was established with the objective of protecting government lands, lakes, and drainage channels in Hyderabad. IPS officer Ranganath was appointed as its Commissioner, and the agency began taking strict action against encroachments. Although Hydraa initially faced strong resistance, with critics alleging that it was demolishing houses of the poor, it continued its work undeterred. The removal of illegal structures on lakes, parks, and drainage channels has started yielding visible results.
One notable example of Hydraa’s success is the restoration of Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet. Once completely lost to encroachments, the lake was revived by Hydraa. With an investment of over ₹7 crore, the restoration was completed in just five months, transforming the area into a scenic waterbody. Today, the lake brims with water and provides joy to local residents.
In the past, even minor rainfall would submerge Hyderabad’s low-lying areas. However, after Hydraa cleared encroachments on drainage channels and desilted them, the city witnessed a significant reduction in flooding this year despite heavy rains. Traffic disruptions have also come under better control. Witnessing these changes firsthand, city residents are expressing heartfelt appreciation for Hydraa’s services.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy described Hydraa as a system that functions beyond politics. He emphasized that it was established with the aim of providing a clean and sustainable Hyderabad for future generations. At present, not only the residents of Hyderabad but also people from other districts of the state are demanding the creation of similar agencies in their regions to safeguard lakes and government lands.