We have been hearing about HYDRA recently and with the most recent activities happening around, especially ongoing news of the demolishing of structures, and it has been the talk of the town.
But do you know what HYDRA is? When was it formed? What are the authorities of the newly formed framework in HYDRA?
Let us explore the powers of HYDRA in safeguarding Hyderabad’s urban areas.
What is HYDRA?
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) is an integrated body created by the government of Telangana and began operations in 2020. To protect critical assets from natural and man-made disasters, this government agency was formed.
It is crucial for disaster management in Telangana core urban region (TCUR) during floods, fires, and industrial accidents. It has added a new Framework to protect lakes, parks, Nalas, and canals within GHMC limits in July 2024.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has proposed this new law within HYDRA and has ordered officials to constitute it, aiming to extend the services to the citizens so the expansion of Hyderabad is faster.
The CM has decided to introduce HYDRA as per the National Disaster Management Act. Also, the CM has asked officials to reorganize the GHMC, water boards, Vigilance, Traffic, Energy Wing, and Police to enforce it more effectively and upgrade the personnel from 800 to 2200.
Who is the Leading New Authority of HYDRA?
This new reorganized framework is led by GHMC’s commissioner of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM), A.V. Ranganath. It operates under the supervision of the principal secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD), Dana Kishore.
Under the leadership of A.V. Ranganath, they have successfully reclaimed over 67.48 acres of land and removed illegal constructions as of 11 September 2024.
What is FULL TANK LEVEL (FTL) & BUFFER ZONE?
From the perspective of disaster management in GHMC limits FULL TANK LEVEL (FTL) and BUFFER ZONES play a crucial role in HYDRA.
FTL refers to the maximum level of water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs can hold without overflowing. And it is crucial for urban planning and disaster management, so it is helping to prevent illegal construction around the water bodies’ boundaries which might lead to floods.
Buffer zones refer to restricted natural water bodies such as rivers and lakes that are meant to protect the barriers. These areas are the no-building zone and cover an area of about 30 meters from the edge of FTL for lakes and rivers and 9 to 15 meters for the buffer zone which includes the small water bodies.
These Buffer zones act as the barrier to prevent flooding and water logging.
HYDRA along with government bodies like GHMC and HMDA ensures there is no illegal construction within FTL and buffer zones. This new fit-in framework helps to manage urban flooding risks. The buffer zones and FTL help reduce flood damages and safeguard critical infrastructure at risk from flooding.
FTL and Buffer zones are two main components of urban planning and disaster management, so in Hyderabad HYDRA is responsible for preventing it.
Responsibilities of HYDRA
The key responsibility of HYDRA is to reclaim the illegally occupied properties of the Government, protect the water bodies, rescue, and relief, and prepare the affected areas during emergencies.
And taking action against illegally constructed structures and maintaining the urban order. HYDRA coordinates with HMDA and GHMC to ensure sustainable development in Telanagna’s Core Urban Region(TCUR).
HYDRA Recent Activities in HYDERABAD
GHMC along with HYDRA has demolished many structures across Hyderabad and restored natural drainage systems. Some key actions include areas like Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Hussain Sagar Lake, Lotus Pond Park, etc.
In HYDERABAD HYDRA can contribute to the growth of the real estate sector by ensuring urban development.
Below are a few ways that can positively impact Real Estate because of HYDRA:
- Safety and Risk Management
- Increase in Property Value
- Adequately Urban Planning
- Legal and Safety Standards
- Improved Infrastructure Standards
- Improved Traffic Management
Conclusion
The formation of HYDRA marks significance for managing and protecting the Hyderabad Real Estate Landscape. And is responsible for the faster urban development in Telangana core urban region (TCUR). It was formed to create more efficient disaster management for Hyderabad.