The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has announced that it has reclaimed 923.14 acres of government land, lakes, parks, roads, and other public assets over the past year, valued at approximately ₹45,000-₹50,000 crore. The agency is led by Commissioner A. V. Ranganath.
What HYDRAA Did
- Since the agency was formed in July 2024, HYDRAA has carried out 96 drives targeting encroachments. In total, 581 encroachers have been removed from government land and public assets.
- The reclaimed land includes hundreds of acres across roads, parks, nalas (stormwater drains), lakes, and other open spaces.
- Specific figures include reclaiming lake areas, expanding public park space, and protecting water channels.
Key Results & Projects
- HYDRAA has increased the area of six restored lakes from 105 acres to 180 acres, recovering about 75 acres from encroachment.
- Environmental and flood control measures have been enhanced by cleaning catch pits (now numbering over 24,000), removing over 3,193 nala encroachments, and removing silt (2,000+ truckloads) during the recent monsoon season.
- An example of practical impact: desilting near the Ameerpet Metro station prevented waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
Why This Is Important
- These efforts are part of a larger strategy to protect Hyderabad’s environment and public assets. Restoring lakes and open spaces reduces flood risk and improves drainage in flood prone areas.
- The value cited (₹45,000-₹50,000 crore) reflects not just the land value but also the public cost of ignoring encroachments (maintenance, disaster relief, infrastructure damage).
- The actions signal stronger enforcement of laws on public land, parks, lakes and water bodies, often threatened by encroachment from private individuals or developers.
What Comes Next
- HYDRAA plans to continue its recovery drives through 2025-26, including more lake restorations, better monitoring (using drones and CCTV), and stricter protection of government lands.
- Authorities have announced measures for public participation allowing complaints through grievance platforms, mapping vulnerable water bodies, and ensuring prompt response.
- There will also be focus on preserving the reclaimed land, fencing areas, and engaging local communities so that encroachment cannot happen again.
