Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has recommended expanding the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) department to oversee an area encompassing 2,000 square kilometers up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Earlier known as the Disaster Management department, it was renamed to HYDRA on July 1.
At a meeting on Friday, July 12, Revanth Reddy suggested developing a coordination mechanism between GHMC, Water Board, Vigilance, Traffic, Energy wing and Police departments to enforce HYDRA more effectively. The existing Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management Department will be reorganized accordingly, said a statement from his office.
Revanth Reddy also ordered the officials to prepare clear proposals about the requirement of staff at different levels and the deputation from other wings to work in HYDRA.
The Telangana chief minister suggested that HYDRA should be entrusted with the responsibility of the management of the area in the limits of 2,000 square km up to ORR ( Outer Ring Road) and finalize its geographical limits on the lines of existing zones in the city for the convenience of the work. “The draft proposal for HYDRA should be prepared before the start of the Assembly session and consider the allocation of special funds , if necessary for it,” stated the release.
Along with disaster management, HYDRA should be entrusted with the main responsibilities of protection of government properties, curb the encroachment of ponds and nalas, removal of encroachments, illegal constructions and structures, removal of illegal hoardings and advertisements , traffic management, drinking water and electricity supply, stated Revanth Reddy.
“The CM also alerted the officials of HMDA, Water Board, Disaster Management and Municipal Administration to maintain regular coordination among themselves. The responsibility of removal of unauthorized hoardings and flexies under the jurisdiction of GHMC and collection of penalties will be transferred to HYDRA in the new system. The officials are advised to conduct a study to bring stringent rules to curb the encroachment of Nalas, Ponds and government lands,” said the release from Revanth Reddy’s office.
Under the proposed changes, powers to remove unauthorized hoardings and collect penalties would be transferred from GHMC to HYDRA Additionally, there are plans to align police station and assembly constituency limits within the same zone for streamlined administrative efficiency.
A comprehensive study is scheduled to be conducted to implement stricter measures against encroachments on nalas (drainage channels), ponds, and government lands. The chief minister emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among HMDA, Water Works, Disaster Management, and Municipal departments regularly.
In a previous meeting, Revanth Reddy also ordered to increase the scope of the Disaster Management Department up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) area with the increasing geographical area of Hyderabad as a city. The chief minister suggested making necessary changes to extend the services of the Disaster Management department to GHMC, 27 Municipalities, Corporations and 33 Gram Panchayats, said the CMO statement.
He underscored the importance of strengthening HYDRA, suggesting potential special allocations to bolster its capabilities. He emphasized the formulation of detailed modalities and guidelines ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.
Earlier, on July 1, Revanth Reddy decided to entrust more responsibilities to the disaster management department under the Greater Hyderabad limits. The department will also be rechristened as Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA).
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