Hyderabads HYDRAA launches Dosthi with Basti for flood-free city
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Management Authority (HYDRAA) has launched a new campaign, ‘Dosthi with Basti’ (Friendship with Slums), to build a more inclusive and flood-free city. This initiative is a proactive response to persistent criticism and misinformation, with the authority’s commissioner clarifying that the agency’s objective is not to demolish homes of the urban poor, but to reclaim illegally occupied public land and protect vulnerable communities from environmental hazards. The campaign aims to foster a collaborative spirit with slum residents, who are often the most affected by urban flooding and unmanaged waste, by focusing on drain cleaning and relocation policies that ensure dignity and safety. This marks a significant shift towards a more humane and sustainable approach to urban development.
During the launch event, HYDRAA officials directly addressed residents from various slums, reassuring them that genuine homes are not being targeted. The authority’s policy is to ensure that alternative housing is identified and secured for any necessary relocation before any action is taken. This stance stands in direct opposition to narratives that portray the agency as a threat to the urban poor. Instead, the focus is on a strategic reclamation of land illegally occupied by powerful entities, particularly those encroaching on lakes, drains, and public spaces. Officials cited an example where over ten acres of encroached land, generating significant illegal revenue, were successfully reclaimed, underscoring the authority’s commitment to protecting public assets and promoting equitable land use.
A key component of the ‘Dosthi with Basti’ campaign is the collaborative effort to clean and maintain the city’s stormwater drains. Officials highlighted how years of accumulated waste, including plastic and debris, have worsened flooding in vulnerable areas during the monsoons. With the active involvement of local corporators and basti leaders, a major desilting and cleaning operation is underway, already resulting in a significant improvement in water flow. To ensure long-term sustainability, plans are in place to install CCTV cameras along key water channels, such as the historic Balkapur Nala, to deter illegal waste dumping. This community-driven approach, which empowers residents to take ownership of their environment, is vital for creating zero-net-carbon and eco-friendly urban spaces.
The initiative is set to expand to all 750 slums in Hyderabad that are prone to flooding, demonstrating HYDRAA’s comprehensive approach to disaster prevention. The positive reception from residents, who have expressed gratitude for the hands-on and consistent efforts to resolve long-standing drainage issues, validates the authority’s new strategy. This emotionally resonant and community-focused approach to civic governance is building trust and countering the false narrative that pits urban authorities against the urban poor. By working together, HYDRAA and the citizens of Hyderabad are charting a path towards a more resilient, clean, and inclusive city where the rights and safety of all are prioritised.
