Hyderabad: The city’s disaster management and environmental protection efforts, the state government is poised to establish the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) as a standalone entity.
This new department, comparable to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), will address challenges such as disasters, encroachments, and illegal constructions more effectively. HYDRA, previously known as the Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing, is currently part of the GHMC. The restructured department will now operate independently, allowing for more streamlined operations and direct reporting to higher authorities. This restructuring is expected to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the department.
A key feature of HYDRA’s new structure is the establishment of its own dedicated police station. This facility will be instrumental in handling complaints related to encroachments and illegal structures, ensuring swift action against violations. The dedicated police station is expected to expedite the enforcement process and provide a robust mechanism for addressing public grievances. HYDRA will be staffed by officials from various departments, including town planning, revenue, police, and traffic. This multidisciplinary approach aims to provide comprehensive solutions to the city’s complex issues. The previous government had established the directorate of EVDM within GHMC in March 2018, primarily to identify and mitigate risks to life and property. However, EVDM’s efforts were often hampered by bureaucratic hurdles, as it needed to seek approvals through the GHMC commissioner.
The transformation of EVDM into HYDRA is set to change this dynamic. As a separate authority, HYDRA officials will now report directly to the principal secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) or the chief minister. This change is anticipated to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance the department’s effectiveness in tackling pressing issues. One of HYDRA’s primary objectives will be to eliminate encroachments and illegal constructions, which have plagued Hyderabad for years. The department will also focus on the conservation of lakes and the protection of government properties within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits. The emphasis on lake conservation is particularly crucial, given the environmental and ecological significance of these water bodies.
HYDRA aims to deploy an additional 30 teams, complete with vehicles and personnel, across 17 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, including Nizampet, Meerpet, Peerzadiguda, Jawaharnagar, Narsingi, Ghatkesar, Ibrahimpatnam, Kompally, and Manikonda. This expansion is expected to extend HYDRA’s reach and effectiveness across a broader geographical area. “The creation of HYDRA marks a significant step forward in our efforts to protect Hyderabad from the dual threats of illegal encroachments and environmental degradation,” said a senior HYDRA official. “Our priority will be to safeguard the city’s natural resources, especially its lakes, and to ensure that government properties are protected from unlawful activities.”
With the establishment of HYDRA, Hyderabad stands to benefit from a more focused and efficient approach to disaster management and asset protection, aligning with the city’s broader urban development goals.