Hyderabad has a new department called the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA). This department is planning to set up special police stations to tackle the problem of land encroachments in Greater Hyderabad. They have received many complaints about land being taken over illegally, especially around lakes, water channels, and government properties.
HYDRA’s Commissioner, AV Ranganath, has reported that the department is receiving hundreds of complaints about encroachments throughout the city. They have been given a budget of Rs 200 crore to address these issues within a vast area of 2,500 square kilometers. The department is determined to take strong action against those breaking the law.
According to a report by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), many lakes and ponds have disappeared over the past 44 years, largely due to encroachments. Commissioner Ranganath revealed that about 60% to 80% of these water bodies have been encroached upon. In a study of 56 lakes, it was found that their total area reduced from 40.35 square kilometers to just 16.9 square kilometers, with 24.26 square kilometers being taken over.
Ranganath emphasized the importance of identifying and stopping encroachments within these water bodies. He warned that if this is not done, Hyderabad’s future could be at risk. The government plans to hire more personnel for HYDRA soon. Currently, the asset protection team is working with town planning and other departments and has started addressing issues in 20 lakes.
HYDRA’s plan involves three phases. First, they will prevent new encroachments. Next, they will take action against and deny permissions for existing illegal constructions. Finally, they will clean the ponds of silt and revive rainwater channels. There are over 400 ponds in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, and Ranganath criticized those building illegally within the full tank level of these water bodies. He warned people not to buy plots in these areas.
The Commissioner made it clear that while the government supports real estate development, it does not allow residential buildings to be constructed near water bodies or on encroached land. Construction should be limited to designated spaces, avoiding public and government lands.
Ranganath also mentioned that HYDRA has compiled a list of people who are encroaching and dumping waste in dried-up lakes. Many constructions have been done without obtaining the necessary no objection certificates (NOCs). The department is focusing on holding those responsible for these activities accountable.
