Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s recently introduced HYDRA (Hyderabad Drainage and Irrigation Authority) system is facing serious allegations of corruption. Citizens, particularly those owning plots near lakes and canals, say the policy has created more trouble than protection—claiming that Irrigation Department officials are demanding bribes to approve No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Homeowners Near Water Bodies Claim Unfair Treatment
The HYDRA policy was launched to control construction near important water sources, such as canals, lakes, and drains, to prevent environmental damage. However, many landowners who legally own land outside restricted zones say their NOC requests are being denied without clear reasons. Instead of streamlining the process, the new system seems to have added unnecessary red tape.
Government Order 168: The Existing Framework
According to GO No. 168, issued on April 7, 2012, construction rules near water bodies are clearly defined:
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A 2-meter buffer from smaller drains (less than 10 meters wide)
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A 9-meter buffer from larger drains and small tanks
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A 30-meter buffer for lakes over 10 hectares in size
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A 50 to 100-meter buffer from rivers, depending on location
These rules were introduced to prevent flooding and protect ecosystems. Yet, despite following these guidelines, several applicants are still being rejected under the HYDRA system.
HYDRA Introduces New Layers, Sparks Abuse
HYDRA now demands new NOCs, even from applicants who already had prior approvals under GO 168. This extra step has led to accusations of officials exploiting the system. Citizens allege that staff are intentionally delaying approvals using vague reasons like mismatched survey numbers or outdated records—unless they are bribed to move the file forward.
Residents Speak Out on Bribery and Harassment
Several people who applied for NOCs under HYDRA claim they’ve faced demand for unofficial payments just to get their applications cleared. They say lower-level staff, such as chainmen and field officers, are working with higher-ups to block files unless bribes are paid. “We followed all the rules, and our land is legally outside buffer zones,” one applicant said. “Yet, unless we pay, our file stays stuck.”
Growing Demand for Reform and Accountability
As frustration spreads, citizens are calling on the Telangana government to take urgent steps to bring transparency to the system. Their demands include:
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Making the NOC process online and trackable
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Publishing status updates and reasons for rejection
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Setting up third-party audits to check corruption
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Taking disciplinary action against corrupt officers
Residents say that while environmental rules are important, they should not become tools for harassment. With public pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the government to fix the loopholes in HYDRA and ensure a fair, corruption-free process for landowners.
