Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday inaugurated the newly established HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Awareness) Police Station and reiterated the government’s firm stance against illegal encroachments in Hyderabad. He asserted that no matter how influential the encroachers may be, the HYDRA task force will take strict action to protect the city’s lakes and public spaces.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said HYDRA was conceptualized to safeguard Hyderabad from recurring urban flooding and ecological degradation. “The idea stems from historical lessons. In 1908, severe floods prompted the Nizam government to act by constructing Usman Sagar and Himayat Sagar with the help of M. Visvesvaraya. Today, we face a similar threat due to unchecked urbanisation,” he stated.
Revanth Reddy emphasized that the government is determined to prevent Hyderabad from turning into an uninhabitable metro. “Bengaluru is struggling with drinking water issues because lakes weren’t preserved. Mumbai and Chennai are flood-prone. Delhi is announcing holidays due to pollution. If nature is ignored, Hyderabad too will suffer,” he warned.
Clarifying misconceptions, the CM said HYDRA is not limited to demolition activities. “It is tasked with ensuring water does not stagnate on roads, restoring power during rainfall, and regulating traffic flow. It’s a comprehensive disaster response force,” he noted.
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55 స్కార్పియోలు, 21 DRF ట్రక్కులు, 4 ఇన్నోవా హైక్రాస్ కార్లు, వ్యాన్లు, బైక్లతో 80+ వాహనాలకు ఫ్లాగ్ ఆఫ్ #HYDRAA #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/59EPEVyQss
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He also took a sharp dig at political opponents, stating, “Those who have occupied lakes, nalas, and roads illegally are the ones upset with HYDRA. Some are claiming that real estate is crashing because of our actions. Why should that bother them unless they are involved in illegal constructions?”
The Chief Minister accused certain sections of trying to obstruct public welfare projects. “If river rejuvenation is celebrated in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, why is it opposed in Telangana? If you have issues with me, target me — but don’t block initiatives meant for the public good,” he said.
Directing HYDRA officials, CM Revanth Reddy instructed them to act humanely towards the poor and coordinate with the government to provide alternate arrangements. However, he urged strict measures against powerful individuals violating laws. “Heritage and environment must be preserved, and Hyderabad should be revitalised for future generations,” he concluded.