Hyderabad: The Revanth-led Telangana government’s HYDRA program has completed 100 days, intensifying efforts to safeguard lakes, ponds, and public lands across the state. Launched on July 19, HYDRA gained immediate attention with the high-profile demolition of actor Nagarjuna’s N Convention Center, spurring subsequent demolitions of numerous illegal constructions across GHMC and other municipal areas, with many residents lauding the government’s proactive approach.
However, public sentiment has seen a shift as HYDRA initiated clearing operations under the Musi River Rejuvenation Project, facing resistance from residents in Buffer and Full Tank Level (FTL) zones who were reluctant to vacate their homes. The opposition, supported by social media campaigns and the state’s opposition parties, has led to a strategic slowdown in HYDRA’s pace of operations.
Hydra, after removing encroachments from lakes in Hyderabad, has turned its attention to rejuvenating these water bodies, starting with Errakunta Lake in the Nizampet Municipality area. The cleanup is expected to finish in two to three days. Under the guidance of Commissioner… pic.twitter.com/cK1Ayxqy0A
— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) October 21, 2024
Targeting Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions
The state government launched HYDRA to address urban flooding and water stagnation issues caused by illegal constructions around water bodies. Since operations began on July 26, HYDRA has reclaimed over 120 acres of encroached land and demolished 300 illegal structures across 30 zones, including GHMC limits and other municipal areas. High-profile demolitions include structures in the Nallacheruvu Buffer Zone at Kukatpally’s Shantinagar, as well as extensive overnight operations in Aminpur, where HYDRA razed 17 acres of illegal construction, including a hospital and residential buildings.
Strengthened Authority for HYDRA
In a recent directive (GO-191), the state’s Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department transferred several GHMC officials to HYDRA, granting it extensive powers under Section 374-B of the GHMC Act, 1955. This empowers HYDRA to protect public parks, lakes, roads, and government spaces from encroachments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to restoring Telangana’s public infrastructure for sustainable development.