CityLightBuzz: Hyderabad. Representatives from various districts of Telangana have demanded that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) be expanded across the state to protect lakes, canals, parks and government lands from illegal encroachments.
Representatives from Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Medak, Sangareddy, Rangareddy and Hyderabad, including members of SPEAK (Society for People Empowerment with Actionable Knowledge), met HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and expressed their support for the agency.
They said rapid urbanisation is putting water bodies and public lands at risk and stressed that protecting lakes, ponds and flood channels could significantly reduce flooding in Telangana cities. They cited recent floods in Warangal, Nizamabad and Kamareddy as examples.
The representatives urged the Commissioner to strengthen measures against illegal encroachments and ensure the protection of public and environmental assets across the state. They also cautioned government departments to remain vigilant against attempts to mislead courts and authorities with false information.
They said a HYDRAA-like system across Telangana would help prevent illegal occupations, protect public property and strengthen environmental conservation.
