Telangana Government Establishes HYDRAA for Enhanced Disaster Management and Asset Protection in Core Urban Region

Telangana Government Establishes HYDRAA for Enhanced Disaster Management and Asset Protection in Core Urban Region

In a significant move to bolster disaster management and asset protection, the Telangana government has established the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR). This dedicated agency will oversee the entire Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and areas of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy districts up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

The Government Order (GO) issued on Friday highlights HYDRAA’s comprehensive mandate. The agency is tasked with planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures for disaster preparedness and prevention. It will also coordinate with state and national agencies to ensure prompt response and rescue operations during disaster situations in the region.

The governing body of HYDRAA will be chaired by the Chief Minister, with key members including ministers for Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Revenue and Disaster Management, district in-charge ministers, the Greater Hyderabad Mayor, the Director General of Police, and other senior officials.

Telangana, one of India’s fastest urbanizing states, has an urban population growth rate of 3.2% per annum, surpassing the national average. The rapid growth, especially around Hyderabad’s outskirts, is driven by industries such as IT, pharma, biotechnology, warehousing, logistics, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors. The ORR has become the city’s natural boundary, encompassing diverse urban and rural local bodies. However, the level of civic services and disaster management support varies significantly across these areas.

To address these challenges, the Telangana government decided to create a unified agency for disaster management in the TCUR. The Commissioner of HYDRAA, a senior officer from the All India Services, will oversee disaster management, asset protection, enforcement, and other responsibilities under the guidance of the Principal Secretary, MA&UD Department.

HYDRAA’s jurisdiction includes the entire GHMC area and all urban and rural local bodies up to the ORR. The agency will consist of an Asset Protection Wing, Disaster Management Wing, and Logistical Support Wing. The Asset Protection Wing will safeguard local body and government assets from encroachments, including parks, playgrounds, lakes, roads, and footpaths. It will also coordinate with GHMC, HMDA, Irrigation Department, Revenue Department, and other local bodies to remove lake encroachments.

Additionally, HYDRAA will manage traffic coordination, training, capacity building, and inter-departmental coordination. The government has also established the TCUR Disaster Management Sub Committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary, MA&UD, with the Commissioner of HYDRAA as member convener. Existing officers, staff, infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles from the GHMC’s Enforcement, Vigilance & Disaster Management wing have been transferred to HYDRAA.

This strategic initiative aims to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and asset protection across the rapidly urbanizing Telangana Core Urban Region, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for its residents.