The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has protected public assets worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore from encroachments, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said. He stated that the agency has completed around 600 operations so far as part of its drive to safeguard government properties and public assets.
Speaking to media persons in Hyderabad, Ranganath said HYDRAA was formed to protect public assets and not merely to carry out demolition activities. He clarified that the agency works without political bias and focuses on safeguarding government lands, lakes, parks, and other public resources.
The commissioner said the Telangana government had given HYDRAA complete freedom to protect government properties. He added that the agency would continue its operations irrespective of political affiliations and would not enter into settlements regarding encroachments.
Ranganath also dismissed allegations that HYDRAA was conducting demolition drives secretly. He said there was misinformation being spread on social media about the agency’s functioning and that HYDRAA would continue to act against illegal encroachments based on rules and records.
Highlighting the challenges faced during the operations, the commissioner said some educational institutions and structures had been built within Full Tank Level (FTL) areas of lakes. He stated that protecting water bodies and public lands remained one of the agency’s key priorities.
HYDRAA has been focusing on restoring lakes, protecting government lands, and preventing future encroachments across Hyderabad and surrounding areas. The agency has also taken up several drives involving lakes, parks, roads, and public utility lands.
Ranganath said the organisation would continue working towards protecting Hyderabad’s public assets and improving urban infrastructure while responding to complaints received from citizens.
