Disaster Management Renamed HYDRA, Increased Powers

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Monday, July 1, that the Disaster Management department within Greater Hyderabad will receive expanded responsibilities and will be renamed as Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). Additionally, he directed officials to take measures to restore historical buildings and dilapidated structures in the city.

Key Points from the Meeting:

Reassignment of Responsibilities:

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to reassign responsibilities to relevant authorities. An overhaul of the entire system according to new governmental decisions was outlined.

Establishment of HYDRA:

The Disaster Management department will be renamed as Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). HYDRA will protect lakes, ponds, and nalas within the GHMC area, covering approximately two thousand kilometers. It will safeguard government properties from encroachment. Additional services will include hoarding and flexi control, drinking water pipelines, power supply lines, drainage systems, flood management, and traffic control.

Drafting a Reorganization Plan:

Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari was directed to draft a reorganization plan. The plan will detail personnel requirements, duties, fund allocations, and responsibilities for HYDRA.

Expansion of Department Scope:

The scope of the Disaster Management Department will expand up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to accommodate Hyderabad’s growing geographical area. Services will extend to GHMC, 27 municipalities, corporations, and 33 gram panchayats.

Appointment of Officials:

A DIG-level officer will be appointed as the Director of HYDRA. SP-level officers will be nominated as Additional Directors.

Formation of Special Teams:

Special teams will be constituted within the disaster management department. Teams will include members from GHMC, HMDA, the water board, city traffic, and various other departments.

Continuous Services:

HYDRA should provide continuous services to address all issues faced by the city’s residents. Emphasis on handling floods and accidents efficiently.

Musi Riverfront Development Project:

Officials were urged to expedite the Musi Riverfront Development Project.

Restoration of Historical Sites:

GHMC officials presented a PowerPoint on historical locations such as the City Library, Ayurvedic Hospital near Charminar, Nizamia Observatory, and Gudimalkapur Lake.The Chief Minister suggested exploring the development of these sites into tourist attractions. Integration of suitable sites with the Musi Riverfront Development project was advised.