Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Praises Nizams and Explains HYDRA Initiative

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s current Congress government and the previous BRS government have both praised the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties for their lasting contributions to the city’s infrastructure. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, aiming to connect with the Old City, reminisced about visiting Charminar for biryani and Irani Chai, while emphasizing the historic significance of the dynasties’ projects like Charminar, Golconda, and Osmania General Hospital.

Revanth criticized the BRS for prioritizing luxurious buildings over public infrastructure and proposed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) initiative to streamline development and address issues like traffic congestion and drainage. The establishment of HYDRA aims to manage the city’s growth efficiently and protect its resources. The commitment to restoring heritage structures, particularly Osmania General Hospital, remains a key focus for local activists.

Key Points:

Revanth’s Personal Connection: Revanth Reddy reminisced about visiting Charminar to enjoy biryani and Irani Chai at 2 am, aiming to connect with the Old City.
Praise for Dynasties: Both the previous BRS and current Congress governments have praised the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties for their enduring contributions to Hyderabad’s infrastructure.
Historical Contributions: Revanth highlighted the significant historical structures built by the dynasties, including Charminar, Golconda, and various educational and medical institutions.
Critique of BRS Government: He criticized the BRS government for focusing on luxurious projects like Pragathi Bhavan and demolishing historic sites, contrasting this with the dynasties’ emphasis on public infrastructure.
Need for Modern Solutions: Revanth emphasized the need to address the city’s growth and infrastructure challenges, including traffic congestion and drainage issues.

HYDRA and Hyderabad

Introduction of HYDRA: Proposed HYDRA to streamline development and address issues related to traffic, coordination among officials, and resource management.
Criticism of Previous Approaches: He accused the previous BRS government of neglecting practical infrastructure needs in favor of aesthetic projects and false claims of development.
Restoration of Heritage Structures: Revanth stressed the importance of restoring historic structures, particularly Osmania General Hospital, which has suffered from neglect over the years.

Read Also…. 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.