Odisha: HYDRAA has protected 2,182 acres of public land worth more than ₹80,000 crore and restored key lakes and drainage channels to prevent urban flooding, a model that drew praise from delegates at the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Summit being held in Puri, Odisha.
Presenting Telangana's urban disaster-management initiatives at the international forum, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said the agency's focus is on preventing disasters before they occur rather than merely responding to emergencies after they strike.
He described HYDRA's guiding principle as "today's preparedness is tomorrow's safety."
Lake restoration at the heart of flood prevention
Addressing the summit organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ranganath highlighted the critical role of lakes in both flood mitigation and water conservation.
He said HYDRA has undertaken large-scale restoration of lakes and feeder channels to ensure that rainwater flows naturally into water bodies instead of inundating urban neighbourhoods.
According to the Commissioner, six lakes have already been restored while work is underway on another 18 lakes. Efforts are also being made to revive drainage channels that carry floodwater into lakes, helping reduce the risk of urban flooding during heavy rains.
Encroachment removal saves public assets
One of the major highlights of HYDRAA's presentation was its success in removing encroachments from lakes, nalas, parks, public utility lands and government properties.
Ranganath said the agency has safeguarded 2,182 acres of public land since its formation nearly two years ago.
The recovered land is estimated to be worth $9.48 billion, or more than ₹80,000 crore. He noted that protecting these lands is crucial for preserving natural drainage systems and public infrastructure.
BRICS delegates impressed by Hyderabad model
Delegates from several countries and Indian states showed keen interest in HYDRAA's initiatives.
Through videos and visual presentations, the Commissioner demonstrated how flood-prone localities such as Patny, Ameerpet and Sriram Nagar in Hyderabad witnessed significant improvements after drainage expansion and flood-mitigation measures.
The restoration of lakes such as Bathukamma Kunta and Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake was also showcased, highlighting the transformation achieved through scientific restoration and encroachment removal.
Several delegates reportedly described HYDRA as a model that other cities could emulate to tackle growing climate and urbanisation challenges.
'Every city needs a HYDRAA'
Representatives from South Africa, Indonesia and other participating regions appreciated Telangana's approach to disaster risk reduction and environmental conservation. They observed that many cities continue to lose lakes and natural water bodies to encroachments, increasing their vulnerability to floods.
Participants noted that restoring water bodies after decades of encroachment is a difficult task, making Hyderabad's achievements particularly significant. Many praised the Telangana government's decision to establish HYDRAA as a dedicated institution for urban resilience and environmental protection.
Focus on prevention rather than response
Ranganath stressed that cities must identify flood-prone roads and neighbourhoods well before the monsoon season and take corrective measures in advance.
HYDRAA's strategy includes mapping vulnerable areas using modern technologies such as GIS and field surveys, clearing obstructions from nalas and drains, restoring lake storage capacity and preventing fresh encroachments.
He also underlined the importance of coordination among departments including municipal authorities, traffic police, irrigation and electricity agencies to ensure swift action during extreme weather events.
Monsoon preparedness underway
The Commissioner said HYDRAA has already conducted monsoon preparedness reviews and established emergency response mechanisms to deal with heavy rainfall.
Desilting of drains, inspection of lake inlets and outlets, and strengthening of flood-response teams are among the key measures being undertaken.
With climate change and rapid urbanisation increasing the frequency of urban flooding, Ranganath said Hyderabad's experience demonstrates that proactive planning, environmental restoration and institutional coordination can significantly reduce disaster risks and create safer, more resilient cities.