- Clearing River Encroachments, Not Slums
- Environment-First Vision for the City
- HYDRAA Stands with the Poor
- HYDRAA’s Outreach Begins with Bastis
Article Today, Hyderabad: In a significant shift towards inclusive city development, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has launched a new initiative — HYDRAA Dosthi with Bastis. The programme aims to build trust and cooperation between Hyderabad’s urban planning authority and slum communities. Speaking at the first event held at Tolichowki on Saturday, Ranganath clarified that HYDRAA is not a force of demolition, but a platform for sustainable and inclusive urban renewal.
Environment-First Vision For the City
Ranganath stressed that HYDRAA’s mission is to develop Hyderabad in a way that balances urban growth with environmental sustainability. He urged people to ignore misinformation being spread by those who have illegally occupied land meant for lakes, nalas, and public use. According to him, the same groups are trying to portray HYDRAA as anti-poor to protect their vested interests.
HYDRAA Stands With the Poor
Dismissing accusations of anti-poor actions, the Commissioner reiterated that HYDRAA has always worked in favour of low-income and marginalised communities. “We will not demolish homes built by the poor. If any relocation is necessary, it will only be done after offering an alternative housing option,” he clarified. He said the state government has also adopted this approach.
Clearing River Encroachments, Not Slums
Clarifying concerns around the Musi River beautification project, Ranganath said HYDRAA is not behind the riverfront initiative. However, he acknowledged that the department took firm action against large-scale encroachments that blocked the natural flow of the river. “We cleared over 10 acres of illegal constructions, which were generating nearly Rs.1 crore in monthly revenue for encroachers,” he stated.
Protecting Nalas and Lakes is a Shared Duty
The Commissioner called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the city’s water bodies. He cited examples from Shaikpet and Tolichowki, where areas like Viratnagar and Basavatharakam Nagar faced frequent flooding due to nala blockages. These were caused by years of plastic waste and discarded mattresses. After a 10-day desilting drive, the water flow has improved significantly.
Public Cooperation Appreciated
Ranganath appreciated the support from local corporators, basti leaders, and residents. He stressed that living in a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental right, and it can only be achieved through community cooperation. He also appealed for help in maintaining the historical Balkapur Nala in a clean state.
HYDRAA’s Commitment Proven Again
Corporators Venkatesh (Jubilee Hills) and Faraj (Shaikpet) said the initiative proves once again that HYDRAA is committed to the welfare of the poor. They pointed to the development of Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet as a recent example of HYDRAA’s work. When local residents reported flooding, HYDRAA responded promptly with corrective measures.
