Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner A.V. Ranganath said the agency had committed itself to safeguarding nature and called for collective responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations. Speaking at HYDRAA’s first anniversary celebrations held at Ravindra Bharathi on Saturday, the commissioner credited inter-departmental coordination for advancing the agency’s cause and mission.
In a presentation, HYDRAA reported reclaiming Rs.6,858 crore worth of government land by clearing 86 encroachments in one year. It also removed 360 encroachments from lakes and water bodies, safeguarding assets valued at Rs.3,106.25 crore. The agency cleared 74 encroachments along roads, recovering 218.30 acres valued at Rs.2,875 crore. Additionally, 20 drainage line encroachments were removed, reclaiming eight acres of land.
Students from government and private schools across Hyderabad presented exhibits on environmental themes. Commissioner Ranganath and film director Tharun Bhascker visited the exhibition and lauded the students’ creativity and awareness.
HYDRAA’s Disaster Response Force (DRF) also showcased tools and equipment used in emergencies. DRF staffer Srinivas told Deccan Chronicle, “Along with traditional tools like hacksaws and hammers, we are using modern equipment such as drones with thermal cameras in emergencies.”
Ranganath said HYDRAA’s growing reputation had made it a topic in civil services interviews and a recent Indian School of Business report praised its work.
Filmmaker Tharun Bhascker expressed pride in being part of the event and appreciated HYDRAA’s commitment to future generations. Winners of various competitions were awarded prizes by Ranganath and Tharun, who also presented mementoes to all student participants.
