The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) recently concluded a productive three-day tour to Bengaluru, where the team examined best practices and policies for lake protection. Upon returning to Telangana, AV Ranganath, Commissioner of HYDRAA, emphasized the crucial role that individuals, including civil servants and administrators, can play in societal development. Reflecting on his visit, Ranganath shared insights on the importance of governance and the challenges faced while undertaking transformative initiatives.
“It’s not only civil servants who can bring change to society; any individual, including administrators, can play a crucial role in societal development,” Ranganath stated, highlighting the significance of collective action in addressing environmental and urban issues.
Ranganath also drew a parallel between Telangana’s efforts and the governance model of Singapore, under the leadership of the late Lee Kuan Yew. “Governance is not a game of cards. There will be hurdles in any initiative the government undertakes,” he said, stressing that challenges are a natural part of any major policy shift or reform.
Ranganath’s remarks came in the context of HYDRAA’s work in Telangana, where the agency is actively tackling lake and land encroachments. He acknowledged that while minor issues may arise during the implementation of such transformative initiatives, focusing on those flaws to discredit the entire system would be counterproductive. “The key is persistence and a clear vision, which is what HYDRAA is trying to achieve in Telangana,” he added.
Since its establishment, HYDRAA has made significant strides in addressing urban flooding, disaster response, and asset protection, with a primary focus on lake and land encroachments. The agency’s efforts to protect water bodies and prevent illegal encroachments have been central to Telangana’s broader environmental protection agenda.
Ranganath commended Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for his vision and courage in creating HYDRAA. He highlighted that the agency has become a model for other states in India, with discussions now underway in several Chief Ministers’ offices about the potential need for similar bodies in their regions. “Every state should have a body like HYDRAA,” Ranganath said, emphasizing the growing recognition of the agency’s work across the nation.
As Telangana leads the way in environmental governance, the success of HYDRAA has sparked interest from other states, eager to replicate the model. Ranganath’s comments reflect a growing awareness of the need for proactive disaster response mechanisms and asset protection in urban areas, especially as cities across India face mounting challenges related to environmental degradation, urbanization, and climate change.
HYDRAA’s approach to lake protection and land encroachment is now being hailed as a benchmark for environmental management, and with increasing recognition and support, the agency is poised to continue its work, setting new standards for urban and environmental governance in India.
With the agency’s growing influence and its focus on sustainable development, HYDRAA is positioning Telangana as a leader in tackling environmental challenges, while fostering a collaborative approach to governance that goes beyond traditional civil service roles.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
