Hyderabad, Augsut 12 (Maxim News): Representatives from several Telangana districts have urged the state government to expand HYDRAA state wide to protect lakes, canals, parks and government land from encroachments.
The representatives met HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath and expressed support for the agency’s work. They said rapid urbanisation has increased pressure on public land and water bodies across Telangana.
Delegates from Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Medak, Sangareddy, Rangareddy and Hyderabad attended the meeting. They represented the Society for Peoples Empowerment with Actionable Knowledge, or SPEAK.
The representatives said a HYDRAA state wide system could help prevent the loss of water bodies outside Hyderabad. They also urged stronger coordination among government departments to protect public assets.
They pointed to recent flooding in several Telangana districts. According to the representatives, flooding in Warangal, Nizamabad and Kamareddy showed the risks linked to the loss of natural drainage systems.
They said protecting lakes, ponds and flood channels could help reduce the impact of urban flooding. Therefore, they called for stronger preventive measures before further development affects these areas.
Representatives seek wider HYDRAA role
The delegation also said Telangana needs stronger environmental protection as urbanisation expands. They argued that an agency with powers similar to HYDRAA could help address encroachments across the state.
The representatives recalled that Hyderabad once had a large network of interconnected lakes. They said stronger intervention two decades ago might have helped protect more of those water bodies.
They further claimed that several public water bodies and drainage channels now face encroachment risks. However, they stressed that government agencies must verify land records and legal claims before taking action.
The delegation also urged officials to remain alert to misleading information submitted before courts and government departments. They said inaccurate claims can complicate efforts to protect public assets.
According to the representatives, a HYDRAA state wide framework could create stronger deterrence against illegal occupation. They also said such a system could improve protection of lakes, government land and other public properties.
The group asked the commissioner to consider stronger measures for environmental protection across Telangana. It also extended its support for HYDRAA’s efforts in Hyderabad.
The demand comes as Telangana continues to experience rapid urban growth. As cities expand, officials face increasing challenges in balancing construction activity with flood management and environmental protection.
Any expansion of HYDRAA’s jurisdiction would require decisions by the state government on its powers, legal framework and administrative structure. The representatives’ demand therefore places wider protection of public land and water bodies on the state’s policy agenda. (Maxim News)
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