HYDRAA commissioner says public awareness key to sustainable urban development
Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said sustainable change in Hyderabad’s development would begin only when people understood HYDRAA’s goals and responsibilities. He observed that citizens now clearly know why HYDRAA exists and what it accomplishes.
Speaking on Friday at a seminar organised by the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations (ICCDR) at Green Park Hotel to mark United Nations Day, Ranganath stated that HYDRAA is driving efforts to create cleaner, greener, and more resilient living conditions across the city.
HYDRAA commissioner’s public awareness efforts for lake revival
Ranganath explained that HYDRAA had launched large-scale actions to clear encroachments and revive city lakes. He cited the complete transformation of Bathukamma Kunta, which HYDRAA turned into a model restored lake after years of neglect. Moreover, he announced that five more lakes were nearing full restoration. The agency also began projects to secure and widen nalas to handle rainwater effectively.
Because of the Patny Nala expansion, seven colonies avoided flooding this year. By removing huge deposits of silt from drains, HYDRAA significantly reduced flood threats despite heavy rains. Ranganath warned that ignoring lakes and nalas would bring severe floods to cities.
HYDRAA’s urban protection aligns with UN goals
Quoting the National Remote Sensing Centre, Ranganath said 61 per cent of Hyderabad’s lakes had disappeared. He cautioned that the remaining 39 per cent might vanish soon unless citizens acted. According to him, the state government had shown great foresight by setting up HYDRAA to protect both lakes and nalas.
Within fifteen months, HYDRAA recovered 1,000 acres of government land worth nearly ₹60,000 crore. Ranganath said people now actively support protecting public land, parks, and roads. Furthermore, he stressed that HYDRAA’s objectives directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on urban sustainability.
ICCDR event marks United Nations Day
Rear Admiral R. Srinivasa Rao and Major S.P.S. Oberoi also spoke at the event. They highlighted the need for collective action to achieve peace and sustainable growth. ICCDR Secretary-General and Ambassador Dr Srinivas Eluri said his organisation works to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations between nations.
Padma Kanta Hazarika, OSD and Mission Director of APTDCL, Assam, and Sarsing Engti, Chairman of the Dorothy Voluntary Association, attended as special guests. The session concluded with the presentation of Sustainable Development Goals Awards to distinguished individuals from diverse fields.