K M Dayashankar
CM Revanth Reddy announces “HYDRA” (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA)
HYDERABAD, JULY 02, 2024: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy decided to entrust more important responsibilities to the Disaster Management department in the Greater Hyderabad limits. The officials have been asked to assign the responsibilities to the authorities accordingly along with the changing of the entire system in line with the decision taken by the government.
The Chief Minister held a review meeting with state Municipal Administration, HMDA and Musi Riverfront Development officials on Monday evening at the Secretariat.
In view of the expansion of the geographical area of Hyderabad, the CM ordered to increase the scope of the Disaster Management Department up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). The CM suggested making necessary changes to extend the services of the Disaster Management department to GHMC, 27 Municipalities, Corporations and 33 Gram Panchayats . Henceforth, it has been tentatively decided to name this department as Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The CM said that a DIG level officer will be appointed as the Director of HYDRA and the SP level officers will be nominated as Additional Directors. The CM also suggested constituting Special teams from GHMC, HMDA, Water Board, City Traffic and various departments in the disaster department.
Apart from regular services during the floods and accidents, the chief minister directed the officials to restructure the entire disaster management wing to offer continuous services to the people of the city. The CM clarified that HYDRA should be active to deal with all problems being faced by the people in the city.
The CM decided the disaster management department will take up the key responsibilities of protecting the lakes and ponds within the GHMC area of about two thousand kilometers, nalas in the city and the government properties from the threat of encroachment. Apart from this, the disaster management wing will also provide services like the control of hoardings and flexies, drinking water pipelines, power supply lines, drainages, flood management and traffic control. CM Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to prepare a draft on the reorganization, requirement of personnel, duties, allocation of funds and responsibilities of this department.
The Chief Minister ordered to speed up the work of Musi Riverfront Development Project and alerted the officials that this project should work in tune with the government’s goal to promote Hyderabad as the best international city.
The CM also asked the officials to take appropriate measures to restore the buildings of historical importance and dilapidated structures in Hyderabad city. GHMC officials gave a powerpoint presentation on various historical places like City Library, Ayurvedic Hospital near Charminar, Nizamia Observatory, Gudimalkapur lake etc. The Chief minister suggested exploring ways to develop them as tourist spots. Among these, the CM advised to identify those which can be linked with the Musi Riverfront Development project.
Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner AV Ranganath and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy participated in the meeting.
