The Telangana government assigns 169 workers to HYDRAA

The government on Wednesday issued orders sanctioning 169 posts of various categories to be filled on a deputation basis in the office of the Commissioner of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Authority (HYDRAA), amid reports that the State government has started the process to grant statutory powers to HYDRAA.

The 169 employees, which include 10 assistant engineers, 5 DSPs, 16 CIs, 16 SIs, 60 police constables, 12 station fire officers, and 4 additional commissioners, will work on deputation for HYDRAA, per the order. With more staff on board, HYDRAA is probably going to function with greater vigor.

According to reports, the government has started the process of amending various laws to make it possible for the HYDRAA to operate as intended.

It is also reported that the government is preparing to introduce a law that will give HYDRAA specific enforcement authority over a number of Acts, including the WALTA Act, the Telangana Municipal Act, the GHMC Act, and the Irrigation Act.

The need for the exercise arose from concerns expressed over the government's jurisdiction to remove encroaches on tanks, lakes, and nalas, which were causing susceptible areas to flood during rainy seasons. Many have accused the HYDRAA of selectively targeting the demolition of alleged illegal constructions that appeared on government properties and water bodies, which has generated controversy.

Despite widespread indignation regarding the demolition of homes and apartments in Hyderabad under the pretext of unlawful construction on Full Tank Levels (FTL) and buffer zones around multiple water bodies, the Revanth Reddy administration has chosen to proceed with the project by granting additional authority to HYDRAA.