Hyderabad: HYDRAA reclaims 1,350 acres of government land worth Rs 65,000 crore

Hyderabad: HYDRAA has reclaimed 1,350 acres of government land, valued at Rs 65,000 crore, in Hyderabad so far.

Speaking at the Asia Dialogues Forum 2026, HYDRAA chief AV Ranganath said the agency is focusing on preventive and long-term measures to make the city resilient against natural disasters.

HYDRAA’s role in environmental protection

Participants at the Asia Dialogues Forum 2026 commended the efforts of HYDRAA for taking decisive steps towards environmental conservation and the protection of public assets in Hyderabad. They noted that rapid urbanisation demands strong institutions that balance growth with sustainability.

Deliberations at Taj Falaknuma

The discussions were held at Taj Falaknuma Palace under the theme “The Great Integration: Technology, Talent and Transformation in Asia.” Representatives from the IT sector, educational institutions, infrastructure companies, and policy circles participated and showed keen interest in HYDRAA’s initiatives.

HYDRAA’s vision explained

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath explained that the agency is not merely an encroachment-removal agency but an institution with a wider mandate. Its objectives include the protection of public assets, environmental conservation, disaster management, and strengthening urban safety.

He said HYDRAA is committed to developing an environmentally friendly city by safeguarding lakes and the interconnected stormwater and flood canals, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and preventing urban flooding.

Appreciation for Proactive Governance

Speakers observed that despite the existence of multiple environmental laws, lax implementation has often disturbed ecological balance and made urban living difficult. In such a scenario, HYDRAA was described as a model institution setting clear direction through firm enforcement and proactive action.

HYDRAA’s initiatives in lake rejuvenation, development of parks, and expansion of green cover were termed commendable and essential for sustainable urban growth.

Eminent Speakers and Participants

The forum featured addresses by the founder of Speaking Asia Dialogues Forum 2026, senior government officials, and representatives from leading corporates, including Tata Consultancy Services and Microsoft, along with infrastructure and transport sector stakeholders. Representatives from academic institutions and various companies also took part in the deliberations.

Speakers asserted that technological advancement must go hand in hand with ecological responsibility to build healthy and liveable cities. They emphasized that development cannot be sustainable without environmental protection.

Participants collectively stressed that as Asia advances through technology and talent, equal importance must be given to building environmentally responsible cities that ensure a better quality of life for future generations.