HYDRAA launches ‘Dosthi with Basti’ to build inclusive, flood-free Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Countering criticism and misinformation surrounding urban development initiatives, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath on Saturday clarified that the agency’s objective is not to demolish homes, but to build an environmentally sustainable and inclusive city.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘HYDRAA– Dosthi with Basti’ (Friendship with Slums) campaign in Tolichowki, he reaffirmed HYDRAA’s commitment to protecting the rights of the urban poor while reclaiming encroached government lands.

Not demolition, but livable urban planning

“HYDRAA is not an agency of fear, it is a symbol of reassurance for all citizens,” said Ranganath, addressing residents from various bastis during the inaugural event.

He stated that those spreading propaganda against HYDRAA were often the very individuals who had illegally occupied lakes, drains, or land earmarked for public use.

The HYDRAA Commissioner also cited an incident where 5 acres of encroached land were cleared despite attempts to mislead the public by staging emotional narratives.

Government Policy: Relocation before removal

Ranganath reiterated that genuine homes of the poor are not being targeted. "In any instance where relocation is necessary, we are ensuring alternative housing is identified before any action is taken. This is both HYDRAA’s policy and the official stand of the government," he said.

Refuting links with the Musi River beautification project, the commissioner clarified that HYDRAA's role is limited to clearing illegal constructions that obstruct river flow. He also highlighted the case of over 10 acres of encroached land generating illegal monthly revenues of Rs 1 crore being reclaimed.

“Preserving lakes and drains is everyone’s responsibility”

The Commissioner emphasized that protecting water bodies is a shared duty. He noted that years of accumulated waste, like bedding, plastic, and debris in stormwater drains around areas like Shaikpet and Basavatarakam Nagar had previously worsened flooding during monsoons. However, with ongoing desilting work over the last ten days, water flow has improved significantly.

He appreciated the involvement of local corporators, basti leaders, and citizens, stressing that a clean and healthy environment is everyone’s right and collective responsibility. Referring to the historic Balkapur Nala, he urged public cooperation in keeping such key water channels clean.

Ranganath mentioned that over 20 slums above Apollo Hospital were contributing to drain blockages and flooding. Following complaints from residents, a major cleaning operation was undertaken. He announced plans to install CCTV cameras along the drains to deter further dumping of waste.

"Dosthi with Basti" campaign to cover all 750 vulnerable slums

HYDRAA Additional Director Varla Papayya stated that the ‘Dosthi with Basti’ initiative will soon be expanded to all 750 slums in the city that are prone to flooding. The goal is to clean and maintain the drains in these areas to prevent inundation during heavy rains.

HYDRAA stands with the poor, say public representatives

Jubilee Hills and Shaikpet corporators Venkatesh and Faraj hailed HYDRAA’s proactive measures as proof that the authority genuinely supports the poor. They cited the development of Batukamma Kunta in Amberpet and emergency interventions during flooding as examples.

Residents presented old video evidence showing how floods used to wreak havoc in their neighborhoods due to blocked drains, adding that for the first time in 20 years, desilting had been carried out effectively. Many praised the Commissioner for personally visiting their bastis twice in ten days and supervising cleaning works.

Community expresses gratitude for on-ground action

Basti residents expressed happiness that the 'Dosthi with Basti' initiative began in their neighborhoods and pledged full support. They also commended HYDRAA staff for their dedicated efforts in resolving long-pending drainage issues.

Commissioner Ranganath appealed to all citizens to resist the false narrative that paints HYDRAA as an adversary. “We are here to protect public assets, ensure sustainable development, and stand firmly with the urban poor,” he said.