Chennai to explore HYDRAA’s integrated urban management system to reduce flood risks

Hyderabad: Chennai is exploring Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA's) integrated urban management system to reduce flood risks.

A delegation from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) visited Hyderabad to study HYDRAA’s functioning and its impact on lake restoration and flood mitigation.

Integrated model shows results

The CMDA team observed that HYDRAA has successfully brought multiple government departments under one umbrella, ensuring better coordination and faster execution of projects.

Officials noted that such a unified approach has helped Hyderabad achieve significant results in a short span.

1,166 acres of government land protected

Leading the delegation, CMDA Chief Executive Officer Chandrasekhar Sakhmuri, stated that protecting government land and removing encroachments on lakes, drains, and parks is a complex task.

He lauded HYDRAA for safeguarding around 1,166 acres of government land within just one and a half years, calling it a remarkable achievement.

Key role in flood control and water security

The delegation emphasized that restoring lakes plays a crucial role not only in preventing urban floods but also in improving groundwater levels, thereby addressing water scarcity during summer.

HYDRAA’s initiatives in this direction were described as exemplary and worth emulating in Chennai.

Study of field operations and emergency response

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath presented a detailed overview of the agency’s work through a PowerPoint presentation. The team was briefed on desilting of drains, continuous monitoring of flood-prone areas, and the functioning of monsoon emergency teams.

Officials were shown video evidence of restoration works, including the revival of clogged drains in Ameerpet and the expansion of the Patny nala in Secunderabad, which helped mitigate flooding in those areas.

Visible impact on ground

The delegation also reviewed before-and-after scenarios of flood-affected regions. Testimonials from residents highlighted how improved infrastructure and preventive measures ensured a safer monsoon this year compared to the past.

Exchange of ideas

HYDRAA officials, in turn, enquired about flood management and urban planning measures being implemented in Chennai, indicating scope for mutual learning.

Delegation members

The CMDA team included Chief Planner (Enforcement) D. Sabapathi, Senior Planner R.K. Vedavathi, Superintending Engineers M. Balamurugan and T.R. Rajan Babu, and Assistant Planner Gokila Vijayalakshmi, among others. Senior HYDRA officials, including Varla Papayya, R. Sudarshan, and ACPs Tirumal and Umamaheshwara Rao, were also present during the interaction.