Latest news with #Ranganath
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Strict action against projects without proper permissions: HYDRAA chief AV Ranganath, flags link between unauthorised construction and urban woes
HYDERABAD: At the Times Home Hunt Property Expo, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath cautioned that any new projects lacking permissions or built on encroached land will face strict action. "Only layouts approved before HYDRAA's formation on July 19 last year will be exempt. All others must comply with current regulations," said Ranganath, noting that unchecked construction contributed significantly to urban issues like flooding and traffic congestion. HYDRAA was set up not just as a watchdog, he said, but also as a proactive body aimed at promoting responsible urban development. "HYDRAA is not just about demolitions. We are focused on creating a healthier, more environmentally conscious real estate ecosystem," Ranganath added.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Strict action will be taken against projects lacking proper permissions, says HYDRAA chief
Hyderabad: At the Times Home Hunt Property Expo held recently, Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner A V Ranganath cautioned that any new projects lacking proper permissions or built on encroached land will face strict action. 'Only layouts approved before HYDRAA's formation on July 19 last year will be exempt. All others must comply with current regulations,' said Ranganath, noting that unchecked construction contributed significantly to urban issues like flooding and traffic congestion. HYDRAA was set up not just as a watchdog, he said, but also as a proactive body aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible urban development. 'HYDRAA is not just about demolitions. We are focused on creating a healthier, more environmentally conscious real estate ecosystem,' Ranganath added. The authority is working closely with other agencies to rejuvenate lakes, address urban flooding, and improve drainage infrastructure. He also pointed out that traffic congestion alone costs the state nearly Rs 300 crore in infrastructure loss, underscoring the need for better planning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'We received criticism that HYDRAA slowed real estate activity, but there were geopolitical concerns, delays in RERA clearances, and approval bottlenecks at GHMC and HMDA—also played a role. If a project is legally approved, we won't interfere. Our aim is to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility,' he said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Mini parks, walking track, and seating facilities to be developed around 58-acre Cherlapally lake in Medchal
The Cherlapally Tank in Kapra mandal of Medchal Malkajgiri district may soon be developed as a tourist and holiday destination with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency's (HYDRAA) Commissioner, visited the lake on Thursday (June 19, 2025) after receiving an invitation from the Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra. Both the officials discussed the possibility of modernising and beautifying the lake, spread over 58 acres. They inspected the inlet and outlet of the lake, and discussed works such as completion of fencing around the lake, strengthening of the bund and developing a pathway. For safety, solar lighting and CCTV cameras may be provided, they said, and explored the ways to ensure channelling of fresh water into the lake. Water body receives surplus water from chain linked lakes Mr. Ranganath instructed the Irrigation engineers at HYDRAA to prepare a detailed project report with regard to the works. The water body receives surplus water from the chain linked lakes of Nagireddy Kunta, Kapra Lake, Mothukula Kunta and Bison Kunta, a statement from HYDRAA informed. It also has a sewage diversion channel. A walking track of three kilometres will be developed around the lake, along with mini parks, trees, and seating facilities. Ms. Mishra informed Mr. Ranganath that representatives of industries in Cherlapally industrial area are ready to fund the development of the lake, and requested a comprehensive report with segment wise expenditure components. Local Revenue, Irrigation and GHMC officials too joined the tour of the lake located in close proximity to the Cherlapally Jail.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HYDRAA plans to engage former military personnel as marshals to tackle monsoon emergencies in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: To tackle monsoon-related challenges across the city, the Hyderabad Disaster Response Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has decided to engage former military personnel to manage waterlogging issues and handle incidents of fallen trees across the city. Following the state govt's decision to transfer emergency monsoon operations to HYDRAA, the agency opted to employ ex-servicemen as 'marshals' for a five-month duration. During this period, 90 ex-army personnel will be stationed across the city and will head the 150 monsoon emergency teams. These marshals will additionally be tasked with safeguarding the city's lakes from encroachments. Further, 51 DRF teams from HYDRAA will support these emergency teams. All the units handle all monsoon-related tasks, including the clearing of catchpits during rainfall, dewatering, management of traffic diversions, and safety inspections of nalas to prevent accidents. Currently, the GHMC will be responsible for only pre-monsoon tasks such as desilting of nalas and stormwater drains. According to officials, the marshals will supervise the contractors' activities and confirm if their teams addressed the water stagnation issues and cleared fallen trees prior to bill payment. 'Ex-servicemen, having served in the army, are known for their uncompromising approach towards work quality and safeguarding public assets, including protection against lake encroachments. This sets them apart from other authorities, making them ideal candidates for deployment as marshals,' said AV Ranganath, Commissioner, HYDRAA. The govt cancelled previously approved contracts by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), valued at Rs 50 crore. 'We will reduce monsoon-related spending by 40 percent, bringing it down from Rs 50 crore to Rs 30 crore across all operations. Rest assured, relief activities and emergency operations will remain unaffected. Previously, GHMC would hire dewatering pumps, but the two-month rental costs could instead fund the purchase of multiple pumps. Through such measures, we are implementing various cost-cutting strategies,' Ranganath added. HYDRAA invites tenders for monsoon works HYDRAA has taken charge of monsoon emergency operations, including urban flooding and disaster management, following the state govt's transfer order. The agency issued monsoon tenders with plans to deploy contractors in the next five days. These teams will be positioned across all 150 GHMC wards. Each team will comprise nine members tasked with addressing road stagnation, water logging, and fallen trees during heavy rainfall. The scope of HYDRAA's responsibilities includes clearing fallen trees and poles while coordinating with HMWSSB, TGSPDCL, and other agencies for monsoon-related response and relief activities.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
HYDRAA begins demolition drive to clear Rasoolpura nala bottlenecks
Hyderabad: In a decisive move to address long-standing flooding woes, HYDRAA on Friday began demolishing illegal commercial structures that had severely choked the Rasoolpura (Patny) nala, reducing its width from the planned 70 feet to just 15–18 feet along a 150-metre stretch near Patny Centre. This stretch had become a major bottleneck for floodwaters flowing in from the Hasmathpet and Picket nalas, which together run over 23 km through Secunderabad's densely populated upstream colonies. The obstruction has long aggravated flooding in neighbourhoods like Paigah Colony, Patny Compound, Viman Nagar, BHEL Colony, and Indiramma Nagar. Following repeated petitions from residents, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath inspected the site on Thursday, accompanied by Secunderabad Cantonment Board CEO Madhukar Naik and officials from the GHMC, irrigation, and revenue departments. Locals presented mobile phone images showing that over 55–60 feet of the nala had been encroached. "Even a 5 cm rain shower submerges our lanes," said a long-time resident of Patny Colony. On Friday morning, demolition teams began razing the illegal constructions while traffic police managed vehicular flow at the busy junction. Commissioner Ranganath assured residents that the cleared stretch would be secured with a retaining RCC wall to prevent future encroachments. Desilting operations will also be undertaken to improve the drain's carrying capacity. "We are strictly enforcing high court and Supreme Court orders—there will be no more delay tactics," Ranganath said. Cantonment authorities added that any action against low-income dwellings would be considered only as a last resort, with compensation sought wherever demolition becomes unavoidable. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
