Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath said the agency is advancing a 100-year plan for urban water bodies and resilience. He announced that six lakes are currently under development and the year’s priority is to scientifically finalize FTL and buffer zones.
Speaking at a Meet-the-Press at Basheerbagh Press Club on Saturday, he said the public needs clearer awareness about HYDRAA’s mandate. He noted the institution is not a one- or two-year experiment and that citizens have welcomed its early actions despite initial hurdles in setting up a first-of-its-kind body in India.
HYDRAA to finalize scientific lake boundaries
Ranganath said Hyderabad has over 900 lakes, but most still lack final notifications, including Salakam Cheruvu. Because demolitions without finalized boundaries can be challenged in courts, HYDRA is collecting scientific data to determine accurate FTL and buffer zones. The agency aims to complete this exercise within the year.
He clarified the distinction with HICC/‘N’ Convention, stating Durgam Cheruvu received its final notification in 2015, which enabled enforcement actions there. HYDRA is also notifying adjoining nalas along with lakes to protect the entire hydrological network.
Equal application of law; CSR misuse flagged
Addressing questions on Fatima College, he said the building came up in 2015–16 and that “charity” is a secondary issue before the law. He emphasized there are no special laws for any college rules apply equally to Fatima College, Mallareddy College, and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy College. HYDRAA is preparing its actions to withstand judicial scrutiny if challenged.
He added that some actors tried to occupy lake areas under the guise of CSR. HYDRA is now technically marking FTL lines to prevent misuse. Land values near lakes have soared to crores, he noted, underscoring the need for strict, scientific demarcation.
Protection for existing homes within legacy zones
Ranganath reiterated the government’s earlier stance: no punitive action against houses already within FTL and buffer zones as of HYDRA’s formation date. The current exercise focuses on accurate mapping, forward protection, and system-wide enforcement.
