Hyderabad, Nov.26 (NSS): HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath has underscored the urgent need to preserve natural resources amidst rapid urbanisation.
Speaking at a seminar on urban lake management organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) at Tourism Bhavan here on Tuesday, Ranganath stated that Telangana’s urbanisation rate surpasses the national average by 12 percent, currently at 47 percent, and is expected to rise to 75 percent by 2050, stressing the importance of protecting environmental assets for future generations.
The State government established the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection ( HYDRA) in July 2023, integrating the GHMC’s Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing to protect lakes, parks, and other public resources from encroachment, he reminded.
The HYDRA Commissioner said the lake preservation is critical, given that 61 percent of Hyderabad’s lakes have already disappeared due to land demand.
“HYDRA has initiated measures to protect the remaining 39 percent, employing resources like satellite mapping and village records from the National Remote Sensing Agency, Survey of India and Telangana survey department,” he disclosed.
Ranganath noted that HYDRA’s interventions, such as demolishing unauthorised constructions, are already promoting transparency in real estate and raising awareness among citizens. He emphasised that lake conservation is not just an environmental imperative, but a key to ensuring urban stability and disaster resilience.
Experts, including CSIR-NEERI Director Dr. A.N. Vaidya and Hyderabad Zonal Chief Scientist Dr. Shaik Basha, shared strategies for sustainable urban lake management.
