HYDRA represents a significant step forward in disaster management and asset protection for Hyderabad. With its comprehensive mandate and coordinated approach, the agency is set to enhance the city’s resilience against disasters and ensure the protection of valuable public assets. As HYDRA begins its operations, Hyderabad can look forward to a safer and more secure urban environment.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) Guidelines and Procedures has been Issued by the Telangana state government to safeguard citizens from disasters, protect government assets, and enforce strict regulations. This newly formed independent body aims to enhance disaster response and asset protection across Hyderabad, including the Outer Ring Road (ORR) area.
Key Responsibilities and Operational Scope
HYDRA’s mission encompasses comprehensive disaster protection plans for GHMC and the districts of Rangareddy, Sangareddy, and Medchal. The agency will collaborate with national disaster response teams, weather agencies, and the National Remote Sensing Agency to continually monitor and respond to environmental threats. Key functions include:
- Establishing disaster response teams.
- Addressing complaints about encroachments on parks, open spaces, industrial areas, and water resources.
- Investigating and preventing illegal constructions and encroachments.
- Ensuring building compliance with safety regulations and removing hazardous structures.
- Collaborating with district collectors, GHMC commissioners, police commissioners, and other departments for support and enforcement.
Organizational Structure of HYDRAA
HYDRAA will operate under the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department. The Commissioner, a senior officer of AIS, will lead HYDRAA, functioning under the Principal Secretary to the Government, MA&UD Department. The jurisdiction of HYDRAA includes all areas within GHMC and extends up to the ORR, with possible future adjustments by the government.
Core Functions of HYDRAA
HYDRAA will have three main wings: Asset Protection, Disaster Management, and Logistical Support, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
- Asset Protection Wing
- Safeguarding local bodies’ and government’s assets, including parks, playgrounds, lakes, roads, and footpaths, from encroachments.
- Collaborating with GHMC, local bodies, HMDA, and other departments for lake encroachment removal.
- Coordinating with local police for asset protection and necessary enforcement.
- Inspecting private premises for building and town planning regulations, removing unsafe structures endangering public safety.
- Enforcing regulations on unauthorized advertisements and ensuring compliance with permissions granted by local bodies.
- Disaster Management Wing
- Responding to disasters and emergencies through the Disaster Response Force (DRF) of HYDRAA.
- Coordinating with NDRF, SDMA, TG DR&FS, and other state and national disaster management agencies.
- Collaborating with technical agencies like the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) for timely alerts and forewarnings.
- Managing emergencies in coordination with departments such as police, GHMC, HMWS&SB, HMDA, HMR, and other relevant bodies.
- Maintaining a database for risk assessment and disaster risk predictions.
- Issuing Fire NOCs as mandated by the Telangana Fire Services Act, 1999.
- Logistical Support Wing
- Handling staff recruitment, drafting, and other service matters.
- Managing office procedures and administration.
- Overseeing procurements and logistics for operations.
- Maintaining assets, equipment, and vehicles.
- Providing IT & GIS services and managing the Disaster Response Information System for the TCUR area.
- Conducting training, coordination, and community engagement in association with the Disaster Management Wing.
Additional Functions and Responsibilities
HYDRAA will also focus on traffic coordination and management, particularly during disasters, and collaborate with regular traffic police to manage jams and stormwater issues. The agency will undertake training, capacity building, and information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives. Coordination with various departments, including district collectors, police commissions, and national defense forces, is also a key responsibility.
Organizational and Field Team Structure
HYDRAA will have a structured organization with necessary sub-divisions and field teams, equipped with requisite materials, equipment, and vehicles.
Budget and Financial Modalities
The budget for HYDRAA will include allocations from the government and internal resources generated through contributions or fees from local authorities like GHMC, HMDA, TGIIC, TGSPDCL, HMWSSB, and MRDCL. A separate Head of Account will be created for this purpose.
Governing Body and Sub-Committee
A Governing Body, chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, will provide policy guidance and review HYDRAA’s functioning. A TCUR Disaster Management Sub-Committee, formed under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, will assist the Governing Body in implementing disaster management plans and policies, coordinating efforts, and monitoring preparedness and response activities. This sub-committee will meet monthly or as needed.
Transition of Existing Resources
Current officers, staff, infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles under EV&DM within GHMC will be transferred to HYDRAA, except for internal vigilance and enforcement wings, which will remain with GHMC. The Commissioner of HYDRAA will propose the necessary posts, staff, budget, and vehicles to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
Asset Protection and Regulation Enforcement
HYDRA’s Asset Protection Wing will focus on safeguarding public and government properties from encroachments. This includes parks, playgrounds, lakes, roads, and footpaths. The wing will also inspect private properties for compliance with building and town planning regulations, taking necessary actions against unauthorized structures and advertisements.
Disaster Management and Response
The Disaster Management Wing will coordinate disaster response and relief efforts during emergencies. This includes working with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and other state and national agencies. The wing will also maintain a database for future risk assessment and disaster predictions, ensuring proactive measures are in place.
Logistics and Support
HYDRA’s Logistics Support Wing will handle staff recruitment, administrative procedures, procurement, and logistics for operations. This wing will ensure the maintenance of assets, equipment, and vehicles, supporting the agency’s operational readiness.
Traffic Coordination and Management
HYDRA will also play a crucial role in traffic management, particularly during emergencies such as waterlogging, road damage, and other disaster-prone scenarios. The agency will coordinate with traffic police to manage vehicular movement and mitigate congestion in affected areas.
Governing Structure
HYDRA’s governing body will be chaired by the Chief Minister, with members including the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister and other key officials. This high-level committee will guide policy decisions and oversee the agency’s strategic direction.
Establishing a Unified Disaster Management Agency
In a significant move, the state government is also creating a single, unified disaster management agency for the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR). This region includes the entire GHMC area and the districts of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy, extending up to the ORR. The new agency aims to streamline disaster response and enhance coordination across these regions.
HYDRAA GO 99 dated 19 July 2024 Download
Conclusion
HYDRA represents a significant step forward in disaster management and asset protection for Hyderabad. With its comprehensive mandate and coordinated approach, the agency is set to enhance the city’s resilience against disasters and ensure the protection of valuable public assets. As HYDRA begins its operations, Hyderabad can look forward to a safer and more secure urban environment.
https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/hydra-is-shaking-up-hyderabad-900046
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