Before learning about FTL and Buffer Zone, let's look at what Hydra actually is. Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency, known as HYDRA. Instituted by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, HYDRA is dedicated to a distinct mission: reclaiming illegally occupied government lands, protecting the city’s ponds, and serving as a bulwark against both human and urban disasters.
Although HYDRA was established less than few months ago, the agency has already made a significant impact. Under the leadership of senior IPS officer AV Ranganath, HYDRA has successfully reclaimed over 100 acres of government land and removed illegal structures from approximately 20 city ponds.
These rapid actions have not only captured public attention but have also stirred some controversy.
Is your property close to a lake? Ensure your project adheres to safe distances from the lake’s Full Tank Level to steer clear of HYDRA challenges.
A VISIONARY PROJECT: HYDRA
This strategy fosters an ecosystem where safety, preparedness, and rapid response become the norm.
HYDRA’s crackdown goes beyond addressing minor encroachments and targets larger, more complex developments.
For instance, in Nizampet, HYDRA officials recently demolished three under-construction buildings.’ Although these buildings had initially received approval from authorities, there were concerns about encroachment on protected lands.
From regular disaster preparedness drills to awareness campaigns, the goal is to create a resilient community that can act promptly in need.
HYDRA incorporates a well-coordinated emergency response system to strengthen the strategy
The chief minister, Revanth Reddy, has made it clear: his mission is to build a safe and resilient Hyderabad that can withstand and quickly recover from any disaster.
What FTL(Full tank Level) and Buffer Zones in Hydra
FTL (Full Tank Level) refers to the maximum level a water body, such as a reservoir or lake, can reach before overflowing. It's essential for managing water storage and flood prevention.
Buffer Zones are designated areas around water bodies that serve to protect them from encroachments and environmental degradation. In Hyderabad, buffer zones are critical for maintaining ecological balance, preventing flooding, and ensuring sustainable urban development. These zones also help in controlling construction activities near water sources to protect them from pollution and illegal encroachments.
Most of these illegal encroachments. have emerged around 13 lakes across the two districts.
The 13 lakes witnessing rampant encroachments include Sunnam Cheruvu near Kukatpally, Medikunta Cheruvu in Nanakramguda, Gosaikunta Cheruvu at Goulidoddi, Pedda Cheruvu near Chandanagar, Nallagandla Cheruvu in Nallagandla, Durgam Cheruvu in Madhapur, Maddela Kunta near Saroornagar, Pedda Cheruvu in Peerazadiguda, Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal, Chinna Damera Cheruvu in Dundigal, Amber Cheruvu in Kukatpally, Chinnarayauni Cheruvu, and Boin Cheruvu.
Full Tank Level (FTL):
FTL refers to the maximum water level that a lake or water body can reach. It is crucial for urban planning and environmental protection as it indicates the highest point at which water can be stored.
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Flood Mitigation: Buffer zones play a critical role in flood management by providing a natural barrier that can absorb excess water.
Specifications of Buffer Zones
Here are some specifications for buffer zones in Telangana:
Large water bodies: A minimum buffer zone of 30 meters
Medium water bodies: A buffer zone between 15 to 20 meters
Smaller water bodies: A buffer zone of at least 9 meters
Thirty meters from the FTL for lakes larger than 10 hectares, which includes a 12-foot-wide walking/cycling track.
Nine meters from the FTL for lakes smaller than 10 hectares.
Drains and canals: A buffer of 10 meters for drains and 9 meters for canals
No Permission is allowed for building construction if it is within 50 meters buffer zone from rivers and HMDA will not give permission if it is from 100 meters
An ongoing effort is underway to educate the public about the significance of FTL and buffer zones in urban planning and environmental conservation.
Ways to Check Your Property for FTL and Buffer Zone
Checking the FTL Zone survey number through the Dharani portal
For Lakes and rivers go through this official website
If your property is 9 meters away from Nala and 50-100 meters from rivers then it is safe
Recent Actions and Impact of HYDRA(Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency)
HYDRA is taking proactive measures to prevent future encroachments.
The chief minister has made decision to include all areas up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) under the jurisdiction of the HYDRA. WHICH l will be responsible for managing 2K square kilometers up to orr. He also mandated that the HYDRA be established according to the National Disaster Management Act to provide comprehensive services to citizens amidst the city’s rapid growth.
Further studies will be conducted to finalize the details of HYDRA’s implementation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between HMDA, the water board, disaster management, and municipal administration. Accordingly, the existing enforcement, vigilance, and disaster management departments will be reorganized.
What’s Next for HYDRA(Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency)?
The future of HYDRA largely hinges on the support of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. For now, HYDRA remains active, concentrating on its objectives of protecting public land, conserving natural resources, and managing urban risks. The agency’s actions have reclaimed valuable land and sent a strong message—unchecked illegal construction will no longer be tolerated.
As HYDRA continues its work, Hyderabad’s residents keenly observe how this new force in city administration will shape the future.
Some are optimistic about the positive changes it might bring, while others are apprehensive about potential disruptions. Regardless, it’s clear that HYDRA is here to challenge the status quo and safeguard the city against future threats.
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