HYDRAA Claims Protection of Public Assets Worth Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore, Eyes Rs 2 Lakh Crore Milestone

Hyderabad, June 2026 : The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has announced that it has successfully reclaimed and safeguarded public assets valued at more than Rs 1.10 lakh crore within less than two years of its establishment, marking what it described as a major achievement in protecting the city’s public resources.

The agency said on Monday that its operations have helped secure lakes, nalas, parks, government lands and other blue-green resources that were under threat from encroachments and illegal land-grabbing activities. According to HYDRAA, these assets have now been preserved for public use and for future generations.

Expressing confidence about the future, the agency stated that with continued support from citizens, government departments and other stakeholders, it is on course to achieve the next major target of protecting assets worth Rs 2 lakh crore within the coming year.

In a statement, HYDRAA credited responsible citizens, public-spirited individuals, media organisations and government agencies for their cooperation and support in its efforts to reclaim and restore public lands and water bodies.

The agency thanked those who stood behind its mission to protect Hyderabad’s environmental and public resources, saying their support had been crucial in preventing valuable lands and water bodies from falling into the hands of land mafias and illegal encroachers.

HYDRAA reiterated that its core mission revolves around reclaiming, protecting and restoring public assets. It stressed that safeguarding lakes, waterways, parks and government lands is essential for ensuring a sustainable and environmentally resilient future for Hyderabad.

The announcement comes at a time when HYDRAA has become the centre of intense political debate in Telangana. The discussion gained momentum following remarks made recently by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during an event in Bengaluru.

Speaking during a conversation with The Hindu Group Director N. Ram, the Chief Minister said he had drawn inspiration from Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler while naming the agency. The remarks sparked controversy and drew criticism from political opponents and various sections of society.

The Congress government established HYDRAA in 2024 with the objective of protecting public assets, managing disasters and reclaiming encroached lands across the Hyderabad metropolitan region. Since its inception, the agency has carried out several high-profile operations and has reportedly reclaimed more than 2,000 acres of government land by removing encroachments from open spaces, lakes, nalas and public parks.

Headed by IPS officer A.V. Ranganath, HYDRAA has received praise from supporters for its efforts to recover public land and restore water bodies. However, the agency has also faced criticism from opposition parties, which have alleged that some demolition drives disproportionately affected economically weaker sections.

The opposition’s criticism has intensified in recent months. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao recently declared that if his party returns to power, one of its first decisions would be to abolish HYDRAA.

Despite the political controversy, HYDRAA maintains that its focus remains on protecting public resources and ensuring that Hyderabad’s environmental and civic assets are preserved for future generations.