HYDRAA team bonds over cricket after battling rains

In a bid to boost morale and foster teamwork, staff from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) engaged in a spirited late-night cricket match on Saturday at the agency’s Fatulguda sports ground. The event, which stretched into the early hours of Sunday, saw employees from the asset protection and disaster management divisions compete in vibrant yellow uniforms, led by top officials including Commissioner A.V. Ranganath.

The match served as a much-needed respite for the dedicated HYDRAA team, who have been tirelessly working to mitigate the impact of recent flooding in Hyderabad. Following heavy rains on October 5 that dumped over 40 mm of water in just half an hour in areas like Ameerpet, the agency mobilized swiftly, clearing 45 truckloads of silt from clogged pipelines and conducting thorough desilting inspections. These efforts successfully prevented a repeat of chronic flooding in vulnerable zones, a feat confirmed by recent operational updates. Under the glow of floodlights, the cricket match featured intense moments, with staff showcasing their skills—swinging bats for sixes and delivering thunderous bowls to topple wickets.

Accompanying photographs captured the camaraderie, including team huddles, dynamic batting action, and jubilant group celebrations. Commissioner Ranganath, who led one of the teams alongside Additional Commissioners N. Ashok Kumar and R. Sudarshan, and Additional Director Varla Papayya, emphasized the event’s role in enhancing coordination. “Sports like these strengthen our unity and inspire us to work cohesively every day to protect public lands, parks, and infrastructure,” he said.

The match, umpired by Additional Commissioner Ashok Kumar, also featured lively commentary by HYDRAA PRO Venugopal Naidu, keeping spectators engaged. Ranganath expressed hope that this enthusiasm would propel the team to continue serving Hyderabad’s residents with dedication, earning their appreciation. As the city recovers from recent weather challenges, this morale-boosting initiative underscores HYDRAA’s commitment to both disaster management and staff well-being.