Rapid Urbanisation Increasing Flood Risk in Hyderabad: HYDRAA Chief

Rapid urbanisation is increasing the threat of flooding in cities as natural water bodies and lakes face encroachments and increasing pressure from construction activity, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said. He called for greater preparedness among government departments and Yuva Aapadamitra volunteers to minimise loss of life and property during natural disasters.

Ranganath made the remarks while inaugurating the training programme for the fifth batch of Yuva Aapadamitra volunteers at the HYDRAA training centre in Nagole. He urged the volunteers to remain alert and respond quickly during emergencies, particularly when heavy rainfall triggers flooding in urban areas.

The Commissioner said satellite images analysed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) had identified encroachments affecting around 69 per cent of the lakes in Hyderabad. Protecting and restoring these water bodies could significantly reduce the city's exposure to flooding, he said.

He said the state government was placing considerable emphasis on the protection and development of lakes. HYDRAA was taking steps to improve the flow of rainwater through nalas and ensure that excess water reached lakes during periods of heavy rainfall. Strengthening the city's drainage network and restoring water bodies could help control flooding, with such measures already showing results in several areas, he said.

Ranganath also highlighted the risks posed by unauthorised constructions, warning that buildings erected without adequate planning or adherence to safety norms could endanger residents and neighbouring communities.

He cited the recent collapse of a seven-storey building in Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, and the 2024 incident in which a building in Siddiq Nagar tilted to one side. He also referred to building collapse incidents reported in the national capital, describing such events as disasters linked to human errors.

Ranganath appreciated the young volunteers for choosing to contribute to society while continuing their education. The fifth batch comprises 117 students from colleges across Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal districts.

He said the volunteers' local presence would allow them to respond quickly when emergencies occur. They would be expected to alert government agencies, share crucial information and assist authorities in disaster response and damage prevention.

HYDRAA Additional Director Varla Papaiah and Additional Commissioners R. Sudarshan and D. Anand Kumar, among others, attended the programme.