There are widespread discussions about the potential impact of the new ordinance granting broad powers to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which is now set to operate as a parallel governance structure. Concerns are mounting that the powers vested in HYDRAA could overshadow key functions of municipal, HMDA, revenue, waterworks, and irrigation departments. Specifically, there are worries that local bodies, such as corporations and municipalities, may be rendered largely symbolic.
With the introduction of Section 374(B) in the GHMC Municipal Act-1955 through this ordinance, GHMC’s role could be significantly diminished. Critical responsibilities, such as town planning, disaster management, lake and waterbody protection, are reportedly being transferred to HYDRAA, sparking frustration among local officials. Some GHMC leaders have voiced concerns that residents seeking permits for construction or demolition will bypass local leaders, dealing directly with HYDRAA instead.
Officials are also debating whether powers under the Municipal Act-2019, typically vested in the GHMC commissioner, will now shift to HYDRAA. The ordinance appears to grant HYDRAA extensive control, allowing it to inspect encroachments, issue notices, and remove unauthorized constructions on government lands.
As per current laws, removing encroachments requires cooperation between GHMC, HMDA, municipal, revenue, and irrigation departments. But the ordinance may empower HYDRAA to bypass these requirements and directly manage these tasks, potentially diminishing the role of surrounding municipalities in urban governance.
Additionally, the ordinance appears to empower HYDRAA over various city assets, including government properties, ponds, and canals within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Authorities such as the District Collector and MRO could see their responsibilities transferred to HYDRAA.
The ordinance also impacts the irrigation department’s responsibilities in demarcating and maintaining ponds, now falling under HYDRAA’s purview. Under the B-PASS Act-2020, Zonal and District Task Forces currently led by zonal commissioners and district collectors could be consolidated under HYDRAA’s command. Similarly, authorities granted under the HMDA Act-2008, the Land Revenue Act, the Telangana Building Rules, and Telangana Fire Services Act are reportedly shifting to HYDRAA. This centralization of authority may leave the irrigation department and others wondering about their future role if HYDRAA assumes control of their responsibilities.
Dissatisfaction among government employees is already brewing, as the ordinance centralizes power in HYDRAA and potentially sidelines traditional departments. Employees are questioning their roles and responsibilities under the new system. Additionally, the ordinance mandates that an NOC (No Objection Certificate) be issued by HYDRAA instead of municipalities, even where municipalities previously handled these matters.
Experts worry this change could strain the efficiency of town planning in Greater Hyderabad, which previously involved a more distributed approval process. With HYDRAA’s expanded powers, coordination challenges between departments may arise, impacting the city’s administrative balance. Observers within the urban department argue that the ordinance could create technical and operational hurdles, especially if HYDRAA’s stake in city governance grows too dominant.
The prevailing sentiment among various departmental officials is that their roles could become largely administrative, with HYDRAA leading enforcement actions, from identifying encroachments to overseeing demolitions.