In a significant move, the Telangana government has decided to bolster the Hyderabad Drug Enforcement Agency (HYDRAA) by granting it police station status. This decision aims to enhance HYDRAA’s authority and effectiveness in combating drug trafficking and abuse within the state.
Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari convened a high-level meeting to formulate a comprehensive action plan based on recent orders issued by the Telangana High Court. These orders pertain to the removal of encroachments around ponds and the preservation of government property. As part of this plan, guidelines are being prepared to fully entrust HYDRAA with the responsibility of safeguarding all lakes, parks, canals, and other government sites under the Outer Ring Road (ORR) jurisdiction. The meeting also discussed allocating additional powers and personnel to HYDRAA for this purpose.
Presently, various departments—such as Irrigation, GHMC, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, and Walta—issue different notices regarding encroachments. To streamline this process, the Principal Secretary of the Municipal Department has been directed to finalize procedures for all eviction notices to be issued by HYDRAA within the ORR limits. Furthermore, all notices and evictions related to encroachments will fall under HYDRAA’s jurisdiction, including those issued by GHMC, the Land Encroachment Act, Land Grabbing Act, Walta Act, and the Irrigation Department.
HYDRAA, which already operates with 72 teams, will soon receive additional officers and staff from the Police, Survey, and Irrigation Departments to strengthen its operations. The agency’s responsibilities will extend to the conservation of Gandipet and Himayatsagar lakes, previously overseen by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to combatting drug-related challenges and protecting public assets. With its newfound status, HYDRAA is poised to play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the well-being of Telangana’s citizens1.
