CURE draft Bill proposes statutory status for HYDRAA

Seeks to expand agency's powers in lake protection, encroachment removal and disaster management

The Telangana Government has proposed granting statutory status to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) through the draft Telangana Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) Bill, 2026, a move aimed at strengthening the agency's legal authority in protecting public assets and enforcing urban planning regulations. HYDRAA currently functions under Government Orders. If the proposed legislation is enacted, the agency will receive a statutory framework with defined powers relating to encroachment removal, lake protection, disaster management and public asset protection.

Expanded role 

Under the draft Bill, HYDRAA is proposed to play a key role in identifying and removing encroachments on lakes, ponds, canals, drains, watercourses and other public water bodies. The government believes quicker action against encroachments will improve stormwater flow and help reduce urban flooding during heavy rains.

Criminal action proposed

The draft also proposes empowering HYDRAA to initiate criminal proceedings against illegal encroachments on government lands and public assets. The agency would be authorised to register cases through its special police station, providing statutory backing to an enforcement mechanism that currently operates under Government Orders. The proposal is intended to facilitate quicker legal action wherever violations are established.

Coordination 

The Bill envisages HYDRAA working closely with departments including Revenue, Municipal Administration, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj and Forest in protecting public assets and removing encroachments. In most cases, the department seeking HYDRAA's assistance would bear the operational expenditure. However, the draft also provides flexibility for the agency to undertake urgent works in larger public interest.

Additional responsibilities

The proposed legislation also expands HYDRAA's role beyond encroachment removal. Under the draft Bill, HYDRAA officials could be authorised to inspect buildings for compliance with prescribed fire safety norms and initiate action wherever violations are found. The legislation further proposes that the HYDRAA commissioner serve as the chairperson of the Lake Protection Committee and convenor of the Disaster Management System, strengthening the agency's role in flood management, lake conservation and disaster preparedness. The draft also empowers the government to assign additional responsibilities to HYDRAA through future notifications, enabling the agency's role to evolve in line with Hyderabad's urban governance requirements. The CURE Bill is currently in the draft stage, and the Government has invited public suggestions before the legislation is finalised.

HYDRAA Proposals

• Statutory status proposed under the CURE Bill.
• Expanded role in protecting lakes, nalas and public assets.
• Power proposed to initiate criminal action against encroachments.
• Coordination with revenue, irrigation, forest and municipal departments.
• Proposed role in fire safety inspections and disaster management.
• Govt may assign additional responsibilities through future notifications.