The Government of Telangana has taken a significant step toward strengthening public safety and asset protection by establishing a dedicated police station for the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). This initiative, formalized under G.O.Ms.No.03 of the Home (Legal) Department, will play a crucial role in safeguarding public assets and managing disaster response within the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR).
Purpose of HYDRAA and the Need for a Dedicated Police Station
HYDRAA was established to ensure comprehensive disaster management and asset protection across urban Telangana. The agency focuses on preserving vital public assets, including lakes, nalas, parks, playgrounds, and government lands. However, the jurisdiction’s expanse, covering areas up to the Outer Ring Road and co-terminus with three police commissionerates, posed operational challenges.
A major hurdle was the dependency on regular police stations, which were already burdened with various criminal cases. This slowed down the response to issues related to land encroachments, defacement of public properties, and other violations impacting public assets.
To address this, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency proposed establishing a dedicated police station at B-Block, Budha Bhavan, Secunderabad. This specialized station will handle cases exclusively related to asset protection and HYDRAA activities.
Legal Framework and Government Orders
The creation of the HYDRAA Police Station aligns with legal provisions under:
- Clause (s) of Section 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Clause (u) of Section 2 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Article 154 of the Constitution of India
These legal instruments empower the Telangana Government to establish specialized police stations that cater to specific public needs.
Operational Structure and Jurisdiction
The newly sanctioned police station will operate within HYDRAA’s territorial limits and be headed by an officer in the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), serving as the Station House Officer (SHO). Cases will be filed under the direct supervision of the HYDRAA Commissioner, ensuring swift and efficient action against land encroachers, public property violators, and others threatening public assets.
Key operational highlights include:
- Protection of Public Assets – The police station will focus on safeguarding lakes, nalas, parks, playgrounds, and open spaces.
- Monitoring Teams – Dedicated field teams will oversee and monitor assets, ensuring proactive protection.
- Coordination with Local Authorities – The station will collaborate with urban local bodies (ULBs) and regional local bodies (RLBs).
Manpower and Resource Allocation
Personnel for the HYDRAA Police Station will be appointed on a deputation basis, as sanctioned by G.O.Ms.No.108, Finance (HRM.I) Department, dated 25.09.2024. This ensures efficient utilization of existing police resources without straining the recruitment process.
Role of Key Stakeholders
The establishment of the HYDRAA Police Station involved input from various government bodies:
- Home Department – Issued orders for station creation.
- Director General of Police, Telangana – Provided recommendations and operational insights.
- Chief Minister of Telangana – Serves as the Chairman of HYDRAA, overseeing its activities and governance.
Significance for Urban Development and Public Safety
This initiative marks a transformative approach to asset protection and disaster management in Telangana. By creating a dedicated station, the government ensures faster response times, reduced backlog for regular police stations, and enhanced urban safety.
The HYDRAA Police Station serves as a model for other states looking to implement specialized units for urban asset protection, reinforcing Telangana’s commitment to sustainable urban development and public welfare.