Sat Aug 02 15:36:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched a public awareness campaign called “Basthi tho Dosti” (Friendship with Slums) targeting slum communities in Hyderabad. The initiative aims to counter negative narratives and inform residents about HYDRAA’s work, particularly related to flood prevention. The first event involved cleaning the Bulkapur drain in Toli Chowki, removing tons of garbage and silt. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath assured residents that the agency prioritizes their well-being and will only relocate slum dwellers with guaranteed alternative housing. The agency also plans to install CCTV cameras to deter littering in drains, and address flood-prone slums throughout the city.
**News Article:**
**Hyderabad Agency Launches ‘Friendship with Slums’ Initiative to Combat Flooding, Misinformation**
**HYDERABAD, August 2, 2025** – The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has unveiled “Basthi tho Dosti” (Friendship with Slums), a new initiative aimed at fostering trust and awareness within the city’s slum communities. The program’s launch comes amidst concerns about misinformation and ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas.
The first event under “Basthi tho Dosti” took place in Toli Chowki, where HYDRAA has already undertaken extensive cleanup work on the Bulkapur drain, removing tonnes of accumulated garbage and silt. Speaking to residents, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath emphasized the agency’s commitment to the well-being of the city’s underprivileged.
“HYDRAA is on the side of the common man,” Commissioner Ranganath stated, urging residents to disregard “narratives against HYDRAA being spread by land-grabbers.” He assured them that no homes would be demolished without providing alternative housing.
The agency highlighted the critical need for these efforts, pointing out that areas like Virat Nagar and Basava Tarakam Nagar are particularly susceptible to flooding due to the accumulation of waste in drains. To further combat this issue, HYDRAA will install CCTV cameras along the Bulkapur drain to deter illegal dumping.
HYDRAA Additional Director Varla Papaiah revealed that 750 slums across the city are prone to flooding, and the agency is committed to addressing drainage issues in all of these locations. The “Basthi tho Dosti” initiative marks a significant step toward building stronger relationships with these communities and ensuring their safety and well-being.
First Piper 