BJP corporator’s property demolished among HYDRA’s Gaganpahad targets.
Under heavy police security, demolition activities commenced, targeting structures identified as illegal encroachments in Gaganpahad. The focus is on removing sheds and other unauthorized constructions on lands that fall under the Full Tank Level (FTL) of nearby water bodies. These encroachments have been identified as part of a broader effort to reclaim and protect water resources in the area. The authorities are determined to clear these illegal structures to restore the natural flow and preserve the environmental integrity of these water bodies, ensuring compliance with land and environmental regulations. Further demolitions are expected in the coming days.
HYDRA Targets Illegal Constructions in Gaganpahad: A Major Demolition Drive Underway
In a significant move to reclaim encroached lands and restore the environmental integrity of Hyderabad’s water bodies, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection Agency (HYDRA) launched a major demolition drive on Saturday, August 31. The operation targeted illegal constructions within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of two crucial water bodies, Appa Cheruvu and Mamidi Cheruvu, located in the Gaganpahad area. The drive marks a critical step in the city’s efforts to combat encroachments that have contributed to severe environmental degradation and heightened flood risks.
The Demolition Drive
The demolition activities began under the cover of heavy police security, emphasizing the seriousness of the operation and the potential for resistance from affected parties. The focus of the demolition was on structures that had been identified as illegal encroachments, including industrial sheds and other unauthorized constructions on lands falling within the FTL limits of the two lakes. Among the demolished structures was a property owned by Thokala Srinivas Reddy, a BJP Corporator from Mailardevapally, highlighting that even politically connected individuals are not immune to the enforcement of regulations.
The Full Tank Level (FTL) refers to the maximum level that a lake or reservoir can hold water without spilling. Over the years, the FTL areas around Appa Cheruvu and Mamidi Cheruvu have been increasingly encroached upon, reducing the effective size of these lakes and contributing to environmental and infrastructural challenges in the region.
The Environmental Impact
HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath provided sobering details about the extent of the encroachments. According to Ranganath, Appa Cheruvu, which once spanned 34 acres, has now shrunk to a mere 10-12 acres due to the illegal constructions that have steadily encroached upon the lake’s boundaries. This drastic reduction in water-holding capacity has not only degraded the local ecosystem but has also significantly increased the risk of flooding.
The region surrounding these water bodies was particularly hard-hit during the devastating floods that struck Hyderabad in October 2020. On October 13, 2020, the area experienced severe flooding that resulted in considerable loss of life and property. These floods underscored the critical need for stringent action against encroachments that disrupt the natural flow of water and exacerbate flood risks.
HYDRA’s Strengthened Operations
Under the leadership of Commissioner AV Ranganath, HYDRA has undergone significant restructuring and empowerment to tackle these challenges more effectively. The agency has formed 72 new teams and augmented its personnel, making it a more robust and proactive force in the fight against illegal constructions. This expansion reflects HYDRA’s evolving role from merely addressing encroachments to actively preventing them and holding those responsible accountable.
One of the most notable changes in HYDRA’s operations is its increased autonomy. The agency will now oversee all actions related to illegal constructions, including issuing notices and carrying out demolitions. This marks a shift away from the previous system where responsibilities were fragmented across various departments, such as irrigation and municipal authorities. The creation of a dedicated police station for HYDRA is also in the works, further enhancing its operational capabilities and enforcement power.
Accountability and Legal Actions
In addition to the demolition activities, HYDRA has intensified its scrutiny of officials involved in approving constructions within FTL and buffer zones. The agency has reportedly identified 50 officers who played a role in granting unauthorized permissions and is focusing on holding them accountable. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that such illegal activities are curtailed at the source by addressing the corruption and negligence that allow them to occur.
HYDRA is also seeking explanations from former zonal commissioners of Kukatpally and Serilingampally regarding their involvement in approving construction permits within these sensitive areas. The agency’s investigation extends to various municipal commissioners, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) deputy commissioners, and town planning officers who may have been complicit in these unauthorized approvals.
Historically, HYDRA’s role was primarily focused on addressing encroachments after they had occurred. However, under the current leadership, there is a stronger emphasis on not just removing illegal structures but also on identifying and prosecuting those who permitted these constructions in the first place. This approach aims to create a deterrent effect, reducing the likelihood of future encroachments by ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences.
The Broader Implications
HYDRA’s current actions represent a significant escalation in the fight against illegal encroachments in Hyderabad. The agency’s enhanced powers, combined with its focus on accountability, signal a more determined approach to protecting the city’s natural resources and infrastructure. The demolition drive in Gaganpahad is likely to be the first of many, as HYDRA continues to identify and target illegal constructions throughout the city.
This initiative is also expected to have broader implications for urban planning and development in Hyderabad. By reinforcing the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, HYDRA’s actions could help prevent the kind of unchecked growth and encroachment that have plagued the city in recent years. Moreover, by holding officials accountable for their roles in these violations, the agency aims to foster a culture of transparency and responsibility within local governance.
Conclusion
The demolition drive in Gaganpahad is a decisive action by HYDRA to reclaim encroached land and restore the natural balance of Hyderabad’s water bodies. As the agency continues to strengthen its operations and hold accountable those responsible for illegal constructions, it is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient urban environment. The success of these efforts will not only protect the city’s natural resources but also safeguard its residents from the severe consequences of environmental degradation and urban mismanagement.