HYDRA intensifies demolition drive, razes structures in Hyderabad on Monday.
Officials dismantled illegal structures of a sports academy located at Kavuri Hills Park in Madhapur. The demolition was part of a broader effort to address unauthorized constructions in the area. The action was taken following complaints from local residents regarding the encroachment and misuse of public space. Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations and maintaining the integrity of public parks. This move aims to restore the park’s original purpose and ensure that it remains accessible to the community for recreational activities. Residents welcomed the demolition, expressing hope for better management of public spaces in the future.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) continued its demolition drive on Monday, targeting alleged unauthorized structures at a park in the Madhapur area. This operation focused on the illegal constructions associated with a sports academy located in Kavuri Hills Park, part of Hyderabad’s bustling information technology cluster.
The Kavuri Hills Association had previously lodged a complaint regarding the sports academy, citing concerns about encroachment and the misuse of public space. Acting on this complaint, HYDRA officials took decisive action to dismantle the unauthorized structures. Following the completion of the demolition, officials erected a signboard for Kavuri Hills Park, signaling the restoration of the park’s integrity and public access.
In response to the demolition, the management of the sports academy claimed that they had been granted a lease for 25 years by the Kavuri Hills Association. They alleged that the eviction was unjust and occurred before the lease period had elapsed, raising questions about the legitimacy of the demolition. However, HYDRA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath clarified that the demolition drive was conducted in compliance with a court order, emphasizing the legal framework guiding their actions.
This operation marked the second consecutive day of demolition activities by the newly established HYDRA agency. On Sunday, the agency targeted encroachments at Kukatpally Lake, where they dismantled 16 sheds that were being used for commercial purposes within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Nalla Cheruvu. The agency’s actions were aimed at protecting water bodies and reclaiming valuable public land from encroachment.
The demolition at Kukatpally was significant, with officials reclaiming four acres of the lake area. While the total lake area encompasses 27 acres, approximately seven acres had been encroached upon in the FTL and buffer zone. Importantly, officials noted that structures used for residential purposes were not demolished, indicating a focused approach to addressing only illegal commercial operations.
In addition to the Kukatpally operations, HYDRA also targeted unauthorized constructions in other areas. At Kistareddypet, several encroachments were removed from government land. Three reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures used for commercial activities were demolished, resulting in the reclamation of one acre of land. Similarly, in Patelguda, the agency dismantled a total of 25 RCC structures, effectively reclaiming three acres of government land.
The demolition drive was carried out collaboratively, with officials from the Revenue Department, Irrigation Department, and Town Planning Department working alongside the HYDRA team. This multi-departmental collaboration underscores the seriousness of the initiative to restore and protect the integrity of public spaces, water bodies, and government lands across Hyderabad.
The actions taken by HYDRA have been received with mixed reactions from the community. While many residents support the reclamation of public spaces and the restoration of parkland for community use, there are concerns about the impact on businesses and facilities that were operating under previous agreements. The situation reflects the ongoing tension between development, community needs, and regulatory compliance in rapidly urbanizing areas.
As HYDRA continues its efforts, it is clear that the agency is committed to addressing unauthorized constructions and protecting the city’s resources. The recent drive highlights the importance of adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks while ensuring that public spaces remain accessible and functional for all residents. The outcomes of these actions will be closely monitored as the agency seeks to balance community interests with the need for compliance and order in Hyderabad’s urban landscape.