A.V. Ranganath defends HYDRAA’s actions
HYDERABAD: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath on Monday said the agency had worked in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution during his two-year tenure and focused on protecting government land, lakes and parks.
He said HYDRAA had safeguarded public assets worth an estimated ₹1.50 lakh crore in market value by acting in line with Articles 21 and 48A of the Constitution. Six lakes had been fully restored, while restoration work on another 20 lakes was under way.
Agency reclaimed public land
Ranganath said HYDRAA had reclaimed hundreds of lakes, parks and thousands of acres of government land allegedly encroached upon by influential persons and handed them back to the government.
“We work with honesty, commitment and without fear on the side of truth. That is the strength of HYDRAA,” he said.
He alleged that land mafia operators and encroachers were misleading courts by presenting false information.
Lothkunta dispute cited
Referring to the Lothkunta land dispute, Ranganath alleged that Shanta Sriram Constructions Pvt Ltd attempted to take over government land worth nearly ₹10,000 crore. He further alleged that the company carried out blasting of heritage rock formations valued at around ₹2,500 crore and felled hundreds of trees without obtaining the required permissions.
He said HYDRAA intervened after receiving complaints from the Society to Save Rocks, environmental activists and local residents.
According to Ranganath, the developer showed land located about 3 km away and allegedly encroached on 120 acres of government land before initiating contempt proceedings against him.
Commissioner cites contempt cases
Ranganath said 63 contempt cases had been filed against him and alleged that all of them were initiated by influential land encroachers.
He named persons whom he alleged had attempted to encroach upon Bathukamma Kunta lake, government land at Lothkunta, residential plots belonging to ordinary citizens, Singareni workers’ plots and other government land.
“My only mistake as HYDRAA Commissioner was standing in their way,” he said.
Ranganath said he would contest all the contempt cases through legal means and expressed confidence in the judiciary.
“I have complete faith in the courts. Whatever responsibilities governments assign to me in the past, present or future, I will continue to work to deliver 100 per cent results,” he added.
