Commissioner A.V. Ranganath clarifies demolitions by HYDRAA; Highlights action plan
Hyderabad: A.V. Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, issued clarifications regarding the demolitions under the authority’s jurisdiction.
Addressing the media, Ranganath stated that HYDRAA would not demolish structures that were legally permitted before the formation of the authority in July 2024. “Residential houses constructed without permission will not be demolished if they were completed and occupied before July 2024,” he clarified, adding that such claims will be verified through Google Earth and field inspections.
The Commissioner further clarified that commercial structures, including those built without proper permission, such as (N Convention), will be demolished if they fall within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of water bodies, regardless of their construction timeline.
Ranganath also explained that structures built after the formation of HYDRAA in July 2024 without necessary permissions will be treated as illegal. “Structures with canceled permissions, even if residential, will be considered illegal and demolished,” he added, citing recent demolitions in areas like Katwa Tank, Mallampet, and Ameenpur.
The Commissioner took a strong stance on land grabbing, stating, “HYDRAA takes strict action against land grabbers who exploit vulnerable populations, as seen in the demolitions at Chintala Cheruvu, Gajularamaram, and Sunnam Tank in Madhapur.”
In cases where court orders are in place, Ranganath confirmed that demolitions will proceed as instructed, as demonstrated by the recent demolition of under-construction apartments at Errakunta in Nizampet. He also pointed out that after the formation of HYDRAA, demolitions will take place if any structure is within the FTL, irrespective of prior permissions. Officials who grant such permissions will be held accountable.
The Commissioner highlighted HYDRAA’s transparent approach to the FTL marking of ponds in Hyderabad. “We are conducting this process transparently and are prioritising complaints from colony welfare associations and local residents. Post-demolition, our focus will be on repurposing these areas for public use,” he said.
Ranganath revealed that demolitions have already been carried out in 12 ponds, with proposals for restoration submitted to the government. “Once approved, we will begin the restoration work. HYDRAA was created to protect public lands, parks, and water bodies, an initiative that is unique to the country,” he stated.
Commenting on the agency’s progress over the past five months, the Commissioner affirmed, “HYDRAA is moving forward with clear policies, correcting any shortcomings, and working with a strong commitment to serving the public good. Our work is based on government directives and court judgments.”
Ranganath also highlighted HYDRAA’s technological advancements and growing public trust. “In just five months, we have acquired nearly 200 acres of government land and resolved over 5,000 complaints. While some complaints are still pending, we are committed to addressing each one thoroughly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner announced that the government is in the process of establishing a HYDRAA police station to tackle land grabbing and illegal activities. “We will take stringent legal action against perpetrators and masterminds behind land encroachments,” Ranganath said.
𝐇𝐘𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
HYDRAA has assured that structures approved before July 2024 will not… pic.twitter.com/dCPY13p2GE
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) December 18, 2024
