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Demolitions Must Begin at Home
Demolish HYDRA Chief’s Office First: KTR on Hyderabad Lakes Rejuvenation
KTR Criticizes HYDRA’s Role in Demolitions
Hyderabad: KT Rama Rao (KTR), working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), made bold statements during a press conference on Monday, September 30. He emphasized the need for accountability in Hyderabad’s ongoing demolitions, particularly targeting the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA). He declared that if illegal constructions on nalas, full tank level (FTL), and buffer zones of lakes were to be demolished, the HYDRA Commissioner should lead by example by starting with his own office. KTR highlighted the phrase “charity begins at home,” stressing that authorities should begin the demolition process from within their own ranks before targeting public or private properties.
According to KTR, illegal structures linked to political figures, such as the residences of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s brother, Tirupathi Reddy, and Revanth Reddy’s own house in Kodangal, should also face demolition. Additionally, he pointed out the need for accountability from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) offices and farmhouses owned by other ministers.
Massive Scam Allegation on Musi River Project
KTR’s criticism of the Telangana government focused particularly on the ongoing demolition activities along the Musi River. He raised serious concerns about the budget allocated for the Musi River beautification project, a whopping Rs 1.5 lakh crore, calling it a “massive scam.” The BRS leader questioned why such an exorbitant amount was required for a 55-kilometer stretch when the central government managed to clean and rejuvenate the 2,400-kilometer Ganga River with a budget of Rs 40,000 crore.
KTR argued that this vast discrepancy between the two river projects is clear evidence of financial mismanagement, suggesting that funds allocated for the Musi River beautification could be misused. He urged the Telangana government to reconsider the project’s scale and to ensure that the money is spent judiciously for the betterment of the city’s environment.
Calls for Transparency and Fairness in Demolition Drive
During the press conference, KTR did not hold back his demands for fairness in the demolition process. He urged the authorities to begin with the HYDRA office, which is allegedly situated near the Hussain Sagar Lake, a prime location for illegal encroachments. KTR criticized the selective approach of targeting smaller illegal structures while ignoring the bigger, politically connected properties. He stressed that only when the government starts its demolition process at its own institutions and properties will it gain public trust in its efforts to rejuvenate Hyderabad’s lakes and nalas.
AIMIM’s Protest Against Musi River Developmental Works
Adding to the controversy, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Bahadurpura MLA, Mohd Mubeen, threatened to lie down in front of a bulldozer if authorities tried to demolish houses as part of the Musi River Developmental Works in the Old City. Speaking near the Falaknuma police station, Mubeen expressed strong objections to the forceful acquisition of homes in Kishanbagh and Bahadurpura areas. He emphasized the need for justice for the residents, calling out what he saw as unfair targeting of vulnerable communities.
Mubeen’s protest follows the detention of four AIMIM corporators for staging protests against the acquisition, reflecting the growing unrest among residents and political leaders over the manner in which the Musi River project is being executed.
Congress Leader’s Condemnation
A day before KTR’s statements, Congress leader and Khairatabad MLA, Danam Nagender, also criticized the Telangana government for its demolition drive. Nagender condemned the administration for demolishing structures allegedly constructed by HYDRA itself. His remarks have further fueled the growing criticism against HYDRA and its role in the city’s controversial demolitions.
The wave of demolitions has sparked significant political and public backlash, with several leaders raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process. As Hyderabad moves forward with its lakes and rivers rejuvenation project, the public is demanding accountability from political leaders, HYDRA officials, and the government.
Conclusion: Accountability and Transparency Needed
As Hyderabad undergoes efforts to revive its lakes and restore nalas, KTR’s statements reflect the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the process. His call for starting the demolitions at HYDRA’s own office and the homes of political figures underscores the need for an unbiased approach. Without such measures, the demolition drive risks being viewed as selective and unfair, undermining public trust in the city’s rejuvenation projects.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only, based on publicly available information and news reports. The views expressed here are not meant to malign any individual or organization. Verify the facts independently before forming an opinion.
