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HYDRA demolitions Sangareddy illegal structures
HYDRA Demolitions in Sangareddy Leaves Residents in Disarray
The recent demolition drive led by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) has left numerous residents of Sangareddy District in shock and disarray. On September 22, the agency began demolishing illegal structures in Krishnareddypet, located under the jurisdiction of Ameenpur Municipality. The demolitions have raised concerns among local residents, many of whom claimed that they were not given sufficient time to evacuate or make alternative arrangements.
Illegal Structures on Government Land
The primary focus of HYDRA’s demolition operations in Krishnareddypet was on 16 illegal structures built on government land. These buildings were identified in Patta Survey No. 6 of Patelguda village. According to official sources, these constructions were unauthorized and in clear violation of land use regulations. The agency has been cracking down on such encroachments across the city and surrounding districts as part of a larger effort to protect government-owned land from illegal occupation.
HYDRA’s Execution of Demolition Orders
The demolitions were carried out under tight supervision and involved multiple departments, including revenue and municipal teams. Security was provided by the police force, led by Patancheru Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ravinder Reddy, to prevent any resistance from the affected residents or political groups. It is noteworthy that the structures that were demolished reportedly had links to BRS leader Thota Chandrasekhar, further intensifying the political ramifications of the operation.
Impact on Affected Residents
Local residents, however, voiced their concerns to the media, accusing HYDRA of not giving them adequate time to vacate their homes before the demolitions began. Many claimed that they were taken by surprise, as they were neither given evacuation notices in advance nor were any alternative housing arrangements made for them. This lack of communication and planning has left several families displaced and struggling to find shelter.
Resumption of Demolitions After a Two-Week Hiatus
HYDRA resumed its demolition operations after a brief two-week break, during which no major demolition drives were undertaken. Upon resumption, the agency focused its efforts on illegal structures in the Kukatpally area of Hyderabad. In this operation, 16 buildings—some of which were still under construction, while others were already occupied—were demolished. This marks a significant expansion of the agency’s activities beyond the Ameenpur Municipality.
Demolition Drive in Nallacheruvu
The demolition spree did not end with Krishnareddypet or Kukatpally. HYDRA also identified seven acres of encroached land in Nallacheruvu within a 27-acre zone. A total of 25 illegal buildings, including apartments, were earmarked for demolition. Prior notices had already been issued to the occupants of these buildings, and the demolitions were carried out in accordance with these warnings.
HYDRA’s Ongoing Land Reclamation Efforts
Since its inception, HYDRA has been on a mission to protect public land from illegal encroachments. By September 11, the agency had successfully demolished illegal constructions in 26 locations, reclaiming 111.72 acres of government land within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. These efforts are part of the state government’s broader strategy to combat encroachment and illegal construction in urban and semi-urban areas.
In a detailed report submitted to the Telangana state government, HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath revealed that the agency had demolished a total of 262 unauthorized structures as of early September. The largest demolition site was near Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur, where 42 illegal structures were removed. Other major demolitions occurred near Pedda Cheruvu in Ameenpur (24 structures), Appa Cheruvu in Gaganpahad (14 structures), Kathwa Lake in Dungidal Municipality (13 structures), and Manemma Galli in Ramnagar.
Notable Demolitions Since June 2024
HYDRA’s first major raid took place on June 27, 2024, at Plot No. 30 in Film Nagar Cooperative Society, an area known for housing the city’s elite. The agency’s demolition efforts have not only targeted illegal residential structures but also properties owned by prominent public figures, businessmen, and political leaders.
One of the most high-profile demolitions was the removal of structures linked to actor Akkineni Nagarjuna. The actor’s properties in Tummidikunta Lake, Madhapur, were demolished on August 24, resulting in the reclamation of 4.9 acres of government land.
Conclusion: Residents Call for Proper Evacuation Plans
While HYDRA’s efforts to protect public land are seen as crucial for the long-term development and urban planning of Hyderabad and surrounding areas, the agency’s approach has raised concerns about transparency and humanitarian considerations. Residents affected by the demolitions have repeatedly called for better communication, asking that they be given proper notice to vacate their homes and make alternative arrangements. As HYDRA continues its mission to reclaim encroached land, it remains to be seen how the agency will address the concerns of displaced families.
