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Will Government Target Necklace Road
HYDRA demolitions, Asaduddin Owaisi, Necklace Road, Hyderabad news, GHMC building, FTL land, illegal constructions, Revanth Reddy, lake encroachments, Hyderabad politics
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has questioned the state government’s approach to demolitions conducted by HYDRA, asking whether high-profile properties like Necklace Road and government buildings will be targeted. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defends the demolitions, asserting no one will be spared in the crackdown on illegal constructions in Hyderabad’s lakes and buffer zones.
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Will Government Target Necklace Road? Owaisi Questions HYDRA’s Selective Demolitions
Hyderabad has recently witnessed a series of demolitions led by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) agency, targeting buildings constructed on Full Tank Level (FTL) lands and buffer zones of various lakes. These actions have sparked significant controversy and debate across the city, particularly with AIMIM Chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi raising pointed questions about the scope and fairness of these demolitions.
On Sunday, August 25, Owaisi challenged the state government’s demolition efforts, questioning whether the authorities would extend their actions to prominent properties such as those along Necklace Road and government buildings situated at Hussain Sagar Lake. His comments were aimed at highlighting what he perceives as selective enforcement by the HYDRA agency.
“Will the government that is demolishing buildings in the FTL also demolish those built at Hussain Sagar? Will they demolish Necklace Road?” Owaisi asked, addressing reporters. He further criticized the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) building, suggesting it too stands on land that should be subject to demolition due to its alleged location on a water pond.
Owaisi’s remarks come in the wake of a high-profile demolition that occurred the previous day. The N Convention building, owned by actor Nagarjuna, was razed after it was found to be in violation of regulations concerning FTL and buffer zones. The N Convention, reportedly situated in the Tammidi Kunta buffer zone and encroaching upon 1.12 acres within the FTL, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about land use and enforcement of building regulations.
Earlier in the week, illegal constructions in the buffer zone and Full Tank Level area of Gandipet Lake were also demolished, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the demolitions. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the opposition party, has accused the state government of conducting what they term ‘selective demolitions’. They argue that many properties owned by Congress leaders also violate FTL regulations but have not faced similar punitive actions.
In response to these accusations, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reaffirmed his commitment to the demolition efforts. Speaking at the Ananta Sesha installation festival organized by the Hare Krishna Sanstha, Reddy emphasized that the crackdown on illegal farmhouses and encroachments would continue unabated. He assured that no individual, regardless of their status or connections, would be spared from these actions.
“We are determined to free our lakes from those who have encroached upon them,” Reddy stated, invoking the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to underline the importance of protecting natural resources. “Illegal structures are being demolished without hesitation, regardless of the pressure exerted on us. Those who occupy the lakes will face consequences. If we destroy nature’s wealth, nature will turn against us.”
Reddy also highlighted the rise in contamination of Hyderabad’s lakes due to drainage from buildings encroaching upon lake areas. He stressed that protecting these vital natural resources is a collective responsibility, and the government’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.
The debate over these demolitions has revealed deep-seated tensions between different political factions and the complexities of managing urban growth while adhering to environmental regulations. As the city grapples with these challenges, the scrutiny on HYDRA’s operations and the state government’s policies is likely to intensify.
Owaisi’s challenge to the government not only underscores concerns about selective enforcement but also raises critical questions about the consistency and fairness of urban planning and regulatory measures in Hyderabad. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the state government will address these issues and whether further high-profile properties will come under the scrutiny of HYDRA’s demolition drive.
