HYDRA Demolition Drive Reclaims Encroached Public Lands and Water Bodies in Hyderabad

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) continued its active demolition drive in the city on Monday, targeting illegal structures at a park in the Madhapur area, known as an information technology hub. This latest action, carried out at Kavuri Hills Park, involved the demolition of unauthorized buildings associated with a sports academy. According to HYDRA officials, this was in response to a complaint lodged by the Kavuri Hills Association.

Complaint by Kavuri Hills Association

The complaint alleged that the sports academy had illegally occupied portions of the park, leading to swift action by the authorities. Once the illegal structures were removed, HYDRA installed a Kavuri Hills Park board, marking the area as reclaimed public land. The management of the sports academy, however, countered these claims by stating that the association had leased the area to them for 25 years. They argued that their eviction, which occurred before the lease’s end, was unjustified.

HYDRA’s Response and Justification

HYDRA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath addressed these concerns, clarifying that the demolition was carried out in strict accordance with a court order. This particular demolition was part of a broader campaign by HYDRA, which was recently established to focus on removing illegal constructions and encroachments across Hyderabad. This was the second consecutive day of demolitions undertaken by the agency, with Sunday’s efforts targeting structures around Kukatpally Lake, also known as Nalla Cheruvu.

Demolitions at Kukatpally Lake

On Sunday, HYDRA officials demolished 16 sheds that had been constructed illegally within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Kukatpally Lake. These structures were primarily used for commercial purposes. The reclamation efforts resulted in recovering four acres of lake area. Officials stated that although the total area of Kukatpally Lake covers 27 acres, approximately seven acres had been encroached upon. Importantly, the authorities clarified that they had refrained from demolishing structures used for residential purposes.

Reclamation Efforts in Ameenpur Mandal

In addition to the demolitions around Kukatpally Lake, HYDRA extended its operations to other parts of the Hyderabad metropolitan region. In Ameenpur Mandal, located in the Sangareddy district, illegal structures on government lands in Kistareddypet and Patelguda were also dismantled. At Kistareddypet, three reinforced cement concrete (RCC) buildings used for commercial operations were demolished, leading to the reclamation of one acre of land.

Extensive Demolitions at Patelguda

The demolition drive in Patelguda was even more extensive, with a total of 25 RCC structures being pulled down. This action enabled HYDRA to reclaim three acres of land that had been encroached upon by various illegal constructions. Both of these areas are part of the Ameenpur Mandal, where similar efforts to protect and restore government land have been ongoing.

Coordination with Government Departments

The drive, spearheaded by HYDRA, has involved coordination with multiple government departments. Officials from the Revenue Department, Irrigation Department, and Town Planning Department have actively participated in the process, ensuring that the operations are comprehensive and aligned with legal protocols.

Protecting Public Resources and Water Bodies

HYDRA's demolition campaign aims to protect public resources, including government lands and water bodies. Encroachments on these critical areas, especially water bodies, have been a growing concern, as they pose environmental risks and disrupt the natural flow and storage of water. By reclaiming encroached land, HYDRA hopes to restore the integrity of these areas and prevent further illegal constructions in the future.

Addressing the Encroachment Problem in Hyderabad

In recent years, encroachments on water bodies have been a significant issue in Hyderabad. Many lakes and reservoirs in the city have seen their buffer zones and catchment areas slowly overtaken by illegal structures, particularly for commercial operations. These encroachments not only reduce the size of these water bodies but also contribute to environmental degradation, increasing the risk of flooding and water contamination.

A Step Toward Ecological Balance

The proactive steps taken by HYDRA are seen as part of a larger movement to address these issues. By dismantling illegal structures and reclaiming encroached land, the agency is working toward restoring the ecological balance in Hyderabad. This also sends a strong message to individuals and organizations that illegal land use will not be tolerated.

HYDRA’s focus on protecting public lands and water bodies is critical for the sustainable development of Hyderabad, especially as the city continues to grow and urbanize rapidly. The agency’s work, in collaboration with other government departments, highlights the importance of legal land use and the enforcement of environmental regulations to maintain the health of the city's ecosystem.

Reclaiming Public Lands for Future Growth

HYDRA’s demolition drive at Kavuri Hills Park and other areas around Hyderabad is part of a determined effort to reclaim illegally occupied public lands and water bodies. With support from various government departments, HYDRA is working to ensure that illegal constructions are removed, and encroachments on critical areas are addressed to restore ecological balance and protect public resources. As the city continues to grow, efforts like these are essential for sustainable urban development and the protection of Hyderabad's natural resources.