Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is showing dual standards concerning demolition of encroachments and issuance of notices. The body tasked with safeguarding government properties, water bodies, and public spaces within Greater Hyderabad, has been accused of adopting a dual approach in handling encroachments. It is being widely criticized that while HYDRAA claims to act against illegal buildings, the bulk of its efforts seem to target the homes of the poor, leaving the encroachments of influential leaders and celebrities largely untouched.
The disparity in action is evident in the way notices are issued. While the poor are given just seven days to vacate, the more affluent receive a 30-day notice. This has been highlighted in recent notices issued in Bowenpally’s Boin Cheruvu and Durgam Cheruvu, where residents are facing eviction.
HYDRAA, which was established to protect public properties, is facing growing criticism for its seemingly unilateral actions. MLA Danam Nagender, who recently joined the Congress party, has raised concerns with the Chief Minister, accusing HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath of targeting poor slum dwellers in the Nandagiri Hills layout issue.
The controversy intensified with the demolition of 37.08 acres of land in Rayadurgam, Serilingampally mandal, displacing five families. Residents of Bowenpally division, who have been living there for over 40 years, have expressed their frustration, accusing HYDRAA of unfairly targeting them. They claim that officials from the revenue department have been issuing notices about FTL (Full Tank Level) and buffer zones for the past four days, despite their homes being established since 1980.
The government’s decision to entrust HYDRAA with the protection of ponds, parks, canals, and public spaces under the ORR (Outer Ring Road) has led to confusion. Notices are being issued by multiple departments—GHMC, HMDA, Revenue Department, and the Irrigation Department—each citing different regulations like FTL, buffer zones, Nala encroachment, and the WALTA Act. This lack of coordination has only added to the confusion among residents.
A notable example is the case of Thirupathi Reddy, the brother of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Serilingampally revenue officials issued a notice to him, stating that his house was within the FTL area of Durgam Cheruvu. Reddy, who purchased the property in 2016-17, claims he was unaware that his house fell under FTL. He has stated that if his house is indeed illegal, he is willing to have it demolished, but has requested time to vacate the premises. He also pointed out that the layout was approved in 1995, suggesting that the notice might be politically motivated.