HYDRAA Will Not Demolish Overnight or Target Poor People’s Houses, Says Commissioner A.V. Ranganath
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said HYDRAA does not demolish overnight or target poor people. He revealed that 2,450 acres have been reclaimed from encroachments and 862 acres of government land protected in Sangareddy district.
HYDERABAD: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said that HYDRAA does not carry out demolitions overnight and does not target the houses of poor people. He stated that action is taken only after confirming encroachments through detailed studies and verification of records.
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The Commissioner made these remarks while addressing a round-table conference organized by the Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal (TRLD) Party on Saturday on the theme of HYDRAA activities, chain-linked lakes, and the role of HYDRAA in environmental protection. The meeting was held under the leadership of former MLC and TRLD Party President Kapilavai Dilip Kumar.
Public Should Understand HYDRAA Activities, Says Commissioner
A.V. Ranganath urged city residents to closely observe HYDRAA’s activities and discuss the benefits being delivered through the organization.
He cautioned people not to believe the alleged misinformation being spread by those who have encroached upon lakes, nalas, government lands, parks, and lands meant for public purposes and allegedly earned hundreds of crores of rupees through such encroachments.
According to the Commissioner, those involved in encroachments are unhappy with HYDRAA’s actions because the agency has recovered hundreds and thousands of acres of government land that had been occupied after allegedly managing systems and misusing influence.
HYDRAA Reclaimed 2,450 Acres of Encroached Land
The Commissioner stated that HYDRAA has completed nearly two years since its formation and has freed 2,450 acres of land from encroachments.
He said that these encroachments primarily involved influential individuals.
A.V. Ranganath cited the example of Iylapur village in Aminpur Mandal of Sangareddy district, where HYDRAA protected 862 acres of government land.
He said that the action was taken only after conducting a study for one year and examining all records thoroughly.
No Injustice to Poor People, Double Bedroom Houses Recommended
The Commissioner said HYDRAA has not caused injustice to poor people anywhere.
He stated that during lake restoration activities, HYDRAA recommended to the government that poor families who lost huts should be provided double-bedroom houses.
HYDRAA Acting Against Encroachers Responsible for Flooding
A.V. Ranganath said the people of Telangana wanted a state free from exploitation, but large-scale encroachments of government land continue to take place.
He alleged that:
- Hundreds of acres of government land have been encroached upon.
- Lakes and nalas have been occupied, contributing to urban flooding.
- Old layouts have been altered.
- Parks and lands reserved for public purposes have been occupied.
- Common citizens are facing difficulties due to such encroachments.
The Commissioner said HYDRAA is acting firmly only against such encroachers and claimed that they are the ones spreading negative campaigns against the agency on social media.
Government Using Recovered Land for Public Welfare
The Commissioner stated that the government is constructing an intercity bus terminal on land recovered by HYDRAA from encroachers.
He added that the government is also planning to use reclaimed land for:
- Government schools
- Hostels
- Double-bedroom housing projects for poor people
He said HYDRAA is working to restore chain-linked lakes and reduce flooding in Hyderabad.
Bathukamma Kunta and Edulakunta Restoration Based on Scientific Evidence
A.V. Ranganath said HYDRAA proved through several historical records that Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet is a lake.
He also stated that Edulakunta in Madhapur is filled through the Thammidikunta flood canal and therefore requires protection.
According to the Commissioner, HYDRAA confirmed that these are lakes based on:
- NRSC satellite images
- Survey of India records
- Village records
- Scientific assessment methods
He questioned whether anyone could prove that these findings were incorrect.
Encroachers Behind Hut Settlements at Mushkin Lake, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner stated that HYDRAA’s inquiry found that encroachers had allegedly encouraged poor people to build huts at Mushkin Lake near Narsingi, close to the IT Corridor.
He said that whenever notices were issued asking people to vacate, additional huts appeared in the area.
Despite this, HYDRAA explained the facts to the residents and vacated the area in the presence of the media.
According to A.V. Ranganath, every lake encroachment case involves people with financial strength and political influence, and HYDRAA will continue to act strictly against such individuals.
Other Speakers Call for Environmental Protection
Earlier, several participants, including:
- Vimalakka, President of Arunodaya Cultural Organization
- Prakash Reddy, BJP Spokesperson
called for giving greater importance to environmental protection in Hyderabad city.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, speaking at the Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal Party’s round-table conference, said HYDRAA does not demolish structures overnight and does not target poor people’s houses. He stated that action is taken only after confirming encroachments through detailed studies and record verification. The Commissioner said HYDRAA has reclaimed 2,450 acres from encroachments, protected 862 acres of government land in Iylapur village, Aminpur Mandal, Sangareddy district, and continues to work on lake restoration, flood control, and protection of government lands and public-use spaces.
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