Tensions Rise as HYDRAA Initiates Demolition Campaign
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Hyderabad, December 19 (NationPress) The demolition of various shops by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has led to heightened tensions and protests in Alkapur Colony located in the Manikonda region of the city this Thursday.
HYDRAA teams executed the demolition of shops connected to Anuhar Morning Raga Apartments after receiving complaints from local residents.
Shopkeepers engaged in heated disputes with HYDRAA officials and staged a protest at the location. They raised concerns about how their shops could be demolished despite having paid substantial taxes to the Manikonda municipality.
The shops that were demolished included grocery, fruit, and vegetable vendors situated on the ground floor of the apartment complex. The shopkeepers asserted that they had received approval from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in 2016, claiming compliance with all regulations regarding setbacks, floors, and parking.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath stated that the demolition was initiated following complaints from numerous families living in the apartment.
A week prior, Ranganath visited the area where residents voiced concerns about certain individuals operating commercial enterprises within a residential zone.
Just two days ago, Ranganath inspected Kamuni Cheruvu and Maisamma Cheruvu in Moosapet and Khaitlapur, addressing reports of encroachments and blocked flood canals. He cautioned that illegal dumping of soil or construction activities in the lakes would incur severe penalties.
The Commissioner also indicated that HYDRAA, which was established in July 2024, would not interfere with existing residential buildings but would take action against commercial or unauthorized constructions. Ranganath expressed his discontent and frustration towards the actions of the association, deeming their conduct unacceptable and intolerable.
Complaints have been flooding in regarding builders undertaking the construction of high-rise buildings on Full Tank Level (FTL) across various locations in Hyderabad and its outskirts.
"We wouldn’t touch any structures that are being constructed on the FTL and buffer zones of lakes which have received permissions from authorities prior to HYDRAA’s establishment. However, we will scrutinize under-construction projects that received approval after July 2024," he remarked.
Previously, HYDRAA had demolished buildings constructed before its inception.
