HYDRAA follows rules before demolishing buildings, says chief

Hyderabad: “It is not like we just arrive at the lake on a fine morning and demolish the structures. We are following due procedure,” said AV Ranganath, Commissioner of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA).

The actions of HYDRAA and its leader Ranganath are much talked about these days for their crackdown on constructions in the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes in and around the capital city of Hyderabad. Ranganath was personally handpicked by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for the tough task and has scored points by not giving in to pressure and using earthmoving machinery to demolish constructions of the rich, politicians and influential people.

Ranganath has come under heavy fire from Khairatabad MP D. Nagender, who has been arrested on a complaint filed by the HYDRAA for complicity in the demolition of a wall of a GHMC complex.

“Facts are there for everyone to see and decide,” Ranganath told Deccan Chronicle, not just about the politicians targeting him but also about the massive drive to clear the lakes of encroachments. Contrary to popular belief that the demolition teams arrived at the site suddenly and reduced the structures to rubble, HYDRAA meticulously verified the data in the first phase of screening.

“We are sending notices to the owners of these structures to provide the plan approved by the respective local bodies,” Ranganath pointed out.

Only after the formalities were completed, including issuing notice and receiving documents, if any, from the encroachers, the HYDRAA teams proceeded with the demolition. While structures in the FTL are being demolished on priority, clearing of the same in buffer zones would be taken up in the next phase, Ranganath said.

Asked about the encroachments on the area covered under GO 111, the government order meant to protect Himayatsagar and Osmansagar, Ranganath said the mandate given to HYDRAA is to clear encroachments on the FTL and buffer zones of lakes and government land.

The senior police official was grateful to the Chief Minister for his vision to set up an exclusive agency and pump in funds and personnel to tackle the menace of encroachments that grew due to the patronage of all previous governments. In several cases, the officials were also hand in glove with the builders and issued plans and occupancy certificates. “We will bring these discrepancies to the notice of the government for further action,” he said.

The move is expected to raise awareness among property buyers about the FTL and buffer zones and make it virtually impossible for trespassers to seek redress through the courts by providing false and misleading information.

This initiative is commendable as the government has finally mustered the political will to protect our lakes — something that has been lacking for 40 years. Just one acre of land can hold four million litres of water, saving the government ₹350 crore-`400 crore spent on road repairs after floods every monsoon. A thorough revenue analysis needs to be done to estimate the savings if all the affected land is reclaimed, though this will be challenging due to the involvement of the land mafia

BV Subba Rao

Former Member, Water Domain Lakes and Reservoirs

Bureau of Indian Standards.

There are thousands of violations and it is unclear whether HYDRAA has the necessary information. They should develop a comprehensive action plan. At the moment, the demolitions seem to be random. Restoring lakes involves much more than just demolition. We need to know what actions will follow, as well as preventive measures. Given the influence of vested interests, citizens are watching to see how long the demolitions will continue.

Narsimha Reddy Donthi

Environmental scientist, researcher

Do we want our lakes or not? The answer is simple. People need to understand that the solution to water shortages in summer and floods in monsoon lies in our lakes. Historically, Hyderabad and Telangana have been rich in lakes and tanks. Many places where you see a Katta Maisamma temple today had a lake nearby, as the goddess is considered the protector of lakes. Any step taken to preserve them is welcome.

Anuradha Red

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Hyderabad, Convener

Credai welcomes the decision of the government and HYDRAA to take strict measures against encroachers. There should be regulation when encroachments on such a scale occur near water bodies.

V. Rajashekar Reddy

Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai)

HYDRAA is doing a good job but it is worrying that illegal constructions are still happening. But people are paying attention now because of HYDRAA

Ranjitha P.

IT employee

This is something the government should have addressed earlier. It is good that civil servants are noticing it now and are working on it.

Soughanthika Lakshman

Architecture student

We, as humans, must protect nature. We must not destroy it.

T.Ishan Kumar

Waiting for a job

There are so many lakes, ponds and tanks that have been completely or almost completely encroached upon by big developers. The way HYDRAA demolishes the buildings creates fear among intruders.

Muthuswamy

Real Estate Developer, Thimmaiguda