Hyderabad: Malkajgiri Member of Parliament, Etala Rajender, has strongly criticized HYDRA for its actions against common people. He accused the organization of being heavy-handed and ruthless, especially toward powerless citizens. This statement came after he visited Venktrao Nagar and Seshadri Nagar areas in Kukatpally, where HYDRA carried out a demolition drive, claiming the structures were encroachments on Nalla Cheruvu.
Rajender called these demolitions a “wicked and ruthless use of power” against ordinary people. He warned that if these actions continue, the Congress-led government in the state could face severe consequences, as it may be swept away by the tears and suffering of innocent citizens.
Speaking about Nalla Cheruvu, Rajender explained that it used to provide water to irrigate hundreds of acres of land. According to an earlier survey, the lake covered 19 acres, but after a resurvey, it was said to be 27 acres. However, the government land within Nalla Cheruvu was only 7 acres and 36 guntas, with the remaining being private land. He pointed out that people owning these lands have possessed them for decades, not just under temporary land pattas. Some individuals, who moved to the area for work, have even rented these lands to run small businesses.
Rajender further condemned HYDRA’s demolition drives, which took place over the weekend. He accused the organization of not respecting the courts or the judicial system. He also shared that even though the affected people begged officials to allow them to remove their belongings, HYDRA carried out the demolitions with what seemed like vengeance, destroying their livelihoods.
He emphasized that while no one opposes the protection of water bodies, intellectuals and environmentalists should also consider the impact on the lives of poor and middle-class people. In a bold statement, Rajender challenged the state government and HYDRA to demolish well-known constructions like Prasad I-Max, which are located on land under Hussain Sagar lake, to show they are treating everyone fairly.
