Hyderabad:
The Hyderabad Development Authority (HYDRA) has continued its demolition drive in the city despite continuous rains. On Saturday morning, the drive targeted structures in the Rajendranagar area, specifically at the Appa Cheruvu lake in Gaganpahad. These demolitions were carried out in coordination with Irrigation and Revenue officials.
The demolished structures included industrial sheds and other constructions that were allegedly built on the Full Tank Level (FTL) of the lake. Among the demolished structures were some that belonged to T Srinivas Reddy, the BJP Corporator of Mailardevpally.
One of the main reasons for the urgency of this demolition drive, according to HYDRA officials, was the flooding in the Gaganpahad area during the 2020 floods. These floods caused significant damage to both life and property. The overflowing of Appa Cheruvu and another nearby tank also led to flooding on the Airport road of Shamshabad Airport, disrupting traffic.
HYDRA Commissioner A V Ranganath mentioned that the Appa Cheruvu lake has shrunk from 34 acres to around 10-12 acres over the past few years. This reduction in the lake’s size has raised concerns about the impact of encroachments on the area’s ecosystem.
In response to the drive, Srinivas Reddy questioned the legitimacy of the demolition, stating that it was carried out without prior notice. He acknowledged that some of the demolished structures belonged to him, adding that his family had owned the land for nearly four decades. He also expressed concern over the loss of industries that were operating on the land.
Later in the day, Commissioner Ranganath conducted inspections of Ameenpur and Saki lakes in the city’s suburbs of Patancheru and Ameenpur. During his visit, he also inspected Shambikunta and Bandham Kommu lakes, which are considered part of the biodiversity ecosystem in Ameenpur. The Commissioner requested a detailed report from local authorities on the condition of these lakes.
Meanwhile, authorities have begun cracking down on senior officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the Revenue Department for allegedly aiding in lake encroachments. The Cyberabad Police have registered cases against several officials, including HMDA City Planner Raj Kumar, Nizampet Municipal Commissioner Rama Krishna Rao, and others. They are accused of facilitating illegal encroachments around Erra Kunta Lake in Chandanagar and Pragathinagar.
