Hyderabad: Protecting Public Assets is HYDRAA's Priority
AV Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA), emphasized that the agency’s main responsibility is to protect public assets. Speaking during a press conference at the Secretariat, he addressed recent demolitions and actions taken against illegal constructions along the Musi River. Ranganath stated that protecting public properties, such as lakes and stormwater channels, is a collective responsibility, and HYDRAA is actively working to fulfill this duty.
He expressed concern over false information spreading on social media, which is causing unnecessary fear among the public. Ranganath explained that government land in areas like Ameennpur has been illegally occupied, with unauthorized buildings being constructed. Over the past two months, HYDRAA has been demolishing these illegal constructions, none of which have proper permits.
Ranganath pointed out that some influential individuals are misusing political power to build unauthorized structures on incorrect land survey numbers. He stressed that HYDRAA’s goal is to ensure the protection of public assets like lakes and nalas for future generations. Additionally, HYDRAA is responsible for managing natural disasters and safeguarding both public and government properties.
In a recent operation, HYDRAA demolished a convention center owned by actor Nagarjuna. However, Ranganath clarified that nearby huts belonging to poorer individuals were not touched, and no residential buildings were demolished. He also addressed rumors about a hospital in Ameennpur that was demolished. He explained that the hospital was rebuilt illegally after an earlier demolition, and HYDRAA had to take action again. Importantly, no patients were inside the building during the demolition, despite misleading reports on social media.
Ranganath further explained that, despite receiving prior notices, some individuals refused to vacate their illegal properties, forcing HYDRAA to proceed with demolitions only after giving them sufficient time. Recently, the agency demolished illegal constructions around Nallacheruvu Lake in Kukatpally. Ranganath emphasized that it is usually influential people, not economically weaker sections, who are behind these illegal constructions.
HYDRAA was launched by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to specifically protect government assets. The agency has been operating effectively for the last two months. Ranganath also dismissed false rumors about suicides related to HYDRAA’s work, calling them a smear campaign against the agency.
