Hyderabad saw a tense situation on Friday near Peddamma Temple, located on Road No. 41 in Jubilee Hills, as officials from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) launched a large-scale demolition drive. The operation targeted illegal buildings constructed over drainage canals.
The action came after complaints from Jubilee Hills Society members and local residents. They reported that open drains were being blocked by unauthorized structures. HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath personally inspected the area and confirmed the issue.
HYDRA demolished illegal buildings covering more than 500 square yards. These structures were blocking stormwater flow and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains. Clearing them was vital to protect the city’s drainage system.
As a result of the operation, HYDRA reclaimed around two acres of land, which included park space and canal (nala) areas. The total value of the recovered land is estimated to be over ₹200 crore.
Authorities also revealed that a tenant had taken over land meant for public use. Without the owner’s knowledge, the tenant ran hotels and hostels, collecting nearly ₹10 lakh per month. HYDRA had issued notices earlier, and the matter went to court. The court ruled that the tenant had no legal claim to the property. Demolitions were carried out under the court’s direction.
In a separate incident, HYDRA responded quickly to flooding in Maruthinagar, Champapet, on Thursday night. Unseasonal rains the previous night had caused water to flow into several homes.
The flooding happened because of a mismatch in the sizes of connecting canals. Water from Salkam Cheruvu was too much for the smaller, clogged drain in Maruthinagar. Garbage further blocked the flow, leading to an overflow.
HYDRA crews cleared the blockage using a JCB machine, which helped restore normal water flow. Residents were relieved after the quick response.
Commissioner Ranganath visited the area for an on-site inspection. He pointed out the need to widen the Maruthinagar canal so it can handle heavy water flow from upstream during rains.
With the monsoon season nearing, HYDRA has instructed all teams to stay alert in low-lying areas to prevent future flooding.
