Hyderabad: HYDRA Cracks Down on Illegal Constructions Near City Lakes
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA) has increased its efforts to demolish illegal buildings near lakes and water bodies in the city. On Sunday, HYDRA focused its efforts on structures built in restricted areas, known as Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones, in several locations.
HYDRA carried out demolition operations in Ameenpur, Madhapur, and Dundigal, targeting illegal constructions near lakes. These areas were identified as having violations of FTL and buffer zone regulations, which are meant to protect water bodies.
In Ameenpur, HYDRA demolished illegal buildings within the FTL limits of Pedda Cheruvu, a lake located in Sangareddy district. One of the structures belonged to YSR Congress Party leader and former MLA Katasani Rambhupal Reddy. Authorities say that Reddy had claimed ownership of land between two lakes and had built compound walls. A criminal case has been filed against the ex-MLA due to these illegal actions.
The demolition in Ameenpur followed complaints from local residents and environmental activists. HYDRA officials, along with Commissioners, visited the site to ensure the illegal structures were removed.
In a separate operation, HYDRA also demolished villas at Mallampet, located in Dundigal municipality in Medchal Malkajgiri district. These villas, built by Sri Lakshmi Srinivas Constructions, were found to be violating FTL and buffer zone rules for Mallampet Cheruvu lake. Seven villas were identified and torn down.
The builder of these villas, Vijay Lakshmi, who is locally known as “Lady Don,” has several criminal cases against her. She is also reportedly connected to local political leaders.
HYDRA officials, working with other departments, launched the demolitions early in the morning under tight police security. According to officials, the villas were constructed by encroaching on protected FTL and buffer zones, violating city regulations. Ranganath, a senior official, confirmed that the demolitions were carried out smoothly with cooperation from both police and municipal authorities.
