HYDRAA assures no demolition of occupied homes in ongoing crackdown

HYDERABAD: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath assured the public that no occupied homes would be demolished, even in Full Tank Level (FTL) or buffer zones.

In a media statement on Sunday, the HYDRAA Commissioner stated that only new constructions, which were unauthorized and still under construction in these sensitive zones, would be targeted.

The demolitions at Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur and Mallampet Cheruvu in Dundigal involved structures still under construction and lacking permissions. HYDRAA emphasized that these structures had been built in FTL or buffer zones and thus violated regulations. In Dundigal, seven villas were demolished at Mallampet Cheruvu. These villas, built by local builder Vijay Lakshmi, were still unoccupied and were constructed illegally. Vijay Lakshmi, known locally as the “Lady Don,” has several criminal cases registered against her, with suspected political connections.

In Ameenpur, Sangareddy district, HYDRAA demolished compound walls, rooms, and sheds encroached upon by former MLA Katasani Rambhoopal Reddy. The demolished commercial sheds and hotels in Sunnam Cheruvu were being used unlawfully in FTL areas.

HYDRAA reiterated its commitment to protecting lake zones from illegal encroachment while assuring the public that occupied homes would remain safe. The agency urged residents not to purchase properties in FTL or buffer zones and advised them to check the HMDA lakes' website for clarity. Criminal cases have been filed against Vijay Lakshmi, Katasani Rambhoopal Reddy, and Gopal, another local leader involved in illegal business activities at Sunnam Cheruvu.

HYDRAA also highlighted the common process of lake encroachment, in which lakes are filled with debris and then constructed with temporary structures. Over time, permanent buildings emerge, leading to the disappearance of lakes. The agency pledged to continue its efforts to prevent such encroachments.