HYDRA Targets Officials Over Illegal Permits

The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal construction activities within the city’s lakes and buffer zones, focusing particularly on Full Tank Levels (FTL). This initiative comes after HYDRA launched a comprehensive investigation into the issuance of construction permits that violated environmental norms and regulations.

The Commissioner of HYDRA, A.V. Ranganath, has formally lodged a complaint with the Cyberabad Police Commissioner, Avinash Mohanty, to initiate criminal proceedings against the officials responsible. The investigation is currently centred around personnel from several key departments, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and the Revenue Department. These individuals are accused of authorising construction permits within protected lake zones, which contravenes existing urban planning regulations aimed at safeguarding Hyderabad’s water bodies.

The inquiry by HYDRA was triggered following reports of unlawful constructions in the areas of Nizampet and Chandanagar. These activities were allegedly facilitated by officials who granted permissions for development projects that encroached upon the legally mandated buffer zones of lakes. In a specific case involving Erra Kunta Lake, five officials have been identified as having a direct role in approving construction within the restricted buffer zone. These officials are now facing severe legal consequences, with criminal charges being prepared against them for their involvement in these violations.

In a parallel move, HYDRA has commenced demolition activities to remove illegal structures that have emerged as a result of these unauthorised permits. The first of these demolitions was initiated on Friday in the Ramnagar area of the Adikmet division. This action followed a recent inspection by Commissioner Ranganath, who noted significant encroachments on local drainage systems within Manemma Colony. The demolitions represent a proactive approach by HYDRA to rectify the damage caused by these illegal constructions and to restore the natural flow and ecology of the affected areas. The decision to transfer full responsibility for the protection and management of all lakes, parks, canals, and other government properties within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to HYDRA is currently underway. This move, articulated by Telangana’s Chief Secretary, aims to consolidate efforts to preserve the city’s natural resources under a single agency with the authority and mandate to enforce compliance and take swift action against violations.