HYDERABAD: Cracking the whip on illegal constructions coming up on the full tank levels and buffer zones of lakes in the city, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken out a demolition drive at Nalla Cheruvu area in Kukatpally and Ameenpur in Sangareddy.
Buildings in Kistareddypet village of Ameenpur had been illegally built by obtaining permission using adjacent private land survey numbers, officials said.
“During the drive in Ameenpur, we restored 4 acres of govt land. Only structures constructed for commercial activities were razed. Villas occupied by families were not demolished,” said HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath.
In Kukatpally’s Nalla Cheruvu area, HYDRAA demolished 16 large sheds/structures built within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zone. The water body spans 27 acres, but four acres had been illegally occupied and utilised for commercial activities, HYDRAA officials said. The large sheds along the lake’s perimeter were being used to run catering services and involved on-site cooking facilities, according to HYDRAA.
Following the demolitions in Kukatpally, those living in the premises said officials did not give them enough time to make alternative arrangements. In one instance, the husband of a pregnant woman got into a heated argument with the police.
“The officials showed no leniency or compassion towards expectant mother, proceeding with the demolition without allowing sufficient time for us to remove our belongings and vacate the premises,” said a tenant whose shed close to Nalla Cheruvu was razed.
Another affected woman said, “We were caught off-guard when authorities arrived to carry out demolitions without any prior notice. The sudden action gave us little time to salvage our belongings. My son had invested a great deal of effort in constructing the structure, only to be forcibly evicted by the officials. We were left scrambling to remove our belongings, including furniture and other items.”
“We have reclaimed around 8 acres by clearing out unauthorised structures. The primary objective is to safeguard essential water sources and public properties. We aim to guarantee long-term sustainability and proper utilisation of these valuable resources for the benefit of the community and the environment,” Ranganath said.
