Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) launched a demolition drive at Ramnagar on Friday, targeting illegal structures encroaching on vital drainage systems, fulfilling a promise made to local residents within 24 hours. This is the first HYDRAA's action within the city.
The operation followed an inspection by HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath, who assessed the unauthorised constructions in the Manemma Colony that had been causing severe disruption to the local civic infrastructure.
After receiving numerous complaints from residents about encroachments on roads and drainage systems, commissioner Ranganath directed the GHMC and revenue officials to investigate the matter. The officials confirmed that the structures were illegal, leading to the initiation of the demolitions early on Friday morning.
Ranganath emphasised the agency's commitment to addressing public grievances swiftly and effectively. "We received multiple complaints from the locals, and after verification, we initiated the demolition to clear the encroachments," Ranganath said. He further confirmed that the operation focused exclusively on commercial establishments, with no residential properties being impacted.
The demolished structures were primarily businesses built by occupying the nala (drain) in Manemma Colony, which had severely obstructed the stormwater drainage system, leading to frequent flooding and road blockages in the area. The cleared areas are expected to improve accessibility and restore proper stormwater drainage, alleviating the longstanding issues faced by the local community.
Residents of Manemma Colony (Malamma Galli) in Ramnagar expressed their relief and gratitude for HYDRAA's prompt action.
C. Yadagiri, a senior citizen, recounted how the encroachers had gradually taken over a road that once connected the neighbourhood to the main road. "They first tied their cattle here, then built a wall, followed by sheds, and eventually constructed houses and buildings, blocking the passage of water, drain, and road. We have been suffering for the last 15 years," Yadagiri said.
Sunchu Sharada, a middle-aged resident, highlighted the consequences of the encroachments. "Whenever it rains, our whole lane is marooned. The GHMC has to bring pumps to clear the water, but until then, our houses are filled with knee-high water, destroying our belongings and endangering our health," she said.
Sharada, along with other residents, praised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and HYDRAA commissioner Ranganath for their decisive action.
Another resident, Gowri Setti Monica, expressed her disbelief at the rapid response. "When the HYDRAA chief assured us that the encroachment would be removed within 24 hours, we did not believe it. It's like a dream come true. The drain work, which started in 2016, was never completed because of the encroachment. Now, we can finally live without fear of flooding every time it rains."
The demolition has also sparked controversy, with some of those affected claiming that they had lived in the area for decades and had been paying property taxes and utility bills. "I got married and came here 45 years ago. This morning, at 5 am, they came, threw us out, and demolished the whole house," lamented Bala Mani, one of the affected individuals.
This demolition marks HYDRAA's 166th operation since its inception, further solidifying the agency's reputation for taking swift and uncompromising action against illegal encroachments.
The agency previously garnered national attention after the demolition of the actor Nagarjuna-owned N-Convention, which had been illegally built on the full tank level (FTL) of Thammidikunta lake in Madhapur.
