Hyderabad: Continuing its drive against illegal constructions, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolished 13 illegal structures built on the Appa Cheruvu in Gagan Pahad. The operation came in response to numerous complaints by locals about encroachments on the lake that is spread over 35 acres.
The demolished structures included sheds and compound walls that were built on three acres of the lake’s full tank level (FTL) area.
The demolition drive was carried out with the assistance of officials from revenue department, water board and municipal authorities and RGIA police.
The Appa Cheruvu lake has been the target of encroachment for years, threatening the local ecosystem and contributing to the city's broader environmental concerns.
Several establishments and factories of aluminium scrap yards, packaged water manufacturing and waste treatment facilities situated in the lake’s FTL area can pollute the water body.
Some of the demolished structures belonged to Thokala Srinivas Reddy, BJP corporator from Mailardevpally. Confirming that certain structures that were demolished were his, he told the media that the land had been with his family since the 1980s and asserted that it was patta land.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mukesh, an aluminium scrapyard owner and a tenant of one of the demolished sheds, said “I’ve been running this business for the last seven years. The officials did not give any notice, nor did they give any prior information.”
“They did not even give us time to remove the machinery. Nearly Rs 35 lakh worth goods and `80-90 lakh worth machinery are all destroyed”, he added.
Another scrap yard owner, Sandeep Agarwal, said “I employ almost 60 labourers. Now, they do not have any means of employment. We’ve been here for six years.”
The locals, meanwhile, are extremely happy with the demolitions.
Prathap, a local, said “These people have been destroying the lake. The entire place was full of trash and scrap parts. I am really happy the authorities are demolishing these buildings.”
