Hyderabad: In the midst of intense political debates surrounding the demolitions of illegal structures by HYDRAA that were constructed on lake beds in Hyderabad, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday made a series of bold statements, firmly asserting that HYDRAA's demolition operations will not be halted.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the preservation of lakes, ponds and water bodies is his administration's top priority, stressing that these actions are devoid of any political bias. He stressed that his actions were driven by public interest and not by any political affiliations adding that HYDRAA's demolition drive in Hyderabad will proceed as planned, with no exceptions, including areas in the new city and old city.
In an informal chat with media persons in his chambers at Secretariat on Wednesday, Revanth Reddy stated that HYDRAA, the city’s demolition task force, is exclusively focused on Hyderabad for now and has been tasked with addressing illegal constructions, especially those encroaching upon Full Tank Levels (FTL), buffer zones, ponds, and canals.
“Our first priority is the demolition of illegal structures in these sensitive areas. This is being done in the public interest, and HYDRAA will continue its work without yielding to any pressure," Revanth Reddy declared.
The Chief Minister also clarified that the gram panchayats (villages) located beyond the ORR (Outer Ring Road) will also come under the purview of HYDRAA. He said that the state government will give 'police station' status to HYDRAA soon.
He also pointed out that the demolitions were initiated with the demolition of an illegal structure belonging to Congress leader Pallam Raju's brother, setting a precedent that the current administration continues to follow.
Revanth Reddy lashed out at former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and his BRS leaders, accusing them of illegal land encroachments over the past decade.
“KCR should suspend his party MLAs from the party who have illegally occupied and constructed buildings and farmhouses on ponds and canals," he stated.
The Chief Minister also dismissed reports that permissions for certain constructions, like BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao's farmhouse in Janwada, were legitimate as they were issued by sarpanches, pointing out that local authorities such as sarpanches do not have the jurisdiction to grant such permissions.
Revanth Reddy reiterated his commitment to upholding the guidelines set by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the management of Hyderabad's natural resources and illegal constructions. He challenged his detractors to present evidence if they believe his family is involved in any illegal construction activities.
"If KTR has evidence of illegal buildings linked to me or my family, he should come forward. We are transparent and follow all legal guidelines," he asserted.
The Chief Minister also defended the recent demolitions in Raidurg such as N-Convention, asserting that they were constructed on government land and the demolitions were in full compliance with the law. He emphasised that his administration is focused on public welfare and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the environment and public resources.
