There have been allegations from BJP leaders and some like-minded groups that the HYDRAA, set up by the Revanth Reddy government to act against illegal constructions and encroachments, has been targeting only the poorer sections while ignoring illegal encroachments allegedly linked to AIMIM leaders.
However, on Wednesday, HYDRAA appeared to counter these allegations.
In the early hours of the day, the agency carried out a major demolition drive in the Rajendranagar area of Hyderabad, pulling down several allegedly illegal structures that had come up on land designated as a public park.
According to officials, the operation began before dawn on April 1 and was completed by around 7:30 am. Several multi-storey buildings; reportedly up to five floors; along with sheds and compound walls, were demolished during the drive.
The structures were allegedly built by persons linked to the AIMIM. Authorities said the constructions had come up on nearly 1.5 acres of land earmarked for a park in an approved layout under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
Officials estimated the value of the reclaimed land to be between â¹80 crore and â¹100 crore. They said the occupants had continued construction despite earlier warnings from HYDRAA and without obtaining the necessary permissions from civic authorities.
Citing urgency and the need to prevent further encroachment, the agency reportedly launched the demolition drive without issuing fresh notices.
Local residents expressed relief and satisfaction over the operation. They said they had been raising complaints for several months with various authorities, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), HMDA, and even the High Court, seeking protection of the park land.
However, they alleged that no effective action had been taken until HYDRAA stepped in.
“This land was meant for public use. We are happy that it has finally been saved,” a local resident said.
The demolition is significant in the backdrop of criticism from some political quarters that HYDRAA had been slow in taking action against encroachments in the Old City, particularly those allegedly linked to AIMIM leaders.
But Wednesday’s operation, officials said, shows that the agency is willing to act against violations irrespective of political affiliations.
HYDRAA officials indicated that similar enforcement drives would continue across Hyderabad to reclaim public land and prevent illegal constructions, especially in open spaces and community-use zones.
The agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting government and public properties, warning that strict action will be taken against encroachments without exception.