The government of Telangana’s agency, HYDRA, was set up to take action on the illegal encroachments on lakes and water bodies across the state. Since its inception, HYDRA has been demolishing various structures that were built illegally in the FTL and buffer zones of water bodies.
However, in the process, HYDRA also demolished a few residences of poor people, which resulted in a huge backlash. Condemning HYDRA’s demolitions near Ameenpur Lake, a few residents filed a petition in the High Court of Telangana. The High Court investigated the issue today.
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While HYDRA commissioner Ranganath virtually attended the hearing, Ameepur’s Tahasildar attended in person. During the hearing, the High Court was outraged at HYDRA for taking up demolition drives on Saturdays and Sundays.
The court questioned the necessity of working on Sundays and serving notices during holidays, followed by immediate demolitions.
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The High Court reminded HYDRA that demolitions are not permitted on weekends, asking the Tahsildar if he doesn’t know this basic rule.
Ranganath stated that the demolitions were carried out based on the Tahsildar’s request. The magistrate said, “Does a request mean you take action without proper consideration? What was the urgency to demolish if the buildings weren’t vacated? Would you demolish Charminar and the High Court if the Tahsildar requested it?”
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“Don’t act against the law to please political bosses. Are you not aware that the High Court prohibits demolitions on Sundays? You will be held accountable for any such illegal actions. Be careful,” warned the High Court.
