HC Warning: HYDRAA Will Have to be Shut Down

The High Court was serious about the manner in which HYDRAA was going about demolition of buildings in the city. The HC was stern that if HYDRAA goes against GO 99, then the GO will be scrapped and HYDRAA will have to be shut down.

We are not against the preservation of water bodies, roads and government lands. But it has to be done as per rules. Even for demolishing an illegal structure, proper guidelines have to be followed. You cannot change the city overnight. The demolitions are happening on holidays too leading to fear. Read GO 99 and follow procedures. Else, HYDRAA will have to shut down, said the High Court.

Some people are using HYDRAA to settle scores and this is not right. How can HYDRAA decide on demolitions looking at papers? When did the body get the authority to decide on rights, the High Court wanted to know.

HC asked how many times it needs to remind that notices have to be given, time has to be given for explanation following which demolitions have to happen.

The Court was hearing on a petition filed by A Praveen from Muttangi village in Patancheru. He had alleged that his shed was demolished by HYDRAA without checking facts. Gayatri Members Association had filed a case with HYDRAA saying Praveen had grabbed land earmarked for park.

Following High Court orders, HYDRAA inspector Rajasekhar attended the Court in person.

The lawyer representing HYDRAA said that they were following rules, that they checked the documents and went ahead. They were following the ruling given by the Supreme Court in ‘bulldozer case’ which said buildings blocking the roads should be razed.

There is Civil Court to decide rights. The layout was okayed by the sarpanch and where did the sarpanch have such rights asked HC. The judge K Lakshman said he was concerned about the way HYDRAA was operating.

For now, the petitioner can continue as it is, said the judge. The judge asked HYDRAA to submit papers with all details. The HC postponed the next hearing to March 5.