Hyderabad: Why is HYDRAA not razing Fatima Owaisi Women’s College constructed in Suram Cheruvu FTL

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is under fire for not demolishing Fatima Owaisi Women’s College, which has been allegedly constructed within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Sooram Cheruvu in the Old City.

This is despite the anti-encroachment drive launched by HYDRAA in the lake areas.

College serves thousands of poor Muslim Women

Fatima College, run by MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, provides free or nominal-fee education from KG to PG for over 10,000 poor Muslim girls and women every year. It is operated as a non-profit institution, aiming to uplift marginalized Muslim women and improve their social and economic status.

HYDRAA cites social reasons for delay

HYDRAA officials clarified that while they had earlier stated their intention to remove all structures built within FTLs after the academic year, in this case, demolition was deferred considering the vital social role the college plays in empowering a backward community.

Critics allege political bias

However, critics question whether HYDRAA is deliberately adopting a lenient approach towards institutions linked to MIM leaders. They argue that the authorities are turning a blind eye to violations under the guise of social welfare.

Authority points to tough action elsewhere

Refuting these allegations, HYDRAA cited its strict actions against illegal constructions by MIM leaders themselves. Last August, it demolished massive buildings constructed by MIM MLAs and MLCs on Bum Rukn Ud Daula Lake near the National Police Academy, Shastripuram, and Shivrampally.

The 25-acre lake, valued at over Rs 1,000 crore, was being illegally converted into plots by Kings Group, a business partner of the Owaisi family. Despite stay orders from the High Court, HYDRAA continued lake restoration work forcefully.

Demolitions in Chandrayangutta as well

Recently, HYDRAA also reclaimed nearly Rs 30 crore worth of government land by demolishing illegal commercial shops belonging to MIM corporators in Chandrayangutta, Akbaruddin Owaisi’s assembly constituency.

Focus on public good over politics

Officials maintain that HYDRAA is not influenced by politics but is driven by public welfare, social equity, and environmental protection goals. They emphasized that commercial colleges operating for profit should be targeted first if built within lake lands, rather than charitable institutions serving marginalised communities.