HYDRAA boss Ranganath exposes false FTL markings at Suddakunta lake, orders action on officials
Acting on the complaints, Commissioner Ranganath conducted an hour-long field inspection at Suddakunta Lake on Saturday
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath interacting with the locals near Suddakunta lake in Boduppal.
Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has issued a stern warning against creating unnecessary panic in the name of the agency, emphasising that HYDRAA exists to protect citizens, not intimidate them.
His remarks followed complaints from residents near Suddakunta Lake in Boduppal that officials had falsely marked their homes as falling within the Full Tank Level (FTL) zone.
Residents allege harassment, false FTL markings
Residents of Dwarakanagar, who have lived in the area for over three decades, said officials from HMDA and the Municipal Corporation began marking around 48 houses in July, claiming they were within the lake’s FTL boundary.
They alleged that iron rods were installed, numbers were painted on homes and eviction threats were issued, often citing HYDRAA’s name to instill fear.
Residents said even the 1990 road separating the lake from the colony was wrongly shown as part of the FTL.
They further accused officials of ignoring the 2014 draft notification, which pegged the lake area at 3.16 acres and established official FTL boundaries. The new markings, they claimed, were arbitrary and influenced by local political interests.
Commissioner’s inspection exposes irregularities
Acting on the complaints, Commissioner Ranganath conducted an hour-long field inspection at Suddakunta Lake on Saturday. He examined the markings and questioned the officials responsible for the alleged violations.
Ranganath expressed strong displeasure over the “shifting” of FTL boundaries without justification, the issuing of threats to residents, and the overriding of the authenticated 2014 draft notification with unofficial proposals.
He made it clear that HYDRAA would abide strictly by the 2014 draft boundaries, dismissing altered versions submitted later by HMDA and municipal staff.
Illegal markings removed; Officials face action
Calling the markings “illegal and unacceptable”, the Commissioner directed HMDA and municipal authorities to remove all markings immediately. The removal was completed the same day.
Ranganath said HYDRAA would recommend disciplinary action against officials who attempted to create unrest in the neighbourhood.
Homes built before July 19, 2024, will not be touched
Ranganath reaffirmed that houses constructed before July 19, 2024, the day HYDRAA was established would not be disturbed under any circumstances.
He warned that any individual or official misusing HYDRAA’s name to threaten, extort, or mislead residents would face strict and immediate action.
He also acknowledged the residents’ claim about the 1990 road and assured that historical and structural elements would be considered in all boundary assessments.
Lake protection will continue without hurting residents
The Commissioner clarified that HYDRAA’s priority is to protect lakes using available open lands. He said proposals would be prepared for restoration of Suddakunta Lake, construction of a box drain to prevent sewage inflow.
He assured residents that lake restoration would not impact long-standing homes. With the markings removed, residents expressed relief and thanked the HYDRAA Commissioner for restoring confidence and clarity in the locality.
