Unauthorised buildings built after July 2024 will face demolition: HYDRAA chief

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath has made it clear that only unauthorised residential structures built after July 2024 would be demolished.

"Even if they are legal or illegal, structures predating this period will remain untouched. HYDRAA will not interfere with pre-existing residential constructions but will act against commercial or unauthorized structures," Ranganath said. He assured dwellers of Raghavendra Colony that no action would be initiated against old structures.

Aim to safeguard lakes

The HYDRAA Commissioner said that the agency would continue to work to safeguard lakes by preventing encroachments and the poor will not be inconvenienced during the anti-encroachment drive. The State government had also made it clear that constructions built with previous approvals would be honoured, he added.

Ranganath on Tuesday inspected Kamuni Cheruvu and Maisamma Cheruvu in Moosapet and Khaitlapur, responding to complaints of encroachments and blocked flood canals. After inspecting the lakes, he warned that dumping soil or illegal constructions in the lakes would face strict action.

Flood canal at Safdar Nagar

During his visit, Ranganath instructed his staff to clear the lake bunds of any recent encroachments and take precautions. He also expressed his anger at Vasavi Construction Group for obstructing a planned 17-meter-wide flood canal and directed its immediate completion to prevent monsoon flooding in Safdar Nagar and Rajiv Gandhi Nagar.

To maintain appropriate water flow between the lakes, the nala is an essential connection between Kamuni Cheruvu and Maisamma Cheruvu. The walking circuit surrounding the lake is being developed by HMDA, Ranganath added.