Will demolish my own constructions if proved illegal: Revanth challenges KTR

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday made it clear that the unauthorised structures in the FTL or buffer zone would be demolished irrespective of their political affiliation.

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was in the news in recent days as it undertook demolition of several alleged illegal structures, including that of Telugu superstar Nagarjuna, in Hyderabad.

In an informal interaction with mediapersons after participating in the Bhoomi Puja of Telangana Thalli statue in Dr BR Ambedkar Secretariat, Revanth Reddy dared BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) to prove that he and his family members' house were violating any norms, he would raze them immediately. The government, which has recently set up the HYDRAA, would not allow encroachments on water bodies, he said.

Revanth Reddy said that encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zones of water bodies and also encroachments on parks and 'nalas' (drains) are a priority for the authorities to take action. Observing that HYDRAA has been set up in the public interest, he said action would be taken against all those who built structures by encroaching on water bodies (even if they are influential).

Reacting to the bail of BRS leader K Kavitha, the chief minister questioned the expediency of the proceedings in light of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal's charges. He implied that the BRS and BJP might be involved in a clandestine collaboration, raising the possibility that political favouritism contributed to Kavitha's quick release on bail.

Declaring that the HYDRAA will soon be granted police station status to better enforce the law, the Chief Minister further emphasised the government's commitment to the public interest. He was certain that public servants should lead by example and that no one, no matter what their status, would be spared.

Regarding educational encroachments, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy issued a warning against misusing educational establishments as a cover for building illegally on lakes. He denounced these kinds of activities, saying that unchecked they would result in ridiculous scenarios such as a "floating college" on Tank Bund.