Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HYDRA) has increased its efforts to demolish illegal constructions in the city. Previously, HYDRA mainly targeted properties owned by wealthy individuals and businesses. However, they are now focusing on encroachments by poorer communities, which has caused concern among those affected.
Recently, HYDRA carried out demolitions in Manemma Colony, located in the Ramnagar area. Many residents here are from lower-income and middle-class backgrounds. On Friday, they could only watch as HYDRA bulldozers destroyed their homes, which were built on encroached nalas (stormwater drains). Just two days earlier, HYDRA Commissioner Ranganath had visited the area. After his visit, GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) revenue officials declared the structures illegal, leading to the quick execution of the demolitions.
These demolitions have left many people homeless and worried about their future. One resident expressed their distress, saying, “We have been left on the streets, and we appeal to the government for protection.” Despite the outcry, some people support HYDRA’s actions, arguing that illegal constructions should be removed, no matter who owns them, to protect public spaces and water bodies.
This situation is similar to a scene from the recent movie “Indian 2,” where a vigilante initially targets the wealthy, which wins him public support. However, when his strict policy extends to ordinary people, the public begins to turn against him. Similarly, while HYDRA’s actions against wealthy violators were initially praised, their focus on poorer communities might lead to a backlash.
Adding to the worry, there are signs that the Telangana government is considering giving HYDRA even more power. According to CS Shanti Kumari, the government plans to allow HYDRA to issue demolition notices directly and carry out the demolitions independently. This could expand HYDRA’s authority up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and include overseeing the protection of vital reservoirs like Gandipet and Himayatsagar. Currently, notices are issued by various departments such as GHMC, the Water Board, and the Panchayati Raj Department, but soon HYDRA might take over this responsibility entirely.
The government is also thinking about increasing HYDRA’s workforce beyond its current 72 teams to further strengthen its demolition efforts. This indicates that the government is determined to continue the demolition drive with no signs of slowing down.
These recent actions raise important questions about the impact on poorer residents. While demolishing illegal structures owned by the wealthy might not severely affect their lives, for many poor residents, losing their homes means losing everything. Advocates are urging the government to consider the struggles of these vulnerable populations and to offer alternative solutions. It remains to be seen whether the government will address these concerns.
