Hyderabad: The Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, clarified that the recent demolition of illegal structures by HYDRAA is not politically motivated. He stated that the mission is inspired by the teachings of Lord Krishna, who urged Arjuna in the Kurukshetra battlefield to do his duty without worrying about the outcome. Revanth Reddy emphasized that the demolitions are aimed at safeguarding Dharma, or righteousness.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Hare Krishna Heritage Tower in Hyderabad on Sunday, the Chief Minister explained that the decision to remove structures built on lakebeds is for the welfare of the people and future generations. He stressed that his government is committed to protecting natural resources, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that Hyderabad was once known as the “Lake City” but that in recent years, some individuals, including politicians, have encroached on several lakes, building farmhouses and polluting the remaining water bodies with sewage. He asserted that ignoring these issues would make them unworthy of being representatives of the people.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the government will not back down, no matter the pressure from political parties, and that no one, no matter how influential, will be spared. As part of this initiative, officials are concentrating on lakes in the Assembly constituencies of Gajwel, Siricilla, and Siddipet, areas represented by former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, K T Rama Rao, and T Harish Rao. Sources reveal that the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department is finalizing a report on the encroachments in these three constituencies.
Additionally, the MA&UD department has begun a field survey to identify encroachments on lakes, ponds, and other water bodies outside Hyderabad city. The officials are preparing a detailed report on the status of lakes in the Municipal Corporations of Khammam, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Ramagundam.