HYDRAA Carries Out Demolition at Kajaguda to Address Encroachments and Water Logging

Varahimedia.com online news, January 1st,2025: The Hyderabad Development and Regulation Authority (HYDRAA) carried out a significant demolition operation at Kajaguda on the forenoon of 31st December 2024, following concerns raised by local residents regarding frequent water logging caused by unchecked encroachments in the locality and nearby areas. The targeted encroachments were primarily situated at Thoutoni Kunta and Bhagerathamma Cheruvu, which have been facing severe waterlogging issues due to these illegal occupations.

Detailed Investigations and Meetings

HYDRAA officials, including the Commissioner, visited the site twice, alongside local officers, to assess the situation in person. The issue of encroachments at these critical water bodies had been under review for several years, with final notifications for Thoutoni Kunta and preliminary notifications for Bhagerathamma Cheruvu related to the Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zone demarcation being issued approximately 8 years ago.

On 28th December 2024, a meeting was held at HYDRAA’s office, Buddha Bhavan, where the owners of commercial shops, real estate developers, and Shikham Pattedars were informed about the encroachments. The meeting, which was attended by key figures including representatives from ACE Corp Group, a corporate real estate developer, was video-recorded, and attendance was taken.

During this meeting, Google Earth imagery was used to clearly demonstrate the encroachments into Thoutoni Kunta and Bhagerathamma Cheruvu, outlining the FTL and Buffer Zone boundaries. ACE Corp Group had recently acquired around 7 acres of land in the area through development agreements with local Shikham Pattedars, including Mekala Anjaiah, who were found to be involved in encroachment activities.

Illegal Activities and Legal Actions

In November 2024, HYDRAA’s teams caught construction tippers red-handed dumping debris into Bhagerathamma Cheruvu. The construction group involved, Sandhya Constructions, was found responsible for this illegal activity. As a result, a criminal case was filed at the Raidurgam Police Station, Cyberabad, against Sandhya Constructions, its owner, and the tipper operators for encroaching upon the water body.

The Shikham Pattedars in Kajaguda were also reported to be operating shops in the buffer zone and contributing to the encroachment by filling the lake with construction debris. This illegal practice has become a common modus operandi for many encroachers in the area.

Warning and Demolition Action

HYDRAA held several meetings with encroachers in the days leading up to the demolition, warning them that the encroachments would be cleared within 3 to 4 days. Despite these warnings and a final vacation notice issued on 30th December 2024, which granted 24 hours to vacate the premises, no action was taken by the encroachers to remove the illegal structures.

As a result, the demolition was carried out on 31st December 2024 in the Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zones of Bhagerathamma Cheruvu and Thoutoni Kunta. The areas affected included the southern buffer zone of Thoutoni Kunta and the northern buffer zone of Bhagerathamma Cheruvu, as shown in the enclosed map.

Legal Justifications for the Demolition

The demolitions were conducted in accordance with Section 405 of the GHMC Act, which allows for demolition without prior notice if the structures are located on water bodies. Additionally, the demolition was carried out in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment (Justice Gavai and others) related to ‘Bulldozer Justice’ issued in November 2024. Although the law does not require notice to be issued in cases of encroachments on water bodies, HYDRAA issued a vacation notice on humanitarian grounds, giving the encroachers ample time to vacate the premises.

Misinformation and Clarification

In response to misinformation being spread by some of the encroachers on social media regarding the demolition, HYDRAA issued a clarification, reaffirming its commitment to adhering to the law and due process. The agency emphasized that it respects the judiciary and will continue to follow legal procedures while removing encroachments in 2025. HYDRAA reiterated its mission to protect water bodies, government lands, parks, and open spaces.

The demolition at Kajaguda is part of HYDRAA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the city’s water bodies from encroachment and ensure the protection of the environment. The authority has promised to continue its vigilant efforts and legal actions to prevent such illegal activities in the future.Commissioner,HYDRAA.