Revanth Reddy defends HYDRAA after HC observations, says agency will be strengthened

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy defended HYDRAA after High Court observations against its Commissioner and said the agency would be strengthened. He alleged that encroachers were misleading the court and asserted that HYDRAA would continue protecting lakes, nalas, and government land.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday defended HYDRAA despite the High Court’s observations against its Commissioner, AV Ranganath. He maintained that the agency was functioning effectively and said the State government would strengthen it further.

Speaking to mediapersons in New Delhi, the Chief Minister alleged that those who had encroached upon water bodies, parks and nalas were misleading the court with false documents and claiming contempt of court.

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He said that if contempt of court cases were grounds for replacing an officer, then former Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar had faced around 400 such cases. “These rules were not discussed in the past,” he said.

Revanth Reddy asserted that the State government had the discretionary power to appoint officers and that this authority could not be taken away. “We have faith in the judiciary and will fight the case in court. HYDRAA is functioning effectively,” he said.

Describing HYDRAA as one of the biggest reforms introduced by the Congress government, he said the agency had protected lakes, nalas and other water bodies. “It is one of the best institutions and has received appreciation from across the country. We are going to empower HYDRAA,” he said.

The Chief Minister said HYDRAA’s responsibility was to demolish unauthorised structures and protect lakes, nalas and government land. Referring to Bathukammakunta, he alleged that BRS leaders had occupied the water body and filed a contempt case, but the Congress government had protected and restored it.

He also alleged that false campaigns were being run on social media to defame HYDRAA and the State government.

Stating that the government had complete clarity on HYDRAA and its functioning, Revanth Reddy said he had not yet examined the High Court’s order. He added that the government would review the order and continue the work being carried out by the agency.

Revanth Reddy hits back at BJP over fee reimbursement dues

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday hit back at the Opposition over its demand to clear pending fee reimbursement dues, saying the BJP should raise a similar issue in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The response came after BJP State president N Ramchander Rao demanded that the Chief Minister relinquish the Education portfolio, alleging that he had failed to clear fee reimbursement dues of Rs 12,000 crore. Speaking to mediapersons in New Delhi, Revanth Reddy said the Andhra Pradesh government also had pending fee reimbursement dues of around Rs 10,000 crore.

“Why don’t BJP leaders raise the same demand in Andhra Pradesh, which is governed by an NDA government? R Krishnaiah is an MP from Andhra Pradesh, and he should make these demands there,” the Chief Minister said.