Tension in Vengalraonagar as HYDRAA conducts demolition drive

Tension erupted in Vengalraonagar as HYDRAA demolished structures on three acres of government land. Occupants alleged decades-long residence without notice, while authorities cited illegal construction. Police were deployed to maintain order amid protests during the operation.

Hyderabad: Tension flared in Vengalraonagar, opposite the office of the Telangana State Drug Control Administration (TSDCA), on Wednesday evening when Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) teams forcibly vacated occupants during a demolition drive.

A heated argument erupted between occupants and DRF teams of HYDRAA when they mobilised earthmovers to demolish the structures. The HYDRAA charged that the occupants had constructed structures on three acres of government land.

To maintain order, during the course of demolitions, a large police contingent was deployed at the site to maintain order.

On their part, the occupants maintained that they had resided on the premises for the past three decades and alleged that the demolition began without prior notice, leaving them without any shelter. Several protesters were forcibly shifted by police to the SR Nagar Police Station.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, in a press release, said, “HYDRAA has safeguarded three acres of government land in Vengalrao Nagar, Khairatabad. Despite a High Court order, the land was being encroached upon. We received several complaints regarding new structures being erected on the premises.”

According to HYDRAA, the Housing Board acquired 45 acres of land prior to 1975, compensating the original owners. While a layout of 660 plots was created, five acres were reserved for public purposes. Of this, two acres contain older permanent structures that were left undisturbed; HYDRAA’s action focused on protecting the remaining three acres, officials said.

Although some claimants approached the High Court and obtained a stay order, HYDRAA moved in after locals reported that new sheds and huts were being built. According to HYDRAA officials, the new construction was in defiance of the legal status quo.