HYDRAA Protects Assets Worth Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore From Illegal Encroachment: Ranganath
HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath reports that the agency has protected government land worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore. He addressed criticism regarding recent demolition drives, emphasizing that the agency remains committed to impartial enforcement to secure public assets in Hyderabad.
Highlights
- •HYDRAA has successfully protected government assets valued at Rs 1.10 lakh crore from encroachment.
- •Commissioner Ranganath denied political bias, stating the agency treats all affiliations impartially.
- •Operations include reclaiming land around water bodies, such as the site of Fatima College.
- •The agency is prioritizing public safety and infrastructure protection following severe city-wide flooding.
The Hydra and Disaster Response Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully safeguarded government property valued at Rs 1.10 lakh crore from illegal encroachment. Commissioner Ranganath recently addressed concerns regarding the agency's operations, emphasizing that the department remains focused on its core mandate despite attempts to damage its public image through social media misinformation.
Defending Public Assets and Addressing Concerns
Speaking to media representatives in Hyderabad, Commissioner Ranganath provided an update on the agency's ongoing initiatives. He noted that the organization has already executed approximately 600 operations to reclaim land. Addressing criticisms, he asserted that HYDRAA functions with total impartiality, operating without political bias or regard for political affiliations, including those associated with Congress or MIM.
The Commissioner highlighted specific challenges, such as the encroachment of structures like Fatima College, which was allegedly constructed within the Full Tank Level (FTL) area of a local water body. This institution was reportedly founded by AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi. He dismissed circulating rumors about the agency intentionally conducting nighttime demolitions, characterizing such claims as false propaganda intended to undermine legitimate enforcement efforts.
In response to the recent urban chaos witnessed in Hyderabad on June 9 following heavy rainfall, Ranganath argued that public interest must take precedence. He explained that while large-scale enforcement initiatives to protect critical infrastructure may cause temporary inconvenience to a small number of people, the long-term goal is to secure public safety and reclaim essential assets for the benefit of the broader population.
Commitment to Transparent Enforcement
The agency maintains that it has been granted a free hand by the government to protect public property. Commissioner Ranganath firmly stated that HYDRAA will continue its operations without engaging in settlements or political negotiations. He encouraged the public to understand the necessity of these actions, even offering apologies if any genuine procedural errors were made during the high-pressure field operations.
Furthermore, he pointed to external factors hindering progress, mentioning that in certain areas, illegal hutments have continued to proliferate despite intervention efforts. He attributed these persistent encroachments to the influence of unidentified external forces. Moving forward, the agency remains committed to its mission, having learned valuable operational lessons throughout its recent drives to ensure that government resources are preserved and protected from further illegal occupation.
