Why Hyderabad residents are protesting HYDRAA chief removal
Indiadailyupdate.com – Why Hyderabad residents are protesting has become a significant civic movement following the Telangana High Court’s directive to remove A.V. Ranganath as Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA). Colony associations, resident welfare groups, and civic organizations have mobilized in support of the officer, organizing public demonstrations across the city. Protesters argue that HYDRAA has successfully reclaimed lakes, roads, and government land from encroachers and should not be weakened due to ongoing legal challenges.
The High Court’s Contempt Order
The protests were triggered after the Telangana High Court passed a detailed order following contempt petitions related to alleged violations during an anti-encroachment exercise at Lothkunta village. Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar held that repeated disobedience of judicial directions could not be tolerated, directing the state government to relieve Ranganath from his post and appoint a new officer to head HYDRAA. The court noted that 63 contempt petitions were pending against Ranganath in his capacity as HYDRAA commissioner.
In a separate case concerning Bathukammakunta Lake, Justice N.V. Sravan Kumar also criticized the HYDRAA chief, stating that the agency had exceeded the scope of the High Court’s interim orders by carrying out works beyond what had been permitted. While the court had earlier allowed only limited pre-monsoon works to prevent flooding, it later found that HYDRAA had substantially altered the disputed site by constructing permanent structures despite the pendency of the title dispute.
Political and Public Support for HYDRAA
The High Court’s observations prompted an immediate political response, with Congress leaders rallying behind HYDRAA. Congress MP from Bhongir, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, openly defended the agency, urging the High Court to consider the larger public interest while hearing cases involving HYDRAA. He claimed the agency had protected government assets worth nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore by reclaiming lakes, roads, and public land from encroachers.
“Weakening the agency or removing Ranganath would only embolden the land mafia,” warned the Congress MP, maintaining that judicial orders must be respected while HYDRAA’s larger public purpose should not be undermined.
HYDRAA came into existence on July 19, 2024, when the Telangana government converted the erstwhile Vigilance and Enforcement Department into the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency through G.O. Ms. No. 99, retaining Ranganath as its commissioner. Beyond protecting public lands such as lakes, nalas, and land earmarked for roads, parks, hospitals, and libraries from encroachment, the agency was later entrusted with urban flooding prevention.
In the present dispute, Shanta Sriram Constructions has alleged that HYDRAA entered its 40-acre property in Survey Nos. 1 and 2 of Lothkunta village and carried out fencing and demolition despite interim orders of the Telangana High Court. HYDRAA, however, has maintained that its action was aimed at protecting government land and was not in defiance of the court.
The commissioner denied that HYDRAA officials entered the disputed property after the interim orders and alleged that the builder had misrepresented facts before the court by claiming land located about three kilometres away from the area where HYDRAA acted. He further alleged that the developer was attempting to encroach upon government land worth nearly ₹10,000 crore. He said the agency would abide by the court’s decision on the title dispute.
FAQ: Understanding the HYDRAA Protest
Why are Hyderabad residents protesting? Residents are protesting against the High Court’s order to remove HYDRAA chief Ranganath, arguing that the agency has been effective in reclaiming public land and should not be weakened due to litigation.
What is HYDRAA’s role? Established on July 19, 2024, HYDRAA protects public lands including lakes, roads, and land for infrastructure from encroachment and also handles urban flooding prevention.
What did the High Court order? The Telangana High Court directed the state government to remove Ranganath from his post due to 63 pending contempt petitions and alleged violations of court orders during anti-encroachment drives.
What is the government’s stance? Despite the single-judge bench’s order directing the replacement of the HYDRAA commissioner, the Telangana government stood firmly behind Ranganath and decided to challenge the order before a higher judicial forum.
When will the High Court decide? The Telangana High Court is yet to adjudicate the legality of the competing land claims and the contempt proceedings against Ranganath.
