The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA), a recently established initiative by the Telangana government, has taken the state by storm with its aggressive approach to identifying and demolishing illegal structures. This move has sparked significant debate and drawn attention to the issue of unauthorized construction on government land.
HYDRA’s actions gained widespread attention with the demolition of the N Convention center, which the agency deemed to be an illegal structure lacking proper permissions. This bold move has emboldened others to come forward with complaints regarding alleged irregularities in various educational institutions, including those run by prominent figures like Owaisi and Malla Reddy.
Adding a political dimension to the issue, some BJP leaders have questioned whether HYDRA would dare to take action against institutions suspected of being built on encroached land.
Amidst this controversy, HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath made a statement that has garnered mixed reactions. He declared that no illegal structure would be spared and that action would be taken against all offenders, regardless of affiliation. However, he acknowledged the potential impact on students and expressed concern about their academic future.
According to Eenadu, the Commissioner stated that although institutions might have been built on encroached land, harming students’ education is a primary concern. He proposed providing institutions with time to rectify their situation before facing decisive action, irrespective of their political affiliations. Furthermore, he emphasized that even religious structures like Dharma Satrams wouldn’t be exempt from demolition if found to be within FTL (Full Tank Level) limits. He also clarified that HYDRA wouldn’t issue prior notices before undertaking demolitions.
HYDRA’s actions, while applauded by some for ensuring transparency and protecting public assets, have also raised concerns about the potential disruption to educational institutions and the lack of due process. The situation remains fluid, and it will be interesting to see how HYDRA navigates these complexities and balances its goals of protecting public land with the well-being of students.
