Hyderabad: The recently formed Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) has to date demolished illegal constructions across 26 locations, reclaiming 111.72 acres of land within GHMC limits.
In a report on Wednesday, September 11, the agency announced that it has 262 structures since its inception.
Earlier, on September 8, illegal structures were demolished in Madhapur, Dundigal, and Ameenpur. In Madhapur, encroachments near Sunnam Cheruvu Lake were cleared, where numerous illegal sheds had raised environmental concerns.
A major operation by HYDRA on August 24 saw the demolition of actor Akkineni Nagarjuna’s N Convention, which was built within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Tammidi Kunta Lake.
The chief minister also urged people who have encroached on land in the Full Tank Level (FTL) or buffer zones of the lakes to voluntarily vacate. He made it clear that demolitions of all encroachments on FTL or buffer zones will be carried out by HYDRA.
Although HYDRA is conducting demolitions in Hyderabad, it has recently assured the public that no occupied houses will be demolished as part of its demolition drives.
Amid HYDRA demolitions in Hyderabad, 2BHK houses promised to residents along Musi
HYDRA to have more power; NOC to become mandatory
According to various media reports, the government is gearing up to accord more power to HYDRA with regulations requiring a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) for construction near lakes, canals, and other water bodies in and around Hyderabad.
Under the new rules, builders will need to obtain an NOC from HYDRA to ensure compliance with environmental and zoning regulations, with stricter enforcement in flood-prone areas. These measures aim to safeguard water bodies and protect buffer zones from encroachments amid Hyderabad’s rapid urban growth.
According to reports, further details about the extent of buffer zones and the specific areas affected by the new regulations are expected to be released by the government soon. In the meantime, builders and developers are urged to consult with HYDRA before starting any new projects to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance with the updated regulations.
