HYDRA, which previously sparked panic among Hyderabad residents by issuing sudden notices and threatening widespread demolitions, faced strong public backlash for its earlier approach.
People from all sections of society — from economically weaker communities along the Musi River to affluent residents in Madhapur — voiced their frustration over the government's perceived lack of planning and clarity.
The demolitions were based on Full Tank Levels (FTLs) and buffer zones that had neither been clearly defined nor flagged by registration offices.
In response to the criticism, HYDRA has revised its strategy, now focusing exclusively on illegal constructions on nalas (stormwater drains) and government lands.
This shift has been positively received by the public. Citizens have praised Commissioner AV Ranganath’s leadership and welcomed the more focused and rational approach.
Many believe this new strategy will help curb future encroachments, improve rainwater flow management, and align with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s vision of structured and lawful urban development.
A recent operation at Patny Center targeted illegal encroachments on a nala that had been reduced from its original width of over 70 feet to just 15–18 feet due to unauthorized commercial buildings.
These encroachments had led to severe flooding in surrounding colonies such as Payiga, Patny Compound, and Vimana Nagar, affecting thousands of homes. Residents had been reporting the issue to Cantonment authorities for more than two decades.
Commissioner Ranganath, along with officials from the Cantonment Board, GHMC, and the Irrigation Department, confirmed the large-scale encroachments and began demolition activities on Friday.
Locals, displaying old photographs of flood damage, expressed strong support for the long-awaited action, regardless of ongoing legal proceedings.
Authorities now plan to clearly demarcate nala boundaries and install protective fencing to prevent future violations.
Traffic police are managing temporary disruptions, while various civic bodies are coordinating the demolition work, bringing relief to nearly 30,000 affected families.
HYDRA is now replicating this targeted enforcement model across multiple areas within the GHMC limits, gaining growing public appreciation for its effective and balanced approach.
