Demolitions or politics? Hyderabad’s Hydraa row

Recent large-scale demolition operations by Hydraa in Medchal district’s Gajularamaram have sparked political controversy. Hydraa claims it is protecting hundreds of acres of government land, but the BRS party has accused it of targeting poor residents for political gain. Videos showing affected families and their protests have gone viral on social media, intensifying the debate.

According to Commissioner Ranganath, Hydraa is following legal procedures, focusing only on illegal constructions on government land. So far, Hydraa says it has reclaimed over 900 acres, including lakes, from unauthorized occupation. BRS, however, alleges that the demolitions unfairly affect small homes while ignoring large-scale illegal constructions by wealthy individuals and major real estate companies.

BRS accused of political messaging The Congress party claims BRS is spreading misleading narratives to influence the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election. BRS warns that voting for Congress could lead to bulldozers destroying poor people’s homes, while trying to appeal to lower-income voters. Meanwhile, Congress insists Hydraa’s actions have safeguarded assets worth Rs 15,000 crore.

Impact on residents Hydraa demolished 60-70 houses in Gajularamaram, many belonging to laborers and low-income workers. Residents say they legally purchased their plots, paid up to Rs 10 lakh, and had proper documentation. “Our homes were demolished without prior notice, even during the Bathukamma festival,” they said, protesting with traditional songs. Many question why action hasn’t been taken against politicians responsible for encroachments. Hydraa maintains that only illegal constructions on government land were targeted.

Government land recovery Hydraa officials say the reclaimed plots include 100-300 acres in survey numbers 307, 342.329/1, and 348 in Qutbullapur Mandal, originally allocated to the State Finance Corporation. Encroachers had divided the land into small plots and sold them for up to Rs 10 lakh each. The recent demolition recovered land valued between Rs 4,500 crore and Rs 15,000 crore, officials stated.

Selective demolitions and questions raised Critics point out that Hydraa has mostly demolished small homes and shops, while large-scale illegal constructions by big real estate companies, such as the N Convention owned by actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, remain untouched. Social media posts claim other major developers also violated regulations, raising questions about selective enforcement.

Political battle intensifies Congress emphasizes that Hydraa prevented losses worth Rs 15,000 crore, while BRS accuses it of targeting the poor. The debate could influence voter sentiment in Jubilee Hills. Citizens and opposition parties demand stricter action against encroachers, including wealthy individuals and politicians, and more transparent enforcement.