Footpath Drives are Not Ours Says HYDRA, Points to Municipal Action

With demolition drives gathering pace across Hyderabad and sparking public debate, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency ( HYDRA ) has issued a clarification to counter what it describes as a misleading narrative linking all such actions to the agency. The statement comes amid a surge of social media posts and videos that have blurred the lines between different enforcement authorities operating in the city.

HYDRA officials said that footpath and roadside encroachment removals are being carried out by municipal bodies , including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, in compliance with court directives. These drives, particularly visible in high-density areas such as the Old City, are part of routine civic administration and do not fall within HYDRA’s mandate.

At the same time, the agency expressed concern over the spread of unverified and selective information online , warning that such content is being used by encroachers to shape public opinion and resist enforcement. Officials noted that the lack of clarity has led to misplaced criticism and confusion among citizens , especially as multiple agencies carry out parallel operations.

HYDRA reiterated that its role is focused on large-scale encroachments involving government land and public assets . Its interventions typically target illegal occupations affecting lakes, drainage channels (nalas), parks, and key infrastructure , often in coordination with revenue and law enforcement authorities. These operations are distinct from smaller, locality-level clearances undertaken by civic bodies.

Beyond enforcement, the agency highlighted its involvement in restoring interconnected lake systems and improving urban drainage , initiatives aimed at reducing flood risks during the monsoon and strengthening environmental resilience in a rapidly expanding city.

The issue has also attracted judicial attention, with the Telangana High Court emphasizing the need for due process and procedural safeguards in demolition activities. The court has underscored that authorities must follow legal protocols, including prior notice and transparency , particularly in large-scale actions.

Reaffirming its position, HYDRA stated that it acts only on formal requests from revenue authorities in cases involving significant encroachments, and urged the public to avoid attributing routine municipal work to the agency . It also called on social media users to act responsibly, stressing that accurate information is essential to maintaining public trust and effective governance .

As Hyderabad navigates the challenges of urban growth, land pressure, and infrastructure management , officials say that clear institutional roles and informed public discourse will be key to ensuring that enforcement measures remain both fair and effective.