HYDRAA Demolishes 8 Illegal Crushing Units in A Major Crackdown Around Hyderabad ORR

In a decisive move to curb illegal industrial activity and environmental damage, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) launched a large-scale enforcement drive targeting unauthorized stone crushing units and concrete plants on the city’s outskirts. The operation signals a stronger push by authorities to rein in violations within the rapidly developing zones around the Outer Ring Road.

Acting on complaints from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board, mining, and revenue departments, teams carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations in Rangareddy district, including Gowlidoddi, Vattinagulapalli, Gopanpalli, and Kotwalguda . Officials demolished eight illegal stone crushing units that had been operating for years without mandatory approvals. Simultaneously, action was initiated against 13 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants , with three already razed and the remaining units facing ongoing removal.

Authorities revealed that none of the targeted facilities possessed valid environmental or mining clearances. Despite repeated notices and objections from regulatory bodies, operations continued often using alternative power sources to bypass enforcement measures. Investigations also indicated that several units were allegedly functioning under benami ownership , with possible backing from larger business networks.

The crackdown exposed significant environmental damage , particularly in Kotwalguda, where nearly seven acres of hill terrain had been excavated within a 16-acre operational zone. Continuous stone crushing had led to severe air pollution , raising health concerns among nearby residents. Officials noted that such unchecked activities not only degrade natural landscapes but also pose long-term ecological risks.

In a shift toward stricter enforcement, authorities went beyond issuing notices by dismantling and destroying heavy machinery on-site to prevent the resumption of operations. The move reflects a broader strategy to ensure lasting compliance rather than temporary disruption.

Residents in affected areas welcomed the action, calling it a necessary step to address pollution and restore environmental balance. Officials have indicated that similar drives will continue, underscoring a renewed commitment to tackling illegal mining and safeguarding Hyderabad’s expanding urban ecosystem.