Hyderabad: After a month-long break, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolition team on Tuesday resumed its operations on the last day of the year, dismantling 10 encroachments on Thavutoni (Bhagirathamma) Kunta near Khajaguda-Nanakramguda main road in Serilingampally mandal.
HYDRAA stated that the drive followed due procedures, including site inspections by commissioner AV Ranganath and the issuance of notices.”The operation focused on reclaiming land that was encroached upon within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones of the lakes. Temporary sheds and tin enclosures were among the structures demolished, freeing up 10 acres of govt and lake land,” the commissioner added.
However, the sudden action left many locals aggrieved. Residents complained of insufficient time to remove their belongings, despite being served notices. When TOI visited the location, household articles like TVs, refrigerators, tables, and other valuables were found scattered on the road.
“We received the notice just 24 hours before the demolition. But they began the drive within 12–14 hours, giving us no chance to clear our goods. I lost stock worth five to six lakh rupees, including water cans and supplies from my kirana store,” a shopkeeper, said. Another shopkeeper echoed the sentiment, saying, “All our items are now scattered outside. We should have been served notice at least a week in advance.”