HYDERABAD: On Saturday morning, August 31, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA), in collaboration with Revenue and Irrigation officials, launched a demolition drive targeting unauthorized constructions. The operation focused on removing illegal structures, particularly sheds built within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of Appa Cheruvu and Mamidi Cheruvu in Gagan Pahad, Rajendranagar.
The drive was conducted under heavy police security to prevent unauthorized access. The demolished structures included industrial sheds located on land encroaching on the FTL of these water bodies. Notably, some of the structures were owned by BJP Corporator Thokala Srinivas Reddy from the Mailardevpally Division of GHMC.
JCBs and other demolition equipment were used to dismantle the encroachments. HYDRAA reported that Appa Cheruvu, which originally covered 34 acres, has now been reduced to approximately 12 acres due to encroachments over the years.
Recently, Appa Cheruvu and another tank overflowed onto the RGIA Airport road, causing traffic congestion and obstructing traffic flow. The area had previously suffered significant damage and loss of life during the floods in Hyderabad in October 2020. Further updates on the situation are expected.