The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has issued notices to over 240 property owners for unauthorized structures around Durgam Cheruvu Lake, located near Hyderabad’s Hitec City, a prominent IT hub. Among those served with notices is A. Tirupathi Reddy, brother of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who owns a property near the lake.
The crackdown targets structures built within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of various water bodies in and around Hyderabad. Several high-profile residents in the upscale neighborhoods surrounding Durgam Cheruvu, including areas like Nectars Colony, Docton Colony, Kavun Hills, and Amar Society, have been instructed to remove the encroachments within 30 days, according to a report on IANS. The notices, issued by the Rangareddy District Collector and Serilingampally Deputy Collector, cite violations under Section 23(1) of the Water, Land, and Trees Act (WALTA).
Authorities have warned that failure to demolish the encroachments within the stipulated timeframe will result in forced demolitions. The development has sparked concern among residents and businesses in the vicinity, which include politicians, senior bureaucrats, judges, prominent business figures, and celebrities.