HYDRAA Demolition Provokes Outrage Over Allegations of Selective Targeting

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency’s (HYDRAA) demolition spree on Sunday faced backlash from various groups due to its selective targeting, leaving structure owners with little opportunity for legal recourse.

Critics questioned the state government and HYDRAA’s perceived bias, arguing that the agency unfairly targeted low—and middle-income groups while granting leniency to high-income individuals and those connected to influential figures. Emotional scenes unfolded at Nalla Cheruvu, Kukatpally, Kistareddypet, and Patelguda in Ameenpur Mandal as HYDRAA demolished several structures.

Aditya Warangal shared a video on X of a woman crying inconsolably at a demolition site, expressing the plight of those affected. He stated, “Chief Minister, people run small businesses by taking out loans. Imagine the effort involved when a family invests Rs. 50 lakhs in a catering stall. It’s unfortunate they weren’t even given time to collect their belongings.”

Many drew comparisons to the leniency shown to others, particularly Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s brother, A Tirupathi Reddy, who received a notice over a month ago regarding his house being in the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Durgam Cheruvu. The revenue department had issued notices to homeowners in areas like Amar Cooperative Society, Kavuri Hills, and Kalyan Nagar on August 8, stating their structures were in the FTL and buffer zone. However, these individuals were granted time to challenge the notices, while others faced immediate action.

Social media users shared images of demolitions carried out by HYDRAA in various locations, questioning the agency's double standards. The X handle Telangana Transparency remarked, “HYDRAA conducted demolitions without prior notice in Kukatpally. Victims wept and pleaded with officials to allow them to collect their belongings, while Revanth’s family was given adequate notice and time. Common people, however, were denied such consideration, leading to the destruction of their properties.”

BRS spokesperson Putta Vishnuvardhan Reddy also addressed the situation on X, stating, “The tears of these poor and helpless individuals are detrimental to the State. The Revanth Reddy government should pause and reconsider its haphazard and selective demolition actions. If not, the Congress government will face significant repercussions from the public.”