HyHyderabad.23.09.2024: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) faced strong criticism on Sunday for its demolition drive, which many claimed unfairly targeted the poor and middle-income groups. The agency’s actions left property owners with little to no time to seek legal recourse, sparking public outcry.
Selective Targeting Allegations
Many have questioned HYDRAA and the state government over what they see as a biased approach. While lower-income individuals saw their homes and businesses demolished without sufficient warning, wealthier individuals, including relatives of high-ranking officials, were given time to address their legal concerns. A particularly notable case was that of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s brother, A Tirupathi Reddy, who was served a notice over a month ago for a structure in Durgam Cheruvu but has yet to face action.
In contrast, areas like Nalla Cheruvu, Kukatpally, and Ameenpur saw structures demolished immediately, leading to emotional scenes as residents pleaded for more time to collect their belongings.
Public Outcry on Social Media
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with videos of distraught residents being shared widely. One such video depicted a woman in tears at the demolition site, prompting users to question HYDRAA’s double standards. Social media handles like Telangana Transparency criticized the agency for acting swiftly against common citizens while delaying action against influential individuals.
Political Repercussions
Political leaders have also joined the fray. BRS spokesperson Putta Vishnuvardhan Reddy voiced concerns about the state’s approach, warning that such selective actions could lead to political fallout for the Congress government.
The HYDRAA demolition drive has sparked widespread debate in Hyderabad, with many calling for a more transparent and fair approach to handling encroachments. As public discontent grows, the agency and the state government may face increased pressure to reconsider their strategy.
