The Telangana government’s HYDRA initiative, aimed at protecting lakes, water bodies, and public properties, initially garnered strong public support. HYDRA Chief Ranganath became an online sensation, with even BJP leaders like Raghunandan Rao voicing approval. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy praised HYDRA as a vital step to safeguard Hyderabad’s future, comparing its efforts to prevent issues seen in Kerala’s floods.
However, as HYDRA began demolitions, including structures belonging to low-income residents, public sentiment shifted. A recent survey in Musi’s Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones—though not directly related to HYDRA—brought scrutiny to the agency, with complaints surfacing about its negative impact on real estate and a reported decrease in government revenue from registrations. Key Congress members, such as Madhu Yashki, also began to criticize HYDRA’s actions, resulting in reduced activities from the agency.
In a recent meeting with bankers, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka sought to address these concerns, clarifying that HYDRA has no role in granting construction permissions. Vikramarka emphasized that loan approvals for construction projects need not be hindered, as GHMC and Town Planning departments handle all permission processes. He assured banks of the government’s stance, urging them to continue approving loans without concerns over HYDRA’s influence.
Yet, apprehensions remain regarding properties flagged by HYDRA, particularly in Musi’s buffer zones. Some properties flagged by HYDRA had previously received official permissions, leading banks to issue loans that borrowers now struggle to repay. Calls have intensified for investigations into officials who granted these permits and for establishing stricter checks on FTL and buffer zones during the initial approval stage. Public voices are growing louder, demanding a proactive system to regulate buffer zones and prevent confusion surrounding construction permits in these sensitive areas.