Telangana High Court Rebukes HYDRAA, Demands Legal Basis for Demolitions

Overview

• Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy cautioned Commissioner A. V. Ranganath against misuse of authority, reminding him the court holds superior constitutional power.
• The bench questioned where the agency derived power to raze structures without notice, stressing that even buffer‑zone cases must follow procedures and Supreme Court guidelines.
• Contempt petitions allege HYDRAA violated an April status‑quo order by proceeding with excavation and related works near Tammidi Kunta tank in Khanamet village.
• The court flagged reports of small sheds and homes on 50–100 sq yd plots being demolished on weekends without notices, noting governments have regularised such plots under LRS and BRS.
• HYDRAA said it acted on Praja Vani complaints and removed tonnes of bio‑waste to prevent flooding in areas including Hi‑Tech City and Metal Charminar, as the court set the next hearing for November 27.