Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA)

 The ongoing issue surrounding the **Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA)** in Telangana has sparked considerable controversy, particularly regarding their demolition activities. HYDRA, created to manage disaster response and protect public assets, has been involved in demolishing structures deemed illegal, especially those near lakes, Full Tank Levels (FTL), and buffer zones.

Recently, the **Telangana High Court** has been scrutinizing HYDRA's actions, especially for demolishing properties without following proper legal procedures. A significant incident occurred in **Ameenpur**, where demolitions were carried out on a Sunday, raising questions about the timing and legality. The High Court, led by Justice K. Lakshman, criticized HYDRA for ignoring due process and acting under possible political pressure. The court has since issued a temporary halt to these demolitions and demanded further explanations from the officials involved.

One of the key disputes revolves around HYDRA’s handling of properties located in FTL zones, particularly around **Durgam Cheruvu**. The agency has served demolition notices to properties that have existed for years, leading to public uproar. Many affected residents argue that they had legitimate permissions and bank loans for their homes. In response to public pressure, HYDRA Commissioner Avula Ranganath has clarified that older structures in these zones will not be demolished, but new constructions will not be spared.

The conflict has also taken on a political dimension, with opposition parties and affected communities accusing the Telangana government of unfairly targeting certain areas. As of now, the High Court is closely monitoring HYDRA's actions, and further developments are expected as hearings continue into mid-October.