Article Today, Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has appealed to citizens not to believe in rumours circulating on social media. He alleged that certain groups were deliberately spreading false information, linking the agency to unrelated demolition drives. Despite the negativity, Hydraa continues its work to improve the city with a focus on environmentally sustainable urban development. The agency has already restored six lakes, including the Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet, which earned praise from central inspection teams. Plans are underway for the development of 13 more lakes.
Tamidikunta Development Within FTL Limits
As part of its lake restoration programme, Hydraa is developing Tamidikunta Lake in Madhapur. The lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) was determined by the HMDA in 2014 and notified in 2016, covering an area of 29.26 acres. Works, including desilting and floodwater diversion, have eliminated past flooding near Shilparamam. Prominent actor Akkineni Nagarjuna voluntarily surrendered his land for the project and applied for compensation as per law.
Dispute Over Assigned Land
The Tamidikunta FTL area also includes 6.12 acres of assigned (shikam patta) land, classified as government property by revenue officials. Such land cannot be sold or purchased legally. However, a resident of Jubilee Hills, Venkateshwara Rao, purchased 1.07 acres of it, and others followed suit. The ownership dispute is now in court. Hydraa clarified that if the court rules in their favour, the buyers will be eligible for compensation as per legal provisions. Commissioner Ranganath dismissed media claims that the agency was ignoring court orders, asserting that Hydraa respects judicial directives and has complied with them in all past projects.
Clarification on Vehicle Colours
Ranganath also addressed rumours about Hydraa vehicles using “unusual” colours. He explained that the colours are the same ones used by the Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing of GHMC before Hydraa was established. Only the name and logo have changed. The colour scheme has remained unchanged for the past seven years, he said.
No Role in Bridge Incident
The Commissioner also distanced Hydraa from recent works at the Kukatpally–Hitec City bridge, where GHMC and traffic police drilled holes in the parapet wall to drain rainwater. Experts confirmed the move caused no structural damage and eased traffic congestion. However, some individuals linked the work to Hydraa and accused it of malpractices. Ranganath stressed that the agency had no involvement and urged the public to verify facts before believing such claims.
