The Congress-led state government appears to be slowing down the Hyderabad Airport Development Authority’s (HYDRAA) demolition drives after mounting protests from the public, particularly from lower-income communities affected by the razing of illegal structures. Statements from key political figures, including IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, suggest a shift in the government’s approach as it faces increased opposition from both citizens and political parties.
The initial phase of HYDRAA’s demolition campaign, aimed at clearing illegal structures as part of a broader city redevelopment plan, had been welcomed by many when it targeted high-profile buildings such as the N-Convention Centre. However, the situation changed as the demolitions expanded into residential areas, affecting the homes of common people, especially those of the economically weaker sections. Despite assurances from officials that the demolition process would spare the poor, many residents claim their homes were destroyed without prior warning.
Protests against HYDRAA escalated when reports surfaced that homes in slum areas were being demolished indiscriminately. According to local residents, many of these homes had been built with official permissions, leaving homeowners questioning the government’s justification for targeting their properties. “We bought this land legally and built our homes with all necessary approvals. Now, without any notice, our houses are being demolished,” said one resident affected by the campaign.
Also Read: 66-Year-Old Woman Commits Suicide Over Fears of Losing Home in Kukatpally
Political backlash has also intensified. IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu, while defending the overall aims of HYDRAA, indicated a possible change in focus for the government, stating that priority would now be given to the Musi River Development Project. This project aims to transform the riverfront into a growth corridor, which could potentially shift attention away from the current demolition drives. However, Sridhar Babu’s remarks did little to assuage the concerns of those directly impacted by HYDRAA’s actions.
Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender was more vocal in his criticism of the agency’s operations. He reiterated his opposition to the demolition of slum areas, stating that it was unfair to target the homes of the poor while larger, more prominent illegal constructions such as I-MAX and Jalavihar remain untouched. Nagender added that he would be writing to the Chief Minister to press for a more just and balanced approach, one that would prioritize the demolition of luxury structures over the homes of common citizens.
HYDRAA’s demolition activities were notably paused over the weekend, with no demolitions taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Although officials have claimed they were conducting surveys during this period, the halt in operations has been seen by many as a sign that the government is reconsidering its strategy in light of the growing discontent.
Political parties, which had initially supported HYDRAA’s efforts, are now turning against the project. Both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up their protests, accusing the government of mishandling the situation and causing undue suffering to the poor. Victims of the demolitions have increasingly sought the support of these opposition parties, hoping for a reprieve from further losses.
As public anger grows and political opposition intensifies, it remains unclear how the Congress government will navigate the fallout from the HYDRAA demolitions. What is certain, however, is that the controversy surrounding the agency’s actions has become a significant point of contention in Hyderabad’s political landscape, raising serious questions about the future direction of urban development in the city.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)