While the government is going ahead with its intense demolition drive by HYDRA ignoring political and other pressures, it became handy to some officials for resorting to extortion threatening vulnerable people.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who took it prestigious to continue this drive, said to be angry towards complaints that some officials are resorting to extortion by threatening building owners, citing notices served in the past.
He deplored complaints from different sections that citing HYDRA, a few ground level officials were threatening building owners and were involved in corrupt practices. He has directed ACB and Vigilance departments to keep an eye on HYDRA demolition drive and don’t tolerate intimidating the name of `HYDRA’.
Revanth Reddy said that it has come to his attention that the Revenue, Municipal and Irrigation officials are demanding money in some places despite the notices given in the past and the complaints of two or three years ago. He warned that action should be taken against such people.
“Showcasing the notices served in the past and complaints lodged previously, a few officials from revenue, municipal and irrigation departments are demanding money from structure owners,” Revanth Reddy said. The ACB and vigilance officials have been alerted to focus on those involved in such collections.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Shanta Kumari conducted an emergency review on the HYDRA demolition drive with the officials of GHMC, HYDRA, HMDA, Revenue, Irrigation, Vigilance & Enforcement, ACB, Police and other departments on Thursday. She conducted the review in view of recent critical comments made by the Telangana High Court on this drive.
She directed to consider the instructions of the High Court before starting the process of demolition of illegal structures. Agw suggested that all departments should follow the same as the court said to proceed according to the rules.
Collectors of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal and Sangareddy districts along with key officials attended this important meeting. She made it clear that precautions should be taken beforehand to avoid any legal complications.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been receiving requests from the district to set up special departments like HYDRA in districts as well.
However, he clarified that HYDRA is confined to Hyderabad only for the present. He said that the Gram Panchayats outside the Outer Ring Road are also under the jurisdiction of HYDRA. He said that it is the government’s responsibility to protect the twin reservoirs.