High Court Slams HYDRAA For Ignoring Stay Orders
- Telangana High Court warns HYDRAA over Tammidikunta lake works
- Justice Vijayasen Reddy questions authority’s disregard for court directives
The Telangana High Court on Friday, November 14, came down strongly on the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for allegedly violating its interim orders in lake restoration works at Tammidikunta tank in Khanamet, Ranga Reddy district. Justice B Vijayasen Reddy cautioned HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath that while the agency may have administrative powers, the court holds higher authority.
The judge warned that if HYDRAA continued to exceed its limits, the court would be forced to “show what judicial power means,” emphasizing that such a confrontation should never arise. The remarks came during the hearing of a contempt petition alleging HYDRAA’s disregard for earlier stay orders related to ongoing works at the site.
Justice Vijayasen Reddy observed that protecting and restoring lakes is a commendable initiative but stated that all actions must strictly follow legal procedures. He expressed concern that court orders were being confined to paper while violations continued on the ground. The court also noted an increasing number of petitions against HYDRAA, prompting it to summon the commissioner directly.
During the session, the judge highlighted the plight of small landowners who invested their lifelong savings in plots later targeted by demolitions. He said HYDRAA had reportedly demolished small structures without prior notice in earlier panchayat-approved layouts. The court recalled that even full tank level (FTL) zones contained patta lands and that another bench had previously ruled such lands could be lawfully purchased.
Petitioners’ counsel Tarun G Reddy argued that HYDRAA had continued its work despite the April stay order, causing damage and flooding on private lands. He contended that the agency did not issue notices before taking action and lacked the authority to decide land ownership status.
Responding to the court, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said there was no deliberate violation. He explained that the agency halted work once the stay order was issued. He added that the agency had only removed medical waste from the tank to prevent further contamination. Ranganath maintained that HYDRAA’s efforts were in the public interest and received strong community support.
Additional Advocate General Imran Khan, representing the state, defended HYDRAA’s actions as lawful. After hearing both sides, Justice Vijayasen Reddy adjourned the matter to November 27 for further proceedings.
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