Union Minister of Coal and Mines and BJP State President Sri G Kishan Reddy has written to Telangana Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy on the recent demolitions being carried out by Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA).
Here’s the letter:
Governments often seek to establish a positive and lasting legacy by pursuing a transformational agenda of infrastructure projects that benefit the public, such as housing for the underprivileged, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other essential needs of the people. These initiatives typically aim to improve the welfare of the people and have a lasting impact on society. However, there seems to be a shift in approach under your administration where the emphasis has been on gaining recognition through acts of demolition rather than creation.
Under your government, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has been established; ostensibly to remove constructions on government land. Unfortunately, this initiative has proceeded without a proper, well-considered plan and, in many cases, without consulting the affected people. As a result, the most vulnerable in our society, particularly the poor, have been disproportionately impacted. In a recent Cabinet meeting, additional powers were conferred upon HYDRAA, further intensifying concerns of many directly impacted by its actions.
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The previous government burdened the state with significant debts due to poorly planned projects, resulting in financial strain. Your government has cited this lack of funds as a reason for halting the implementation of new infrastructure projects. Instead, there appears to be a focus on demolishing houses under the pretext of illegal constructions, with the underlying objective of staying in the news-cycle continuously. While removing illegal structures is welcome, this process must be carried out with fairness, legality, and compassion. The people of Telangana believe that the demolitions currently underway should adhere to these principles.
I am writing this open letter not with an intention to criticise the government but rather to present the concerns that the affected individuals, intellectuals, and the media have been constantly bringing to my attention. Removing unauthorised constructions in Full Tank Level (FTL) areas is appreciated, but the process must be transparent and undertaken in a lawful manner. We unequivocally oppose illegal encroachments, but we also believe that any action taken against such constructions must follow due process and adhere to the principles of natural justice. Particularly in the case of the poor and the middle class, these principles must guide the government’s actions.
Unfortunately, there are many instances in our state where the government has not adhered to these principles. The homes now being demolished under the guise of illegal constructions were often provided with essential services such as roads, streetlights, drinking water, drainage systems, and electricity by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). In some instances, even house numbers have been allocated by the GHMC. When GHMC and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) have been collecting taxes for decades and providing services to these areas, how is it justifiable to suddenly declare these homes illegal? How are these poor and middle-class families supposed to cope, many of whom have taken loans and spent a life-time of their savings to build their houses?
It is also concerning that some buildings that already possess all the necessary approvals are being demolished. People purchased plots and apartments based on the approvals given by the GHMC and HMDA, and they had every reason to believe these were lawful. How can HYDRAA now declare these permits invalid? When one government agency provides approvals and essential services, it is perplexing that another can declare these constructions illegal many years later. I also want to remind you that, in the past, Congress and the BRS governments have regularised illegal constructions.
HYDRAA needs a comprehensive plan that is centred around integrity, transparency, humanity, social responsibility, and constructive regulations. There are 13,000 poor and middle-class families in the Musi catchment area. Before demolishing their homes, the government should engage in discussions with them. Alternatives should be provided, and houses should only be destroyed after ensuring these families have alternative avenues of accommodation. As part of the “Musi River Beautification” project, the government should first allocate double-bedroom houses to those losing their homes in the GHMC limits, ensuring they are engaged.
Officials have identified numerous such constructions in the Musi catchment area in places like Musarambagh, Langar House, Nampally, Amberpet, and Chaderghat. Eligible individuals from these areas should be allotted double-bedroom houses first. Furthermore, the unfortunate reality is that many families have been misled by corrupt officials, politicians, and intermediaries, leading them to buy plots now subject to demolition. Unaware of the potential legal complications, these families built homes with their hard-earned money, only to now see them torn down. This cannot be the responsibility of the poor or the middle class.
While the protection of Nalas and public lands is essential, the government must proceed carefully by first identifying the affected areas, consulting with the residents, and offering viable alternatives. It is unacceptable for the government to demolish homes without providing alternative accommodations, especially when these homes have been built with loans and have had taxes paid for years.
The previous government promised to build double-bedroom houses for the poor across the state but failed to fulfil this promise for ten years. They misled the people of Hyderabad by pledging to build 7 lakh houses, which never materialised. As a result, the poor had no choice but to spend their hard-earned money to build homes wherever they could. They were deceived by both the earlier Congress and the BRS governments. Now, homes built 20 to 30 years ago are suddenly being declared illegal by the current government, leaving these people with nowhere to go.
The government must enact stringent laws holding those responsible for creating illegal layouts accountable. Without these measures, several families will continue to suffer silently as their homes are demolished. It is unjust for the government to destroy homes using bulldozers for which taxes have been paid and loans have been availed.
In conclusion, I urge you to take a more humane approach. HYDRAA must engage in a dialogue with the affected individuals and include all stakeholders before further action. The government must ensure that justice is served for ordinary citizens and demolitions are carried out only after total compensation.
Thousands of people reside in the Musi catchment area, and many rely on this region for their livelihoods. While providing them with houses, their livelihoods must also be considered, and wide-ranging discussions should be held with all stakeholders. The same approach should be taken in other areas where demolitions are taking place.
Until then, I urge you not to issue any specific orders that come in conflict with existing guidelines of banks and NBFCs for granting loans. The people, already in severe distress due to the demolition decisions, are further confused by the actions of government officials. I request that the officials be directed not to make any public announcements on this matter.
I hope the decisions you take as the Chief Minister will be fair and just for all.
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