Telangana CM Order Statewide Drive To Remove Water Body Encroachments

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed all District Collectors to take immediate action against encroachments on lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other water bodies. Calling such encroachments an “unforgivable crime,” he announced a state-wide special drive to remove illegal structures. Reddy emphasized the need for a system similar to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA), which has recently been active in demolishing illegal structures to protect Hyderabad’s lakes.

During a visit to the flood-affected Khammam and Mahabubabad districts, Reddy urged Collectors to identify and demolish encroachments, including those involving influential individuals. He instructed officials to review records of water bodies to identify illegal structures and, if necessary, obtain court permissions for demolition.

Reddy expressed concern over the widespread encroachment of water bodies over the past decade, linked it to environmental issues and flooding. He warned that ignoring these issues could lead to more severe consequences, underscoring the importance of taking decisive action.

The Chief Minister also highlighted HYDRA’s recent successes, including the removal of encroachments that prevented flooding. He called for a similar approach in other districts and assured that the government would not yield to external pressures on this issue.