First and foremost, any law-abiding, environmentally conscious, responsible citizen will “definitely” appreciate and support the newly formed department HYDRA, the brainchild of Hon’ble Telangana CM Shri Revanth Reddy.
Boiling Point: Over the past 40 years, due to the increase in real estate prices in and around Hyderabad, there has been rampant encroachment on lakes and nalas. According to government data, it is revealed that out of more than 1,758 lakes and kunta, only around 800 are still visible and many have been drastically encroached upon.
This is highly alarming, as water resources are not only essential for survival but also for protecting and nurturing future generations.
Officials: To give a simple analogy, facials are applied to remove dirt from the face. Similarly, many individuals (mainly those with political connections) who encroached on lakes obtained official permission from HMDA, GHMC, Irrigation, Revenue, and other relevant departments. Common sense suggests that these permissions were not granted without applying "rupee facials" to “grease” corrupt government officials and politicians. Unfortunately, there exists a detrimental nexus between some corrupt government officials and politicians. Without the collusion of both, nothing can be done illegally at the ground level.
As we are aware, many of our so-called politicians and builders are of the "fingerprint" category.
So who is to blame for the current lake encroachment crisis?
Is it the educated and highly qualified corrupt officials who gave permissions for these encroachments, or the politicians and builders who obtained them through illegal means?
Kudos: The current government should be applauded for the “daring” efforts and awareness it is creating among the public regarding lake encroachments. Surely, from now on, there will be a drastic reduction in the number of customers willing to buy or invest in properties around illegally encroached water bodies. This is indeed beneficial for the environment and the citizens of Hyderabad. So definitely, “Kudos” to the current Telangana government from all quarters.
Now the Tricks of Politics:
Real estate is a highly visible sector for any government to showcase development and progress. Having a “grip” on real estate provides tremendous power and authority. The current government has tactically chosen a domain that has more visibility to show the people that they are working to create an environmentally friendly atmosphere, not only for the present but also for the future.
Almost all the realtors and builders involved in these illegal constructions, from "gully leaders" to corporate entities, are now approaching the concerned ministers and heads of government to assist them with the illegal encroachments. This gives the government a “firm hold” on almost all real estate activity and the powerful individuals involved. So, it’s a win-win for the government: creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere that citizens will appreciate while also getting the realtors and builders to “tune in” to government directives.
(Most of us are aware that real estate “money” funds huge election expenses for political parties.)
Now and Future: Suggestions to the government from a common man’s viewpoint would be:
Show some leniency towards encroachments by poor and gullible people who were duped by corrupt leaders. They mostly have 50-100 sq. yard houses. The government should come up with a comprehensive and constructive approach to assist these downtrodden individuals or provide alternative “housing settlements” to help the needy.
Whether it is an illegally encroached building in Hi-Tech City or Old City, the government should have the same and consistent “operating procedures” for demolishing illegal buildings, regardless of the reputed (mostly politicians and government officials) individuals involved. There should be “NO” concessions given to individuals based on political party affiliations or pressures.
Similar to the Dharani initiative or the current government’s “Bhoomatha” initiative, the government should provide data on all illegal encroachments with survey numbers, khasra, and maps. Any citizen wishing to invest in the future should have access to this information from government sources and be confident that their investment is genuine and trustworthy.
Lastly,
As a common man, kudos and applause to IPS Ranganath and CM Revanth Reddy for their efforts to revive lakes and water bodies against all odds. The public is definitely with you and supports you in this endeavor.
I hope and wish HYDRA does not turn into just an “initial” spectacular program and fade away due to political pressure.
Matta Suresh
