Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Backs HYDRAA, Says Razing Actor Nagarjuna's Building As Per Law

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has justified the demolition of a convention centre co-owned by actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, citing teachings from the Bhagavad Gita. He stated that his government would not tolerate any encroachments lakes, regardless of the individuals' influence.

The N-Convention Centre, which was demolished by officials from HYDRAA and other departments, was allegedly built on encroached land belonging to Tammidikunta lake. The matter is currently in court, which had previously ordered a halt to the demolition. Nagarjuna condemned the move as "unlawful" and claimed he would have demolished the structure himself if the court had ruled against him.

Demolition Inspired by Bhagavad Gita

At a Hare Krishna Movement event, Mr. Reddy explained that the Bhagavad Gita inspired these actions. He said Lord Krishna taught that one must follow dharma to defeat adharma, even if it means battling friends. "Arjuna had wanted to back out from the war, saying what is the point if I have to kill my own? But Krishna says for the larger good, for dharma to win over adharma, you must fight," he elaborated.

Mr. Reddy emphasised that protecting Hyderabad from becoming another Chennai, Uttarakhand or Wayanad is crucial. He mentioned that properties of Congress leaders Pallam Raju and Danam Nagender have already been demolished by HYDRAA, with more demolitions expected across party lines.

Impact on Influential Figures

The municipal authorities have issued notices to 225 row houses owned by Telugu cine artists in Manikonda. Additionally, some farmhouses near lakes release sewage into water bodies like Gandipet, which supplies drinking water to parts of Hyderabad. Mr. Reddy stressed that failing to protect these lakes would mean failing as a public representative.

Harish Rao from Bharat Rashtra Samithi criticised these actions as attempts to pressure opposition leaders into joining Congress. He questioned whether structures belonging to Congress leaders like Ponguleti Srinivas and Patnam Mahender Reddy would also face demolition.

Historical Context of Hyderabad's Lakes

The city's chain of lakes was designed by the Nizam administration after a major flood in 1908 with help from renowned engineer Mokshagundam Vishvesvaraya. These lakes were intended to prevent future flooding and manage water resources effectively.
The Congress government has initiated demolitions of illegal structures built within full tank levels of water bodies through HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection). This initiative aims to reclaim encroached lands and restore natural water bodies.

Mr. Reddy reiterated his commitment to this cause despite potential backlash from influential individuals who could impact his government adversely. "We have a duty to protect Hyderabad," he said firmly.

This ongoing effort underscores the government's resolve to uphold environmental laws and safeguard public interests against illegal encroachments.