Fatima college final decision in the making: HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath

At a public hearing conducted on X Spaces on Sunday, HYDRAA Commissioner spoke to a range of citizen concerns: from lost public grounds and land disputes to celebrity demolitions and illegal encroachments. The meet was aimed at bringing greater transparency into the day-to-day functioning of HYDRAA and simplifying legal procedures.

Regarding the case of Fatima Owaisi College, which is said to be constructed within the FTL of Suram Cheruvu, Ranganath has reported that a preliminary notice has been issued but the direction is not yet finalized. He acknowledged the social contribution of the college as it provides opportunity for nearly 10,000 poor Muslim students from KG to PG.

One of the most pressing issues agitated was that despite the fact that it spans 125 acres in Bandlagunda, SunCity (PNT Colony) has not even a single public park, which is causing growing frustration among the residents. Ranganath mentioned that HYDRAA had revived 60–70 parks in the city, but individual initiative in colonies such as SunCity depends on official complaints and coordination from the RWAs of the local societies.

Resolving land ownership and encroachment complaints, Ranganath explained HYDRAA's redressal process: upon filing of the complaint, a probe officer is assigned, documents submitted by both parties are authenticated and personal hearings are held. Proceedings are video-recorded to determine impartiality and accountability.

Ranganath again stated that HYDRAA strictly follows the Supreme Court judgment of Chief Justice BR Gavai, which allows for notice-less demolitions in encroachments on water bodies, nalas, railway tracks and roads.

He agreed that some citizens unknowingly buy encroached land and clarified that judicial solutions come in the form of civil and criminal courts. He also credited HYDRAA's campaigns to make citizens more alert about buying property. High-profile cases such as Gandipet and N Convention saw unauthorized layouts halted after public intervention.

HYDRAA's crackdown has yielded huge recoveries in properties like land worth Rs 1,000 crore at Bumrah Lake, which is reportedly involving AIMIM leaders, and Rs 30 crore worth at Chandrayangutta. Ranganath asserted that there is no political pressure on HYDRAA. He recalled his earlier tenure as Warangal Commissioner of Police when his firm stance on encroachments earned the police chief the confidence of the chief minister and led to his current appointment.