Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy defended HYDRAA after High Court observations against its Commissioner and said the agency would be strengthened. He alleged that encroachers were misleading the court and asserted that HYDRAA would continue protecting lakes, nalas, and government land.
Published Date – 28 July 2026, 05:50 PM
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday defended HYDRAA despite the High Court’s observations against its Commissioner, AV Ranganath. He maintained that the agency was functioning effectively and said the State government would strengthen it further.
Speaking to mediapersons in New Delhi, the Chief Minister alleged that those who had encroached upon water bodies, parks and nalas were misleading the court with false documents and claiming contempt of court.
He said that if contempt of court cases were grounds for replacing an officer, then former Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar had faced around 400 such cases. “These rules were not discussed in the past,” he said.
Revanth Reddy asserted that the State government had the discretionary power to appoint officers and that this authority could not be taken away. “We have faith in the judiciary and will fight the case in court. HYDRAA is functioning effectively,” he said.
Describing HYDRAA as one of the biggest reforms introduced by the Congress government, he said the agency had protected lakes, nalas and other water bodies. “It is one of the best institutions and has received appreciation from across the country. We are going to empower HYDRAA,” he said.
The Chief Minister said HYDRAA’s responsibility was to demolish unauthorised structures and protect lakes, nalas and government land. Referring to Bathukammakunta, he alleged that BRS leaders had occupied the water body and filed a contempt case, but the Congress government had protected and restored it.
He also alleged that false campaigns were being run on social media to defame HYDRAA and the State government.
Stating that the government had complete clarity on HYDRAA and its functioning, Revanth Reddy said he had not yet examined the High Court’s order. He added that the government would review the order and continue the work being carried out by the agency.
