HYDRAA Saved ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Assets: Ranganath
It is known that the Telangana High Court on Monday issued sensational directions regarding HYDRAA. The court directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to remove HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath, who is facing 63 contempt of court cases, from his post and appoint another officer in his place. Responding to the court's order through a statement, HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath addressed several issues. The summary of his statement is as follows: "I have been working in the true spirit of the Constitution. My objective has always been to protect lakes and government properties. Land mafias and encroachers are misleading the courts with false information. HYDRAA's strength lies in working truthfully, honestly, and fearlessly.
In accordance with Articles 21 and 48A of the Constitution, we are protecting government properties, lakes, and parks. Over the past two years, HYDRAA has safeguarded government assets worth ₹1.50 lakh crore (approximately $17 billion). We have fully restored six lakes, while restoration work on another 20 lakes is progressing rapidly. We have reclaimed hundreds of lakes and parks that had been encroached upon by influential persons. Thousands of acres of government land have been restored to the government. In the Lothukunta land issue, there was an attempt to grab government land worth nearly ₹10,000 crore." Ranganath also made sensational allegations against Shanta Sriram Real Estate. He alleged that the company carried out blasting on 2,500-year-old heritage rock formations without obtaining the required permissions and destroyed hundreds of trees without approval.
He said HYDRAA stepped in following complaints from the Save the Rocks Society, environmentalists, and local residents. He alleged that the builder had encroached upon 120 acres of government land. Ranganath also commented on the contempt cases filed against him. "There are 63 contempt cases against me. Those cases have been filed by influential land grabbers. Is my mistake that I stood in the way of protecting lakes, government land, and plots belonging to ordinary people? We took action against those who attempted to encroach upon Bathukamma Kunta. We stood firm to protect government land worth thousands of crores at Lothukunta. We prevented those who wanted to grab plots belonging to common people and construct commercial complexes.
We also fought to protect thousands of plots belonging to Singareni workers. Action was taken against those who operated like a criminal mafia by encroaching upon government land and plots belonging to ordinary citizens. If preventing them is my mistake, then that is the only mistake I have committed. I will fight all 63 contempt cases through legal means. I have complete faith in the judiciary. Whatever responsibility the government entrusts to me, I will strive to deliver 100 percent results. As in the past, at present, and in the future, I will continue to discharge the responsibilities assigned by the government efficiently," Ranganath said.
