HC Orders Status Quo on HYDRAA Action at Zresta Villa

Hyderabad:The Telangana High Court questioned HYDRAA officials’ claim that they demolished a compound wall at Zresta Villa in Kokapet of Gandipet mandal of Rangareddy district without prior notice to the affected parties.

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka observed that demolitions on disputed lands without notice and without taking into consideration the ongoing litigation were inappropriate and directed the authorities to maintain status quo on further demolition activities. The court was hearing a house motion petition filed by the Zresta Villa Owners Maintenance Mutual Aid Cooperative, challenging allegations of illegal entry and demolition carried out by HYDRAA officials on May 26.

According to the petitioner, the total size of the land in Kokapet Survey No. 84 is 8 acres and 10 guntas. It has been reported that some of it has been acquired by the government for a proposed pond while the remaining land has been developed by Goldfish Adobe Private Limited in agreement with the land owners. The villas were built and delivered to their buyers in 2019.

The petitioner informed the court that a dispute over 1.09 acres was currently pending before a competent court. He also stated that HYDRAA officials had flagged a complaint by a person named Anil Reddy on March 31, but copies of the complaint or relevant documents were not made available to the community.

The attorney claimed that despite their efforts to meet with HYDRAA officials and present their case, they were not heard. It was also alleged that authorities entered the building on May 26, tried to destroy the building wall at the back, and erected a fence without prior notice.

After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court issued notice directing HYDRAA, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration Department, GHMC and police to file the meters with full details.

The matter is at the judicial stage.