Bulldozer Raj on the Pretext of Lake Protection in Telangana: Dr  Dasoju

Hyderabad: Dr Dasoju Sravan Kumar of  Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has raised serious concerns over the recent lake protection measures in Telangana, terming them as “Bulldozer Raj.” In an open letter addressed to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy and Shri Ranganath, Commissioner of HYDRA, Dr K Dasoju accused the state government of emulating the tactics of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, using aggressive demolition actions that violate constitutional principles.

Lakes as Lifelines: Dr Dasoju highlighted that lakes are a vital lifeline for Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, known as the city of lakes. He noted that over the past seven decades, many of these lakes have shrunk by 61% due to deliberate encroachments by crony capitalists, selfish politicians, real estate brokers, and the mafia. This problem extends beyond Hyderabad, affecting thousands of water bodies across the region and posing serious threats to the environment and ecological balance.

Concerns Over HYDRA and Bulldozer Tactics:While acknowledging the establishment of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA) as a positive initiative, Dr. Kumar expressed concerns that it is being used more for political theatrics and pseudo-heroism than genuine conservation efforts. He criticized the use of unconstitutional “Bulldozer Raj” tactics under the pretext of lake protection.

Dr Dasoju pointed to recent incidents in Mahabubnagar and Ramnagar, where demolitions were carried out overnight, targeting the homes of poor and middle-class families without prior notice. He described these actions as an attempt to instill fear and achieve political gains rather than address actual issues of encroachment or urban planning. Such heavy-handed measures, he argued, violate constitutional principles and reflect a deeper agenda of showcasing dictatorial authority.

Key Demands for Transparency and Accountability:

In his letter, Dr Dasoju made several demands for transparency and accountability in the lake protection initiatives:

End to Bulldozer Raj: 

Dr Dasoju questioned the emulation of Yogi Adityanath’s “Bulldozer Raj” in Telangana and stressed the importance of acting within constitutional principles to protect the rights of genuine property holders.

Clear Policy on Lake Protection: 

He called for a well-defined policy framework that sets measurable targets for the preservation of lakes and their catchment areas across Telangana.

Operational Guidelines for HYDRA: 

Dr. Kumar urged the government to make the operational guidelines of HYDRA publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Public Accessibility of Guidelines: 

He stressed the need for transparency in making operational guidelines publicly accessible, building trust among stakeholders.

Data on Encroachments: 

Dr Dasoju demanded comprehensive data on water bodies identified as encroached upon and called for a detailed list to be made public.

Community Involvement: 

He emphasized the importance of involving local communities, Resident Welfare Associations, and other stakeholders in lake protection efforts.

Avoid Selective Demolition: Dr Dasoju criticized selective demolition for media sensationalism and urged the government to focus on genuine environmental sustainability and social well-being.

Call for Sustainable and Inclusive Lake Protection:

Dr Dasoju urged Shri Revanth Reddy and Shri Ranganath to ensure that HYDRA’s efforts are genuinely aimed at sustainable lake protection. He emphasized that protecting lakes is a shared responsibility, not solely the government’s, and called for a detailed and transparent lake protection policy that includes input from environmental experts, activists, and local communities.

“A true leader considers the impact of their decisions on future generations, not just the applause of today,” Dr Dasoju concluded, urging the Telangana government to commit to meaningful and sustainable efforts to safeguard the state’s precious water bodies.