HYDRAA Commissioner Moves HC On Appeal Over Single Judge Order

Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath has approached the Telangana High Court challenging the single-judge order directing his removal from the post.

It may be recollected that on July 27, Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti had directed the Chief Secretary to relieve Ranganath as HYDRAA Commissioner and appoint a suitable replacement. 

The order came while hearing contempt petitions filed by Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited, which alleged that HYDRAA officials



violated court orders and entered its 40-acre land in Lothkunta with 50 vehicles and 200 personnel.

The court had observed that Ranganath had become a "law unto himself" and that HYDRAA was acting beyond its mandate, bypassing revenue, irrigation and GHMC departments. Following the order, Ranganath said he would contest all 63 contempt cases filed against him through legal means and expressed full faith in the judiciary. He alleged that all cases were filed by influential encroachers affected by HYDRAA's drive to protect lakes and government lands.