Hydra Commissioner’s Clarification Triggers Fresh Controversy
The alleged land dispute involving Pawan Kalyan at Kodi Lake in Janwada village of Shankarpally mandal, Rangareddy district, has emerged as a major political controversy in Telangana. Conflicting claims by HYDRA Commissioner Ranganath, journalists, and social activists over the status of the lake and the land have intensified the debate.
Ranganath Says It Is Not an Encroachment
Speaking in a television interview, HYDRA Commissioner Ranganath stated that Kodi Lake spans 26.07 acres, and that Pawan Kalyan purchased 10 acres of land in the area in 2014.
According to him, the presence of patta (private) lands within a lake’s survey limits is not unusual, citing examples from areas such as Hayathnagar. He acknowledged that erecting a fence within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits is technically a violation but argued that the fencing does not obstruct the natural flow of water.
Ranganath further clarified that Pawan Kalyan had not filled the lake with soil, but had merely installed fencing to protect the boundaries of his land. Therefore, he maintained that the issue cannot be termed an encroachment.
Journalists and Activists Raise Serious Objections
However, journalist Raghu and several social activists strongly disagreed with the Commissioner’s explanation.
They alleged that, under the WALTA (Water, Land and Trees Act), drilling borewells in lake catchment or lake-related lands is illegal. According to them, evidence exists showing that a borewell was dug on Pawan Kalyan’s land, but Ranganath failed to address this issue.
They also claimed to possess video evidence showing that soil was brought from outside in an attempt to fill portions of the lake.
Allegations Over Lake Bund and Sale Deed
The activists further alleged that the width of the lake bund had been reduced from 33 feet to 15 feet. They accused the authorities of ignoring the installation of barbed-wire fencing, which allegedly prevents devotees and local residents from accessing the Katta Maisamma temple situated near the lake.
Questions were also raised over the sale deed, with allegations that it lacks e-KYC verification, photographs, and biometric thumb impressions. According to the critics, no official clarification has been provided regarding these concerns.
They also argued that the fencing is strong enough to obstruct water flow and presented photographs in support of their claims. Additionally, they alleged that the land boundaries were incorrectly depicted in official documents.
Raghu Hits Back at Ranganath
Responding sharply to Ranganath’s allegation that certain individuals were pursuing a social media agenda, journalist Raghu said:
“Our agenda is to protect public property. Your agenda is to defend governments.”
He questioned why Ranganath personally visits demolition sites in other cases but has not visited Kodi Lake despite the seriousness of the allegations.
Raghu also asked how the Commissioner could conclude that there were no violations without conducting an on-site inspection.
Open Challenge Adds Political Heat
Raghu further referred to the growing political discussion that Ranganath is showing a soft corner towards Pawan Kalyan. He publicly challenged the HYDRA Commissioner to participate in an open debate on the Kodi Lake issue.
Whether Ranganath will respond to this challenge has now become a subject of keen political interest in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, adding another dimension to an already controversial land dispute.
