The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) has initiated criminal proceedings against several government officials for unlawfully issuing permits for constructions within lakes’ Full Tank Levels (FTL) and buffer zones. HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath, acting on substantial evidence, has lodged a complaint with Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty, leading to an ongoing investigation.The cases primarily focus on illegal constructions in areas such as Nizampet and Chandanagar, where permits were granted in contravention of FTL and buffer zone regulations. Officials from the Revenue Department, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) are among those implicated.A notable case involves encroachments around Erra Kunta Lake in Chandanagar and Pragathinagar. HYDRA has identified five officials who reportedly facilitated illegal constructions within the lake’s buffer zone. These individuals are now facing criminal charges and are expected to be included in ongoing cases related to these encroachments.In a recent enforcement action, HYDRA demolished three illegally constructed buildings within the Erra Kunta pond buffer zone under the Nizampet Municipal Corporation. The structures, comprising ground-plus-five floors, were situated on 0.29 acres of encroached land.HYDRA has also recommended disciplinary action against another official involved in the irregular issuance of permits. The agency’s crackdown underscores its commitment to addressing illegal constructions and protecting Hyderabad’s water bodies and buffer zones.