HYDRAA, Rev officials raid illegal groundwater extraction sites

Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on unauthorised groundwater exploitation, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency and Revenue Department officials raided several locations in Tellapur on Monday, seizing equipment and borewell points used for commercial extraction. The action followed a formal complaint and public protests staged by the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association over rampant groundwater depletion in the area. Inspecting multiple identified points, enforcement teams confiscated operational machinery. Welcoming the raid, TeNA expressed gratitude to officials while insisting that operations must expand to seize all illicit borewells across Tellapur and initiate strict legal prosecution against offenders.

The association urged authorities to establish permanent surveillance mechanisms to ensure illegal extraction does not resume. Residents voiced alarm over long-term aquifer depletion, warning of an impending drinking water crisis affecting thousands of local families. On Saturday, residents conducted a protest lasting until midnight, after which TeNA president Ramana Eshwarigari met the Tellapur mandal revenue officer to press for immediate enforcement. TeNA representatives alleged that commercial tanker operators were depleting local groundwater tables, leaving domestic borewells dry across surrounding residential societies.

Members highlighted that over 200 high-capacity commercial water tankers were operating daily along the Tellapur to Osman Nagar Mayfair Infinity road corridor, extracting and transporting groundwater for commercial sale without valid permits. Demanding persistent vigilance, local community representatives reiterated that unmonitored commercial extraction severely jeopardises residential water security across the region. Officials assured residents that comprehensive inspections and strict enforcement drives against illegal commercial borewells will continue across Tellapur.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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