Nagarjuna vows legal action after HYDRA demolishes his N-Convention Centre in Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s skyline is abuzz with controversy as authorities demolish the N-Convention Centre, a prominent establishment owned by actor Nagarjuna Akkineni. The Telangana government claims that the centre was built on encroached land, sparking a legal battle with the Telugu film star, who has vowed to take the matter to court.

Sensational demolition stirs Hyderabad

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves across Hyderabad, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) authorities brought down the N-Convention Centre on August 24, 2024. The government alleges that the structure encroached on the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, making it illegal. Officials stated that the convention centre occupied approximately 1.12 acres of the FTL area and an additional 2 acres within the buffer zone, where construction is strictly prohibited​.

HYDRA’s demolition of N-Convention Centre highlights Telangana’s strong stance on illegal constructions and environmental conservation

Nagarjuna challenges the demolition

Nagarjuna, the owner of the N-Convention Centre, has fiercely denied these allegations, asserting that the land in question is privately owned and not encroached upon any tank plan. According to him, the demolition was executed unlawfully, disregarding a stay order issued by the Telangana High Court. The actor contends that no prior legal notice was served, which he believes is a blatant violation of his legal rights. In his statement, Nagarjuna expressed his anguish and indicated that he would pursue legal action to contest the demolition​.

A history of allegations

The N-Convention Centre has been under scrutiny for years, with allegations of unauthorized construction within protected zones. The recent demolition comes after Telangana’s Minister of Roads and Buildings, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, lodged a formal complaint against the centre, claiming it had significantly reduced the water spread area of Thammidikunta Lake by raising the original ground level. The complaint, supported by official FTL maps and Google Earth imagery, spurred HYDRA into action, despite the ongoing legal proceedings​.

Legal experts weigh in

Legal experts are divided on the matter. While some argue that the demolition was necessary to protect the environment and enforce land-use regulations, others criticize the manner in which it was conducted. They point out that the lack of prior notice and the existence of a stay order could complicate the legal proceedings, potentially leading to a protracted court battle.

Environmental impact and urban development

This incident highlights the growing tension between urban development and environmental conservation in Hyderabad. With rapid urbanization, the protection of natural resources like lakes has become increasingly challenging. The drastic reduction in the area of Hyderabad’s lakes, as reported by the National Remote Sensing Centre, underscores the importance of strict enforcement of land-use laws to prevent further encroachments