The Praja Vedika at Undavalli, near here, which was a beehive of activity during the TDP regime, has almost been razed, as Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy quickly translated his resolve to demolish it, into action citing flagrant violation of River Conservancy Act.
About 50 workers and at least two earthmovers were involved in pulling down the structure, and they removed the entire building except a few parts of it by Wednesday evening.
CRDA Additional Commissioner Vijaya Krishnan told The Hindu the demolition was almost complete. The facility was demolished on a mission mode under the supervision of top officials of A.P.-Capital Region Development Authority (AP-CRDA) amid tight security, as the government’s decision to knock down the hall, which was built at a cost of ₹8.9 crore right next to the then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s residence on the banks of river Krishna.
The TDP leaders described it as a “foolish act” and demanded that the government crack the whip on all such illegal constructions situated on the same side of the river bank.
Apprehending trouble, the police did not allow anyone on the Karakatta road except the government officials concerned and leaders of the TDP who went for a meeting with Mr. Naidu during that time. Praja Vedika is an auditorium built by Mr. Naidu for hearing the people’s grievances and holding official and party meetings.
Mr. Jagan ordered its demolition while addressing a meeting of District Collectors at the same venue two days ago, saying it was an unauthorised construction built on the banks of the Krishna. Officials of the CRDA had since acted briskly.