HYDRAA demolished eight cement and stone crushing units and three ready mix concrete (RMC) plants in Gowlidoddy, Vattinagulapally, Gopanpally and Shamshabad's Kothwalguda on Tuesday. The agency said the operation followed reports from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB), the mines and geology department and a letter from the Rangareddy district collector. Authorities alleged that the units lacked the required approvals from the TGPCB and mining authorities and had continued operations despite notices and warnings. HYDRAA initially named several operators in its press release, citing Great India Mining, Parmesh Singh Stone Crushers, Sri Laxmi Constructions, Prudhvi Stone Crushers and Raghava Stone Crushers, but the commissioner later clarified that one crusher unit belonged to Thirumala Metal Industry and not to Raghava Constructions. The issue had provoked a furore in the state Assembly after the Opposition raised allegations of illegal mining connected with Raghava Constructions and the revenue minister subsequently explained that Raghava had only been purchasing metal from Tirumala Metals. The demolition was carried out in the presence of officials from the TGPCB, the mines department and the revenue department. Departments said many units had reportedly been operating for years, often under benami ownership and with alleged backing from influential groups. They raised concerns about serious environmental damage, noting that natural hillocks were being cut and crushed without permission and that heavy dust pollution was affecting air quality in nearby localities. HYDRAA said it had also removed unauthorised RMC plants that were operating without valid licences. Owners and operators protested and attempted to stop the demolitions, and some complained that they held permissions and contracts which were not considered by the enforcement teams. After severe protests, HYDRAA officials paused the demolition and granted the remaining operators time until Wednesday evening to clear equipment and structures. Officials said the exercise would be followed by continued inspections and enforcement by the relevant departments to curb illegal mining and to address environmental harm.