What Actions is HYDRAA Taking to Demolish Encroachments on Government Land in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- HYDRAA demolishes illegal structures in Gajularamaram.
- 100 acres of government land were encroached upon.
- The total value of the encroached land is Rs 4,500 crore.
- Local protests took place during the demolition.
- HYDRAA aims to protect Hyderabad's public resources.
Hyderabad, Sep 21 (NationPress) In a significant move to tackle the issue of encroachment on public land, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) initiated a demolition operation on Sunday, targeting illegal structures in Gajularamaram, located in the Greater Hyderabad region.
The demolition commenced early on Sunday morning, focusing on a substantial area of 100 acres in the Qutbullapur constituency of the Medchal Malkajgiri district.
The encroached land holds an estimated value of Rs 4,500 crore. This action followed complaints that encroachers were constructing residential units on plots measuring 60-70 square yards and selling them for around Rs 10 lakh each.
HYDRAA officials proceeded to demolish structures identified under survey number 397. In response, local residents protested against the agency's actions, attempting to obstruct the bulldozers. However, law enforcement intervened and removed the demonstrators.
The locals contended that they had invested their savings in these houses and demanded accountability from those who sold the land.
Out of a total of 300 acres of government land, 100 acres had been encroached upon. The complete value of the government land is estimated to be Rs 15,000 crore.
The land, situated approximately 10 km from the IT corridor, was previously allocated by the government to various entities, including the State Finance Corporation, the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and the Housing Board. Due to the lack of utilization by these organizations, encroachment has proliferated over recent years.
Allegations have surfaced that certain local leaders encroached upon roughly 103 acres within the past 3-4 years, with the market value of the land in the area estimated at Rs 40-50 crore per acre.
The encroached plots included single-bedroom homes sold to individuals working in the nearby areas of Qutbullapur, Gajularamaram, Chintal, and others. Reports indicate that some officials from the Revenue and Electricity departments colluded to provide these encroachments with essential utilities.
In the previous year, HYDRAA successfully removed numerous encroachments throughout the city.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy praised HYDRAA last month, emphasizing its role in safeguarding Hyderabad against encroachments on vital resources such as water bodies and parks.
He asserted that HYDRAA has protected government properties valued at Rs 30,000 crore and reclaimed 13 parks and 20 lakes from encroachment.
Reddy stated that HYDRAA was established to ensure Hyderabad remains a secure living environment while preventing the encroachment of water bodies. He highlighted that cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai face significant flooding challenges, and Hyderabad must avoid a similar fate.