41 complaints filed with HYDRAA citizen helpline over illegal land encroachments

Citizens have raised growing concerns over government lands being illegally occupied across several areas of Hyderabad, causing serious inconvenience to the public. On Monday, the HYDRAA citizen helpline received a total of 41 complaints highlighting issues in Medchal, Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy, Secunderabad, and Uppal.

According to the complaints, some encroachers are manipulating survey numbers to claim vacant government land for personal gains. Even the illegal occupation of a single acre can be worth hundreds of crores. Many complainants alleged that ordinary people are being used as front figures while large-scale commercial interests benefit from the land grabs.

In Uppal, government land covering six acres under survey numbers 644 and 645 has been partially allocated to the metro. However, local individuals have encroached on the remaining land and are charging vehicle parking fees. Residents suggested that a government college be established on this land. Additionally, they raised concerns over a seven-story building with three cellars being constructed under GHMC approval on survey number 645, calling it illegal.

Encroachments were also reported near Mushkin Cheruvu in Gandipet and Manikonda areas of Ranga Reddy district. Although survey numbers 255, 256, and 257 are crucial for environmental protection, constructions have continued due to the absence of FTL (Full Tank Level) clearances. Residents warned that this could reduce the water body’s area, increase flood risk, degrade water quality, and harm biodiversity.

In Secunderabad Cantonment, small water channels in the Chinna Kamal area have been occupied. Locals in Tirumalagiri Ward No. 7 reported that some individuals are claiming a channel on survey number 17 as their private property, causing drainage problems during the rainy season.

Ranga Reddy district residents also reported encroachment of GHMC parks, including the BHEL HIG Phase-2 Ushodaya Enclave park and the western section of Nandanam Tree Park, where unidentified individuals have built compound walls, effectively taking over public spaces meant for community use.

HYDRA Additional Director Varlapapayya has reviewed the complaints and instructed relevant authorities to address the issues. Officials emphasized the urgent need to prevent illegal land grabs to protect public resources and ensure citizens’ access to government lands and amenities.