52 complaints filed with HYDRAA public grievance cell

City residents are no longer staying silent when they see land grabs and encroachments. Many are now walking straight into the HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency) office to file complaints in person through its Praja Vaani (public grievance) program, said HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath.

Speaking to reporters, the Commissioner noted that people are becoming more proactive - taking photos when roads are blocked, recording videos when lakes are being encroached upon, and even submitting evidence along with details of whom they’ve already complained to. “They’re telling us that problems that have persisted for decades are being solved within hours or days. That trust is what’s bringing more citizens directly to us,” Ranganath added.

On Monday alone, HYDRAA received 52 complaints through the Praja Vaani initiative. While many citizens are openly sharing their issues, some have requested that their personal details remain confidential, officials said.

One major complaint came from Hasmathpet village in Kukatpally (Balanagar mandal), where locals alleged that 10 acres of government land were being encroached upon. They also reported that water channels were being blocked and outlet levels raised, causing flooding of surrounding lands and residential layouts. In several cases, complainants alleged large-scale dumping of soil in lakes to illegally claim land.

Commissioner Ranganath personally reviewed these complaints and directed concerned officials to take immediate action.

Key complaints received

• Pedda Golconda, Shamshabad Mandal:

Residents complained that the Sarasimha Kunta lake’s natural drainage channels were blocked, causing water levels to rise beyond the Full Tank Level (FTL). Farmlands were submerged, and overflow water reached the service road near ORR Exit 15, disrupting traffic. They urged authorities to restore the lake to its natural capacity and protect nearby farmland.

• Beeramguda, Ameenpur Municipality (Sangareddy District):

Locals alleged that Shambuni Kunta lake, once spread across 22.11 acres, has now shrunk to just 6 acres due to encroachments and illegal dumping of soil. They warned that if HYDRAA doesn’t act soon, the lake could vanish entirely.

• Yashodanagar Colony, Sagar Road:

Members of the residents’ association complained that a few plot owners had merged public roads into their private properties, blocking access routes. One road has even been marked and sold as a 107-square-yard plot, forcing residents to take long detours within their own layout.

• Pariki Lake, Kukatpally:

Residents reported that around 12 acres of lake area were being filled overnight using unregistered trucks. They alleged plans to construct an 18-story apartment complex on the site, urging HYDRAA to intervene immediately to prevent fraud against future flat buyers.

• Ameenpur Large Lake:

Citizens alleged that ongoing encroachments and construction activity are continuing despite protests. When they tried to stop it, they were allegedly attacked and false police cases were filed against them to intimidate them.

• Hasmathpet, Balanagar (Medchal - Malkajgiri District):

Residents of Old Bowenpally filed a complaint regarding 28.28 acres of government land under Survey No. 1, claiming that local political leaders have occupied it and are selling it as small real-estate plots. The land, which dates back to the Nizam era and is listed in the Archaeology Department Gazette of 1953, reportedly holds historical significance. Officials said HYDRAA is investigating these allegations.

HYDRAA officials said the increasing number of direct complaints reflects a shift in public confidence. More citizens now see the agency as a reliable authority capable of taking swift and transparent action against illegal encroachments across the Hyderabad metropolitan region.