HYDRAA removes five acres of encroachments at Durgam Cheruvu

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken decisive action to reclaim encroached land at Durgam Cheruvu, one of the city’s prominent lakes located beside the IT corridor. On Tuesday, officials cleared nearly five acres of illegally occupied land near the Inorbit Mall side of the lake.

The encroached area, which falls within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of the lake, had been filled with soil and converted into a commercial parking space. Authorities said the illegal operators were collecting up to ₹50 lakh per month as parking fees. HYDRAA removed the parked vehicles, installed temporary fencing, and announced that the dumped soil will be fully cleared in the next phase.

The action followed a complaint received during the Prajavani public grievance programme. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath ordered a field-level inquiry involving multiple departments. After confirming the encroachments, officials acted swiftly to clear illegal structures and usage spread across the five-acre stretch.

Durgam Cheruvu, also known as the “Secret Lake,” has deep historical significance, as it once supplied drinking water to the Golconda Fort during the Qutb Shahi era. Over the years, however, unchecked encroachments and sewage inflows have severely reduced its size and ecological health.

The lake, which once covered around 160 acres, has now shrunk to about 116 acres. Except for its northern side, encroachments have occurred on three sides. Records show that by 1976, nearly 29 acres had already been lost, reducing the lake area to 131.66 acres. While the extent remained stable until 1995, another 10 acres were encroached between 1995 and 2000, followed by an additional five acres after 2000. HYDRAA officials said satellite images provided by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) clearly document this gradual loss.

Investigations revealed that soil excavated from nearby hills on the Inorbit Mall side was dumped into the lake, raising the land by 10 to 15 metres and slowly reclaiming about five acres. A public representative has reportedly claimed ownership of this land, adding to the controversy.

In 2014, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) issued a preliminary notification fixing the lake’s area at 160.7 acres. HYDRAA is currently working with inputs from NRSC, the Survey of India, and revenue records to conclusively determine the lake’s original boundaries. Meanwhile, officials say the removal of encroachments will continue as part of a broader effort to protect and restore Durgam Cheruvu.