Hyderabad Disaster Agency Recovers Valuable Land in Major Anti-Encroachment Operation
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) executed a significant anti-encroachment operation across multiple locations in the city on Tuesday. Following thorough field inspections and numerous public complaints, the agency successfully cleared illegal structures from four separate sites, securing valuable public land for the community.
Massive Land Recovery Valued at Rs 1,511 Crore
HYDRAA officials confirmed the recovery of approximately 12 acres of precious lake land during the coordinated operation. This includes four acres of Jangam Kunta lake in Kondapur and an additional eight acres of Alwal Kotha Cheruvu lake. The total estimated value of the secured land reaches an astonishing Rs 1,511 crore, representing one of the most substantial land recovery efforts in recent Hyderabad municipal history.
Kondapur Lake Restoration After Media Exposure
In Kondapur, HYDRAA intervened along the Serilingampally municipal office to Madinaguda road where Jangam Kunta lake had been systematically filled with soil and leveled. Investigations revealed this was allegedly preparation for converting the water body into residential plots for commercial sale. "Following media reports that brought this to public attention, we conducted joint inspections with revenue department officials," explained AV Ranganath, HYDRAA Commissioner. "We confirmed the site was indeed a designated water body, after which revenue authorities registered cases against those involved. Protective fencing was immediately erected on Tuesday to prevent further encroachment."
Alwal Lake Cleared of Polluting Industrial Units
Simultaneously, HYDRAA addressed serious environmental violations at Alwal Kotha Cheruvu in Medchal–Malkajgiri district. Residents had filed multiple grievances through the Prajavani platform, reporting that plastic compression units were operating illegally within the lake's Full Tank Level (FTL) area, causing significant pollution. During field verification, officials discovered not only industrial operations but also temporary sheds and various structures within the protected FTL zone. All illegal constructions were promptly removed, with authorities emphasizing that no construction whatsoever is permitted within FTL limits under municipal regulations.
Public Parks Restored to Community Use
Beyond lake restoration, HYDRAA secured two public parks that had been encroached upon for extended periods. A 650-square-yard park in Jakkidi Nagar colony of Vanasthalipuram, originally earmarked as park land during layout formation in the early 1980s, was cleared of all encroachments and properly fenced for community protection. Commissioner Ranganath further detailed: "Another 450-square-yard park in Radhakrishna Nagar under Malkajgiri zone, which was gifted to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, was also secured after removing an unauthorized compound wall and temporary sheds that had restricted public access."
Systematic Approach to Urban Land Protection
The comprehensive operation demonstrates HYDRAA's systematic approach to urban land management. The agency combines multiple verification methods including:
- Response to public complaints through official platforms
- Joint inspections with revenue department officials
- Media monitoring for potential violations
- Physical field verification of suspected encroachments
This multi-pronged strategy has proven effective in identifying and addressing illegal land occupation across Hyderabad's rapidly developing urban landscape. The recovered lands will now be properly maintained as protected public assets, ensuring environmental conservation and community access to essential green spaces and water bodies.
