HYDRAA Clears Major Encroachment on Public Land in Hyderabad's Secretariat Colony
In a significant enforcement action, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully cleared illegal encroachments on a substantial 2,700 square yards of government land. This land, designated for public use, is located within the Secretariat Employees' Colony at Neknampur in Rangareddy district. The operation, carried out on Thursday, involved the removal of unauthorized structures that had been erected on the valuable property.
High-Value Land Restored for Community Amenities
The cleared land holds an estimated market value of approximately 54 crore rupees. Following the removal of encroachments, authorities immediately fenced the entire area to prevent any future illegal occupation. This proactive measure ensures the land remains protected and available for its intended public purposes. The site is part of a larger 59.14-acre parcel in Neknampur village, which was originally allotted to secretariat employees by the state government back in 2002.
Historical Background and Layout Violations
A formal layout for the area, known as Dr YSR Enclave Secretariat Employees' Colony, received official approval in 2007. Subsequently, plots were distributed, and houses were constructed for the employees. According to the sanctioned layout, the 2,700 square yards in question were specifically reserved for essential public amenities, including a park, to benefit the residents of the colony.
However, investigations revealed that portions of this community land had been unlawfully converted into private plots. Construction activities had already commenced on the site, with foundations and pillars being laid. It was reported that permission for this construction was obtained under questionable circumstances, by misrepresenting the location as a different plot in the adjacent Venkateswara Colony.
Joint Inspection and Enforcement Action
The enforcement action was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by the colony's Residents Welfare Association. In response, HYDRAA, in collaboration with municipal and revenue authorities, conducted a thorough joint inspection of the site. The inspection confirmed the presence of illegal encroachments on the public land.
"Following a complaint by the colony's residents welfare association, HYDRAA, along with municipal and revenue authorities, conducted a joint inspection. The encroachments were confirmed and subsequently removed," stated HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath. In addition to the main encroachments, temporary sheds on five other plots that had been carved out of the same public use land were also demolished during the operation.
Securing the Land for Future Public Use
To clearly demarcate and protect the restored land, authorities have installed boards labeling the area as "public space." This action underscores the commitment to preserving land earmarked for community benefits and preventing its misuse. The successful clearance operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between HYDRAA and other governmental bodies in addressing land encroachment issues in Hyderabad.
The restoration of this valuable land ensures that the original plan for public amenities, including recreational spaces, can proceed, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Secretariat Employees' Colony. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant monitoring and enforcement to safeguard public assets from unauthorized occupation and development.
