Hyderabad Agency Takes Action Against Land Encroachments
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) executed a significant operation on Friday, targeting unauthorized encroachments and implementing land-protection measures at various sites throughout Hyderabad. The comprehensive drive focused on securing government-owned land, preserving critical lake buffer zones, and protecting temple property from illegal occupation and misuse.
Lake Buffer Zone Cleared in Doolapally Village
In Doolapally village, located within the Dundigal-Gandimaisamma area of Medchal-Malkajgiri district, HYDRAA officials removed illegal structures situated within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of Sumarakunta lake. This expansive water body covers approximately 42 acres, and authorities had received multiple complaints regarding soil filling and construction activities within the protected FTL zone. These activities were allegedly carried out under claims of shikam patta ownership, a type of land tenure.
AV Ranganath, the commissioner of HYDRAA, provided details on the operation: "Following thorough field verification, we dismantled temporary sheds, scrap processing units, small eateries, welding shops, and container fabrication units from about 11 acres of land. Construction within lake FTL limits poses a serious risk of flooding and waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season."
Ranganath emphasized that while cultivation might be permitted on shikam patta lands when dry, regulations strictly prohibit soil filling, the erection of compound walls, or the construction of permanent and semi-permanent structures within the FTL zone. This enforcement aims to maintain the ecological integrity and flood control capacity of the lake.
Government Land Secured in Borabanda
In a separate action, HYDRAA secured 3.2 acres of government land in the Borabanda area. This land had previously been vested with the government under the Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) Act. Officials reported that attempts were made to claim ownership of a portion of this land using documents that falsely stated ULC clearance.
"We removed temporary sheds and halted commercial activities operating illegally on the land. Additionally, fencing was installed to prevent further unauthorized use," Ranganath stated. He highlighted the agency's ongoing focus on protecting government land from misuse and ensuring that official records align with ground realities. A formal complaint has been lodged at the Borabanda police station in connection with this incident.
Temple Property Protected in Nagaram
HYDRAA also responded to a representation from residents of Ramakrishna Nagar colony in Nagaram, Keesara mandal, who sought protection for land allotted to a Shiva temple. While part of the land was used to construct the temple in 2017, the remaining portion had remained vacant and vulnerable to encroachment.
After conducting verification, the agency confirmed that 1,365 square yards of land rightfully belonged to the temple. To safeguard this property, HYDRAA installed identification boards clearly marking it as temple property, thereby preventing future unauthorized claims or use.
These coordinated efforts by HYDRAA underscore a proactive approach to urban land management, addressing environmental concerns, preventing fraudulent land claims, and preserving community assets. The operations demonstrate the agency's commitment to enforcing land-use regulations and protecting public and religious properties across Hyderabad.
