HYDRAA cracks down on encroachments with public complaints surge

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is intensifying its encroachment action following a surge in public complaints during recent Prajavani programmes. In two sessions held on February 24 and March 10, 2025, HYDRAA received a total of 141 complaints regarding encroachments on government lands and public spaces.

On February 24 alone, 78 complaints were submitted, primarily concerning encroachments on water bodies, nalas, roads, and other public areas. In response, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath assured citizens of swift action. He directed officials to conduct on-site inspections within two weeks, ensuring transparency by involving local authorities and complainants. Issues unresolved within four weeks will be reviewed, and legal action will be taken against confirmed encroachers.

During the March 10 Prajavani session, 63 additional complaints were filed, focusing on the illegal occupation of lake beds and other government lands. These included allegations of fabricated passbook records used to claim ownership of lake beds converted into agricultural land, along with encroachments on roads and parks. Some former municipal councillors and ward members were accused of leveraging their influence for illegal land grabs.

Commissioner Ranganath acknowledged these complaints and reaffirmed HYDRAA’s commitment to thorough investigations. Inspections have begun in areas like Lingam Cheruvu near Bubba Khan Lake in Dundigal, where unauthorized structures along the canal have disrupted floodwater flow, leading to localised flooding. In Hafeezpet, officials are probing misuse of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and suspected illegal occupation of government land.

HYDRAA clarified its mandate, stating it only accepts complaints concerning encroachments on government land and public property during weekly Prajavani sessions. Personal disputes or matters pending in Civil or High Courts fall outside its jurisdiction. Complainants must declare any ongoing litigation, with warnings issued to those who fail to disclose such information.

ప్ర‌భుత్వ భూమిని కాపాడండి
హైడ్రా ప్ర‌జావాణికు 63 ఫిర్యాదులు

ప్ర‌జావ‌స‌రాల‌కు ఉద్దేశించిన భూమిని స్థానికంగా ప‌లుకుబ‌డి ఉన్న వ్య‌క్తులు క‌బ్జా చేసేస్తున్నార‌ని.. వాటిని కాపాడాల‌ని ప‌లువురు హైడ్రా ప్ర‌జావాణికి ఫిర్యాదు చేశారు. పాఠ‌శాల‌కు, పిల్ల‌లు ఆడుకునేందుకు ఉద్దేశించిన స్థ‌లాల… pic.twitter.com/dQ1vBNGdtF

— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) March 24, 2025