Erragadda land row triggers tension near ESI Hospital
HYDERABAD: Mild tension prevailed late on September 2 near ESI Hospital in Erragadda after local residents objected to the alleged allotment of government land in the area for a graveyard.
The issue came to light after earthmoving work was carried out at the site using bulldozers, prompting objections from locals who claimed the land was meant for public healthcare purposes. A heated argument reportedly broke out between two groups at the site, and videos of the confrontation later went viral on social media.
Residents alleged that the levelling work was taken up without prior public consultation or official communication, raising concerns over the use of land located in what they described as a prime area. Some locals questioned the timing of the work, which they said was carried out late at night.
The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress government of attempting to construct a graveyard on land originally allocated for a hospital. In a statement, the party alleged that the work was initiated under the cover of darkness using bulldozers and described the move as politically motivated.
The BJP said the incident reflected what it termed a pattern of land misuse by the government in the run-up to elections. Party leaders also demanded clarity on the land’s classification and the approvals, if any, granted for the proposed use.
Referring to a recent controversy, the BJP cited an instance in which land belonging to the Ministry of Defence was allegedly earmarked for a graveyard. It claimed that the Army intervened and halted the move, describing it as an encroachment.
There was no immediate response from the state government or local authorities on the allegations at the time of going to press. Police said the situation at Erragadda was under control and no cases had been registered in connection with the incident.
