HYDRAA steps up drive to protect Hyderabad waterbodies
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Thursday removed an encroaching compound wall and sheds from the buffer zone of Istaribai Kunta in Kuntloor village of Abdullapurmet mandal, Rangareddy district. It also fenced the 2.5-acre waterbody to prevent further encroachments.
The pond falls under survey number 248, which includes 2.5 acres of government land. The irrigation department and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) have also identified the waterbody.
Private lands adjoining the survey number had been developed into real estate ventures. HYDRA found that a compound wall had extended into the pond area and removed it.
HYDRA stops attempts to develop pond land into plots
HYDRA also stopped attempts to extend a layout into the pond area and sell the land as plots.
Operators of a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant near the pond bund had built sheds for workers. HYDRAA removed the structures after finding them within the buffer zone.
The agency then fenced the pond to protect it from further encroachment.
Local residents welcomed the action. They said some people had been trying to fill the 2.5-acre pond and make it disappear. According to residents, the waterbody could have vanished if authorities had delayed action.
Following a complaint, HYDRAA officials inspected the site with officials from the concerned departments and took action.
HYDRAA saves Istharibai Kunta, Kudikunta
HYDRAA stopped two more water bodies in Hyderabad from being lost to encroachment. The agency safeguarded Istharibai Kunta in Kuntlur Village, Abdullapurmet Mandal, and Kudikunta Lake in Kondapur Village, Serilingampally Mandal. HYDRAA… pic.twitter.com/rAUaXhweDx
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) October 1, 2026
HYDRAA also protects Kudikunta land in Kondapur
HYDRAA also protected land belonging to Kudikunta in Kondapur village of Serilingampally mandal, Rangareddy district.
The pond covers eight acres and has already been developed by the Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour (SAHE).
An adjoining 300-square-yard parcel forms part of the pond area. Since the parcel had no water, some local residents had allegedly attempted to encroach on it.
Residents submitted a representation to HYDRA, saying anti-social activities were taking place on the vacant parcel below the pond. They requested fencing to prevent people from entering the land.
HYDRAA conducted a field inspection and confirmed that the parcel belonged to Kudikunta. The agency then fenced the 300-square-yard area to protect it from encroachment.
