HYDRAA saves ₹ 2,200 crore Hyderabad land
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) conducted a major operation near the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Madhapur on Thursday, clearing large-scale encroachments and reclaiming 11 acres of government land valued at ₹ 2,200 crore.
The drive was carried out at Khanamet village in Serilingampally mandal of Ranga Reddy district. Authorities removed hundreds of temporary sheds and over 30 shops that had come up on government land and within the full tank level (FTL) limits of Mondikunta lake.
Residents had filed complaints through HYDRAA’s Prajavani platform, alleging encroachments in Survey No. 53 (Mondikunta) and Survey No. 55 (government land).
Following directions from HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, officials conducted a field-level inquiry with revenue and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials. They identified nearly 11 acres under illegal occupation.
Satellite images confirm illegal occupation
Officials said encroachers had marked a temple as the boundary to justify structures within the lake’s FTL area. Several shops, mechanic sheds and iron and steel outlets were operating on the encroached land, reportedly collecting monthly rents running into lakhs of rupees.
HYDRAA held a hearing on January 31 with revenue officials and the alleged encroachers. Revenue authorities confirmed the encroachments in their presence. Satellite imagery from the National Remote Sensing Centre also established illegal occupation.
After issuing notices and granting time, HYDRAA removed the encroachments under heavy security on Thursday.
Locals gathered in large numbers and welcomed the action. Residents said protecting Mondikunta lake would help restore the water body. They urged authorities to develop parks on the reclaimed government land and to beautify the lake area.
