HYDRAA demolishes illegal fence in Pocharam Municipality, restores access to Divyanagar Layout
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolished an illegal boundary wall in Pocharam Municipality, Rangareddy district, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, following complaints from plot owners in Divyanagar Layout and residents of surrounding colonies.
The demolition removed a fence that had obstructed access to several nearby localities, including Deepthi Sri Nagar and five other colonies in Pocharam Municipality. Residents, particularly many retired Singareni employees who had purchased plots since the late 1990s, expressed relief as their long-standing grievances were addressed.
The fence, constructed by Nalla Mallareddy (NMR), had restricted access to the layout and was built in the name of security. Complaints allege that Mallareddy, who acted as both developer and welfare association president, collected funds under the guise of development charges. These funds, however, were reportedly used to construct the compound wall rather than build essential infrastructure like roads or drainage.
According to the complaints, Mallareddy demanded ₹50,000 for each plot sale and controlled the buying and selling of properties in the area, offering less than the market value. Entry and exit points were strictly controlled, and residents could only access the area under his supervision. Internal roads were blocked, and access to surrounding areas was severely restricted.
Divyanagar Layout spans about 200 acres, with 2,218 plots, of which locals claim 25% are owned by Mallareddy or his associates. Further allegations suggest that he encroached on 6.06 acres of government land in Survey No. 66. For years, those who attempted to oppose his control faced threats and violence.
HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath confirmed that Mallareddy’s actions violated municipal laws and Supreme Court guidelines. Mallareddy had constructed the wall without permission, and the surrounding layout was not a gated community. As a result, the compound wall was deemed unauthorized and demolished under legal authority.
During a hearing on January 23, 2025, at the HYDRAA office, several residents, including retired Singareni employees, expressed their distress, with some even citing suicidal thoughts due to the prolonged lack of support. Mallareddy was present during the hearing and faced criticism for his handling of the area.
Ranganath also revealed that Mallareddy had used the funds intended for infrastructure development to build the wall, which served more as a tool to maintain control over the local real estate market. Public spaces and parks were allegedly occupied for personal agricultural use, and substantial government land was reportedly grabbed by Mallareddy.
The demolition was carried out by 12 heavy dozers, effectively clearing the obstruction and allowing thousands of residents to move freely. HYDRAA has vowed to continue investigating the allegations of land encroachment and will take legal and criminal action against all those involved after the inquiry is completed.
పోచారం మున్సిపాలిటీలో హైడ్రా కూల్చివేతలు
ఊపిరి పీల్చుకున్న దివ్యనగర్ లేఔట్ ప్లాట్ ఓనర్లు
ఆనందం వ్యక్తం చేసిన పరిసర కాలనీల నివాసితులు* రంగారెడ్డి జిల్లా పోచారం మున్సిపాలిటీలో శనివారం హైడ్రా కూల్చివేతలు.
* పలు కాలనీలకు, నివాస ప్రాంతాలకు వెళ్లేందుకు అవకాశం… pic.twitter.com/kP1bmCSLQf
— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) January 25, 2025
