Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) conducted a significant operation to clear encroachments on government property. In Rajendranagar mandal’s Shastripuram area, HYDRAA teams demolished five under-construction buildings, including two smaller structures, on land designated for a playground. The demolition aimed to safeguard government property valued at Rs.100 crore.
Some buildings were spared demolition as they housed families, while the encroachments were on Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) approved layout. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had previously issued warnings to encroachers. Following complaints from locals, HYDRAA took action, as encroachers had reportedly sold land plots illegally using notarized documents.
The approved layout, covering 188 acres with 1,800 plots, had allocated 6,500 square yards for a playground. However, unauthorized occupants had encroached upon and sold these plots. Recent inspections by HYDRAA, GHMC, and revenue department confirmed the encroachment. Established in 2024 by the Telangana government, HYDRAA has been actively safeguarding public assets, including lakes, playgrounds, and open lands, through various initiatives.
HYDRAA has successfully reclaimed over 1,045 acres of public land and water bodies, securing urban assets valued at around Rs 60,000 crore. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath highlighted the agency’s efforts in reclaiming government properties, lakes, parks, nalas, and roads. HYDRAA has been addressing public complaints regarding encroachments on various government-owned sites, including lakes, parks, roads, and illegal layouts.
In a previous instance, HYDRAA removed encroachments on five acres of government land in Banjara Hills, reclaiming property estimated at Rs 750 crore. The land, allegedly encroached by an individual named Parthsarthy, was guarded by bouncers and dogs.
