Drive against encroachment: HYDRAA frees 1,045 acres of public land in Hyderabad worth Rs 55,000 crore

Hyderabad: In one of the largest urban restoration drives in recent years, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has recovered public assets worth over Rs 55,000 crore through sustained anti-encroachment and flood-prevention operations across the city.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said the agency has so far conducted 181 special drives, clearing 954 encroachments and reclaiming 1,045.12 acres of land belonging to the public and government. This includes 531.82 acres of government land, 222.30 acres of road area, 233 acres of lake land and 35 acres of park space.

‘We work within the framework of law’

The HYDRAA chief clarified that all operations are undertaken strictly within legal and constitutional boundaries, with utmost respect for judicial orders.

“We act not just according to the letter of the law, but also in its true spirit, to protect citizens’ rights and the environment,” Ranganath explained. He alleged that several influential individuals had grabbed public lands under the guise of helping the poor.

“HYDRAA has exposed such illegalities. Nearly 700 cases have been filed against us, and personally, I face 31 contempt petitions, but we will continue to defend public property,” he said.

Ranganath also assured that HYDRAA does not disturb houses constructed before July 2024. “In exceptional cases where removal becomes unavoidable, we ensure alternate housing or compensation for affected families,” he added.

Citizens’ support strengthens HYDRAA’s mission

Ranganath expressed deep gratitude to Hyderabad’s residents for their “unwavering support” amid misinformation campaigns.

“Citizens themselves came forward, organised rallies and countered false claims that HYDRAA demolished thousands of houses,” he said. “Their faith and encouragement give us the strength to work harder for the city’s future.”

He said HYDRAA’s work is guided entirely by the government’s vision of developing a safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable city, ensuring a better quality of life for all residents. “The support we received from people of all walks of life, youth, women and elders has been truly motivating,” he noted, appreciating the role of both traditional and social media in spreading factual information.

Flood prevention measures pay off

Hydra’s pre-monsoon preparedness has helped Hyderabad avoid major flooding this year. The agency undertook large-scale desilting, drain cleaning and waterway restoration works, completing 96,972 operations across the city during the monsoon. This included cleaning 56,330 catchpits, 6,721 drains, 10,692 waterlogging points, and 1,928 culverts.

“As a result, localities like Ameerpet and Maitrivanam, which earlier faced flooding even after 5 cm of rainfall, remained safe this year despite 15 cm of rain,” Ranganath said.

He cited similar success at Patny Nala, where widening the drainage channel from 15 feet to 70 feet and constructing retaining walls helped protect Patny, Viman Nagar, BHEL Colony, and Indiramma Nagar from waterlogging.

Rs 58.40 crore lake rejuvenation programme

As part of its environmental protection plan, HYDRAA has launched a Rs 58.40 crore lake restoration project aimed at reviving the city’s natural water bodies and reducing flood risks. In the first phase, six lakes are being rejuvenated — including Bathukamma Kunta, Tammidikunta (Madhapur), Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu, and Bam Rukh Ud Doula Lake (Old City).

HYDRAA has already restored Sunnam Cheruvu (Madhapur) and Nalla Cheruvu (Uppal), expanding their total area from 105 acres to 180 acres after removing encroachments. “This alone has reclaimed 75 acres of land for public use,” the commissioner said, adding that the rejuvenated lakes have eased flooding in nearby colonies and along key road networks such as Shilparamam.

Protecting nature and the city’s future

Ranganath reaffirmed that HYDRAA’s mission is not demolition but restoration and protection.

“We are working to preserve Hyderabad’s ecology, restore lakes, and safeguard government and public lands from illegal occupation,” he said. “HYDRAA draws its inspiration from the people. With their continued trust and participation, we will build a city that is cleaner, safer, and better prepared for the future.”