From Alwal’s 200-year-old well to Khajaguda Lake FTL, encroachments flagged at HYDRAA Prajavani

Hyderabad: Encroachments in Hyderabad are no longer limited to lakes and parks. Centuries-old open wells, once vital drinking water sources for entire neighbourhoods, are now being targeted by land grabbers.

200-year-old open well in Alwal under threat

Alarmed residents from different parts of the city raised these concerns at the Prajavani grievance redressal programme of HYDRAA on Monday, where a total of 32 complaints were received.

A key issue highlighted was an alleged attempt to encroach upon a 200-year-old open well in Alwal, prompting calls for immediate protection of historic water structures and public open spaces across the city.

Well served generations with drinking water

Residents of Venrock Enclave in Alwal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, complained that encroachers are attempting to seize a historic open well locally known as Chintabai Oota Bavi.

They said the well, which has served generations as a drinking water source, was shown as open space in the approved layout, but is now facing illegal occupation. The residents urged HYDRAA to intervene and preserve the well as a living symbol of Hyderabad’s heritage.

Open space encroachment in Green Hills Colony

In another complaint, residents of Green Hills Colony in the RK Puram division of Saroornagar mandal, Ranga Reddy district, reported encroachment on 6,087 square yards of designated open space.

They said part of the land has already been occupied and requested an immediate survey to reclaim the area as per official records. The residents also appealed for the development of a public park to serve the growing colony.

Drainage channels altered near Nizampet children’s park

Residents of Kousalya Colony, under the Nizampet circle in Medchal–Malkajgiri district, complained that sewage and stormwater drains near a children’s park are being arbitrarily diverted.

They alleged that the changes are being made to benefit nearby real estate ventures, disrupting the natural flow of floodwater and increasing the risk of waterlogging. The petitioners demanded restoration of the drainage channels to their original alignment.

Encroachments within Khajaguda Lake FTL

A serious complaint was also lodged over encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Khajaguda Lake, a high-value water body close to the city’s IT corridor.

According to the petitioners, nearly 1,000 square yards within the FTL has been illegally occupied, subdivided into four plots of 250 square yards each and even assigned house numbers.

They urged HYDRAA to act swiftly to protect the lake’s FTL and prevent irreversible damage.

Officials assure action

HYDRA Additional Commissioner R Sudarshan reviewed all 32 complaints during the Prajavani programme and directed the concerned departments to take responsibility for resolving the issues.

Citizens appreciated HYDRAA’s recent efforts in reclaiming and reviving encroached parks and public spaces, expressing hope that similar action would be taken to safeguard historic water bodies and open areas across Hyderabad.