How encroachers gobbled up 2.5 acres of land meant for Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple at Jagadgirigutta

Hyderabad: Rampant encroachments of drains, lakes, and public lands have sparked fears of flooding in the monsoon season.

At the HYDRAA Prajavani grievance redressal held on Monday, officials received 39 complaints, most of them pointing to illegal constructions that block natural water flow and worsen urban flooding.

Drains, lakes choked by encroachments

Citizens stressed that the unchecked occupation of nalas and lake beds was the root cause of colonies and roads getting submerged during monsoons. Several representations suggested that restoring chain-linked lakes could significantly reduce the annual flood threat.

Localities worst affected

IS Sadan, Santosh Nagar Division: Residents complained that heavy inflows were submerging their locality.

Langar Houz: Locals highlighted waterlogging near Bapu Ghat and Toli Chowki Bridge during the rains.

Somajiguda–Panjagutta: Stagnant water near Yashoda Hospital spilled over to adjoining colonies.

Jubilee Hills: Residents near the CVR News office reported waterlogging and suggested diverting excess water into KBR Park.

Key complaints registered

Nacharam Industrial Area: Encroachment on the drain leading into Singam Cheruvu is pushing floodwaters into houses, residents alleged. They demanded a survey and immediate removal of the encroachments.

Medipally, Medchal–Malkajgiri District: Locals reported illegal occupation of nearly 38 acres of government ceiling lands in Salarjung Kanch.

Kapra, ECIL Crossroads: The Gopal Reddy Nagar Welfare Society complained that lands earmarked for parks, civic amenities, and roads in an approved 30-acre HUD(A) layout were being converted into plots and resold.

Jagadgirigutta, Qutbullapur Mandal: Residents alleged that 2.5 acres belonging to Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple had been encroached by a local leader, and sought restoration of the land to the temple.

Citizens seek urgent action

From blocked nalas to temple land grabs, the complaints reflect growing public frustration with unchecked land encroachments. Residents urged HYDRAA to act swiftly and prevent another season of floods and civic hardship.

HYDRAA Additional Commissioner Ashok reviewed the grievances received through the Prajavani programme and directed the concerned officials to take necessary action accordingly.