How land sharks converted prime government land in Uppal Khalsa into parking hub and collected fees from motorists

Hyderabad: Nearly six acres of prime government land in Uppal Khalsa, Medchal–Malkajgiri district, have been illegally occupied, with a major portion allegedly being used as an unauthorised vehicle parking hub.

What has triggered a serious concern is the illegal collection of parking fees, regulatory failure, and collusion.

While 2.5 acres were formally allotted to the Metro Rail project, the remaining land in Survey Nos. 644 and 645 have reportedly been encroached upon by private individuals.

Residents demanded that the encroachments be removed immediately and the land be earmarked for a government college to serve the growing local population.

Locals also alleged that a seven-storey building with three cellar levels is under construction in Survey No. 645 with questionable permissions, calling it a blatant violation of building and revenue laws. They urged the State government to order a high-level inquiry into the entire episode.

41 complaints pour into HYDRAA Prajavani

The Uppal case is among the 41 complaints received at the HYDRAA Prajavani grievance forum on Monday, highlighting growing encroachments on public land, lakes, parks, and stormwater drains across the city and suburbs.

Several complainants alleged that fake survey numbers, forged title documents, and proxy occupants are being widely used by land grabbers to corner high-value government land worth hundreds of crores.

Lake bed at Manikonda under threat

Residents of Manikonda under Gandipet mandal in Ranga Reddy district demanded immediate demarcation of the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Mushkin Lake, spread across Survey Nos. 255, 256, and 257.

They warned that unchecked levelling and construction on the lake bed could trigger flooding during monsoons, destroy aquatic biodiversity, and reduce groundwater recharge.

Stormwater drain encroachment in Secunderabad Cantonment

Members of the Hanuman Temple Welfare and Youth Association complained that a major nala in the Chinna Kamala area of Secunderabad Cantonment has been illegally encroached upon.

The nala in Ward No. 7, Trimulgherry, near Survey No. 17, has reportedly been blocked by private structures, leading to recurrent waterlogging and flash floods during heavy rains. Illegal shops are also being run on the drain, causing inconvenience to residents and devotees of a nearby temple.

GHMC park in Miyapur faces encroachment

Residents of BHEL HIG Phase–2, Ushodaya Enclave in Miyapur submitted a complaint stating that the Nandanam Tree Park (western portion), a GHMC-designated public park, is being illegally appropriated.

They alleged that unidentified persons have begun erecting a compound wall within the park limits and urged HYDRA to immediately halt the construction and reclaim the land for public use.

Officials directed to Act

HYDRA Additional Director Varla Papaiah reviewed all the complaints and instructed the revenue, municipal, and police departments to conduct spot inspections and submit action-taken reports at the earliest.