HYDRAA clears encroachments, saves 3,300 sq yards of park land in Gopalnagar

Hyderabad: Cracking down on encroachments of public spaces, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has safeguarded a park site measuring 3,300 square yards in Gopalnagar, Kukatpally mandal of Medchal–Malkajgiri district.

Residents’ complaint triggers inspection and action

HYDRAA’s intervention followed a complaint lodged by representatives of the Gopal Nagar Residents Welfare Association at the Prajavani grievance forum. The residents flagged ongoing encroachments on land earmarked as a park in a large residential layout.

Background of the layout

According to officials, a layout spanning 92.21 acres across Survey Nos. 148 to 155 was developed in 1980 under the name of Gopal Nagar.

The layout comprises over 1,200 plots, with land reserved at three locations for parks. Over the years, two of these park sites were allegedly encroached upon, and the third was also facing a similar threat.

Field verification and encroachment removal

After reviewing the complaint, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath directed a field-level inquiry. A joint inspection by HYDRAA, GHMC and revenue officials confirmed that the park land was indeed being encroached upon.

Acting on the findings, HYDRAA officials on Friday removed an illegally erected shed from the site.

Fencing and protection measures

To prevent further encroachment, HYDRAA installed fencing around the entire park area and placed official boards identifying the land as a designated public park.

Residents welcome the move

Expressing relief, representatives of the Gopalnagar Residents Welfare Association said they had been appealing to various departments for years to protect the parks, but to no avail.

“Two parks were already lost to encroachments. In such a large layout, the absence of parks was affecting our quality of life. HYDRAA’s swift response and ground-level action saved this park. Otherwise, it too would have been lost,” they said, while appreciating the agency’s decisive action.