HYDRAA cracks down on encroachments, saves 7,000 sq yards of park land worth Rs 85 crore in Uppal

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has safeguarded park lands worth nearly Rs 85 crore, fencing around 7,000 square yards of land earmarked for public parks in different localities of Uppal mandal, Medchal–Malkajgiri district.

While the monetary value of the land is immense, officials noted that the ecological value of parks, often described as the “lungs of the city”, is beyond calculation. HYDRAA reiterated that protecting such open spaces remains a top priority.

Encroachment on Babanagar Colony park exposed

HYDRAA officials acted on complaints from local residents regarding large-scale encroachment on a park site in Babanagar Colony, a layout developed in 1980 with 183 residential plots.

As per original plans, 3,000 square yards were reserved exclusively for a park, which remained intact until 1999. Boundaries were officially marked and fencing erected by authorities at the time.

However, in later years, the number of plots in the layout mysteriously increased from 183 to 189. The designated park land was allegedly divided into six plots of 500 square yards each and sold.

Illegal construction and sale of park land

According to residents’ complaints submitted through HYDRAA’s Prajavani platform, one individual who purchased Plot No. 188 later became the colony welfare association president. He reportedly constructed a house on 266 square yards of the plot, leaving the remaining portion vacant.

The complainants further alleged that the individual encroached upon adjacent road space, created six additional plots of 50 square yards each, and sold them illegally by assigning informal “by numbers.”

Field verification confirms park status

Following directions from HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, joint teams from HYDRAA, GHMC, and Revenue departments conducted field inspections and verified official records. Authorities confirmed that the land was indeed reserved for a park.

While some portions had already been occupied, HYDRAA successfully protected the remaining 2,000 square yards, installed fencing, and placed official boards declaring it as park land.

More park lands secured in Nacharam

In a parallel operation, HYDRAA also safeguarded nearly 5,000 square yards of land earmarked for parks and open spaces in Karthikeya Nagar, Nacharam village, within Uppal mandal. This included three open plots originally reserved for public use.

Residents applaud HYDRAA’s action

Local residents expressed gratitude to HYDRAA for stepping in to reclaim and protect public park lands, calling the action a strong deterrent against future encroachments and a much-needed boost for urban environmental protection.