HYDRAA Prajavani: How encroachments are being carried out in the name of religion in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Encroachments carried out in the name of religion have become a rampant menace in the city, with residents accusing individuals and groups of illegally occupying public parks, roads, and government lands by constructing temples and prayer halls.

At the HYDRAA Prajavani public grievance meet held on Monday, as many as 51 complaints were received, of which a majority were related to such land grabs, often masked as places of worship.

Several complainants alleged that when local residents or associations try to raise objections, they are met with threats and resistance from religious or caste-based groups.

The issue is not limited to older neighborhoods, gated communities, and even HMDA-approved layouts are witnessing similar encroachments, according to residents.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath reviewed the grievances, analyzed some locations using Google Maps, and assured the public that prompt corrective action would follow.

He also instructed asset protection officers to take legal action against colony welfare associations involved in selling open lands meant for public use.

Parks turned into prayer spaces

In Anjaneya Nagar, Moosapet (under Kukatpally constituency), residents said a 2,000-square-yard plot reserved for a public park was encroached upon.

Though GHMC sanctioned Rs 50 lakh and performed a foundation-laying ceremony, the development was halted after individuals staked illegal claims and erected boundary walls.

Residents alleged that when some Muslim community leaders installed a flag at the site, authorities backed off, leaving the project incomplete.

Similarly, in APR Praveen Luxuria, a gated community in Patancheru with over 500 villas, locals reported attempts to construct a temple within a one-acre park space.

Despite objections from residents, about 200 square yards have already been occupied, raising concerns over the loss of community green space.

Public roads shrinking under sheds

In Chikoti Gardens, Begumpet, a temple built next to a narrow road was reportedly extended with a tin shed that now covers nearly 30 percent of the road width. Residents complained that the original 12-foot road is now barely passable for vehicles, with ambulances unable to enter the colony during emergencies.

Open plots quietly sold off

Residents of Osmania Colony in Serilingampally Mandal (Ranga Reddy district) accused successive colony representatives of selling open plots along internal roads and drainage channels.

The lands, originally left vacant for utility or access, are allegedly being subdivided, numbered, and sold as private plots. Complaints said areas at the border of Sakku Bai Colony and Osmania Colony are being lost to such unauthorized sales.

Drains, lakes encroached; Flood risk rising

In Balanagar and Fatehnagar, locals said a major nala (stormwater drain) has not been desilted for 15 years, turning into a flood hazard during rains.

In Maheshwaram mandal, residents highlighted illegal constructions near Vengalayakunta lake and adjoining drains, warning that groundwater levels are dropping due to the blockage of natural water flow.

In Bahadurpally (Dundigal Municipality), a natural water body near Green Hills Colony has reportedly disappeared due to nearby encroachments, leading to severe water scarcity.

In Chintal (near IDBI Bank, Jeedimetla), residents of Ranganagar Road No. 1 reported flooding and sewage backup from three nearby colonies, with no proper outflow route provided.

Commissioner promises action

HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath assured residents that all genuine complaints would be acted upon. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding public assets and warned that welfare societies misusing land would face legal consequences. “Public spaces are not for sale. Encroachments, religious or otherwise, will not be tolerated,” he said.