HYDRAA seals two illegal under-construction five-storey buildings in Manikonda

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Wednesday sealed two under-construction five-storey buildings in Manikonda on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The buildings were illegally being constructed on land reserved for public amenities in Manikonda.

The action followed complaints from local residents and an inquiry ordered by the High Court.

Fake LRS, illegal permissions

According to HYDRAA officials, the disputed constructions are located in Venkateshwara Colony, Neknampur village, within the Manikonda Municipality limits of Rajendranagar mandal, Rangareddy district.

The area falls under an HMDA-approved layout where four plots of 300 square yards each were originally earmarked for civic amenities.

Encroachers allegedly clubbed these plots with adjacent land, totalling nearly 1,500 square yards, and obtained building permissions using fake Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) documents. Based on these approvals, a G+5 building was constructed.

In another instance within the same layout, around 2,000 square yards earmarked for a septic tank and park were allegedly misused. The builder reportedly secured LRS and building permission directly from HMDA and began rapid construction of another five-storey building.

Municipal Action and Court Proceedings

After the construction progressed, Manikonda Municipal officials identified the land as meant for public use and cancelled one of the building permissions in 2025. The municipality also wrote to HMDA seeking cancellation of the second approval.

Despite the cancellations, construction continued at a fast pace, allegedly with the intent of completing the buildings and conducting house-warming ceremonies before authorities could intervene. Aggrieved residents then approached HYDRAA with complaints.

Upon learning of HYDRAA’s involvement, the builders moved the High Court. While the court did not issue explicit stop-work orders, it directed HYDRA to inquire into the matter. Taking advantage of the absence of a direct ban, construction activity was reportedly accelerated.

HYDRAA inquiry and sealing

HYDRAA summoned the builders, residents, and complainants for a detailed hearing. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath personally reviewed the facts and documents related to the case.

Following the inquiry, HYDRAA ordered immediate action to prevent further construction. On Wednesday, HYDRAA, along with officials from GHMC and the Revenue Department, sealed both buildings and erected fencing around the sites, effectively halting all works.

Public amenity land protected

Officials said the action was taken to protect land meant for public amenities and to send a clear message against the misuse of fake LRS documents and illegal constructions.

HYDRAA stated that further action would be taken based on the outcome of the ongoing legal and administrative proceedings.