Land meant for roads, parks in Ghatkesar, Alwal turned into plots using fake papers; HYDRAA inspects

Hyderabad: Encroachments on old panchayat-approved residential layouts in and around Hyderabad are on the rise, sparking widespread concern among locals.

The HYDRAA Prajavani grievance redressal platform received 64 complaints on Monday alone, with over 60 per cent of them related to illegal occupation of land in older layouts. Citizens allege that land originally earmarked for roads and parks is being misused or converted into private plots using dubious land records.

Rampant land grabbing using fake passbooks

According to the complainants, several layouts—initially established on the outskirts of the city under village panchayats—are now facing rampant land grabbing. In many cases, individuals are allegedly presenting passbooks and claiming ownership over these public utility spaces, forcing original residents and layout representatives to seek intervention.

HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath reviewed the complaints using Google Maps and delegated resolution responsibilities to local officials.

He clarified that unless a layout has been officially revised, the original plan—with designated areas for roads and parks—must be preserved. He also assured that field inspections would be conducted and action taken after hearing both sides.

Major complaints received include:

Prof. Jayashankar Ekashila Colony, Korremula (Ghatkesar Mandal, Ranga Reddy District):

Developed in 1987 across 149 acres with 2,080 plots, this colony is facing alleged encroachments over 47 acres by individuals claiming ownership with passbooks. Despite a favourable court ruling through writ petition 8859/2009, residents report further obstruction by those who secured documents for an additional 7 acres via the Dharani portal.

Sri Balaji Nagar Layout, Peddambarpet (Abdullapurmet Mandal, Ranga Reddy District):

Residents allege that this 500-plot colony has been renamed Sri Sai Nagar and is being illegally developed, ignoring court directives from writ petition 33331/2018. A crucial 40-foot road has been blocked, cutting off access to the Outer Ring Road and the Vijayawada Highway.

Reddy Enclave, Alwal (Medchal-Malkajgiri District):

Of the designated 2,460-square-yard park area, 667 square yards have been encroached upon. Despite court orders and GHMC’s willingness to develop the park, unauthorised constructions continue under high-tension power lines.

Asif Nagar (Mehdipatnam–Mallepally Road):

Dargah representatives reported that 3,800 square yards of Waqf land have been encroached by a private individual without building permits. Despite GHMC issuing eviction notices, the illegal construction continues unabated.

T. Nagar Layout, Hayathnagar (Ranga Reddy District):

Developed in 1966 with 148 plots across 16 acres, this layout had a single designated park space of 3,620 square yards, now reportedly occupied by an individual named Srinivas Chowdary. The T. Nagar Welfare Association has demanded immediate intervention to protect the public space.

Officials have promised thorough investigations and action based on both satellite and field-level verification.