Legal issues to flood risks: HYDRAA warns home buyers against buying properties on encroached lands

Hyderabad: HYDRAA has been flooded with complaints regarding illegal encroachments on stormwater drains (nalas) and irregularities in old residential layouts across the city.

This comes at a time when the monsoon is advancing in the state.

Most complaints highlight the blocking or covering of nalas with concrete slabs, converting them into private spaces and obstructing the natural flow of rainwater. Citizens fear these violations could worsen urban flooding in the coming weeks.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has cautioned potential homebuyers to thoroughly verify whether plots or buildings fall on nala beds, within lake buffer zones, or in other restricted areas before making property purchases. “Buying properties on encroached lands can lead to legal issues and expose owners to severe flood risks,” he warned.

During HYDRAA’s Prajavani–public grievance redressal programme, 47 complaints were recorded, a majority relating to nala encroachments and tampering of old gram panchayat layouts. Areas such as Malkajgiri, Bachupally, Padmarao Nagar, and Madhapur featured prominently.

Land misuse and tampered layouts

According to officials, several old layouts have seen manipulation of land records, with residential plots falsely reclassified as agricultural land using forged documents and passbooks. This reclassification has allowed private entities to grab land originally earmarked for roads, parks, and public amenities.

HYDRAA is currently reviewing these complaints using satellite imagery, village maps, and historical land data to identify encroachments and take action without affecting innocent buyers.

Ranganath assured complainants that public utility spaces would be protected and promised that authorities would not penalise genuine owners who may have unknowingly purchased disputed properties.

Highlights of key complaints

In Korremula village (Ghatkesar mandal), residents reported that part of a 147-acre layout approved in 1985 was illegally altered in 2006, with 47 acres converted to agricultural land and partially encroached upon by two real estate firms.

In Survey No. 796 of the same village, citizens objected to a medical college being constructed on 7.2 acres, allegedly extending into the Nadem Cheruvu FTL (Full Tank Level) zone.

In Officers Colony, Panjagutta, locals sought protection for a 1000-square-yard park, half of which has already been converted into a temple. They urged HYDRAA to develop the remaining land into a public park using revenue from surrounding commercial establishments.

In Vajra Enclave (Jonnabanda, Alwal), residents raised alarms over a 900-square-yard park and internal roads being encroached, leaving 236 residential plots without public open space.

In Turakoni Kunta, Devarayamjal, locals objected to a truck-weighing station being set up on lakebed land and flagged illegal occupation of temple-owned property. They also reported that the stormwater drain leading to Devarayamjal lake had been diverted, causing sewage overflow and flood threats in surrounding areas.

Public urged to be vigilant

HYDRAA officials reiterated that strict action would be taken against all unauthorised constructions. The public has been encouraged to report suspicious land activity or suspected encroachments through HYDRAA’s official grievance channels.

“With climate risks rising, protecting Hyderabad’s natural drainage systems is not just a legal obligation, it's a public safety priority,” Ranganath said.