Nizampet traffic to breathe easy as HYDRAA removes road encroachments

Hyderabad: HYDRAA’s demolition drive on illegal structures beside the road provided a respite from traffic for almost eight residential colonies in Nizampet municipality on Tuesday.

The action came from the HYDRAA after receiving numerous complaints from the public from Venkataraya Nagar, Balaji Colony, KNR Colony and Kolanu Tulasi Reddy (KTR) Colony regarding traffic congestion caused by road encroachment and the construction of shops and additional rooms at Indiramma Colony.

No action despite court ruling

In their complaint, the residents also said that the vehicles plying on Nizampet Road, a stretch between the old age home to the Miyapur Metro Station, were constantly causing traffic problems. In another complaint, Balaji Hills Colony residents complain about the condition of school mini-buses and emergency cars in the morning and evening.

Locals have alleged that no action has been taken despite the court ruling to remove the encroachments. To access the upper levels, locals have erected iron-frame staircases, fences for plants across the road and apartment ramps.

Taking a serious note of the matter, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has directed the enforcement teams to raze down the unauthorised structures in Indiramma Colony (Balaji Hills), ward number 12 in Nizampet municipality.

Buildings, stores and fencing removed

HYDRAA initiated action and asked the Nizampet municipal officials to remove the encroachments, but there was no result. Buildings, stores and fencing that were encroaching on the road were removed as part of the demolition drive. On the other hand, the teams have also removed the encroachments on various roads in Balaji Hills Colony, as well as Indiramma Colony roads.

At Indiramma Colony, before carrying out the demolitions, the officials informed the inhabitants that they were causing traffic congestion by occupying the roads, putting up stores and erecting additional rooms. Motorists have expressed a sigh of relief after one kilometre length of encroachments were removed, and there will be no traffic problems with the removal of encroachments, they said.

Residents of Balaji Hills Colony expressed their happiness that they have easy access to the main road along with the metro rail.

Residents satisfied with removal of encroachments

"We’ve been fighting road encroachments for two and a half years and have even taken the matter to court. There is also a court order to remove the encroachments. But it was useless, so we approached HYDRAA. The HYDRAA launched an inquiry immediately and served notices to the encroachers two months ago. The demolition began today because no one responded,” claimed Chiranjeevi, president of the Balaji Hills Colony Welfare Association.

“For many years, we have been facing problems as there is no possibility of water tankers coming onto the road, and children are forced to walk on the road to reach their schools due to encroachments. Glad to see the HYDRA officers come and remove the encroachments. It has been proven that if there is a complaint with the HYDRA, there is immediate action,” said Vijay, secretary of the Balaji Hills Colony Welfare Association.

Another resident, Lakshmaiah of Balaji Hills Colony, said that Balaji Hills and Indiramma Colony roads in Nizampet have become the main roads to reach the Miyapur Metro Station. As a result, these roads are used by people from other areas. As a result, the residents of seven or eight colonies here are having difficulty. The encroachments were removed after approaching the HYDRAA, he added.

“We are facing a lot of difficulties going through these routes. Roads were occupied and even the construction material was also being undertaken. There was no relief despite meeting several officials. With the arrival of HYDRAA and the removal of encroachments, the traffic problems will be solved to some extent,” said Srinivas, a resident of KTR Colony.