Parks turning into commercial zones: Hyderabad citizens demand HYDRAA’s intervention

Hyderabad: Citizens across Hyderabad have raised serious concerns over the illegal occupation and misuse of parks and government lands.

On Monday, a total of 47 complaints were submitted to HYDRAA Prajavani, highlighting issues such as commercial constructions in park areas, waterlogging in local tanks and environmental hazards.

HYDRAA Additional Commissioner N Ashok Kumar reviewed the complaints and instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate corrective action.

Parks are losing their identity to encroachments

Residents reported that many parks are being stripped of their original names and purposes. Temples and small commercial establishments are being constructed within park premises.

Citizens urged authorities to install fencing around parks to safeguard them from misuse and requested the protection of all government lands.

Waterlogging and flooding in local tanks

Ameenpur and Raviryala tanks in Sangareddy district have been cited as major concerns. Residents said rising water levels are flooding nearby homes.

Previously, water naturally drained through outlets, but now blocked channels and raised bund heights are causing rainwater and sewage to accumulate, creating environmental and health hazards.

Quarry pits are turning into health hazards

In Old Alwal (Survey No. 576), residents of Ganga Avenue reported abandoned quarry pits filling with sewage, leading to foul odors affecting surrounding areas. Citizens demanded that these pits be filled with soil and converted into public parks to improve local living conditions.

District-wise complaints highlight encroachment issues

Medchal-Malkajgiri: In Machabollaram village (Survey No. 188), residents reported government land in 30 plots being illegally occupied. They requested allocation for a primary school and protection of public lands from encroachment.

Sangareddy–Ameenpur: Citizens highlighted that tank bunds have been raised, blocking natural drainage and causing increased flooding. They requested proper demarcation of tanks and lowering of bund heights to prevent waterlogging.

Rangareddy–Raviryala Village: Residents complained that vacant plots in the Telangana Housing Board colony are being illegally occupied, with temples and sheds built in park areas.

Musheerabad–Baglingampalli Division: Citizens reported that children’s parks in Housing Board colonies have been encroached upon, with steel and iron shops operating on public land. Previous complaints to GHMC and Housing Board officials have gone unaddressed.

Authorities take action

The Additional Commissioner has forwarded the complaints to the relevant authorities and emphasised the need to protect parks and government lands. Residents hope that these measures will prevent further encroachments and preserve public spaces.