Prajavani: Citizens flag encroachment of crematorium, local lake, government lands at Pragathinagar

Hyderabad: Citizens from Pragathinagar have flagged encroachment of a cremation ground, lands around the local lake, and government plots in Survey No. 308.

They pointed out that the area straddles Kukatpally and Quthbullapur mandals, falling between Kukatpally and Nizampet municipalities, a grey zone that has led to confusion and a lack of accountability.

Residents appealed to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to protect the remaining public lands, similar to how the agency recently reclaimed over 300 acres in nearby Survey No. 307.

Public spaces under siege

Across the city, open lands and park spaces earmarked for community use are being steadily taken over. From parks disappearing overnight to roads blocked by illegal shops, residents say civic neglect has emboldened encroachers.

Several of these violations are altering approved layouts, diverting drainage channels, and cutting off public access roads, triggering severe flooding during the monsoon.

48 grievances filed with HYDRAA

HYDRAA’s Prajavani citizen grievance platform received as many as 48 complaints from residents across the Medchal–Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, and Hyderabad districts.

Flooded colony awaits drain restoration

In Ramachandraiah Colony, Mallampet village, under Dundigal Municipality, residents complained that the closure of a stormwater channel connecting Chennam Cheruvu and Rella Cheruvu has left their colony submerged for eight months.

Nearly 40 houses remain flooded, forcing several families to shift to rented accommodation. They requested HYDRAA to restore the original drain for a permanent solution.

Roads converted into Commercial Zones

In Ameerpet–Ellareddyguda, locals alleged that a section of the road has been turned into a makeshift market for sand, red soil, and fertilizers.

Heavy trucks dump materials at night, blocking more than half the road. Residents said repeated complaints to GHMC have gone unanswered, making daily commuting unsafe and inconvenient.

Community hall faces demolition threat

Members of the Sri Ramalingeswara Munnuru Kapu Sangham in Nagaram Municipality under Keesara mandal said their community hall, built on 100 square yards of government-allotted land and inaugurated by former minister Ch Malla Reddy, is facing demolition threats.

The hall is being used for social functions, they said, urging HYDRAA to protect existing community structures as per its policy.

Encroachments reported in Pocharam

Residents of Jayapuri Colony, Pocharam Municipality, Ghatkesar mandal, reported that open spaces and roads in their approved layout were being illegally fenced and converted into private plots.

They alleged intimidation by local goons when they objected and sought HYDRAA’s intervention to clear the encroachments.

Parkland grab in Sangareddy

In Chakrapuri Colony, Ameenpur mandal, Sangareddy district, representatives of the Plot Owners’ Welfare Association said park areas marked in the HUDA-approved layout are being illegally occupied. They requested HYDRAA to recover and develop the park for community use.

Urban Governance under scrutiny

The series of complaints paints a troubling picture of Hyderabad’s urban planning crisis. Public utility lands meant for parks, roads, and drainage are being steadily eroded by unauthorized structures and commercial activity.

HYDRAA officials assured that strict enforcement drives will be taken up to restore layouts to their sanctioned form and preserve all public spaces for community benefit.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath personally reviewed each complaint and instructed the concerned municipal and town-planning officials to act immediately.