Prajavani: Colony welfare associations occupy lands meant for parks, roads; residents petition HYDRAA

Hyderabad: People have complained to HYDRAA against the colony welfare association members in twin cities for illegally occupying or selling lands earmarked for public amenities such as parks, roads, and open spaces.

Instead of protecting community spaces, some welfare representatives are allegedly misusing their authority to divert public utility lands for commercial purposes. A total of 61 complaints were received during the most recent Prajavani session.

Complaints lodged during the HYDRAA’s Prajavani grievance session claim that these individuals are fabricating documents, leasing land to private parties, or selling plots that were originally reserved for parks and roads.

Despite official layouts marking certain areas for public use, many of these spaces have reportedly disappeared, especially in layouts under the Nizampet Municipal Corporation and surrounding areas.

Notable encroachment cases:

Sai Lakshmi Layout (Survey Nos. 181, 183):

A complaint stated that a 1,800-square-yard park had been encroached upon. In the same area, approximately 5 acres of park and road space in Survey Nos. 153, 154, and 155 have allegedly been occupied or are missing.

VNR Park (2.3 acres):

Residents reported illegal occupation of this designated park space as well.

Diamond Hills Colony, Hyder Nagar:

Plot owners claimed that their entire 9-acre residential layout, comprising 70 registered plots, has been removed from records and taken over. Despite a favorable High Court judgment in 2024, they say encroachers continue to control the land, with roads and parks no longer visible.

Tirumala Housing Colony, Anumagallu (Hayathnagar):

A 2,955-square yard GHMC park, intended for development with Rs. 1.2 crore in funds, has been seized by private parties. Residents allege that misleading information was submitted in court, even though the High Court ruled against the encroachers.

Devar Yamjal Village, Thumkunta Municipality:

Locals reported that a 40-foot-wide road connecting the National Highway and ORR (Outer Ring Road) between Kandlakoya and Devarayamjal has been blocked by an illegally constructed wall, hampering vehicular movement.

Turka Cheruvu, Bachupally Mandal:

Construction is reportedly underway on FTL (Full Tank Level) lands and other government properties, prompting urgent complaints to the authorities.

Responding to the surge in complaints, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has directed officials to verify the encroachments using Google Maps and take immediate action. Residents across the affected colonies are demanding stringent action against the misuse of public utility lands and calling for the protection of spaces vital for community welfare and environmental balance.

HYDRAA gains public praise after swift action on the roadblockage issue

In a heartwarming gesture, citizens honored a HYDRAA official during the Praja Vaani grievance redressal program after the officer swiftly resolved a long-standing issue. HYDRAA Police Station Inspector Tirumalesh was felicitated by Commissioner AV Ranganath.

The residents of Indira Gandhi Cooperative Housing Society, located near Madhuban Colony in Katedan, Rajendranagar Mandal, were among the beneficiaries of this prompt action. The area, which houses over 800 residential plots, had long suffered due to an illegal wall that obstructed a crucial 20-foot road connecting society to the 60-foot main road leading to Sriram Colony.

Following complaints raised during Praja Vaani, HYDRAA took decisive action and removed the wall on May 6, restoring vital connectivity for both the Indira Gandhi Co-op Society and neighboring Sriramnagar Colony. Residents were elated, stating that they previously had to travel an additional 4 kilometers due to the blocked road.

“This swift action by HYDRAA has not only resolved a pressing issue but also improved daily commutes for thousands of residents,” locals shared during the event. They thanked the team for “showing the way” and upholding the true spirit of citizen service.