Prajavani: How residents are resisting attempts to encroach 2,220 sq yd park in Kondapur

Hyderabad: Citizens across Hyderabad have pressed the alarm button over the rampant encroachments on lake beds, stormwater drains, and public parks.

This natural infrastructure is critical to the city's flood management and urban ecosystem.

HYDRAA’s Prajavani grievance platform received as many as 52 complaints related to illegal constructions and shrinking water bodies. Locals allege that lake areas are being occupied, drains are being narrowed, and even designated park lands are being sold off as residential plots.

Residents warn that these encroachments are already contributing to urban flooding. In many colonies, drains meant to be six meters wide have reportedly shrunk to just two meters. As a result, even moderate rainfall of 5 cm is enough to submerge roads and homes.

Key complaints filed

Miyapur – HMT Swarnapuri Colony:

A public road has allegedly been blocked by a precast wall constructed nine months ago by an individual claiming ancestral ownership. A room and several makeshift sheds have been built and rented out, according to residents.

Alwal – Retreat Colony (Medchal District):

A 12-foot-wide drain near Loyola College has reportedly been built over with an OYO hotel and a multi-storey structure, severely affecting the natural water flow.

Kondapur – Kantivanam Colony (Serilingampally):

Locals are resisting alleged attempts to encroach on a 2,220-square-yard park, officially designated in 1974. Although GHMC sanctioned funds for a boundary wall, encroachers are said to be obstructing the construction.

Koheda – Abdullapurmet Mandal (Ranga Reddy District):

Residents claimed a 13-acre lake (Survey No. 141) is being systematically encroached upon. They stressed that the lake previously absorbed floodwaters, and its shrinking poses a growing threat to nearby areas.

Residents are now urging immediate intervention to protect public lands and restore natural drainage systems, warning that further inaction could make Hyderabad increasingly vulnerable to floods.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has acknowledged the growing concern and is actively reviewing the complaints using Google Maps. He has forwarded the cases to the concerned departments, directing officials to initiate necessary follow-up actions.