Satellite tech helps HYDRAA identify and remove illegal structures in Pocharam

Hyderabad: Enforcement teams from the HYDRAA on Monday removed encroachments and boundary walls in the Ekashila Layout at Koremula village, under Pocharam Municipality in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

The action came just days after residents filed complaints, alleging that key public spaces such as roads and parks were being blocked.

File complaints at Prajavani

The issue was brought to HYDRAA’s attention through its public grievance platform, Prajavani, last Monday. Plot owners urged officials to protect the layout’s planned infrastructure from encroachment.

HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath inspected the site personally on Wednesday, followed by a detailed hearing with all parties on Saturday at the HYDRAA office. Relevant land documents were also reviewed before taking corrective steps.

Land dispute behind the encroachment

The Ekashila Layout was originally developed in 1987 over 149 acres, comprising 2,080 residential plots across survey numbers 739 to 749.

In 2005, approximately 47 acres from this layout were sold by two landowning families, those of Cheraku Dasharath Goud and Munukunta Lakshmaiah to individuals outside the original layout plan, which led to disputes.

Adding to the complexity, another 7.16 acres in the same survey numbers was acquired by the government in 2002 under the Urban Land Ceiling Act, and later returned to the landowners. Instead of allocating this land to rightful plot buyers, the owners allegedly resold it to others, who then fenced off the area with boundary walls.

These constructions reportedly blocked internal roads, green spaces and public-use plots meant for the original layout residents. Investigations revealed that the boundary walls were built without permission, even though the area had transitioned from a village panchayat to a municipal zone, where such approvals were no longer valid from the panchayat.

Encroachments removed, layout restored

Using satellite imagery and field verification, HYDRAA confirmed the illegal nature of the fencing. Following orders from Ranganath, the structures were removed on Monday, restoring the original layout plan, including roads, parks and other civic spaces.

Residents express relief

With key infrastructure now accessible again, plot owners expressed gratitude for the timely intervention. Many praised HYDRAA’s efficient response and welcomed the restoration of order within the layout.