HYDRAA protects 3,712 sq yards of park land worth Rs 37.12 crore in Quthbullapur, Gudimalkapur

Hyderabad: Cracking down on illegal encroachments of public parks, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday reclaimed and secured 3,712 square yards of park land at two locations in the city.

The land, valued at approximately Rs 37.12 crore, has now been restored for public use, drawing appreciation and celebrations from locals.

Acting swiftly on complaints received through its grievance redressal platform, HYDRAA removed encroachments, erected fencing and installed official boards marking the lands as designated park areas.

Six parks protected in a single colony in Quthbullapur

In Bhagyalakshmi Colony, located in Subhash Nagar under Quthbullapur mandal in Medchal–Malkajgiri district, HYDRAA cleared encroachments in six parks within a single layout and fenced 2,260 square yards of land.

The Bhagyalkshmi Colony layout was developed in 1968 across 80 acres with 810 plots, of which 10 were earmarked as parks. At the time, high-tension power lines passed through the layout, and several parks were allocated beneath them.

Although the power lines were removed nearly two decades ago after alternative arrangements were made, encroachments gradually began on the vacant lands.

Residents alleged that despite repeated representations to authorities, no action was taken. Following a complaint to HYDRAA, officials conducted a field inspection, verified the lands as designated park areas and cleared the encroachments.

On Friday, fencing was installed and signboards were erected declaring the sites as protected park land. Residents gathered in large numbers, raised slogans in support of HYDRAA, took photographs in front of the boards and held rallies celebrating the reclamation.

Park land reclaimed in Gudimalkapur

In a separate operation at Gudimalkapur village in Asifnagar mandal of Hyderabad district, HYDRAA freed 1,452 square yards of park land from encroachment.

The land originally formed part of a 10-acre layout developed decades ago by the AG Office Cooperative Housing Society, comprising 83 plots. Plots numbered 79, 80 and 81 were in a low-lying area and were later revised, with alternative plots allotted to owners.

The 1,500-square-yard depression was subsequently designated as a park.

However, delays in developing the park led to illegal occupation.

The land was reportedly being used for sand storage, vehicle parking and petty trade activities. Residents had approached the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) as early as 2018 but alleged that no concrete action was taken.

After receiving a complaint, HYDRAA officials conducted a ground-level inquiry, confirmed the land status as a park, and cleared the encroachments. The agency fenced the reclaimed 1,452 square yards and installed boards marking it as protected park land.

Residents welcome action

With a total of 3,712 square yards of park land restored in a single day, residents in both localities expressed relief and gratitude. Many described the move as a significant step toward preserving green spaces that provide much-needed ‘oxygen zones’ in densely populated urban areas.

HYDRAA officials reiterated that encroachments on public lands, especially parks and open spaces, will be dealt with firmly and urged citizens to report violations promptly through official grievance channels.