Residents flood HYDRAA with complaints about encroachment on parks and open spaces during Prajavani programme

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has received an overwhelming number of complaints about encroachment of the open areas and park sites, during Prajavani programme on Monday.

Complaints said areas reserved in layouts for parks and public purposes, even after being transferred to authorities through gift deeds, are later turned into plots.

Residents from Sahebnagar Kalan in Hayathnagar mandal of Rangareddy district alleged that an open well spread over about 305 square yards in a 16.35-acre Medical and Health Colony layout had been filled and sold as plots in 2002. They requested that the land be restored and used for public purposes.

Residents of EC Nagar in Cherlapally under Kapra mandal in Medchal–Malkajgiri district complained that one acre earmarked for a park had been encroached upon by the person who originally sold the land and that a compound wall had been constructed around it despite earlier boards installed by municipal authorities identifying it as park land.

Residents from Mithilanagar and Vishnupriya Enclave in Gajularamaram village of Quthbullapur mandal alleged encroachments in a 35-gunta park area in the name of all kinds of temples and requested that the land be protected and maintained as a public park.

Members of the Lakshminagar Colony Owners Welfare Association in Miyapur requested protection of park land located near Nayamma Kunta lake. They asked that the area be developed as a green space and that no new constructions be permitted.

Residents of Bandamkommu village in Ameenpur municipality alleged that lands earmarked for a cremation ground, water tank and a women’s building were being encroached upon by real estate developers. They said those attempting to stop the encroachments were being threatened.

Locals from Lal Darwaza in the Old City said around two acres of village common land had been encroached upon. Residents from Hasmathpet in Secunderabad stated that Boin Cheruvu, which once spread across 66 acres, has now shrunk to about 30 acres and sought action to prevent further encroachments.

A total of 59 complaints were received during Prajavani. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath examined them and directed the officials to take necessary action.