Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) took action on Sunday. They removed old encroachments from a 1,533-square-yard park in Yellareddyguda, close to Maduranagar Metro Station. The action came after complaints from residents and a formal grievance lodged by the Sai Saradhinagar Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) to HYDRAA during Prajavani.

Encroachment since 1961

The land, originally designated as a park in the 1961 Sai Saradhinagar layout, had been illegally occupied by descendants of Narayana Prasad, who constructed a shed and even obtained a house number for the encroached property. Even after several complaints to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), nothing happened until HYDRAA stepped in.

Acting on the orders of HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, officials conducted a joint inspection with multiple departments, verifying the land records. After confirming the encroachment, HYDRAA quickly took down the illegal structures. They also put up a "Protected by HYDRAA" board to stop future violations.

Residents Rejoice

Locals, who have been fighting for the park's restoration for over six decades, expressed relief. The restoration paves the way for green space development, benefiting the community.

HYDRAA officials warned that they would take strict action against any more encroachments on public land. The move aligns with the state government's push for better urban planning and public amenities.