HYDRAA Commissioner clarifies land encroachment policies, vows impartial action

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency Commissioner A.V. Ranganath addressed pressing concerns from citizens regarding park development, encroachment disputes, and high-profile demolition cases—including the contentious Fatima Owaisi College issue in a live X (Twitter) Space session on Sunday.

Parks and Public Spaces

Ranganath clarified that while HYDRAA has developed 60–70 parks across Hyderabad, RWAs must file specific complaints for further action.

Encroachment Verification Process, complaints trigger preliminary investigations without immediate document submission. Both parties then provide proof of ownership for clear hearings, which are recorded on video for accountability. The agency follows the Supreme Court’s ruling (Justice B.R. Gavai) permitting demolitions without notice for encroachments on water bodies, nalas, and roads reiterated Ranganath.

HYDRAA’s awareness drives have made people cautious about buying plots near lakes or nalas; major cases include Gandipet and N Convention. HYDRAA reclaimed Rs 1,000 crore worth of land at Bumrah Lake (linked to AIMIM leaders) and Rs 30 crore property in Chandrayangutta.

Fatima Owaisi College Controversy

While a preliminary notice was issued for alleged encroachment at Suram Cheruvu, the final order is pending. Ranganath acknowledged the college’s social impact, serving 10,000 underprivileged Muslim students from KG to PG.

No Political Bias: Commissioner’s Stand

Ranganath emphasized impartial enforcement, citing his tenure as Warangal CP where his anti-land-grabbing actions earned him the Chief Minister’s trust. "Genuine buyers can seek legal recourse, but illegal structures won’t be spared," he stated.

Public Advisory

Citizens were urged to report encroachments via formal complaints. Avoid purchasing plots near lakes or nalas; HYDRAA’s awareness drives have reduced such transactions.