HYDRAA demolishes wall blocking public road in Praneeth Antilia, eases Mallampet travel
Hyderabad: Following protests from residents of Mallampet and nearby colonies, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has demolished a wall constructed by residents of Praneeth Antilia that blocked a key public road. The blockade had forced commuters to take a longer route, increasing travel distance from 3 kilometers to 8 kilometers.
The disputed route connects Outer Ring Road Exit 4 through Mallampet and Bachupally crossroads to Pragatinagar. The direct 3-kilometer road serves over 25,000 residents from Mallampet and ten surrounding colonies. However, the wall erected within Praneeth Antilia residential area blocked this access, causing significant inconvenience.
Praneeth Antilia representatives claimed removing the wall would open a 40- to 60-foot-wide connecting road. Mallampet residents countered that the area is not a gated community and the wall unlawfully blocks a public path. Previously, a footpath through Praneeth Antilia allowed passage, which was closed after the wall was built.
Following complaints, HYDRAA conducted an investigation and reviewed Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) permissions. HMDA confirmed that Praneeth Antilia is not a gated community and that public roads should not be blocked by walls or barriers. Revenue officials and Nizampet Municipality representatives also confirmed this and verified the existence of a public footpath.
Acting on these findings, HYDRAA removed the wall and the guards stationed there to restore public access. A joint meeting with municipal and revenue officials and both parties concluded that access must be maintained for the benefit of all residents.
Apart from this issue, HYDRAA has received 49 complaints related to encroachments and blocked access in Hyderabad and nearby districts. Residents have reported illegal occupation of roads, parks, and government land, as well as constructions over canals that reduce water flow and narrow pathways.
In Medchal-Malkajgiri district, residents of Gajula Ramaram Siddhivinayak Nagar in Qutbullapur Mandal complained about illegal occupation of a 30-foot-wide road within a seven-acre layout of 102 plots. In Madipally Mandal, Boduppal Municipality limits, residents of Chinna Kranti Colony reported that approximately 1,800 square yards of park land was illegally converted into plots.
In Rangareddy district, Pothayapalli village residents under Thumkunta Municipality have raised concerns about roads blocked by illegal walls, severely impacting daily commute. In Kondapur Jubilee Garden Colony, Serilingampalli Mandal, residents reported illegal occupation of over an acre of government land. Revenue officials have demolished a compound wall in the area as part of corrective action.
Residents of Sri Sai Colony and Panchavati Colony in Madipally have also complained about encroachment on a 30-foot-wide road, obstructing movement. Commissioner AV Ranganath reviewed these complaints and directed officials to take immediate action against illegal occupation and encroachments. Authorities have been urged to protect public land and ensure free movement for all residents.
The demolition of the Praneeth Antilia wall by HYDRAA has been welcomed by Mallampet residents, who now look forward to smoother and shorter travel on the restored route.
