HYDRAA flooded with complaints over encroachments on drains and old layouts in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: With the arrival of the monsoon, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has received a sharp rise in complaints related to encroachments on stormwater drains and old residential layouts across the city.

Residents from various areas, including Malkajgiri, Bachupally, Padmarao Nagar (Secunderabad), and Madhapur, have reported that concrete slabs are being laid over open stormwater drains, effectively converting them into private residential spaces. This has obstructed regular maintenance and garbage clearance, resulting in blocked drains and water stagnation.

During the Prajavani grievance session held on Monday, HYDRAA received 47 complaints, many of which involved alleged encroachments on old layouts and drainage systems.

Several citizens also alleged that old Gram Panchayat layouts are being reclassified as agricultural lands and taken over by individuals using fake land passbooks. These cases have raised concerns about the manipulation of land records and misuse of public spaces.

HYDRAA Chief A.V. Ranganath reviewed the complaints using satellite imagery from Google Maps, data from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), and rural survey maps. He assured complainants that the agency is taking steps to safeguard roads, parks, and public utility spaces in older layouts. He also urged potential property buyers to verify legal clearances, particularly in relation to stormwater drains, buffer zones, and lake Full Tank Levels (FTL), before making purchases.

 Specific Cases Reported

 Korremula Village, Ghatkesar Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District:

In survey numbers 739 to 749, a layout named Ekashilanagar was developed across 147 acres in 1985. Complainants allege that in 2006, 47 acres of this layout were reclassified as agricultural land by an individual. Two major real estate firms have reportedly constructed compound walls and encroached on parts of the area.

 Survey No. 796, Korremula Village, Pocharam Municipality:

Out of 11.20 acres in this survey area, a medical college has been built on 7.20 acres. Residents allege that the remaining 4 acres, along with private lands, fall within the FTL zone of Nadem Cheruvu, a nearby lake. They claim that construction is continuing in violation of existing environmental and zoning regulations.

 Officers’ Colony, Panjagutta:

Residents reported that a 1,000-square-yard plot originally earmarked for a park has been partially encroached upon. A Durga Bhavani temple has been constructed on 500 square yards, and residents have requested that the remaining space be protected and developed as a public park. They have also proposed that revenue from the temple and surrounding shops be used for this purpose. Additionally, they reported that a stormwater canal from Srinagar, which once passed by the colony, has disappeared. As a result, floodwaters now enter homes during heavy rains.

HYDRAA officials have stated that the reported complaints are under investigation and appropriate action will be taken to address illegal constructions and protect public infrastructure.