HYDRAA to probe pandemic-era land encroachments in Gopanpally
Hyderabad: A.V. Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), conducted field inspections on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, following grievances received during the Prajavani program. The Commissioner visited Ranganath Nagar in Gopanpally Village, Serilingampally Mandal, where plot owners alleged widespread encroachments.
Members of the Ranganath Nagar Plot Owners’ Association met the Commissioner during his visit and voiced serious concerns over illegal occupation of their plots. They stated that the layout, developed in 1985 across 184 acres with over 850 plots, was legally purchased. According to the residents, large real estate firms occupied the land during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, demolishing existing houses and converting roads and parks into agricultural fields. They also alleged that even the local temple was not spared.
Plot owners claimed they were attacked when attempting to visit their land. They said that despite favorable court orders, including a High Court directive based on Supreme Court instructions to resolve the matter within four weeks, enforcement has been lacking. They alleged that officials, including the GHMC Deputy Commissioner and the designated nodal officer, failed to act on court instructions. They also reported that bouncers were being deployed daily to prevent access.
Commissioner Ranganath assured the complainants that both parties involved would be called for discussions within 7 to 10 days. He promised a thorough investigation and assured that appropriate action would follow. Earlier in the day, the Commissioner visited Chengicherla and Boduppal in Medchal district. In Sri Mata Aravind Colony, residents alleged that a former MLA is attempting to encroach on their layout by claiming it as temple land. They said their colony, established decades ago with 444 plots on 7 acres of Survey No. 33/10, is being falsely linked to nearby trust land owned by the endowment department. Residents claimed that the former MLA, whose land borders the layout, is obstructing registrations.
In Boduppal's Vikas Welfare Colony, residents reported that of the 70 plots, a politically connected individual who owns 35 is attempting to take over the remaining plots. They also alleged the removal of parks and roads and raised concerns about land designated for a cremation ground being sold off through fraudulent claims.
Local officials informed the Commissioner that around 60 acres allocated to the Housing Board in Gopannapally have not been properly fenced. The Commissioner inspected the site. In OU Colony, Shaikpet, Ranganath reviewed complaints of road encroachments. He met with plot owners and asked them to submit all supporting documents for further review. The Commissioner reiterated that all cases would be investigated, and justice would be delivered based on evidence and law.
