Residents of Father Balaiah Nagar rally against GHMC's ‘Illegal Occupation’ of colony park

Hyderabad: Residents of Father Balaiah Nagar claim that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is trying to illegally take over land meant for a park and open space in their colony.

The Father Balaiah Nagar Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) has submitted an application to the Zonal Commissioner of the Kukatpally Zone, Assistant Commissioner, GHMC, Alwal circle, District Collector of Medchal Malkajgiri, pleading to halt the alleged land alienation. The disputed green belt, sanctioned in the original 1991 layout, is the only open space for over 550 families residing in Phase 1 of the colony.

On August 24, 2025, GHMC and Revenue Department officials began clearing the park land. Residents claim this activity is a step towards building an MRO (Mandal Revenue Office) and a GHMC office at the site, which they strongly oppose.

“This land is the only open space and green belt for Phase-1 of our colony, which has 166 plots,” said the RWA in its written complaint, adding that “Kids are playing on the roads, and senior citizens have no walking track. For decades, we have been asking the authorities to develop this park with an open gym and walking track, not to seize it for government buildings.”

The current complaint is not an isolated one. The RWA has attached copies of previous complaints dating back to 2011, addressed to various GHMC commissioners, highlighting unauthorized construction attempts and pleading for the protection of their amenity space.

The residents urge all GHMC work on the site to stop right away. They also demand the land be returned to the colony for use as a recreational park.