To safeguard legally designated public spaces and enforce urban planning regulations, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HYDRAA) executed coordinated anti-encroachment drives in the Hydernagar and Puppalaguda areas on Monday.
These operations resulted in the dismantling of unauthorised constructions and the recovery of significant land parcels intended for public use. In Hydernagar, HYDRAA successfully cleared encroachments spread across a substantial nine-acre expanse within a Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) approved layout. This reclaimed land included 79 residential plots, designated park areas, and internal road networks. Allegations suggest that this prime land had been illicitly occupied through an unregistered agreement, with accusations that boundary markers were deliberately obscured. Furthermore, the alleged encroacher is reported to have been illegally leasing the space, purportedly generating over ₹5 million in monthly rental income, despite the matter being under judicial review for an extended period.
Despite a previous court ruling that sided with the original plot owners, they reported a lack of decisive action until recently. Following a detailed on-site inspection conducted last Wednesday, the HYDRA Commissioner substantiated the claims of encroachments affecting both privately owned residential plots and land allocated for public amenities. The subsequent demolition drive was carried out under robust police security to maintain order and ensure the unhindered execution of the operation. Concurrently, another significant anti-encroachment initiative was undertaken in Puppalaguda, within the Manikonda Municipality, focusing on the Dollar Hills locality. Authorities discovered that considerable portions of the layout, including essential road infrastructure and designated park areas, were under unlawful occupation and subject to unauthorised construction activities that lacked the necessary regulatory approvals.
The ensuing investigation unveiled a troubling scenario. It was found that an individual had purportedly annulled the existing, legally sanctioned layout, unilaterally reclassified the land as agricultural property, and subsequently facilitated its sale to a private developer. Following due process and hearings involving all relevant parties, HYDRAA officials confirmed the encroachment upon areas specifically designated for public utility. Consequently, HYDRAA promptly halted all ongoing construction activities and proceeded with the removal of the unauthorised structures erected on the site. These resolute actions by HYDRAA underscore a broader commitment by civic authorities to rigorously uphold legally established planning norms and reclaim public spaces that have been subjected to illegal occupation throughout the city. This proactive stance is vital for fostering sustainable and equitable urban development, ensuring that land designated for essential public amenities and green spaces remains accessible to all residents, thereby contributing to a more liveable and environmentally responsible urban environment. The successful reclaiming of these spaces sends a powerful message reinforcing the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations for the collective well-being of the city and its inhabitants.
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