HYDRAA Fences 200 Acres of Government Land in Puppalaguda, Protects 250-Crore-Year-Old Rock Formations Worth Rs 30,000 Crore

Hyderabad: Marking World Environment Day, HYDRAA carried out a major operation in the Puppalaguda–Khajaguda border area of Gandipet Mandal in Rangareddy district on Friday and protected 198 acres of government land, including ancient rock formations estimated to be 250 crore years old. Acting in line with High Court directions, HYDRAA undertook fencing work to safeguard nearly 200 acres of HMDA land valued at around Rs 30,000 crore, while also preserving historic rock hills, ancient rock caves, and the natural environment in the area.

HYDRAA Operation on World Environment Day

HYDRAA conducted the large-scale operation on World Environment Day with a focus on environmental conservation and protection of historical geological heritage. The operation covered government land located on the Puppalaguda–Khajaguda border in Gandipet Mandal of Rangareddy district.

The protected area includes historic rock hills believed to be around 250 crore years old, along with ancient rock caves and natural vegetation. The land also includes approximately 200 acres that had earlier been allotted by the State Government to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

For decades, representatives of Society to Save Rocks have been campaigning to protect the historic rock formations. The organization had also approached the High Court seeking protection of the geological heritage.

High Court Orders Led to Protection Measures

Following the petition, the High Court in 2019 directed the Municipal and Revenue Departments to protect both the government land and the rock formations. However, delays in identifying boundaries and erecting fencing reportedly created opportunities for encroachments.

Representatives of Society to Save Rocks later raised the issue through the HYDRAA Prajavani grievance platform. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath personally reviewed the matter earlier and conducted field inspections.

Subsequently, HYDRAA officials, along with Revenue and Municipal Department officials, carried out detailed field verification. After confirming the land as government property, fencing work was taken up on Friday.

Officials estimate the value of the land at nearly Rs 30,000 crore.

Government Land Details as Per Revenue Records

According to Revenue records:

• Survey No. 452/1 contains 174 acres of government land.
• Survey No. 454/1 contains 119.05 acres of government land.
• The total government land measures 293.05 acres.
• Out of this, 263.05 acres had previously been allotted to HMDA by the State Government.

Due to overlap issues between two villages, Revenue officials identified 63.05 acres as belonging to private individuals. As a result, HMDA’s landholding was reduced to approximately 200 acres.

Revenue records further show that:

• 5 acres in the historic hill area were allotted to various temples.
• Another 5 acres were handed over for a dargah.

After excluding these allotted lands, HYDRAA protected the remaining 200 acres of HMDA land through fencing on Friday.

Society to Save Rocks Praises HYDRAA

Representatives of Society to Save Rocks appreciated HYDRAA for protecting the historic boulders and rock formations as requested by the organization.

They stated that HYDRAA had safeguarded naturally elevated hills, scenic viewpoints, and geological formations with a history stretching back 250 crore years, thereby contributing significantly to environmental conservation.

The representatives also praised HYDRAA for preventing anti-social activities at the historic site, which contains several temples among the rock formations.

Public and Environmentalists Welcome the Move

Devotees, environmentalists, and members of the public welcomed the operation and congratulated HYDRAA for securing the historic site.

Many also appreciated the State Government’s initiative in resolving a problem that had remained pending for decades.

The authorities are simultaneously restoring Bhagirathamma Cheruvu, located adjacent to the rock hills. Several people noted that once the lake restoration is completed, the combination of the elevated hills and the rejuvenated water body could transform the area into a prominent tourist destination.

HYDRAA’s major World Environment Day operation in Puppalaguda–Khajaguda, Rangareddy district, resulted in the protection of nearly 200 acres of HMDA government land valued at around Rs 30,000 crore. Acting on High Court directions and complaints raised by Society to Save Rocks, HYDRAA fenced the land, preserved 250-crore-year-old rock formations, and strengthened efforts to prevent encroachments and protect a significant environmental and historical heritage site.

Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.