HYDRAA Saves Land Worth Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore, reclaims 2,435.23 Acres from Encroachments; Targets Another Rs 1 Lakh Crore Next Year

Hyderabad: HYDRAA has protected land worth approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore by removing encroachments and reclaiming 2,435.23 acres of land across Hyderabad and surrounding areas. The reclaimed land includes lakes, nalas, parks, government land, public utility spaces, roads, and footpaths. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said the agency is now preparing plans to protect another Rs 1 lakh crore worth of land during the coming year.

HYDRAA Reclaims 2,435.23 Acres from Encroachers

HYDRAA has been continuously carrying out anti-encroachment operations and has freed land from illegal occupation. According to official figures, the total land reclaimed by HYDRAA stands at 2,435.23 acres.

Officials stated that if the land is valued at Rs 100 crore per acre in the open market, its value would amount to approximately Rs 2,43,500 crore. However, they noted that lakes and parks provide environmental benefits that cannot be measured purely in monetary terms.

Lake Encroachment Removal and Restoration Efforts

HYDRAA removed encroachments from lakes and reclaimed 449.11 acres.

As part of the first phase of restoration of six lakes, HYDRAA protected:

• 15 acres at Thammidikunta
• 14 acres at Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu
• 10 acres at Uppal Nalla Cheruvu
• 15 acres at Sunnam Cheruvu
• 11 acres at Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake
• 5 acres at Bathukamma Kunta

These efforts increased the extent of the respective water bodies.

In addition, HYDRAA protected nearly 70 acres around these six lakes. Around the 14 lakes selected in the second phase, HYDRAA plans to protect another 300 acres.

1,804.23 Acres of Government Land Reclaimed

Since its formation, HYDRAA has reclaimed 1,804.23 acres of government land based on complaints received through HYDRAA Prajavani and information provided by Revenue officials.

Major recoveries include:

• More than 300 acres in Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
• Government land affected by encroachments in Kachavani Singaram village of Ghatkesar Mandal.
• 862 acres protected in Ameenpur.
• Government land reclaimed in Khanamet and Kondapur of Serilingampally Mandal, Rangareddy district.

HYDRAA also removed encroachments from:

• 19.26 acres of nalas
• 90.29 acres of parks
• 50.06 acres of roads and footpaths
• 21.29 acres of public utility lands

Challenges Faced During Land Recovery Operations

Officials said reclaiming land from people with financial strength, influence, and political connections was not an easy task. Every operation presented significant challenges and pressures.

According to the release, the State Government fully supported HYDRAA in achieving its objectives. The statement noted that land within the Outer Ring Road area is generally valued between Rs 50 crore and Rs 100 crore per acre.

The release further alleged that large amounts of money earned through illegally occupied lands were used to manage systems and influence processes. Despite such challenges, HYDRAA carried out major operations and protected public lands.

The statement specifically mentioned operations involving:

• Encroachments by Mukheem in Ameenpur.
• Alleged government land encroachments linked to Nallamalla Reddy, who was described as an educational institution head.
• 29 acres allegedly linked to TDP MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad near Hitec City.
• Land-related issues involving Sandhya Sridhar Rao in Gachibowli.

The release stated that HYDRAA did not spare any individual involved in land grabbing and protected lands belonging to the public.

HYDRAA Plans to Protect Another Rs 1 Lakh Crore Worth of Land

According to HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, HYDRAA was established on July 19, 2024 and will complete two years in about a month.

He stated that while HYDRAA protected land worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore during the past two years, the organization has now set a target of protecting another Rs 1 lakh crore worth of land in the coming year.

More Lake Restoration and Mini Tank Bund Development

HYDRAA also plans to strengthen environmental protection through large-scale lake restoration.

Apart from the restoration of:

• 6 lakes in the first phase
• 14 lakes in the second phase

the government is moving forward with plans to develop 4 major lakes as Mini Tank Bunds.

Flood Preparedness During Monsoon

To prevent flooding in colonies and on roads during the monsoon season, HYDRAA’s DRF (Disaster Response Force) and MET (Monsoon Emergency Team) units will conduct field-level patrols similar to military deployments.

Last year, HYDRAA’s operations were limited to 150 divisions. This year, the agency has expanded its responsibilities to cover areas under three commissionerates.

HYDRAA has reclaimed 2,435.23 acres of land and protected assets valued at approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore by removing encroachments from lakes, government lands, parks, nalas, roads, footpaths, and public utility spaces. With a target of protecting another Rs 1 lakh crore worth of land, expanding lake restoration projects, and strengthening monsoon preparedness, HYDRAA plans to continue large-scale operations across Hyderabad and surrounding regions.

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