HYDRAA Launches Demolition Drive In Gajularamaram

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) today carried out a demolition drive in Gajularamaram on the outskirts of the city to clear large-scale encroachments on government land.

Hundreds of acres of government land in Gajularamaram, about 10 km from Hyderabad's IT corridor, have reportedly been occupied with pucca structures over the years. The lands were originally allotted decades ago to the State Finance Corporation, TGIIC, HMDA and the Housing Board for various projects. However, as these departments failed to initiate development, illegal occupants began occupying the land over the past three to four years.

According to officials, encroachers have taken over 100+ acres of government land in the area, and houses built on plots measuring 60 to 70 square yards are being sold for around Rs 10 lakh each.

Acting on a complaint, HYDRAA identified government lands worth Rs 4,500 crore under illegal occupation and demolished several unauthorised structures in Survey No 397.

Locals staged protests against the demolitions, claiming that they had purchased their houses by paying money and demanding action against those who sold them the plots. Residents, along with their children, stood in front of JCB vehicles to prevent the demolition.

HYDRAA Commissioner A V Ranganath said that houses had been constructed on about 40 acres by poor families, allegedly with the involvement of local leaders who conspired with officials to sell the land.

"HYDRAA and revenue officials have spoken to the locals five times in the past six months. We are removing encroachments and reclaiming government lands," Ranganath said.

He added that HYDRAA would not demolish houses occupied by the poor but target commercial sheds, compound walls and other illegal structures. "We will reclaim over 275 acres of government land worth Rs 13,000 crore and secure it with fencing," he said.