Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday carried out encroachment removal and land-protection measures at multiple locations across the city, securing govt land, lake buffer zones and temple property. At Doolapally village in Dundigal-Gandimaisamma of Medchal-Malkajgiri district, the agency cleared unauthorised structures within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of Sumarakunta lake. The lake spans nearly 42 acres, and complaints had been received regarding soil filling and construction activities within the FTL, allegedly under claims of shikam patta ownership. “Following field verification, temporary sheds, scrap units, small eateries, welding shops, and container fabrication units were removed from about 11 acres,” said AV Ranganath, commissioner, HYDRAA. He said that construction activity within lake FTL limits could lead to flooding and waterlogging, particularly during the monsoon. He reiterated that while cultivation may be permitted on shikam patta lands when dry, rules do not allow soil filling, compound walls or permanent and semi-permanent structures within the FTL zone. In another instance, HYDRAA secured 3.2 acres of govt land in Borabanda. The land had earlier been vested with the govt under the Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) Act. According to officials, attempts were made to claim ownership of a portion of the land using documents stating ULC clearance.“Temporary sheds and commercial activities operating on the land were removed, and fencing was installed to prevent further unauthorised use,” he added. Ranganath said the agency was focusing on protecting govt land from misuse and ensuring that records and ground realities were aligned. A complaint has been lodged at the Borabanda police station in connection with the matter.Separately, HYDRAA acted on a representation from residents of Ramakrishna Nagar colony in Nagaram, Keesara mandal, seeking protection of land allotted to a Shiva temple. While the temple was constructed on part of the land in 2017, the remaining portion was vacant. After verification, the agency confirmed that 1,365 square yards belonged to the temple and installed boards identifying it as temple property.
