HYDRAA launches demolition drive in Gajularamaram to tackle encroachments

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Sunday conducted a demolition drive in Gajularamaram on the outskirts of the city.

Hundreds of acres of government land in Gajularamaram, 10 km from the IT corridor in Hyderabad, have been covered in pucca structures. The then governments had given lands to the State Finance Corporation, TGIIC, HMDA and Housing Board departments decades ago. Since the respective departments have not started their activities, some illegals have been occupying the lands as per the scheme for the last three to four years.

According to officials, more than 100 acres of government land have been occupied by encroachers in Gajularamaram. Houses have been constructed on plots measuring 60 to 70 square yards and are being sold at Rs10 lakhs each. After a complaint was received, HYDRAA has initiated action and identified that government land worth Rs4,500 crores was under the control of encroachers. The HYDRAA demolished illegally built houses in survey No. 397.

Meanwhile, locals protested against the demolitions. They said that all of them bought their houses by paying money and demanded action against the sellers. The local people, along with their children, stood in front of JCB vehicles to register their protest.

There are a total of 300 acres of government land, out of which 100 acres have been encroached. After demolishing the illegal structures, HYDRAA plans to fence off the entire land.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said the poor have constructed houses in 40 acres. He said that local leaders conspired with the officials and sold the lands to the poor. Ranganath said that HYDRAA and revenue officials have spoken to the locals five times in 6 months. He explained that the encroachments are being removed and government lands are being taken back.