Hyderabad: Residents across the city have accused local welfare associations of enabling land grabs in Hyderabad colonies. Instead of safeguarding land reserved for public use, some association office-bearers allegedly sold these plots for personal profit.
Citizens submitted their complaints through Hydra Prajavani on Monday. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath reviewed 72 petitions and forwarded them to the relevant departments for follow-up.
Locals said that some association leaders exploited their roles to sell land meant for parks, roads, school grounds, and community infrastructure. When residents questioned these actions, they often faced threats, violence, or even police cases filed in retaliation.
Encroachments spread across Malkajgiri, Gachibowli, Manikonda, and HITEX
In Malkajgiri’s Rathakrishna Housing Colony, residents reported that 136 square yards had been taken from a 600-square-yard park. They urged officials to mark boundaries clearly and install fencing to prevent further encroachment.
At TNJGO Colony in Gachibowli, land meant for a septic tank and water storage was reportedly converted into residential plots. Locals demanded that officials restore the land for its intended public utility purpose.
In Manikonda, near the historic Ellamma Cheruvu, realtors allegedly built illegal structures including a racecourse and a new building within the last three months. Residents asked the administration to demarcate the lake’s boundaries and stop the encroachments immediately.
In Khanamet near HITEX, members of the All India Velama Association said that individuals tried to grab portions of their 5-acre site. Despite a High Court stay order, locals dumped soil on the land and assaulted the association’s watchman when he resisted.
Colonies call for urgent protection of public and educational lands
In Vanasthalipuram’s Christian Colony, locals said that over 300 square yards of community land faced renewed encroachment. Although officials had removed a shed in 2017, the site remains under threat due to fresh attempts to reclaim it.
At Kapra Circle’s Survey No. 215, residents reported illegal construction of houses and plots on public land. Even after the court declared it government property and authorities installed warning boards, the layout’s developer began expanding into nearby Survey No. 222 with new sheds and a function hall. Locals called for a complete halt to the activity.
In Kukatpally village, RP Colony, and Venkateshwara Nagar, residents alleged that a man named Vaheed and his family took over the Zilla Parishad school playground. Due to the loss of space, students and teachers now struggle without access to outdoor areas. Despite repeated complaints to the MRO, RDO, GHMC, police, DEO, and District Collector, authorities have taken no action. Residents urged Hydra to intervene and return the land to the school.
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— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) February 9, 2026