HYDRAA Clears 22 Acres of Encroachments at Kokapet Lake

Hyderabad: In a major enforcement drive, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) carried out a large-scale operation to remove encroachments at Kokapet Kotha Cheruvu in Gandipet mandal of Rangareddy district.

Officials identified encroachments over nearly 22 acres within the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) area, which spans about 72 acres. Of this, around 1.20 acres had been occupied for the development of play areas and parks linked to a villa project, while nearly 20 acres were encroached upon by multiple construction firms through fencing and other structures.

Acting on numerous complaints from local residents seeking protection of the lake, HYDRA, along with officials from concerned departments, conducted field inspections before initiating action on Tuesday. Encroachments within the FTL limits were cleared, including removal of fencing and temporary boundary structures. Authorities are now demarcating the lake boundaries and putting up protective fencing.

In a parallel operation, HYDRAA also removed road encroachments in Khaitalapur under Kukatpally mandal. Around 1,700 square yards of road space in front of a gated community had been encroached upon. After verification, officials demolished structures including an office room and cattle sheds belonging to a construction firm.

The agency stated that such drives will continue to protect public land and water bodies from illegal occupation.