People Living Near Ammuguda Hillocks Flag Blasting of Rocks, Rise in Real Estate Activity
Locals from Lothkunta, Sainikpuri and Yapral said earthmoving equipment and construction activity had begun clearing parts of the hillocks, including blasting of rock formations
Hyderabad: Residents of Ammuguda and neighbouring areas have raised concerns over alleged destruction of hillocks and boulder formations due to ongoing real estate activity.
Locals from Lothkunta, Sainikpuri and Yapral said earthmoving equipment and construction activity had begun clearing parts of the hillocks, including blasting of rock formations. They said the matter was currently under litigation.
A Sainikpuri resident, Manognya Reddy, said the land ownership was disputed between Cantonment authorities, defence estates and private parties. “The hillock is caught in an ownership dispute involving the Cantonment authorities, defence estates and private builders. The matter is before the courts, and some parties have reportedly secured orders in their favour,” Manognya Reddy said.
She said the focus should be on protecting the rock formations irrespective of ownership. “Our point is that, irrespective of who the rightful owner of the land is, any real estate development should ensure that the rock formations are not disturbed and are preserved as a natural heritage,” she added.
Residents said the area was widely used for trekking and outdoor activity and was known for its granite rock formations, scrubland and trails.
A Yapral resident, Pooswamy Jayaraman, said the hillocks supported wildlife. “These hillocks serve as a habitat for wildlife and birds, including peacocks, wild dogs and foxes. Such natural spaces should be protected by the government.”
Residents also expressed their concerns on social media over the reported loss of natural formations amid expanding real estate activity in Hyderabad.
Prof. Satya Laxman Dass, a geographical historian and local resident, said he had witnessed the changes over time. “I grew up playing among these hillocks. When I returned here for my research work and saw the hills being blasted, I was shocked.” He added, “The million-year-old Deccan plateau rock formations and hillocks behind Ammuguda railway station are being blasted and destroyed. This is an ecological disaster, as the area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. These natural formations are being mercilessly razed with bulldozers and heavy machinery.”