HYDRAA Remove Encroachments in Madhapur, Protect Govt Land, Lake Land Worth ₹2,200 Cr

Hyderabad: HYDRAA cleared large-scale encroachments near Mondikunta close to the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Madhapur on Thursday, and protected government land and lake land worth more than ₹2,200 crore, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

Acting on complaints, officials found that both the lake area, situated in Survey No. 53, and nearby government land, situated on Survey No. 55, were under illegal occupation.

After a field inspection in coordination with revenue and GHMC officials, HYDRAA authorities determined that nearly 11 acres of government and Mondikunta land were encroached upon. Nearly 200 temporary sheds and more than 30 commercial shops had been set up by showing Ardha Nareeswara Temple as the boundary within the lake’s full tank level (FTL), the statement said.

Mechanic sheds, iron and steel shops, clothing businesses, meat stores and other small businesses were operating on the encroached land area, and were reportedly collecting rents worth crores every month.

HYDRAA officials said that they held a meeting with revenue officials and the encroachers on January 31. In the meeting, the revenue officials gave a presentation on the encroachments, including satellite images from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).

After informing the occupants and giving them time, HYDRAA proceeded with the removal on Thursday amid heavy security arrangements. Hundreds of temporary structures were cleared during the operation. HYDRAA officials also said that they exempted Ardha Nareeswara temple constructed adjacent to the lake from the demolition drive.

A large number of business owners attempted to stop the demolitions. Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, Madhapur police said that tensions prevailed for some time as those running the establishments protested and attempted to resist the demolitions but they brought the situation under control.