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HYDRAA Restores Parks in Hyderabad
HYDRAA Acts to Reclaim Encroached Parks in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In a decisive move to safeguard the city’s diminishing green spaces, the Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) successfully cleared long-standing encroachments from two parks in Bandlaguda Jagir on Thursday, September 4. The action restored a total of 4,400 square yards of parkland to the public domain, a step that local residents described as both timely and necessary.
The agency not only removed the encroachments but also fenced off the reclaimed areas and installed official boards declaring the land as protected by HYDRAA, sending a strong message against illegal occupation of public property.
Background: Parks Left Encroached for Decades
The land in question is part of the P&T Colony layout, officially established in 1989 under survey numbers 96/2 and 96/3. The layout originally included two parks — one measuring 1,200 square yards and the other 3,200 square yards. Together, these green zones were intended to serve as recreational areas for the colony’s residents.
However, over the years, encroachers gradually occupied portions of the land, obstructing any attempts by the municipality to develop the parks. Locals reported that even when the Bandlaguda Jagir Municipality attempted to build a boundary wall in the past, encroachers intervened and stopped the work.
This situation left the designated parks in a neglected state for decades, depriving residents of essential open spaces for children, senior citizens, and community activities.
Public Grievances Lead to HYDRAA’s Intervention
Frustrated by the lack of progress, residents of P&T Colony escalated the issue to the grievance cell of HYDRAA. The agency, under the leadership of commissioner AV Ranganath, took immediate note of the matter.
HYDRAA officials, along with municipal and revenue authorities, conducted a joint inspection of the site. After verifying land records and confirming the designated park areas, the team launched a clearance drive to remove all encroachments.
The operation was carried out systematically to ensure that the reclaimed land could be secured against future encroachment attempts.
Restoration Efforts: Protecting the Parks
Once the encroachments were cleared, HYDRAA officials quickly took measures to safeguard the open spaces. These included:
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Fencing the entire park areas to clearly demarcate boundaries.
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Erecting signboards with the message: “Protected by HYDRAA,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to preserving public property.
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Coordinating with local municipal authorities to initiate development works such as landscaping, plantation drives, and seating arrangements for residents.
The proactive approach not only removed the illegal occupants but also reassured residents that the government was serious about protecting their right to accessible green spaces.
Local Residents Welcome the Move
The clearance drive has been met with overwhelming support from the local community. Residents expressed gratitude to HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath and his team for taking swift action after years of inaction by municipal bodies.
Many citizens noted that children, in particular, would benefit from having safe open spaces to play in, while senior citizens could use the parks for morning walks and relaxation. Some even called the action a “victory for community rights”, emphasizing that public spaces should never be allowed to fall into private hands.
Hyderabad’s Larger Struggle with Encroachments
The Bandlaguda Jagir case is not an isolated incident. Across Hyderabad, several parks, lakes, and open spaces have been steadily encroached upon by private individuals or commercial interests. Urban expansion, combined with weak enforcement, has resulted in the loss of numerous green zones that were originally earmarked in city layouts.
In many cases, encroachments begin small — with illegal sheds, boundary extensions, or temporary constructions — but gradually become permanent structures over time. Residents often face a difficult battle to reclaim such spaces, as local bodies sometimes fail to act decisively.
HYDRAA’s involvement is being seen as a new model of accountability, where a dedicated agency steps in to protect assets that belong to the public.
The Role of HYDRAA in Hyderabad
The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was set up with the primary aim of safeguarding public assets, removing encroachments, and addressing grievances related to land use. Over the past few months, the agency has grown increasingly active in tackling illegal occupations and reclaiming public property.
By coordinating with local revenue departments, municipalities, and law enforcement, HYDRAA ensures that its clearance drives are legally sound and sustainable. The agency also focuses on long-term protection measures, such as fencing, surveillance, and community monitoring, to prevent re-encroachment.
Green Spaces and Urban Wellbeing
Urban planners and environmental experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of parks and green zones in rapidly expanding cities like Hyderabad. Parks are not just recreational spaces — they serve critical functions such as:
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Reducing air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide.
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Acting as “lungs” of the city amidst increasing concrete structures.
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Providing children with safe play areas.
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Supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.
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Offering venues for community gatherings, cultural events, and outdoor activities.
When such spaces are lost to encroachments, the overall quality of urban life deteriorates. Hyderabad, like many other Indian metros, already faces challenges with rising pollution, traffic congestion, and shrinking natural ecosystems. Protecting parks, therefore, is a step toward sustainable urban living.
Community’s Role in Protecting Parks
The Bandlaguda Jagir case also highlights the role of citizen participation in urban governance. It was only after locals raised their voices and approached HYDRAA that action was taken. This shows that while government agencies are responsible for enforcement, communities must remain vigilant and proactive in reporting violations.
Going forward, residents are expected to form park protection committees to monitor the spaces and report any suspicious activities that may indicate fresh encroachment attempts.
Future Plans for Restored Parks
HYDRAA officials have assured residents that the reclaimed parks will soon undergo development works. Possible improvements include:
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Plantation of trees and creation of green belts.
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Installation of walking tracks and benches.
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Play equipment for children.
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Lighting and security arrangements.
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Rainwater harvesting structures to enhance sustainability.
These measures will not only make the parks functional but also increase their value as community assets.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Greener Hyderabad
The clearance of encroachments from 4,400 square yards of parkland in Bandlaguda Jagir is more than a local administrative action — it symbolizes the growing determination of Hyderabad’s civic bodies to protect public property.
For residents, it is a reminder that community persistence can yield results, while for the city as a whole, it underscores the urgent need to preserve green spaces amidst urban expansion.
HYDRAA’s swift intervention, fencing measures, and commitment to long-term protection have set a precedent for similar cases across Hyderabad. If sustained, such efforts can play a key role in shaping a greener, healthier, and more livable Hyderabad for future generations.
