HYDERABAD: In a major drive, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) reclaimed 6,500 sq yd of playground land worth about Rs 100 crore in Shastripuram Colony, Mailardevpally (Rajendranagar mandal).
The land, part of a 188-acre HUDA-approved layout with over 1,800 plots, was reserved for a playground but had been encroached upon for the past three years. Encroachers allegedly sold plots through notarised documents and raised illegal constructions.
HYDRAA demolished five G+3 buildings under construction and two single-room structures. Two occupied buildings were left untouched. Despite GHMC issuing demolition orders in 2024, construction had continued.
Following complaints, HYDRAA, along with GHMC and revenue officials, verified the land use and cleared encroachments. Residents said they had faced intimidation from encroachers.
Park land protected
In a separate operation, HYDRAA secured a 968 sq yd park in Akshaya Enclave, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. The land, part of a 1983 HUDA-approved layout, had been targeted using allegedly fabricated permissions in 2019. Officials removed construction material and fenced the site, declaring it a protected park area.