HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) carried out a demolition drive on Sunday against influential land grabbers in Gajularamaram, Quthbullapur mandal of Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
Officials cleared over 317 acres of prime government land, valued at nearly Rs 15,000 crore, that had been encroached upon by politicians, real estate developers, and other officials. The land, falling under Survey No 307 and adjoining areas, was originally allotted to the State Finance Corporation.
During the drive, HYDRAA pulled down unauthorised ventures spread over 12 acres, a 20-acre illegal layout, and several sheds, fencing structures and temporary buildings raised by land grabbers. Illegal internal roads and power connections were also removed, and officials have begun fencing the area to prevent further encroachments.
Investigations showed that while influential groups developed large ventures near Pragathinagar, smaller plots measuring 60–120 sq. yards were sold off by rowdy-sheeters. Revenue officials were also allegedly involved, leading HYDRAA to widen its probe.
The land sharks typically fenced off tracts, built a small room to house a family temporarily, and later sold the plots to unsuspecting buyers under false claims.
Authorities clarified that no action was taken against poor families already residing in the area, and only plots under illegal layouts were demolished. However, one child whose house was razed said, “My parents went out to search for a rental house while HYDRAA carried out the demolitions. All our essentials have been destroyed, and we have nothing left to eat.” Following the demolitions, people protested and pelted stones, prompting the police to detain several individuals.
The crackdown followed a six-month-long inquiry into complaints filed on the HYDRA grievance platform. Survey-by-survey inspections and coordination with revenue and GHMC officials exposed the scale of encroachments. Of the 444 acres of government land in Gajularamaram, 317 acres under Survey No. 307 were cleared.