The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully reclaimed over 300 acres of government land in Gajularamaram and Quthbullapur, marking one of the largest land recovery operations in Telangana. With current market rates at around Rs 50 crore per acre, the total value of the recovered land is estimated at nearly Rs 15,000 crore.
HYDRAA officials confirmed that the land originally belonged to the Andhra Pradesh State Finance Corporation. After the state bifurcation, ownership transferred to the Telangana State Finance Corporation (TSFC). During this transition, multiple politicians, real estate players, bureaucrats, and other influential individuals reportedly encroached on the property, taking advantage of administrative delays and disputes.
The operation began six months ago following detailed investigations and public complaints. HYDRAA coordinated closely with the revenue department and local police to remove illegal structures and secure control over the land. Officials emphasized that the reclaimed property has been fenced to prevent future encroachments.
In Pragathi Nagar, large unauthorized constructions were removed, while hundreds of occupied homes of economically weaker families were spared. Incomplete or unoccupied houses lacking essential fittings such as doors and windows were demolished. HYDRAA noted that some local land grabbers had constructed small one-room houses, arranged electricity connections, and sold them at prices ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Legal complaints have been filed against those involved, including officials who allegedly facilitated sales with fraudulent documents.
HYDRAA identified around 40 acres that were occupied by families who had purchased plots of 60 to 120 square yards through fraudulent transactions, which involved local politicians and officials. However, the agency maintained that no occupied homes were demolished and only structures intended for illegal sales were removed.
The agency also cited the involvement of local rowdy sheeters, including an individual named Sheikh Abid, who reportedly sold multiple plots in the area. Several layouts and ventures had been developed simultaneously, covering approximately 12 acres in Gajularamaram and another 20 acres toward Pragathi Nagar.
HYDRAA’s commissioner, AV Ranganath, highlighted that the operation focused on reclaiming prime government land without displacing legitimate residents. The agency emphasized that the recovered property will now be under strict surveillance and regulatory control.
Officials also stressed that land encroachments in Hyderabad have often involved complex networks of fraudulent sales, unauthorized layouts, and illegal construction, underscoring the importance of coordinated enforcement measures. HYDRAA’s approach combined field-level inspections with legal action to ensure that recovered land is preserved for public use and development.
This operation marks a significant step toward addressing the long-standing issue of encroachment in the Hyderabad metropolitan area. By reclaiming high-value government land and preventing further illegal occupation, HYDRAA aims to strengthen urban governance, improve transparency in land management, and secure public assets for planned infrastructure and community use.
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