HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully reclaimed over 300 acres of valuable government land in Gajularamaram, Quthbullapur, marking one of the largest land recovery operations in Telangana. The estimated value of this land, priced at approximately Rs 50 crore per acre, totals nearly Rs 15,000 crore.
HYDRAA officials reported that the land was originally owned by the former Andhra Pradesh State Finance Corporation. With the bifurcation, ownership transitioned to the Telangana State Finance Corporation (TSFC).
An official from HYDRAA stated, “During this transition, various politicians, real estate developers, bureaucrats, and other influential figures encroached on this land, exploiting administrative disputes and delays.”
Approximately six months ago, the agency initiated operations to reclaim the land after receiving public complaints and conducting thorough investigations.
Officials revealed that they collaborated with the revenue department and local police to eliminate illegal constructions and assert control over the area. The property has now been secured with fencing to deter further encroachments.
AV Ranganath, commissioner of HYDRAA, noted, “On the Pragathi Nagar side, significant encroachments were cleared, while many homes occupied by needy families were spared. However, unfinished or unoccupied structures lacking essential fittings like doors and windows were dismantled.”
He added, “Local land-grabbers constructed small one-room houses, arranged electricity, and sold them for Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. We are filing police complaints against these individuals as well as the officials who facilitated these fraudulent transactions.”
Officials estimated that around 40 acres were occupied by families who had purchased plots ranging from 60 to 120 square yards through dubious transactions allegedly involving local politicians and officials. However, HYDRAA has instructed staff to refrain from demolishing the homes of poor families.
Authorities implicated local rowdy sheeters, including Sheikh Abid (who has a record at the Jagadgirigutta police station), in selling multiple plots in the area. Several layouts were developed simultaneously, covering 12 acres in Gajularamaram and an additional 20 acres towards Pragathi Nagar.
Officials confirmed that no occupied homes were demolished, focusing instead on properties constructed for fraudulent sales.
