Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Sunday carried out a demolition drive in Gajularamaram on the outskirts of the city. Hundreds of acres of government land in Gajularamaram, 10 km from Hyderabad’s IT corridor, have been occupied with pucca structures. The lands, allotted decades ago to departments like the State Finance Corporation, TGIIC, HMDA, and Housing Board, remained unused, allowing encroachments over the past 3–4 years.

Officials estimate over 100 acres have been encroached upon, with houses built on 60–70 square yard plots sold at Rs 10 lakh each. Following complaints, HYDRAA found government land worth Rs 4,500 crore under illegal control. Illegally built houses in survey No. 397 were demolished.

Locals protested the demolitions, claiming they purchased homes by paying money and demanding action against those who sold the plots. Residents, including children, blocked JCBs in protest. Out of 300 acres of government land in the area, 100 acres have been encroached. HYDRAA plans to fence off the land after clearing it.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath stated that the poor had built houses on 40 acres, allegedly sold by local leaders in collusion with officials. He said HYDRAA and revenue officials have interacted with locals five times in six months and clarified that commercial sheds and compound walls—not homes of the poor—are being removed. Ranganath added that the agency aims to reclaim over 275 acres of government land worth Rs 13,000 crore.