Hyderabad, September 14:
In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Hyderabad District Revenue Authority for Assets Administration (HYDRA) successfully reclaimed 12 acres of prime government land in Shamshabad, Rangareddy district. The land, estimated to be worth ₹500 crore, had been under illegal occupation for years.
Encroachments Demolished, Land Secured
Officials said the recovered land is located in Survey No. 17 of Shathamnrayana village. Encroachers had fenced the land, constructed sheds, and even put up boards claiming ownership. HYDRA teams, accompanied by local revenue officials, carried out a swift operation on Saturday, demolishing unauthorized structures and removing boundary walls. Signboards declaring the land as government property were installed after the operation.
Land Meant for Education Misused
Interestingly, the state government had originally allotted the land to the *Board of Intermediate Education in 2011. However, local individuals and a company named *Aneesh Constructions falsely claimed ownership, erecting boards and attempting to begin construction. The matter came to light after locals reported encroachment attempts to HYDRA, following which the Board of Intermediate Education also lodged a formal complaint.
Officials noted that the land was rocky and unsuitable for agriculture, yet encroachers had claimed they were using it for farming. They also attempted to justify their occupation by alleging purchase from heirs of the Asaf Jahi family.
Revenue Records Expose False Claims
Revenue officials confirmed that no such lands belonging to the Asaf Jahi family exist in Shamshabad. They further revealed that Aneesh Constructions’ director, Sripad Deshpande, has been linked to multiple land disputes in the region. After careful verification of records, authorities declared the 12 acres as government property.
Partial Protection for Existing Structures
During the clearance drive, HYDRA safeguarded existing religious and residential structures on about one acre of the land. A small temple, mosque, and a few houses were left untouched while the remaining encroachments were removed.
State Government’s Strong Stand on Land Protection
The Telangana government has been taking an aggressive stance against land encroachments across Hyderabad and adjoining districts. HYDRA, which has been tasked with safeguarding state-owned properties, has already reclaimed hundreds of acres of land worth thousands of crores in recent months.
Officials said such drives will continue to protect public assets and ensure government land is used for its intended purpose.