The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has initiated a comprehensive survey to address the problem of park encroachments within the limits of Ameenpur municipality. This decision was made following numerous complaints about encroachment on parkland in layouts approved by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), specifically in survey numbers 152 and 153 of Venkataramana Colony.

Residents of several colonies, including Venkataramana Colony, Chakrapuri Colony, RTC Colony, and Golden Cave, raised concerns regarding encroachments on parklands and the boundaries between layouts. There has been tension as people questioned the encroachments into neighbouring layouts, which has led to a need for clarity on property and park boundaries.

According to officials, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath confirmed that the survey aims to identify the extent of government land, park locations, and any instances of encroachment. The survey will be completed within 15 days, and its findings will help resolve the encroachment issues.

Ranganath stated that HYDRAA's focus is on ensuring that parks and other designated social spaces within these colonies are protected from illegal occupation. He emphasised that the agency's duty is to safeguard government land and ensure that areas designated for community needs are not compromised.

The survey, which began on Wednesday, involves officials from various departments, including HYDRAA, revenue, HMDA, and the local municipality. These officials are collaborating to ensure that all facts are gathered and that the situation is assessed thoroughly. Once the survey is completed, the findings will be used to take further action, depending on the level of encroachment discovered.

In addition to this, Ranganath held a meeting with individuals affected by recent demolitions in Ameenpur, which were carried out to remove encroachments on government land. Real estate dealers, who were involved in selling these plots, were also part of the meeting, where they were asked to provide explanations for their actions.

Ranganath reassured residents that the intent of the demolitions and surveys is not to target the underprivileged but to ensure that government land is protected. He mentioned that their goal is to secure the integrity of these areas and prevent the illegal occupation of land allocated for public use, particularly parks.

This action was taken after it became evident that land meant for public and social amenities, such as parks, was being encroached upon, potentially depriving residents of essential green spaces. Park encroachments have been a longstanding issue in some parts of Hyderabad, and this survey is viewed as a significant step towards resolving these concerns.

The detailed survey is expected to reveal the extent of the encroachments, and officials have indicated that once it is completed, necessary actions will be taken to reclaim the encroached areas. The involvement of multiple departments in this survey underscores the seriousness of the issue, and it is hoped that the survey will provide the data needed to address these encroachments effectively.

As part of the broader objective, HYDRAA aims to ensure that public spaces are preserved for the benefit of the community and that government land is not misused for private interests. In recent months, HYDRAA has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal encroachments, and this survey forms part of its broader strategy to monitor and protect public assets.

Towards the end, Ranganath reiterated the agency's commitment to protecting public land without causing undue harm to residents. He stated that while it is essential to remove illegal encroachments, the agency would make every effort to ensure that the process is fair and transparent.

As HYDRAA moves forward with its survey, residents of the affected colonies are hopeful that this initiative will bring about a lasting solution to the problem of park encroachments and restore the integrity of the social spaces within their communities. This effort also aligns with the broader goal of preserving public land in Hyderabad, ensuring that future generations benefit from these vital community assets.