In Jalpally, part of the Rangareddy district, there are growing concerns about illegal land grabbing. Local reports suggest that several water bodies and government lands are being taken over by land speculators. These land grabbers are allegedly working with municipal staff, creating a troubling situation.
The area is home to many government lands and unprotected lakes, making it an attractive target for organized groups. These groups reportedly have connections with municipal staff at all levels, from regular employees to those hired through outsourcing. This has led to an increase in illegal activities.
Several well-known water bodies, including Jalpally Tank, Jalpally Kunta, Talla Kunta Cheruvu, Erra Kunta Cheruvu, and Burhankhan Lake, are within the Jalpally municipality. Many of these lakes have been encroached upon or disappeared. Local residents claim that irrigation authorities are either ignoring the issue or working with the land grabbers.
The Jalpally Tank and Jalpally Kunta, which are connected water bodies, stretch over two kilometers and touch three different areas: Laxmiguda, Bandlaguda, and Erra Kunta. However, most of this water body falls under Jalpally’s jurisdiction. Over the years, encroachments have significantly reduced the size of these water bodies, obstructing access from multiple points.
Recently, new encroachments have been observed near these water bodies and on nearby government land. In the Wadi-e-Mustafa area, part of ward no 21, new construction has been spotted on government land next to Jalpally Lake. This land previously hosted a garbage treatment plant.
During Municipal Commissioner Vasanta’s term, a waste disposal unit was set up in Wadi-e-Mustafa to manage the area’s waste. However, once the contract ended, the equipment was removed, leaving the land open to encroachments. Notably, Municipal Commissioner Vasantha Reddy was replaced by Vani Reddy three months ago.
Senior Congress leader Osman Al-Hajri criticized the irrigation authorities for not protecting Jalpally’s water bodies. He pointed out that despite being recognized as protected resources by the HMDA, political support has allowed land grabbers to encroach on these areas and conduct illegal transactions.
