Hydra on Saturday removed encroachments on government lands in the cantonment areas of Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts, clarifying that no private plots were involved in the operation. The agency stated that the lands within the cantonment area belong to the state government and denied false propaganda being spread on social media about the encroachment removal. Hydra emphasized that the land saved by the operation, measuring 119 acres in GLR No. 243 and more than 29 acres in GLR No. 255 within the cantonment area, is government property.
The agency clarified that the land belonging to Shanthashriram Builders is located in Survey No. 1 and 2 in Lothkunta, which is approximately 3 kilometers away from the government land currently saved by Hydra. The distance between the builder’s layout and the government land has been specifically mentioned to counter misinformation. Hydra stated that GLR No. 243 and 255 have nothing to do with court orders on private land regarding Survey No. 1 and 2, making it clear that the two locations are separate and distinct.
The 148 acres of government land located in GLR No. 243 and 255 in the Akrama Cantonment area features natural hills and trees resembling forests, home to peacocks and rabbits known to local residents. Environmentalists complained to Hydra that hills in the area were being blasted at night, with loud noises causing harm to wildlife. The local rock society also approached Hydra, alleging that mining was being carried out without any permission, and that attempts were being made to blow up hills and convert them into layouts.
After examining these complaints, Hydra fenced off the government lands in GLR No. 243 and 255, protecting government and public property worth Rs. 10,000 crores. Locals had complained that some land had already been encroached upon and requested that the entire government land be protected. The agency took action based on these complaints and the evidence of illegal mining activities that were threatening both the environment and wildlife in the area.
Hydra raised questions about why Shantha Shriram Builders, which obtained layout permissions in 2007 on private land in Survey No. 1 and 2 in Lothkunta, mentioned GLR numbers 243/P and 255/P when applying for revised layout permission in 2026. The agency clarified that while Survey Nos. 1 and 2 are under court contempt proceedings involving the builder, it is GLR numbers 243 and 255 where Hydra took action. Maps provided by the Defence Estate Officers to Hydra also show GLR 243 and 255 as government land, confirming no violation of court orders occurred.
Revenue officials are conducting a full investigation into the application for revised layout permission by Shantha Sriram Builders involving the change in survey numbers. Hydra stated that all matters will come to light after a full survey is conducted. Since the matter is currently within the purview of the High Court, Hydra is not disclosing full details at this time. However, the agency provided this explanation after false information began circulating on social media platforms about the encroachment removal operation.
