Hyderabad, July 8, 2025 — In a major crackdown on unauthorized constructions, the Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has demolished a controversial compound wall built by a private developer that was obstructing a public road and severely affecting the daily commute of over 25,000 residents in and around the Nizampet municipality.
The wall, constructed by Praneeth APR Pranav Antilia, had turned a short 3-km commute between Mallampet and Pragathi Nagar via Bachupally X Roads into a long, frustrating 8-km detour, sparking outrage from residents of nearly ten surrounding colonies. Locals claimed the developer had unilaterally blocked access, turning a once-open 40-60 foot road into a gated passage for its residents alone.
After reviewing complaints and conducting a thorough investigation, HYDRAA officials concluded that the layout was not a gated community, contrary to the developer’s claims, and that the wall was in violation of HMDA Rule 7, which explicitly prohibits construction of compound walls that obstruct public access.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath personally oversaw the demolition, emphasizing that this move would greatly decongest traffic in the Mallampet-Bachupally corridor, especially near the newly opened Outer Ring Road (ORR) exit. “Thousands will benefit. Some vested interests are misleading the public to protect their real estate gains. But HYDRAA is here to protect the larger public good,” he said.
HYDRA Confirms Praneeth Antilia Is Not a Gated Community, Orders Restoration of Public Access
In response to persistent complaints from Mallampet and neighboring colonies, HYDRA launched a detailed investigation into the construction of the boundary wall by Praneeth Antilia. Officials examined layout approvals granted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and found that under Clause 7 of the final layout approval, the developer was clearly prohibited from declaring the layout as a gated community or constructing any walls that obstruct public roads. The layout was approved as an open community with mandatory access to adjoining areas. HYDRA, after site inspections and consultations with revenue and municipal officials, confirmed the presence of an old cart track that connected the surrounding colonies through the layout. Both the Revenue Department and Nizampet Municipality verified that Praneeth Antilia was never approved as a gated community. A mediation meeting was held with residents of Praneeth Antilia and affected neighborhoods, where all officials unanimously agreed that public access must be restored. Based on this consensus, HYDRA proceeded to demolish the obstructing compound wall to ensure free movement for over 25,000 people relying on that route.
He also warned residents against misinformation campaigns and cited the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) guidelines that mandate developers to ensure road connectivity for neighboring areas and prohibit enclosing layouts in a manner that blocks such access.
Encroachment Complaints Pile Up at HYDRAA Prajavani
At the HYDRAA Prajavani grievance redressal session held on Monday, July 7 at Buddha Bhavan, Secunderabad, officials received 49 complaints primarily related to encroachments of roads, parks, and public spaces by private individuals and developers.
Major complaints included:
Gajularamaram residents alleged encroachment of a 30-foot public road by a 7-acre private layout. In Chengicherla, under Boduppal municipality, residents reported 1,800 sq. yds. of park land in Chinna Kranthi Colony being illegally occupied across multiple survey numbers (114, 118, 120, 121). Kothaguda (Serilingampalli Mandal) villagers raised serious concerns over Jubilee Garden Colony allegedly fencing off 14 guntas in survey number 30 and 1 acre 2 guntas in survey number 29, claiming it was government land.
These cases reflect a growing pattern where roads and public amenities are being quietly encroached under the guise of private development or security measures.
Serilingampalli Encroachments Need Urgent Attention
Residents have urged HYDRAA to initiate inspections in Serilingampalli, where illegal road blockages in the name of “security” are becoming rampant. Several colonies in this region are reportedly closing off internal roads with gates and barricades, disrupting free movement and violating layout approval norms.
HYDRAA officials have assured that all complaints will be investigated and violators penalized under applicable laws. A special inspection drive in Serilingampalli is expected to be announced soon.
This bold action by HYDRAA is being hailed as a much-needed step towards reclaiming public spaces and ensuring fair urban development. Citizens are encouraged to report any illegal construction or land encroachment via the HYDRAA helpline or Prajavani program.
