Hyderabad is witnessing a growing trend where encroachments on public spaces are being carried out under the guise of religious structures. The Hyderabad Residents Association Alliance (HYDRAA) has received 51 complaints from citizens, with a majority involving illegal occupations of roads, parks, government lands, and open areas designated for public use.
In many colonies, gated communities, and even HMDA-approved layouts, residents allege that open spaces are being converted into temples or religious places to prevent opposition. Locals say that when they raise their voice, community or religious groups back the encroachers, leading to intimidation and threats.
One of the most alarming complaints came from Anjaneya Nagar in the Kukatpally constituency. A 2,000 square yard plot designated as a park was encroached upon after GHMC sanctioned Rs. 50 lakh for its development. Locals say that a group raised a religious flag and stopped GHMC works, leaving the park incomplete. Residents allege that officials abandoned the project fearing communal backlash and have demanded the park’s restoration.
In Secunderabad’s Chikoti Gardens near Begumpet, residents complained that a road next to a temple was blocked by a newly erected shed connected to the temple. About 30% of the road is now encroached, affecting emergency services like ambulances.
In APR Praveen’s Luxuria gated community near Patancheru, which has over 500 villas, residents reported attempts to build a temple on a park spanning one acre. Despite objections, construction activities are allegedly continuing.
Usmania Colony residents in Serilingampally mandal claimed that vacant government plots were being sold illegally by successive society representatives. Dead-end roads and plots near nalas are being marked and sold as individual plots without approvals.
In Balanagar and Fatehnagar, locals reported that nalas have not been cleaned in over 15 years, leading to severe flooding during rains. In Vengalayakunta, Maheshwaram mandal, tanks and nalas have been encroached, affecting groundwater levels. Residents of Bahadurpally Green Hills Colony complained that nearby lakes like Firzajikunta have vanished, leading to water shortages.
Ranganagar Road No. 1 near Chintal in Jeedimetla is facing overflow of sewage and rainwater from three nearby colonies. Locals have urged authorities to identify a proper drainage route immediately.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath acknowledged the issue and assured action. He briefed complainants using Google Maps and directed Asset Protection officials to act against welfare associations and societies that illegally sell public spaces.
This growing misuse of religion for land grabbing is creating a serious civic and communal challenge across Hyderabad. Citizens demand strict enforcement of land laws and protection of public spaces from such illegal activities.
