As Hyderabad prepares for a vigorous monsoon, the city’s development authority HYDRAA has raised a red flag over properties built on stormwater drains, lake buffer zones, and tampered layouts. With over 40 complaints recorded in a recent public redressal drive, officials are warning homebuyers to verify land records carefully before investing.
According to officials, most complaints centre around illegal encroachments on nalas—natural stormwater drains—across neighbourhoods like Malkajgiri, Bachupally, Madhapur, and Padmarao Nagar. Many of these nalas have been blocked, covered with concrete, or absorbed into private plots, which experts say could severely disrupt rainwater flow and worsen flood risks in the weeks ahead.
“Buying properties on encroached lands can lead to legal trouble and dangerous flooding,” said HYDRAA Commissioner, urging citizens to conduct due diligence. The agency warned that monsoon flooding is no longer a rare event, and any obstruction to the natural drainage network could put entire communities at risk. During HYDRAA’s Prajavani grievance programme, several citizens raised concerns about tampered land layouts in older gram panchayat areas.
Green spaces are also under threat. In Panjagutta’s Officers Colony, locals say a 1,000 sq. yard park has been partially converted into a temple. Residents want the rest of the land protected and developed as a civic park. In Vajra Enclave, Alwal, roads and parks meant for 230 plots have reportedly been swallowed by nearby developments
Officials explained that in many cases, private developers have reclassified land reserved for roads or parks as agricultural land using forged documents and fake passbooks. These manipulations have allowed illegal sales of plots, many of which fall in ecologically sensitive zones. HYDRAA is reviewing these cases using satellite imagery and archived maps. Officials clarified that action would focus on violators, not genuine homebuyers who may have unknowingly purchased disputed property.
The agency has pledged not to penalise innocent citizens, while ensuring drainage infrastructure and public spaces are restored. Citizens have been urged to verify land classifications, avoid properties near drains or lakebeds, and report any suspicious activity. “With rising climate risks, safeguarding natural drainage is not just a legal duty—it’s about public safety,” said the Commissioner.
