HYDRA strict action on encroachment of Durgam pond

Authorities have taken firm action against illegal encroachments at Durgam Cheruvu, one of Hyderabad’s important water bodies. HYDRA officials removed encroachments spread across nearly five acres near Inorbit Mall in Madhapur on Tuesday.

The land was reportedly filled with soil and illegally used as a paid parking facility, generating rental income of up to ₹50 lakh per month. Encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone were cleared, and vehicles parked in the area were removed. Officials have temporarily installed fencing and stated that the dumped soil will be cleared in the next phase.

The action followed a complaint received through Prajavani, after which HYDRA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath ordered immediate intervention.

Once spread over nearly 160 acres in the IT corridor, Durgam Cheruvu has now shrunk to about 116 acres. Except for the northern side, the lake has faced encroachments on three sides. Satellite images provided by NRSC clearly depict how the encroachments progressed over time.