HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (
The agency cited historical records and satellite imagery amid an ongoing legal dispute.
Addressing the media, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said irrigation and revenue records from 1975 classify the site as a 9.19-acre lake in Survey No. 563/1. He added that Survey of India maps from 1971 and NASA satellite images from 1989 support the claim.
He also released a comparative video that shows how the water body has remained consistent over time.
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Court seeks affidavit, restricts ownership claims
The case has reached the Supreme Court, which has directed HYDRAA to file an affidavit within three weeks. Ranganath said no individual or entity can claim ownership of the lake until the court delivers its final verdict.
He said officials removed gates and boards around the lake to comply with court orders. However, he warned that removing all protective fencing could create safety risks.
Crackdown recovers land worth ₹85,000 crore
HYDRAA has reclaimed 2,093 acres of encroached land across Hyderabad since July 2024. The recovered land includes lake buffer zones, canals, parks, and other public-use areas.
The agency estimates the value of the reclaimed land at around ₹85,000 crore. Officials have registered over 90 cases against alleged violators and continue to take action through relevant departments.
Ranganath reiterated that all lakes are public assets. He said authorities may allow temporary farming when water levels recede. However, any construction or alteration of a lake's natural character remains illegal.
He also acknowledged complaints about gated communities restricting access to lakes and said officials are examining them.
Restoration plans and rehabilitation measures underway
HYDRAA has launched a lake restoration programme, starting with six lakes in the first phase. Work has already begun on three of them. The agency plans to restore 14 more lakes in the next phase, along with four major water bodies as directed by the government.
Addressing displacement concerns, Ranganath said the government will provide double-bedroom housing to economically weaker families affected by eviction drives linked to lake protection.
He said authorities are carrying out eviction drives in line with court guidelines. Officials issue notices and give occupants enough time to vacate. They carried out recent demolitions only after ensuring safe relocation of residents.