Massive Encroachment on Hyderabad's Prime Bhoodan Land Triggers Eviction Crisis
In a significant development on Hyderabad's eastern outskirts, approximately 2,000 huts have been illegally constructed over 60 acres of prime Bhoodan land within just two-and-a-half years. This large-scale encroachment, valued at an estimated ₹2,000 crore by officials, has now triggered an imminent large-scale eviction drive following court intervention.
Court Orders and Government Action
The Telangana High Court has directed authorities to clear the land located in survey numbers 215 to 224 in Papaiguda hamlet of Kuntloor village near Hayatnagar in Abdullapurmet mandal. This order comes as part of a contempt case, with the court setting a strict three-week deadline for removal of encroachments. The deadline is expected to expire in less than a week, putting pressure on local administration.
Following the recent demolition of 600-700 huts on 31 acres of Bhoodan land in Velugumatla near Khammam earlier this week, the state government is now preparing to act against these new encroachments. The court specifically ordered Ibrahimpatnam Revenue Divisional Officer in Rangareddy district and the Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda, to execute the removal within three weeks of receiving the order.
Administrative Challenges and Political Dimensions
K Anantha Reddy, RDO of Ibrahimpatnam, confirmed the court's directive but noted the complexity of the situation. "The court directed both me and police commissioner to remove the encroachments on the land in Kuntloor. Some people are also claiming it is a patta land. Since it is a huge extent and nearly 2,000 huts are erected, we are waiting for the government orders," Reddy stated.
Officials revealed that an earlier attempt last year to remove the huts with police support was aborted due to fears of law and order problems. They alleged that some occupants were mobilized with political backing, and small plots of 60-70 square yards were reportedly sold for about ₹1 lakh each.
Conflicting Land Claims and Historical Context
While the revenue department maintains that the entire 60 acres—part of over 100 acres of Bhoodan land—belongs to the government, several private parties claim ownership as patta land. Historical records indicate the original inam land in Papaiguda spans about 300 acres across multiple survey numbers, with protected tenancy rights dating back to 1953.
Gaddam Babaiah and Gaddam Somaiah were recognized as protected tenants since 1953, with occupancy rights certificates, pattadar pass books, and government title deeds issued by revenue authorities. N Appa Rao and others claim to have purchased the land from Somaiah, adding another layer to the dispute.
Legal Battles and Allegations
Farmers and purchasers have alleged that fabricated allotment documents were created by members of the erstwhile AP Bhoodan Yagna Board to claim rights over the land. Related cases are currently pending before the high court, complicating the eviction process.
M Indrasena Reddy, who has fought against the encroachments in Kuntloor, highlighted the timing of the encroachments. "While there are pending writ petitions in the high courts, some people, with the help of political parties, erected huts. Despite the police department writing letters to protect the land from land grabbers in 2023, the revenue authorities did not protect the land. Just a few months before the assembly elections in 2023, the precious land worth thousands of crores was encroached upon," Reddy explained.
The situation represents a critical test for land administration in Telangana, balancing court mandates with potential social unrest. With the eviction deadline approaching, all eyes are on how authorities will handle this sensitive operation involving thousands of residents and valuable government property.
