HYDERABAD

Raising serious concerns over alleged inaction against large-scale encroachments, BRS Deputy Floor leader T. Harish Rao questioned whether HYDRAA was selectively targeting weaker sections while ignoring powerful real estate agents in Nadergul.

Hundreds of farmers from Nadergul in Balapur mandal of Ranga Reddy district met him on Wednesday, alleging that about 373 acres of government land in Kasubag Kancha (Survey No. 613/119), valued at several thousand crore, had been encroached upon. The farmers sought protection from alleged harassment by real estate operators and police personnel. Responding to this, Mr. Harish Rao spoke to the Ranga Reddy District Collector, Police Commissioner and local revenue officials over the phone, seeking immediate intervention.

Recalling the legal position, he said that the land had not been alienated and that the previous BRS government led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao had pursued the matter with the High Court under the Land Ceiling Act. He noted that the present government had also submitted before the Supreme Court that the land belonged to the State, but alleged that attempts were being made to transfer it to private entities.

He urged Revenue authorities to remove the fencing and restore cultivation rights to farmers, who, he said, had been tilling the land for generations. He also called for protecting traditional fishing rights of the Mudiraj community and ensuring access to local temples.

Alleging police inaction, the former minister said that complaints from farmers were not being acted upon and that cases were instead being filed against them. He demanded that cases be registered against those involved in the alleged attacks and encroachments, and sought protection for affected families.

The senior leader warned that he would visit Nadergul along with a BRS team if immediate action was not taken. Senior officials, however, assured Mr. Harish Rao that the matter would be examined and appropriate action initiated.