Gopalnagar residents join hands to protect their park from encroachers
HYDERABAD: Residents of Gopalnagar Society in Kukatpally's Hafeezpet took to the streets on March 20 to protect its park from encroachment. Over 100 residents, including women and children, gathered near the park for a peaceful protest.
Desperate calls and repeated pleas to the authorities to safeguard the park from land sharks fell on deaf ears as trucks and other vehicles have been dumping construction material in the open land, said members of the Gopalnagar Residents Welfare Association (GNRWA).
"The 95-acre colony has only half-an-acre parkland which is less than what it is mandated. With so much development work and urbanisation, we barely get to breathe fresh air. This park is our stress-buster and the only place our kids have for a real playing experience. We will do everything in our means to protect it from money-minded businessmen," said Chaitanya Jalagan, an advocate.
The land's ownership has been under dispute in court since 2017. A 2019 RTI query showed that the space was meant for a park.
"The encroachers have been misleading the court with falsified documents but we will fight it out. Although we were assured of action by the civic body, precious little has been done by them," said Sydu Babu, general secretary, GNRWA.
A GHMC official said that the area town planning officer has been informed to attend to it immediately. A decision will be taken when they undertake site inspection.
"It is sad and shameful that we have to go to the streets and struggle for a small breathing space," said Rajesh Reddy A., local resident. Another added that some residents have even lost hope and are on the verge of giving up.
"After five years of dealing with them, we can accurately anticipate the kind of responses the GHMC will come up with. One wonders why GHMC is not trying to take control of the park area and put up some sign boards and begin working towards minimal greenery," a resident said on condition of anonymity.
Ashok Kumar, another resident, said that the fact that today, even women and children are having to fight for what's legally theirs — a park in the area that is in the heart of the city —is a disgrace.
“We don't even have other basic things like a community hall and place of worship. The open space has been barricaded and we have been warned against entering it," Kumar said.
Pavan Thanikonda, an advocate, speaking on behalf of his clients, said, "All the material papers pertaining to the permission, including HC directions have been submitted. I would appreciate it if the aggrieved parties approach court since the matter is subjudice."
