Hyderabad: HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath visited Jagadgirigutta on Saturday to investigate complaints of encroachment on temple land. He inspected the Govindarajulu Swamy Temple pond and a sacred gundam, which locals and the temple priest said was under threat.
A video by temple priest Narahari brought the issue to attention. In the video, the priest broke down, saying the Lord’s gundam was being encroached upon, and requested authorities to take action and save the land.
Ranganath reviewed the temple premises and surrounding land and said strict action would be taken against encroachments that occurred after HYDRAA’s establishment in July last. He clarified that HYDRAA would not interfere with structures built before this date.
A meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday at HYDRAA office to discuss land encroachments, and the commissioner urged residents to submit relevant documents. Ranganath also recommended forming committees to safeguard temple land and Parki Cheruvu.
Ranganath assured locals that the Survey of India would assess the 14.1-acre temple land and the 66-acre Parki Cheruvu. He stated that HYDRAA police station will become operational in two weeks, and non-bailable cases will be filed against encroachers there.
