Petition Title: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Open Park Lands from Illegal Encroachments.

Why this petition matters

This petition holds immense significance as it represents a critical juncture in the fight to protect our open park lands from illegal encroachments. These green spaces are not merely patches of land but serve as the lifeblood of our communities, nurturing social cohesion, enhancing physical and mental well-being, and fostering environmental sustainability.

At the heart of our concern lies the welfare of our children, whose right to safe and accessible recreational areas is being compromised by the unchecked encroachment of these park lands. By depriving them of these spaces, we are robbing them of opportunities for outdoor play, exercise, and social interaction, essential for their holistic development and happiness.

Furthermore, the encroachment of park lands represents a blatant violation of our environmental rights enshrined in various legal frameworks. It undermines the principles of environmental justice and the public trust doctrine, which assert our collective ownership and responsibility over natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The gravity of this issue extends beyond the boundaries of our neighborhoods, encompassing broader concerns about public safety, security, and the rule of law. The presence of illegal encroachments not only disrupts the fabric of our communities but also perpetuates a culture of impunity, where land grabbers exploit regulatory loopholes for personal gain at the expense of public interest.

By rallying together and amplifying our voices through this petition, we are sending a powerful message to our authorities: that we demand accountability, transparency, and decisive action in addressing this pressing issue. We call upon our elected representatives, municipal bodies, and law enforcement agencies to uphold their sworn duty to protect our public assets and ensure the well-being of our communities.

Our petition is not merely a plea for justice; it is a call to action, a testament to our unwavering resolve to defend what is rightfully ours. We urge all concerned citizens to join us in this noble endeavor, to stand in solidarity with our communities, and to reclaim our open park lands for the betterment of all. Together, we can make a difference and secure a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Requesting the following authorities:

1. Sri Anumula Revanth Reddy Chief Minister of Telangana and  in-charge of: Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development

2. Chief Secretary of Telangana

3. Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, Telangana

4. Directorate Of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management, Telangana

5. GHMC Zonal Commissioner, Kukatpally

6. GHMC Deputy Commissioner, Alwal Circle

We, the undersigned, on behalf of the Vajra Enclave Residential Welfare Association and Chetana Residential Welfare Society colonies in a combind single layout, situated in Survey Numbers 15 and 16 of Jonnabanda village, Old Alwal, Hyderabad, urgently request your intervention to address the pressing issue of illegal encroachments on the open park lands within our residential areas.

Our communities, comprising approximately 350 plots and over 2,500 residents, are facing a dire threat due to illegal encroachments on the open park lands designated by the developer, CH Harinath, for the recreation and well-being of our community. Despite numerous appeals to the Deputy Commissioner of GHMC's Alwal Circle over the past two years, urging the construction of a compound wall and the development of the park to provide our children with safe playing areas, the civic authorities have failed to take any substantial measures.

The situation has worsened significantly, with land grabbers, allegedly supported by local political leaders, resorting to forgery and fraudulent means to lay claim to the park lands. While complaints are promptly lodged with GHMC whenever unauthorized encroachments occur, the response from the Town Planning team has been inadequate, with no effective protection or security measures implemented to safeguard the land from illegal encroachments.

As law-abiding citizens, we are deeply troubled by GHMC's apathy and inaction, which infringe upon our environmental rights guaranteed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; and Public Trust Doctrine.

Protecting urban green spaces is not just a legal obligation but crucial for environmental sustainability, air quality, and community health. The open park lands serve as the sole refuge for providing our children with a safe recreational space away from polluted roads.

We urgently implore Sri Anumula Revanth Reddy Chief Minister of Telangana and  in-charge of : Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development intervention to:

1. Direct GHMC to immediately construct a boundary wall to demarcate and secure the park lands from encroachments, and to develop a public park with necessary amenities.

2. Instruct the local police department to provide adequate security and protection to the park lands from land grabbers until the issue is resolved by the National Green Tribunal.

3. Initiate stringent penal action against any illegal occupancy, forgery of documents, or construction on the designated park area under relevant environmental laws.

4. Issue appropriate directives to prevent local political leaders from aiding and abetting the land grabbers in their unlawful activities.

Having exhausted all avenues with GHMC, we see Anumula Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, as our last recourse to uphold environmental justice, public safety, and our right to a clean and healthy environment for our children.

We earnestly urge you to take immediate action to safeguard our precious park lands from complete usurpation by the land mafia, and to ensure the safety of our community from unscrupulous elements emboldened by the civic authorities' apathy and political patronage.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Vajra Enclave Colony Association Team and Chetana Housing Colony Association Team