This is a case of mass destruction. It seems that tearing down buildings, often done under the pretext of lake restoration to its full water level (FTL), is a systemic problem. How did this happen? Was it administrative malpractice or inadequate supervision or dereliction of duty? — Govind Kumar
Hydrae formation is due to collusion among local authorities and politicians who exploit and gain from FTL limits areas.FTL bodies of water. Any individual caught in such activities regardless of their standing or influence, whether they are top figures or political leaders trespassing There will be repercussions.
This unethical practice strikes at the very core of most aquatic bodies. We know what our aims are. Our objectives include ending violation of water bodies and ensuring that those responsible are duly punished. The agency will work tirelessly to safeguard these critical resources within the city.
Majority of lakes do not have physical demarcations or barriers for FTLs and buffer zones. What measures will be taken to prevent further encroachment, pollution and restore these water bodies? —Rakesh P
It was therefore decided that we would now implement virtual boundaries and monitors across all lakes situated in different wards in Nissanpet, Chanda Nagar, Moinabad, Gandipet and Meeradevpalli.
The decision comes after removal of physical fencing, cautionary signs and markings by builders-any person constructing unauthorized structures around these sites. The virtual fence system will use geotagging technology for defining the boundaries of waterbodies.
Whenever someone tries to enter into this protected area, an alarm goes off alerting relevant departments. This step is meant to avoid more encroachments as well as ensure security for the lake.
Uncontrolled growth and development at Narragandra is destroying this area. How can you explain giving new building permits when current municipal infrastructure cannot cater for even the existing buildings? —Bavia Dore
We shall inspect immediately nearby irregularities around the building’s layout and map. buffer Narragandra. In most cases, the builders devise means of encroaching into buffer zones around water bodies.
These spaces are filled with construction and demolition (C&D) debris that comes out of construction activities. By disposing and demolishing waste within FTL area, they effectively took over and changed these protected areas to suit their needs.
This not only violates regulations about conservation of water resources but also carries a significant environmental danger. Demolition waste pollution destroys natural ecosystems and hampers proper functioning of these vital water resources.
Illegal hoarding has become a big issue especially during monsoon season in Hyderabad. How does HYDRAA plan to address this issue? ——Parimala G. Tadas
We will be working with GHMC, HMDA and HMR to get full data on authorized hoardings which we shall geo-tag for improved monitoring thus addressing the menace of illegal hoarding. Any billboard that does not appear on this list will be deemed as illegal advertisement board.The problem is particularly acute around some KBR parks that have bus shelters.
Illegally hoarding items by many people causes loss of revenue for the government too. Despite having space for 100000 adverts, only five thousand people are currently paying rent for bill boards.
Moreover, even after expiration of lease agreements, relevant organizations continue generating income from adverting at FOBs.
How many lakes are there in Hyderabad and how much are they affected? What is HYDRAA doing to protect these lakes? ——Priyanka G.
We have more than 600 lakes achieving ORR, of which 185 are within GHMC limits. According to the National Remote Sensing Center, over sixty percent of these water bodies have been encroached upon. In three phases, HYDRAA sought to address this problem.
The first phase will target stopping any further infringements on the FTL or buffer zone. The second stage will be about reclaiming the encroached land.
Desilting works shall be undertaken as a final step towards rejuvenating the nalas and water bodies once the lake has been restored.
Is there a mechanism to complain to HYDRAA about encroachments, illegal hoarding, etc.? ——Sandeep B.
Encroachments and illegal constructions can now be reported by citizens through email at HYDRAA-helpdesk@telangana.gov.in. We will also release our whatsapp number and create an exclusive X (formerly twitter) account for citizens who can report problems through this social platform.
This move aims at ensuring that complaints reach relevant authorities quickly for timely resolutions.
Our walkway is located on the main road from Begumpet Metro Station to St. Francis College. Can you solve this problem? ——Jay Shankar
To identify obstacles causing traffic congestion, we decided on a joint inspection with police from Hyderabad, Rachakonda and Cyberabad Police Commissionersate areas and also ascertain if there were any structures hindering pedestrian movement on footpaths as part of conducting group survey.
In case such a situation is noticed during inspection; a structure obstructing construction will immediately be demolished.
Our apartment – Sneha Kalyan Apartment in Tirumala Nagar was in dilapidated condition. Could you please inspect the apartment and explain what precautions should be taken? —V Veerabhadra Rao
GHMC will undertake a technical study of the buildings that look old. More than 500 dangerous buildings have been demolished OK in the city.
The only option left is demolishing any building found to be unsafe and unfit for habitation. We are willing to assist with demolitions regardless of whether it belongs to GHMC or any other nearby town or city if such hazardous structures need to be brought down.
If our land is illegally occupied, can we contact Hydra? —Gautam Chi
There will also be a dedicated police station responsible for protecting public and private property. This would come up at Buddha Bhavan and would have two ACP level officers, six inspectors and 30 other personnel.
Land grabbing and encroachment complaints can be lodged by citizens. In addition, a request has been made to the state government for appointment of three Superintendent of Police (SP) level officers to head North (Cyberabad), South (Rachakonda) and Central (Hyderabad) districts respectively. As part of its overall strategy, HYDRAA is working towards establishing a specialized team with seventy-two squads; each one having specific roles related to disaster response as well as asset protection.
When buying a property, how do you check if it is built within a buffer zone? —Ajay T.
When buying a property near a lake, one must be careful. These lands are often sold at reduced prices to draw attention of buyers. However, the major point is to ensure that land does not lie within 30 meters around the lake. In order to make potential buyers well informed therefore we have decided to develop a website which will give all information regarding buffer zones restrictions, advice for purchasers on how to avoid losing their property due to failure to observe stipulations and impacts of purchasing within buffer zone.
Bharath P How many properties have been demolished in the city at large and how much land has been recovered?
We’ve never relented in our quest for FTL lands across the city. Up till now, we have successfully brought down almost 140 houses out of these fifty are high rise buildings.
Through this process, HYDRAA has repossessed 150 acres of land. The value of each house that was destroyed amounts to crores in rupees. Although some residents and politicians tried stopping us from continuing with the exercise, we were adamant on moving forward with it even if it meant bringing down resistance from them.
