To safeguard tanks and ponds under the HMDA limits, the state government initiated a new programme of entrusting the responsibility to safeguard these water bodies to realtors. It made it clear that the realtors should take steps to safeguard the water bodies that are located within a radius of 500 meters from their project. The HMDA is insisting on it at the time of awarding approvals to the projects.
There are over 3100 tanks and ponds under HMDA limits. Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao has suggested partnering the realtors to safeguard them and to promote greenery in the region. KTR has directed the CREDAI and also the builders to take care of water bodies close to their projects, according to municipal administration special chief secretary Arvind Kumar. Meanwhile, the HMDA has fixed FTL and fenced some of the water bodies. Many more water bodies are yet to be provided with the FTL and fence.
The new rules pertaining to safeguarding the water bodies are equally applicable to approvals granted to multi-storey structures, gated communities, and commercial buildings. In fact, drainages from these ventures are emptying into the water bodies illegally. The municipal administration authorities appeal to realtors to stop the practice. The promoters have been asked to develop walkways all around the tanks and develop greenery. As a result, the quality of water in tanks and ponds will increase, they said.
