In a recent development, the State Cabinet announced the cancellation of GO 111. However, due to ongoing legal proceedings at the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, doubts persist regarding the actual implementation of the repeal. It is worth noting that the State High Court is also currently hearing cases pertaining to it, further complicating the situation. Consequently, there is widespread speculation surrounding the fate of the original GO 111.
Various individuals residing in the affected areas shared their concerns and echoed the prevailing skepticism when contacted by REG News. Local residents assert that despite promises made by Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao during the 2014 and 2018 elections, no concrete action was taken. However, the sudden cancellation of GO 111 is leading to suspicions that it is politically motivated ahead of the Assembly polls. Real estate experts and analysts also are expressing similar opinion.
Construction experts warn that if GO 111 is repealed and replaced by HMDA rules, it could result in the pollution of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar lakes. Further, there is a potential risk of flooding from Vikarabad and Chevella during heavy rainfall, similar to the situation in Mumbai. The enforcement of HMDA regulations may convert these areas into concrete jungles, heightening the vulnerability of houses to even minor rainfall-induced inundation. However, experts emphasise the need for clarity on the development plans for the GO 111 region. They assert that if the repeal is enacted and HMDA rules are enforced, builders who previously engaged in illegal construction of apartments and villas will now undertake legal projects. Failure to do so could lead to recurring incidents of flooding in these areas.
