It appears that the Telangana government is focusing on GO 111 area. The previous BRS government had withdrawn GO 111 before taking a decision. Even after completing 20 months in office, the Revanth government has not yet made any decision regarding GO 111. This has created uncertainty over what decision the Congress government will take concerning GO 111. In this context, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reviewed GO 111 and reportedly directed officials to begin the related preparatory work, according to sources in the Secretariat. Official sources indicate that a decision on GO 111 area is expected in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Tension is building in Hyderabad’s real estate sector over GO 111. Two years ago, in May 2023, the previous BRS government lifted restrictions in areas under GO 111. At that time, the KCR government announced that construction could proceed in these areas in accordance with Hyderabad Metro Authority area regulations. Over 1.32 lakh acres of land across 84 villages fall within the GO 111 area. However, the BRS government stepped down without finalising the construction-related rules and policies. Since then, the Congress government, which came to power, has not made any decision regarding the GO 111 area. As a result, suspense continues over what action the Revanth government will take on the withdrawal or continuation of GO 111.
The Congress government is facing financial challenges in funding six guarantees, other welfare schemes, and development programs. As part of fund consolidation, the Revanth government had considered selling the Kanche Gachibowli lands, but encountered difficulties. Consequently, the government is reportedly exploring alternative options. Of the 1.32 lakh acres within the GO 111 area, around 30,000 acres are government-owned lands. Since the previous BRS government had lifted GO 111 restrictions for this area, the Revanth administration is now reportedly planning to formulate construction-related rules and policies for these lands. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has sought detailed information from officials regarding this matter.
The Telangana government is reportedly preparing to develop the GO 111 area in accordance with the National Green Tribunal’s orders and guidelines. Officials indicate that comprehensive planning is underway on building regulations, measures for the protection of reservoirs, zoning, and master planning. A special committee is expected to be appointed to oversee this process. The committee will study steps to protect the twin reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, while ensuring that environmental damage is avoided. The Revanth government is considering lifting restrictions in the GO 111 area to utilise government lands for development, while also potentially selling a portion of the land.
Experts are warning that lifting the current restrictions in the GO 111 area could harm the environment. While Hyderabad spans approximately 217 square kilometres, the GO 111 area extends over 538 square kilometres—more than double the size of the city. Specialists emphasise that the primary goal of the GO 111 master plan should be to protect the twin reservoirs for future generations.
They suggest that construction in the area should be limited to projects that do not harm the environment. The master plan should adopt a net-zero sewage policy, meaning that every home must have its own sewage treatment plant. This would prevent wastewater from contaminating the twin reservoirs. Additionally, experts recommend using sustainable alternatives, such as mud or other eco-friendly materials, instead of conventional building materials like steel and cement.
Experts believe that the GO 111 area should serve as a complementary zone for Hyderabad’s development. Instead of allowing it to compete with existing areas by permitting high-rises and IT buildings everywhere, the planning should ensure that this region supports the city’s expansion in a balanced manner. They note that if most lands in the GO 111 villages are purchased to build farmhouses, the impact on Hyderabad’s real estate market will be limited. However, allowing high-rise constructions in this area could negatively affect Hyderabad’s temperature, increase pollution, and risk turning the twin reservoirs into another Hussainsagar–type situation. Experts recommend developing the area with self-sufficient amenities, proper sanitation, and roads. They also suggest creating a buffer zone of a few kilometres around the twin reservoirs and permitting only resorts or low-impact developments within that buffer, to protect the environment while allowing controlled urban growth.
Experts suggest establishing a sports zone within the GO 111 area, prioritising playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational spaces. They recommend permitting low-density residential buildings and entertainment centres only, ensuring that urban development does not harm the twin reservoirs. By following this approach, a sustainable, environmentally friendly city can be developed across the 84 villages in the GO 111 area. Official sources indicate that the upcoming cabinet meeting will discuss and decide on the development plan for the GO 111 zone.