GO 111 – Is Govt tricking people?

Either the HMDA officials are in deep slumber or they just chose to turn a blind eye to the illegal constructions coming up in GO 111 area. People are increasingly concerned over the peculiar and lackadaisical attitude towards the illegal constructions and encroachments in GO 111 and are wondering if the HMDA was buckling under political pressure or just gave up it’s fight to protect GO 111 area.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao recently said that there are 3,000 water bodies within the 7,000 sq km area of HMDA, and all measures will be taken to protect them. Similarly, the Minister, while releasing the annual report of MA&UD 2021, said that the government is committed to preserve Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar lakes as well as ensure that GO 111 area is free from encroachments and pollution. However, Special Chief Secretary of MA&UD Arvind Kumar, stated in an interview to a magazine that illegal constructions are increasing within the GO 111 area. This is raising doubts among the citizens on the State government’s sincerity towards preventing the illegal constructions and encroachments.

* With Arvind Kumar who is Special Chief Secretary for Municipal Administration and also HMDA Commissioner, saying that illegal constructions are rising, one immediate doubt on the minds of many people is – Why HMDA is not stopping the illegal activities in GO 111 area and reasons for its failure? They are questioning why the authorities have remained mute spectators to the destruction being caused. They feel that making such remarks exposes the failure of the municipal authorities and instead suggest that being the top official of the department, Arvind Kumar should discharge his responsibilities properly. They are demanding for a proper explanation on the measures taken to prevent these activities over last one year

Why government is insisting on removal of GO 111?

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is a nature lover and organising Haritha Haram programme every year to promote greenery. Funds are specifically allocated in the municipal budget. “But how could such a visionary leader not understand the natural calamity of repealing GO 111? At a time when all the major streets of Hyderabad are getting flooded for slightest of rain, didn’t the Chief Minister realise that permitting construction of villas and apartments in the eco-sensitive GO 111 area would pose larger threat of inundation? Or is someone misleading CM KCR regarding GO 111?” are the doubts being raised among the people. It is time that the CM and the government understand that the twin reservoirs were not only meant to cater to drinking water needs, but also to prevent flooding in Hyderabad. People want GO 111 to be implemented as usual so that Hyderabad city does not become another Mumbai or Bengaluru in future.