HYDRA is cracking down on illegal constructions.
There are efforts to assign more officials to HYDRA.
Questioningly, are there 25,000 constructions within the 111 GO jurisdiction?
HYDRA.. now hearing this name causes a stir not only in the hearts of the encroachers but also among the general public. By cracking down on illegal constructions that have encroached upon lakes, canals, and government land, HYDRA is earning widespread praise. Consequently, there is a growing demand to grant HYDRA more powers and expand its jurisdiction. In line with this, it appears the Revanth government is considering bringing the 111 GO area under HYDRA’s jurisdiction as well. If this happens, there is concern about the future of the thousands of constructions within the 111 GO area. At the same time, while showing its might against the general public, HYDRA is also facing criticism.
In both Telugu states, the name “HYDRA” is now on everyone’s talks. Whether it’s ordinary people or high-profile figures, anyone involved in encroachments is facing stringent actions from HYDRA. This has created a sense of fear among those who have encroached on lakes. HYDRA, which is making those involved in encroachments tremble, has dismantled 166 constructions across 18 locations in Hyderabad, which were built on encroached lake and park areas, and has seized 43 acres of land. Additionally, HYDRA has issued notices to hundreds of constructions in expensive areas such as Jubilee Hills and Madhapur.
Support for HYDRA is increasing day by day, not only in Hyderabad but across Telangana. People in Telangana are requesting the establishment of HYDRA systems in their regions as well to protect lakes and government lands that have been encroached upon. Moreover, there is also a demand for setting up similar systems in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and even in the national capital, Delhi, highlighting HYDRA’s growing popularity.
In light of these developments, it seems that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is considering expanding HYDRA’s powers and jurisdiction. Discussions are underway about bringing the Triple One (111) GO area under HYDRA’s purview. If this happens, questions are arising about the fate of the thousands of illegal constructions built in violation of regulations in the 111 GO area.
In Hyderabad, the twin reservoirs, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, are subject to stringent restrictions on construction in their catchment areas under the GO 111. According to GO Number 111 issued by the united Andhra Pradesh government in 1996, several restrictions were imposed on building constructions. The total area of 84 villages within the GO 111 jurisdiction, spanning 10 square kilometres, falls under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
In 2007, a Special Memo stipulated that no construction should be undertaken within 500 meters of these lakes. The buffer zone for Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs is 30 feet, with a green-recreation zone extending up to 100 meters. Additionally, a prohibited zone extends up to 500 meters. For the lower part of these reservoirs, construction is permitted only for G+2 buildings after one kilometre. However, disregarding all these regulations, it is estimated that approximately 25,000 constructions have been undertaken within the 135 square kilometres area of the GO 111 jurisdiction.
On the other hand, it is understood that most of the constructions within the Triple One GO jurisdiction are by ordinary people. About 80% of these constructions are by middle-class individuals, while 20% are undertaken by real estate developers with large-scale projects. Consequently, if there is any discussion about including the Triple One GO area under the jurisdiction of HYDRA, the residents of that area are hoping that the Telangana government will decide to relax the HYDRA regulations concerning ordinary people’s constructions. How much the Revanth government will incorporate GO 111 into HYDRA’s jurisdiction, and what decisions will be made regarding ordinary people’s constructions, will need to be clarified in the future.
