TELANGANA: `DEMOLITION MAN' RANGANATH IS SENDING FEAR DOWN SPINES OF LAKE ENCROACHERS

 

Telangana:  ‘Demolition man’ Ranganath is sending fear down spines of lake encroachers

Backed by the Chief Minister, the person undertaking the demanding task is senior IPS officer A V Ranganath, who heads the newly renamed and reconstituted Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA). He is the new demolition man of Hyderabad.

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   

Published: 20th August 2024 9:42 pm IST

Hyderabad: The city has a new “Bulldozer Baba” in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is sending a chill down the spine of encroachers of lakes, water bodies, parks and other public spaces. 

Never in the past, scores of newly constructed and under construction buildings in lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL), buffer zones and other illegal encroachments are ruthlessly demolished in early morning swoop in and around Hyderabad, sending shockwaves among encroachers, builders, political leaders and officials.

Backed by the Chief Minister, the person undertaking the demanding task is senior IPS officer A V Ranganath, who heads the newly renamed and reconstituted Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA). He is the new demolition man of Hyderabad.

HYDRA has targeted many big builders and influential people and pulled down villas, commercial and other structures, receiving wide acclaim from the public in the past few days. His actions have created a sensation and are appreciated by all right-thinking people.

Protecting water bodies

Protection of lakes, water-bodies, nalas and government land in the 2,000 square kilometre of the city’s region will be HYDRA’s responsibility. In addition, regulation of hoardings and flexi banners; attending to emergencies relating to drinking water pipelines, drainage lines and power distribution lines; regulation of traffic; and flood management will be part of the department’s brief.

The Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari to prepare a draft proposal towards restructuring the department, delineating the staff requirements, duties, funding and responsibilities.

Ranganath begins his job

Ranganath, with a team of officials and demolition equipment, began the arduous task of demolition of illegal encroachments in lake beds Chinta Cheruvu, Gajularamaram, Chandanagar, Nizampet, Bahadurpura, Gandipet and other places. He is the new demolition man of Hyderabad.

Though there had been opposition at some places from builders, local leaders and MLAs, Ranganath took police protection and carried out the operation swiftly. Cases have been booked against Congress MLA Danam Nagender for aiding and abetting the demolition of the GHMC wall in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Earlier, MIM MLA Kausar Mohiuddin was detained by police when he tried to obstruct the demolition of illegal structures in the heritage lake of Bum-Rukn-Ud-Dowla in Shashtripuram near Rajendranagar, RR District. He denied obstructing demolition.

“Wrongdoers should be scared to construct houses, buildings in buffer zones and Full Tank Levels. Only unscrupulous elements are feared but not honest dwellers. We have recovered 100 acres of land in 20 lakes. There are 60 per cent, 80 per cent and 100 per cent encroachments in some lake beds. Though courts have given orders, they remained on paper. As long as it is on paper, it will have no effect on the wrong doers. They should feel the consequences of constructing buildings in prohibited areas. We took the first step on Chintacheruvu where 56 illegal structures were pulled down,” Ranganath told the media.
In Erla Cheruvu in Chandanagar Circle, the villas had both GHMC building permissions and NOCs (No Objection Certificate) to undertake constructions. On an average, over 100 complaints are being received.

He further explained HYDRA took the help of NRSA data satellite images, revenue records, ground reality and all available information before carrying out demolition of illegal structures in FTL and Buffer Zones. HYDRA has specially deputed teams from GHMC, HMDA, HMWSSB, city traffic police and other departments.

Delhi’s famous demolition man

Alphons Kannathanam, a 1979 batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre became famous as Delhi’s Demolition Man when he was Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority. He had cleared DDA areas of encroachment, removing around 15,000 illegal buildings.

This got him listed in Time Magazine’s list of 100 Young Global Leaders in 1994. He joined the BJP and became Union Minister of State.  Hyderabad’s demolition man Ranganath is following suit.

As per the available data in GHMC, there are 185 lakes besides 400 lakes within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) data has found that between 1979 and 2024 (45 years), water bodies in and around Hyderabad have shrunk by 61 per cent.

Buildings in GO 111 areas

Hyderabadis were stunned to see videos of under-construction projects of Greenko Group, Oro Sports Village, Palamuru Grill and others worth hundreds of crores of rupees were razed to the ground in a jiffy in the buffer zone of Osman Sagar.

Two major sources of drinking water from the Nizam era, Osman Sagar (Gandipet) and Himayat Sagar, which come under GO 111, have seen massive illegal constructions for a decade or more.

Former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao promised to do away with the GO 111 in the run-up to the elections, promising that it would take all steps to prevent pollution of the lakes and prepare a master plan before permitting any activity.

BRS leaders claimed that since the two lakes, which once met the drinking water needs of the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, were no longer utilised since it is banking on Krishna and Godavari waters there was no need for GO 111.

This election promise has triggered massive constructions around the lakes and new ventures have begun to sprout. Water bodies are swallowed by land sharks with impunity, resulting in lakes shirking drastically in and around Hyderabad and neighbouring districts.

GO 111 was enacted to safeguard the catchment areas responsible for diverting water to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. The designated catchment areas are classified as Bio Conservation Zones. The GO explicitly prohibits any form of construction within a 10 km radius of both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

This prohibition extends to industrial facilities, commercial establishments, restaurants, or any other structures that have the potential to pollute the water and air in the area. The objective is to maintain the pristine condition of these water bodies and preserve the ecological balance of their surroundings.

No scrapping of GO 111

Immediately after taking charge, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy put the Airport Metro corridor on the back burner and also kept on hold the repeal of the contentious GO 111.

The Chandrasekhar Rao-led government repealed the GO last year but did not give effect to its replacement, Government Order 63 talked of framing guidelines for allowing change of land use from conservation zone to residential and commercial or multipurpose.

Many people have purchased lands in GO 111 areas in the hope that it will be scrapped. The price of land per square yard and acre in GO 111 was also low due to restrictions.

However, Ranganath demolished many under-construction structures including apartments, sports village, food courts, and commercial establishments in the Gandipet area with operations beginning early morning at 6 am and tasks completed by evening with heavy demolition machinery. Those who tried to obstruct were taken into custody by police.

A criminal case was filed against an ex-sarpanch for granting unauthorised permits for the construction of illegal structures though he has no authority. Permissions have to be given by the panchayat secretary.

HYDRA has decided to take legal action against realtors and builders who undertake structures in FTL, buffer zones and other prohibited areas besides officials and others who are cooperating with them.
He advises property buyers to ascertain documents, get a legal opinion and avoid those within 30 metres of a lake’s boundary which is a buffer zone.

While the demolition of illegal structures is on, the action against those involved in such acts including officials who turned a blind eye or provided tacit support is worth watching.

Telangana: HC Issued Guidelines to HYDRAA on Demolitions Telangana 

Vujjini Vamshidhar 

22 August 2024 12:22 AM

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday issued a set of guidelines for the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) regarding its actions against illegal structures in Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones. 

Justice K. Lakshman said that HYDRAA must proceed strictly in accordance with the law and the procedures outlined in GO 99, dated July 19, 2024, which established the agency.

He further directed HYDRAA to consider the prima facie title of those accused of illegal encroachment and unauthorised construction before taking any action. HYDRAA must also review any permissions obtained by the alleged encroachers from authorities, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), municipalities, and gram panchayats. The agency should ensure there is no discrimination between owners of small plots of land (e.g., 60 to 100 square yards) and those owning larger tracts (e.g., one acre or more). 

The directives were issued by Justice Lakshman while hearing a petition seeking to restrain HYDRAA and other state agencies from taking action against structures at the Janwada farmhouse, which are allegedly built on FTL land. 

The judge noted that these guidelines were necessary in light of criticism regarding alleged discrimination and heavyhandedness by HYDRAA officials, including its Commissioner, during demolition activities. Additionally, the judge instructed HYDRAA to provide details of the actions it has taken so far, specifically the number of structures demolished in compliance with the established procedures. 

   An illegal building being demolished in Gandipet

KTR’s Illegal Farmhouse Set for Demolition Telangana 

N. Vamsi Srinivas 22 August 2024 12:50 AM 

Hyderabad: Decks have been cleared for the demolition of the popular ‘Janwada Farmhouse’, which former minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K.T. Rama Rao claimed to have taken on lease, with the Telangana High Court refusing to pass any order to not demolish the alleged illegal structure. 

The court categorically said that state agencies should follow due process of law while dealing with the structure, if it was found to be illegal. Like many structures which were razed to ground in the recent past the Janwada Farmhouse, leased out to Rama Rao by his childhood friend one B. Pradeep Reddy, was built after taking permission from a local village sarpanch who had no such sanctioning authority.

The High Court was dealing with a petition filed by Pradeep Reddy seeking a direction “to stop different state agencies including HYDRAA from interfering with the peaceful possession and enjoyment of the farmhouse.” 

When the petitioner apprehended that his farmhouse may also be demolished by HYDRAA, which had launched a special drive to clear the Full Tank Level areas and buffer zones of lakes of encroachments and wanted the court to pass an order against demolitions, Justice K. Lakshman directed the HYDRAA to strictly follow the procedure laid down in the GO Ms 99 brought out by the state government setting up specialised agency HYDRAA.

The government also informed the court that it was an illegal structure. “The High Court case is now centred around whether or not the structure falls in prohibitory limits of the water body. But, even otherwise, it is an illegal structure because the panchayat secretary, not the sarpanch, is the sanctioning authority. Hence, the structure is liable for demolition by the local municipal authority, if not HYDRAA,” pointed out a senior state official. 

 

The state, according to the official, will have two options — expand the area of operation of HYDRAA, establish that the farmhouse falls in the prohibitory limits of the water body and get it demolished by HYDRAA or treat it as an illegal structure and make the local authorities carry out the demolition. 

Significantly, the lake protection activists alleged that the farmhouse owner had deliberately described the twin reservoirs of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar as lakes to gain a leverage in prohibitory limits which would otherwise be stringent in terms of reservoirs. Also Read - Asifabad Collector Inspects CHC, Interior Villages Serious questions were also raised about the propriety of the BRS working president in taking an illegal structure on lease. 

The environmental activists and rival political parties were of the view that being a municipal minister it was his duty to demolish illegal structures instead of taking it on lease and living in it. Wednesday’s development also came as a shot-in-the-arm for the Congress government, in particular, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is the architect of HYDRAA. 

The petitioner raised serious questions over the legality of HYDRAA terming it as an illegal agency which was set up in violation of the GHMC Act, an argument similar to the one echoed by the All-India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) recently when a structure built by its MLA Mohammed Mubeen was demolished. 

The High Court also sought a clarification from the government on the legality of HYDRAA and after the government submitted the GO to the court, Justice Lakshman directed HYDRAA to follow the procedure laid down in the GO, but he did not pass any order that would have put the very existence of HYDRAA in doubt. ( Source : Deccan Chronicle ) 

                                                     IPS officer A V Ranganath

A.V. Ranganath is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Telangana. He has worked in various roles, including: Additional commissioner of Crime and Special Investigation Team (SIT)
In February 2024, Ranganath was appointed as the inspector-general (IG) of multi-zone 1 in Hyderabad. He earlier worked as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Warangal, where he has solved many difficult cases, including the case of a medical student named Preeti.  He has also worked in the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Chief Secretary's offices in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He now heads HYDRA.

Siasat.com/C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

Home » Southern States » 

Telangana Telangana Govt. Constitutes HYDRA for Disaster Response 

DC Correspondent 19 July 2024 9:50 PM 

HYDRA, the brain child of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, comprises an asset protection wing, disaster management wing and logistical support wing.

Hyderabad: The government on Friday constituted the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA), an unified agency for disaster management and enforcement in the Telangana core urban region (TCUR).

TCUR comprises the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and all urban and rural local bodies up to Outer Ring Road (ORR). HYDRA, the brain child of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, comprises an asset protection wing, disaster management wing and logistical support wing.

“The GHMC’s Commissioner of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM) A.V. Ranganath will head the HYDRA.

He will work under the supervision and guidance of MA&UD principal secretary Dana Kishore,” said a source in the MA&UD department.

HYDRA will be a dedicated agency for planning, organising, coordinating and implementing the measures for preparedness and prevention of urban disasters.

HYDRA’s responsibilities will include coordination with other state and national agencies for prompt response and rescue operations in any disaster situation or disaster that may arise.

"The ORR has become the natural boundary of the city encompassing various urban and rural local bodies but there is no elementary support system of disaster management in these areas. Following this, HYDRAA was formulated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy,” said an MA&UD official.

HYDRAA’s three wings 

Asset Protection Wing 

To protect assets of local bodies and government such as parks, layout open spaces, playgrounds, lakes, nalas, land parcels, roads, carriageways, and footpaths from encroachments. 

Removal of lake encroachments in coordination with GHMC, police and other state government departments Inspection of private premises for building and town planning regulation. 

Penal action on the violations in connection with illegal advertisements Disaster Management Wing Taking up disaster response and relief work by Disaster Response Force (DRF). Coordination with national and state agencies for disaster management. Coordination with technical agencies such as IMD, and NRSA. Logistics Support Wing Disaster Response Information System for Telangana core urban region area.

GO 111

GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH ABSTRACT H.M.W.S. & S.B – Protection of catchment Areas of Himayatsagar and Osmansagar Lakes – Recommendations of the Committee Constituted by the H.M.W.S. & S.B – Amendment to G.O.Ms.No.192, M.A., Dt.31.3.1994 – Orders – Issued. MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (II) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.111, M.A. Dated the 8th March, 1996. 

Read the following:- 1. G.O.Ms.No.192, M.A, dated 31.3.1994. 2. From the Vice Chairman, HUDA, letter No.3811/P8/94, dated 6.6.94. 3. From the Director, Town and Country Planning, Hyderabad letter Roc.No.11914/94/P1, dated 9.8.94. 4. From Managing Director, H.M.W.S. & S. Board, letter No.1220/CE/T1-S1/92/2030; dated 3.1.95 and 21.4.95. 5. Govt. D.O. Lr.No.31222/11/95-1, M.A, Dt. 25.10.95 and 4.11.1995 6. From the ManagingDirector, H.M.W.S & .Board, Hyderabad, D.O.Lr.No.MDP/ HMWS&SB/ 95-1637, dated 26.12.1995.

ORDER: 1. In the G.O., 1st read above, orders were issued prohibiting various developments within 10 km radius of Himayatsagar and Osmansagar lake areas which are main sources of drinking water supply as per the recommendation of the Expert Committee constituted by Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board to suggest ways and means to monitor the quality of water in these reservoirs. 

2. In the D.O. Letter 6th read above, the Managing Director, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has furnished second interim report of the committee prepared after detailed discussions and field visit to Osmansagar pipelines, making certain recommendations for the protection of the lakes. 

3. Government after careful examination of the recommendations of the Committee, have decided to issue the following orders in modification of the earlier orders issued in G.O.Ms.No.192, M.A., dated 31.3.1994.

(i) To prohibit polluting industries, major hotels, residential colonies or other establishments that generate pollution, in the catchment of the lakes upto 10 kms from full tank level of the lakes as per list in Annexure –I.

 However, residential developments in residential use zone may be permitted. The following measures shall be taken to protect water flowing into the lakes. 

(a) 60% of the total area shall be kept as open space and roads in all layouts in the villages of catchment area. 

(b) The land use of about 90% of the area is classified as recreational and conservation use in the Master Plan. The Hyderabad Urban Development Authority should take action for the classification of this 90% of the area as agriculture which is inclusive of horticulture and floriculture. 

(c) To restrict the F.S.I to 1:0.5 in the catchment area. This measure will ensure that 90% of the area remains under agriculture as is the practice now and ensure protection of the lakes. 

(d) To monitor periodically the level of difference pesticides, fertilizer residues carried into the lakes. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board shall conduct such studies through J.N.T.U/ Central University or any other reputed agency at regular intervals and review the results once in 6 months. 

(e) To prohibit polluting industries within 10 kms radius (i.e. both on upstream and down stream side of the lakes) to prevent acidification of lakes due to air pollution. 

(f) There shall be total prohibition of location of industries in the prohibited zone. (g) Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board shall make further study of the existing industries in the upstream and down stream of the lakes and take action under their Act.

(ii) For the protection of raw water channel from Osmansagar to Asifnagar no layout or building permission should be granted by Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad / Hyderabad Urban Development Authority / Director of Town and Country Planning up to a maximum of 100 ft from the conduit site boundary. 

While approving the layouts along the conduit, a minimum of 9 mtrs wide road plus green belt to a maximum width of 100ft should be insisted to act as buffer on either side of conduit and the green belt shall be accounted as part of mandatory open space to be left the layout. 

Drainage pipe lines must be laid parallel to the conduit and no sewerage/sullage water discharged shall be allowed from the layouts towards the conduit. 

(iii) Orders issued in G.O.Ms.No.50, M.A., dated 18.1.1989 shall be effectively implemented by concerned Departments i.e., 

(1)Zilla Parishad Ranga Reddy, Mahabubnagar and Medak districts. 

(2) Panchayat Raj Department 

(3) Irrigation Department 

(4) Social Welfare Department are directed not to takeup any building works / check dams / lift irrigation works / storage reservoirs across vagus flowing in the catchment areas. (BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA PRADESH)

C. ARJUN RAO Principal Secretary to Government To The Managing Director, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board, Hyderabad. The A.P. Pollution Control Board, Hyderabad. The Vice-Chairman, Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, Hyderabad. The Director of Town and Country Planning, Hyderabad. 

The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Dept. The Industries and Commerce Department The Energy, Science and Technology Department The Collector, Mahabubnagar / Rangareddy / Medak / Hyderabad district. Copy to: Secretary to C. M. P.S. to M (MA) / C.S. A/W Section, MA & UD Department. // forwarded by order//

Sd/- SECTION OFFICER 

What is 111 GO? Know more about it

Hyderabad is a city, which is developing rapidly and increasing its limits over the 

past few decades. As the city is developing very fast, the requirement of water is

more. Nowadays the Government of Telangana brings the water from Krishna, 

Manjeera and Godavari rivers by using pipelines from different projects to 

fulfill the water requirement of Hyderabad.

Reason for This G.O

A few years back ( before the bifurcation of Telangana ) Hyderabad didn’t have 

any water supply except natural sources. Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar 

( also known as Gandipet Cheruvu) are the two major water resources for

Hyderabad. Back then Hyderabad was completely dependent on these two 

resources to fulfill the requirement of water. 

If any construction or development of industries takes place in this area, 

it will affect and pollute these resources. Due to this the water requirement of 

Hyderabad will be affected and water will get polluted.

Why 111 G.O Hyderabad

In order to protect these two lakes i.e, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, 

the Government of Andhra Pradesh passed a GO. No. 111 in March 1996. 

Before passing this G.O, the government made a committee and conducted a 

survey about this. Took the suggestions of the Environmental Tribunal.

What is 111 G.O?

As per this GO. No 111, focuses mainly on protecting the catchment areas 

from where the water must be diverted to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. 

Catchment areas that are mentioned in the GO come under 

Bio Conservation Zone. 

The G.O clearly states that there should be no constructions allowed 

in a 10 km radius from both Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar. 

Therefore, no industrial, commercial, restaurants or any other construction 

that pollutes water and air are not allowed in this area.

Land use limitations as per 111 G.O

However, Residential constructions are allowed in residential zones only. 

60% of the total area must be kept as open space and roads in all the 

villages of the catchment area. 

And 90% of the land can be used for recreational and conservation. 

That means 90% of the area remains under agriculture which is inclusive of 

horticulture and floriculture to ensure the protection of the lakes.

VILLAGES FALLING WITHIN 10 KMs CATCHMENT 

AREA OF OSMAN SAGAR AND HIMAYAT SAGAR 

S.No.	Village Name	S.No.	Village Name
1.	Aziznagar	2.	Yenkatpally
3.	Mumtazguda	4.	Sajjanpalli
5.	Surgangal	6.	Naebnagar
7.	Bangallaguda	8.	Nagireddiguda
9.	Bakaramjagir	10.	Andapur
11.	Dargatdrula	12.	Venkatpuram
13.	Himayat Nagar	14.	Chilkoor
15.	Chanda Nagar	16.	Medipally
17.	Chinna Mangalaram	18.	Mothukupally
19.	Reddypally	20.	Pedda Mangalaram
21.	Gudur	22.	Malkaram
23.	Kolbawatidoddi	24.	Sultanpalli
25.	Yacharam	26.	Rayangudda
27.	Chowdariguda	28.	Markhudda
29.	Amapelli	30.	Harrigudda
31.	Kotwalguda	32.	Shamshabad
33.	Kishanguda	34.	Ottapalli
35.	Tondapalli	36.	Devatabowli
37.	Talkatta	38.	Etbarpalli
39.	Makanpally	40.	Kattireddypally
41.	Yenkamadi	42.	Ramangipur
43.	Kevatriguda	44.	Mangipur
45.	Jukal	46.	Gandigudda
47.	Peddashapur	48.	Madanpally
49.	Palmakula	50.	Gangiraiguda
51.	Cherlaguda	52.	Hameedullanagar
53.	Osettiguda	54.	Gowlapallykand
55.	Rashidguda	56.	Syedguda
57.	Gollapallekalan	58.	Bahadurguda
59.	Golkondakhur	60.	Shakerpur
61.	Sangiguda	62.	Golkondakalan
63.	Dhatampally	64.	Maharajpet
65.	Gopularam	66.	Poddutur
67.	Chinna Shapur	68.	Tol Matta
69.	Sollipet	70.	Maddur
71.	Khanpur	72.	Gunugurthy
73.	Vatti Nagulapally	74.	Mumera
75.	Malakpur	76.	Yenkapally
77.	Yerlapally	78.	Kanmeta
79.	Gollapally	80.	Raviapally
81.	Mudimyal	82.	Janwada
83.	Tankutur.	84.	Bulkapur

Pros of this G.O

• The purpose of this G.O is to protect the Environmental Resources.
• Water requirements of Hyderabad city will be fulfilled.

Cons of this G.O

• As we know that there are particular restrictions in the villages of catchment zone, 
• no development activities will take place in this area.
• The land value will not increase as there is no development.
• Generating employment in this area is more difficult.
• Most areas are lagging behind despite proper facilities.

Latest Updates on 111 GO

According to Chief Minister KCR, the city no longer depends on these two lakes 

for its water needs, as the government now draws water from 

Krishna and Godavari rivers. However, after other reservoirs dried out, 

the local government tapped the water supplies of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar

in 2019.

Environmental Activists Reaction

Meanwhile, It would be difficult to simply revoke the government decision, 

according to eminent environmentalist K. Purushotham Reddy. 

He also cited the Supreme Court’s “precautionary principle” declared in 2000 

when an industrial unit sought permission to operate within 10 kilometers of the 

catchment region. But Supreme Court denied permission as it harms water bodies. 

Both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were not only built for drinking water 

purposes, but also for escaping and controlling massive floods.

In 2020 Hyderabad got flooded resulting in many losses. 

“And if reservoirs like Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar aren’t preserved, 

the water impact coming into the city will be much bigger, wreaking havoc,” Reddy

continued.

According to activist and economist Lubna Sawarth, KCR made a misleading 

statement on the House floor, when he termed the lakes “redundant.”

These reservoirs also provide quality wind and The Mrugavani National Park 

between these reservoirs and the entire area acts as a heat absorption unit for the city.

Experts warn that if this is permitted to become a reality, the city would turn into

 a furnace.

Other Environmentalist Opinion

Conservationist Rajendra Singh, who is known as “Waterman of India” and 

who was one of the water conservation advisors when Hyderabad GO 111 was

 issued during ex-CM N. Chandrababu Naidu’s time, called KCR’s decision 

the “biggest disaster for Hyderabad”. He said environmental activists 

will move to the apex court if needed.

The Government placed a Committee

KCR acknowledged in the state assembly that the sudden repeal of the 

order could lead to “chaos,” although noted that his government is taking

 a “gradual” approach. According to the CM, the municipal administration 

department has been directed to address the issue in stages after establishing

master plans and green zones.

Environmentalists Suggestions on 111 Go

However, It’s not the problem of cancellation of GO 111, the challenge 

begins once it is revoked. Once the government has a special master plan in 

place that ensures lakes are protected and pollution is prevented and it will be 

approved by the NGT ( National Green Tribunal). 

GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA ABSTRACI MA&UD Department - Removal of restrictions imposed G.O.Ms.No.111 Dt. in the villages covered by 08.03.1996- Orders - Issued. MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (Plg.I(1)) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No. 69 Dated: 12.04.2022 Read the following:£ 1. G.O.Ms.No.111 MA, Dated:08.03.1996 2. G.O.Rt.No.839, MA, Dated:07.12.2016 3. G.O.Rt.No.165, MA, Dated:19.03.2018 4. G.0.Rt.No.873, MA, Dated:20.12.2019 5.
Report submitted by High Power Committee,
Dt.31.03.2022. ORDER In the reference 1s read above, orders were issued prohibiting polluting industries, major hotels, residential colonies and other establishments that generate pollution in the catchment area of Osman Sagar & Himayath Sagar reservoirs upto 10 Kms from FTL covering 84 villages with an area of nearly 1,32,000 Ac.
This was done with an objective of protecting catchment area of these two reservoirs which were main source of drinking water to Hyderabad city at that timne.
2. As per the details furnished by HMWs&SB, these two reservoirs are accounting for 27.59% of installed capacity of drinking water when the above said G.O. was issued.
However, since the total installed capacity of drinking water for Hyderabad has grown up from 145 Mgd to 602 Mgd and additional 344 Mgd is also under execution, as a result drawals dependability of these reservoirs is less than 1.25% and they are no longer the source of drinking water supply to Hyderabad City.
3. Considering the above fact that Hyderabad city's drinking water requirements are no longer dependent on Osman Sagar & Himayatsagar Reservoirs which was the underlying theme for issuance of G.O. 111 Dt.08.03.1996, Government after careful examination of the matter have decided that the restrictions imposed under para 3 of said G.O. Ms.No.111 Dt.8.3.1996 are removed, subject to condition that the water quality of these two reservoirs shall not be impacted any manner, whatsoever and all efforts wll be initiated by the Government to improve the water quality of these two reservoirs, which inter-alia shall include
a) Installation of decentralised Sewerage Treatments Plants (STPs) at various locations
b) Construction of diversion cha letting it into these two reservoirs. nels for carrying the treated water without
c) Maintenance of Ground water quality.
d) Minimisation of pollution through agricultural surface run-off into these two reservoirs.
e) Any other measures as deemed appropriate to ensure the quality of water
In order to frame guidelines and detailed regulations, a Committee headed by Chief Secretary and having Special Chief Secretary (MA&UD), Special Chief Secretary (Finance). Special Chief Secretary (1&CAD), Managing Director (HMWS&SB), Member Secretary (TSPCB) & Director (Plng) HMDA is hereby constituted. 4. 5. The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Committee are as follows:
a) To suggest measures for protection and preventions of pollution to these two reservoirs
b) To suggest broad guidelines for zoning including earmarking of green zones
c) To suggest modalities for development of trunk infrastructure in this area
d) To suggest various means of resource mobilisation for taking up trunk infrastructure i.e., Roads, Major Drains, STPs, Diversion Drains etc.,
e) To suggest appropriate institutional frame work to take up the infrastructure and regulate the development in this area.
f) To suggest necessary regulatory measures to be insisted while granting any layout / building permissions in this area
g) To suggest necessary changes if any legal frame work to effectively regulate the developments in this b made in the existing area
h) While finalising the guidelines detailed regulations it must be ensured that not only proper Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are in place, the diversion drains to carry the treated water are also in place without letting the sewage water into above two reservoirs.
i)The Committee shall look into ways and means to raise resources to meet the infrastructure requirements in this area. 6 quality of two water bodies, shall work on the above mentioned ToR and submit its report to the Government at the earliest.
The Committee shall, keeping the broad primary objective of protecting the (BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF TELANGANA) SOMESH KUMAR
CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT
All Committee Members The Metropolitan Commissione, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Hyderabad. The Managing Director, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply & SewerageBoard, Hyderabad. The Commissioner, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Hyderabad. The District Collector, Ranga Reddy. The Director of Town and Country Planning, Hyderabad. Copy to: OSD to Hon'ble Min (MA&UD). The P.S. to Principal Secretary to C.M. The P.S. to Chief Secretary to Government, Telangana. The P.S. to Special Chief Secretary to Government, MA&UD Department The P.S. to Special Chief Secretary to Government, FinanceDepartment The P.S. to Special Chief Secretary to Government, l&CAD Department The MD HMWS&SB The Member Secretary, Telangana State Pollution Control Board, Hyderabad. The Director (Planning), MA&UD Department. The Commissioner, Industries and Commerce Department. The Energy. Science and Technology Department.
I/FORWARDED BY ORDER// SECTION OFFICER

Telangana Cabinet scraps GO 111; 

84 villages get free from restrictions in land use Minister T Harish Rao said the rules and regulations in force for the land in the GHMC limits would be applicable for that in 84 villages falling in the 10-km catchment area of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar

By Telangana Today

Published Date - 19 May 2023, 07:40 AM  

Hyderabad: The State Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao here on Thursday, has announced the scrapping of GO No. 111, which was issued in 1996 to prevent undue industrialisation and heavy construction activities in 84 villages and pollution of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

Briefing the media on the proceedings of the meeting, Minister T Harish Rao said the rules and regulations in force for the land in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits would be applicable for that in the 84 villages in the revenue mandals of Shamshabad, Rajendranagar, Moinabad, Chevella and Shabad — all falling in the 10-km catchment area of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

Neither the city of Hyderabad nor the villages in the HMDA limits were dependent on the two sources of water any longer. The water supply to the city and suburbs was largely coming from the Godavari, Krishna and Manjeera rivers.

Also, the State government decided to do away with GO No. 111 as the people in the 84 villages were long demanding for it. They were opposing the GO as it had left them deprived of any development in the area. They would now be free from all restrictions in respect of their land use. The city was now able to draw sufficient drinking water from major sources such as the Godavari, Krishna and Manjeera.

As part of the steps being taken to address the problem of water pollution impacting Gandipet and Himayat Sagar, ring main and STPs would be installed soon. 

The city’s water sources, including the Musi, Gandipet and Himayat Sagar, would be linked with supplies from the Kaleshwaram project which lifts water from the Godavari to the Kondapochamma Sagar. The roads connecting Shankarpalli and Chevella would be widened from 150 ft to 200 ft.

Hussain Sagar would also be linked with the supplies from the Godavari. The move is intended to get rid of polluted water in all the sources and fill them with Godavari waters. The Chief Minister directed officials of the departments concerned to get ready with the necessary plans and designs for this.

 

GO 111 Repeal Put on Hold by Revanth

Nation N. Vamsi Srinivas 16 December 2023 1:08 AM

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/161223/go-111-repeal-put-on-hold-by-revanth.html


Hyderabad: After putting the Airport Metro corridor on the back burner, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is said to have decided to keep on hold the repeal of the contentious GO 111 which was meant to prevent pollution in a 10-km zone around the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar by restricting growth.

The K. Chandrasekhar Rao-led government had repealed the GO last year but did not give effect to its replacement, Government Order 63, which talked of framing guidelines for allowing change of land use from conservation zone to residential and commercial or multipurpose and subsequently permit structures

Questioning the rationale behind taking up the Metro Rail corridor between Raidurg and the Shamshabad airport along the Outer Ring Road at a review meeting recently, the Chief Minister had categorically said it would be a wasteful expenditure since a major portion of the area was covered by GO 111, where growth is restricted. He reiterated the same during an informal conversation with mediapersons on Thursday.

Chandrasekhar Rao had rushed with the announcement on the GO 11 in the run-up to the elections, apparently to create a feel-good image of real estate in Hyderabad and win over the electorate in villages falling under GO 111.

To escape litigation by environmentalists, the BRS government had said that it would take all measures to prevent pollution of the lakes and that it would prepare a master plan before permitting any activity.

“After the announcement by Chandrashekar Rao on the repeal of GO 111 there was no progress at all. We gave an undertaking to the High Court that no permission will be given till the guidelines are framed and zonal planning is taken up,” a senior municipal administration and urban development official told this correspondent.

The previous government, however, cleared some applications for change of land use in specific land parcels in Vattinagulapalli following the High Court decision to release some survey numbers from the restricted zone.

The GO 111 did not mention any survey number but only referred to villages in the restricted development zone. However, the court, citing a report by Environment Protection, Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), ordered deletion of the select survey numbers from the restricted zone.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. ) Chandrashekar Rao Airport Metro Rail project A Revanth Reddy GO 111 India Southern States Telangana

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/161223/go-111-repeal-put-on-hold-by-revanth.html