GHMC and HMDA Halt Permissions for Layouts Near Lakes Amid Confusion Over Buffer Zones

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) have stopped issuing permissions for buildings and layouts close to lakes and other water bodies. The decision has left numerous projects in limbo, with nearly 400 to 500 files stalled. While there are no official government orders to halt the process, confusion regarding the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones surrounding water bodies has led authorities to err on the side of caution.

Ongoing Issues with FTL and Buffer Zones

The primary reason for the halt lies in the lack of clarity around the full tank level and buffer zones of lakes within Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road (ORR). Of the approximately 580 water bodies inside the ORR, only 130 have received final notifications that establish these critical measurements. The final notifications provide fixed boundaries for FTL and buffer zones, determining the limits of construction near these areas.

Without final notifications, authorities are hesitant to grant permissions due to the potential for legal complications in the future. The consequences of issuing permissions in areas later deemed to be within the buffer zones could lead to the demolition of structures or legal disputes, a risk neither GHMC nor HMDA are willing to take at this stage.

A senior HMDA official emphasized that issuing final notifications is a lengthy process and could take several months to complete for all water bodies. Until then, the issuing of new permissions will be slow, if not completely stalled in areas near lakes.

Backlog of Permissions

As the real estate industry waits for clarity, the backlog of stalled permissions continues to grow. Real estate organizations report that hundreds of applications remain stuck in the system. The majority of these are not even located near water bodies, further frustrating developers and property owners alike. An official from the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), Hyderabad, pointed out that the delays are concerning, especially as the festive season between October and December is typically when property sales peak.

Festivals like Dussehra and Diwali usually see a surge in property transactions, as buyers are more inclined to invest in homes and land during this period. With delays in permissions, developers fear that potential buyers may shy away, which could negatively impact the city's real estate market.

Past Issues and New Caution

The current standstill is not just about the confusion over FTL and buffer zones; it also stems from recent issues involving incorrect permissions. In the past, several permissions were granted for buildings that were later found to be within buffer zones or on faulty survey numbers. In some cases, municipal officials and even district collectors had issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for construction in areas near water bodies, based on incorrect data or incomplete inspections. These mistakes have prompted the government to take stringent action, suspending several irrigation and revenue officials, including a municipal commissioner.

The Hyderabad Water Regulatory Authority and Administrative Authority (HYDRAA), a recently established body, has been tasked with overseeing and ensuring the proper management of permissions related to water bodies. HYDRAA’s involvement has made GHMC and HMDA even more cautious about granting any permissions without the required final notifications. HYDRAA has been particularly vigilant in ensuring that no permissions are granted in areas near lakes without the proper approvals from the irrigation and revenue departments, as well as joint inspections conducted by district collectors.

The Role of HYDRAA in Permission Stalls

HYDRAA was formed to address the growing concerns about unregulated construction near Hyderabad’s water bodies, an issue that has been plaguing the city for years. The organization’s role is to streamline the process of issuing permissions while ensuring that no construction takes place in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly near lakes. As part of its mandate, HYDRAA has been recommending more stringent checks on all permissions for buildings and layouts near water bodies.

HYDRAA’s strict guidelines have led to a significant drop in permissions being granted, with both GHMC and HMDA now exercising extreme caution. Municipal administration department officials have confirmed that while there is no outright ban on permissions near water bodies, all applications are being scrutinized closely to avoid further legal complications.

The Impact on Hyderabad’s Real Estate Market

The halt in permissions has already begun to show its impact on the real estate market, particularly in areas near lakes. Developers are concerned that the delays will deter potential buyers, especially as the festive season approaches. Moreover, with so many files stalled, there is a growing fear that the backlog will take months, if not longer, to clear, even after the final notifications are issued.

An office-bearer of CREDAI, Hyderabad, highlighted that many developers and property owners are growing increasingly frustrated with the delays. While they understand the need for caution, the lack of clear communication and the indefinite nature of the permission stall are making it difficult for them to plan for the future.

Way Forward

Until final notifications for FTL and buffer zones are issued for all water bodies, the real estate sector in Hyderabad will continue to experience uncertainty, particularly as the festive season approaches. For now, all eyes are on HYDRAA and the municipal authorities to provide the clarity and guidance needed to move forward.