Nowadays HyDRA reclaiming government and FTL lands and demolishing illegal constructions, take legal action against encroachers.
Already HyDRA has demolished numerous illegal structures, including those built on government lands and water bodies.
Due to this HyDRA facing lots criticism and also some good support from some people for HyDRA. Lets see some actions and controversies of HyDRA below.
What is The HyDRA Initiative?
HYDRA = Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring Authority
HYDRA was formed in July 2024 by the Telangana government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The authority aims to ensure urban development while safeguarding public and government properties is called HyDRA.
Featues of HyDRA:
- Preventing encroachments on lakes, tanks, and government lands.
- Conducting disaster relief operations during natural calamities.
- Demolishing unauthorized constructions to reclaim land for public use.
- Assisting with traffic management in coordination with the police
To understand complete about HyDRA, first you have to know some keywords like FTL, Buffer zone. Let’s see them below:
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What is Full Tank Level (FTL)?
The Full Tank Level (FTL) refers to the maximum level up to which a water body, like a lake or pond, can hold water safely without overflowing. It is a predefined boundary that takes into account the natural contours of the area and ensures that excess water is directed to other water bodies or drains through defined channels, like sluices or nalas.
The FTL is determined based on historical data, surveys, and natural topography. For instance, during the construction or maintenance of a lake, surveyors define FTL as the height at which the water begins to overflow through the designated outflow points, such as weirs or spillways.
How is FTL Defined?
- Historical Records: FTL values are often recorded during the lake’s initial formation and documented in municipal or government records.
- Geographical Contours: Surveyors use contour mapping, which connects points of equal elevation, to define the boundary.
- Sluice Levels: The point where water naturally overflows from the lake to connected nalas determines the upper limit of FTL.
For example, if the FTL of a lake like Gandipet (Osman Sagar) is 1790 feet above mean sea level, it represents the level at which the water starts to overflow safely
Common Misunderstandings about FTL and Encroachments
- Pattas in FTL Areas: Some lands within the FTL are historically given pattas (land deeds) for agricultural purposes. However, these pattas are not valid for construction as they were intended solely for farming during periods when water levels were low.
- Illegal Constructions: Structures built in FTL or buffer zones are illegal as they obstruct natural water flow. Government bodies like GHMC or HYDRA often deny permissions for such developments
What is a Buffer Zone?
A Buffer Zone is the area around the FTL boundary. It acts as a protective layer to:
- Prevent encroachments.
- Allow natural water absorption and overflow during heavy rains.
- Maintain the lake’s ecosystem and minimize urban flooding risks.
The width of the buffer zone is determined by the size of the water body:
- For smaller lakes, it might be 30 meters from the FTL.
- Larger lakes may have wider buffer zones
How to Identify if a Plot is in FTL or Buffer Zone?
- Check Official Maps: Government records or hydrology maps published by HMDA or GHMC indicate the FTL boundaries.
- Survey Verification: Hire a professional surveyor to confirm if the plot lies within the FTL or buffer zone.
- HMDA Notifications: Refer to the latest notifications or zoning rules, such as the 2016 HMDA regulations
Some Actions and Controversies about HyDRA
- Demolition of Illegal Constructions: HYDRA has removed 166 unauthorized structures so far, including prominent properties like farmhouses, function halls and commercial establishments. These actions have drawn both praise and criticism.
- High-Profile Incidents:
- Demolition of actor Nagarjuna Convention Center.
- Clearing encroachments around Gandipet Lake and other key areas.
- Legal challenges in the Telangana High Court, questioning HYDRA’s jurisdiction and lawfulness.
- Public and Political Reactions:
- Many citizens have supported HYDRA’s actions as a step toward urban reform.
- Critics, including certain politicians and business groups, have alleged political motivations behind the selective targeting of properties
HyDRA Effect on Hyderabad Real Estate
The current state of real estate in Hyderabad has been influenced by recent developments such as the introduction of HYDRA and controversies on new govt and market trends.
Effects of HyDRA in Real Estate:
HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring Authority) was introduced in July 2024 with a focus on addressing illegal constructions and safeguarding public lands. This has created some uncertainty among investors, particularly regarding property safety and legal approvals. HYDRA’s policies have significantly impacted lands in FTL (Flood-prone areas) and buffer zones, as properties within these zones are facing a decrease in value. Previously, lands in these areas had higher market values, but now those values are dropping as properties fall under scrutiny due to these zones.
Even Though Hyderabad is a Growing Market:
Hyderabad continues to be a growing market due to strategic infrastructure developments such as the Outer Ring Road (ORR), Regional Ring Road (RRR), and a tech-driven economy that is seeing steady migration. These factors continue to fuel the demand for real estate in the city.
However, approved properties, such as those that are RERA, DTCP, HMDA, or GHMC approved, are unaffected by these changes. The government has clarified that these properties will not face demolition under HYDRA policies.
HyDRA Advantages and Disadvantages in Hyderabad
Advantages of HyDRA
- Land Safety and Public Land Protection: HyDRA aims to regulate illegal constructions and protect public lands. this helps maintain the integrity of the urban environment preventing encroachments on government land.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: By emphasizing the development of safe zones and protecting buffer areas, HYDRA ensures that urbanization does not compromise the environment or public resources.
- Clear Guidelines for Investors: The introduction of clear policies and approval mechanisms for developments (such as RERA, DTCP, HMDA, and GHMC) provides transparency for investors. This reduces the uncertainty of dealing with unapproved properties.
- Long-term Market Stability: By addressing issues of illegal constructions and unsustainable development, HYDRA can contribute to long-term market stability. Developers and investors are likely to focus more on compliance, reducing the risk of sudden market fluctuations.
Disadvantages of HYDRA:
- Market Uncertainty: The initiative of HYDRA has caused some level of uncertainty in the market, particularly among investors who fear that their properties in ftl and buffer zones might lose value. This has led to a temporary decline in property prices in these areas in telangana, creating hesitation among potential investors.
- Property Values in Affected Zones: Properties located in FTL and buffer zones are now facing a significant drop in market value.
- Investment Hesitation: Due to the fear of legal complications and potential demolitions, many investors are hesitant to invest in properties that may be in areas not clearly marked for development or approval. This could slow down the overall pace of real estate investment in Hyderabad.
- Impact on Ongoing Projects: Projects in the pipeline that are in or near regulated zones could face delays or require additional permissions, leading to unforeseen costs and uncertainties for developers. This can affect project timelines and the financial viability of some developments.