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The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has issued a strong call for accountability in addressing the rampant issue of lake encroachments in Hyderabad. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the FGG advocates for a shift in responsibility, placing the burden of consequences on builders instead of innocent flat buyers. The FGG argues that when apartment complexes built in lake buffer zones or full tank levels are demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), the builders should face the repercussions, not the unsuspecting purchasers who invested their hard-earned money in these properties.
The FGG proposes a strict approach, suggesting the confiscation of the builder's property as a deterrent measure. This would serve as a powerful disincentive for future illegal constructions and ensure that the builders bear the brunt of their actions. To further mitigate the losses faced by apartment buyers, the FGG advocates for providing financial compensation and alternative land options to those who lose their homes due to the demolition of encroaching structures. The forum believes that this comprehensive approach would not only address the immediate problem but also deter future violations and safeguard the interests of innocent buyers.
To prevent such situations from arising in the first place, the FGG calls for stringent procedures in the land registration and building approval processes. The forum emphasizes the need for builders to register the land under their or their company's name, obtain layout approval from relevant authorities, and only then proceed with the sale of plots or flats. The FGG points out that agencies involved in registration and layout approval often charge exorbitant fees but fail to fulfill their responsibility of verifying property ownership. The forum insists on mandatory verification of ownership before granting registration or approval, thus closing loopholes that enable illegal constructions.
The FGG also recommends that the Irrigation Department provide clear information to the Registration Department, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) about the survey numbers falling within lake full tank levels (FTL) or buffer zones. This proactive measure would prevent these prohibited lands from being included in any future registration or development plans. To hold accountable the officials responsible for overseeing these processes, the FGG urges initiating disciplinary action against those found guilty of dereliction of duty or collusion with builders. This accountability will ensure that responsible officials uphold their duty to safeguard the city's ecological integrity and prevent further encroachments.
Beyond demolition, the FGG proposes a comprehensive restoration strategy. Demolished construction material and silt should be removed from the tank bed, feeder channels and outlets cleared of obstructions, and the tank area securely fenced. The forum also emphasizes the importance of diverting sewage, constructing sewage treatment plants, and implementing other necessary measures to restore the lakes to their former glory. Recognizing the widespread nature of lake encroachments beyond Hyderabad, the FGG calls for the creation of a new agency, the Telangana Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency, through legislation. This agency would be responsible for addressing lake encroachments in districts outside the purview of HYDRAA, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to tackling this critical environmental issue across the state.
Source: Forum for Good Governance wants builders to be punished