GHMC razes houses Hussainsagar FTL : Hyderabad- In a move that has sparked considerable controversy, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) demolished 10 residential units in Begumpet on Thursday, citing their location within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Hussainsagar Lake. This drastic action was taken amidst strong objections from the residents who claimed that their properties were registered and demolished without prior notice.
GHMC Razes 10 ‘Houses’ Built on Hussainsagar FTL: A Tale of Disputed Land and Sudden Demolitions
The Demolition Drive
The GHMC’s demolition team arrived in Begumpet with earthmovers early on Thursday morning. The affected structures, characterized by their concrete walls and tin roofs, were deemed illegal as they were located within the FTL of Hussainsagar Lake. The residents were compelled to vacate their homes hastily, moving their belongings outside as the demolitions commenced.
ALSO READ : Hyderabad Shocker: Delivery Agents and House Helps Banned from Using Lifts – Outrage Ensues
Residents’ Claims and Concerns
Many residents, including Prakash Antarvedi, voiced their grievances, stating that their properties were registered before 2020 and that they had been assured by authorities at the time that their homes were not within the FTL. “Our properties were registered before 2020. The authorities had then said that the area is not in the FTL of Hussainsagar,” said Antarvedi.
The sudden demolition, they argue, was carried out without giving them adequate notice or time to make alternative arrangements, leaving many families in distress.
Verification and Legal Orders
Contrary to the residents’ claims, a verification process revealed that the irrigation department had issued orders in 2020, confirming that these houses were indeed within the FTL of Hussainsagar. According to the department’s orders, while the land was not considered encroached, the construction of concrete structures was strictly prohibited. The orders stated that only plantation activities were permissible within this zone to support water conservation efforts.
Official Statements
V. Sammaiah, GHMC Deputy Commissioner for the Begumpet circle, provided clarity on the issue, stating, “The houses fall in the water conservation zone where concrete construction is not allowed, yet people have erected concrete walls and were living there.” He emphasized that the demolition was necessary to uphold the regulations meant to protect the water conservation zone.
Officials from the urban biodiversity wing of the corporation were also present during the demolition. Sunanda Rani, GHMC Additional Commissioner of the Urban Biodiversity Wing, mentioned that there are plans to utilize the cleared area for environmental purposes. “In-charge commissioner Amrapali Kata has proposed to set up a nursery here,” Rani stated, highlighting the corporation’s efforts to promote urban biodiversity and ecological balance.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The demolition has drawn mixed reactions from the public and various stakeholders. While some support the GHMC’s enforcement of regulations to protect Hussainsagar Lake, others criticize the abrupt manner in which the demolitions were executed. The residents’ plea for a more transparent and communicative approach has found resonance among many who believe that the authorities could have handled the situation with greater sensitivity.
Conclusion
The demolition of 10 houses in Begumpet by the GHMC underscores the ongoing conflict between urban development and environmental conservation. While the need to protect water bodies like Hussainsagar Lake is undeniable, the approach to enforcement and the impact on residents’ lives require careful consideration and balance. As the GHMC moves forward with plans to transform the area into a nursery, the hope is for a more inclusive dialogue between authorities and residents to prevent such conflicts in the future.
ALSO READ : Woman Protests Bad Roads in Hyderabad by Sitting in Water-Filled Pothole at Nagole
FAQ: GHMC Demolition of Houses in Hussainsagar FTL
- Why did the GHMC demolish 10 houses in Begumpet?
- The GHMC demolished the houses because they were located within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Hussainsagar Lake, where concrete structures are prohibited.
- Were the residents given prior notice before the demolition?
- According to the residents, no prior notice was given before the demolition, which led to sudden evacuations.
- When were the properties registered by the residents?
- The residents claimed that their properties were registered before 2020.
- What did the authorities say about the FTL of Hussainsagar before 2020?
- The authorities had assured residents that their properties were not within the FTL of Hussainsagar before 2020.
- What verification was conducted to confirm the location of the houses?
- A verification process revealed that the irrigation department had issued orders in 2020 stating that the houses were within the FTL of Hussainsagar.
- What activities are permitted within the FTL of Hussainsagar?
- Only plantation activities are permitted within the FTL of Hussainsagar; building concrete structures is prohibited.
- What is the reason for prohibiting concrete structures within the FTL?
- Concrete structures are prohibited to support water conservation and protect the lake’s ecosystem.
- How did the residents react to the demolition?
- The residents were distressed and claimed that the demolition was carried out without proper notice, leaving them with little time to make alternative arrangements.
- What did GHMC Deputy Commissioner V. Sammaiah say about the demolition?
- V. Sammaiah explained that the houses were in a water conservation zone where concrete construction is not allowed, justifying the demolition.
- Who was present during the demolition from the GHMC?
- Officials from the urban biodiversity wing of the GHMC were present during the demolition.
- What future plans does the GHMC have for the demolished area?
- The GHMC plans to set up a nursery in the area, as proposed by In-charge Commissioner Amrapali Kata.
- How did the GHMC officials justify the demolition?
- The GHMC officials justified the demolition by citing the need to enforce regulations protecting the water conservation zone.
- What did Sunanda Rani, GHMC Additional Commissioner, mention about the area?
- Sunanda Rani mentioned that the area would be utilized to promote urban biodiversity and ecological balance by setting up a nursery.
- Were the houses considered encroachments on public land?
- The land was not considered encroached upon, but building concrete structures was prohibited within the FTL.
- What broader implications does the demolition have?
- The demolition highlights the conflict between urban development and environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
- What are the residents’ main grievances?
- The residents’ main grievances are the lack of prior notice and the sudden nature of the demolition, which left them with little time to prepare.
- How does the GHMC plan to prevent such conflicts in the future?
- The GHMC plans to improve communication and transparency with residents to prevent such conflicts.
- What is the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Hussainsagar?
- The Full Tank Level (FTL) is the maximum water level the lake can reach, and certain activities are restricted within this zone to protect the lake.
- What legal orders were issued by the irrigation department in 2020?
- The irrigation department issued orders in 2020 confirming that the houses were within the FTL of Hussainsagar and that concrete construction was prohibited.
- What measures are being taken to ensure compliance with FTL regulations?
- The GHMC is actively enforcing regulations, conducting verifications, and planning ecological projects to ensure compliance with FTL regulations and protect the environment.
