Hyderabad ancient rocks vanish for high-rises
The relentless urban expansion of Hyderabad has yet again sparked concerns over environmental degradation, as developers flatten billion-year-old rock formations near Exit 16 of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Budvel. Following a land auction by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in August 2023, where 100 acres were sold for ₹3,625 crore, construction for high-rise apartments and villas is in full swing. While authorities claim the move is essential to cater to the city’s growing housing demand, conservationists argue that the loss of these geological landmarks is irreversible, posing grave environmental and civic challenges. The widespread destruction of Hyderabad’s natural rock formations, estimated to have already lost 80% of its coverage over the last three decades, is not just a heritage concern but a threat to sustainability in one of India’s fastest-growing cities.
On visiting the site, heavy machinery, including JCBs and cranes, were seen actively demolishing rock formations, reducing them to heaps of dust and debris. Cautionary signs such as “Blasting Road Ahead” and “Danger” were scattered across the landscape, underscoring the aggressive scale of the operation. Ecologists and urban planners fear that such reckless removal will exacerbate groundwater depletion, increase urban flooding, and worsen Hyderabad’s heat island effect. “These metamorphosed peninsular gneiss rocks are not just landmarks but crucial elements of the ecosystem. They help in natural water percolation, provide habitat for flora and fauna, and regulate temperature. If we remove them without sustainable planning, we are inviting an ecological disaster,” warns Arun Vasireddy, an environmentalist. The rapid disappearance of Hyderabad’s rocky landscape also threatens the city’s biodiversity, as several species of birds, insects, and reptiles rely on these formations for their habitat.
The impact extends beyond ecological consequences, posing major civic concerns for Hyderabad’s urban future. Urban planner Bhupesh M, who has worked with several town planning departments, emphasises that such unregulated expansion could overload Hyderabad’s already strained infrastructure. “We are already facing traffic congestion, water shortages, and unchecked pollution. Flattening rock formations accelerates groundwater depletion, disrupts drainage systems, and increases land subsidence risks. If we continue at this pace, Hyderabad’s future generations will only see these rocks in photographs,” he cautions. The city has already witnessed increased flooding during monsoons, as natural stormwater channels are disrupted by real estate projects, and this new wave of development in Budvel may only worsen the crisis.
Despite public outcry, government officials maintain that urban expansion is a necessity to accommodate Hyderabad’s booming population. An HMDA official, defending the decision, stated, “We need land for development, but we are ensuring a balance between urbanisation and environmental concerns. While some rocks must be removed, we are exploring ways to preserve key formations where possible.” However, conservationists argue that these assurances rarely translate into meaningful action. Instead, they urge authorities to adopt sustainable urban planning by integrating existing natural features into development projects, ensuring that Hyderabad’s unique rock heritage is not entirely erased in the name of progress.
As Hyderabad expands rapidly, the battle between development and conservation continues. With no clear roadmap for preserving these geological formations, the city risks losing not just its heritage, but also the environmental benefits these natural structures provide. The challenge ahead is not just about real estate expansion, but about creating a truly sustainable urban future that respects the delicate balance between nature and progress.
