Hyderabad’s Plan to Convert Water Body and Buffer Zone into Residential Area Sparks Environmental Concerns
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to convert a land partially under a water body and buffer zone into a residential zone has ignited a wave of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from environmental activists and conservationists. The notification issued by HMDA about a month ago has sparked legal and environmental concerns, with many questioning the legality and ecological impact of this move.
The notification pertains to the Gopi Cheruvu area in Serilingampally mandal, where the HMDA has converted the land use from Conservation to Residential, a move that goes against existing laws designed to protect water bodies and buffer zones. The decision has left many alarmed about the potential environmental degradation and the message it sends regarding the preservation of vital water bodies in the city.
Lubna Sarwath, a prominent environmental activist, has raised serious questions regarding the legality of this land conversion. In a letter to the Metropolitan Commissioner and the Director (Planning), Sarwath demanded clarification on the reasons for converting the water body and buffer zone into a residential zone. She argued that such a move contradicts the law, as water bodies and buffer zones are protected by regulations that prohibit construction or land use changes in these areas. The HMDA, while authorised to change land use based on the perceived needs of the city, must adhere to the legal framework governing land conversion. According to Sarwath, the move violates Section 14(3) of the HMDA Act, 2008, which stipulates that the Metropolitan Commissioner’s decisions should align with existing laws. Furthermore, the conversion directly contradicts government orders that prohibit any form of construction within water bodies, which are essential for maintaining Hyderabad’s water supply and ecological balance.
Sarwath’s letter also points to a series of Supreme Court rulings that have explicitly stated that no construction is permissible in water bodies. This move by HMDA, she claims, not only undermines these rulings but also risks condoning previous encroachments on the Gopi Cheruvu water body. The controversial conversion, Sarwath believes, is an attempt to legitimise land that had already been encroached upon, setting a dangerous precedent for future development in protected areas. The Gopi Cheruvu area, where the land conversion has taken place, is no stranger to legal battles. Several cases related to encroachments and the protection of the water body are still pending in the National Green Tribunal and other courts. HMDA, as a respondent in these cases, faces scrutiny over its actions concerning this sensitive area. Environmentalists are concerned that by allowing construction on the water body’s buffer zone, the authority is further exacerbating the risk of damage to Hyderabad’s already strained water resources.
Sarwath, in her letter, has called for the immediate withdrawal of the notification and warned of further legal action if the decision is not reversed. She is prepared to take the matter to criminal and civil courts if necessary, in order to ensure that the integrity of the water body is preserved for future generations. When approached for a statement, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed that he was not fully informed about the details of the controversy and would be able to comment only after reviewing the relevant information. This lack of immediate clarity has only added fuel to the fire, as many feel that the authority has been too hasty in making decisions without fully understanding their environmental implications.
The controversy surrounding the Gopi Cheruvu land conversion raises important questions about the balance between urban development and environmental conservation. Hyderabad, like many rapidly growing cities, faces a delicate challenge in managing its urban expansion while safeguarding its natural resources. Conservationists and activists are calling for a more transparent and legally sound approach to land use changes, particularly in areas that play a vital role in the city’s water management system. As the legal and environmental battle continues to unfold, all eyes will be on HMDA and its future actions regarding the protection of Hyderabad’s water bodies. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between development needs and the imperative to protect natural ecosystems, which are crucial for the city’s sustainability and well-being.
