A recent report released by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has raised serious concerns about 11 major construction projects in Hyderabad, which allegedly encroach on Full Tank Level (FTL) boundaries and buffer zones of tanks.
The report, based on findings from the Telangana State Remote Sensing Center, claims that large-scale construction in these areas has dramatically altered the natural landscape and threatens the sustainability of these water bodies. Projects constructed after 2014, particularly in the tank catchment areas, are now being scrutinized, casting doubt over their legal standing and unsettling buyers.
The list of encroaching projects includes prominent developments like Phoenix SEZ Park, valued at over Rs. 3,900 crores, and Vaishnavi Symbol IT Commercial Park in Gachibowli, worth Rs. 600 crores. Phoenix SEZ Park, one of the largest commercial hubs with six towers covering 57 lakh square feet in Puppalaguda, is reported to be entirely within the FTL area. Similarly, the Phoenix Triton project in the Financial District, valued at Rs. 1,420 crores, is also said to be built on pond lands.
Other notable projects mentioned in the report include the Candeur Skyline in the Financial District, Vertex Virat in Miyapur, and Sumadhura Palais Royal in Puppalaguda, all of which are alleged to have been constructed by occupying or encroaching on pond areas. These projects, ranging from residential towers to IT parks, have an estimated combined market value of Rs. 15,000 crores.
The Deputy CM’s remarks, delivered via a PowerPoint presentation, have sparked a widespread debate on social media and among political circles. Buyers of these properties, who have invested crores, are now worried about the fate of their investments. Questions are being raised about whether the government will take action to demolish these projects, regulate them, or leverage the situation to gain advantages from the builders.
Concerns are growing over the sustainability of these constructions, with many questioning whether these projects will be demolished or face legal and regulatory scrutiny. The projects were reportedly approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), adding another layer of complexity to the issue. However, Bhatti’s report states that the appearance of these ponds has dramatically changed due to the developments, making them unsustainable in the long term.
The Phoenix SEZ Park is not the only massive project under scrutiny. Vertex Virat, a high-rise project in Miyapur, and Sumadhura Palais Royal, a 52 floors residential tower in Puppalaguda, have also been flagged for encroaching on ponds. Other projects like Cybercity Oriana, Pooja Magic Breeze in Neknampur, and SMR Boulder Woods in Bandlaguda Jagir are similarly implicated.
This situation has created significant unrest among property owners and investors, raising questions about the future of these developments and the accountability of the builders involved. As the debate rages on, the government’s next move will be closely watched.