In Telangana, water management and urban planning are crucial to balancing development with environmental conservation. Two key concepts central to this effort are Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zones. These terms frequently appear in discussions related to land use, construction regulations, and environmental protection, especially near water bodies like lakes, tanks, and rivers. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone involved in real estate, urban development, or environmental advocacy in Telangana.
Full Tank Level (FTL) refers to the maximum water level that a lake, tank, reservoir, or other water body can reach under normal conditions. It represents the upper limit of the water storage capacity, indicating the highest point where water or traces of water can be observed around the water body. Buffer Zones are designated areas around water bodies where specific restrictions are imposed on construction and development activities. These zones are defined based on the proximity to rivers, lakes, tanks, nalas (drains), and other water bodies to protect them from encroachments and to maintain their natural state.
Why is FTL Important?
Flood Prevention: FTL is critical for preventing floods. By monitoring and maintaining water levels within the FTL, authorities can mitigate the risk of overflow during heavy rains, protecting nearby communities and infrastructure.
Water Resource Management: Maintaining water levels at or below the FTL ensures optimal water storage for various uses, including irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial usage, without risking structural damage to the water body.
Environmental Protection: Adhering to the FTL helps preserve the ecological balance of water bodies. Overfilling or unauthorized development around FTL zones can lead to environmental degradation, affecting local flora and fauna.
Urban Planning: FTL is a key consideration in urban planning to prevent construction in areas prone to flooding. It guides planners in restricting development near water bodies, ensuring that these areas remain safe and sustainable.
Why are Buffer Zones Important?
Flood Mitigation: Buffer zones act as protective barriers that absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods in surrounding areas.
Preservation of Water Bodies: These zones prevent encroachments and unauthorised constructions that could reduce the storage capacity of water bodies, leading to environmental degradation and loss of aquatic habitats.
Public Safety and Urban Resilience: By restricting development in buffer zones, the government ensures that vulnerable areas are safeguarded, enhancing the overall resilience of urban and rural areas against natural disasters.
Sustainable Urban Development: Buffer zones support sustainable urban development by ensuring that critical water bodies are not compromised by unregulated construction, thereby maintaining a long-term ecological balance.
Ground Rules as per Irrigation/Revenue Department Rule Book
No Development in Water Bodies: No construction or development activity is allowed within the beds of water bodies such as rivers, nalas (drains), or within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of any lake, pond, cheruvu (reservoir), or kunta (small lake) / shikam (wetland) lands, unless specifically permitted. The FTL and the area of the lake or kunta must be measured and certified by the Irrigation Department and the Revenue Department.
Buffer Zones:
50 meters from the boundary of a river within the limits of a Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagara Panchayat, HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority), or UDA (Urban Development Authority).
30 meters from the FTL boundary of lakes, tanks, or kuntas with an area of 10 hectares (Ha) or more, with a 12-feet-wide walking/cycling track allowed within the 30-meter buffer strip.
9 meters from the FTL boundary of lakes, tanks, or kuntas with an area of less than 10 hectares or shikam lands.
9 meters from the defined boundary of a canal, vagu (small stream), nala, or stormwater drain with a width of more than 10 meters.
2 meters from the defined boundary of a canal, vagu, nala, or stormwater drain with a width of up to 10 meters.
HYDRA: Safeguarding Urban Development in Telangana
HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection) was officially constituted through Government Order 99, issued on July 19, 2024. Operating under the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department, HYDRA's primary mandate includes reclaiming illegally occupied government lands, protecting Hyderabad's water bodies, and serving as a critical safeguard against urban disasters. The agency's creation aligns with the National Disaster Management Act, underscoring the necessity for robust disaster management systems across different levels of government.
Organisational Structure:
HYDRA is structured into three main wings:
Asset Protection Wing: Focused on safeguarding government and public assets such as parks, lakes, roads, and open spaces from encroachments. This wing is responsible for the removal of illegal constructions and ensuring adherence to building regulations.
Disaster Management Wing: Manages disaster response and relief operations, coordinating with national and state agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). It also conducts risk assessments and maintains databases essential for disaster prediction and preparedness.
Logistical Support Wing: Oversees all logistical aspects of disaster management, including the management of disaster response information systems and coordination with various technical agencies to ensure efficient and effective response during emergencies.
Key Responsibilities of HYDRA
Reclaiming Illegally Occupied Government Lands: HYDRA actively identifies and removes unauthorised structures on government properties, working to restore these lands for public use.
Protecting Water Bodies: The agency is committed to protecting and restoring the city’s ponds and lakes, preventing illegal constructions that threaten these vital natural resources.
Disaster Preparedness and Response: HYDRA plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, coordinating rescue and relief efforts during emergencies and ensuring a rapid response to urban disasters.
Enforcement Against Illegal Activities: The agency has the authority to take legal action against illegal constructions, advertisements, and encroachments, thereby maintaining urban order.
Urban Planning and Coordination: HYDRA collaborates with various government departments, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Hyderabad Water Works, to ensure sustainable urban development that complies with legal standards.
HYDRA has been actively demolishing unauthorised constructions that violate FTL and buffer zone regulations, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining urban order. Additionally, HYDRA has launched investigations into officials who have granted permits for construction within these restricted areas, underscoring the critical need for regulatory compliance. In parallel, HYDRA is undertaking continuous efforts to educate the public on the importance of FTL and buffer zones in urban planning and environmental conservation.
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