Hyderabad: The real estate landscape of Hyderabad is facing intense scrutiny as a recent report reveals widespread encroachment on lakes and water bodies, raising serious environmental concerns. Major projects, including Candeur Skyline in the Financial District and Vertex Viraat in Miyapur, have been flagged for violating lake encroachment regulations, prompting calls for urgent action. According to findings released by the Telangana Remote Sensing Application Centre (TGRAC) and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, over 170 lakes have been encroached upon since 2014. Alarmingly, the Outer Ring Road (ORR) has lost approximately 386 acres of land due to construction activities infringing on Full Tank Level (FTL) water bodies.
The report highlights significant violations by numerous commercial buildings, including the majority of Phoenix 285 in Puppalaguda, the entirety of Phoenix 25/Triton, and the entire Vaishnavi Cymbol—underscoring the extent of the problem. Lake encroachment occurs when property owners build or expand structures onto lakes or their shorelines, often exceeding established boundaries. This illegal activity can involve clearing vegetation, constructing roads, parks, or even urban developments, posing a threat to the delicate ecosystem of these vital water bodies.
The findings indicate that multiple lakes in regions such as Kistareddypet, Kuntloor, Shaikpet, Gopanpally, Bachupally, Poppalguda, Peeranchervu, Uppal Bhagat, Rampally, KPHB (Maisamma Chervu), Alwal, and Mamidipally have experienced total encroachment over the past decade. In 2014, these lakes reported no encroachments, showcasing the rapid expansion of real estate in Hyderabad and the resulting environmental degradation. Moreover, several partly encroached lakes, including Kithavani Kunta (Narsingi), Brahmana Kunta (Poppalguda), Vaderavani Kunta (Thumkunta), Vayejamma Kunta (Bandlaguda Jagir), Hathguda Kunta (Bagh Hayatnagar), and Mukkasani Kunta (Puppalguda),have witnessed substantial encroachment from 2014 to 2023, further illustrating the impact of the booming real estate market in the city.
As the issue gains traction, residents and environmental activists are urging authorities to take decisive measures against violators to protect Hyderabad's precious water bodies and ensure sustainable urban development. The situation calls for a reevaluation of regulatory frameworks to prevent future encroachments and preserve the ecological balance in the city.