Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has urged the State government to take action against officials and builders responsible for constructing unauthorized buildings in lake areas. They also requested a humanitarian approach towards the victims, especially those from poor and middle-class backgrounds. FGG President M Padmanabha Reddy expressed these concerns in a letter to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday.
Reddy suggested that when HYDRA authorities demolish flats or houses in these illegal areas, the builders should be held accountable. He proposed that the builders’ properties be confiscated to compensate those who lost their flats or plots.
Many builders have sold flats in Full Tank Level (FTL) or buffer zones to unsuspecting buyers. Reddy appealed to the government to provide alternative land and financial assistance to these victims so they can rebuild their homes.
In his letter, Reddy pointed out that builders purchase land and get it registered after paying an eight percent tax to the registration department. The layout plans are then approved by HMDA after paying a significant amount in taxes. Once approved, plots can be developed or flats can be constructed, with GHMC also requiring nearly an eight percent fee for plan approvals.
However, despite charging these fees, the three agencies—registration department, HMDA, and GHMC—clearly state that their permissions do not certify the ownership of the land. Reddy questioned why these agencies charge fees for registration or approval if they do not verify ownership.
Reddy insisted that these agencies must verify land ownership before granting any registration or approval. He also demanded that the irrigation department, which owns the tanks, should inform the relevant survey numbers that fall under FTL or buffer zone limits to the registration department, HMDA, and GHMC.
Finally, Reddy called for action against officials from the registration department, HMDA, and GHMC for neglecting their duties and allegedly colluding with builders.
