Special Report (Hyderabad): Residents of the GO111 villages, including Moinabad, Aziznagar, and Shamshabad, have expressed deep frustration over the lack of development in their areas, citing the GO111 regulation as the primary reason for their plight. Despite being located in close proximity to Hyderabad, these villages have seen little to no progress, leaving the residents feeling ignored and neglected by the government.
GO111, a government order issued in 1996, was intended to protect the catchment areas of the twin reservoirs, Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, by restricting certain types of development within a 10-kilometer radius. While the regulation aimed to safeguard water resources, it has also inadvertently stunted the growth and development of the villages falling within this zone.
Many residents of these villages, particularly in Moinabad, Aziznagar, and Shamshabad, feel trapped by the restrictions imposed by GO111. Their land values have stagnated, and they have been unable to benefit from the rapid urbanization that has taken place in other parts of Telangana, especially those further from the city, where high-rise buildings and modern infrastructure have sprung up.
One frustrated resident shared his sentiments, stating, “The government has ignored us ever since GO111 was issued in 1996. Areas with little or no human existence, far from the city, are being prioritized, and high-rise buildings are coming up there. But despite being so close to the city, we are ignored due to these restrictions. We remain poor, and no one is listening to our voices. While other villages in Telangana have developed under the BRS government, we have been left behind. Basic facilities like drainage, roads, and sewage are also not provided to us because of GO111. Are we not humans?”
The sense of unfairness is further amplified by the fact that on one side of Gandipet, there are no GO111 restrictions, and areas like Kokapet, where the Neopolis project is underway, have seen land prices soar to Rs. 100 crore per acre. High-rise buildings are sprouting up rapidly in these areas, contrasting sharply with the stagnation faced by villages on the other side of Gandipet, where GO111 has kept development at bay.
Some residents also point out that certain areas where no water flows into Osman Sagar and Himayatsagar are still included under GO111 restrictions, which they believe is unnecessary. They argue that such areas should be removed from the GO111 zone to allow for development.
Moreover, residents propose that the government could take an alternative approach to protect the water bodies without adversely affecting landowners. “The government should make a 100-foot road around Gandipet, and automatically, the water bodies would be protected without harassing the landowners,” one resident suggested.
The residents’ grievances highlight a growing sense of injustice and inequality. While other parts of Telangana have flourished, these villages have been left in the shadows, unable to participate in the state’s progress. The lack of basic amenities such as proper roads, drainage systems, and sewage infrastructure has only compounded their woes, with the government citing GO111 as the reason for their exclusion.
As the rest of Telangana continues to develop, the residents of these GO111 villages are calling for a reevaluation of the restrictions imposed on them. They argue that their proximity to Hyderabad should be seen as an advantage, not a hindrance, and that they too deserve the opportunity to improve their living standards and secure a better future for their families.
The stark contrast between the booming development in Kokapet and the stagnation in GO111 villages serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies. As the residents continue to raise their voices, it remains to be seen whether the government will address their concerns and find a solution that balances environmental protection with the need for equitable development.
